Chapter 14 - Final

Uzumaki Naruto starts the morning in a regular way. He lazes a little longer than needed in his bed, staring up at the ceiling, his imagination running wild. When the sunshine warms his body enough to wake it, he stretches, pops his arms over his head, and slugs out of bed. After breakfast and a quick shower, Naruto steps over the mess littered on the floors of his apartment and decides that rather than wallowing around all day, he'd do good in taking a few laps around the village and get into better spirits. With a determined nod, he pulls on his trademark jacket, zips it up to his chin, and steps outside —

Only to find a cat on the welcoming mat, staring up at him with matching, blue eyes.

"Shisui," Naruto greets, then grins, "or is it Neji I'm talking to?"

"Not quite."

Just then, Neji — the real one — hops down from the roof to land right at Naruto's side. The man is filled to the brim in Hyuuga: stark expression, proper pose, swift movements. He doesn't look anything like a man who has been pretending to be a cat for practically half a year.

"Fancy seeing both of you here." He looks at Shisui, then back at Neji. "Uh — so what is it?"

Neji's face reveals nothing to Naruto — which is freaking him out, if he's being honest. He feels his body curl back, preparing to jump into a defensive position if the Hyuuga decides to attack. Naruto's sure the letter Tamaki sent to him left a lot of . . . ugly feelings in Neji. In one way or another, he was kinda being pulled around by their tricks — and even if it was for the good of Hinata, Naruto's vastly aware that Hyuugas hate being tricked.

So you can only imagine his sheer surprise when, instead of attacking, Neji gets on his hands and knees and presses his head to the ground.

"I thoroughly apologize."

Naruto already feels sweat pooling down his neck. "Uh — hey. What do you even have to apologize —"

"All this time, I was convinced you were the evilest of men."

Naruto's mouth twists. "I mean — I get it, y'know? Oi, stand up already. C'mon, it's not a big deal."

"For nights on end, I've been cursing your name," Neji continues. "I even convinced Hanabi to pretend she's aiming at you when practicing her techniques."

Naruto feels his blood drain from his face.

"If it means anything, we saw a 200% increase in her accuracy."

Shisui begins licking her paws and rubbing them behind her ears like this is just a normal, Tuesday discussion.

"And, frankly, there were days where I was fighting off the urge to end you myself."

"H-Hey," Naruto wheezes, "I get it, y'know?"

"But I was misjudging you, and I apologize."

"J-Just get up, already. Seriously. You're freaking me out."

Neji lifts his head first, and Shisui comes over to rub her cheek against his chin — which, oddly, makes Neji smile.

And what a terrifying smile that is.

Naruto feels his heart drop, and he thinks — maybe — it'd be better to stay inside after all.

*** Uzumaki Naruto - Death Escaper ***

Kiba is thinking — Hell, damn the lot of them!

He's in a particularly crabby mood this late morning, you see. A certain worry has been weighing down his mind lately, one that involves two certain people. People whom he thought he could trust.

Ha!

Apparently not.

Because there they are, the two of them, lookin' nice and cozy on Tamaki's front porch, sitting in the sunlight with cats surrounding them. Neji looks like he just belooongs there! Just fits right in!

Pah!

Fine! If they like each other's company so much, then Kiba will leave them be. Ain't no skin off his back!

That is until he storms home, and his sister sees how much of a grouch he is and automatically understands it has to do with Tamaki. Hana always knows these things. She's like a damn mind-reader or something — which pisses Kiba off even more — cuz it seems like everyone knows what's going on except him.

To make a long story short: Hana essentially kicks him about, barking he'll not be allowed into their house until he's gone and talked to Tamaki.

So now Kiba is storming his way back, huffing and puffing.

Neji's not there when he gets back, which makes things slightly better.

Slightly.

When Tamaki opens the door and finds him on her porch, she smiles and invites him in like everything's fine and good.

He does not enter. "Neji's been here."

She nods. "Just a bit ago, actually. We were talking."

"Is that right?" His eyes narrow. "About what?"

She giggles and flaps her hand in the air. "Nothing important. Come in, Kiba."

Again, he doesn't. He just crosses his arms. "Humor me."

She squints, as if suspecting he's not the real Kiba, but someone disguising themself as him. "Kiba."

"He's been smelling like you for a while now," Kiba points out. "Months, really. Strange."

"You can't be —"

"Just let me off, already!" He rubs his hands down his face and turns away. "Get it over with. 'Kibe, I've found I'm much more interested in Hyuugas and their weird eyes and gross clan dynamics than I ever was in you.'"

Tamaki, strangely, snorts. "Isn't your teammate a Hyuuga?"

"Uchiha," he corrects sourly, then goes back to mocking her voice. "'And while it's very true that you're so strong and handsome and capable of taking care of me, I'd rather be in Hyuuga Neji's arms!'"

"Please!" she yips. "Give me a break!"

