A/N: Hey guys here is the second part! And its out on time, can you believe it?! Well I hope you guys are enjoying this little mini series so far. I know this a little different from what I normally write, but I wanted to try something different.
I also want you guys to know that I don't particularly dislike any characters, so if you like Sakura don't be upset I made her the bad guy. It just worked out that way and I'm sure there will be more characters you guys may like being portrayed as bad, BUT that doesn't mean I dislike them.
Well enjoy!
Rated: R with Sasu/Neji, Naru/Neji
#10 Part 2 of 4
Neji stood in the doorway of what looked to be a large eat-in kitchen. He watched as Naruto joined in the setting of the large table in the room. Neji had only seen such things on TV. There was a woman placing food on the table as she joked with another younger woman filling cups with juice. There were two men standing at the stove, another sitting at the table reading a newspaper, and two small children running around.
Neji walked slowly into the room. He didn't get far before a red haired woman bounced in front of him. "You must be Neji!"
Neji couldn't help but think she look familiar. He was about to speak, but Naruto beat him to it. "Mom, give him some space."
Neji looked between the woman and Naruto a few times. Though, Naruto and this woman had different eye colors and hair colors they definitely looked alike. "Wait, mom?" Neji asked just realizing Naruto called the woman mom.
"Yes, I'm his mother. Naruto never did have good manners," she joked elbowing Naruto in his side.
"You didn't exactly give me a chance..." Naruto said with a pout. Neji smiled at this.
"Well it's nice to meet you. My name is Neji Hyuga," Neji said giving her a slight bow.
"Oh my, you are cute!" she gushed making both Naruto and Neji blush. "Come, let me introduce you to everyone. My name is Kushina, but you can call me mom," Kushina said with a wink as she linked her arms with Neji's. Naruto just followed behind the pair, clearly embarrassed Neji noted.
"Everyone come meet Neji!" Kushina announced. It didn't take long for everyone to crowd around. "This here is Naruto's special friend, Neji."
Neji stiffen a bit at being introduced as Naruto's special friend. He wasn't exactly sure what she meant by that, but he had a pretty good idea. Neji couldn't help but look in Naruto's direction. He looked more uncomfortable than Neji did at the moment.
"Neji this is my husband and Naruto's dad, Minato and this cutie here is his big sister Tenten. This Iruka, our oldest son and this is Minato's dad Jiraiya, but we call him Pop Pop. And those little wild guys are our newest editions to the family Mai and Tenchi. They're twins."
Neji got a good looked at everyone. They all gave him warm and welcoming smiles. It was a lot different from what he was used to. He didn't have time to think to much on it since he was being pulled into a hugged by Tenten and being pat on the head by Iruka. It wasn't long before everyone had greeted him. This was definitely something he wasn't used to. Neji felt a little overwhelmed.
"Well let's sit down to eat," Minato said ushering everyone towards the table. They all sat down and food was quickly passed around the table.
Neji watched in awe as Naruto laughed in talked with his family. Naruto had a real family. One like he could only dream of. He didn't believe people like this actually existed. He couldn't help but just pick at his food. He felt so out of place. He was an outsider invading their family time.
Neji jumped a little when he felt a hand on his thigh. He turned towards Naruto who gave him a comforting smile. Neji gave a small smile in return.
"So where are you from Neji?" Iruka asked. Neji knew he was just trying to include him the conversation.
"I'm actually originally from the city..."
"You mean the big city? Like the one north of here?" Tenten asked.
"Yeah, but I been in this area most my life. My uh...family still lives there I think?" Neji replied.
"You think?" Tenten asked. "Are you not in contact with them?"
Neji gave a weak smile. "No, not really. I haven't been home since I was 14."
Kushina frowned and turned towards Naruto. "Naruto, exactly how old is Neji? I figure he was young, but not THAT young?!"
"No...no I'm not a teenager or anything. I'm actually 26, I've just been on my own since I was 14," Neji explained.
"Thanks Mom, glad to know you think I'm into young boys..." Naruto said rolling his eyes earning a laugh from everyone.
"Well I had to be sure. You never know what you young people are into now a days," she replied sipping her coffee.
"So how long have you and Naruto been an item?" Minato asked. " You're the first person he's ever brought home, so we all assumed you guys must be pretty serious."
Neji was stunned silent. Did they think he and Naruto were together, like seriously together? He knew Kushina made a little teasing joke earlier...but. Neji looked to his right at Naruto who was currently choking.
" No need to be shy. We don't mind that you're a guy," Tenten added with a wink. "We're just happy Naruto has someone special."
Neji was about to answer when he noticed something on TV. There was a special news report he felt his heart drop. He slowly stood "could you turn that up please..."
