Chapter Four:
Neji arrived at the 9th training ground a little early. He was shocked to see Ren sitting under a tree waiting on him. She was busy sketching in her book and he almost didn't want to interrupt her. He walked over quietly and sat beside her. He peeked over at the paper and admired her work. She was sketching the training field. The way she expressed every detail was breathtaking. Every shadow was perfect, every glare captured, and every detail was astonishing. He wondered why she never used her art as a jutsu. Neji realized it was because she was a Hyuga. Art was not something they were proud of. It would probably be laughed at and considered dishonorable. It was a shame, she could've done wonders with her artwork. He knew Sai used ninjutsu with his own art. Several ninjas used some form of their creativity in the form of jutsu. Deidra had used clay he molded into explosives, Sasori created sick puppets, and Yakumo used her paintings for genjutsu. She said nothing to him until she finally put down her pencil. "Sorry for keeping you waiting," She told him softly.
"We aren't in any rush. I… enjoyed watching you draw. Would you like to draw me now," he asked gently. He actually felt awkward for asking that. This was something she would have to do at her own pace and he didn't wish to rush her.
Ren nodded to him as she turned to a fresh page in her sketchbook. "I would really like that. How did you know I didn't have any pictures of you smiling though," she asked softly as she began sketching the outline of his face. Her eyes hadn't even looked in his direction yet. She was drawing him from memory it would seem.
"I may have looked in your book," Neji admitted. He watched her cheeks turn pink and decided he should remedy the situation as best he could. He would hate for her to think he was just being overly nosey with no cause. "You are a very talented artist. I was interested in seeing what you drew," he told her.
Her cheeks turned a darker shade of pink and she bit her lip. She spared a glance at him then continued her drawing. "Thank you," she whispered.
Neji actually smiled at her. He was there to smile for her anyway so felt no need to hide it. He was pleased with how she reacted to his compliment. He wondered if she received them often, she didn't act like she did. "You're welcome. I'm sorry I looked but my curiosity got the better of me," Neji admitted weakly.
"It's okay. I was actually planning to show you them later. This is what I do when I have free time and I figured I should involve you in everything I enjoy," Ren continued to blush and chew on her bottom lip. Neji knew she had really taken what TenTen told her to heart. That was a good thing for both of them. "Do you have any hobbies, aside from sparring and learning new fighting techniques I mean?"
He stared at her. She was really going out of her way for him. She could've just left the conversation focused on her but she had turned the tables on him. It was a nice feeling. People usually felt they knew all there was to know about Neji. He was seen as cold and uncaring with everyone except Hinata and Hanabi. She was giving him the chance to show her what he truly was. "I enjoy meditating," Neji stated. It was true, that was his favorite activity. "It clears my mind and brings balance to my mind and body," He told her.
"I'm not very good at meditating but I feel that way about drawing. When I've got a pen in my hand my mind is clear and focused and my body flows in sync with it," She responded as she looked at his face again.
"I'm not good at drawing," He said with a chuckle. She giggled and, for the first time in a long time, he didn't find it annoying. The soft chime of her laughter filled his ears and he couldn't help but smile.
"I'm glad to see you smiling and hear you laughing," Ren admitted with another blush.
"I smile and laugh," Neji defended himself.
"Not around me," Ren said softly. She was looking down at the paper and her tone had changed. She was no longer cheerful, she seemed rather upset.
"Well, we're working on changing that aren't we," He asked. He had to change that. He didn't want her upset. It was so bizarre. He hadn't cared before. Now he felt it was all he cared about.
"We are. Will you smile for me now," Ren asked sweetly.
Neji stared at Ren and blinked. He hadn't even realized he had stopped smiling to begin with. Now he had to smile on the spot. This was more difficult than he had expected. He tried to think of what usually made him smile. Nothing came to mind with all the pressure. He focused his attention on Ren. She was staring at him with such hope in her eyes as well as excitement. He was bringing that to her with the idea of him smiling. That was enough for him to smile. He smiled slightly and she stared at him in awe. She blushed and bit her lip while she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. He liked this reaction. He smiled more and she smiled back at him.
"I really like your smile," Ren announced softly as she drew. She was staring at her drawing of him with a look of admiration and affection on her face. Neji hated to admit that it made his heart skip a beat. She felt that way about him? How had he been so blind before?
They stayed silent while she finished the picture then she turned it to face him. She had captured him as well as a photograph, if not better. He stared at the image on the paper. "This is how you see me," He asked as he stared at her. She nodded. "I'm glad to hear that," He said kindly. She had drawn his smile in such a way that it seemed to meet his eyes. They sparkled in a way he didn't believe possible. It was nice.
He stared up at the sky and noticed the time. They needed to begin sparring or they wouldn't be home until late. "I thought we would have a taijutsu only spar. No byakugan, gentle fist, or chakra use at all. Does that sound alright with you," Neji asked in his normal, flat tone. He wasn't attempting to seem cold or aloof with his future wife, that's just how his voice typically sounded, especially when talking about something as serious as sparring. He would have liked to have sat there and let her draw him some more but they did have other things to do.
