A/N: Sorry it took so long to update! But this was one of the hardest chapters to write, not only because it was accidentally deleted 4 times, but also because it really is just a filler chapter. Don't worry the next chapter shouldn't take half as long since I already have the layout. Now on with the show!

Chapter Seven: First Mission

As Neji walked through the public park towards his apartment, his mind was flooded with events of the previous night. He knew he would have to talk to Hinata sooner of later, but he'd been hoping that it happen in a few weeks, or maybe even further in the future. But as fate would have it, Neji's chance to apologize would come sooner, seeing as the Hokage was sending him on a mission with Hinata. His muscles tensed a thought of being in close proximity with her again.

'Dammit.'

To make matters worse, Sasuke would be accompanying them as well, along with Naruto. After discovering this, Neji became convinced that Kami-sama was working against him.

'There's no time for this now, I need to be prepared both mentally and physically...'

Upon arrival to his apartment, Neji notices one of his windows left slightly ajar. There had been warnings circulating throughout the neighborhood of recent break ins, but Neji didn't even think to fret; seeing that he was an elite Konoha ninja, and nobody would be stupid enough to attempt to rob him (obviously this cockiness had led to his ruin).

'This just isn't my week...'

With an annoyed expression on his face, Neji walks towards the front door producing a key, after unlocking the door he walks inside.

"Hey Nej, took you long enough."

What Neji expected to see was a rather large man, with arms exploding with Neji's clothes, vases and maybe even his lamp. What he got was Mei sitting on his couch with her feet carefully tucked underneath her petite body.

"Why are you here?"

"So I take it your not going to greet me properly."

"Exactly, now I hope no one saw you crawling through my window—"

"Nope, that's not how I got in."

Mei's cheeky smile tells Neji that the girl isn't going to tell him without earning the knowledge.

"Then how did you?"

"I'll gladly tell you, but I'll need something in return..."

"Forget it then, I don't want to know."

" Aw C'mon…Geez man, loosen up a bit."

"I could still call the authorities—"

"Oh calm down you grouch, I just asked the landlady to let me in."

"Give her my thanks."

"No need to be sarcastic, besides, you can tell her later; she invited us to dinner."

"It'll have to be just the two of you, since I've been given a mission."

Mei's expression becomes solemn instantly, causing Neji to question the tone in which he spoke. After a long lasting silence, Mei perks up and walks into Neji's kitchen.

"What are you doing now?"

"What's it look like, I'm making you a boxed lunch."

To say Neji was surprised was an understatement. Had Mei not turned her back, she would've seen the young man's stunned expression.

"That won't be necessary, we usually just—"

"No, I want to make you something, that way you know someone is thinking of you."

She had closed the discussion, and that was that. Neji had no say in the matter, Mei was making him a meal and he would have to just accept what she gave him.

"I have only one question then, can you even cook?"

"Don't worry, I used to help with dinner at the compound; so I know a thing or two."

With that said, Neji became compliant and let Mei get to work. While she boiled the rice and prepped the eggs, Neji went into his bedroom and brought out his ninja tools. Setting his bag on the table, Neji begins to take out his kunai, shuriken, and ninja scrolls. He then starts to clean them meticulously.

'This almost feels like we're married...'

Neji casts a glance in Mei's direction; she's adding rice to the boiling pot on the stove. A smile is present on her face as she hums a soft tune. At first Neji tries to distinguish the melody, but eventually gives up. The silence isn't awkward or stressed; merely present.

Once Neji finishes cleaning his tools, he sorts them again before placing then into his sack. A sweet smell fills the living room, invading Neji's nostrils. The aroma is almost intoxicating, Neji's mouth begins to salivate and he sits in quiet anticipation.

"Do know how long you'll be away?"

"It could range from two weeks to a month, we don't expect missions to be quick."

Mei's response is drowned out by the sound of food sizzling on skillets and the boiling of water. Since her back faces him, Neji isn't able to get a clear reading of the girls' expression. Mei moves through the small kitchen with quickly, flipping eggs and stirring rice. She then takes out some beef, and begins slicing it into thin little pieces. After throwing it into the pan she cuts up some cabbage and carrots and places into a large wok. When Neji catches a glance of her face, he's pleasantly surprised to see a lovely smile on her face.

