Ren Note: So I didn't read through this one a hundred times like I always do... so bear with me. It's been a very stressful week or two... so... yeah... while this chapter has been wrote up for a while... I didn't comb through it like I normally do... If there are too many problems with it, let me know and I'll go back through it. Anyways. Enjoy!
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. All rights to Naruto and everything involving Naruto belong to Kishimoto-sama
Chapter Three:
Neji and Naruto had been standing outside Ko's door for the better part of the morning. Naruto was rambling on and on about missing Ino while Neji was forced to listen; there was no meditating around his hyper-active, love-sick friend. Akihiko had stopped by a little while before with flowers for his bride-to-be and that had jumpstarted the jinchuriki in full force. "I'd love to give Ino flowers but she's around them all day," Naruto whined.
"I'm sure you could come up with a better, more meaningful gift," Neji replied without enthusiasm. His right temple was throbbing; he wished the jinchuriki would shut up for a change. Five minutes of quiet, that was all the Hyuga prodigy wanted. Neji had had enough of the mind-walking kunoichi and she wasn't even on this mission.
"I'm thinking of asking her to marry me. I know we're kinda young for that but I can't picture life without her, y'know? We could have a long engagement too. We could plan the wedding exactly how she wants it; it'd be perfect for her. I don't think Ino would keep me from achieving my goal either. I will become Hokage and when I do I want Ino to be there with me, believe it. Do you have anyone like that," Naruto asked. He paused for a moment before half-whispering, "I mean someone you love."
Neji blinked at the question; it hadn't been expected and the Hyuga genius had no idea what possessed his friend to ask such a thing. At one point he had considered the possibility of loving TenTen but that was not a relationship that would work out. He was expected to marry within the clan and she had always loved Lee. It had been obvious to the Hyuga jonin for years. He could have went after Hinata but they were so closely related that it felt wrong. He would marry a distant cousin if he had his way. "No," Neji replied honestly.
"Not even Ren-chan," Naruto asked skeptically; his tone had been teasing but he had been serious. The jinchuriki had been so oblivious to Hinata's feelings for him that when she confessed her love to him he had been shocked. He had made it a point from then on out to pay attention to everyone; if he had remained oblivious he never would have gotten Ino. He couldn't understand Neji at all. He seemed to hate Ren but was so protective over her. The way he had reacted to Shino kissing Ren was confusing; Neji had been so enraged by it that Naruto was sure he was jealous. The look of fire in Neji's eyes said more than his calm demeanor now ever could. Naruto had decided that Neji was in denial. Why he didn't know; Ren was a nice girl and pretty to look at too. She was a fine kunoichi with an admirable amount of skill.
"No, not even Ren," Neji stated coldly. His didn't even bother glancing at his friend and teammate. Neji didn't want to see that smug look on the jinchuriki's face. He had a knack for assuming he was right about people's feelings and Neji didn't even feel like addressing that with even a look.
"Could've fooled me," Naruto said, "You sure were furious when Shino said they were getting married. Shino explained it to me while we were watching Ko and Akihiko a few days ago. He felt it was the best way to handle the situation and complete our mission. He and Ren talked about it the first night here; they were just waiting on the right opportunity to put the plan in motion. Ko's really trying now, too. I figure she'll go through with the wedding since it's in four days and she's happier about it. Shino and Ren were able to give her hope, even if it is a lie."
Neji would have loved to argue with Naruto about that but knew he was right. Ko was their client, sort of, and her father wanted her to marry Akihiko. Shino had ensured that it would happen just by pretending to be engaged to Ren. Shino's words still bothered Neji though. That damned bug master thought he knew so much about her; Neji wasn't buying it. What bothered him most was Shino saying Ren was already promised to someone. Part of Neji was angry about that because she wasn't worthy of an arranged marriage in his eyes and another part of him prayed the poor bastard knew what he was in for. She had gotten Neji all hot and horny just to leave him high and dry; whoever she was promised to would be in for hell. "I merely care because she's a Hyuga and represents our clan. If this got out then Hiashi-sama would be furious. Hyuga's rarely marry outside the clan and it's even scarcer for them to marry into another. It could start an internal war between the two clans or he could very well make it a reality as some sick power grab. I doubt that Ren or Shino want to let it go that far."
"I dunno. They seemed pretty happy to be kissing each other," Naruto teased. When he received a death glare from the Hyuga prodigy he chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. "Denial," the jinchuriki thought to himself. "Anyways, I didn't think the Hyuga's cared about Ren," Naruto muttered.
"They don't but they care about the image she sets. She's nothing to them as an individual but they expect her to represent everything they stand for."
Naruto nodded in understanding. "So they'll expect her to marry a Hyuga and have full blooded Hyuga babies. Wonder who Hiashi has planned for her to marry," Naruto pondered out loud.
"I have no idea. The only Hyuga's I see her interact with are Hinata, Hanabi, Tokuma, her sister Mayumi, her father Hideki, and myself. She spends very little time within the Hyuga district. Most of it is spent on missions, with Shikamaru, or with Kakashi."
"Hm. Sounds to me like the only Hyuga males she's around that she could marry is you and Tokuma," Naruto said with a foxy smirk.
"Shut up, Naruto," Neji grunted, "Hiashi-sama would have me marry his heir or someone of equal stature. He sees me as his son and would not let me be with a member of the lesser branch. Tokuma is too skilled for her as well. He is also eight years older than she is. Clearly Hiashi-sama would have someone else in mind for her."
Naruto wasn't buying it. He hoped Neji was wrong about marrying one of Hiashi's daughters. Incest was gross enough but Hinata and Hanabi were so closely related to Neji that it'd be beyond sick. Any children from that marriage would have a lot of health problems, Naruto was sure of it. Throw that in with Sasuke's recent interest in the Hyuga heiress and Naruto didn't want Neji to marry her. Hanabi was just too young to even think of pairing with the Hyuga prodigy. "We'll just have to wait and see," was all Naruto could say.
Neji could only nod; they would have to wait and see. He hoped Hiashi wasn't planning to pair him with lowly little Ren. That would be a disaster; his life would be full of torture.
XXXXXXXX
The mission was completed. Ko married Akihiko and the Konohans were sent home. They traveled without incident and reported to the hokage quickly. Neji left to head home while Ren remained with Kakashi under The Copy Ninja's orders. Ren had been sitting on the edge of Kakashi's desk when Neji left, her back had been to him and he couldn't see her face to tell what her expression was. Neji was too tired to think on it much.
He had been almost to his home in the part of the compound that the lesser branch members lived in when a branded Hyuga female approached him. "Neji-sama," the woman said, "Hiashi-sama requires an audience with you right away."