"Hai, that sounds fair. You would have me at a strong disadvantage with your byakugan and I don't know gentle fist nearly as well. Hinata showed me the basics but she was so busy with her own training and fear of getting caught that we didn't work on it long. I hate that branch members aren't allowed to learn all of our clan's techniques. I know they're trying to remind us we are less than them but a fourth of the branch population is ninja and we're almost all trained to protect the main branch. You would think they would want us to be as skilled as possible," Ren muttered.
Neji could agree with that. He was only able to learn everything he knew before the chunin exams on his own, with the help of Maito Gai and his father's notes. He knew Ren did not have that chance. "You're right, it's their way of reminding us we are less than they are. Do not let them discourage you. You clearly have made up your own style and it has served you well. If you would like, I could teach you what I know later," He told her as he stood up. He extended his hand to her and asked, "Shall we get started?"
Ren placed her sketchbook and pencil on the grass and gave a brisk nod before taking his hand and allowing him to pull her effortlessly up to her feet. She blushed slightly when he didn't release her hand right away. He wasn't even sure why he had allowed his hand to hold hers longer than necessary. Perhaps it wouldn't be so hard to fall for her after all. He released her hand and she smiled up at him slightly. She didn't linger long however. She made her way to the middle of the training area and began stretching.
Neji almost smirked as he watched her. In her black tank top and dark blue shorts he could see most of her muscles at work. It was a beautiful sight. He moved to his own position and did the same. He was trying to decide if he should go easy on her or not. He never went easy on TenTen or Lee; that never helped anyone improve. He always strived to be better today than he was yesterday. It was Team Gai's motto. He wouldn't go easy on his future wife and felt she would be insulted if he did.
"Ready," she asked when she had finished limbering up.
Neji finished his last stretch and nodded. They both got into their stances and he studied her form. She rushed towards him and threw a punch towards his head. He ducked left and punched at her chest with his right hand. She grabbed his hand with her left before it made contact and swung at him again. He dropped to the ground and tried to sweep her legs out from under her with his own. She did a back handspring away from him. She was good at defense and offense it seemed. That suited him fine. He was good with both as well.
Neji kicked his legs up into the air and brought them down to the ground to get up without the use of his arms. She was back in her original stance. He charged her this time. He threw several punches towards her chest and she twisted and turned her body while backing away. He knew she couldn't back up forever and was sure she knew it too so he continued his assault. One of his punches almost landed on her right shoulder when she jumped and twisted to kick him. Her kick connected with his side and sent him skidding backwards. "You left your side open," Ren said softly. He nodded. He could agree that he did. He would do better this time. He straightened himself up and charged at her again. He faked a kick towards her knees and gave a right hook to her jaw. His eyes went wide when it connected and she flew up and backwards. She bounced off the ground and he feared he had hit her too hard. She twisted her body and landed on her feet. She rubbed her chin and told him, "Good shot."
It was strange for him to be praised and critiqued by a peer. Usually it was only his sensei or Hiashi who tried to correct his mistakes. He hated that she was trying to improve him as if she were better than he was but appreciated it none the less. It wasn't every day that you could land hits on an ex-ANBU and be praised by said person. It would help him become stronger and he could not fault her for it. "Don't forget that not every move is real. You can judge if an opponent is truly trying to attack a certain way by the power and speed they put into an attack. You have to be able to recognize a fake-out within a split second and be prepared for the real hit," he told her. He would help her in the same way she was helping him. She nodded and put her fists up as a sign she was ready to continue. He was glad she didn't get angry at him for his words. He knew she already knew these things but sometimes reminders were helpful.
They sparred like that for two hours. They critiqued each other, praised each other, and actually had fun doing it. Neji couldn't believe he actually enjoyed sparring with Ren. She had held her own against him and had almost gotten the better of him a few times. He was victorious but it had taken everything he had to keep her on the ground for ten seconds. They were both bruised, bloodied, and dirty when they decided to call it quits. They were both quite tired. "Let's head back to the Hyuga district and clean up before dinner," Neji suggested when he noticed just how filthy they both were.
"That sounds good to me," Ren responded gently. She stretched her arms above her head and Neji heard her left shoulder pop. He had noticed her left hand was dominant and reminded her she needed to hide that as best she could. After that he had been targeting her left shoulder and he was sure it was stiff. He watched her pick up her sketchbook and hold it against her chest. "Thanks, Neji," She told him as she walked up closer to him.
"For what," Neji asked as he turned to walk home with her.
"For letting me draw your smile and for making me work my butt off. If you weren't going to be my husband in two months I'd tell you that you should join ANBU. From a wife's stand point I don't think I'd like that very much. Long missions, late nights, and horrific things that you can never forget aren't exactly the best thing for a marriage. U-um… I mean… I-if you wanted to do that I-I wouldn't b-be u-upset… It would just make th-things harder… I'm not trying to tell you what to do," She said as she stared at the ground. He watched her bite her bottom lip and swallow hard.
