A/N: Ok peeps I am soooooo sorry for the long wait. I can't even begin to express sadness for making you all wait this long for an update. So without further ado, on to the next one-shot!
#7
It was cold.
Really cold….and not to mention windy. Neji pulled his coat tighter around his body as he walked to the entrance of an old café building. The building was owned by one of his friend who hosted their annual Christmas dinner. It had been the same since they were in high school. Everyone would always spend the week of Christmas together no matter what.
This year it was a little different for Neji, he wasn't really looking forward to seeing a certain someone. He almost didn't come but he remembered he promised Hinata he would show up and plus it would be good to see Tenten since she wasn't able to attend the last dinner due to work.
Neji smiled a little to himself at the decoration that littered the café. 'Naruto had really out done himself this year' Neji thought. He noticed the coats hanging on the one side of the wall and decided he would just add his to the bunch.
"Neji!" Hinata exclaimed as she quickly pulled him into a hug. "You look great!"
"So do you," Neji replied pulling away and giving a small wave to the others in the room. Neji quickly scanned the room and gave a small sigh of relief when he noticed that a certain person was missing.
"Come on in and have seat. The food is almost ready!" Naruto said loudly showing him to a seat.
"So how have you been Neji? I haven't heard from you in forever! You never answer your phone anymore," Tenten asked.
"Just working mostly and trying to stay busy," came Neji's reply.
Tenten rolled her eyes. "That sounds like you. Always trying to keep yourself wrapped in your work," she said shaking her head. "Try not to work yourself to hard, kay?"
"Yes! Neji you must enjoy your youth!" Lee added.
"Yes, my youth," Neji replied dryly. Neji turned his attention to Hinata was happily chatting with Shikamaru. 'Why is that odd to me?' Neji asked himself. Not the chatting part, but the amount of attention Hinata was giving the Nara, was odd to him.
"Oh, I see you noticed," a voice from beside Neji said.
"Noticed what?"
Sakura smiled. "That those two are clearly an item! I kinda notice a few months back."
Neji raised his brow. Hinata and Shikamaru, an item? It's not like Shikamaru wasn't attractive, he just didn't see him being Hinata's type. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," Sakura responded. "I just wish Sasuke paid me that kind of attention.'
"Why?" Neji asked almost disgusted.
Sakura frowned. "What you mean why? He is like the ideal guy for anyone!"
"You're delusional," Neji replied and sipped his wine. There was no way Sasuke Uchiha was ideal for anyone. Especially someone as loyal as Sakura.
"Maybe, but there is a little piece of me that wants him to at least acknowledge the fact that I'm alive you know…."
Neji just 'hmmed' in response because he knew exactly what she meant. Sasuke was a playboy that would ruin Sakura, no matter how strong she thought she was. "There are better guys out there."
"Like who?"
"Naruto, Kiba, and even Lee are a much better choices than Sasuke," Neji replied.
"Well Naruto sadly is engaged to Ino, Lee's a no go, and I'm not sure what's up with Kiba."
Neji smiled a little. He often enjoyed talking with Sakura because she was so serious when it came to matters of the heart. "I heard Kiba's pretty wild," Neji said with a wink and Sakura blushed.
"We are not having this conversation!" she whispered loudly.
"Sasuke!"
Both Neji and Sakura looked to where Naruto was heading to see Sasuke walk in. Neji frowned and turned away. Sakura on the other hand rushed to where Sasuke and Naruto stood.
"Took you long enough, your highness," Kiba said earning a laugh from everyone.
"I had to take the last flight out," Sasuke replied taking Sakura's old seat.
Neji fought the urge to curse. Out of all the seats at the table, Sasuke just had to sit next to him.
"I called you."
"For what?" Neji asked not looking at Sasuke.
"We live in the same city so I thought maybe we would travel here together."
"Why would I want to travel anywhere with you?" Neji asked folding his arms.
"Food's here!" Naruto yelled as Ino and Hinata began bringing out trays. That was one thing Neji enjoyed, the food. Ino and Hinata were great cooks and it was nice to get a good home cooked meal.
"So what's everyone been up to?" Ino asked.
"Well I got a promotion at my job," Tenten said. "We're opening up a new shop on the east coast and I'll be in charge of it."
"Congrats!" and "Congratulations" were giving.
"Well as you all know Naruto and I are engaged. We finally selected a wedding date. So when I send out the invites save the date because I'm going to be totally pissed if any of you miss my big day," Ino said pointing around the table at everyone.
"Wouldn't miss it pig," Sakura said with a wink. "Oh yeah! I got a company to launch my perfume line. They said it's sure to be a best seller among teens and young women" Sakura gushed.
"Speaking of perfume, Hinata did you get my package?" Ino asked.
Hinata blushed. "I did and thank you."
"What package?" Neji asked.
"It's nothing!" Hinata said quickly. "How has work been Neji?" Hinata asked to change the subject.
"Fine I suppose. My sales are up, which means I have no free time."
"You could if you got an assistant," Sasuke replied.
Neji frowned. "Who asked you?"
"Anyways, I got a boyfriend."
Everyone turned to look at Sai.