Neji glanced at his front door and sighed internally; he had been so close to going through the door and collapsing on his bed. "Very well," Neji muttered flatly. He followed the woman wordlessly and was led right to Hiashi's office. The door was open for him so he stepped inside and slid it closed. "Hiashi-sama," Neji said with a bow.
"Neji," Hiashi grunted in response. He waited for the boy to straighten up then got right down to business, he was a very busy man after all. "Your mission was a success I hear. Congratulations. I expected nothing less of you. I trust that you were able to work well with Ren?"
"We completed our mission together without trying to kill each other this time," Neji answered flatly. He and Ren hadn't been put on a mission together since they were genin fresh out of the academy. They had been too busy fighting each other to do their mission properly; Gai had had to step in and separate them. His eyes were locked with Hiashi's. He couldn't read anything in his eyes. Shino and Naruto had been on the mission as well. Why only ask about Ren? Something about the question wasn't sitting right with him. Did he ask simply because Ren was also a Hyuga?
"Good. That is an improvement from when you were both small. I was made aware by the hokage that the Aburame made claims of being engaged to Ren. I'll admit that, considering your mission was to convince the daimyo's daughter to marry, the plan was genius. It has caused confusion within the clan, however. It has been discussed between myself and Shibi Aburame. That idea is to die right here and now. I will be telling Ren the same thing, in my own way. You, however, will be getting married in two months' time."
Neji visibly blanched. "Wh-what," Neji stammered out. He couldn't believe what he had heard. Surely Hiashi was joking around; oh how Neji wished that the stoic Hyuga head was a comedian.
"You will be marrying Ren. She has proven to be more than the clan first believed. Her current ranking in ANBU as well as acting as a personal guard to the hokage has put her in high standing in the eyes of the council. They believe she is a woman capable of giving strong offspring, it is only fitting that she marry one of our strongest males. Hinata has brought to light a distasteful situation so she will no longer be a potential bride for you. While I find you impressive and see you as my own son, I cannot allow you to marry Hanabi either. She is too young and I have a promising suitor lined up for her. Ren is the next best choice, for the good of the clan. Your father, Hizashi, had suggested the match to me years ago but I ignored it until recently. The council as agreed with his suggestion once I brought it back to light. You two will produce powerful children that will aid in any future conflicts the clan and village may be involved in."
Naruto's fox-like grin flashed in Neji's mind. The irony of this announcement left a bitter taste in the Hyuga genius's mouth. His father had wanted him to marry Ren back when he was five years old? Surely that couldn't be true. Neji had to ignore his doubts; fate was a cruel mistress it seemed. "I… understand," Neji forced out. He hadn't wanted to marry Hinata or Hanabi but he certainly didn't want to marry Ren either. "At least she'll be a virgin," he thought to himself. He had to mentally shake himself not to think about what she had been doing to him before she told him that detail; the last thing he needed was a hard-on in front of the Hyuga head. He hated the fact that that same woman was the one he would be forced to marry. He hated not having any say in the matter; he was slowly becoming more and more furious but kept his features blank.
"I'll ask that you stick around until she arrives. I would have told you together but our hokage informed me that he needed a word with her. She will be retiring from her kunoichi career. Hatake has asked to break the news to her himself. He tried to convince me to allow her to continue but I cannot. Someone must be at home with your future children," Hiashi stated. His voice was like ice.
Neji knew that Ren wanted to be a respected kunoichi. She had worked so hard to prove herself. How ironic that by proving herself she had put herself in this position. In two months she would be a retired kunoichi and housewife. His heart hurt for her; he could not imagine being anything but a shinobi. He didn't even want to think about having children with his cousin; he hoped they would never have any. At 19 he wasn't ready to be married or have children. "Of course," Neji said with a bow. He took his seat on a chair in front of Hiashi's desk. He hoped Ren would hurry up; he wasn't wanting to be around the Hyuga head much longer. If he were he may do or say something he would regret. His thoughts would have to remain his own and his words and actions needed to remain honorable.
The two men sat in silence for about fifteen minutes, Neji lost in his thoughts and Hiashi engrossed in his paperwork, before there was a knock on the door. Neji prayed it was Ren so they could just get this over with; he was exhausted and wished to go home. "Enter," Hiashi called to the door. Hinata stepped inside and Neji almost sighed. It had been a long time since he had been disappointed to see her; she was not who he had been hoping would come through that door, though. It was the first time in his life that he could recall wanting to see Ren Hyuga since they were small children.
"F-father," Hinata said so meekly it was barely audible. She wasn't looking at either of them. Neji watched her take a deep breath and let it out, clearly trying to strengthen her resolve. She looked up at her father and smiled sweetly. She spoke again, "I just came in to say that I'm sorry for disappointing you but I stand by my decision. I love you father, goodnight." Hinata bowed and then exited the door. She had grown up a lot since her genin days; her voice had been strong and determined. Whatever it was that Hiashi didn't agree with, Hinata felt strongly about it.
Hiashi's face was twisted in disgust as he watched his eldest daughter leave the room. "She's marrying the Uchiha," Hiashi spat out. It was like the last name left an unpleasant taste in his mouth. Neji could relate, he had just experienced the same thing when he was told he would be marrying Ren. The nausea and dread still had his stomach feeling like a knotted rope.
"I'm sorry," Neji muttered. He half was; he hated Uchiha but knew about his cousin's strange relationship with him. Sasuke had been cruel towards her at first but it was clear to the branded Hyuga male that they did love each other now, for whatever reason. Hiashi-sama would have to accept their relationship if he wanted to remain within his eldest daughters life. She would not give up Sasuke Uchiha for anything. Neji would know, he had tried to convince her countless times to stay away from him.
Another knock on the door brought both men from their silent brooding. "Enter," Hiashi snapped towards the door. Neji could practically feel the person on the other side of the door flinch.
The door slid open and Ren stepped into the room. She closed the door and turned to face them with her head held high. She was still dressed in her mission clothes but her hair was now down. It hung limp around her shoulders and her fringe covered part of her face. Neji could see that she had been crying; her eyes were red and puffy and her nose was slightly red as if she had blown it a lot. "You wished to see me, Hiashi-sama," Ren asked proudly; she was doing her best to act the part of an honorable Hyuga. Neji was having difficulties keeping his demeanor up and was astonished that she was doing so well. She had clearly been crying before entering the room but she stood before them as a strong young woman ready to face her destiny.