Did she think he was upset? He didn't like being told what to do but she had a point. ANBU life was not something married people typically chose. ANBU never really appealed to Neji if he was honest with himself. They were top assassins but he was perfectly happy as an elite jonin. "I was actually considering taking on a genin team," Neji stated. It was the truth. He had been considering teaching genin ever since Shikamaru took on his team about two years ago. He had put it off for as long as he had because he wasn't sure. The more he thought about it the better the idea sounded. He would take lowly D and C rank missions that would mean he was home more often. Then again if life with Ren was miserable he may miss the B and A rank missions he was taking on now. He supposed he'd have to wait and find out what life was like with her before he decided.
"I was considering being an instructor in the academy," Ren said with a small smile. It pulled him out of his thoughts. He was curious as to why and was going to ask her but she answered without him voicing it, "I love kids. They're our future; our will of fire continues in them. I hate that we live in a world where we give weapons to children and teach them to kill but that's how life is for us. I figured I would be making a difference if I could be like Iruka and teach academy age children everything they needed to know to survive and become genin. Before I was offered my position as 'Mouse' I had applied to teach. I had to decide if I wanted to teach our future or protect it and make sure there was a future. Obviously I went with being 'Mouse'. Did you know I never took the jonin exams? They recruited me as a chunin. It made things harder when it came to my peers. Most believed I was incapable of keeping up with them and others felt it wasn't fair. Anko-nee shut them up real quick though. I'm going to miss it but my duty is to our clan now." Ren's voice held a lot of emotion. Pride, sadness, determination, and confusion.
"Perhaps it would be possible for you to become a teacher later, after Hiashi-sama has what he wants from us," Neji stated. He wouldn't say once they had children though, that would make mating with his cousin all too real. Then again he had been inclined to do so the night before. He mentally shook those thoughts away. "I would not care if you remained 'Mouse' or taught now, in a year, or in ten years. I am a shinobi and know the pride and honor that comes with that responsibility. I'm sorry that the council has decided you should be a housewife instead," Neji told her honestly.
"I don't mind cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. I enjoy those things. It's not all bad. I feel lost but I know I'm still me. I think maybe being 'Mouse' was just a way to hide myself. I felt bolder, more confident behind the mask. No one knew who I was unless I allowed them to. I wasn't a Hyuga, a chunin, or a weak kunoichi. If anyone saw me I was a frightening or hopeful sight, depending on if you were friend or target. It was a nice feeling. I hope I can learn to be more confident with the mask off too. Maybe that will be a good thing that will come from my resignation from the active roster. Well, that and being able to actually settle down. I know you'll still be an active shinobi but that will be nice won't it," Ren asked softly, her voice lined with optimism. The way he answered that question would impact her greatly, he knew that.
The corners of Neji's lips twitched. She was looking up at him with her eyes so full of hope that he started to feel it to. "Yes," he said honestly, "It will be nice. I'm sure coming home from a mission to an occupied house will be far more fulfilling than coming back to an empty one. I'm beginning to look forward to it." He realized that he truly was. He didn't mind the idea of coming home to Ren waiting on him as much as he expected. Sure he still had a hard time reminding himself he needed to get to know her, the real her, but he was warming up to her companionship. It was amazing what some sharing, sketching, and sparring could do for a couple. Ren's eyes were ablaze with happiness and she smiled brightly. His breath caught in his throat. It was a smile he had not seen on her lips in almost a decade. It was the most amazing feeling in the world, knowing he brought her such happiness. He smiled back at her with the same brightness. Her smile was contagious.
The walk was peacefully quiet after that. They both were pleased with what the other had said so they simply enjoyed each other's presence after that. Neji had allowed his hand to brush against hers a few times; each time he would hear her breath hitch and she would glance at him from the corner of her eye. It was pleasurable. "I will pick you up in about an hour," Neji said when they were in front of her house.
She nodded and told him, "Okay. I'll see you in an hour then." She smiled and disappeared into her house leaving Neji staring at where she had just been. He collected himself and walked home looking up at the darkening blue sky.
XXXXXXXX
Neji had showered in record time. His wounds were bandaged and he was dressed with fifteen minutes to spare. He stared at himself in his bathroom mirror. He felt weird. His hair was completely loose and hung around his shoulders and down his back. He decided that looked to feminine and swept it all back behind him. He was wearing black slacks, a white dress shirt, and the green jacket that Gai had given him almost a year ago. Green was his color, he decided, but that didn't mean he wanted to wear it all the time. The thought of wearing a green jumpsuit with orange leg warmers and running around shouting bouts about youth made him shudder. No. That was not his way at all.
