A/N: Sorry it's super late T^T I've been so damn busy with all my AP classes I have no time to edit and write during the week.
Anyways here's chapter 6! I LOVE ALL OF YOU!
#
The sun was just coming over the horizon of trees; the morning was damp and chilly. Summer was soon coming to an end and the cold weather that fall brought was approaching.
Neji had already been awake for a few hours now. He hadn't been able to sleep well; or rather his thoughts hadn't let him. When he didn't have Lee with him the memories attacked his dreams, forcing him to relive the horrors over and over.
He sat on his futon, packing his thing and getting ready to meet the green-loving ninja at the Hokage's office. He removed his night shirt and moved to his bathroom, examining the mark on his chest. Thankfully most of the external wounds were healing. Only yellow spot were visible. He ribs were still sore but he could deal with the discomfort.
He filled the sink with water and splashed some onto his face, trying to wash the tiredness from his features. He rubbed his hand along his cheeks and sighed once more. He was exhausted, whenever he wasn't with Lee he felt horrible.
There's that "without Lee" thought again.
He hummed a bit annoyed. He didn't want to admit it, and by that he really didn't want to, but Lee did help him forget and made him feel better. He did feel a bit guilty, was he using Lee by not returning the Chunin's feelings?
Lee had confessed his love and Neji had acting like it wasn't very important. He was shocked at first of course, and there was all the kissing, but he hadn't really thought of Lee any differently since then. They'd become closer but did he want to be with Lee?
His lavender eyes starred at him from the mirror.
He didn't resort to a 'no' as quickly as he thought he would. He furrowed his brow a bit, not confused but concerned.
Neji broke the gaze with his mirror self and left the bathroom to finish getting dressed.
#
Tsunade was really not a morning person, or a night person, or an afternoon person. Let's just say she wasn't an any person if she was sober.
Shizune was bringing her some coffee to help her wake up. Her assistant held Tonton in her arms as she fixed her superior a cup.
A knock on the door grabbed both their attention.
"I thought you said Shikamaru wouldn't be here till noon?" Tsunade tossed Shizune a look but saw the girl was a surprised as she was.
"Come in." The Hokage called reaching for her newspaper to check the lottery numbers for today.
A very awkward looking Rock Lee and Neji walked into the office.
"Neji? What can I help you with?" The curvy woman asked as she glared at the newspaper. She hadn't won, again.
"You said you were going to assign an escort for me correct?" The Hyuuga approached her desk as Lee turned to smile as Shizune, greeting her.
Tsunade rested her tired face in her palm. "I did, your uncle has already paid for the fees. I suggest you just go along and behave-"
"With all due respect Hokage-Sama, I am not here to complain." The long haired brunette said, trying to be as polite as possible while cutting the woman off.
"Then what are you here for, Neji?" Tsunade grumbled, a yawn tickling in her throat.
"I'd like to request Rock Lee as my escort. If I have to be escorted like a Genin I'd at least like the privilege to pick who has to watch over me." Neji replied, looking over at the chunin who was petting Tonton. His eye brow twitched as he cleared his throat. The bowl haired man blinked and looked over, waving and grinning at the two.
He exhaled lowly and turned back to the Hokage.
"Well the both of you are still on vacation time, Has Lee agreed to this?" the Hokage asked even as she was already getting the correct papers out. She was just glad Neji was arguing about the escort.
"I have." Rock Lee appeared next to Neji, grinning as he sent Neji a happy look. The two had met outside the building and said almost nothing. The events the day before still fresh in their minds and made both embarrassed.
Tsunade just shrugged and slid the paper and pen towards Lee. She mumbled as Shizune finally brought her coffee over. "Just makes less work for me I guess. I was going to have Gai do it but never mind."
Neji cringed a bit at the thought. Usually it'd just annoy him to be stuck with his former teacher for more than ten minutes but now Gai had been feeling so guilty about what'd happened. The Hyuuga was sure it would've only made things worse.
