I don't own Naruto. I tried to edit but, as always read between the lines and add the dropped words. Enjoy
"Kankaro, has Gaara told you when he is coming?
"No", the designer answered without looking away from his bolts of fabric and stretch sheets.
"Do you think he went to Lee's without saying anything?"
"Maybe"
"Kankaro?!"
"What?! Listen I have projects to finish. Gaara said he would come, so chill."
Temari wrinkled her nose at him, "Whatever, I'm going to the pool"
Kankaro waved her off, but his concentrated remained on his workbench. His lack of attention added to eldest sibling's ire, resulting in her stomping her way down the stairs of the pool house. The same pool house Temari hated to admit to liking. When the little hostess brought them to compound Temari took it as an insult that they would be staying in the pool house instead of the main house. Guest shouldn't be segregated that's just bad manners.
That perception changed when they took position of the place. Hanabi was giddy when she gave them the keys to the two story structure the two and one down stairs with a full kitchen and living space. Saying they would have privacy to and access to all the amenities. The little brat even had the pantry filled with the junk food Kankaro loved. Even the ones they usually could not to get when they came to the states. She even and gave them the Hyugga Chef's number if they did want to cook for themselves.
But the studio upstairs was the icing on the cake. Kankaro, nearly pledged allegiance to the Hyuuga for live. The room was massive with several work tables, high end sewing machines, and every notion he could possibly ask for and a direct line to MOOD. The Hyuuga where not so bad after all.
The compounds Recreation area was Temari's favorite part, not only did it house a fully equipped gym, but a competition size pool and a Jacuzzi big enough to fit a basketball team. With all this water around Temari, forwent regular underwear and wore a bikini all the time. Just like home. She had come to enjoy having the pool all to herself but today she would have to share. Some of the other compound inhabitants found their way to the pool room. Temari slipped out of her regular clothes and into the far end of the pool. If they don't bother me I won't bother them.
The blonde took a leisurely lap, keeping an eye on the others. At first glance she thought it was the head Hyugga pacing the deck. But when the pacing stopped, giving her a better view of the man's profile, she was disappoint to find that it was not Haishi. She had wanted to say how much she appreciated their hospitality. However, there was a strong resemblance. It took Temari two more laps before she remembered that Hanabi mention they had cousin who lived with them, Ok so that must be the Cousin who is the other guy.
"I can't believe this shit. He brought her back. What is she supposed to do that I have not already tried."
The other man leaned back against the tiles, enjoying the bubbling warm water. It was his suggestion that they come out here, in the hopes that it would relax Neji's nerves. But somehow his partner preferred to rant and pace out his frustrations. Since Hiashi's Competition began Neji's tripled his efforts to get an audience with the Demon CEO. After every rejection Neji would spend the rest of the evening ranting and trying to rationalize the 'whys' of the situation.
Neji was looking at this the wrong way. He is taking Hiashi's actions personal. This was just business, the old man wanted the deal closed, by any means necessary. Hinata had made a name for herself in the east, and had clout with people in the EU. Haishi wanted to the keep the project under Hyuuga control. It just make since to have is best working it from all angles.
"Shikamaru, what are we going to do?!"
Shikamaru also determined the Uchiha stonewalling was not about business, it wass personal. Their initial proposal had gotten them invitation to Uchiha corp. and inside Itachi's office. But the situation changed the moment Itachi saw Neji. The CEO had words with is secretary and disappeared into his office. Then the little women stepped from behind her desk and politely asked when the head of Hyuuga International would be coming. Shikamaru reasserted to her that Neji Hyuuga and himself where heading the venture. The news seemed to surprise the women, who rushed into the office with the Uchiha. Fifteen minutes after the information was relayed, they were told that Mr. Uchiha was not longer interested in their offer, and to please see themselves out. For some reason, Neji did not seem to pick up on the change in the demon. There were key words in that interchanges that should have sent an alarm in the young Hyuuga. At first Neji thought it was just Itachi jerking them around because of the Family feud. But Shikamaru doubted that. Itachi was known to do business with groups that his president vocally opposed as long as the price was right. It was a factor that ShikaInoCho group was banking on to make a quick acquisition.
He almost felt bad for not telling Neji, that he had a hand in bringing Hinata home. He expressed this concern with Haishi the week preceding the woman's arrival.
"I think we have sometime before the investors try and back out. Besides, we can let Hinata do all the hard work and come in at the last moment and get him."