He left the bathroom and began hiding away various kunai and shuriken in his clothes. This was a date but he was a shinobi. He would not be caught unarmed no matter what. He knew that as a Hyuga he never really was unarmed but attackers tended to take you more seriously if they could see a weapon instead of your bare, chakra infused hands. Neji took a deep breath and went through his list of things he needed to make sure he had. Weapons, check. Wallet, check. Breath mints, check. Condoms, yes but he didn't foresee needing those. Scroll that sealed away an umbrella, check. Handkerchief, check; it was soft, white, and freshly pressed and resided within his pants pocket under his wallet. You never know when your date is going to need one. He felt prepared for just about anything at this point. Neji took a deep breath and looked at the clock. Ten minutes. He figured he should head over there early to do what all men did when they take a woman on their first date, get to know her father. Ten minutes should be enough time surely.
Neji left his house after putting on his black closed toe sandals. They were the only thing he wore that screamed 'I'm a shinobi'. He was actually nervous when he knocked on the door. He really hoped he could tolerate Ren. His future, and hers, depended on it. They had gotten along well earlier but he was worried that she would have annoying habits while eating or be boring. He was trying very hard to like her but you can't change how people behave and he prayed she was a woman of grace and elegance when needed. She had seemed to be on their last mission but who knew how she would act in her own village?
Hideki opened the door slowly and stared at Neji. "Good evening, Neji," he said weakly, "Ren is still getting ready. Please, come in," the man said as he stepped aside to let Neji into the house. Neji entered, removed his sandals, and then followed Hideki to the couch in the living area. "Have a seat, son," Hideki said as he motioned towards the couch. Neji sat without hesitation and stared at the older man. He didn't have a chance to speak though. "I know that I'm supposed to threaten you and make you swear to be good to my little girl but I knew your father well enough to know that you will be. You two had a rough streak in the past but I don't foresee that continuing. You're both more mature and I'm sure you can express yourselves better now. I do ask that you do your best to be good to her. She'll love with all of her heart to the point you could break it so easily. I do not wish for my little girl to be hurt," he stated flatly.
"I understand. I am not planning on hurting her. I'm trying very hard to change the way I see her. There are women who would not be as caring about their husbands as she seems willing to be. I hope to make her happy," Neji stated honestly.
Hideki flashed a closed-mouth smile and nodded. "That is good to hear," He said.
Mayumi came running out into the room. "Ren's ready," She said with a grin. She backed into the hallway and called out, "He's here. Get out here!" Ren muttered something he couldn't hear but Mayumi glared down the hallway. "Just c'mon already!"
He heard the faint sound of Ren walking down the hallway and stood up. Hideki did the same. Ren appeared from around the corner wearing an off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved green dress. It had a lighter green leaf pattern to it. The dress was very form-fitting and stopped just above her knees. She wore a simple black belt around her hips. She looked amazing in it. It was ironic that they were both wearing the exact same shade of green. They hadn't even talked about it. Her hair was curled but lay loose around her shoulders and down her back. He was so shocked by the sight that he forgot to breathe. "You look lovely, daughter," Hideki stated.
That was all Neji needed to snap out of his trance. "You do look very beautiful, Ren," Neji commented flatly. He was impressed but wasn't able to depict that in his voice. It was going to take time for him to truly show his emotions well.
A smile formed on Ren's lips as she blushed and looked at the floor. "Th-thank you," She whispered to them both. Mayumi elbowed her sister in the ribs and Ren hissed lowly. Mayumi must have hit the same spot that he had landed a blow to earlier. "I-I guess we should get g-going," Ren said softly. She walked up to her father and hugged him. Neji watched the man stiffen but he did return his daughter's hug. She hugged Mayumi after that and Mayumi winked at Neji. He wasn't sure what to make of that.
"Have fun," Hideki told the couple.
"We will," they replied in unison and Neji hoped he was telling the truth. The two of them stepped towards the door and Ren grabbed her white poncho from the wall rack. "Allow me," Neji said as he took the fabric and draped it over her exposed shoulders. His hands lingered their slightly and he played it off as smoothing out the soft material. Why was she having this effect on him so suddenly? He had spent years loathing her but now he was having difficulties keeping his hands off of her. Was it lust driving him to do such things? They put their shoes back on and he slid open the door for her. He glanced back at Ren's father and sister. Mayumi had her hands clamped together under her chin grinning and Hideki was giving him a look of approval. He hoped that was what the look was anyway. With Hyuga's, especially the men, it was always hard to tell.
Ren grabbed her black clutch purse then stepped outside and waited on him to do the same. As soon as the door was closed she turned her head to look at him. "Neji," She said as she played with the fabric of her poncho, "I know you're just doing this because we're being forced to marry each other, but thank you."
She smiled at him and his heart skipped a beat. What was up with him lately? "Well, that is partly true but I'm glad to get the opportunity to see you in a new light," He told her calmly. He held his hand out to her without thinking about it. She grabbed his calloused hand with her own and her smile grew. "I reserved us a table at the new restaurant that just opened up. They serve a wide variety of food there so I hope that's okay," He told her as they started walking out of the compound hand in hand.
"That sounds amazing. Isn't that place hard to get into though? I mean it did just open up and it's not cheap either," Ren said quietly. She had been trying to mask her excitement but it seeped through anyway. Perhaps it wasn't so hard to make her happy after all.
