Ren Note (6/14/2015) : I believe this chapter should now be a smoother read. Fingers crossed, anyway. I threw in the disclaimer and I added a little more to the story but nothing that would mean anyone missed anything the first time it was read through. It's taking me a lot longer to update these chapters than I thought it would. I guess the other stuff I'm writing is taking control... well that and real life chaos (I seem to be having a lot of that this year). I hope you are all well and would love to hear from you.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, it's characters, or it's places. I do own Ren Hyuga/Hyogo because she is my OC and I have used her for over 8 years. Mayuri and Hideki Hyogo/Hyuga are also mine and were created for the soul purpose of Ren's back story. Ko Sato is also an OC of mine, recently created, just like Akihiko. There are a great deal of OCs in my writing... if you cannot tell. This is for entertainment only. All rights to Naruto and everything involving Naruto belong to Kishimoto-sama
Chapter Two:
No one had said anything, including Ren and Neji, about the way everyone woke up the next morning. Ko had been the one to find Ren and Neji asleep spooning on the floor of Ren's temporary room. He had a tight hold on her and his nose was buried into her hair. They had both been fully clothed but the sake bottles that littered the floor had aroused suspicion from the daimyo's daughter. She didn't questioned them though and Neji said nothing to Ren nor did she to him. Everyone except Shino woke up with a hangover. Ren had spent a short amount of time soothing the throbbing pain in Naruto and Neji's heads; she hadn't let her eyes meet Neji's the whole time she was healing him. The air around them was very awkward. She hadn't bothered to take any longer to sooth her own hangover, instead she did so on the move. They all could agree how unprofessional they had been and swore off drinking on missions, even during down time.
"The shinobi I've been keeping an eye on are up ahead about 5 kilometers; there's at least 15 of them," Neji called over his shoulder. Ko, the woman they were to protect, paled considerably. Her gold tinted amber eyes widened with fear. They had been using hand signs to discuss it before then so it came as a shock to their 'client'.
"Don't worry," Ren said from Ko's left, "We'll handle it. Just make sure you stay with Shino and I at all times. We've already learned how you feel about insects but they're going to protect you." Her voice was calming, gentle. No one felt the need to bring up Ko screaming when she saw a kikaichu land on Shino's face; mentioning that she didn't like them was more than enough of a reminder. Ko nodded and her long auburn hair brushed into her face. She pushed it back behind her ears and kept her eyes ahead. It was clear that she was still very nervous; the princess' hands were shaking. No one could blame her for it; they were all on edge as well.
"Are we sure they are enemies? Maybe we should find a way around," Naruto suggested as he looked around Ko to stare at Ren. He always loved a good battle but as he got older he had come to appreciate avoiding conflict.
"We're a little close to decide to avoid them now; they probably already know we're coming up on them. Friend or foe, we'll find out soon enough. Let's find out what they want and go from there. If they engage in battle I want you to use your shadow clones, Naruto. Leave two with Ko and I. Shino will stick close to Ko and I as well. Neji if you think you can handle it, go for the leader and take down anyone who stands in your way; Naruto and Shino will give support. Usually when the leader is taken down the rest will scurry away."
"So I am to guard you and Ko and stand back mostly while they battle," Shino asked.
"Sort of. I need to be able to focus on being able to heal anyone that needs it as well as protect Ko. Shino you're going to be my shield of sorts and I'll have your back. That is vital. I was once on an escort mission where we were all so involved in the battle and they got the upper hand. I do not wish for a repeat performance," Ren stated. Ko stared at Ren for a few seconds in horror then turned her attention to Naruto for comfort. Ren threw in quietly, "That was the first mission I failed as a chunin." The only people who heard here were Shino and Neji; that was only because they had been listening hard enough.
Shino gave her a brisk nod. He understood completely and would follow her lead without further question. Neji scoffed, "If you hesitate you'll get us all killed. Don't let the past dictate your present and future."
"This coming from the man who believes so highly in fate," Ren murmured under her breath.
"What did you say," Neji asked as he glanced back at her from his position in the front; he hadn't needed to turn to see her, his byakugan was active, but he hoped the glare he shot her would be intimidating. He truly hadn't been able to understand what she said but he knew he didn't like her tone at all.
"Leave her alone, Neji," Naruto came to her rescue. He didn't hear what was said either but he knew Neji was getting angry. An angry Neji did not make for a good teammate in battle.
'Trust the ex-village-idiot-turned-war-hero to keep wanting to play the her,' Neji scoffed internally.
"We don't have time for this," Ren told them sternly. She knew they needed to move past it and focus on what lay ahead.