"Would you like for me to bring you something back?"

"Um...No. Instead I'd like for you to promise me two things..."

"Depends on what I'm promising."

"One, you come back in one piece; and two, you come back in time for the summer festival. Can you do that?"

"Of course."

"Good, your lunch is ready."

As Mei closes the lid to Neji's bento, Neji finishes cleaning, and packing his weapons into his pouch. Before Neji can go to the kitchen to retrieve his lunch, Mei is already carrying it toward him. Neji's face must've spoke in volumes, because when Mei hands him the boxed lunch, an amused smile is plastered on her face.

Neji's mind begins to speculate reasons behind the sudden gleeful expression. When Mei's face becomes tinged with red, Neji questions her.

"What?"

Mei comes out of a trans, and gives Neji a confused look. "What did you say?"

"What were you thinking just now?"

"N-nothing, I just—nothing!"

A rush of annoyance shoots through Neji's body. People stopping in the middle of their sentences was a big pet peeve of his.

"Just tell me..."

"Fine, it kinda looks like we're married—I mean with the lunch an' all..."

A smile finds its way onto Neji's face, as he walks towards the front door. Mei follows close behind before Neji stops.

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Yeah a little, I'm too young to settle down and besides, you're not my type."

"Then what was yesterday?"

"A moment of weakness."

Neji turns around with disbelief written all over his face; Mei's doesn't meet his gaze, but simply casts her gaze out the window. An action that the brunette takes notice of.

"Oh really."

"Yeah, I got caught up in the moment and acted out how I thought I felt..."

"Okay we'll just leave it at that."

Neji doesn't move after the conversation ends. He just stands over Mei with his bag thrown over his shoulder, and his bento in hand. When Mei finally meets his gaze, she looks happy.

"I'll be departing soon."

"Yeah, so get back sooner..."

Neji couldn't leave on this note. It felt wrong to just walk away, knowing that she would be worrying over him; he wouldn't allow it. Mei starts to fidget, bringing Neji from his thoughtful silence. Just before the girl has the chance to speak, Neji silences her with a kiss on her cheek.

"Don't worry."

As Neji walked away, he contemplated his feelings for Mei. He thought about the kiss, and how when he kissed Mei, he didn't feel anything that felt like love. Instead he felt that familiar pinch of pain that constantly ripped through his chest.

'What am I doing?'

It was clear that Neji and Mei's friendship was progressing into something more, but was Neji willing to go along with it's developments? He never really saw Mei and him as an item with them being so close and all, but then again, he was obtuse when it came to matters of the heart.

The front gate to comes into view; there he sees three familiar bodies, leaning against its strong pillars. He slightly adjusts his speed to a faster pace (which still looks like a leisurely stroll.) and runs through the objective of the mission. He inhales deeply, clearing his mind of all his previous thoughts. By the time the brunette meets up with the team he's ready.

"Let's go."

Trees flew past at incredible speed, and the branches beneath their feet became an endless path. The group had been traveling for the past three hours nonstop. Neji lead the group through the thick foliage at an incredible velocity. Sasuke and Naruto followed behind the brunette, while Hinata trailed behind. It had been decided that since both she and Neji should cover the front and back of platoon, in order to increase efficiency and defense measures.

"Stay on your toes, we should reach the Rock country in a day or so."

Although the Raven, hadn't directed the comment towards any particular person in the group, Hinata knew it was meant for her. Seeing that he was captain of the stealth force (and her husband), it was painstakingly obvious that her performance on this mission would determine her future as a member.

"Hey Hina-chan, Oi Hinata. I didn't get to—"

"Naruto, watch your step!"

The eager blonde, while trying to get his opal-eyed companions attention, had the misfortune of stepping on a fragile branch. As soon as his foot came into contact with the brittle bough, there was a loud snap and the unmistakable figure of Naruto plummeting towards the ground.