Lee filled in the paper as Neji and Tsunade went over the map and route once more. Explaining Hiashi had paid for a carriage but Neji completely refused and Tsunade wasn't going to push the issue. She just sighed and said she'd refund him for it.
Lee finished and handed the paper to Neji for him to sign. Their hands brushed and like out of a shitty romance novel they paused and starred at each other. Neji coughed and broke eye contact first, gulping nervously as he signed his name. Rock Lee cleared his throat into his fist and starred out the window of the office, pretending to be preoccupied.
This whole scene hadn't been missed by the two ladies. They exchanged a strange look.
Shizune smiled and asked the Hyuuga. "It seems you've become better with physical contact."
Neji placed the paper down and replied trying to sound as casual as possible. "Lee actually seems to be the exception to my recent phobia."
The green-loving ninja didn't miss the comment and it sent his heart a flutter. Though he pretended not to have been aware of their conversation.
"O-Oh, I see" Shizune said as she gathered some papers, moving to place them on a shelf.
Tsunade had lived much longer than anyone in the room, and had witnessed just about everything the world had to offer. But the day had finally come where a Hyuuga, besides Hinata, was getting flushed.
A wicked grin appeared on the Hokage's face. She'd spent way too much time with Jiraiya not to notice when two people had been doing something.
"So Neji, Hiashi came by after he found you yesterday, you were gone for a long time."
"Is that so? I apologize for my outburst yesterday." Neji narrowed his eyes, knowing what the older woman was trying to pull.
Lee on the other hand turned beat red, remembering the embarrassed moment when he thought the head Hyuuga was going to kill him for smacking on his nephew.
"It's water under the bridge. Anyway, when did you two want to leave?" Tsunade never stopped smirking as she turned between the two. Shizune catching this with confusion.
Neji turned to Lee, who'd regain his composure and offered. "We can leave now. We are both ready to depart."
Shizune blinked. "My, you don't want to take a few more days to recover."
Tsunade's eyes widened as she glared at her assistant. As far as Tenten and Lee had been informed Neji had just passed out from dehydration. They knew nothing about his wounds. Shizune realized what she had said and turned to look between Neji and Lee. Thinking she'd said something Lee knew nothing about she started to apologize.
"I'm sorry, Neji-san. I just assumed Lee already-"
Neji held up his hand and shook his head. "He already knows what happened. You're fine."
The Hyuuga turned to look at Rock lee. He was glaring at the ground and clenching his fists. Neji brushed his hand against the flexed hand. He felt like he wanted to comfort Lee. He couldn't imagine how much the tanner man hated himself. He'd seen Gai's reaction and Gai only viewed him as a student. But Lee had said he loved the long haired brunette. He held Neji above everyone else.
Neji returned his hand to his side as Lee's brow softened. The Hyuuga ignored the looks the two were getting from the women.
"Anyway, we'll depart at once. We should return within two weeks." Neji finished up and bowed. Tsunade nodded as she sipped her coffee and released them.
Not a second after they had left the office, Lee grabbed Neji hand and led him down the hall. They walked quickly as Neji asked annoyed at Lee's unnecessary force.
"Where are we going?"
His answer was quickly answered as they reached a back door to the large red building. There was no one out on the streets yet, dawn still very new. The shadow from the building made the back of the structure dark and to add to it, small trees were scattered around.
Rock Lee released Neji's hand and he exhaled trying to calm himself.
"Sorry." He turned away from the Hyuuga. Rage clearly boiling behind his eyes. Neji sighed annoyed and crossed his arms.
"For what?"
"…Just…Just everything." Lee sighed and went over to sit down, leaning his back against the red building. The Hyuuga knew this would happen and it would be best to get it out of the way now.
"You've done nothing wrong." Neji stood in front of the pouting chunin.
Lee rubbed a hand in his hair. "I could've been more responsible when we were on the mission. What happened should never have."