The group was nearly upon the potential enemy nin so they slowed their pace. Naruto made 15 shadow clones while Neji searched the area with his byakugan for traps and enemies. "There are none in this immediate area around us," he informed the group.
"Ko, make sure you stay in the center with me. We will be falling back slightly as soon as we know what is really going on. Naruto and Neji be on your guard for attacks from above and below; they're just up ahead. We proceed with the utmost caution but, Naruto, I want you to hit them heavy if need be. They all seem to be melee types and they can't be more than chunin rank," Ren said with her byakugan active. Her radius was nothing like Neji's; it was only 500 meters. She was no prodigy but she could use it and she was able to use a few gentle fist techniques (only because of Hinata teaching them to her). When it came to being a Hyuga she wasn't anything special. Being a branch member limited her greatly in her clan's abilities; she had had to develop her strengths elsewhere.
"Would you stop that," Neji scowled as he stared at Ren. She had been using her own byakugan ever since the enemies came into her range and his annoyance had been building up. "Do you not trust that I am able to count and evaluate them," Neji questioned.
"It's not that and you know it, Neji," Ren told him as she glared at him, "Two pairs of eyes are better than one. You may catch something I could miss or vice versa. Do you seriously believe Kakashi-dono would have put two byakugan wielders on a team simply because one is a medic? He felt the mission required two pair of byakugan. By all definition, I'm supposed to evade and let you three handle the battle; that means that I can keep my eyes on everything while you're focused on your opponents." Ren was smirking ever so slightly and Neji wondered what was going on in her head.
Two of Naruto's clones stood with their backs to Ko, Shino moved to his position on the other side of Ko. The bug user knew he needed to defuse the situation quickly. He would give them a push along and hopefully the Hyuga dispute would be forgotten. "We need to be careful," Shino told the group, "I've sent kikaichu ahead. The one to return believes them hostile."
Ren nodded to Shino; she didn't need to speak for him to know she was thanking him for his support. "We'll proceed with the utmost caution," she said softly with a weak smile. She wasn't sure how this situation was going to go and she prayed this would not be history repeating itself; she always tried to learn from her mistakes.
Three shinobi dropped down from a tree ten meters away from the Leaf ninja. "They could have ambushed us," Shino stated while shaking his head, "Clearly they are not good with strategies."
Ren and Neji both had their byakugans active and were looking all around them. There were 15 enemies in total and ten were to the left and right of the group in an attempt to cage them in. A barrage of kunai flew towards the group from all four directions in a well synchronized attack. Neji gathered his chakra and began his rotation. "Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation," He shouted.
Ren was forming hand signs: Tiger-Snake-Rat-Snake-Tiger. She inhaled deeply, "Water Style: Water Wall," She shouted before water flowed from her mouth creating a tall, raging wall of water that blocked all kunai from around them. Shino at the same time extended his arms to send kikaichu into the air above them to block any stray weapons.
"Just leave it to us now," Naruto said with a grin as soon as Ren's Water Wall stopped. The ground around them was now soaked so they had to focus chakra to their feet to keep from sinking into the mud once Naruto and his clones left the dry area his comrades were standing in. Neji growled and followed Naruto's example; the jinchuriki was always so impatient!
Neji was immediately locked in a taijutsu battle with one man while Naruto was throwing around jutsu like crazy. Shino was using his bugs as a defensive barrier around Ko and Ren. Neji could see Ren making hand signs from within the bug dome but he could not focus on her long. His opponent charged straight at him. "You've left yourself so open. You won't be much of a challenge," the Leaf jonin thought to himself. Neji twisted his body to avoid the punch that was aimed right at his chest. As he turned he raised his leg; connecting a chakra enhanced kick with the man's side which sent him skidding away. "Who are you and what do you want," Neji asked coldly. His byakugan eyes narrowed into a fierce glare as he got into his gentle fist kata.
"Heh," The man grunted out with a smirk as he too returned to his fighting stance. He charged at Neji again and faked a kick to his legs while throwing a punch towards the Hyuga's chin. Neji successfully dodged the kick and grabbed them man's hand. "That marriage is going to be the downfall of the Nakahara Clan! We will not stand by and let that happen," The man spat out as he threw a punch with his free hand.
Neji grabbed his fist before it connected and focused chakra into his hands, sending needle-like bursts of his own chakra into his opponent's hands. The man screamed in agony and pulled his hands away. "You will now be unable to control your hands. I have blocked the chakra points within them and hand signs are now impossible. You will be lucky to make a fist," Neji stated coolly. It didn't take him long after that to take the man down. The Hyuga male didn't care about the Nakahara clan; to his knowledge the marriage between lands shouldn't have effected them at all. 'Idiots, sticking their noses where they don't belong,' Neji berated them inside his head. Behind him, Shino was engaged in a battle of his own. Shino and Naruto were both distracted with enemies. Ren and the two Naruto clones were doing their best to hold off any that got too close to Ko.
