Warning: Typical drama and dark themes and shit, loads of shit
.
-o0o-
After dropping Neji off, Itachi had to rid his mind of anything regarding the previous night in order to mentally prepare himself for his last assignment. He couldn't distract himself with thoughts of his husband - his captivatingly beautiful, rimming obsessed husband. Subconsciously, an image of Neji bent over, bare from the waist down with his face pressed into the carpet, pushed through his mental barrier. Rimming Neji while he wore the Uchiha crest proudly on his back was by far one of his most memorable moments with the man.
That time when he bawled like an infant during sex would be stored away in the mental vault where he kept all of his embarrassing memories. Like that time when Sasuke was teething and shat all over his clothes. If it weren't for his mother he may have killed his baby brother that day. To make matters worse they were at the park and that day in particular was Itachi couldn't help but to fondly reflect on the memory. After their parents' death he had to quickly transition from cool older brother to a parental figure. Initially it had been a difficult task, trying to balance each role, but it all worked out in the end.
Though now Itachi could no longer keep Sasuke in the dark about everything. When this ordeal was over, he would more than likely want the truth, yet Itachi didn't think that the boy would ever be ready for the harsh reality. He supposed that he would have to deal with it when the time came. For now he needed to focus all of his attention on the rescue mission. When Itachi arrived at headquarters, all of the warmth that he'd felt while he was in Neji's presence gradually seeped out, leaving him cold and hollow. He couldn't allow himself to feel from this point on; not until he brought Sasuke back home - safely.
Itachi had just stepped out of the elevator when he bumped into Konan and Karin. The young girl timidly hid behind Konan's leg. Itachi figured that she was still a little wary of him though he couldn't exactly remember why. He knew that she was one of the children that Kabuto performed experiments on - among other things - but he couldn't really recall meeting her in Otogakure. Inoichi told him that he would vaguely remember his time in Otogakure so maybe his encounter with her was one of those memories that were taken from him.
Konan had taken a liking to her instantly; it was Karin's crimson hair that initially caught her attention. She reminded the woman of her childhood friend Nagato. There was also a spark in her crimson eyes; despite all of her hardships Karin still possessed a vibrant spirit.
"Surprisingly, everyone here at headquarters ship ItaNeji!" Konan gushed over the name she'd come up with last night; with a little help from Karin. They fell into step besides each other; Karin remained a few steps back until Konan turned around and extended her hand to her. With a small smile, Karin took her hand and walked on the opposite side of Itachi.
"ItaNeji?" Itachi sighed. "I never took you as a fangirl, Konan."
"Only when the guys look like you and Neji." Konan smiled and lightly patted him on the shoulder. "Seriously, I'm happy for you. You deserve to be happy, Itachi." The sincerity in her voice was unmistakable.
"Glad you think so." Itachi opened a door for the two ladies and walked in after them. "Have you checked in with everyone else? I want to leave in the next hour."
"Yes. They're ready. I just wanted to talk to Karin before we left." Konan needed to let the girl know that she wasn't abandoning her and that she would be back as soon as possible. Though she felt bad about making such a promise. What if she didn't come back?
While Konan said her last goodbyes to Karin, Itachi stood back and silently observed their interaction. The older woman's skin seemed to glow with the radiance of her happiness; in his opinion she had never looked as beautiful as she did in that moment. It made him wonder how Konan would have turned out if Madara never planted those quixotic ideas in her head.
He was convinced that everyone's lives would be better off if Madara never intervened. One of the things that attracted him to Neji was the fact that they were both prodigies of two great clans. If his parents would have lived he could've turned out like Neji; untainted, living a relatively normal life. Shisui would still be alive - his clansmen would be alive, Konan would have never had to give up on her dreams, and Naruto wouldn't be an orphan. There were countless other people that Itachi weren't even aware of; he could only assume that there were more. It was no longer a personal vendetta; Itachi had to kill Madara as retribution for all of the people who lives were ruined. If anyone - friend or foe - tried to stop him he would bury them alongside Madara. Sympathy could not be wasted on anyone that was foolish enough to intervene.
Karin shyly waved goodbye to Itachi before she slipped into her assigned room. The Hokage had promised to keep an eye on her; which translated to Shizune keeping an eye on her.
"Karin is enamored by you," Konan teased as they headed to go meet the others. "Good ole' Uchiha charm strikes again."
"Hn."
"Have you had any nightmares lately?"
Glancing over at the woman, Itachi thought over his answer before he responded. "No." It wasn't necessarily a lie; well last night he dreamed that he was holding Neji's lifeless body in his arms, but he wasn't going to mention it to anyone. When he woke up in the middle of the night and saw that Neji was lying next to him, unharmed, it still took him a while to fall asleep again.
Konan seemed relieved. "That's good news." She said. "I'm thinking about having Karin meet with Ibiki. Her nightmares seem to be getting worse." In her opinion Orochimaru and Kabuto's deaths should have been more brutal - well Kabuto's at least. Itachi made sure that Orochimaru's death was very painful.
"I think a session with Ibiki would be helpful. However, I think Karin is going to need more than that." He could only speak from his own experience. Therapy could only do so much, he had been lucky to have the support that he had in everyone at headquarters.