"But it did, and there's nothing we can do now to change that fact." The long haired brunette uncrossed his arms and sat down in front of Lee. Strangely, he felt himself consoling the bowl haired man.
"All we can do now is move past it." He placed a hand on the spandex wearing ninja's knee. "We're shinobi, being injured is part of the role, Lee."
Neji removed his hand and place both his in his lap. He was not very good as making people feeling better. If it were up to him he'd rather not dive into anyone's person feelings. But Lee…
"It's funny," Lee chuckled but in a force and sad way. "You're the one that got hurt but here I am getting upset."
"Would it make you happier if I told you I appreciate you getting so angry for my sake, though it does still annoy me to a point?" The Hyuuga raised an eyebrow, offering a small smile.
Gai had blamed himself and now Lee was. Neji didn't want the green-loving ninja to be upset. This was his problem and he was going to deal with it. Alone. He was going to face his own demons and fears, without bringing anyone down with him.
"Good, you had me thinking you were going soft on me." Lee smiled and pushed his back off the wall.
Neji waved his hand in the air. "I'm a Hyuuga, my attitude will never differ."
Lee chuckled a bit more happily now. He smiled and caught Neji's lavender orbs in a gaze. The Hyuuga cleared his throat before he felt his body move closer to Lee.
He stood up and brushed the dirt from his Hyuuga robes off. He was wearing a slightly different style. The fabric was still the loose white, but it was formed more like a shinobi issued shirt than his usual free flowing s outfit. It had a collar so he could cover his neck and his bag was draped over one shoulder. He was wearing his forehead protector though, keeping his shinobi status known.
Lee was dressed in his normal spandex and chunin vest, backpack and kunai pouch also present.
"Well we should be off; I'd like to at least get half way by night fall." Neji said, causing Lee to stand as well.
"Alright." The green-loving shinobi, bring and gave a thumbs up. Neji just shook his head and began walking.
#
The two had spent another hours, gathering last minute additions to their luggage but head out before the village really woke up and began then busy day.
The two traveled continuously through the remainder of the day. They'd made it far enough to where they could see the ring of mountains that outlined the border. Neji hadn't expected Lee to be so quiet. Not that he wasn't grateful Rock Lee had talked him into a migraine, but it was unlike the Chunin.
The Hyuuga saw the sun beginning to set and told Lee it was time to rest for the night. Just because he was being escorted didn't mean he was going to act like a wealthy noble and sleep in a hotel. He'd already spent plenty of nights just propped up against a tree trunk.
Lee agreed and found them a small open area a little ways off the road. He made a fire as Neji laid out their blankets.
The Hyuuga went to stand back up and felt just how tired his body was. He was still healing and walking all day had tuckered him out. Maybe it would've been better had they stayed a few more days like Shizune suggested.
Neji sighed and just sat on top of his blanket. No point complaining now, it was too late to turn back.
He stretched trying to relax his muscles as Lee came over to join him, sitting on his own blanket.
"We made it pretty far. We should be able to get there by tomorrow afternoon." Lee said, smiling and started to eat a piece of bread from his bag. Neji just hummed in respond and he lied down. He really was exhausted.
Rock Lee looked over to see the Hyuuga dozing off. His eye lids fell and he felt happy. Neji and Lee were closer than before and he'd even been able to confess without the brunette hating him.
He was able to see the way Neji was looking at him now was different. He wasn't just viewing the Chunin as a teammate but as a close friend and maybe even more. But that just mostly wishful thinking on Lee's part.
He finished off the bread and watched the fire as Neji fell asleep, breathing softly as the crackling from the fire overlapped it.
The tanner shinobi remembered their conversation from earlier. He'd acted a bit selfishly, Neji was hurt and he had been whining about himself. Lee sighed and watching Neji's sleeping form for a little while.
Why did he have to be so amazing? He was a Jounin, insanely pretty, even for a guy and he made Lee's heart just want to jump out of his chest.