Neji had heard battling all around him. He tried to focus on what he had to do; he couldn't figure out who was leading these idiots, though. He, Shino, and Naruto's clones had cut their numbers down to seven. Seven men were still standing and he couldn't tell which the leader was. He was met by a man with a devilish white grin that stood contrast to his tanned skin and black hair. He looked overly thrilled to see the Hyuga prodigy. Neji kept his face blank and unreadable; he wasn't afraid of this guy but the sinister look on his face was slightly unnerving.
The man wielded a giant great sword and Neji was more than aware of the fact he would have to disarm the man before he could get close enough to use his gentle fist. Neji had faced the Akatsuki; fought a war and died only to be revived half a day later. He wasn't going to let anyone cut him down again; one death was more than enough for the 19 year old and he refused to meet his end because of amateurs like this. He was determined to live his life then die of old age. He had obligations and responsibilities to himself, his clan, and his village. His enemy required two hands to swing his weapon, Neji observed, that would make it more difficult to disarm him. If Neji had sword of his own, this would be much easier.
Neji pulled out two kunai and gripped them tightly. No words were exchanged as the man charged and lifted the sword high above his head. It left him so open that Neji considered for a split second using Sixty-Four Palms. The idea was extinguished by how quickly the man brought the sword down. It was all Neji could do to lock it above his head with his kunai. He squeezed the kunai against the blade. The man tried to tug the blade from between them but Neji would not release it so easily. The man raised his foot to kick Neji but Neji twisted his body and blocked the kick with his thigh. The twisting motion was enough to pull the sword from the off-balanced man's hands with a great deal of effort on Neji's part. "This guy isn't even a chunin rank," Neji thought. The second the sword was free of the man's hands Neji dropped his kunai and lowered himself into his stance.
The green-glowing black and white YinYang formed below his feet and spread out into the eight trigrams. "Gentle Fist Art- Eight Trigrams: Sixty-Four Palms," Neji muttered as he began twirling his body in a graceful dance. He struck two of the man's chakra points, "Two palms," then four, "Four palms," then eight, "Eight palms! Sixteen palms! Thirty-two palms! Sixty-Four palms!" By the time Neji had finished his assault, which the man was too slow to avoid, the man was swaying. Neji thrust his palm towards the man's heart. "Eight Trigrams: Air Palm," He shouted. The man was blown back several feet into a tree that shattered like a mirror. Neji stood there sweating slightly, waiting for the man to get up; He never did.
Neji turned his attention to the rest of the battle. Shino, Naruto, and Naruto's three remaining clones had all but four of them down now; they still fought on. Ren had joined the battle at some point but still remained close to Ko. Neji could see blood on her neck, cheek, and right leg but ignored his sudden concern. He had no reason to care what happened to her. "She will find freedom in death when the time comes," Neji rationalized with himself. Neji watched as she assisted Naruto while Ko hid behind a clearly tired Shino. Her movements were graceful like every Hyuga's but her style was brutal and wild. She managed to keep their opponents busy while Naruto went into sage mode then formed a Rasenshuriken. "Now Ren," Naruto shouted from behind her.
"Right," Ren shouted as she leapt back away from the four men who she had just been distracting. They charged at her and she rushed through her hand signs. Naruto was holding his swirling wind-chakra shuriken above his head while waiting. Neji could only stand behind them and watch as small shards of ice filled the air around them. "Whirling Ice Storm," Ren and Naruto shouted as Naruto threw his Rasenshuriken in with her jutsu and a storm of ice flew towards and around their enemies. For their enemies it was like being sliced apart by glass-like ice and wind all at once. The rotation from the Rasenshuriken whirled Ren's ice shards around like sleet in a blizzard. Neji was forced to hold his arms up over his face to prevent being hit by the jutsu and Shino's insects shielded himself and Ko. When the storm stopped everything was silent. Neji looked up to see Naruto and Ren high-fiving. 'When were they able to create such a combination jutsu,' Neji pondered.