"Have a seat," He motioned to the seat next to Neji. Ren bowed and then walked over to the chair. She sat down with her back straight and flashed a bright smile towards Neji that they both knew was faker than Jaraiya's excuse for spying on women used to be. "I take it Hokage-dono told you that you will be getting married and no longer be a kunoichi," Hiashi stated to Ren. She could only nod as she stared at the Hyuga head; she kept her eyes on his. Neji looked between the two; it was a silent battle in pride between the two. "That makes my part easier. You will be marrying Neji in two months' time. It will be a traditional Hyuga branch wedding. You will be expected to have at least two children to aid the clan. You will work here in my home until you have children, then you will take your place as a homemaker."
Neji could see Ren's heart breaking in front of him despite her stoic face; her breathing became shallower and she was releasing an aura of panic and dread. He could imagine her desire to scream at the Hyuga head; it was a need he had as well. He had hoped things would be different after his death. They were both still birds trapped in cages and now Ren was being forced into his. Neji reached over and took Ren's hand. It was like ice and clammy. He had only meant to try to bring her comfort but her hand was so stiff he knew he didn't. Her eyes met his and he could see the tears forming there but it only lasted a moment. She turned her attention back to Hiashi. "With all due respect, Hiashi-sama, should Neji not be marrying someone of higher standing," she asked flatly.
Hiashi rubbed his hairless jawline as if he were thinking hard about his response; He had clearly not been expecting Ren to ask him such a question. Neji was upset that she had belittled herself like that. Sure, he did the same but when he did it, it was different. "You are who the council has decided upon. We need a strong future and the two of you will give us two new members to keep our own will of fire going," he stated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Ren's eyes began to tear up again and Neji had to act quickly; he wanted so badly to get Ren out of that room. She was hurting and he didn't wish to see her cry. It was a strange need that he didn't understand or try to fight off. "We understand and will do what is expected of us," Neji stated flatly. Ren said nothing but nodded in agreement. He felt like she was acting as if she was being sentenced to death; he felt similar. This very well could be a death sentence for them both.
"Good. Ren, you will start working here tomorrow morning. Kiko is the head chef and will be able to guide you through what you need to do. I trust you can locate the kitchen and if you cannot there are servants around you may ask. Neji, you and I will have a meeting to discuss things further tomorrow afternoon. You're both dismissed."
Ren stood and pulled her hand gently from Neji's. He didn't fight to keep his hold on her. He stood and walked out of the room behind her after they both bowed. He had expected her to have more time than this before retiring. He felt utterly lost about what to do as he stared at the back of her head. It was like she was suddenly hallow and wondering around aimlessly, like a ghost unable to rest in peace. It was slightly frightening. He placed his hand on her shoulder after they were out of the main house. She had started to head towards the gate that lead out into the rest of the Leaf Village but he wished to talk to her. He didn't know what he would say but he needed to comfort her somehow. She was going to be his wife and there was nothing either could do about it.; he was going to marry the woman he hated. Even knowing that he couldn't be angry with her, not over this. "Ren," he said her name when she didn't turn to look at him right away. She turned slowly and the tears she had been holding in were streaming down her cheeks. He had to swallow the lump that suddenly formed in his throat. "I'm sorry," he whispered and his eyes softened. He was afraid anything more would shatter her like a porcelain doll.
"It's okay," She whimpered as she pulled at the hem of her shirt nervously, "It's not like you planned this. You hate me so much that you'd never wish to be tied down with me so I do not blame you for this situation. I'm going to go find TenTen, I kind of need a friend right now." She wrapped her arms around herself and stared at the ground through her teary eyes.
He nodded in sudden understanding; he had forgotten the two of them even knew each other. He should've known better; they were all together in the academy. Ren's genin team had nearly rivaled his own. He couldn't remember their names though. One of her teammates had died a few months before the start of the Fourth Shinobi War and the other had broken ties with her to deal with the grief in his own way. "Be safe. I'll see you soon. Don't let her talk you into drinking sake, though. She'll end up spooning with you through the night if she does," Neji said gently. He was trying to make her laugh, anything to stop her tears.
It didn't work. He had never been good at making others laugh; that was a skill only goofballs like Gai and Lee seemed to possess. "If I recall correctly you were cuddling me of your own freewill when we woke up. You were holding me so tightly that I had to wait on you to wake up to move. I'm sure that was a fate worse than death for you though," Ren muttered without looking at him. Did he hurt her by saying that? Why? She took off before he could say anything else. He was left standing there with his hand outstretched and mouth gaping open. He had tried to reach out to her but she was gone in a flash. How the woman was so fast he'd never understand. She could possibly even win a race against Lee with his weights off, no small achievement.
He needed to go home and sleep. That's what his body was begging him to do but instead he followed her. He needed to make sure she was okay, for whatever reason.
XXXXXXXX
"I don't know what to do about it, TenTen. You know Neji best. Do you think he'll call things off? I really can't; they hate me enough as it is," Ren muttered. She had just finished explaining the whole situation to TenTen. Both women were seemingly restless by the end of the explanation; TenTen was twirling a kunai around her index finger and Ren was wringing her hands together nervously.
"I don't think he will. He fears them just as much as you do. You're going to have to marry him, as much as I hate saying that. You're a damn good kunoichi and we're really going to miss you on missions," TenTen responded as she rubbed the back of her neck with a sigh. The two of them had been on more missions together than Neji had with his distant cousin.
"I'm going to miss them too. The worst part of it all is that Neji hates me; I know he doesn't want to be married to me either. What kind of marriage lasts without love," Ren questioned.
"So make him fall in love with you. I'd say that'd be easy but its Neji we're talking about here. He doesn't fall for anyone; he's never been in love with anybody that I know of. I think that's really your only option though. If that doesn't work then just have babies with him and ignore each other the rest of the time. I know that's a shit existence for you and your children but you don't really have many options," TenTen stated. The weapons mistress was clearly very confused and felt totally helpless.
Neji was hid up in a tree above the two girls. Ren had found TenTen outside the weapon smith's shop and the two had immediately made their way here. It had been difficult to get close enough to hear the conversation, seeing as the sun had set hours ago and these two were skilled kunoichi, but here he was. He was barely breathing for fear they would hear him. Did they truly believe he couldn't love anyone? He knew Ren had already stated that but hearing it from TenTen was a difficult pill to swallow.
"I guess I'll just have to try hard to be the type of woman he wants me to be. I just wish I knew what that was," Ren responded quietly.
"I'm not sure of that myself. He doesn't seem to have a type. I think he's asexual or something," TenTen muttered.