"I know that, Itachi. And I'm prepared to give her whatever she may need."
"Hey Itachi!" Naruto caught up to the pair. "Here ya' go!" He handed the man a buy one get one free coupon to Teuchi's Ramen stand. A coupon that he had been planning to use until he heard the news about Itachi's marriage.
Blankly, Itachi stared at the coupon. "Why exactly are you giving me this?"
"It's your wedding gift!" The blond smiled brightly. "I can't wait to see the look on Sasuke's face when I tell him that I won the bet!"
Itachi's voice was deceptively calm. "Bet?"
Scratching his head, Naruto laughed nervously. "A few months ago, we kinda made a bet on if you were asexual or homosexual. Heard you married some pretty Hyuga guy. So that means I win."
"Pretty Hyuga guy?" Itachi stared at the coupon again before putting it in his pocket. He was only accepting it because it was from Naruto. "Who told you that?"
"Jiraiya." Naruto said. Then his smile faltered. "I'm really sorry for not being able to keep Sasuke safe." He had begged Tsunade to be placed on the new team but she denied the request. She was also making him travel to Kirigakure with her so he wouldn't do anything stupid. Like, try to hide in the trunk of one of the cars that the Akatsuki members were using. Naruto thought it was a brilliant idea but Jiraiya knew what he was up to before he even made a move. Now he was stuck escorting Tsunade on a diplomatic trip to Kiri.
Itachi looked down at the blond teenager, "It's not your fault, Naruto." He assured him. "I'm sure he's going to want to see you when we get back so don't do anything careless while I'm gone."
Why did everyone think that he would do something careless? He decided to just drop it and leave it to the professionals. "I promise!" Naruto smiled again but this time it was near blinding.
Konan had listened to Obito's interrogation; she'd heard the terrible things that Naruto saw when he was only two. She also learned the truth about Nagato's death. It truly amazed her that Naruto could still manage a genuine smile of that magnitude after everything that he had been through. Her desire was to help Karin smile like that. Hopefully they could save each other.
. . . . .
"What is all of this?" Itachi picked up a gift box with a large red bow on it then glanced at his teammates. He raised a questioning brow at the other wrapped gifts in the boardroom.
"Wedding gifts!" Konan pointed to the box that he was holding. "That's for Neji so don't open it."
Kisame handed him a print out. "Already paid for." He showed him a picture of a beach house in Kiri.
"You can pick them up at the dealership." Sasori casually handed him two sets of keys. "Congrats." He lazily threw over his shoulder as he walked off.
"Don't you all think that this is too much?" Itachi placed the items on the table. He noticed Deidara glaring at him but he ignored him. For some reason the blond either glared at him or avoided him like the plague and he never cared to ask why. They never really saw eye to eye, but he didn't have anything against Deidara.
Sasori had also noticed Deidara's behavior lately. Although, he was always tense around Itachi, he seemed more irritable than usual. Of course, he planned on getting to the bottom of it eventually.
"Not at all." Konan waved her hand dismissively. "It's not every day that one of us ties the knot."
"Probably will be the only time that one of us does." Kisame snorted.
"According to the tracker, Sasuke is still in Amegakure." Itachi changed the subject to their main reason for being there. "Obito and Kakashi have already left. We will meet them there."
"I've already briefed everyone on the plan." Sasori picked up his travel bag and headed for the door. It was obvious that Itachi was eager to leave; it was also understandable. "Deidara and Konan will be riding with me."
Without a word, Deidara stood up and followed his partner out of the door. "What the hell is Blondie pouting about? Normally, I can't pay him to shut up." Kisame stood up from his seat and stretched his arms over his head.
"Who knows?" Itachi shrugged and picked up his own bag. "Can't believe you purchased us a beach house, Kisame."
"Wait until you see what I bought you." Konan told him while she headed towards the door. "Well, it's actually for Neji." She snickered on her way out of the room.
Nothing good ever happened when Konan laughed like that. Itachi didn't even want to know what was in the box.
By the time that he realized his mistake it was too late. Though he was able to block the hit to his head, he was too slow on his feet to dodge the leg swipe. The grass did little to break his fall, but luckily he didn't hit his head.
"We need to work on your stance, Neji."
When Neji opened his eyes all he saw was the cloudless blue sky and the golden sun radiating down on his skin. Then his father's face came into view; he was expecting him to look disappointed but he only smiled at him. Hizashi pulled the boy up, and removed a few blades of grass out of his hair. He chuckled when his son tried to swat his hand away. "I know! You're not a baby anymore." Yet he continued his ministrations anyway.
Much to Neji's frustration. "We don't have to stop now!" He complained. "The sun is still out so we can train more!"
"You're the only 8 year old that I know that actually likes to train." Hizashi shook his head and placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "Dinner is in an hour. We can train more tomorrow." He told him.
Nodding his head, Neji dusted off his bottom and followed his father to their home. Several branch members greeted them as they passed. Eventually, Neji's cheeks became raw from all of the kisses that he'd wiped off. He didn't understand why everyone wanted to pat his head or kiss him on the cheek.
"Dad, could I have a friend over Friday after school?"