"Really?!"
"They call her the gentle fist for a reason". He shrugged.
"Gentle fist my ass! That creepy sunglass wearing PA is the one pulling the strings. She just looks pretty and parrots what he tells her too. I don't know why my Uncle tolerates that outsider handling our business"
"Is that what you think is going on?"
"Yes. She has been here two weeks and done absolutely nothing, but play dress with Hanabi and that face painted project runway reject!"
At that moment, in his most fevered rant, Temari had swam within earshot. There was a lot of things she could ignore. Other people's complaints, ok. Other people's opinions not her concern. But nobody insults her family but her.
"Hey, that's my brother you're talking about you Jack ass" pulling herself out the pool and storming towards Neji. The sound of another voice caused Neji to whirl around to face source.
"What did you say to me?"
"You heard me." She replied unabashed.
Shikamaru did not leave the waters of the spa but careened his neck to see. In that instant he decided he liked the slender blonde, scowling at Neji with her hand one her hip.
Neji stood to his full height and stared at her with his grey eyes. But she did not back down.
"Are you trying to stare me down?" she laughed. "I know Kindergarteners harder than you. "
Shikamaru chortled despite himself. Neji was going have a bigger hissy fit over his lack of solidarity but her assessment was still comical.
"Mm, you're Hanabi's Brazilian model", Neji remembered, "As a guest I would expect you to stay out of my Family's business" he sneered.
"You're right I am a guest. And as host I would expect you have manners. Insulting guests, is not classy. If you want me out your business, keep your comment out me in mine out your mouth."
"Or what, this my house I say what I want"
"This Haishi Hyuuga's house, and it's obvious why your cousin is back. You have horrible people skill. She's the honey to your vinegar. Stupid punta."
She made a hand gesture that could only mean several vulgar and degrading things regardless of what part of the world you lived and sauntered away.
"Wow, Neji you really do make friends with everyone you meet."
"Whatever, Nara. Besides she is just another woman here to make my live a living hell."
"They aren't all bad you know."
Neji snorted in disbelief.
"Back to what really matters. My Company is pushing for us to move forward and look for other locations."
Neji gave as disheartened look.
"Look I know this project means a lot to you, and your subsidiaries to rebuild that neighborhood, but business is business and we have move forward one way or another."
Neji plopped down in one the deck chair, frustration causing his forehead to wrinkle. He has a feeling the Nara knows why his efforts are being obstructed but for the life of him can't figure why he is hiding the details from him. He is brought out of his pity party by the sound of splashing.
If I can't have one maybe I can have the other.
Shikamaru approached the chair hold his towels when Neji's hand latches onto his wrist. He looks at his partnered with concern, not sure what was on the Hyuuga's mind.
"Have you thought about what I said before?
Shikamaru's mouth thins into a placate smile but maintains his physical distance.
"Hyuuga, since we partnered up we have made ridiculous amounts of money together, but that is all we will make together." Nara's words are precise. He hoped he would have say it, and emotional Neji was a troublesome Neji. But it's it better to rip the bandage off.
Neji's hand fell away and leans back into his chair and stared out into the bay. Hoping the glare of the setting sun will hide with the disappoint on his face
Nara grabs his towel and leaves his partner to his thoughts.
Inside the compound.
Hinata and Shino are busily shuffling through papers and clicking away on laptops, in her designated office the old sunroom. Hinata pulls her attention away from the computer to question the form looming over her. Greeting her with a toothy grin Kiba meets her gaze.
"Did you have a good day off?"
"Yes, I did. I even did what four eyes has not been able to do."
"And what would that be"
"You wanted to know about those slots the Uchiha has labeled as playtime in his schedule. I know where he goes"
Shino stopped typing mid stroke
Kiba paused for dramatic.
"Well?!" Hinata asked with hint of agitation in her voice.
"He goes to the green beast "
Shino rose from his seat, cleaning his glasses as he made his way towards Kiba and Hinata who her grinning mischievously at each other.
"Of all the places he can work out he goes there?"
"Yep"
Hinata leaned back in her wingback chair.
"So what do you want to do?"
"What I always do make them come to me. "
"I have already reserved a table a Balthazar's for lunch tomorrow, our table will be in his direct line of sight, according to the manager. "
"But…But what about the gym."
"You did well Kiba. However, I don't want to go there until I have run out of options. "
Hinata gave her men the rest of the night, while she played dress up with Kankaro.