Before he knows it, she's grabbed his arm and is now dragging him into her home. When they reach the dining table, she pushes a piece of paper into his face.

"Read it."

It falls into his hands. He huffs, but does as he's told.

He reads . . . and he reads . . . .

"Wait." What!? "You're tellin' me — all this time — the reason he smells like you — is cuz he's been sharin' bodies with a fucking cat?"

"That's right," Tamaki says. "Do you believe me?"

"I mean — it's hard to believe either way." He scratches his chin and hums low. Really, when he thinks long about it, it seems very plausible. Tamaki does train cats to aid ninja and civilians alike, and it really would just take one word from Naruto to confirm everything this note says — especially because the guy is a horrid liar. "But I believe you."

Tamaki sighs. "Good."

"So you ain't cheating on me then?"

She slaps his shoulder. "It's like you said — you're strong and handsome and capable. I'd be mad to let you go."

That makes all negative emotions leave Kiba in an instant, and he beams like a puppy.

*** Inuzuka Kiba - Good Boy ***

Hiashi thinks, despite it all, this is the best outcome that could have come from such a situation.

"Sister, please pay attention! This is very important."

"I am paying attention, Hanabi."

"You're not! You're being distracted by Brother!"

His children are bathed in the colors of his late wife's garden, sitting along the pond. Hanabi has a display of fabrics that she'd like to one day be made into kimonos. They're all bright and eye-catching, which he thinks is very fitting for his youngest. This kimono, in particular, is important. She'll be wearing it to the ceremony in a week, and it seems very important to her that she's at least matching her sister in some way.

Hinata is kind and patient today. Sometimes, her little sister gets on her nerves, but Hiashi can see her amusement blooming in her gaze as she looks at the fabrics presented to her.

"I like them all."

"I know you do," Hanabi huffs. "That's the problem! You need to pick! I can't wear them all."

Hinata smiles. "That would be an interesting kimono."

"Sasukeeeee!" Hanabi whines, turning to the Uchiha, who sits by his wife, staring off at nothing in particular. The call of his name makes him turn to her, and there's not nearly as much patience in his eyes, though Hiashi can tell he is trying. "Brother, what do you think?"

Sasuke's face is completely blank, and Hinata hides her giggles behind her hand.

"You want me to pick," he drawls.

Hanabi squints. "I want someone's opinion!"

Sasuke peers down at the fabrics, frowning. His head tilts a bit, and then he looks away.

"They all look the same to me."

"God!" Hanabi cries. "You're both hopeless!"

Just then, Neji comes to join them in their lounging. The commotion of his little cousin always brings him running, and Hiashi cannot help but smile as his nephew gives each strip of fabric a critical look.

"This one," Neji eventually says, picking up one of the strips of fabric. "It will stand out from the decor."

Hanabi twitters in delight. "Yes, Cousin! I see your vision. See, Brother? You need to be more like Neji."

Neji smirks in pride, and Sasuke huffs.

This is a picture Hiashi hopes to remember for the rest of his life — along with the single memory he has of his wife with both of his daughters before her passing. It will keep him going, fueling his desire to become a better father for both of them.

Hinata feels his gaze, and she looks over his shoulder and invites him over with a raised hand.

He comes, stepping from rock to rock, until he's there with his children.

Hanabi grins up at him. "Father, you'll have many things to teach Sasuke. Just because he's Uchiha doesn't mean he can't improve with some Hyuuga charm."

Sasuke's eyes lower — perhaps out of respect, but Hiashi suspects it's more than just that.

"I'll be in your care, Lord Hyuuga."

Hanabi cackles and snorts. "Listen to that! Brother, please! If I am your sister, then Father is Father."

Neji chokes, Sasuke stares in bewilderment, and Hinata is pink with joy.

Hiashi, really, doesn't mind.

An Uchiha son. Not the worst thing to happen.

*** Hyuuga Hiashi - Repeated Father ***

They're only a month into their marriage, but Sasuke has been thinking long and hard about it.

He tells Hinata one night, right as they finish with dishes, "I think I should stay when we have children."

Hinata pauses from tying her hair back into a ponytail, meeting his eye. "Hm?"

"It will not work if we are both on missions," he explains. "I've been thinking about it. One of us should stay — at least while they're young."

"They," Hinata muses, pleased and teasing at the same time.

Sasuke tries to swallow his embarrassment. "I was thinking you'll stay home for the first several months, and I'll be the one on missions. Afterwards, we'll switch."

Her teasing smile fades, for she understands he's being serious. Her eyes drift as she thinks about their possible future,

"Why you?" she asks.

Isn't it obvious? "Because you're a ninja, Hinata. If you didn't want to continue being one, you wouldn't have fought to keep your missions."

She leans her back against the kitchen counter and hums. "But you are, too."

Sasuke doesn't say anything for a while. For the longest time, he believed this to be true — and still, he does. But power and growth is no longer a hunger of his. That world is not his calling. Not anymore.