"I don't know about that," Ren said. He could hear the blush in her voice even though he couldn't see her face. Was she remembering what she had done to him? Great. Now he was remembering the feeling of her grinding her body against his. That simple movement had been heaven and hell wrapped together. He could hear her panting within his mind. She had turned him on but had also worked herself up in the process. Just thinking about her lust filled eyes made his member harden slightly. What would it feel like to be inside her with her moving like that? He mentally slapped himself; he had to focus.
"What do you mean," TenTen questioned with her head tilted to the side in curiosity. Neji knew TenTen wasn't usually the type of girl to indulge in gossip so this was a rare situation. Was it because it involved him?
"I, um, I actually got him worked up on our mission. I was so angry that he called me wonton. I wanted to show him the difference in completing a mission any way necessary and actually being wonton. I left him in my room hard as a rock," Ren said as she covered her face with her hands so her voice was slightly muffled.
"Shut up! You didn't! How big was he," TenTen asked as she placed her hands on Ren's shoulders and shook her. TenTen's mind had made an unexpected jump as well; it left him feeling exposed.
Neji was offended too; Ren had just vaguely shared their private moment with their mutual friend. How could she? "Well, I didn't see it," Ren said as she pulled her hands down from her face, "But it felt big." She just called him big; his anger vanished slightly to make way for some pride. He knew he was well endowed but it was another thing to hear your future wife say it. Now he was thinking of Ren as his bride-to-be. He hoped Hiashi-sama was happy with himself.
TenTen's mouth was gaping open. "Really," she asked. Ren nodded curtly. "Who'd of thought," TenTen mused aloud before blowing out a low whistle. Neji watched as her eyes glazed over as if she were in a trance; she seemed to be lost in thought.
"Um, TenTen? Can we come up with a plan to make Neji love me now?"
"Oh right! Well, I'll have to ask Lee for sure but maybe you should start with small things. Maybe make sure your hand brushes against his every now and then. Stop being so friendly with other guys because that's going to be counterproductive. Make sure he knows you exist and don't ignore him," TenTen said with a nod, "I'll talk to Lee though and see what he thinks might work. I know he's not the best source of advice but he's Neji's best friend; he'll surely know something."
"Alright. I'll do that. Say hello to Lee for me. Meet me here at seven tomorrow evening?"
"You bet," TenTen said with a wink.
The two girls hugged and then parted ways, leaving Neji up in the tree to think. She was really serious about making him love her? She hadn't even said that she hated him; she had noted that he hated her but never mentioned hating him back. What did that mean? Neji had a lot to think about and he needed to get to Lee before TenTen had the chance. Sleep would have to wait.
XXXXXXXX
Afternoon had come too quickly for the branded Hyuga male. He hadn't gotten home until about two in the morning because Lee had been so busy ranting about youth and being happy about Neji's engagement that they hadn't gotten to his problem for quite some time. He woke up, met with Hiashi, and then was called into Kakashi's office. If the copy-nin was sending him on another mission he might try to kill him. Neji stood in front of Kakashi's desk with his arms crossed over his chest; he was no in the mood for anything the hokage had to say. His meeting with Hiashi-sama had been less than joyous. He and Ren would be having a party to announce their engagement, where they would have to pretend to be in love or at least get along, in three days. He needed to let her know about it then he had to either avoid Ren for that time or figure out a way to be able to stand her. She was nothing like he imagined his future wife would be.
He stared at the copy-ninja with his face blank. The man had summoned him but his nose remained in his book. He had his index finger up to indicate for Neji to wait. This was becoming a sign that Neji loathed. He typically was very good at waiting but Neji had places to be. Ren was meeting with TenTen in two hours. He wanted to eat and get there before they did. Neji hadn't had time to eat that day and couldn't have his stomach growling; it would give him away. He also wouldn't have the cover of night to hide him tonight and that would make spying harder. "Ah, Neji," Kakashi said as he finally looked up from his book, "I won't keep you here too long. I just wanted to run some things by you."
Neji was thoroughly confused by that statement. What could the hokage possibly need to consult with him for?
Kakashi watched the young man's face with little interest. He could see the confusion and deep thought he was in. Kakashi cleared his throat to bring the male back to reality. "I am aware that you will be marrying one of my guards. I wish to let you know that I am disappointed that Ren will no longer be here; I consider her a trusted friend. The office will be a little less bright without her here. That being said, I do not blame you for that. I was made aware that you dislike her and would never wish to wed her. I am unable to interfere with clan business or I would put a stop to the wedding myself. I guess what I called you in here to say was, try. Try to love her or at least like her. She's not a bad person and she's not weak. If she were she wouldn't be forced to marry the strongest shinobi the Hyuga's have to offer. As her friend and Hokage I want her to be happy."
Neji was blank as Kakashi's words set it. She had ran that perverted errand for him with little embarrassment. It had been clear that that was a reoccurring situation; perhaps the copy-ninja truly did trust her as more than just his personal guard. She clearly had bought what he wanted even though she had only had words on a page to guide her because he didn't say otherwise. Maybe she and the Hokage understood one another better than Neji had first thought. He enjoyed teasing her and she allowed him have his fun with it. They were friends and as her friend Kakashi only wanted what was best for her. He could hear the irritation within the hokage's voice even though Kakashi had attempted to hide it. That meant that The Sixth Hokage was extremely irritated; he usually seemed so aloof. "I will try my best to make her happy," Neji responded in a way that he knew would please his hokage. He had said it so now he would follow through with his word; He had already made up his mind to do so, which was why he had went to Lee the night before.
"Good. If you don't, it won't be me who comes after you. You will have her 'big siblings' on you. Izumo and Kotetsu may not look like much but they are skilled shinobi. I know you are fully aware of what Anko could do to you. Good luck, Neji," Kakashi said with an eye smile. The threat was there and Neji would not ignore it. His pride was on the line if he had to deal with Anko; the things she could do to him were twisted and he would not go through that.
"I understand," Neji said with a bow. He was dismissed from Kakashi's office and set out to find food. He didn't feel like ramen, he rarely ever did, so Ichiraku's was out. He decided to enjoy the Korean barbeque grill. It would take a while but he had time. He was shocked that no one he knew was in the restaurant but he wasn't upset by that. It dawned on him midway through his meal that he was eating fairly early and that was probably why no one he knew was there. It meant he could eat quickly without having people slowing him down with conversation. He really wanted to get to the tree Ren and TenTen would be meeting under before they arrived.
Neji arrived at their meeting spot with half an hour to spare. He was glad to have been early but now he had nothing to do. He could use his byakugan and watch people go about their lives but there were some things the Hyuga genius did not wish to see; it was six-thirty in the evening and that was late enough for citizens of the Leaf Village to begin their love-fests. Neji involuntarily shivered at the thought. No; he did not want to see that. Instead he sat in the tree still as a stone statue and meditated. He didn't know how long he had done so but TenTen arrived before Ren. He watched her pull out a small pocket watch and stare at it. "She's late," TenTen groaned slightly to herself. Neji was able to see the time too; Ren was indeed late.