Naruto gave Neji a worried looked before picking up the remote to turn the volume up. Everyone listened to the news broadcast.
Breaking News on channel 4
"Good morning everyone, I'm your host Jin Lakely. We have just received more information following the death of Sakura Hurano and a second victim who we now know as Sora. Police are saying the man Sora Chung was closely affiliated with local gangs.
Their bodies were found just southeast of a popular hangout spot known to one of the local gangs, Fang. Police said they found who they now believe was a young couple shot execution style in a red BMW registered to the young woman, Sakura.
Police are still looking for the murder weapon and those responsible for the murder. Right now police say that they believe it was a deal gone bad. Sora has record of drug charges and police have found evidence that support that Sakura and Sora were in connection with one another.
Phone records prove that there has been constant communication between the two for the past six months. Chris is at the scene right now. Over to you Chris."
"Thank you Jin, as everyone can see right behind is the location where the bodies were found. Police are ruling this a homicide and are currently looking for anyone with any information that could lead to the killers.
Police also said that each victim was shot once and that they believe there were two shooters in this case. Each Sakura and Sora both were shot using two different guns. As of right now they have no solid leads on who the shooters maybe, but they do believe this was the work of the Fang gang.
Chris reporting, back to you Jin..."
Neji stood frozen in his spot. No Sasuke, please no, Neji said to himself. He needed to contact Sasuke.
"Sad really..." Kushina said turning back to her food. "I caught the story earlier when they first ran it. It's crazy how people can carelessly take someone's life."
Neji looked down at Naruto who was still sitting. "I uh...I need to be excused.." Neji said softly locking eyes with Naruto.
"I'll walk you back to your room," Naruto said taking Neji's hand in his.
Same time elsewhere...
Sasuke yawned as he entered his study. He felt like shit. He just needed some peace and quiet and big cup of black coffee.
"So you're finally awake?"
Sasuke almost dropped his cup at hearing his brother's voice. He frowned and joined him on the couch. He also noticed his brother wearing his favorite black robe.
"What the fuck are you still doing here?" Sasuke asked looking a the TV.
"I thought I stay a while," came Itachi's reply.
Sasuke snorted. "Why? You didn't want to stay here before."
Itachi was silent for a moment before he answered. " We're brothers Sasuke, and believe it or not...We're all we got."
Sasuke didn't say anything. He just sighed and relaxed more into the plush sofa. "You can stay here, but don't wear my fucking clothes. "
Itachi laughed. "Has he contacted You?"
"Nope," Sasuke replied. He was slightly surprised that Neji didn't try to contact him, but he wouldn't bother Neji right now. He knew Neji needed time to get over what's happened.
Sasuke had made it his business to keep Neji in the dark about what he and his brother really did to those who crossed them. Not once had he let Neji witness anything associated with him or Itachi until last night.
If Neji was going to be the Madam at his house he needed to know what would happen if someone dared cross him. He wasn't exactly sure how Neji would react, but it needed to be done.
"He'll be back...if doesn't come back he dumber than he looks."
Sasuke sighed. He knew how Itachi felt about Neji. If it were up to him, Neji wouldn't have been allowed to step foot in the Uchiha house. But he really could give two shits about what Itachi wanted.
"Don't start."
"Don't start What? Telling you what a complete dumb ass you are for allowing Neji into our lives... Well excuse me if I give damn about what happens to you."
"Well I sure as hell don't care about what happens to you," Sasuke said frowning a little.
"Fuck you Sasuke," Itachi said standing up. "Why don't you stop this pathetic pity party and watch the news. We've got business to handle."
Sasuke just watched as Itachi left the living space. He could hear him call him "stupid brat" as he rounded the corner. Sasuke couldn't help but laugh a little. This was their relationship. They fought and argued. But he knew just like Itachi did, that they would brun the entire city to the ground if someone dared brought harm the other's way.
They were odd like that. They never had the happy home with the loving mother or devoted father. Their father was the most respected and feared man he knew. He was a ruthless man who got what he wanted at any cost. Sasuke knew a lot of bad people, but none rival the fury that was 'Smoke' as all knew him by.
Then there was his mother. A true Uchiha to the core. She was the baddest Madam he'd ever met, and he knew a lot heartless bitches. She trained and prepared him and Itachi for the world they lived in.
Sasuke could remember the first time he saw someone shot dead in front of him, he was six. He still remembered his mother's eyes after she pulled the trigger. Her eyes were cold, and void of any and all emotion.
Sasuke shook his head and turned the channel to the local news so he could see what his brother put together. It wasn't unusual for them to make the news after getting rid of a problem.
He knew the police would never figure anything out. They never did. Someone with his or Itachi's power had the ability to make anything and anyone for that matter disappear.
