Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plotline.
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The news of his return spread like wildfire through out he village, causing me to receive two phone calls from worried friends. Ino called first and immediately started interrogation me, had I seen him yet, what happened, what did he say, what did I say, and more.
I knew it would have been easier to lie or tell all of my friends together but I answered all of Ino's questions. She was interrupted towards then end of her questioning, which was making me relive last night repeatedly, by her crying toddler. She yelled a hurried goodbye and hung up on me rushing off to comfort little Asuma.
Sakura called next, complaining about how she kept getting a busy signal and that Ino was a pig. She too questioned me; her questions were rapid and quick as she attempted to get the full story before leaving for work.
The last of her ramblings, half of which I hadn't bothered to listen to, were about castrating Neji and avenging my pain. Sakura was forced to end they conversation when half past nine her husband, the "oh so famous" Sasuke "the avenger", informed her that she was late for work.
After withstanding two intense interrogations with Sakura and Ino my head was spinning. I only wished Hinata was with me to hug me before I burst into tears like I had the night before.
Several minutes later in stormed Hinata, already informed by Ino, with a sad look on her face. Her arms wrapped around me and prevented my tears from surfacing. She even managed to comfort me when memories of his death plagued my thoughts, a feat I thought no one possessed.
Her nimble hand rubbed my back, hitting specific pressure points to relieve stress, while murmuring soothing words into my ears. Soon I was calm again and Hinata took her leave, she had children to take car of after all.
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I threw myself into my work as the week passed, taking on more simplistic missions that were completed within the day. Rumors passed around that Neji had joined back up with the ANBU and was going to get a partner to assist him on missions. I could only pray it wouldn't be me.
Naruto called me into his office at the end of the week, greeting me with a grimace. He had requested that I wear my ANBU attire, so I assumed I was receiving a mission.
To my surprise, Neji was leaning comfortably against the east wall, eyes close, quietly meditating.
" We have decided that you, Moondancer, shall assist Neji in ANBU missions. I also need your help Moondancer. But first let me introduce you two." Naruto spoke his voice unusually calm.
"Neji this is Moondancer, she prefers people don't know her identity. Moondancer this is Hyuuga Neji I'm sure you have heard of him. Now I am forming two partner teams of jounin for special missions, any ideas? You know all of the ninja's abilities quite well." He asked brightening up, already knowing the people I would partner up.
Neji merely grunted and turned to me ever so slightly, informing me silently that I was to answer the question not him. A grin broke out behind my mask and I answered, "Nara Shikamaru and Nara Ino will complement each other nicely. As will the Uchiha couple."
Naruto motioned for his secretary to write the partners down and turned back to us, "You are dismissed," he said his trademark grin spreading across his face. Neji left without a word and I stayed to speak with Naruto.
"I am so telling Hinata what you just did, you idiot. Putting me on a team with him, a two man team!" I screeched quietly pacing about the rooming throwing my hands up and glaring at Naruto.
The sad look he had on his face when I first entered returned, "I'm sorry but your then only on he ever worked well with and I need you guys for hard missions that other ninja couldn't even attempt," he explained running a hand through his blond locks, a habit he did when even he was stressed.
I realized that nothing I said would change Naruto's mind and I was just stressing him out. He was stressed enough as is with hundreds of tasks to do each day so I left his office.
My body demanded a shower, eager for the steam to clear my head. I headed home lazily, blending in with the crowd even thought I wore ANBU clothes. After taking a shower and consuming a small salad for dinner, I collapsed onto bed and slept restlessly with dreams of Neji and him plaguing me all night long.
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This chapter is really short, I know, but it's late and I really wanted to post some more. Thanks for the reviews!