Hinata is quick to dive for her friend, but before she's able to reach him, a swift figure with cat-like agility grabs the blonde. When she stops at an adjacent branch, she sees Sasuke holding Naruto in his arms.

"I guess you're too stupid to follow simple instructions after all. When I said stay on your toes, it wasn't for my sake Dobe."

"SCREW YOU TEME! Tryin' to act all cool and shit, I didn't ask for your help—"

"Because you were to busy having your life flash before your eyes, to say anything."

"I really do hate you. Will ya put me down now, I'm not a baby and sure as hell don't wanna be held by you!"

"Fine." Without any warning, Sasuke opens his arms wide and let's Naruto fall down. The blonde sends cerulean glares at the raven, who in return simply shrugs his shoulders and hides his amusement.

"Why'd ya drop me teme!"

"I did what you asked."

"No~ I said to put me down not drop me Baka!"

"All the same."

"You dumbass..."

Naruto begins to get up, but instantly stops when he puts pressure on his left foot. By the expression on his face, it was clear that it was serious. Hinata walks over to her friend and begins to assess the situation, while Sasuke radios in to Neji. After a few moments, Neji appears above the group.

"What happened?"

While Sasuke begins the task of filling Neji in, Hinata rolls up Naruto's pants before reaching for her bag. Naruto rubs the back of his head and apologizes to the girl as she begins work.

"Heh, so much for a good start, huh Hina-chan?"

"Don't worry, this is a perfect time for the group to rest. We've made great headway and could use a break..."

Hinata lathers some ointment on the blondes swollen tendon before wrapping it. When she's finished, she finds Sasuke leaning against the tree and appearing to be in deep meditation, while Neji sits close by. When her gaze lingers on the brunette, he snaps from his thoughts.

"How's it look?"

"It's nothing too serious, he must've pulled a muscle when he fell. But the ointment I used should help with the pain and swelling. He'll be ready by tomorrow."

"Alright, then I guess we'll set up camp for tonight."

Hinata looks over to Sasuke, looking for some type of approval, instead she's met with an empty gaze. Before she can speak once more, Sasuke advises everyone to descend to ground level.

"Neji, there's a pond or something just a few meters from here. While you get us food, I'll get the fire wood and Hinata and Naruto will set up camp."

Neji simply nods in approval before setting out for food. Naruto of course doesn't seem to agree with Sasuke's decision.

"Hey, why can't I get food?"

Sensing Sasuke will only ignore the blonde, Hinata decides to chime in.

"Naruto, it's not wise to have you do it since you are hurt—"

"That's never stopped me before."

"So what, just shut up and stay where you are. You're not needed at the moment."

Sasuke's comment ends the conversation with his usual unabashed bluntness. Of course that didn't stop Naruto from sneaking in a few mumbled complaints while Hinata pulls Him towards an empty area, perfect for setting up camp. The blonde waits until the raven leaves the surrounding area before he starts getting to work. After Naruto gets a couple of logs for makeshift seats, he watches his opalescent-eyed companion arranging some rocks for the fire.

"Hey Hina-chan, I didn't get a chance to apologize to ya yet."

Although she doesn't make any attempts to meet the blondes' gaze, it's clear that Naruto has her attention.

"So yea, I hope I didn't cause ya any trouble between you and Sasu-teme. I told him I got caught up for a second. Ya know how I get n'all."

"Don't worry Naruto, he didn't bring it up when he got home anyway."

Hinata doesn't need to activate her Bloodline to see skepticism written throughout the blondes face. Leaves rustle under Naruto's feet as he closes the distance between he and Hinata. As he moves, the girl silently pleas with Kami-sama to send a distraction to politely end their conversation. Of course when she can feels the blondes body heat on her back, she knows her prayers have fallen on deaf ears.

"I'm sorry Hina-chan."

"As I said before, you have nothing to be sorry for Naruto-kun."

This time when she turns around, the blondes' exuberant smile, and cheery cerulean eyes greet Hinata.

"Ya know, I really do love it when ya call me that."

"N-Naruto!"

