Ohayo, minna-san! I'm debating...should I do a lemon for this fic? Uaaa, I'm too shy...too embarrassed...going to feel all dirty and corrupted for writing such a perverted thing...weh...oh well. Say, why do they call them lemons anyway?
Thanks, Neji plushies, Kimi plushies, Kaka plushies, and Saku voodoo dolls complete with plenty of needles go out to all of my reviewers! Thank you sooooooo much! Oh and for the one person that asked...(sorry! I forgot your name! Me very sorry!)...I think I might put Itachi and Gaara in, but we'll see. I'll put Kabuto in somewhere...his data collecting skills will come in handy...
The first few paragraphs of this fic are seriously juicy. Just a warning.
Chapter 5: Midnight Torture
Neji gasped and thrashed wildly on his bed, his breathing ragged and harsh. Moaning, he writhed spasmodically on the mattress, elegant features contorted in painful pleasure. Images of the blonde flashed through his mind, getting swept up into an incredible vortex of emotions and desires. The Hyuuga screamed hoarsely and thrashed again, replaying every exquisite detail of the dream he'd fallen asleep to. Visions of Naruto before him, under him, withering with sweet pleasure in his arms as he bent to take the blonde's neck with his lips, Naruto beckoning to him with a pleading yet seductive look in his azure eyes, Naruto….Naruto…..
Neji moaned again, countenance twisted as he writhed under his sheets. Always…always…no….no not now….he struggled to keep his eyes shut, he clung to the fading threads of the dream with dear life, begging it, cajoling it not to end, but it was all in vain and he awoke to the pitch-blackness of his bed, silently screaming his release to the heavens, gasping in ragged, erratic breaths. Growling, he collapsed onto his mattress, nails raking furiously into the over-taxed piece of furniture. He panted, breathing in and out, trying to recall the details, every intricate moment of the dream.
Those dreams had become regular now, torturing the Hyuuga with every minute of his dormancy. It was the same dream, night after night after night, incessantly plaguing Neji's mind with visions of Naruto before him screaming with pleasure, but always he awoke before his release. They were driving him mad, those dreams were, pushing him to the very borders of insanity. He'd become irritable, sometimes furious if anyone disturbed him in the morning, so eventually they left him alone, yet Neji could hear the whisperings going on about how their master had a wild, untamed look in his eyes when he woke. Neji cared nothing for the rumors; it was those dreams he had to rid himself of, and he had to do it soon, for if they continued for much longer, he would break, he would lose all sense of self and become utterly mad. And if that happened….if he lost his composure….he didn't know if he could stop himself from losing all control and violating Naruto's pure innocence, so rare in such a boy.
Panting, he turned over and stared dully into the blackness that shrouded his room. Luckily the servants hadn't heard; if word got to Hiashi that he was going mad, he didn't want to know what his uncle would have in store for him. Sitting up, he ran a hand over his face, rubbing his eyes. There would be no more sleep for him tonight; the end of the dream marked the end of his sleep. Padding softly to his bathroom, Neji stepped in the shower and turned on the water to the most frigid levels possible, hissing slightly as the shock of the water rained down on his body. He found it oddly comforting though; the water fully awakened him and calmed his raging nerves, settling him down and making existence a little more tolerable.
Turning off the water, he grabbed a towel and dried himself off, wringing the excess water from his hair in a wet river that was immediately swallowed up by his bathmat. Snatching his clothes from a nearby rack, he dressed quickly and paced his room, brows deeply furrowed in an extremely troubled look. How to get rid of these dreams….Neji paused and contemplated this thought. He would visit Naruto, that's what he would do. He'd visit Naruto, confirm that Naruto was indeed only his friend and those dreams would go away. After all, Naruto was….just his friend….right? He'd have to confirm that when he visited the blonde. Yes, that's what he would do. Coming to that conclusion, he nodded and padded down the many hallways that lead to the servant's quarters.
He located the messy nest of spiky blonde hair nestled comfortably in a pillow next to a messy nest of spiky brown hair. So Naruto shared a bed with Kiba. That wasn't so odd; servants had to share beds with the shortage around here. Still…as Neji silently approached the blonde boy, he couldn't help peeling off the covers just to check if Naruto was indeed fully clothed. He inhaled sharply, fearing the worst when Naruto's torso was bare, but breathed a sigh of relief when he confirmed that Naruto's lower half was indeed clothed. Sighing, he knelt by the blonde, stroking the heaven-spun gold locks of his hair. He stayed by the blonde for the remainder of the night, leaving only when Naruto showed the first signs of awakening.
Making his way back to his room, he quickly undressed and feigned a deep sleep when a servant came to his bedside to awaken him. He supposed he'd faked well; the servant showed no signs of suspicion, only informing him to meet Sasuke in the living room in five minutes. Waving away the servant, Neji redressed himself and walked down to the living room where Sasuke awaited.
"Good morning." The greeting was more out of formality than welcome. Sasuke inclined his head.
"Will you sit?" The Uchiha did so, coming to rest in a squashy chintz armchair. Neji did the same, sitting across from the other. Obsidian eyes briefly scanned the room before coming to rest on the Hyuuga.