"Hiashi-sama actually helped me get the reservation. He was so thrilled, in his own way that we are trying to get along, that he decided to front the bill. It's not like I couldn't afford it though. I'm sure your pay is… was, sorry about that, better than mine but I make enough to treat my fiancée to a nice dinner. Money isn't a problem. It's not like we'll be eating out every night like Naruto does," Neji told her. He was trying to make a joke. This time he succeeded because she actually giggled.
The two made it to the restaurant in good time. The remainder of the walk was filled with idle chit chat about their days. Neji learned that Ren was having a hard time adjusting to acting as a servant in the main house. She apparently was stuck cleaning bathrooms and loathed the job. She had even hinted at the two of them having children as soon as possible but laughed when she saw Neji's face lose all its color and claimed she had been kidding. He felt terrible for his reaction but he couldn't help it. Neji couldn't imagine being a father, not that he didn't want to be in the distant future. Part of him considered fulfilling her wish, even if she had just been kidding. He knew that he would need to put more consideration into it before actually having children though. They took up a lot of time, effort, and money. He wasn't quite sure how much money however.
Neji told Ren about his training with TenTen and Lee. He was unable to express how his day went accurately. It had been a good day but he seemed displease. He had to explain to Ren that he actually enjoyed most of his training that morning.
The last part of their conversation on the walk revolved around Hinata. Apparently Ren had run into her earlier that day and she apologized for Ren's arranged marriage. She didn't say how she replied to Hinata's apology but he knew better than to ask. They were trying to enjoy each other's company. There was no need for an argument to begin before they even arrived at the restaurant.
The two were seated in a quiet corner of the restaurant. The lighting was low and there were partitions between the tables to allow privacy. Ren's face lit up as soon as the hostess turned to walk away. "It's beautiful here," She gushed.
Neji was now at a crossroads. He could do what Kakashi would do and use a corny line on her or simply agree. "The view is lovely," Neji stated. He decided to go with something that could be considered either way. That felt like the safest bet. It didn't matter to him which way she took it. He had been looking at her when he said it but it wasn't like he hadn't looked around on their way to their table. The whole aura of the place screamed 'romance' and he also found it to be a soothing place. It wasn't too loud and he could appreciate the privacy.
He watched as a small blush crept onto her cheeks and she smiled at him. He noticed she was doing a lot of that lately. He didn't realize how much he had missed seeing her smile. Images of the little girl he used to play with flashed through his mind. He decided she deserved a reason to smile, Kami knew he didn't give her the motivation to before. It was strange to the Hyuga genius. He found himself smiling simply because she was. He decided, again, that being married to the woman in front of him might not be so bad.
"Um," Ren said softly, "I was wondering," She paused to bite her bottom lip. He nearly groaned at the view. There was something about watching her chew on it that made him want to pull her lip into his mouth and do the same. "Do you like me a little better now," She squeaked out. Her eyes were on the menu in front of her as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.
He nodded even though she wasn't looking at him. "I believe I do," Neji admitted. It was weird. She was looking to him for approval like what he thought meant more to her than anything else in the world. "How do you feel about marrying me," He asked gently. He needed to know the answer to that question. It was one he hadn't thought to ask before but it was an important one. A piece of him didn't want her to just be submitting to her fate.
Ren's eyes darted up from the menu to his. She almost looked like a deer staring into a bright light. She appeared to be taken back by the question. Had she not expected him to ask a question like that? Ren opened her mouth to reply but the waiter chose that moment to make his appearance. "Good evening. My name is Motoki and I'll be your waiter tonight. Can I start you off with some drinks and an appetizer," the brunette asked as he clutched a pen and notepad in his hands. The guy looked so uncomfortable. Neji assumed he was new to this.
"Green tea," Ren and Neji said at the same time. They looked at each other and Ren giggled causing Neji to smile faintly. Seriously, what was he doing? "And an order of pork gyoza," Neji said quickly before he could lose his train of thought.
"Alright," the waiter said as he jotted down their order, "I'll have your tea out to you shortly and put in your order. I'll be back in a little while to take your entrée order." The man forced a smile, bowed, and then turned on his heels to walk to the next table.
"I think he finds you intimidating," Ren teased as she fought a smile.
Neji smirked at her. "I'm not sure about that. It could be you he's intimidated by," Neji told her while keeping his eyes on hers. He would play along with her game, gladly.
She blushed and tucked some of her hair behind her ear. "I doubt that," Ren muttered, "I'm not the least bit intimidating right now. He couldn't possibly know how dangerous I could be. Everyone knows you. They see me and they don't think things like 'She's probably hiding a few kunai somewhere'. That's a mistake of course. I'm always armed," She said with a small giggle but it ended quickly. "Well except in the main house. Then I'm almost helpless."