Ren's hands glowed a soft green as she mended the wound on her throat and listened to Naruto saying something. Neji figured they were fine and turned to check on Shino and Ko; they were both unharmed. He heard the sound of birds chirping before he could turn back to Ren and Naruto. "Naruto, behind you," Ren shouted. It was then that he turned and looked at her left hand. Sparks of electricity jumped from it, made up of her chakra. Neji watched as the last of their enemies got up and charged at Naruto's back in a half-hearted manner; the man was standing on sheer willpower. Naruto turned with a kunai in hand to block a blow from a katana. "Chidori," She shouted as she punched her lightning infused hand through the man's chest, carefully missing Naruto. Neji watched as the electricity traveled through the man's whole body. Naruto took a few steps back to avoid the shock. Ren was elbow deep in her enemy's chest with the current of Chidori still chirping within the air. She was panting and staring at the man's now lifeless eyes. Neji wasn't sure what he was seeing when he stared at her. She seemed void of emotion as she tore her arm from the corpse and released the jutsu. The body fell to the ground with a thud as she flung as much of his blood off her arm as she could.
Neji was unable to hide his shock. His mouth was agape and his white eyes wide. He looked over at Naruto who was just grinning from ear to ear like he hadn't been in danger at all. The jinchuriki stepped back over to Ren and patted her back lightly. "Way to go, Ren-chan. We really make a great team," Naruto praised her.
Neji scoffed suddenly. Only two people knew that move to his knowledge. How was she able to do it? Who ever heard of a Hyuga being able to use lightning anyway? There certainly were perks to spending so much time with Kakashi Hatake, it would seem. Ren Hyuga certainly was full of surprises. He schooled his features but his scowl remained. He noticed Ren was smiling at Naruto who was telling her what a great job she'd done. Her eyes drifted over to Neji's but they didn't stay connected long. He watched her eyes drop down to his lips and then her smile faded. She said something to Naruto then was rushing back towards Shino and Ko; she busied herself checking the princess for injuries.
Naruto walked up to him with a frown on his face and crossed his arms. "What's your problem? She did great! You're standing here looking like she had just got one of us killed. In case you missed it; we won! Are you jealous that she did so well or what," Naruto asked with a glare.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Neji said as he returned the jinchuriki's glare.
"Right. Of course you don't. Do you like her or hate her? I can't figure you out! You stare at her all the time when you can, which may be why she put you in the front now that I think about it," Naruto mused aloud while scratching his cheek. "Then when she notices you looking at her your face does that," Naruto said pointing to Neji's frown.
"She put me in the front because my Byakugan is superior," Neji stated. He didn't want to have to explain his hate for his cousin to Naruto. They were friends but the boy had no idea what it was like to grow up in the Hyuga clan.
"Yeah. You're so superior that you like to rub it in. All she wants is your approval, Neji. Don't you see that? Geez. For being a genius you sure are an idiot," Naruto scoffed before turning to run over to Ren, Shino, and Ko.
Neji shook his head; Ren Hyuga didn't give a damn what he thought, did she? Now he felt like a jerk. He sighed outwardly. She had been rather impressive but he just couldn't bring himself to be captivated, not by her. Why couldn't she be like Hinata-sama? He understood her. He rubbed the sweat from his face on his white sleeve, ignoring the blood on his clothing, and stared at his comrades. Ren was healing a wound on Shino's arm with the utmost care. Naruto was grinning like a fox and clearly complimenting her further. He didn't understand a single thing about his cousin.
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"You finally made it," A tan guard stated from his position at the door of the daimyo's palace. He looked at the group before him. The male who was covered from head to toe was limping while holding his side, the man with white eyes was battered and bruised, the blond with whisker markings looked worse for wear, the female with white eyes looked like she could collapse at any moment, and the woman they had been waiting for seemed untouched. He was pleased to see that. "I'll take you to the daimyo."
Neji was the only one to make a movement of acknowledgement. He nodded and the group followed the guard through the palace doors and down a hallway. Neji glanced at his comrades. He hoped he didn't look as bad as they did but he knew better. Everyone had given their all to protect Ko Sato. They had been attacked more times on this mission than he had ever imagined possible. People really did not want this marriage to happen. Without Ren's medical ninjutsu they would have been dead hours ago. Another healing session would have to wait until after she rested however. Neji just wanted to rest anyway.
They were brought into a room where a dark-skinned, middle-aged man with black hair, dark eyes, silver framed glasses, and dark facial hair sat at a large desk. He wore the customary headgear of the daimyo of the five great nations. "Welcome," the man said with a deep voice. Everyone bowed to him and the guard took his leave. "Judging by your appearance," the daimyo stated while taking in their bloodied clothes and bruised bodies, "It is clear that this was not an easy mission for you shinobi. I am pleased to see my future daughter-in-law is fine. I would ask for details but it does not matter to me; I did not hire you. My guards will take you all to your rooms now. I hope that it is fine that I have only three rooms prepared for the five of you. I was not expecting a female to be amongst Ko-hime's escorts." The man turned his attention to Ko, "You will be able to meet my son, Akihiko, in the morning. Rest well."