Sasuke's mind wondered to Neji. He wondered if he saw the news? He also wondered what Itachi was going to do since Neji was no longer there. Sasuke wasn't worried about Neji telling anything because no matter what happened, Neji would never betray him.
Sasuke looked back at the TV and heard the Fang Gang mention and literally laughed out loud. Itachi was good, he'd give him that. The Fang Gang was a local group of drug and gun dealers who were too stupid to do anything right. It was obvious it wouldn't take much to close this case.
"So I guess that horrid sound coming from you means you're pleased," Itachi said from the doorway.
Sasuke didn't turn around to look at his brother. "I though you enjoyed my laugh. You did good...not great...but good enoigh."
"It was flawless, unlike anything your under developed mind would have thought of," Itachi walking back into the room.
Sasuke snorted. "Mother would be proud."
"Hmm." Itachi took his next to Sasuke on the soft sofa. "That crazy bitch probably would be. "
They both laughed at that.
"Don't mind me when it comes to Neji," Itachi said lowly. "I am in no position to tell you what to do. I just want you to be sure, because we may have to give all this up for him."
Sasuke thought over what Itachi said, and he was right. in order to make any kind amends with Neji he would have to give everything. But he didn't know if it was worth the change. What would he and Itachi do if they left this lifestyle?
This was all he or Itachi knew. They've lived this hard life since they were born and it wasn't going to be easy being normal...because they weren't normal. They were evil, just like Neji said last night.
"No, you're right...You've always been right about these things. I just wished sometimes things were different..."
Itachi nodded in agreement. He too wondered what life would have been like without two crazy people as parents.
Back to Neji...
Neji sat with Naruto in his room. He wasn't sure why Naruto stayed with him. He didn't mind the company, but he did want to contact Sasuke to see if he had anything to do with what he saw on the news.
"Did you know her?" Naruto finally asked.
Neji looked down. "I did."
Naruto studied Neji's face for a while. He wanted Neji to open up more. He was still like a puzzle to Naruto. Even though he didn't quite know Neji very well, Naruto could tell that he was a good person.
"Were you close?"
Neji shook his head. " No...not really...She actually hated me..." Neji wasn't sure why he told Naruto that. it made him frown a little. He way too comfortable with Naruto.
"Oh...uh well, she probably wasn't a good person," Naruto said running his hand up and down Neji's back.
Neji noticed something about Naruto. He liked to touch him. . . a lot. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but with all the things going on with Neji that Naruto didn't know about made Neji uneasy.
"She wasn't...but did that mean she deserved...to...?"
Naruto turned Neji to face him. Neji instantly blushed at how close Naruto leaned in. He stared into those beautiful blue eyes.
"What happened to her wasn't your fault."
Neji snorted a little. "How do you know?" He asked Naruto softly. He didn't really expect an answer back and he didn't get one. Naruto just pulled him into a warm embrace.
Neji just sat there for a moment as his eyes started to water. He fisted the back of Naruto's shirt and returned the hug. He let himself cry into the other man's chest. Naruto's sweet words whispered in his ear and gentle caresses were what he needed.
Sasuke...He crossed Neji's mind. His Sasuke..no not anymore. It was that very man that caused his grief. He had to keep his distance from Sasuke or else he would never heal, he could never move on.
"I want to help you Neji...if you let me."
Neji tightened his grip on Naruto at hearing his words. He wanted help...no he needed it. He would allow Naruto to help get over his truma, but wasn't exactly sure he would be able to open up completely.
"Can we just stay like this...for a little while? Neji asked softly as he leaned more into Naruto.
Naruto adjusted himself on the small couch so Neji could lay more comfortably on him. He felt Neji snuggle up to him and he stoked Neji's hair.
"We can stay like this as long as you need."
Neji smiled despite his pitiful state. Naruto was truly a kind man. "I'm so tired..."
"I know," was all Naruto said.
He knew Neji hadn't gotten any sleep the previous night. He could tell when he first saw him. He looked restless. "Just sleep Neji...I'll be here when you wake up."
Four months later...
Neji sat behind the counter of the Inn checking in the last guest for the day. It was his first week working the front desk and it was Kushina that insisted that he did so. Something about having the look, whatever that meant.
Neji could honestly say that he enjoyed his job. It was tough at times, especially when it was busy, since it was basically just the family...and well him. He had grown accustomed to their Sunday meals and he was finally able to sleep peacefully.
He hadn't heard from Sasuke and he didn't try to contact the other man either. He figured Sasuke didn't want him anymore, otherwise he would have took Neji back, like he's done before.
Either way he was happy. He did still cared deeply for Sasuke, but he could see that maybe there could be someone else...
"Please enjoy your stay. Your room is down the blue hall, 102."