The blonde, caught in a swell of emotion, lifts Hinata into the air with a strong embrace. Just like the previous night, the blondes' head is once again nestled in between Hinata's breasts.

"I could stay like this for a while..."

"U-um I'd prefer it if you d-didn't Naruto."

"Damn...alright."

After a stalled moment, the blonde gently places his friend back onto the ground. Just as he does so, Neji appears from the woods carrying three large fish. Naturally a blushing Hinata puts some distance between herself and the blonde, while Neji hangs the fish from a nearby branch. The air becomes stagnant when neither party attempts to speak. Hinata, having been fed up with the dead air, tries to spark a light conversation but becomes mute from the rustling of bushes as Sasuke emerges from the foliage.

"While the food is being made, that should give everyone enough time to perform their nightly rituals. We'll discuss the mission over dinner and then begin the first round of night watch."

"Finally, I was waitin' for ya to say those magic words—See ya!"

An overly joyed Naruto scrambles to the tents, gathering some items before setting out for the river, with both Neji and Sasuke trailing.

Just as quickly as the group had gathered, they once again separated leaving Hinata behind to prepare the meal. Hinata watches silently as the group disappears behind a cloak of trees and bushes, before turning her attention to her assigned task. A smile finds it way onto the young girls face when she spots the fire dancing in the center of the campsite.

'I guess Naruto was right... He's being nice for a change.'

"When we arrive in the Rock Country, we'll head to the O.K Temple in the capital city. There we'll meet with the head priest who'll inform us further on this 'precious treasure' that we'll be guarding."

"Oi Neji, why wasn't this precious treasure told to us before we get there?"

"Well from what the Hokage said, it seems that some involved with the temple that wish to harm the treasure and the head priest would rather tell us in person."

"Oh, okay."

The group was huddled around the campfire as Neji summarized their mission. Hinata however couldn't pay much attention to the conversation. Her mind kept brooding over Neji's bento.

'I guess he had Mei prepare him something. Their relationship must be progressing fairly quickly if that's the case. '

"We should set out around sunrise, if we want to make it to the O.K Temple by noon."

'If only I could get him alone. Maybe we could just talk...'

"Agreed. Naruto your foot how is it?"

"Ya know what, I think it's better. That stuff Hinata put on it sure did help."

"Well although that's good to hear, it'd be best if you get some rest. You'll be relieved of night duty tonight, but don't think that'll be the case tomorrow."

"Aw look at that, Sasu-teme's bein' nice for a change."

"Shut Dobe. I just don't want you screwing up anything tomorrow for personal injuries."

"If you say so, well nite everybody. Night Hina-chan!"

Before the blonde disappears inside of the tent, he throws the group thumbs up accompanied with a cheeky grin. Silence overtakes the remaining figures; the air becomes stagnant and unwelcoming. Hinata's eyes shut as the small fires light crackling echoes throughout the area, mixing with the of sounds of night. The opalescent girl inches closer to the fire, trying to receive what warmth she can as the wind carries in the cold.

'But even if we can't speak, just being in the same place will suffice. '

"I'll stand guard for the first hour and a half, before alternating with you."

"Alright."

From behind closed lids, Hinata senses Neji leave. With she and Sasuke being the only ones remaining, Hinata opens her eyes, only to be met with onyx.

"If you're going to be a member of the stealth force, I need to know something; if the time comes, are you prepared to desert a fellow comrade?"

Sasuke's question catches Hinata off guard. How could she even think to abandon one of her friends, she hadn't been taught that as a Genin.

"Yes."

"...Good, use this time to get cleaned up."

As Hinata gets her shower kit, she can feel a pair of obsidian eyes watching her every move. Without turning around, she can tell that the gazing has no malice behind it. It felt like he was peering into her soul, seeing her truth, and personal convictions. Soundlessly, Hinata disappears into the thick foliage surrounding the camp. Only when she was out of sight was she able exhale the large amount of oxygen that collected in her lungs.

The cool lake water glistens under the twilight sky, as a pale beauty drifts in and out of reality. Her long midnight tresses conceal most of her feminine frame as small waves rock her body. Sasuke's question plays over in her mind.