TenTen sat at the base of the tree and pulled out her favorite kunai. Neji watched as she wiped it on her red pants to shine it. It was already quite shiny so he felt the action was done in vain. TenTen had just put the kunai away when Ren finally made her appearance. She looked terrible. She had dark circles under her eyes, her hair was pulled back into a loose bun that looked like it could come down at any moment, she wore a loose fitting white t-shirt with the Hyuga family crest on both sleeves, and black pants. Her kunoichi sandals were replaced by black running shoes. She looked like an off-duty maid. Neji hated this look for her. He couldn't even see any weapons on her person. He could check with his byakugan but that would mean looking through her clothes and he did not wish to violate her like that.
"Whoa what happened to you," TenTen asked as she stood to get a better look at Ren. She circled Ren, taking in her appearance and shook her head. "This doesn't suit you at all. Where's your katana? Your weapons pouch? Hell, where is Ren?"
Ren hung her head and sighed loudly. Neji couldn't help the frown that formed on his lips. She looked so defeated. Ren cleared her throat and imitated Hiashi as best she could, "A maid in the Hyuga household has no need for weapons or mesh armor. You are a domestic, a civilian, you are no longer a ninja and will not dress as such."
"He said that to you," TenTen gasped out.
"Yeah," Ren nodded and looked up to see her friend. "I feel so naked and exposed. I'm sorry I was late. I had to turn in my ANBU gear and Kakashi-dono was a little less than willing to take them back. He told me 'Once ANBU, always ANBU' and sent me home with the gear. It's just going to collect dust in my closet; I had hoped 'Mouse' would live on even though that's not me anymore. He actually hugged me and that itself was strange. He hugged me and told me everything would be alright. It was so unlike Kakashi-dono. He didn't tease me or ask me to run one last silly errand. It made everything too real," Ren said softly as she wrapped her arms around her chest.
"Oh sweetie," TenTen said as she wrapped her arms around her friend. "I'm so sorry this is happening. It'll get better, I promise. If things get any worse for you I'm going to go crazy on someone! I'll turn whoever causes it into a human voodoo doll, filled with lots of pointy weapons. It's so stupid! Why can't you just be a kunoichi? You two aren't even married yet."
"I think that's one reason why. There's less of a chance of Neji dying on a mission than there is me. Hiashi-sama doesn't trust me not to run away either. Neji's his star, the apple of his eye. I'm being recognized as a strong kunoichi but they're stripping away that achievement. I think, maybe, I've gotten too good at what I do for their liking. It's a way to clip my wings and Neji's in one go. I'm afraid of how things are going to go, TenTen," Ren whimpered. It was very clear that she was about to cry. This would be the third time in two days that she had cried over things that involved him. Neji didn't know if he could stand it. She wasn't who he wanted to marry and she did not deserve these tears, not because of him.
"It'll be alright. I have some great news for you. Operation Neji Love is a go! I talked to Lee this morning," TenTen said cheerfully. Ren smiled weakly at TenTen and waited silently for her to continue while she wiped the tears from her eyes. "So Lee says that you should just be yourself. That doesn't mean keep being super friendly with every boy you meet but make sure you don't lose who you are. Keep up your hobbies and interests and let Neji be a part of those. Don't try to change to be the woman he wants because then neither of you will be happy. He suggested that maybe you should train with Neji. I think I actually agree. I fell in love with Lee because of his dedication and hard work. He never lets his comrades down. I know you aren't an active kunoichi anymore but that doesn't mean you have to let yourself go. There may come a time when the village needs you and the Hyuga's can shove it. Just show Neji what you're made of and let him know you care about him. I think he thinks you hate him as much as he thinks he hates you."
Ren laughed slightly and nodded. "I don't hate him; not at all. If I hated him it'd be easier not to care what he thinks of me. Y'know, on our last mission, I thought maybe I'd be able to impress him. Kakashi-dono taught me Chidori a few months after I started acting as his personal guard. He told me he made the mistake of teaching it to Uchiha but knew this time it wouldn't be a mistake. He knew I would use it as it should be used and not for revenge and destruction. I would use it to complete my missions, protect my comrades and my village. I used it on that last mission and Neji's face was priceless. Naruto was praising me but the look of shock on Neji's face did more for me than Naruto's words ever could. Well, it did until he scowled. He was staring at me like I was the most disgusting thing he had ever seen. I know I said I wouldn't run away from him anymore but I couldn't stand that gaze of his. It was like he was picking out everything that was wrong with me. I can't seem to face him when he looks at me like that; he always looks at me like that. It was awful TenTen. I just wanted him to see that I'm not that weak little girl he could push in the mud and laugh at. I don't think I'll ever change his views of me," Ren muttered. The cheery tone had left her voice and what was left was grim.
"Do you want me to talk to him? That's really not okay for him to do," TenTen practically growled. Neji could feel her anger from his position in the tree. An angry TenTen was a scary TenTen, even for the Hyuga prodigy. He really didn't want to have to try to explain himself to her. She would not listen to reason and Neji was not good at expressing himself. He was the perfect Hyuga. He showed little emotion and almost always kept his mind clear. That made expressing how you think you feel difficult.
"No. I don't think it would do much good. I'm just going to try what you and Lee have suggested and do everything in my power to make him happy. I guess that's all I want, to make him happy," Ren said softly. Neji blinked three times. He wasn't sure he had heard her right. He had decided he was going to make her happy and now she had decided she would make him happy. From Neji's understanding of marriage, that was what marriage was supposed to be about. You went out of your way to make sure the other person was happy because being selfish in a marriage will not create a lasting bond.
"You really like him," TenTen pointed out with a sly grin on her face. Neji blinked in surprise again. What had given TenTen that idea? He had come to the same conclusion as Ren about making the other person happy but that didn't mean he liked her. He would try to but first he had to understand his distant cousin.
"For whatever reason, yeah. I do," Ren said with a forced laugh. Neji almost fell out of the tree. His heart was racing from the new revelation as well as his near exposure. Ren liked him? Then that was why she was always teasing him? A thought dawned on the Hyuga prodigy that made him feel like he had been hit back into a brick wall with an explosive tag. "Is that why I'm so mean to her? Do I like her," he asked himself.