Neji watched as the elderly couple walked towards the hall. It was nice seeing couples stay there. Neji watched as Tenten pushed a cart down the red hall to deliver something to one of the rooms, and Iruka making his way toward the green hall with an arm full of towels.
Neji turned to leave from behind the counter when he ran into Naruto's solid form. Neji felt Naruto's hand grab his arm before he tripped backwards.
"Sorry didn't see you there," Naruto said with a smile.
"It's fine really. I was just about to head to my room. Suki is going to be here soon for her shift," Neji said with a small blush. Suki was the lady that worked the desked over night.
"You want to go driving with me?"
Neji locked eyes with Naruto and smiled. "Sure...I don't have any plans." Neji tucked some of his hair behind his ear.
"Cool, I'll meet you back here in 30. I need to shower really quick and change," Naruto said pulling on his shirt a little.
"Ok, see you in 30," Neji said as he watched Naruto walk away.
Now Naruto was another problem for Neji. Though he had never made any advances towards Naruto, he didn't really reject him either. He felt he and Naruto had become close during his time there and be was happy for that.
The entire Uzumaki crew was amazing. They were a group of equally unique and kind people. Neji had learned that Naruto was the only biological child of Kushina and Minato. Iruka and Tenten were adopted before he was born. Kushina told him that Naruto was her miracle baby since she was told she couldn't have children.
The twins were a last minute addition to the family. They were abandoned and Minato took an instant liking to them. So the family fostered then for two years before they were officially adopted into the family.
There was so much love in their family. Neji envied that about Naruto. It showed that they did a good job raising him. Naruto was amazing and so were all the other's. Even that perverted Pop pop, who asked Neji to call him Daddy for some odd reason, was a good man.
Neji turned the shower and decided he would freshen up too. It wasn't often he and Naruto did something alone together. Neji blushed, he was little more excited about going driving with Naruto than he should have been. Neji quickly undressed and stepped under the running water.
In Naruto's Room...
Naruto stood in the mirror and towel dried his hair. He looked at himself and sighed. He was getting way too caught up with Neji. He had an agreement with Sasuke. He gave him his word he wouldn't lay a finger on Neji, and yet he couldn't keep his hands off the petite man. Though he hadn't made any sexual advances towards Neji, he did let his touch linger a little longer than necessary.
It had been about a month since the last time Sasuke contacted him concerning Neji. In the beginning he would call every other day, then it decreased to once a week, and the calls just eventually stopped coming. Not that he minded. He was hoping Sasuke would release his hold on Neji so that he could move on. Sure, it was more for his own personal reasons, but he still felt like Neji should have a choice in the matter.
But when Naruto really thought about it. Was he any better than Sasuke for Neji? He was keeping a secret from him that would change their relationship completely. How would Neji feel if he found out that he knew who Neji was and what he was to Sasuke? How would he feel if he knew their meeting wasn't just by chance, but Sasuke calling him to pick him up?
Naruto didn't like to lie, because once you told one lie you had to keep lying to cover pervious lies. Maybe he could explain things to Neji and he would understand. It wasn't right keeping it from him. He would just have to deal with Sasuke later. Neji was the one truly being hurt in all this. It really didn't help that Naruto felt an instant attraction towards Neji and it has only grown since he's gotten to really know him.
"I'm so screwed."
Main Lobby. . . . . . . . . .
Neji stood by the door. He decided to wear something a little more causal than he usually wears. Since this was sort of like a date. At least it was in his mind. Neji wasn't blind or oblivious to the fact that there was something between him and Naruto. He's just not sure how he should go about it or even if he should or not. Because no matter how much he wanted to become closer to Naruto, there was always Sasuke in the back of his mind holding him back.
"Hey, you ready?"
Neji turned to see Naruto standing there wearing a white t-shirt and fitted jeans. Neji couldn't help but blush. Naruto could wear anything and look good.
"Yeah."
Naruto put his arm around Neji's shoulder and they walked out of the building together. They approached Naruto's blue Nissan. The strange thing was that Naruto opened the driver's side...for Neji.
"Uh...you know I can't drive right...?" Neji asked with nervous laugh. "I mean I've never even sat in the driver's seat before."
Naruto laughed. "Of course I know that. Won't you let me teach you?"
Neji looked at Naruto for a long time then narrowed his eyes at him. "Is this some kind of joke?"
Naruto just smile. "I thought this would be...fun you know. Maybe we could eat out somewhere afterwards."
Neji smiled and sat in the driver's seat. "Ok, you asked for it," Neji said putting on his seat belt. Neji watched as Naruto got in on the passenger side.
"Ok start the car. All you have to do is insert the key and turn it," Naruto instructed handing Neji the keys. "Make sure all the mirrors are set where you can see behind you and on the sides of you."