The group was escorted out of the room and Neji wondered if that was how all meetings with daimyos went. He surely hoped not. He knew that ninja were seen as dogs but they hadn't been asked a single question. He frowned at a sudden realization; someone would have to share a room with Ren. He didn't want to but the least disgraceful way to proceed with this would be for him to share a room with her, as her cousin. They were shown three doors right next to each other and informed that this would be their rooms. "Ko," Ren said looking at their client, "You will take the middle one. We need to work out the sleeping arrangements amongst ourselves for a moment. I'll come in and let you know who is where after we're done. Please go and try to relax as soon as someone examines the room."
"Thank you," Ko said softly. She smiled and opened the door to the middle room.
"I'll check it out," Shino grunted out. He stepped past Ko and inspected the room while everyone held their breaths waiting. "All clear," he muttered as he returned to the group.
"Rest well, Miss Ko," Naruto said with a bow.
"Thank you," Ko said again with a smile. She closed the door behind her.
Neji turned his attention to his comrades. He was about to open his mouth to say something but Naruto interrupted him. "I want to room with Ren-chan!"
"Absolutely not," Neji sneered.
"I will room with her," Shino stated bluntly, "I am the only one who can seem to keep his hands off her."
Ren covered her mouth to hide her giggle while she and Shino shared what Neji assumed was a look. Who could tell with Shino wearing those dark goggles? Her cheeks were tinted slightly pink and her smile made her white eyes sparkle. Neji glared at both Ren and Shino. Naruto's mouth was open in disbelief. Ren grabbed Shino's coat sleeve and pulled him towards the room to the right gently. Neji stared in disbelief too as the bug master allowed her to touch him. The two disappeared into the room. It wasn't until the door closed that both he and Naruto snapped out of it. "What was that about," Naruto asked.
"I have no idea," Neji muttered. He wanted to rip Shino's face off though. How dare Shino disgrace the Hyuga clan by sleeping in the same room as one of their female lesser branch members, never mind that Neji was lesser too? He frowned. What was up with that look that went on between Shino and Ren anyway?
"Let's go check out our room," Naruto suggested. He could feel the anger rolling off Neji. This situation was increasingly bad. Neji was so possessive over Ren but claimed to hate her. The jinchuriki just didn't get it.
Neji nodded and the two disappeared into their room to relax. Ren said she would be the one to inform Ko of the sleeping arrangements so Neji would allow her to do so; if she forgot because of Bug-boy that was on her.
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"My wedding is in less than a week," Ko said sadly as she and the Konohans sat in the girl's room. "He's nice to look at and seems to have a kind, interesting personality but I'm just not sure. Arranged marriages never end with love." Ko looked to Neji, her eyes full of hope and wonder, before asking, "How did you fall in love with Ren?"
Neji's fair face paled considerably. He didn't even have to look at Ren to know that she was in the same boat. What had even given this girl the idea they loved each other at all… other than spooning that one time?! They argued in front of her a lot. They down right hated each other. It was unspoken but they both knew it was there. "I do not love Ren. She is my cousin, nothing more," Neji informed Ko coolly.
"I saw you two cuddled together in my home and you both have the same last name... I thought that… oh dear. Please forgive me," Ko's cheeks tinted pink and she lowered her head.
"Neji was just doing what I asked," Shino stated.
Everyone looked at him in confusion. "Eh, Shino? What do you mean," Naruto asked while scratching his cheek.
Shino stiffened slightly because all eyes were on him and looked over at Ren. "She is to be my bride. I asked her cousin to make sure she would be alright after the amount of sake she had consumed. If you wish to ask anyone here how they fell in love with Ren, you should be asking me," Shino stated as if it were the truth. His face was towards Ko and as far as anyone knew he was holding her gaze.
Neji was suddenly angry. How dare Shino lie about something as important as marriage?! If Hiashi Hyuga found out he may very well go about making it a reality! Naruto was too shocked to say anything, no small feat when it came to the loud-mouthed jinchuriki.
"I've never seen the two of you act romantic or interested in each other the whole time I've been traveling with you. I mean, sure you did remind each other to be careful before every battle but that's it," Ko pointed out.