'Would he really have us abandon a squad member... could I abandon someone?'

With a deep inhale; Hinata's body begins to descend into the watery abyss. She watches in awe as the night sky becomes blurry and obscured. Her hair dances around her face with an untamed grace as her body drifts towards the unknown. As the light diminishes, Hinata allows her eyes to close.

'Relax... everything will work out, as long as I stay focused.'

Long midnight locks brush gently against Hinata's collarbone as air is expelled from the girls' mouth. Staying under the watery setting was easy enough, seeing that Hinata's chakra nature was water. From beneath the watery depths, Hinata notice a shadowed figure move above the surface. Before making any attempts to emerge, she activates her byakugan. Her sight reveals nothing out of the ordinary, so she mocks the unknown figure as just an animal passing overhead.

When she finally resurfaces and starts to dress, Hinata can't shake the feeling that she's being watched. This notion is quickly sedated by the knowledge that her byakugan hadn't picked up any presence other small insects and reptiles roaming amongst the trees.

'Sasuke does have eyes everywhere.' Her light remark serves its purpose in easing her suspicion.

Hinata dries her hair, running loose fingers through lax curls. She then grabs her bathing kit, cradling it as she makes her way back to camp. The area is very dark, and since the trees are so high up, their leaves eclipse most of the moonlight. Hinata didn't even activate her Sight, since she had already memorized the paths layout.

'Its so...peaceful out here. These woods almost remind me of the small woodlands out by the Hyuuga and Uchiha compounds.'

Hinata's free hand finds itself grazing over the small bushes and wild plants that surrounded her. When she spots a patch of wild irises, Hinata stops to inspect the further.

'Irises...they smell wonderful. The irises at the compound don't even compare to these...their petals seem to be glowing.'

The scent of the plants lingers on the girls' senses, even as she arrives at the campsite. Much to her surprise, instead of seeing Sasuke, Hinata finds herself staring at Neji. The two share an awkward silent greeting before finds sanctuary in her tent. As she sets her things down, she notices Sasuke's unoccupied sleeping bag. Hinata shyly pokes her head out into the open area, causing the brunette look her way.

"Um, do you know where Sasuke went?"

After staring blankly for a moment, Neji retreats into his mind, but not before answering the doe eyed girl before him.

"...He went out about an hour ago. He'll be heading back soon."

"Okay, um...thanks." Hinata ducks back into safety of her pavilion, while silently cursing herself. This of course causes her to continue the old habit of worrying her bottom lip.

'This is the chance you were asking for, right? Pull yourself together Hinata.'

Her teeth begin tearing off excess pieces of skin, as she slowly tries to build up courage. Just thinking of how she could begin their conversation was enough to cause one of her legendary fainting episodes.

'Just relax, treat this like you would a council meeting...'

Without another thought, Hinata emerges from the comfort of her small tent, choosing the distress of confronting Neji. She carefully floats towards an empty seat directly across from her brunette counterpart. She wants to wait until he acknowledges her presence, but quickly reconsiders when he shows no interest in her direction.

"...How are you, Nii-san?"

When her question is met by a cacophony of the sounds of night and the crackling of the fire, Hinata instantly becomes crestfallen. She has half a mind to return to her barren canvas, when Neji makes her efforts worthwhile.

"Even after everything that's been said, I still continue to be your 'Nii-san'..."

"I don't see why not—"

"Don't play coy Hinata-sama, it doesn't suit you."

Fringe falls over Hinata's eyes as she shields her face, caught red handed. A smile plays at her lips as her eyes fall upon the darkened sky.

"You're right. I don't know why I thought that it'd work. But I meant it; there's no reason why I'd see you differently."

The pair stare at each other briefly before the brunette breaks contact. For a spilt second, Hinata could see Neji's aghast expression before it reverted back to a stoic mask.

"You're far too forgiving Hinata-sama—"

"And you, too unforgiving. Would you rather I call you Neji from now on?"