"Seriously?" Kiba asked.
"Well, yes. We met three months ago at the gym," Sai replied. "He is very interesting and he likes my art."
"That's great Sai!" Naruto said.
"Speaking of boyfriends, Hinata is there something you want to tell us?" Sakura asked.
Hinata blushed. "Well, I uh…"
Shikamaru put his hand over hers. "Hinata and I have been together for about six months now."
"No way," Tenten said smiling. "You two?"
"Yeah, it works," Shikamaru said shrugging. "We're good together."
Hinata smiled and moved closer to Shikamaru. "We're moving in together too," she said softly.
"What did you do Nara knock her up?" Kiba asked jokingly.
"Shut it Kiba!" Ino said frowning. "They're adults and if they want to live together they can. Me and Naruto have being living together for the past year."
"Sorry Hinata, I was just kidding," Kiba said.
"No need to apologize, Kiba," Hinata said with a smile.
"So Sasuke, how is work going? Are to seeing anyone?" Sakura asked.
"Work is work and I see a lot of people," came Sasuke's reply.
Neji just rolled his eyes. Typical Uchiha response.
"Well if you're not seeing anyone seriously, maybe we could hangout..." Sakura asked.
"We'll talk later."
Neji was glad Sasuke didn't shoot her down in his normal Uchiha fashion. Maybe Sasuke was in a good mood.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
They all arrived at the Uchiha rental property like they did every year for their week long holiday together. It only made sense because they all wanted to be together and Sasuke was the only on who owned a larger enough house in their old neighborhood.
"So how are we doing the rooms this year?" Tenten asked. "I was thinking Sakura and I could room together since the other ladies are taken."
"That's only if Sasuke doesn't want to room with me..." Sakura said looking hopeful.
Tenten sighed and grabbed Sakura's arm. "She's with me." and pulled Sakura away.
"So that means Naruto and I are together, Hinata and Shikamaru, and Kiba, you and Sai?" Ino asked.
"Sure I don't mind since there are two queen beds in the room. I can pretty much room with anyone." Kiba replied. "Come on roomie," Kiba said walking away with Sai.
"Good night you two," Ino said walking away leaving Sasuke and Neji alone.
"Shall we?" Sasuke asked. Neji just rolled his eyes and walked ahead of Sasuke to the master room in the house. He had never stayed in Sasuke's room before. He hated Lee wasn't going to be there so they could room with Sai and Kiba. Neji really didn't want to be alone with Sasuke.
"You like?" Sasuke asked.
Neji looked around the room. It was great, but...there was only one bed. Where he suppose to sleep? "I noticed there is only one bed in this room. Is there another room available?"
"There are only five bedrooms in his house, you know that Already."
Neji frowned. Usually he would room with Lee, Kiba, and Shino. "Ok, but we normally had a seperate bed for everyone."
Sasuke grabbed Neji's suitcase and placed it in the closet. "That's true, but I did some redecorating over the summer time. Couples tend to prefer to rent this house in the summer, so having two queen beds or a king in every room made more since than four twin beds. Professionally speaking," Sasuke answered. "You know the way this type of thing works better than anyone with rental properties. Besides I sent a e-mail with the new layout for everyone. Take you didn't read yours..."
"Anything that comes from you goes straight to spam," Neji said looking around. There was a large window seat with a plush cushion and a lot of pillows. He could sleep there.
"Spam...?"
"Yes spam. I try to distance myself from certain people," Neji said sitting on the wondow seat. "I can sleep here."
Sasuke frowned. "If you got something to say Hyuga then say it."
"What difference would it make? You only care about yourself..." Neji replied softly. "I'm tired Sasuke, all want to do is shower and go to sleep."
Sasuke didn't say a word as Neji gathered his thing entered the bathroom. Neji was puzzle to him. For the life of him he couldn't understand what it was Neji really wanted from him. One minute Neji wanted his company then the next he didn't want anything to do with him. Sasuke sighed. The only way he was going to get any answers from Neji was by force.
"Coming in Hyuga," Sasuke said opening the shower glass and stepping in behind Neji.
Neji was flushed as he tried to hide himself from Sasuke as his interrupted his shower. "What the hell are you doing?" Neji stammered and he turned to face Sasuke. "I don't recall inviting you to my shower!"
"Make me."
Neji frowned and turned back around. "You're childish Uchiha," Neji mumbled as he quickly washed himself. Sasuke had some nerve invading his privacy. Neji stiffen when he felt a hand on his hip. "Not again," Neji said softly shaking his head.
"Don't fight me Neji," Sasuke said as he kissed Neji shoulder.
"No!" Neji said pushing Sasuke away causing him to stumble back. "I'm not doing this with you again. You left so stay gone!" Neji quickly exited the shower. He grabbed his robe and left the bathroom. He couldn't believe Sasuke!
Sassuke sighed and turned off the water to the shower. He didn't understand that damn Hyuga. He was touch and go. "What the hell did he mean by 'I' left?" If he remembered correctly Neji was the one who avoided his like the plague after their week together.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neji huffed as he poured himself a another glass of wine. He wasn't much a drinker, but whenever Sasuke was around, he drank.