He stared at her. "Once a ninja, always a ninja," Neji thought to himself. He had to say he was slightly impressed by that. He'd rarely met anyone who retired from the ninja career and spent life unarmed but still, Ren hadn't struck him as one to keep up the habit. He felt more comfortable knowing she had weapons hid on her person. He knew she could hold her own in battle so this meant he wouldn't have to play the hero if they ever did run into trouble. That was a comforting thought. He was tired of being the hero. He saved Hinata and Naruto and that was more than enough for him. Death was not as welcoming as he had expected it to be. He would continue doing his missions and protecting the village but that aside, he didn't wish to die again. "That's good to know," He told her. A sudden thought dawned on the Hyuga prodigy. She had never answered his question. "Ren, you didn't get to say how you feel about marrying me," he stated.
Ren looked away from him and chewed on her bottom lip. Neji remained silent to allow her to gather her thoughts. He should've been looking at the menu but he already knew what he wanted. "Well," she finally stated after releasing her lip from between her teeth, "I felt many things when I found out. Kakashi-dono had told me I would be getting married and would no longer be a kunoichi so that had me in a state of depression as well as worry. 'Who will they make me marry,' I asked myself. It was frightening. I knew someday I would have to get married but I wasn't expecting it so soon. I figured it would be when I messed up so royally that the clan found me embarrassing or something. I was surprised and slightly relieved to see you sitting in Hiashi's office. I didn't think that you would be who he would be pairing me with but," She paused and sighed softly," But it was kind of nice knowing you'd be there for me… Even if you do or did hate me. I don't like being told who I am supposed to marry but I was so relieved when Hiashi-sama told me I would be marrying you. I was depressed that my career was over but I wasn't upset that he had named you my future husband. I know that's stupid. We haven't gotten along in over a decade but you were my friend before that and I know you would never abuse me or anything like that. That can't be promised of everyone in the Hyuga district. I know I'm the last person you want to marry… but for me… you're my first pick."
Neji sat there staring at her in awe. So many thoughts he had had about her were wrong. What was he going to do? "That's a dumb question," Neji told himself, "I'm going to marry her and try to make sure she's happy. Easy enough." He noticed Ren's eyes were now on him and that his face was as blank as ever. "I am beginning to see that there are far worse women I could be forced to marry as well. I am starting to enjoy your company more than not," he admitted.
She blushed faintly, "Is that why you kissed me yesterday?"
Neji's own cheeks tinted pink and he glanced down at his menu. He wished he could hide his face behind it because the heat in his cheeks was like fire. "That wasn't a kiss," he stated without looking at her.
"Then what was it," She asked with an eyebrow raised. Her own cheeks were darkening more and more by the second.
"It was a promise that I would try my best to like you, possibly even love you since you do not seem to think I am capable of such an emotion. It's my word to you that I will do everything in my power to make sure you are happy within our marriage," Neji said with a nod. He was confident in his words and it showed on his face. Now he was looking at her.
"Can you make that promise to me again then," Ren asked within her mind. Her cheeks were so red she was sure she would end up fainting. It had been so tempting to say aloud but she knew better. Baby steps were the only way she was going to make Neji happy. "I'm glad to hear that. I want you to be happy too," She told him quietly.
XXXXXXXX
Saturday came quickly for the Hyuga's. Neji was not looking forward to the long dinner party that he and Ren were being forced to attend. He wondered how things would end up going. Their engagement was to be announced in only a few moments and he couldn't help but be a little nervous. Hiashi had informed him that Hinata was bringing Sasuke along, much to the Hyuga head's dislike, so that would be one distraction from his own love life. He now found himself hoping Sasuke could behave himself though. It felt like everything was riding on this dinner. Every clan in Konohagakure had been invited as well as the hokage. Neji couldn't picture the benefit in having clans like the Inuzuka and Akamichi involved but he would not question Hiashi.
Neji stood in his blue ceremonial kimono staring at the mass of people on the other side of the doorway. He was waiting on Ren and the room was packed. A man cleared his throat and Neji turned to see Hideki and Mayumi standing before him. They were blocking his view of Ren but he could see the top of her head and some ornaments sticking up from her hair. "I hope we have not kept you waiting too long," Hideki commented.
"Not at all," Neji stated, "I just arrived a few moments ago. Hiashi-sama has asked that you see him when you arrive, Hideki-san. He will make his announcement once he knows Ren is here. Please enjoy the party." Neji bowed in respect to his future father-in-law.
Mayumi and Hideki did the same and stepped into the room. Neji lost them in the crowd but his eyes didn't linger there too long. He turned to look at Ren. She was wearing a white ceremonial kimono and her hair was twisted and knotted eccentrically. It was held in place with several golden pins and ornaments that were shaped like flowers and butterflies. Her face was painted white and her lips were in the shape of a red heart. Her eyes were outlined in dark eyeliner and pink eye shadow. "Hey there Neji," She said nervously as she fidgeted with her fingers under his close scrutiny.
"Hello Ren," He replied and extended his arm to her. She reached her hand up to take his arm but hesitated. "What's wrong," he asked as his brows furrowed.