XXXXXXXX
Neji had stayed hidden in the tree for the rest of the conversation. It had become boring. Ren and TenTen spent the remainder of their time together talking about weapons. Neji noticed Ren was very versatile in all conversations she had. She could contribute to a conversation about anything from flowers to the amount of force a kunai would need to be thrown at a certain trajectory. TenTen suggested that Ren got a wall rack for her katana and Ren nodded in agreement. Now Neji would be sleeping with two swords above his bed when they got married. One would be his father's and the other would be Ren's. He had frowned at himself. He was clearly planning too far ahead when it came to Ren. Anything could happen between then and now. Most of him hoped that there was a way to get out of marrying her, the rest of him was worried about who he would marry if not her. She clearly wanted his happiness and doubted someone else would feel the same.
Neji had left his sanctuary of the tree a few minutes after TenTen and Ren split ways. TenTen was heading to the Korean barbeque grill for dinner with Lee and Ren headed home. He rushed along the rooftops while she walked casually through the streets. He arrived at her house before she did. That was unfortunate for Neji because as soon as he stopped in front of the house the door opened. Hideki and Mayumi stared at him in confusion. He had never visited before and he was standing just a few meters from their front door. "Neji-niisan," Mayumi asked with her head tilted to the side. It was a strange title to hear from the fourteen year old; he knew that all Hyuga considered each other brothers and sisters but she never had regarded him as such before.
"Hello Mayumi-chan, Hideki-san," Neji said with a nod of his head merely out of respect.
"What are you doing here, son," Hideki asked in a deep, raspy voice. The man's health had been declining over the years. He had gray streaked black hair and the same Hyuga eyes as his daughters. His facial structure was quite similar to Neji's own father and uncle's. He had dark bags under his eyes and looked exhausted. Neji noted that he walked with a cane. A new worry came to Neji. If Hideki Hyuga died before Mayumi was eighteen he would have a teenager living within his house. Ren seemed to come with a lot of disadvantages.
"I came to see Ren," Neji stated flatly. It wasn't a lie. That was why he was here though he had been planning to wait for her outside. He knew she would be there in about ten minutes or so, so the wait would not have been unbearable.
"She's not here right now. She's at some secret meeting with TenTen," Mayumi blurted out. She quickly covered her mouth with her right hand like she had just shared information she was not supposed to.
Hideki glanced at his daughter and sighed lightly. Neji almost missed it; if he had not been looking at Hideki's slightly parted lips he would have. "Well, we were on our way to get some groceries from town. Go on in and make yourself at home. Ren's room is the third door on the right. I'm sure she'll be here soon," Hideki said as kindly as he could. "I didn't have much say in her engagement to you," Hideki commented as his eyes bore into Neji's, "But there are far worse boys she could be paired with. I know she can be a lot to handle at times but don't let that discourage you. She's a good girl and will make a fine wife. She's been taking care of us for most of her life. When her mother died, rest her soul, she stepped in as the woman of the house. Try not to see her as a burden, son. She will be a valuable asset to your future family."
Was everyone so aware of his dislike for her that they thought he needed them to point out her character? Neji could only nod. He had forgotten that Ren's mother died when Mayumi was three years old. Ren had been eight years old and it was a time he chose to forget. Neji had decided after the death of Naoma Hyogo-Hyuga that he didn't like her. She had changed and stopped playing with him. She had told him she didn't have time for kids' games and from that time on Neji went out of his way to make her miserable. He, at the time, had felt that she had insulted him greatly. He knew how to act like an adult but she only saw him as a child who thought it was okay to play the day away. It had irritated him beyond words. It had never dawned on the eight year old Neji that Ren was hurting enough on her own. He had been training with Hiashi as Hinata's protector at the time and the only pain he could see was his own. He was not the only person to lose a parent in the Hyuga compound. He had just had the misfortune of losing two.
"See you later, Neji-niisan," Mayumi said with a wave.
She and Hideki bid him farewell as they walked past him and headed the gate leaving Neji standing in their front yard staring at their door. "Third door on the right, easy enough to find," Neji thought to himself as he stepped up to the door. He opened it and was hit by the scent of burned wood, apple blossoms, lavender, and cleaning supplies. The house was immaculate, he noticed as he removed his shoes by the door, carefully placing them out of the way. He stepped onto the cool wooden floor and stared down. He could see his reflection in it.
The living room was simple enough. Its walls were pastel yellow and it was furnished modestly. There was a couch, an arm chair, a coffee table, TV and stand, and a few lamps throughout the room. Magazines and a newspaper cluttered the coffee table but nothing seemed out of place. He almost smiled at the idea of living in such a well-kept home. Neji was a clean person; he didn't like filth but he could never achieve this level of cleanliness with his busy schedule. He headed straight through the house. There were pictures on the walls. Some were of Ren and Mayumi during milestones of life, others were of the whole family. In the first third of the photos Ren's smile was radiant. Neji noticed that when Naoma disappeared from the family photos so did Ren's smile.
Neji stared at Ren's bedroom door for a while. It was your typical sliding rice paper door, just like every other door in the Hyuga district. Beside it was a hanging nameplate. Ren had wrote 'Hyuga Ren' in her best calligraphy and drew a water lily beside it. The plate was a simple wooden one, thin and painted white. Her name was in a rich purple, much like the color he had seen her wear a few times, and the lotus blossom was done in blue. She had drawn green swirls around the boarder of it and it seemed to be a work of art itself.
He slid the door open and did not expect what he saw. The whole house was organized but her room did not hold the same trait. The walls were pale blue and papers with drawings on them covered almost every inch of it. There were sketch books, scrolls, pens, pencils, and paints cluttering a desk and the floor beside it. Her bed was simply a queen sized mattress and box spring held up off the floor by a wooden frame in the far left corner of the room. Her blanket was a midnight blue, like the whisker markings on her ANBU mask had been, and she had four pillows that matched the color scheme. The top of her dresser housed many picture frames. One was of her genin team, another of her mother and father, and the rest were Ren with her friends. There was even one of Ren and Neji from before Hizashi and Naoma died. The two were hugging and grinning up at the camera. They appeared to be about four years old.
Neji's curiosity got the better of him. He approached her desk after sliding her door closed and stared at the picture Ren had been working on. It was a picture of four wolves. She was truly talented. The mother and father wolves were standing side by side watching their pups play. One had his sibling's ear in his mouth and the other had his mouth open to yip. Neji was astonished that she had such skill. He wished to see more so he flipped through the pages she had already drawn on. Most were of plants and animals but occasionally there would be pictures of people. Neji scowled when he saw a sketch of Shikamaru sleeping against a tree, drool coming out of his mouth. There was a boarder of hearts around it, as if to add insult to injury.