Neji looked around confused as to how exactly to fix the mirrors. "Where exactly is that button?" Neji asked.
Naruto had to hold back his laugh. "Right here..." Naruto said pointing to the switch. "Now you'll need to put your foot on the break before you change the gear from park to drive."
Neji listened carefully and did exactly as Naruto told him. He had to admit he was a bit nervous. No one had ever offered to teach him how to drive. Though he was nervous he was really excited as well.
"Now what?"
Naruto leaned over a little towards Neji. "You're going to ease off the break. When you do the car is going to start moving and you will need to move your foot from the break to the gas...Gently now"
Naruto smiled at the look of concentration on Neji's face. Neji quickly move from the break to gas and pressed it a lot harder than Naruto was prepared for. Naruto found himself pressed back into the seat.
"Hey...you want...to slow down," Naruto asked as his gripped tighten on the door.
Neji turned towards Naruto and smile. Driving was easy, he thought to himself as he turned a corner. " Am I not driving the speed limit?"
"Are you serious?" Naruto asked as he and Neji both bounced up and down. For some reason it seemed like Neji hit every pot hole and bump in the road. He didn't realize the streets were so bad.
Neji slammed on the breaks at a stop sign. They both shot forward. Naruto was happy they had their seatbelts on.
"Maybe I shou-" Before Naruto could finish his sentence Neji sped off, doing what Naruto thought was a two wheel right turn. He was going to die. Naruto just had to accept the fact that he wasn't going to make it back to the Inn.
"Neji...Stop! Stop, before you -" Naruto words died on his lips. it was too late. They were currently stuck now. Neji had turned into a parking lot for some odd reason.
Naruto's car was currently sitting over a divider in the parking space on top of a handicap sign.
"Sorry...I thought I could do it..." Naruto heard Neji say softly. Naruto just sighed. At least he was still alive and the fact that he wasn't mad about the car and was just simply happy he was still alive said a lot about Neji's driving.
Neji jumped when he heard Naruto laugh, and he mean Naruto laughed hard. When Neji really thought about it, it was kind of funny...He laughed as well.
"We...almost died," Naruto said between laughs.
"I wouldn't say we almost died, but it was quite a ride no?"
They both laughed again. "You are the worst driver...ever," Naruto said smiling at Neji.
"I'll pay for the damages."
Naruto ran his hand through Neji's hair and smiled when the other man looked at him. "It's fine really. I'll take care of it."
Neji just nodded as he and Naruto exited the car. Neji walked so that he stood next Naruto who just took his phone out. He thought Naruto was about to call someone, but he heard a click sound.
"Did you just take a picture?" Neji asked.
"Yeah, I did...could you move little that way." Naruto backed up a little and Neji folded his arms. What was he doing?
Another click and flash. Neji stared wide eyes. Did Naruto just take a picture of him with the car.
"This one will be good for the picture book," Naruto said as Neji stomped towards him.
"What does that mean? There is no way you're showing that to anyone," Neji said reaching for Naruto's phone.
"Let's make a deal...if you can reach it, I'll delete the picture," Naruto offered.
"Deal," Neji said, but instantly regretted it when he saw Naruto raise the phone in the air above his head. There was no way he was going to be able to reach it.
"Well what are you waiting for?" Naruto taunted.
Neji took off his jacket and placed it on the car. He was going to at least try to take the phone. He backed a little and ran towards Naruto. In his mind if he gave himself a little running start he could pick up enough momentum to jump higher.
Naruto stood at over six feet, while he was only barely 5'6 on a good day.
Neji took a deep breath and took off full speed...but he soon learned that was mistake.
Naruto braced himself when he saw Neji running towards. He didn't expect him to run and jump so when Neji tripped and fell right into him he was glad he braced himself.
Neji felt himself falling and Instantly regretting running. He felt his body hits Naruto and at the same time Naruto's body shift backwards. He thought for sure they were going to hit the ground...
Naruto wrapped his free arm around Neji and stepped back so keep himself and Neji from falling. He heard Neji make a sound as he pulled the shorter male tight against him.
Neji held on as Naruto kept them balanced. "That wasn't my brightest idea..." Neji felt Naruto's body shake with laughter at his statement. He couldn't help but laugh as well.
"Yeah probably not...I guess I'm keeping the picture huh?"
Neji looked up at Naruto with a pout. "No fair..."
Naruto smiled down at Neji. " How about this...We take a selfie of both of us with the car?"
Neji blushed little but agreed. At least he wouldn't be the only one in the picture. They turned so that their backs where to the car. Naruto held up his phone trying to get the right angle. He put his arm back around Neji and pulled him close.
"Let's make silly faces, Ok.." Naruto said sticking his tongue out and crossing his eyes. Neji was about to make one when laughed out loud at Naruto's face. Naruto took the picture. They both looked down at the phone at the picture. Neji smiled when he saw it. Naruto was making a silly face and he was caught with his eyes closed laughing.
