A Play
The sounds pierced through the cool night air like a knife, and Neji winced. It was like listening to a group of little kids singing.
Just like it? He thought with another wince. We ARE listening to little kids singing.
It was summer solstice in Konoha, which meant that there was a special program put on by the academy students. As there were always Uchihas and Hyuugas coming and going through the Academy, both Neji and Itachi were obligated to come see their younger relations perform. And by the sour look on Itachi's face, it was giving them both headaches.
The song built into an earsplitting crescendo, and Neji suppressed the urge to cover his ears so they wouldn't bleed all over his clothes. But after that it was done, and all the parents were appropriately enthusiastic. Young Hyuuga Kimi, her moonstone eyes glittering happily and her brow as yet unmarred by the Caged Bird seal, ran over to her parents and got hugs and a small treat. Neji and Itachi were on the outside, the latter only half-paying attention to the younger Uchihas being congratulated.
Kimi tugged on Neji's clothes, looking up at him. "Did I do well, Neji-san?" she asked. Smiling and pulling a little wrapped package of sweets out of his pocket and gave it to her.
"You did fine, Kimi-chan," he replied. "Go to your parents now."
Itachi scowled at him. "Why did you lie? It was terrible."
"She's five years old, Itachi," he said, leaning in so he could speak in a low voice. "Children must hold on to their hope."
Only Neji would know that he'd won that round.