He quickly skipped that picture and moved on. He found several of himself. Some were of him training, battling, and sparing with Lee. Others were of him sipping tea or glaring at people. The last picture he dared look at was shocking. It was a headshot of him smiling. She had made the boarder filled with question marks. She had wrote a side note that he read aloud, "Neji's smile? I have never seen him smile. Just a guess." He scoffed. He smiled now and then; it wasn't a complete mystery. Surely she had seen him smile before? Perhaps she meant a true smile. Those were rare for him but he did them. He knew how to smile.
Neji heard the front door open and quickly placed the sketchbook exactly as he had found it. He looked around the room and decided the least incriminating place to sit would be her bed. He moved quickly and silently then perched himself on the soft mattress. He considered simply sitting on the edge but decided against it. He scooted himself backwards so that his back was against the wall near her pillows and closed his eyes. He could hear Ren moving around the living room. To his surprise she didn't call out for her father and sister. He listened as she padded her way towards her room. He heard the door sliding open so he opened his eyes. His cheeks turned pink and he had to look away. Had she not seen his shoes by the door?
"What are you doing here," Ren gasped as she pulled her shirt back over her head. Her face was crimson red. Neji had just seen her upper body in only a white lace bra. She stepped into the room and slammed the door closed causing a few of the pictures on her dresser to shake but none fell over. She was so angry and embarrassed that she didn't know what to do. He had been gentleman enough to look away but he had seen her. She knew it, he knew it. A thought dawned on her. "He probably just looked away because he can't stand me," she told herself. She suddenly wasn't angry. She was still embarrassed but now she was also depressed. Her future husband found her disgusting. She wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to comfort herself and turned to look at Neji.
When Neji was sure he had given her enough time to put her shirt back on he turned his head to look at her. He had heard the anger in her voice before but it wasn't reflected in her expression. She was blushing a lot but she was looking at the ground. Was she sad again? He noticed she was hugging herself so he assumed she was feeling very exposed; she had been. He couldn't understand this woman. "I came to check on you and let you know the 'good' news I received during my meeting with Hiashi-sama," Neji said flatly. He needed to get both their minds off what he had just seen. He hadn't intentionally meant to come check on her but once the words were out, they felt true.
Ren's eyes flickered upwards and met his for only a second before she lowered them to the floor again. She made her way over to her bed without a word and climbed up onto it. She sat herself in front of her pillows with her knees pulled up to her chest. She still wasn't looking at him. "As you can see I'm fine," Ren mumbled as she leaned forward to rest her chin between her kneecaps. "What did he tell you now," She asked quietly. Her blush had faded by the time she pulled her knees up and Neji noticed that her porcelain skin was paler than normal. She really did look exhausted from her first day as a servant in the Hyuga's main house.
"We will be having an engagement party on Saturday. Hiashi expects us to pretend to be in love or at least get along. He has invited many important people to the party and does not wish for us to embarrass him," Neji informed her as gently as he could but his voice still came out mostly stoic.
"I didn't think branch member weddings were that big of a deal," Ren pointed out.
"Normally they aren't but because Hiashi-sama arranged our marriage himself and treats me as his son this is a special exception," Neji responded.
"He treats you like his son yet you still live in the lesser section of the Hyuga district. Yes he has trained you personally but you're his eldest daughter's protector. Isn't that typical? Aren't all marriages arranged by Hiashi-sama anyway," Ren asked. She truly didn't understand the situation. It didn't dawn on her how silly the last question had been. Her father and mother had met while Hideki was on a mission in The Village Hidden in the Sand. Their marriage had not been arranged; they married for love.
The mention of Neji still living in the lesser branch housing was a low blow. He knew she hadn't meant it like that but he couldn't help but feel insulted. "I chose to remain in my father's house here. Hiashi-sama had asked me to move to the main house more than once. Staying here is my choice. And to answer your question, no. Not all marriages are arranged by the Hyuga head and the council, only the important ones."
"So we have three days, since today is Thursday, to get to where we can stand each other simply because you're an important branch member," Ren stated the obvious lowly. She closed her eyes and sighed softly.
Neji frowned at her tone. She sounded so miserable. He felt pretty miserable too but at least he hid it. "I know I'm not like Shikamaru but you could at least pretend not to be so appalled by the idea of being married to me," He snapped at her. He decided to ignore the fact that he had heard everything she said to TenTen, the way she acted with him was more important.
Ren flinched just slightly and straightened out her legs. She opened her eyes and met his gaze. They sat in silence staring at each other. Neji's gaze was hard and Ren's soft. He couldn't understand her at all. "I would never want you to be like Shikamaru," Ren whispered so softly he almost hadn't heard it. He raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Shikamaru is a good person with a kind heart but I wouldn't want you to be like him. If you were like him then you wouldn't be Neji. I'm… I'm not appalled to be marrying you. I'm sad because you don't want to marry me. I'm not Hinata or TenTen. I'm not some beautiful girl from the Sand Village or a goddess from the Cloud Village. I'm just plain and simple Ren from the Leaf Village and I'm sorry that that upsets you."
Neji swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. She wasn't sad to be marrying him. What did that mean? She had told TenTen that she liked him. Did this mean she hadn't lied? Why had he even believed that she did in the first place? She stared at him while he tried to clear through all his thoughts and tears started forming in her eyes. He had made her cry yet again, this time due to his silence. He opened his mouth to speak but no words formed. What could he even say at this point? He had been so sure she hated him for so long that it made hating her so easy. Now he knew she didn't hate him, in fact she liked him, and he wasn't sure where he stood. He shifted forward so that he was closer to her and wiped the lone tear that fell down her cheek with his thumb. "It is a lot for me to take in," he told her honestly, "I feel like everything I believed about you has been a lie and I don't know how I feel about any of it. I wouldn't ask you to be Hinata, TenTen, a girl from Suna, or girl from Kumo. If you can accept me as I am then I owe you the same courtesy, do I not?"
Ren stared at him through watery white eyes. He could practically see the gears turning in her head. He removed his hand from her cheek and moved to sit right next to her with their shoulders touching. She watched him the whole time. "I," Ren said softly then stopped to bite her lower lip. Neji said nothing as he watched her chew on it. She released her lip from between her teeth and took a deep breath before trying to say what she wanted to again, "I appreciate that you are willing to accept me as I am but I don't make you happy as I am, Neji. Nothing I've ever done has pleased you. I don't think you trying to accept me as I am will make a difference. If you didn't like me yesterday why would you like me tomorrow?"