During his admiring of Neji the Hyuuga began to stir in his sleep. Brow scrunching as he curled in on himself. Lee caught on to the behavior and soon heard Neji mumbling.
The Chunin got off his blanket and moved over to the long haired brunette. He placed a hand on Neji's shoulder, ready for the Hyuuga to attack if he was startled. Slowly he lied next to the brunette and ran a hand along his arm.
He smiled, wishing, practically praying, that Neji could get better and return to his normal self. And hopefully getting over his PTSD would make him a more open person, letting people get closer to him.
"Lee?"
The chunin flinched as he realized the Hyuuga had woken up. He smiled nervously and removed his hand from the other man's arm.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up, Neji." The brunette's tired eyes drooped as he sighed.
"May I ask why felt the need to share my blanket when yours is perfectly fine?" Neji sat up, propping his head up on his hand.
"You just look a little uncomfortable so-"
"So you decided I'd be more comfortable with you messing with my arm and keeping me awake?" The Hyuuga's hard gaze and attitude almost made Lee happier. He was glad Neji was still Neji.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up." He smiled apologetically. Neji just huffed and lied back down on the blanket. When Lee didn't get up and leave, he groaned and spat, fatigued.
"If you're not moving, go bring your blanket over here so there's more room at least."
Lee needed no further invitation.
#
Neji woke up slowly. His eyes were so heavy and he didn't want to move. He groaned and yawned as he finally opened his lavender orbs to see Lee sleeping.
The Hyuuga noticed he was being hugged quite tenderly and Lee's morning chin stubble was scratching his cheek.
He almost wanted to smile, he could place why but it felt like there was a bubble pressing against his rib cage from the inside.
"Lee." He said softly, not want to scare the man awake. The chunin just kept snoring quietly. The Hyuuga chuckled and pried the other man's arm off him and made his way over to his bag.
He ate some pieces of dried fruit as Lee continued to sleep. The fire had gone out long ago, the burn wood, damp from the morning dew.
Neji inhaled the sweet smell and relaxed, chewing on a dried apple. Late summer weather was just perfect. The Hyuuga felt a tickle on his fore arm and upon looking saw his bandages had come undone during the night.
He sent a look over at Lee, who was still asleep. The brunette reached into his bag and brought out a fresh roll of white bandages. Discarding the old and replacing them with new ones, he covered the small wounds still covering his fore arms. He frowned a bit as the burning sensation pecked at his arms. He breathed deeply and calmed himself.
"Does it still hurt?"
Neji didn't turn as he averted his eyes to the forest. Rock Lee stood and walked over. A strangely seriously look on his usually goofy face. He kneeled in front of the Hyuuga and gently took his other arm in his hands.
Neji watched as Lee removed the old bandages. Slowly as if the wounds we still fresh. The green-loving ninja set them on the grass and pressed his lips against the healing wounds. They were just new, tender skin now. They didn't required bandages but Neji didn't want anyone to see them.
Rock Lee starred at the marks. Running his own scarred hands over the once flawless pale skin. Neji was taught growing up, that words were meaningless. They were just sounds coming from a person mouth. That action was what really mattered. He'd seen examples before, but the pure energy coming from Lee…
Neither spoke as Lee wrapped the other arm with new bandages. Neji just sat eyes half opened as he chest felt like it was going to explode. The chunin finished and tied the ends. Still he said nothing, just held Neji's arm in his hands and rubbed his thumbs against the wrapping slowly.
"Lee…" Neji couldn't comprehend the way Lee felt for him. How could someone care for someone else in such a way for years and never say anything. How could Lee love him? What made him so special that Lee placed him above everyone else?
As if Lee's emotions were being shared with Neji, he felt a surge of sadness and regret. The green-lover's eyes told everything. The Hyuuga slowly raised his hands to Lee's face.
Neji stared as Lee met his eyes, small tears peaking out of his eyes. The Hyuuga lost control of his emotions as he pushed himself out of a sitting position and smashed their lips together.