"There's so many people," She whispered breathlessly and stepped closer to him. He noticed that she was taking slower steps than usual, possibly due to the sandals she was probably wearing. "I don't do so well in crowds," Ren admitted.
"I'll be right there with you. It'll be fine. We just have to convince these people we're in love. In truth we're playing politics. This event is a way for Hiashi-sama to do damage control to his reputation. Uchiha and Hinata-sama have really done a number on the level of respect the other clans have for him. We are the remedy, in a way. We just have to show them that the Hyuga Clan is still honorable," Neji told her gently.
Ren nodded and wrapped her arm through his. It was odd really. Their height difference was so noticeable to him now. It hadn't been, ironically, when they were holding hands. Now he felt like he was escorting a child. He tried to remember how tall her mother had been, not very since Ren clearly did not get her height from her father. He was a tall man who screamed strength and regency. His daughter appeared tiny and frail. Neji knew better of course but that didn't take away from her dainty appearance on his arm. He caught himself half-smiling. He would definitely be seen as the man in their relationship. No one could confuse him for a girl with her around. "I think Hiashi-sama is starting his speech," Ren muttered as she stared up at him. He nodded and decided it best to listen. They did not need to miss their cue.
"I wish to thank you all for coming this evening," Hiashi's voice rang through the room they were standing outside, "It is a rare treat that we are able to enjoy the companionship of the other clans of the Leaf. I am pleased to see that everyone was able to attend. I did not call you all here to waste your time with a long speech so I will get right down to business. I have called you all here because I have a very big announcement to make in regards to my nephew, Neji. As you all know I view him as my own son and so his happiness brings my own."
"He's full of it," Ren muttered. Neji could only agree. Hiashi was far from pleased with anything anyone did. It may not have been too far from the truth though, since Hiashi did set up their engagement himself.
"Neji has decided to take a bride and aid our clan and our village with supplying the next generation. He will soon be passing his will of fire on to his own children," Hiashi continued. Ren stiffened and Neji placed his hand over Ren's to try to relax her. He was tense too but they needed to seem calm and relaxed. As he brushed his thumb against the top of her hand she seemed to loosen up a little. "This party is to introduce Neji and his future bride, Ren," Hiashi said as he extended his hand towards the door.
"Show time," Neji stated. Both he and Ren plastered on fake smiles as they slowly entered the room. The crowed parted to make way for them to approach the Hyuga head. When they arrived at their destination they both bowed to the Hyuga council then to the crowd. Their synchronization was almost frightening to both of them. It was like they had practiced it a thousand times, perhaps that was because they had both done it alone enough times.
"I'll ask that everyone take their seats at the table so that we may all enjoy a meal together in honor of the two lovebirds," Hiashi stated from his position next to the couple. He swept his hand towards the large table along the back wall of the room. People began filing in to their designated seats.
Neji lead Ren to the table where they would be sitting for the dinner portion of the party and helped her into her kneeling position. He did the same. They would both be at Hiashi's right. All eyes were on them and Neji could tell Ren was on the verge of a panic attack behind all that makeup. Hiashi sat at his position at the head of the table without a glance at Ren or Neji and everyone else followed suit.
Ren and Neji were both looking around the room as people sat down around them. Neji placed his hand on Ren's under the table and she squeezed his hand. Shino and his father, Shibi, were quite a ways away from them. Neji and Ren both knew it was because of Shino's claim to being engaged to her. Mayumi, Hideki, and Hanabi were seated across from Ren and Neji on Hiashi's left. The clan that was next to them was the Yamanaka's. Ino and her mother were both looking well. To Ren's left sat Hinata and Sasuke. The Akamichi's, Inuzuka's, Aburame's, Sarutobi's, Nara's, and the Hokage occupied the table as well with members of the Hyuga council blended in amongst them. The people Ren and Neji were closest with were seated farther away than Neji had expected. Hiashi had planned for everything. There was no possible way for anyone to question the sincerity of Neji's supposed proposal without seeming malicious.
Hideki kept his eye on Neji throughout the dinner and it unnerved him slightly. He could also feel other sets of eyes on him as well. The Aburame's were far away but he could feel them. Kakashi was watching him closely too. It was so much pressure. Was anyone watching Ren like that? Sure his genin teammates weren't from clans so they weren't here but he felt like someone here should be wanting to check her out. Sasuke said something to Ren and she nodded which caused Neji to question what he had said. Whatever it was had Hinata smiling. Ren was facing away from him so he couldn't see what her expression was. He let his eyes drift away to the head of the table. Hiashi was holding conversations with everyone possible. This dinner party was beyond boring.
"Congratulations, Neji and Ren," Shikamaru stated slothfully after dinner had ended. Everyone was now lounging around enjoying sake and conversation. Hiashi was playing the political field quite well. Hideki was enjoying the conversation of Shikamaru's mother, Yoshino. Mayumi was talking to a teenage boy with Hanabi right beside her, which did not bode well with the Hyuga prodigy. Everyone was enjoying themselves except the lazy Nara and the engaged couple.