"No servant today, Hyuuga?" Neji smirked.
"He will be here shortly." As if on cue, a faint knock was heard, and Naruto himself slid in the door, closing it behind him and coming to Neji's side. The Hyuuga felt his heart give an extremely painful throb in his chest, and his fingers twitched in spite of himself with the desire to enfold Naruto in his arms. Why did the blonde have such a goddamned effect on him? Nevertheless, he regained his composure as Naruto came closer, calming his fingers but failing to level his breathing. The corners of Sasuke's mouth lifted in amusement.
"Such a loyal one, is he not?" Neji chuckled and ruffled Naruto's hair. The blonde slipped out of his grasp, glaring playfully at the other.
"Very loyal indeed, Uchiha. You should get one of your own." Sasuke snorted, rather elegantly Neji presumed, but only the Uchiha would make a snort seem elegant.
"I need no servant to wait on my every move. I never knew you were so dependent, Hyuuga." Sasuke mocked the other, waiting expectantly for his reply. Contrary to the popular response of a harsh comeback, Neji merely smiled.
"Naruto is more like my friend, Uchiha. Though I presume that few people would ever wish to know you as more than a master." Neji replied silkily. The response brought Sasuke up short, wiping the sneer off of his face. The Uchiha narrowed his eyes dangerously at the other.
"Mind your tongue, Hyuuga. You never know what trouble it may lead you to." Neji laughed, the sound reverberating around the room.
"I've gotten into far more harrowing events because of my tongue, Uchiha, and I don't think another will do me much harm."
Sasuke gritted his teeth. He was about to respond with a bitter comment, when he was stopped by a fierce glare from Naruto. Staring intensely at the boy, he noted the sheer devotion and dedication the blonde had in his eyes, and gradually a slow change came over his visage, softening his features and smoothing out the sharp edges of his stare. For a moment, the raven-haired youth almost looked sad, his gaze full of deep longing, but it was gone the next moment. Yet the softness still graced Sasuke's countenance, lingering on his face. When he spoke, Neji had to strain to catch the barely audible words that made their way from Sasuke's lips.
"You have…a very loyal servant. Very loyal indeed. I suspect he will live to serve you for many years to come." A long period of silence passed as Sasuke sat with an unreadable expression on his face. He finally looked up, the cold mask of ice once more set into his visage.
"I must be continuing my travels, Neji. I thank you for your hospitality." Neji nodded.
"I'll ready your transportation." Sasuke waved it away.
"No need, no need, Hyuuga, I have my own transportation. I do thank you for the offer though." Sasuke smiled wanly and clapped Neji on the shoulder. Turning to Naruto, he addressed the blonde, though the edge in his voice had long since been lost.
"Will you be so kind as to retrieve my luggage?" Naruto bowed and departed, slipping out of the room. Sasuke turned to Neji and addressed him in low tones.
"Take care of him well, Neji. You never really appreciate the things you have until they've been lost or stolen." Neji chuckled.
"Who would wish to steal Naruto?" Sasuke looked up at the Hyuuga with half-lidded eyes.
"For example…me." Neji drew back, a scandalized look on his features. Sasuke laughed.
"No need to worry, Hyuuga. He is quite loyal to you. I was only joking." Neji nodded with relief.
Naruto materialized at Sasuke's side, five suitcases and a duffel bag in his hands. Sasuke thanked him and departed, bidding a farewell to the two before getting in his car, leaving quickly through the huge gates that marked the Hyuuga estate. They closed with a sharp grating snap, finalizing the departure of the Uchiha. Naruto sighed and turned to Neji.
"Oh, and by the way, Hiashi once more calls for you. He says to be at his study immediately." Neji quirked an eyebrow.
"I'm willing to wager that it's another visitor; very well, I'll go to him. I will be seeing you, Naruto." The blonde looked hopefully at the Hyuuga.
"Will you be in the gardens afterwards?" Neji chuckled.
"As to that, I cannot guarantee, but I will try." Naruto nodded and skipped happily out of the room, bounding down the hallways. Neji smiled after the blonde and made his way down to his uncle's study, rapping smartly on the door and letting himself in. Hiashi looked up from his paperwork.
"Neji. Have a seat." Neji did so, sitting down in the chair opposite the man.
"You are aware that you are to inherit this business when the time comes to pass it on?" Neji nodded.
"Good. This company is coveted by many, and it is absolutely crucial to have an heir to ensure there will be no argument on who will possess it, I hope you follow?" Again, Neji nodded.
"Once you inherit the business, you will need an heir as well. Which brings me to the subject of marriage." Neji sucked his breath in through his teeth. Marriage. The very word greatly disturbed him.
"You need to find a suitable woman of considerable social status to wed and someday bear your children. It is extremely important, and absolutely crucial to the well-being of the business." Hiashi continued. Neji inwardly winced.
"And what if I fail to find a woman?" Hiashi's pearl-white orbs glittered ominously.
"Well then, we'll just have to arrange you one, will we not?" Neji clenched his jaw tightly, the only thing keeping him from flinging a sharp retort at his uncle. He spoke rather forcefully.