"I like it," Naruto said.
"Yeah, send it to me," Neji replied.
Naruto sent the picture right away. "Now I need to call us a ride."
Back at the Inn. . . . . .
Naruto and Neji laughed as the entered the building with their milkshakes in hand. Naruto called a buddy of his name Kiba to help with the car. Naruto would have his car back in two days. Even though Naruto said it was ok, Neji still felt bad about wrecking the car.
After walking up the stairs, they kind of stood there since their rooms were on opposite ends of the hall. Neji reached out and grabbed Naruto's hand. "I had a really good time tonight...you know...considering..."
They both shared a laugh. "Me too, we should do it again soon...well not the wrecking the car part."
Neji saw Naruto step closer to him. " I'd like that. I wouldn't want to almost kill you again."
Naruto's hand was now on Neji cheek and Neji leaned into his touch. They looked into each other's eyes. Neji could tell that Naruto was hesitant. Neji stepped so that their bodies were touching. He wrapped his arms around Naruto's mid section hugging him close.
Naruto wrapped one of his arms around Neji's shoulder and hugged him back. He leaned down and kissed the top of Neji's head. This was wrong to be this close with Neji and Naruto knew that, but at that moment he didn't care about that or Sasuke for that matter.
Neji stood on his tip toes and placed a soft kiss on Naruto's lips. He smiled when he saw the blonde blush in return. "I'll see you in the morning," was all Neji said before he turned and walked away from him.
In Neji's Room. . . . . . . . . .
Neji happily entered his room. He had the best day he'd ever had. He couldn't remember ever laughing as much as he did tonight. He smiled and touched his lips. He wasn't sure if it was the best idea to kiss Naruto or not, but why not try?
Naruto say his cup down and took off his jacket. Hanging it on one if the hooks by his closet. He was just about to turn the TV on when there was a knock at the door. Neji blushed. The thought of Naruto wanting to continue made his face hot.
Neji quickly walked to the door swinging it open only to be met with black, and not the blue eyes he were expecting.
"Not who you were expecting?"
Neji was at a lost for words. "What are you doing?...How...how did you know...where to find me...?" Neji asked confused.
"Why don't you invite your brother in?" Itachi asked pushing the door open so he could enter.
Neji stepped aside to allow Itachi to enter his room. Itachi was last person he expected to see at his door. Neji wondered what he wanted. Could something have happened to Sasuke. Neji joined Itachi who was already sitting at the small table.
"You seem well..."
Neji nodded. He didn't know if he should be scared or what in Itachi's presence. Itachi was the only person he knew scarier than Sasuke.
"I am...why are you here?"
Neji felt he might as well just see what the elder Uchiha brother wanted. He saw Itachi relax in his chair more.
"Do I need a reason to come see you?"
"If you're here, you have a reason. I know you're not very fond of me..." Neji answered softly.
"What's your relationship with Naruto?"
Neji look surprised. Did he see him and Naruto? They were technically friends, but would Itachi believe him of he saw them kiss in the hall. Neji was starting to become very nervous now. Would Itachi hurt Naruto?
"We're friends," Neji said firmly.
Itachi raised his brow at Neji. "I didn't realize you kissed your friends on the mouth. You two seemed very intimate."
Neji frowned a little. "Just tell me what you want... and please...just leave Naruto out of it."
Itachi chuckled. "I could give two shits about Naruto, my only concern right now is you. How long do you plan to stay here playing house?"
Neji made the mistake of looking Itachi in his eyes. He felt as if his heart was going to beat out of his chest. If Itachi knew he was here...that meant Sasuke did as well, so why is Itachi the one sitting in front of him instead of Sasuke? And what does he mean playing house? Have the brothers known the entire time where he was?
There were so many unanswered questions and Neji knew Itachi wouldn't answer for him. "I'm not playing house here...this is where I'm starting my new life."
Neji jumped immediately as Itachi's hand hit the table. Itachi fixed his eyes on Neji and Neji struggled to hold his gaze.
" You are a Madam of the Uchiha house! I don't give damn about you wanting to start over. You knew what you were signing up for when you married my brother."
Neji was afraid now. Itachi's voice had completely changed. His whole aurora around him changed.
"If you want out fine...then leave you fucking coward. A spineless whimp like you who can't even stand behind us let alone beside us."
Neji was shaking now. It was taking everything in him not to cry. It seemed like everything Itachi said cut him. Spineless coward...was that really what they thought of him?
"Now I don't give fuck about what happens to you but Sasuke does and I care about Sasuke. So if you want out. Have a little respect and tell him yourself."