The Jounin held onto Lee's face as they kissed back and forth, sucking and biting softly. Neji moved himself closer to the green shinobi and pushed Lee into a sitting position, crawling into his lap as he found himself becoming addicted to Lee's love.
To be cared for so deeply, Neji had never had anything like this happen before. His father had died with he was young and his uncle was very sheltered with his emotions.
The Hyuuga felt his body melt as Lee pressed his tongue against Neji's lips, asking for access. The Jounin warily parted his teeth and lips, whimpering as the wet muscle move to explore his mouth. Lee was trying to keep things calm but with Neji being so forward he had to keep stopping himself and reminding himself the Hyuuga was still fragile. One wrong move and Lee could find himself being shot through a tree.
The green-loving ninja felt Neji's arms snake to the back of his neck. He broke the kiss and hugged the Jounin close.
Neji panted softly into Lee's chest as the two regained themselves. Lee began chuckling and Neji stared up at him, waiting for a reason.
"Why have we only done this outside?" The green-loving ninja laughed for bit longer before loosening his grip on the Jounin.
"We should head out soon."
Neji gave Lee a look, somewhere between happy and sorrow. He pressed a hand against the Chunin's chest and felt the rhythm of Lee's heart beating.
"You really love me…" It wasn't really a question as Neji looked up at the tanner man. Lee smiled sadly and pressed his face into the brunette's long hair.
"I would die for you, Neji."
The Hyuuga had read a few sappy romance novels and heard the corny love speeches lovers would give each other. But hearing the words coming from Lee made him want to just collapse in the Chunin's arms. This adore of Lee made him rethink everything he'd ever thought of people.
Could someone really care for someone more then they cared for themselves? Were humans even capable of being so selfless?
"No." Neji gripped his hands on to Lee's shoulder. He glared softly as he spoke in a serious tone. "You will never sacrifice yourself for me. I would rather be horribly assaulted all over again than have you be injured on my account."
The Hyuuga pride never stopped amazing Lee. However much the statement saddened him he nodded against Neji's head.
#
They entered the large town; lanterns were being light as the sun set. The streets were wide and sand paved. The different aromas mixed into a clean soap smell. The steam from the hot springs could be seen everywhere. Lee walked in front of Neji as the Hyuuga took a few moments to survey the surrounding buildings.
The Chunin got them a hotel room for the two weeks; it was within walking distant of the clinic and was very expensive to Neji's chagrin. He'd asked Lee to check out a room in one of the small motels but the Chunin just stated this was the one that Hiashi had paid for.
Neji finally and crankily took the key from the green-lover and made his way up to the room. Lee took the opportunity to go and check in with the clinic as well as give the Hyuuga some time to plow off some steam.
The long haired brunette was simply annoyed at the fact his uncle was treating him like a child and not allowing him to deal with his problem by himself.
Neji quickly bathed and dressed in one of the yukata the hotel provided in the room. It was really too nice of a place he would just be sleeping and bathing in. His brow in a permanent glare as he unpacked his bag and replaced the bandages for his forehead. He'd begun to place the ones for his arms but decided against it, he would only have to do it again in the morning.
And besides Lee had already seen the wounds. He dropped his glare just a bit as his eyes burned. A mix between angry and sorrow filled his head.
Was it really the best thing to do, dragging Lee into all this? The other shinobi obviously cared for him but would it be more painful seeing the Hyuuga so beaten?
He felt like draining his eyes into the pillow like a teenage girl with self esteem problems. He sighed and sat down on one of the king beds. He crossed his legs and tried to meditate for a bit but to no avail.
He was too stressed out to relax. He just wanted for all this to be over and done with. Why did this whole situation cause him so much grief? Was he really so weak to let such an event make him unbelievably vulnerable?
Why did he have to ask so many questions!?
Neji huffed and rubbed his forehead, brow furrowing as fatigue began to take over. He pushed the yawn back into his chest as he perked up hearing of familiar footsteps coming down the hallway. Lee knocked before opening the door with his spare key.