Because now he's rebuilding his life, his family.

That's what's important now.

"I want to be a good father," he whispers.

Hinata places the heels of her palms onto the cool countertop, hoisting her body up so that she sits on it. Her fingers touch the underside of his jaw, and she smiles at him.

"You will be," she says, "because you're a perfect husband."

He snorts. "That's a stretch."

"You're perfect for me," she continues, "and you'll be perfect for them."

He lets her hands smooth out any wrinkle of doubt or worry from his soul.

They're quiet for a moment, both thinking about what he's said, what that will mean.

"You're serious?" Her question is soft, almost hesitant.

He looks her in the eye. "Very."

"You don't mind staying home?"

"Why would I?"

"The ninja world is a thrilling place." Her right hand lifts to trace through his hair. "Won't you miss the excitement? The danger?"

At that, he smirks. "I'll be caring for Uchiha children — the most dangerous beasts out there. I should know. I used to be one of them."

An overwhelming glee makes Hinata's chakra burn bright and fill the entire building. She jumps off the countertop and flings her arms around him, and Sasuke loses his balance and falls to the floor. His back connects with the floorboards at a weird angle, but any mild pain is quickly swept away when Hinata dips down and kisses him. The groan that escapes him is not at all pained, and Hinata's smile is sweet and fluttering and warm against his mouth.

"You're so good to me," she whispers from above, pulling away just enough to look at him.

He struck, suddenly. It's like reality hits him hard in the skull, and he feels dizzy.

That's his wife — and they're in their home, on their floor — and just moments ago, they were talking about children.

This was not the life Sasuke was expecting. Not as a kid, not as a teenager — not even one year ago.

He used to be a hateful, angry, spiteful man.

Now, he's admiring how his wife's hair fans around her and how alive he feels when she kisses him.

"Sasuke," she says, "your eyes."

His sharingan has activated again, molding this memory into his mind for eternity and a day.

His hand lifts up and grabs the back of her skull, gently pulling her down. Her chin rests against his collarbone, and her hands slide behind his neck.

"I feel loved," he tells her.

She holds him closer. "That's because you are."

Those words will echo in his head forever.

Red flickers out of his gaze, and he rests his head back and sinks into the comfortable, nice reality.

*** Uchiha Sasuke - Loved One ***

Neji, frankly, is glad.

No more sneaking around. No more merging into a cat. No more pretending or lying.

Hinata's happily married.

The Hyuuga can no longer touch her.

Naruto is no longer an issue.

And Hanabi —

Wait.

Is that a wistful look he sees? Her cheeks seem flushed, and not simply due to the cold.

He follows his gaze, and when he sees that approaching figure of Sarutobi Konohamaru, a sinking feeling begins to form in his stomach.

Why, is his youngest cousin acting bashful? That's new.

No, Neji tells himself, looking away. Don't get involved. You've done enough.

Indeed he has. His snooping days are over! It's back to being a real ninja without any weird, chakra-infused animals to merge with.

. . . But, then again, it would be unfair to not be aware of Hanabi's obvious feelings and wants. Who was he to favor cousins, after all?

It's not about that, he desperately tries to tell himself. It's just not my place.

Arguably, it wasn't his place to help Hinata, either. But he still did it. Because he cared.

Damn it.

Alright, alright!

He'll at least scout out this potential love interest of his dear, littlest cousin.

...

He follows Konohamaru from afar, just getting a read on what the man did in his offtime. After all, if all he did was laze around home and read those disgusting, little books the current Hokage enjoys reading, Neji would not find such a man fit for Hanabi at all.

Thankfully, he didn't seem to be that type.

He trains with his teammates, then he helps Iruka with some paperwork, and after that he meets with Naruto to catch up and chat. It all seemed very normal to Neji. Perhaps he'll allow this man to be around Hanabi.

Maybe.

But then he hears a terrible thing while Naruto and Konohamaru are walking around town after dinner.

"There's really no point," Konohamaru grumbles, a flash of red to his face as he rubs at the back of his head. "There's no way she's interested in me."

Oh no, Neji thinks. Is this about Hanabi, or someone else?

Naruto shakes his head, crossing his arms behind his head. "You don't know that."

"She's a Hyuuga," Konohamaru mutters. "What chance do I have?"

I can't believe this. Why can't romances with his cousins ever be easy!? It's like they're just BEGGING for drama!

Naruto gives a sympathetic slap to Konohamaru's shoulder as they continue on. When they take the path that circles them around the Inuzuka property, Konohamaru's spirits seem to lift a tad. Kiba spots them approaching and waves them over, yelling about the new pup they just got a bit ago. Konohamaru's eyes light up, and he's quick to rush after him.

Wait.

Dread begins to fill Neji's stomach.

It's only amplified when Naruto turns, meets his eye, and shoots him a knowing grin.

It really does seem Neji cannot get a break.

Ah shit.

*** Hyuuga Neji - Dog Man ***

End