Neji let his tears he'd been holding back fall. Why did Itachi have to show up there? He was finally happy. He thought he could lock away all those unhappy memories. He loved Sasuke, but he didn't think he was good for Sasuke.
"Wipe your fucking face Madam... I better see you at the house tomorrow by noon..."
Itachi gave Neji another look before he exited the room. Neji let his face fall in his hands. He truly was useless to the Uchiha brothers. He couldn't even be a good wife to Sasuke.
In the Hall. . . . . . . .
As Itachi was about to walk down the steps he ran into Naruto. Naruto eyes widen just a little at seeing the oldest Uchiha brother.
"Uh. ..what are you doing here..?"
Itachi kept his face blank. "I came to request an audience with the Madam..." Though Itachi knew it was clearly a demand, but Naruto didn't need to know that.
" Madam..? Is Neji leaving with you?" Naruto asked worried. He would be heart broken if Neji left with Itachi.
"Why is that any of your concern? Your job was to watch over him...was it not?" Itachi asked narrowing his eyes.
Naruto took a stop back from Itachi. What did he know? Naruto wondered. "I have been taking care of him...what about Sasuke? What has he done?" Naruto asked a little angry.
Itachi just looked at him. It was clear. Naruto had crossed the line...but he would leave that for Sasuke to deal with. "Why don't you ask him yourself since you seem to care deeply about this whole thing."
Naruto didn't say anything. He just watched Itachi's back as he walked down the steps. Things were happening faster than he expected. He was sure Itachi told Neji about him...
Naruto slowly approached Neji's door to see it wasn't closed all the way and he could hear soft crying inside. Naruto frown, what had Itachi done to him...and why was Itachi there instead of Sasuke?
Naruto opened the door to see Neji with his head laid in the table and his body trembling as he cried. Seeing Neji like that made his heart hurt. He walked over a place his hand on Neji's head.
Neji lifted his head to see Naruto's smiling face. He didn't waste anytime throwing himself into Naruto open arms. Neji let himself cry...He felt so safe in Naruto's arms. Neji felt Naruto lay his head on top of his and sighed. Standing there with Naruto felt right. Neji could have stayed in the embraced forever.
Neji knew Naruto needed to know who he really was. He trusted Naruto and it was time to come clean about everything. He waited long enough to build up the courage to and he was tired of keeping it a secret. He cared deeply for Naruto and the first step to resolving passed issues and progressing forward was telling Naruto the truth.
Neji pulled back a little and looked at Naruto who offered him a small smile. Neji wiped his eyes. It was now or never. "Naruto we need to talk...would you...uh...please join me on the couch?" Neji was bit nervous.
They both moved to sit on the small couch in the room so that they were facing one another. Naruto wasn't sure what Neji had to tell him. The only thing he did know was that he would be heart broken if Neji was going to tell him he was going back to Sasuke.
Neji cleared his throat. "I uh...I just...It's just that I wasn't completely honest with you when you picked me up from the Uchiha district that night."
"Ok..." Naruto replied not really knowing what to say.
"How much do you know about the Uchiha brothers?" Neji asked. He wanted to see what Naruto actually knew about the Uchihas.
"I uh, I actually do know who they are. I just passed Itachi on the way to your room?" Naruto answered. Since Neji was opening up to him he was going to answer any and all questions he asked truthfully.
"Ok, well he came here for me," Neji looked down at his hands.
"Yeah, I kind of figure he was here for you," Naruto said scratching the back of his head nervously.
Neji sat up straight. He was finally going to tell Naruto everything. "I met Sasuke, the younger brother when I was 17. I found him pretty roughed up and I assumed he was a run away like myself. Sasuke stayed with me for almost three months before it was revealed to me who he really was...we were pretty much inseparable by then."
"You've known them that long huh?" Naruto asked. He never knew Neji was the one Sasuke met all those years ago.
Neji smiled thinking. "He was...No is such strong person. He is by far the most interesting man I know. Were married exactly a week after his 18th birthday." Neji laughed a little at the memory. He didn't hate Sasuke. He couldn't. Sasuke was good to him, cared for him, maybe in his own Uchiha way even loved him.
"I know all this must seem a bit much...Me and Sasuke..as strange as it sounds, Sasuke was good to me. He was different with me. But there are two parts to him...I knew as kind as he was to me, he was merciless to others." Neji said. looking at Naruto.
No, he didn't find Sasuke being with Neji odd at all. When he thought about it, Neji was Sasuke's type and of course his a well. What did surprise is how long the two had been together and the fact that they were married. So when Itachi mention he was visiting the 'Madam' he was serious. Neji was the Uchiha Madam. He knew first hand
"I guess I am a little shocked the two of you were...well are married, but I'm not surprised he liked you," Naruto said not really being able to hide the disappointment in his voice.