"If I fail to agree to these terms of marriage—"
"You have no choice in the matter. I must ensure the safety of this business, and you are the only one eligible for inheriting my estate. We will not have any shilly-shallying when my business is at stake, do I make myself clear?" Hiashi interrupted, a stern look in his eyes. Neji's lip curled.
"Transparently." The word slid from his mouth, and Neji turned and let himself out of his uncle's study.
He stalked angrily down the hallways, opalescent eyes positively blazing with rage. Hiashi was such a stickler for his business; it was a wonder he tolerated Neji in the first place, and likewise on his part. If there was one thing the Hyuuga absolutely detested, it was being ordered around. Neji turned a corner, muttering to himself with his head down, consequently walking straight into Lee. Lee sputtered and voiced an awkward apology, then got straight to the point.
"N-Neji-sama, Sakura-san is coming to visit here." Neji arched a slim, midnight eyebrow.
"Oh really? Well see to it you perform the necessary preparations. How long is she staying?" Lee thought.
"She said she'd be staying for a few weeks, though she didn't specify exactly how long." Neji nodded slowly.
"Very well. You may go now." Lee bowed and scurried off into the distance. Sighing distractedly, Neji turned and made his way down to the gardens to seek the company of a certain blonde. He had so many things going on in his mind, and somehow Naruto's presence calmed him greatly.
He located Naruto nestled comfortably in a nearby oak tree, teaching the child he'd picked up a long time ago how to play the reed pipe. A number of raucous notes emitted from the flute the child was handling, not at all pleasant to one's ears, yet Naruto seemed happy, the boy elated. The child bounced happily among the boughs of the oak, squealing with joy. Naruto laughed along with him, his eyes sparkling merrily. Neji felt the beginnings of a smile make its way over his face. The vivid energy emitting from the two was extremely contagious. Walking over to the oak tree, he addressed the boy sitting in the thick branches of the tree.
"What is your name?" The boy looked disdainfully down at the Hyuuga, refusing to reply. Naruto jabbed him sharply in the ribs; the boy shot a glare at the other and reluctantly yelled down to Neji.
"Konohamaru."
"Return to your quarters, Konohamaru. I have business to take care of with Naruto here." Konohamaru scowled.
"What if Naruto-sempai doesn't want you to come up?" The words came out in a sassy tone.
"Don't worry Konohamaru-kun, we'll resume your lessons tomorrow."
Konohamaru looked pleadingly at Naruto, but was silenced by a stare. Sighing, he skipped nimbly down from the branches and ran off towards the Hyuuga mansion. Neji smiled and beckoned Naruto to him, resulting in a smirk from the other.
"Don't tell me the great Hyuuga Neji cannot climb trees." Neji glared mockingly at the other.
"Is that a challenge?"
And with that, Neji leapt gracefully into the air, grasping for the branches. He caught one and swung his body around, planting one foot firmly in a crevice and shifting his weight. Switching hands, he nimbly swung himself up and over the branch, landing gracefully beside Naruto. The other giggled.
"You aren't half-bad, but let's see if you can beat me to the top."
Laughing jauntily, Naruto shinnied up the branches and through the intricate web of leaves that lined the canopy of the tree, Neji not far behind. Grabbing the end of Naruto's shirt, he yanked the blonde back down a few feet, using the force to propel himself forward.
"Cheater!"
The Hyuuga felt a tug, and suddenly his whole head jerked backwards, losing him his handhold. He caught a brief glimpse of Naruto with his hands full of his hair before Neji tumbled backwards, managing to catch himself before he fell all the way down. Naruto grinned cheekily, already perched at the highest branch.
"You get what you pay for." Neji laughed, admitting defeat, and joined Naruto on the branch.
"Very well then."
"Now what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" Neji was about to relay the whole rendezvous with Hiashi, then though the better of it and stopped. Shrugging, he smiled.
"You calm my nerves somehow." Though it was exactly the opposite of Naruto's effect on his soul, Neji managed to convince himself for the time being that Naruto really did calm his nerves, though he knew it wasn't true.
"I calm your nerves, hmm? Interesting….when I'm around people, I usually shatter their nerves to bits." Neji smirked.
"Maybe I'm different." Naruto agreed.
"Maybe you are." The two sat in silence, surrounded by the leafy green blanket of trees surrounding the area. A calm breeze swirled through the leaves, ruffling Naruto's blonde hair and sifting through Neji's ebony locks, making them fan out like a smooth, rippling cascade of black. Just then Kiba hollered to Naruto from the grounds.
"Naruto! Shizune has gotten over the worst of her cold, so you're off cooking duty now." The blonde yelled back his acknowledgement and scrambled down from the tree, Neji not far behind.
"I must check on Shizune-san now. I will see you tomorrow, Neji."
The Hyuuga nodded and waved off the blonde, watching in silent amusement as he scampered off to the kitchens. Boredom was forbidden around Naruto's presence. Smiling, he turned and retreated to his quarters, quickly sinking into the blissful arms of sleep.