Shino frowned behind his collar and turned his attention to Ren. Her expression was completely blank like she was trying to wrap her head around the situation or perhaps prepare herself for something. "We are both very private people," Shino explained as he stared at Ren. She was staring at the ground, her cheeks slowly gaining a pink tint, and her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her top. Shino stepped closer to her and placed his hand on the small of Ren's back. She didn't tense up at all under his touch. "Ren," he whispered to get her attention. She looked up and pulled down the collar of his jacket to expose the lower half of his face. In one swift moment his lips were pressed against Ren's.
Ren's whole face went red and it took her a second but she wrapped her free arm around Shino's neck and kissed him back. Neji was fuming, Naruto's ears were practically smoking as his brain was frying, and Ko giggled a little and said, "Okay, okay, I believe you. I don't need to see tongue."
Shino and Ren held the kiss longer than needed. Neji was ready to launch himself at Shino. Yes he had gotten Ko off his back about Ren but now he had just watched them lock lips! It wasn't even chaste! It was like the bug master was truly wanting to stake his claims on Ren and she had let him! She didn't pull away; hell she had even pulled his collar down to encourage him. She had closed her eyes and seemed to forget that everyone else was around! As they separated he watched Shino whisper in Ren's ear. She was still blushing and nodded slightly.
Shino planted another kiss on Ren's lips and Ko swooned at their love. Naruto had to hold Neji back. The one kiss had been more than enough! "Don't do anything stupid, Neji," Naruto whispered to his friend. Neji relaxed slightly and Naruto let go. He would have to grin and bear it. He knew that. He hated it, but he knew it. He would definitely be telling Hiashi-sama about this though.
The two parted, mostly. Shino kept his hand on the small of Ren's back and Ren placed her arm around Shino's waist. It looked so believable that Neji nearly lost his composure. What was going on with him? This didn't feel like anger because she was disrespecting the Hyuga clan. It felt like a whole other form of rage that he hadn't felt in a long time. The last time he felt it was when Hinata was making a pitiful heir and he was excelling.
"To answer your question," Shino said after he cleared his throat. His collar was back up, hiding his face, which was a good thing because he was blushing as much as Ren was. "Ren and I became engaged through an arranged marriage. I am the heir to the Aburame clan and my father decided I should wed a woman from Neji's clan. Hiashi Hyuga named Ren as a potential bride and my father agreed. We are to be married in a few months' time and I hold no regrets in my father's choice. Ren is a kind and compassionate woman who can handle any situation thrown at her. I love her with all that I am and am aware that she feels the same."
Neji saw where this plan was going now. Shino was going to lie through his teeth to convince Ko to marry Akihiko. Neji was still furious but did his best to cover it up. "Yes," he forced the words, "They are very much in love and Shino knows her better than any of us." Naruto could only nod dumbly. He could come up with no words to help with the lie.
"That is very true. I believe her family doesn't even know about the lotus blossom tattoo she has just above her pelvic bone on the right side," Shino stated with his face towards Neji. It was a verbal punch to Neji's ego, a reminder that he doesn't know everything.
Neji was furious. "He had better be making that up," Neji thought. He looked at Ren's wide eyes which were staring up at Shino and he knew he wasn't. She had a tattoo. How did Shino know that? Neji had never seen it. He assumed that was because of how low on her abdomen that meant it was. Her pants and skirts probably covered it well enough. Had Shino seen his cousin without her pants? His rage was suddenly rising again and keeping his appearance aloof was becoming more difficult.
"We'd better let you get some sleep," Naruto called to Ko. He had to get Neji out of there. This would be really bad if he didn't.
Neji was snapped out of his anger momentarily enough to nod, bow, and leave the room. The other three followed after saying their goodnights. Ren and Shino were in their bedroom before Neji could ask for an explanation. Naruto practically dragged him into theirs.
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Neji hadn't slept well the night before. He was so angry at Ren and Shino that he had simply laid awake for hours fuming when he wasn't on guard duty. When he finally did fall asleep it was a light sleep without dreams. Naruto had woke him up enough to say that he and Shino had first watch over Ko while she was awake but then he drifted back into sleep. He woke up a few hours later to find that he had an hour to kill before he had to go take Naruto's place. This meant he had guard duty with Ren. He scoffed. He would have to get rid of his anger towards her before then. That was what lead him to standing outside her bedroom door, knocking like a maniac.
"I'm coming," Ren's soft voice called from somewhere behind the door. He stopped knocking and listened to the sound of her moving about the room. She opened the door with a kunai in her hand. "Yes?" Neji stared at her stoically. She was wearing the same outfit style she had been wearing since they left the village but her long hair was still disheveled from sleep.