Neji blinked in surprise. She would have a point if he hadn't been trying to find reasons to hate her before. He was man enough he could admit that in his own mind. He sighed slightly and closed his eyes. He should admit that to her but it felt so difficult. He wasn't one for expressing thoughts and emotions. It had taken his whole life to keep as closed off as he was. He knew that if he wanted his marriage to be successful he would have to open up to her though. He just had to hope she wouldn't hurt him if she didn't like what she found within him. "I was searching for ways to hate you. It felt far easier to hate you than to try to like you. I can admit that it was wrong of me to do so but will you give me the chance to get to know the real you? Not the version of you that I have built within my mind?"
It was Ren's turn to blink in surprise. She was so sure that Neji hated her for real reasons. Had he been making them up or was he taking her small flaws and making them huge in his own mind? She supposed that made sense. She suddenly felt more nervous than she had felt in a long, long time. She was getting the chance to start over and that brought a lot of anxiety. What if she continued to mess up? She nodded and stuttered softly, "I-I'd like that. U-um, Neji? D-do you think w-we could spar t-together sometime? I know I-I'm not a ninja a-anymore but m-maybe it would be g-good for b-bonding?" She hadn't meant to sputter out her words but she couldn't help it. He was unnerving all the sudden.
Neji had been expecting the question but not all the stuttering. Hinata was finally, mostly, over that and he didn't really want to deal with another person in his life stumbling through their words. It was slightly irritating. He twisted his upper body to face her better, his hand behind her back to support his body in the awkward position. "Only if you relax and stop stuttering. I know you aren't a kunoichi anymore but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have the confidence you had when you were serving your village."
Ren nodded and bit her lip again. It wasn't her fault he had made her that nervous. In truth many things about him turned her into a nervous wreck. She knew he was right though, she needed to be more confident and knew he would respect her far more if she didn't act as shy as she felt around him. She had been able to bury that shyness before under the emotional mask she wore, she could do it again and maybe, eventually, she wouldn't feel so timid around him at all. Her eyes met his and she whispered, "Okay. I'll try harder not to."
Neji felt a small victory. She had managed to say that much clearly. He hoped she could keep it up. He didn't want her to revert into the shy little girl whose hair he used to pull. "What time do you get off from your duties," Neji asked.
"I'll be done at three in the afternoon," She responded without thought.
Neji watched her lips moving. He had been watching them off and on throughout the whole conversation. They weren't talking about anything that should have been attractive but he couldn't look away from them for long. She had bit her lip so much that he stared at them and now he was questioning how soft they really were. He chalked it up to the fact that she was so willing to do what she needed to in order to make sure he was happy; him, not Shikamaru. That was enough of an ego booster to cause him to lower his face closer to hers. His eyes drifted up to her eyes as his face closed in on hers. He saw her eyes widen with surprise then she blinked it away and stared into his eyes with her white orbs half-lidded. He stopped with their noses almost touching. It was strange that he wanted to kiss her. He suddenly wished he would have enjoyed their kiss on their last mission together. He hadn't even taken the time to try to remember her taste. He closed his eyes halfway and watched as she closed the small gap between them. Her eyes closed immediately and her small, delicate hand rested against his cheek. He closed his eyes too and moved his lips against hers slowly. He placed his palm against her pulse point on her neck and licked her bottom lip. She parted her lips for him and he slipped his tongue into her mouth. She tasted like green tea and honey. She brushed her tongue against his and he licked every part of her mouth he could reach.
He kissed her until they both needed air. They separated only enough to breath. Their exhales mingled between them and they were both panting slightly. His whole body tingled. He wondered if she was feeling similar. Was that the spark two compatible people were supposed to share? He caught himself hoping so. "I'll meet you for our spar at training ground 9 at four thirty and then we can go grab dinner," he said without pulling back any further. His hand was still resting against her smooth neck as he traced circles around it lightly with his fingertips. Her skin was like silk beneath his calloused fingers. He watched her shiver slightly at his actions.
"Sounds good," She responded breathlessly.
The corners of his mouth twitched up slightly. He felt it was safe to say he had kissed her thoroughly but that didn't stop him from pressing his lips against hers again. She opened her mouth immediately and wrapped both of her arms around his neck. He took the opportunity to gently guide her to lay back while he ravished the inside of her mouth with his tongue. He laid half on her and stroked her pulse point with his fingers. Her heart was racing, he noticed. Then he realized his was too. He shifted his body without breaking the kiss to be above her completely. Her legs wrapped around his waist instinctively, pulling him into her closer causing him to groan into her mouth. He knew they needed to stop but then she sucked on his tongue and he lost himself for a moment and pressed his body roughly between her legs. Ren moaned into their kiss so he did it again.
The door to Ren's bedroom slid open and a gasp was what brought both Neji and Ren back to reality. Neji quickly got off of Ren at the same time she unwrapped her legs around him. They both sat up straight and looked at the person who had caught them. Neji almost wanted to kill whoever it was for interrupting but decided it was probably for the better. His body was hot and hard after only a little kissing. What had happened to his self-control? It was Mayumi, Ren's little sister, who had caught them making out like that. She was bright red, much like her sister currently was, and opening and closing her mouth like a fish. Ren hid her face in her hands and Neji fought his hardest to keep from blushing as well. Mayumi was the first to recover. She slid the door closed and her footsteps could be heard heading in the opposite direction. "Dad," she shouted, "I don't think we have to worry about them killing each other. They seem to be getting along pretty well to me."
Ren quickly raised her head and stared at Neji wide eyed. He was in the same boat. The little twerp had all but told Ren's father they were making out. How had that even happened? Neji watched Ren bite her lip and decided to put a stop to it. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers again. Yes they had just been caught with their tongues down each other's throats but he couldn't resist. It was like she was teasing him every time she bit down on her lip. She released her lip from between her teeth and kissed him back. This kiss was soft and quick. "I'll see you tomorrow," Neji said before he moved off her bed. He glanced at her sketchbooks and then turned back to her. "Bring one of those," he told her as he motioned towards the books, "I'll give you something else to draw." He watched the blush rise from Ren's neck all the way up to her hairline. He suddenly realized how wrong what he had said could be taken. Ren seemed to have a dirty mind. "A smile, Ren," he said while he shook his head. She relaxed and nodded.
"See you tomorrow," She practically whispered.
Neji left her room and was not looking forward to dealing with her father. Luckily for Neji, Hideki simply nodded to him and waved him off. "What was that? I don't know what came over me. So much for being able to control all desires," Neji thought as he closed their front door behind him.
[8/24/15 Edit]: I've went back through this chapter again. I'm hoping it flows better even though it didn't require too much change. (I had been through it once a week or two ago and FanFiction was cruel and did not save... so there may still be errors). I hope this is satisfactory now.