Neji took Naruto's hand in his, holding in tight. "I want you to know that I care for you deeply Naruto. You hold a special place in my heart that no one will ever be able to replace. I just want you to know...whatever happens you'd be my first choice..'" Neji finished with a blush. He wasn't sure if he should have 'confessed' to Naruto or not, but he wanted to get everything out in the open. Now Naruto could decide for himself if he wanted to get involved or not.
Naruto felt his face heat up at Neji's words. He had to tell Neji the truth. It was only right since Neji opened himself completely to him. "Neji there is something I need to tell you about the night I picked you up..."
"You can tell me anything," Neji said giving Naruto and encouraging smile.
"Well, I wasn't completely honest about the reason I was there that night," Naruto started.
A million things went through Neji's mind. Was Naruto forced there...then he realized something. "Naruto do you owe them money?" Neji asked with a serious expression on his face.
"What? No, I don't -"
Neji placed his hands on Naruto's shoulders. "Did a collector force you there? Don't worry I can make this go away." Neji was worried now. He could remember when someone didn't pay their debts on time. That man's leg was broken. He didn't want any harm to come to Naruto. Neji thought Sasuke would at least hear him out on the issue.
"Neji no! I don't owe them money and no! Their collectors didn't force me there...ok?" Naruto tried to assure Neji that it wasn't anything like that. He would never take a loan from someone like Itachi or Sasuke.
"I'm confused then...no one just randomly goes there.." Neji really was confused. If Naruto didn't have any debt owed to the Uchihas and he wasn't forced there, why was he there? It was clear now that him dropping off something a customer left behind was a complete lie. Why didn't he think about that earlier. There was no way someone from the Uchiha district would stay at Naruto's Inn...no offense. What was Naruto hiding.
"I've known both Sasuke and Itachi since I was a child. Sasuke and I played soccer together on an all-star team. I guess since we were compete opposites...we kind of became friends..."
Naruto saw Neji back away from him a little. He instantly regretted telling Neji anything, but it was too late to turn back now. "Sasuke would occasionally contact me...I mean we even do a guys trip every year...He never mentioned you though until that night. The night I picked you up, Sasuke called me and asked me to look after you."
Neji stood to his feet looking down at Naruto who was still sitting on the couch. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sasuke sent Naruto to get him and asked him to take care of him? All this time he thought Sasuke didn't care. He thought Sasuke left him to fend for himself with just the clothes on his back...but that doesn't seem to be the case.
"Listen Neji...I'm sorry I didn't say anything before now. It started as a favor for an old friend, but then I got to know you and-"
"No! No you don't. Don't you tell me that Naruto!" Neji was hurt. He looked into those beautiful blue eyes he'd come to love. Those caring and kind eyes. Neji shook his head. He could admit he hid something from him as well, but it was almost understandable on his part. Who in their right mind would parade around bragging about being Madam Uchiha?
Naruto stood to his feet. He reached out for Neji. He was little relieved when Neji didn't move away from his touch. He didn't mean to hurt Neji. He could have told Neji at anytime his connection to Sasuke. It wasn't like Sasuke told him not to, he just chose not too. He thought it would be better for Neji if there was no mentioning of Sasuke.
"I'm sorry Neji..." Naruto said softly. He truly was. He would never hurt Neji on purpose. This was why he hated lying. He should have just told Neji the truth from the beginning.
Neji was still in shock. Sasuke sent Naruto? Sasuke knowing someone like Naruto was what surprised him the most. Neji jumped a little when he felt himself being pulled into Naruto's chest. He felt betrayed...It made sense now that Itachi knew where he was. That meant Sasuke knew as well and didn't come to get him. He didn't know who he more angry with...Naruto or Sasuke?
He was angry with Naruto for not just telling him Sasuke sent him. Neji honestly believed he probably still would have liked Naruto all the same. It was hard not to like him, but Neji wasn't sure anymore. Just mere minutes ago he told Naruto he was his first choice...now he wasn't so sure. He was angry at Sasuke for not coming after him. Why did Sasuke just leave him here? Though his time here was an experience he is grateful for, he would have rather been with Sasuke in the beginning.
He was torn between the man he always loved and the holding him close..
A/N: You guys have no idea how many times I had to write this. I mean it was like someone was against me getting this chapter done. I literally had to write one section like ten times because it wasn't saving. But like I promised I got the chapter out on Friday! Its a bit late, but better late than never. This little mini series is pretty long and I have enjoyed writing in so far and I hope you guys are enjoying it.
Next chapter will be out soon! I shooting fro Friday again because I will be working on something else at the same time.
As always thanks for reading and please excuse all mistakes...Sorry in advance if there were a lot.
_SasuNejiUchiha_