"I need to talk to you," he said as he pushed past her to enter the bedroom. He stopped in front of the second bed and looked around. Both beds were made, Shino's things were on the one nearest the door and Ren's pack was on the ground at the foot of the bed. He turned to look at Ren who had closed the door, put away her kunai, and followed him back into the room with her arms wrapped around her ample chest as if giving herself a hug. He noticed she did that a lot, possibly when she felt exposed.
"What do you want to talk about," She asked meekly without looking up at him.
"What's going on with you and Shino," He questioned her while taking a step closer.
Ren raised her eyes and furrowed her brows. She dropped her arms to her sides. Her moment of exposure passed and was replaced with anger. "Are you really that dense? It's an act and it's working. Ko's trying a lot harder today with Akihiko. She wants to find love for her marriage. Shino and I just gave her a boost. It's not like you would have done that for her. Naruto wasn't an option either. He's been talking about Ino all the time. No way would she believe he and I were to be married. It was a hasty choice but I believe this is the easiest course of action. I'm doing what I have to for this mission's completion," Ren stated.
Neji laughed mirthlessly. He glared at her openly. He was so furious with her that it came out in his voice like venom, "You're being a disgrace to our clan."
"I never asked to be a part of this clan," She muttered and looked away. She wasn't backing down from him exactly; she was just trying to get away from the conversation.
"Like it or not, you are a Hyuga and you need to behave like one. You can't act so wonton," he continued to glare at her.
"Wonton," Ren asked with her brow raised. "By being a kunoichi who adapts to missions means I'm wonton? Kissing a friend for the sake of my mission makes me wonton? Seriously? That's what you think makes a woman wonton?" She looked up at him with a strange fire burning in her white orbs. "I'll show you wonton," She muttered as she stepped towards him.
The look in her eyes made Neji take a step back. Unfortunately that meant that he bumped into her pack. He fell backwards and landed on her bed. The air was knocked out of him slightly and he blinked. Had she intended for him to fall like an idiot? He growled internally and started to sit up.
Ren was on him in an instant, straddling his hips. She grabbed his hands and locked them under her knees. "I'm wonton? You clearly haven't met a wonton woman before. I've been around wonton women and I can assure you a kiss doesn't make it so," She told him. Her words were ice cold and the look in her eyes was intense. He didn't know what she was planning to do. She wasn't armed anymore but as a Hyuga that didn't matter. He was going to tell her to get off him in the kindest way he could but then she pressed her hips against his and he felt his body harden. He could feel her heat through their pants. Her hot core was pressed firmly against his member. He had the urge to adjust himself to relieve the pressure but then she rocked her hips forward. "You say I'm wonton," she whispered as she leaned down, with her hands sliding up his torso to his shoulders, so that her face was right above his, "but it's your body who reacted so quickly."
Neji growled out loud and spat out, "What did you expect? You're grinding against me like that!" He saw a look of lust enter Ren's eyes and wondered if his would reflect it. He was about to tell her that he could get out of her hold any time he wanted, she wasn't heavy, but then she pressed her lips against his, hard. He froze. He'd never been kissed like that before. Sure he had been kissed by TenTen when he was revived but that was just because she was relieved. She hadn't meant anything by it, especially when a few weeks later she was locking lips with Lee. He could feel her breasts pushed against his chest and it did nothing to ease his erection. His body wasn't listening to him. Ren started to grind against him harder and he opened his mouth to suck in air. It was what she had wanted, he decided, since her tongue darted into his mouth. He was considering biting her tongue but she just as quickly pulled it out and sat up. He decided in a lusty haze that the loss of her mouth was saddening. What did that mean? He couldn't figure himself out.
"I can't figure you out," she panted slightly. Her grinding her core against his erection was getting to her as much as it was him, he observed as his eyes glanced down at her breasts and her erect nipples were visible through her black shirt. "You hate me but you don't always act like it," She muttered as she ran her fingers through her hair. From her position on him she pulled her hair up into a high ponytail and secured it with an elastic she had had around her wrist; her eyes were locked on his the whole time. Her knees loosened on his hands and he pulled them free. Before he could push her off she slipped down off of him and onto the floor between his legs. He sat up quickly and was about to stand when he realized that that would put his member against her face. He couldn't move from where he was without the possibility of accidently kneeing her. She was angry with him enough as it was, why he wasn't quite sure, so he didn't wish to hit her. He nearly jumped when her hand pressed against his erection through his pants. "You hate me yet I can do this to you. Am I wonton enough for you yet," She asked as she bit her lip.
He was going to die from lack of blood to his brain. He groaned and tried to figure out what he could say. "Why do you care," he blurted out before he could think it through.