His hair was soaked as Neji glanced at the window. When had it started raining?
Lee chuckled as he set his things on the opposite bed. He shook a hand through his wet hair before remarking with a grin. "Guess I don't need a shower now."
The green-lover quickly discarded his chunin vest and headband he wore around his waist. Next came the weights and leg warmers. His one piece green spandex left nothing to the imagination, his abs and chest, biceps, thighs and any other muscle Neji could think of was clearly visible. He could almost watch each one move at the chunin went about unpacking.
Not that Neji was starring or anything.
The Hyuuga cleared his throat and lay down on his bed. Getting under the covers and untying his hair band as Lee continued to work.
Rock Lee resisted the urge to tease the Hyuuga, he might not have the Byakugan but even he could tell the brunette had enjoyed the view. He smiled to himself knowing that Neji at least found him attractive. It was start, of course he hadn't expected to be kissing the Hyuuga yet but he still wanted to take it very slow. He wanted Neji to feel special and truly fall for the Chunin.
Lee finished and turned to see the Hyuuga in a deep sleep. His injuries really took a lot out of the Jounin. The green-lover frowned remembering the arm wounds; he hadn't even gotten a good look Neji's neck. What else had been hurt?
The Chunin was gripping his bag tightly before he sighed, calming himself. He set the bag down and moved over to him bed. He removed his spandex and got into a pair of short to sleep in. As he lifted the blanket to get into bed a noise made him freeze.
Neji Hyuuga whimpered. Not in a coy or sweet way, but in one of pain and fear. Lee gulped thickly as the sounds continued to leak out of the Jounin.
The brunette shook softly in his sleep. Lee couldn't feel his heart beating as he slowly made his way over to the Hyuuga.
He stood in front of Neji, chest wanted to split into two as the expression on the Hyuuga face broke his heart. Tears threatening to slip over and he was biting his lips. His hand gripping the blanket tightly and they shook as he breathed in an uneven pace.
He moved slowly to place a hand on Neji shoulder. He leaned so the Jounin laid flat on the bed. Lee moved to place his knee next to the Hyuuga's waist. He placed his hands on either side of the Hyuuga's head. Neji's expression lightening into one more peaceful.
Rock Lee breathed softly as he leaned over the sleeping Hyuuga. He spoke softly as he lowered his lips to the Jounin's neck.
"Neji."
Repeating the name softly until the Hyuuga began to stir awake. Lee kissed and sucked lovingly on the abused skin. The yellow bruises burning into his vision as he rubbed his hand through the Brunette's long hair.
"Neji." He spoke softer as he pressed his forehead into Neji's shoulder. The Jounin now opened his eyes slowly seeing the shaking Lee, holding himself above the Hyuuga.
"Lee?" Neji questioned as he saw the sorrowful look Lee was giving him. The black orbs burning with an invisible fire as Lee caressed his face gently.
"I'm so sorry." The green-lover whispered. Neji closed his eyes slowly before rapping his arms around the Chunin's neck. He shh'ed the younger man waited silently as Lee controlled himself.
The Hyuuga used his arms to pull Lee's face closer to his. He chuckled tiredly.
"I'll never understand how you can care so deeply." Neji pressed their foreheads together. This was what lovers did, right? Comforted each other?
Were they lovers? Could he love Lee?
"Neji, please don't feel like you have to make me feel better." Lee warm breathe tickled his lips. Lavender and Black starred each other down.
"I don't. I want to make you feel better." The Hyuuga was barely to finish his sentence as Lee pressed their lips together. Neji's memories of his assault were pushed back as he focused on the warm touch of Lee's hands.
The Chunin looked at the Hyuuga with such a deep emotion Neji could feel it being shared once again. Lee broke the kiss and planted butterfly kisses down the Jounin's face onto his neck. The yukata was easily pushed off his shoulder.
Lee didn't want to go any further than kissing but something was nagging him. He wanted to see the full extent of Neji's injuries.