"Thank you, Shikamaru," Ren said softly as she lowered her head to him in respect.
"Yes thank you," Neji stated and did the same.
"I know it's none of my business," Shikamaru said as he lowered his voice, "But don't you two hate each other? What's Hiashi's angle?" They could practically see the gears turning within the strategist's mind.
Ren and Neji stared at each other blankly. The only thing to indicate any surprise or stress in either of them was the slight furrowing of their dark eyebrows. Both knew clan business couldn't be discussed with someone outside the clan but they both also knew this wasn't some big conspiracy. "Hiashi-sama believes we are compatible and capable of producing strong offspring," Ren stated emotionlessly. Both men stared at her in shock. She seemed so distant about the whole thing. She had practiced that line far too much, Neji assumed. "I do not hate Neji either," she added softly. Her voice changed just enough to indicate hurt.
"Consider it a love-hate thing. I'm beginning to like her more than I hate her," Neji admitted reluctantly. He didn't want to admit to anything, even if that were true. They had already said too much about their engagement with just those few words. Then again Shikamaru was a mutual comrade and would never do anything to harm either of them.
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, "Here I thought he had some grand scheme or something. Why did I even bother getting involved?"
Ren laughed lightly though it was mirthless. "You just over strategized the situation. If you want to do something more troublesome," Ren stated as she looked towards Mayumi and Hanabi, "Could you go become a blockade between my little sisters and that boy? As Mayumi's sensei you approaching her would not be inappropriate. They are both like clay right now and boys are not what should shape them into the women they will become. A boy crazy Mayumi will not bode well for you as her sensei." Neji took notice that Ren had referred to Hanabi as her little sister as well. This was just more proof that even Shino knew Ren better than he did. He was beginning to grow angry. The stress of the evening was weighing down on him and he realized he still didn't know his bride-to-be very well.
"I guess you have a point. She's useless on missions if she's got a boy on the brain. Alright," Shikamaru nodded lazily, "But you owe me later." He flashed a tired smirk at her.
"Of course, thank you," Ren stated softly. She returned his smirk with a smile of her own and Neji felt more emotions than he cared to all at once. Anger, jealousy, frustration, hopelessness… the list ran on and on. She turned to Neji and bit her lip before asking, "How much longer do you think we'll be forced to stick around here? Surely everyone's had enough sake to wish to go home soon."
More hurt was added to Neji's current emotional turmoil. "What's your rush," Neji asked coldly. That half smile she had shared with Shikamaru had really irritated him. She had practically ignored his existence in the light of Shikamaru. It was upsetting for him. He had thought that she was over Shikamaru but things did not seem that way. What Shikamaru wanted from Ren as compensation was also troubling him. He suddenly imagined Ren on her knees doing unimaginable things with her mouth to the lazy Nara as he leaned back against a tree. He was so furious over his own thoughts that his brows furrowed.
"I just thought it'd be nice to be away from the crowd. We've been together all evening but we haven't really said much to each other," She said gently despite the hurt in her voice.
"We aren't expected to talk," Neji snapped quietly, "We are here to create an image and talking does little to help that. If you want to talk, go find Shikamaru." Neji crossed his arms over his chest. He was so angry over the whole situation. He was feeling the pressure of the evening and he was ready to be done with it too but she didn't have to act like she wanted to get away from him. He knew he wasn't Shikamaru. He was better, wasn't he? He was the one she had claimed would be her first pick… So why did her friendliness with Shikamaru bother him so much?
Neji glanced down at Ren. She was still standing next to him but her face was towards the floor. He couldn't see her face because her bangs cast a shadow that hid her features. He heard more than he saw. Her breathing was shallow and shaky. She was crying. He watched as two lone tears fell to the wooden floor beneath their feet. Neji's heart sank and he uncrossed his arms. He was reaching his hand out to touch her shoulder, in an attempt to comfort her, when she flinched away. "Please tell Hiashi-sama that I am not feeling well. I will deliver an apology to everyone tomorrow," Ren said quietly but sternly. Before Neji could say anything she was rushing out the doorway and out of sight. Neji knew he should follow her but he had to notify Hiashi first because if they both disappeared without a word it would be disgraceful. Neji missed the eyes that had witnessed the whole thing and the lone person who slipped from the party without being missed.
Ren Note: Is it me or can Neji really be an ass? Whoops... Wonder who it was that slipped away from the party... Any ideas? I've finished writing this story. Chapter 5 will be posted very soon and the Epilogue will follow that. I'm excited to have this story finished (just need to post it). It'll be the first one that I'll be able to mark as "Complete" instead of "In Progress". I wish more people read this story (and reviewed) but I'm happy with those of you that I do have. I'm thankful for all of you and love you dearly. You guys hold a special place in my heart. I'm not sure how soon I should post 5... any ideas? I've posted this one early really... Oh well. I sadly could't get All or Nothing out on time... yet again... so I wanted to make it up to you guys with It's a Love-Hate Thing. I hope you all have a fantastic week!