A talk with Hiashi

Tenten and I wandered the streets of Konoha, she was looking for a place to eat, while I was mesmerized with her. Though I'm considered a genius, I know that I'm an idiot. An idiot for going through with the unfair traditions of the Hyuuga clan. An idiot for not telling her what I truly feel.

The Human Icecube, Hyuuga Neji, head over heels for his sparring partner. That doesn't sound right. But it's so true.

"Neji? What are you staring at? Do I have anything on my face?!" she said with a small panic in her voice.

"Erm, nothing, it was nothing. So have you found a suitable place for dinner?" I said, trying to save my last remaining piece of dignity.

"Well, uh I haven't really been paying attention, so yeah." she scratched the back of her head and let out an embarrassed giggle.

"Well, we can go to the manor. I think they still have some leftovers from the ceremony" I offered.

She made this face resembling that of a anxious newborn dog."Really? Let's go!" She grabbed my arm and ran towards the manor giggling like an idiot, I managed to let out a small chuckle.

We finally got to the manor. I see two dishes set on the table. I guess Hinata saw us coming. "Wow, Neji! It looks fantastic. Let's dig in!

Itadakimasu!" She picked up her chop-sticks and ate like there was no tomorrow. She had no manners whatsoever, she looked so carefree. I wish I was that free and didn't have to maintain my 'dignity'.

"Itadakimatsu." I said quietly while silently picking at a piece of onigiri.

Five Minutes Later.

"That was one of the best meals ever!" she exclaimed while she patted her stomach and let out a little burp. "'Scuze me!"

"..." I let out another small chuckle. "It looked like you haven't had a decent meal in years."

"Hey! Shut-up! It's not everyday that I get to eat such yummy food!!" she said as she hit me on the arm playfully.

She looked at the clock on the wall, it read 9:52, well I gotta go. Thanks again for the food. It was delish! Bye bye" Tenten said as she left. I had a small smile on my face.

"Neji, was that Tenten that just left?" a familiar stern voice said.

Neji turned around and bowed at his uncle. "Yes it was. What is the problem, Hinata brings her teammates for a friendly dinner all the time."

"Yes, but Hinata is already betrothed and betrothed to one of the most richest and most noble man in continent and the future Rokudaime Hokage, Namikaze Naruto. While you are still a single bachelor, a popular one at that."

"Hiashi-sama, what are you implying?"

"I am implying that since you are eighteen, it is time for you to be married. The list is quite long, many of the woman from a noble family and has great riches, such as Koyamura Sayomi, she is from a rich and well-known family, has the ability to mold chakra, is well read, intelligent and quite the looker."

"Hiashi-sama, with all due respect. I think that I can choose my own wife."

"You're the heir of the Hyuuga clan, I will not let you embarrassed the clan by staying single nor by marrying a commoner. That Tenten girl. She has no wealth, she doesn't even have a last name."

"Hiashi-sama, how would you ever come up with the idea that I would have any mutual interest in my teammate?" my voice began to raise, this definitely was a touchy subject for me.

"Don't question me, boy. Do you think that I'm a fool that I can't even tell that you are in love with that girl?!"

"That girl's name is Tenten."

He sighed, "Neji, you are like my own son. Even as much as I love you, you must respect the clan tradition's."

"Hiashi-sama, I understand, just let me think about the situation."

"Ok, here's the list, go through it. Goodnight Neji."

"Goodnight uncle." I swore I saw a small grin on Hiashi's face that was quickly replaced with the usual scowl as he left.

Neji, finally let his body relax, and went to his room leaving the list on the dining table.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Authoress' Notes: Another short chapter, I know. I know I said this before but I'll try to write longer next time.

Until Next Time

Ja Ne!