Ren squeezed him through his pants and he inhaled sharply. "I don't know," she answered weakly, "I guess because I care what you think of me. Silly isn't it?" She released her hold on him and stood. "Part of me would love to continue acting wonton with you," She whispered, "but I'm going to go relieve Shino… No pun intended," she threw in with a small smirk. She walked towards the door and Neji could think of nothing to say. "Oh," she said when she reached the door. She turned the doorknob, opened the door, and then turned to look at him. "I'll still be a virgin on my wedding day, if it's any concern of yours. Enjoy your erection," she told him coldly before exiting the room and slamming the door.
Neji groaned internally and flopped back onto the bed. She did all that and never had any intentions of sex with him. He had known it before but that confirmed it. He was now certain, his cousin was crazy. She was crazy and there was something so wrong with him. He would never mention this incident to Ren or anyone, ever. He got a small amount of pleasure in knowing she was a virgin; that pervert they all referred to as 'Hokage-dono' hadn't touched her. That was good news for the clan. Little silver-haired byakugan wielding children would not please the council. Descendants of The Copy Ninja would be powerful without their clan's dojutsu.
XXXXXXXX
Neji had considered a cold shower. He knew he should have taken one but the memory of Ren grinding against him then squeezing him was still too fresh in his mind. He was forced to find other relief, something that would be rid of the erection completely. He was so glad he was quick to get himself off because no sooner had he cleaned up and made it look like he'd not been in the room at all Shino came in. "Neji," Shino grunted in greeting. Neji suddenly wished he would have returned to his room before turning to his hand. Why couldn't his horny brain function well enough to come up with simple logic for not getting caught red handed?
"Shino," Neji replied. He considered doing a once over of the room but felt that would incriminate him. "How did you know about Ren's tattoo," he asked flatly. It was a question he had been meaning to ask Ren before she pinned him to her bed. His body hardened ever so slightly at the memory. There really was something wrong with him.
"There are many things you do not know about your cousin," Shino replied. He tilted his head to the side like he was curious. "She has had the tattoo for a year but keeps it hidden. You also are probably unaware that she loves rain but hates thunder storms. The rain reminds her of her time with her mother but thunder makes her uneasy. Do you know why she was so happy to train with Anko Mitarashi?" Shino didn't give Neji a moment to answer before he continued, "She idolizes the snake mistress. She sees her as strong, confident, and someone who is not afraid to go after what she wants. Ren wishes to be more like Anko because people respect her as a capable kunoichi and no one walks all over her. She is insecure with herself. She doesn't know how to be herself in front of anyone, only what people wish her to be. I saw her sketching the sky last night when she believed I was sleeping. Despite what you think about her flirting, she is merely trying to be friendly and make others happy. She knows her place in your clan and is always aware that her actions reflect on them, despite every clan member thinking she is weak and beneath them. She has worked hard and given every mission her best. Hokage-dono recognizes her talents while your clan refuses. She cannot use your clan's style well enough and they fault her for it even though no one has taught her. You have set high standards for all Hyuga ninjas and Ren is forced to deal with that. Do you know that Hinata is friends with Ren? That they often spend time in the gardens of the Hyuga compound picking flowers to press? Did you know that Hanabi calls her 'Ren-nee' because Mayumi is her best friend and not because you're distant relatives? Did you know that sometimes Ren helps Shikamaru with her sister's training?"
Neji was dumbfounded and felt like he'd been punched in the gut by reality. Shino seemed to know too many things about his cousin. "How do you know so much about her," He asked coolly.
"I'm observant and Ren is hard to miss. A bee never overlooks a flower. I also ask her questions and listen to how she replies to them," Shino replied.
"Do you have feelings for my cousin," Neji growled out. Shino was irritating him. He was acting like he was better than him because he knew a few things about Ren. Neji was sure he knew more about her even if he didn't know most of the things Shino had said; he couldn't think of anything on the spot though.
"In another life, perhaps I would," Shino muttered, "but according to father, she is promised to another. Her heart would not be with me even if she weren't."
"She knows that Shikamaru is with Temari," Neji announced with a glare.
"I am aware," Shino stated, "I did not mean Shikamaru. Sometimes that which is said is not what is meant and that which is done means the opposite of what we desire." Shino turned and left the room. He apparently hadn't felt it worth the time to throw Neji out.
Neji didn't have a chance to question him further. Instead he was stuck wondering what the bug master had meant. Neji was no longer sexually frustrated, not really, but this new frustration was twice as bad. He needed to go take over Naruto's post.
Ren Note: Reviews would be appreciated. I've got one more chapter to write, which will make this a short 6 chapter story, so It won't be long now until it's finished.