"What are doing up?"
Neji turned to see Shikamaru butting a bowl in the sink. "I could ask you the same."
Shikamaru shrugged and sat across from Neji. "Well my reasons are not important right now, but you...You practically drank that whole bottle."
"Just a little stressed is all."
"Stressed...I've known you when you're stressed and I've never seen you drink," Shikamaru said. He knew it was only of matter of time before Neji lost it. Neji was never a good drinker.
"What do you know?"
Shikamaru sighed. He could tell the drink was taking affect because Neji was slurring his words a little. "Well You want to talk about it?"
"I'll tell you what's wrong with him." Shikamaru and Neji wacthed as Sasuke joined them at the table. "He has commitment issues and blames everyone around him for his short comings."
Shikamaru raised his brows a little. Now he understood exactly what was going on. "You don't?"
Sauke frowned. "This isn't about me."
"It's always about you Sasuke," Neji said. "You do what you want no matter who it hurts."
"What exactly are you talking about?" Sasuke asked him.
"If I may," they both turned to look a Shikamaru. "I think Neji believes you abandoned him and don't care enough to even apologize."
"Exactly!"
"Wait a minute Neji, you're not innocent either. You have been known for drawing your own conclusions when something doesn't make sense to you. Could you have been mistaken when you thought Sasuke abandoned you?"
"I never abandoned anyone, so I don't know why he keeps saying that. You wan to know what happened? Last year after the Christmas dinner we spent a week together and brought in the New Year together. Neji," Sasuke said pointing at him, "you told me out of no where you didn't want to see me again afterwards."
"Was I wrong for saying that?" Neji asked.
"Yeah," Sasuke answered bluntly.
Shikamaru listened to the two argue back and forth. This was something he thought he never see. They were so close growing up that he thought nothing would separate them. This was odd. "Neji, why didn't you want to see Sasuke anymore?"
"Our last day together I stumbled across his cell phone that had been ringing while he was in the shower. I looked at the text he received and it made me read them all. He basically told whoever that he was talking to that I was no one important. He was just on a business trip and he'd be home so they didn't need to worry.'
"This is what all this is about?" Sasuke asked. He couldn't believe that was the reason Neji suddenly told him off and left. "That's ridiculous Hyuga and you know it."
"Well what did you mean by the texts?" Shikamaru asked.
"Not that it's anyone's business...It was a partner from my firm. She was checking in to see how my 'business trip' was going. They only way I could get an extra week away from the office without my father breathing down my neck was if it was business related. So, yeah I told her I was bored and the meetings were going fine. That's normal business talk."
"You liar," Neji said softly.
"I believe him," Shikamaru said. "Neither of you are known to lie. I honestly think if Sasuke wanting nothing to do with you, he would have told you himself."
"My thoughts exactly. I have never been one to sugarcoat anything."
Neji stood from the table and walked to where Sasuke sat. "Even if what you say is true, you never put forth the effort to correct my misunderstanding. Not once did you call."
Sasuke stood up and looked down at Neji. "How could I call someone who had their number changed the minute to left. I went to your home on several occasions and finally found out you had moved. You work from home and your contacts are private so there was no way for me to know where you were or how to contact you." Sasuke put his hand on Neji's shoulder. "Regardless of what others think of me you know I don't go around sleeping with just anyone."
Neji blushed a little and punched Sasuke in the arm. "Be quiet."
"Don't mind me, I kinda figured out he did you once he sat down," Shikamaru said waving off Neji's embarrassment. "Plus, no judgement this way. So...go ahead and make-up already. I can feel the sexual tension in the room with you two."
"Not a word of this to anyone!"Neji said to Shikamaru.
"Don't worry your secret's safe with me," Shikamaru replied leaving the ktichen. He stop and looked over his shoulder to see Neji pull Sasuke down into a kiss. He smiled a little. He liked seeing all his friends happy, but there was one thing he needed to tell Neji.
"Neji, remember when you asked me what I doing up so late?"
Neji pulled away from Sasuke, "Yeah, why?"
"Hinata was having a late night craving and wanted me to rubbed her back until she fell asleep," he answered.
"So what does that mean?' Neji asked.
"You're smart, you'll figure it out," and with that Shikamaru left Neji and Sasuke alone.
Sasuke rolled his eyes as Neji pondered Shikamaru's answer. "She's pregnant Neji."
"Who is?"
"Hinata..."
"..."
"Neji...?"
"...My little Hinata...pregnant?"
"Well she isn't exactly little, she just turned 26 Neji," Sasuke offered.
"He got my little Hinata pregnant...?"
"Well look at the bright side, at least he's a good guy," Sasuke said pushing Neji towards their room.
"I can't believe it...Hinata would do that with anyone..."
Sasuke smirked, he was just going to have to do that to Neji to help him get his mind of Hinata.
A/N: Hola amigos! I hope everyone enjoyed this. I plan to write another one soon and not keep you guys waiting so long for another update. I hope there aren't too many spelling and grammar mistakes. I tired to catch them all, but I'm sure you guys know how hard that is sometimes reading your own work.
Until next time!
-SasuNejiUchiha-