When he doesn't answer, Hinata has her answer. Had she a personality similar to that of Ino or Rock Lee, Hinata would've flashed a brilliant grin at her small victory. Trying to stay level headed, the girl is quick to draw in a gust of air, before the conversation continues. Neji however doesn't look as gleeful as Hinata. In fact, the brunette looks rather discerning to say the least.

"What is it Neji-Nii?"

"...Why did you choose marriage, and with the Uchiha no less?"

She would be lying if she pretended that this question came as a surprise. She knew that it was the thing that played at everyone's tongue when the marriage had been announced. Hinata could even see the taboo question hover over her father as he addressed the entire Hyuuga compound. Although she knew this, Hinata still held out hope that it wouldn't be asked.

"...I—he needs me."

Hinata didn't have to look at Neji to tell he was upset. She could feel the spike in his chakra level. Instinctively Hinata find small refuge behind her bangs. The brunette before her rises slowly, before grabbing a few sticks and adding then to the dwindling fire.

"That's not a good enough reason."

"...Just because it's not the answer you were expecting, doesn't determine it's value Nii-san."

Hinata's words are muffled by the long fringe that covers her face, an easy hint to drop the topic. Luckily for her, Neji decides that the conversation isn't worth any more grief. When he doesn't speak, Hinata casts a sullen gaze towards his direction. She watches as the brunette casually moves his hair from his shoulders. It's at this point; that Hinata realizes Neji's hair is free and undone. It's longer than she remembers, but its still straight and mimics the average Hyuuga male.

"Hanabi-sama wishes that you come see her more."

"Did she tell you that?"

"Of course not. She's never been one to blatantly speak on her emotions."

A smile finds it's way onto Neji's face, sparking new life back into the pair's conversation. Hinata can't help but grin at the thought of her younger sibling and her subdued personality.

"Well you're not wrong there, she's always been like that. Even as a child, whenever she wanted your attention, she made sure she had it..."

"All of the branch family was convinced she had a sister complex."

This causes Hinata bursts into a fit of giggles, racking her body with trembles. She tries to compose herself by covering her mouth with her small nimble fingers, only to have he muffled hilarity spill out.

"I...I shouldn't be laughing, it's just I remember hearing some of the kitchen staff saying that, when I was younger."

From behind tearful eyes, Hinata can see the amusement written clearly throughout Neji's face. She wipes her eyes and rose tinted cheeks of all traces of moisture. When she finally returns her attention to Neji, the brunettes' gaze has become soft and endearing.

"Hinata-sama, thank you. Its moments like these, that remind me of how far we've all come."

"You're welcome, Neji-Nii..." Hinata welcomes the man's praise from behind rosy cheeks.

Sasuke arrives from the trees behind Neji, ending the couples conversation. His alabaster complexion glows under the brilliant light of the moon. The Ravens' Sharingan fades as he walks onto the campground. Hinata combs a hand through her hair as he approaches. He passes Neji soundlessly before stopping near Hinata. Her eyes fall on the Ravens back, and slowly rise to his jet-black hair.

"Be ready for tomorrow, we move out by first light." the raven disappears into his canvas without another word or utterance.

"It's best I get some sleep now, Neji-Nii. I'm glad we got to speak, goodnight."

Hinata raises and makes her way over towards the tents by the time Neji can respond.

"Goodnight Hina-hime."

The girl turns around with a shocked expression, before melting into a warm, jovial smile at the sound of her old nickname. Hinata feels pressure building behind her eyes, as an onset of tears threaten to spill. As she enters the tent, Hinata can feel the overwhelming sense of happiness fill her body. Only when in the safety of her sleeping bag, does Hinata shed tears of glee. Things were getting back to how they once were, and it felt great. No longer would she have to feel uncomfortable or nervous when Neji was around. It would probably be hard for Hinata to convince Sasuke that she and Neji's relationship wasn't anything that was cause for concern, but she was ready to take on the challenge.

A/N: So that's the end of chapter seven. Sorry if it was too long for yuo guys, I just wanted all your patience to be worth it. I promise that the next chapter will be better. New characters will be introduced, along with new problems. Don't forget to review, all comments are welcome! (^_^)