"Lee?" Neji voice was filled with caution as Lee moved his hands to the Hyuuga's chest.
Rock Lee stopped for a moment before asking softly eyes in a slight determined stare. "I…I want to see everything they did…"
Neji sunk into the bed a little more before he nodded. He sat up, Lee leaning back on his legs as the Hyuuga removed his yukata and let in drop onto the bed.
He refused to meet the other's eyes as Lee traced the marks with his eyes. The Hyuuga sat completely still as Lee moved forward, running his fingers over the bruises and bite marks that were still present.
His voice made the Jounin flinch. "Neji…"
Lee's eyes turned miserable as he lowered in forehead back onto the Hyuuga's shoulder. He'd let this happen, if he'd been more responsible maybe this would have never happened.
What could he even say to make this better? If he tried to console the Hyuuga, Neji would get angry for Lee showing him sympathy.
"What can I do?"
Lee's voice shook as he traced Neji's rib cage with his hand. Noticing the Hyuuga shivered from the light touches. Neji cleared his throat before whispering.
"I don't know."
Lee wrapped his large arms around the Jounin and pushed them both back against the bed. He breathed in Neji's scent and murmured loving words into his hair as the Hyuuga enjoyed the warmth of the Chunin's chest.
They both soon fell asleep, Lee refusing to release the shaken Hyuuga. The spent the next few hours sleeping entangled in each other's embrace.
#
When the night turned into the next day Neji found he was unable to fall back asleep. He relaxed against Lee's warm embrace for a few minutes but a prick began irritating his neck. He rubbed and scratched it but it refused to disappear.
He moved out of Lee's hug, careful not to wake the sleeping shinobi. He moved into the bathroom, thinking he'd been bitten by a bug or something but could see no mark in the mirror.
The ugly yellow discoloration of his skin starred back at him. He moved his hands over his chest and neck.
He glared at the reflection of himself.
The greenery of the rouge camp flashed around him. The breath of the shinobi ran down his back, hands grabbing his body. The smell of the burning fire and the nearby river. The muggy sweat that covered his bare body as the he was continuously forced onto to the dirt.
The ropes burning into his arms as he pressed against them, the blindness that handicapped him.
The Hyuuga wanted to just tear his skin off so he wouldn't have to look at it anymore.
He turned the faucet on and let the water run. The sound soothed him for the time being, he washed his face lazily.
In a few hours he would have to go met the psychiatrist. Like he was some mental patient. He'd have to tell a complete stranger how he'd been too weak to protect himself. The mere thought made the Jounin feel queasy. Was he getting cold feet? After they'd traveled all the way here and paid for everything?
Alright, just calm down.
He told himself as he starred into the mirror. He'd heard that drinking alcohol calm the nerves but he wouldn't be able to get any here without being legal age.
Neji shook his head as he chuckled at himself. What had happened to the powerful, indifferent Hyuuga? He used to be so calm and collected.
He was really letting all the stress get to him. He ran his hand over the sink, he remembered the first night out of the hospital he'd slept on the floor and gotten the imprints form the tile all over his side.
Then his talk with Gai, And all that was in between then and now. He felt embarrassed for how strange he'd been acting, So many things he wish he could just erase from his memory.
His thoughts confused him as well, one moment he would be depressed and the next fueled by rage. Why couldn't he just go back to his normal self? The leader, The Jounin, A protégé.
"Why?" He starred at the sad lavender eyes in the mirror. They were brimmed with red veins and glossy.
He chuckled wiping his arm over his face and leaning on the counter top.
The sun became to peak over the horizon and lightened up the sky into a nice soft orange and red. The mellow light lit the bathroom up a little through the high window.
Neji ran his fingers through his hair, fixing it as much as possible. He'd still need a brush. The Hyuuga moved to sit on the counter now and lifted his legs up to it as well. He wrapped his arms around his shins and pulled them close. Leaning his head on this crossed arms the Jounin starred at the mirror.
#
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