Hizashi raised an eyebrow at the boy."It's your first week of second grade and you already have a friend that you want to invite over?" When his son's cheeks reddened slightly, he decided to tease him. "Neji, you know my rules about having girls over."
"It's not a girl!" Neji grumbled. "Lee is a boy!"
He continued to watch his son's reaction closely. "Do you like Lee?" Neji looked as if he were about to overheat and he had his answer.
"Lee said that I was pretty but boys can't be pretty! We can only be handsome. Right Dad?"
"That's right son." Hizashi wanted to ask him more about his interest in the other boy, but it wouldn't be right to jump to conclusions. Besides, Neji was still a child; they could have that talk once he was older. "Tell you what. I will walk you to school tomorrow and you can introduce me to your friend Lee."
Looking up at his father, Neji nodded his head excitedly. "Okay!"
"Hizashi-sama." Natsu greeted them with a bow. "Neji." She smiled at him then directed her attention to the older man; a faint blush adorned her cheeks as she talked to him.
Neji tuned out their conversation to look at the younger boy that was standing a few meters away. "Who is that?" He quietly asked.
"Where are my manners?" Natsu had been too busy trying to flirt with the widowed man. "That's Tokuma." She said before giving Hizashi a knowing look.
The look on his father's face made Neji feel uneasy. It didn't suit his father; not the man that was always smiling and laughing. Then the look was gone just as soon as it came, it was like looking through a kaleidoscope of emotions.
"Tokuma." Hizashi motioned the boy over. Hesitantly, the child approached him. "Have you met my son Neji?" His voice was warm and pleasant causing Tokuma to visible relax. "Why don't you two go play while the adults talk. You know how boring old people can be."
Taking that as his cue, Neji grabbed the boy by the hand and practically dragged him farther away from the two adults. If he had to listen to Natsu compliment every single thing that his father did again he was going to barf. It wasn't like he didn't like Natsu; he just didn't want her talking to his dad.
"Where are you taking me?" Tokuma asked the younger boy.
"Here" Neji let his hand go and walked over to the koi pond. "How old are you? I'm 8 and a half." He said while he gazed at the koi fish.
"How can you be 8 and...A half?"
"My birthday is coming up, duh. Now you have to tell me your age."
Tokuma frowned. "But I never asked you in the first place." He walked over to the pond as well and stood next to Neji.
"Doesn't matter. That's how conversations work." Neji replied. "Rules are rules."
Tokuma smiled slightly at the younger boy. "I'm 10 years old."
"How come I've never seen you around before?" Glancing over at the boy, Neji waited for his answer. Tokuma looked conflicted as if he were having a hard time coming up with a response. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
Tokuma was about to tell him but was cut off when Natsu called his name."That didn't take long." Neji sounded disappointed.
"I have to go." Tokuma bowed his head. "Excuse me, Neji-sama."
Blushing, Neji frantically shook his head. "Don't call me that!" He complained.
"But I am supposed to."
"We're friends now so you don't have to call me that!" Neji sighed exasperatedly. How was it that Tokuma was the oldest? "I'll see you later. Maybe we can actually play next time!" He waved at the boy then ran back towards his dad.
Stunned, Tokuma just stood there and watched the pair head to their home. "I'm his friend? He wants to play with me?" He couldn't believe it; it was the first time that anyone had ever wanted to be his friend. In the orphanage people usually stayed out of his way due to his violent outbursts. While they headed to meet Hoheto, Tokuma couldn't help but to look forward to the next time that he saw Neji.
. . . .
As much as Neji wanted to hold it in, the pain came out like an uproar from his throat in the form of a silent scream. The beads of water started falling down one after another, without a sign of stopping. He punched the floor, overcome with rage, surprised when he felt the hard wood impact his knuckles. A wave of pain exploded in his hand, and he did it again, punching the ground, the pain in his body a distraction from the pain of his grief. Bloody and bruised, his hand throbbed yet it felt better than the pain that stabbed through him when he heard the news.
The muffled sobs wracked against his chest until he became more vocal with his anguish. His entire body began to shake, as the reality of the situation set in. His Dad was dead and he wasn't coming back.
The last painful emotion slammed against him before he lost the feeling of feeling. Everything darkened into nothingness as he passed into the oblivion of unconsciousness.
Unbeknownst to him, Tokuma had watched the entire thing. When he was told about the death of Hizashi he wanted to check on Neji. He wasn't surprised to find the boy in his father's bedroom. It was only yesterday when Neji declared that they were friends.
Moving from the shadows of the dark room, Tokuma approached Neji's still form. He moved to pick him up, but the door to the room opened.
The light from the hallway cast a light on the two boys. Hiashi walked in the room and looked down at Neji then up at Tokuma. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to check on Neji, Hiashi-sama."
Hiashi bent over and scooped his nephew up in his arms. "I'll take over from here. Return to your quarters." He carried the boy out of the room.
Tokuma stood there long after they left before he returned home.
-o0o-
That was the last day that Tokuma saw Hyuga Neji - the eight year old boy who didn't hesitate to befriend anyone. Instead, he was replaced by a bitter, spiteful boy with a chip on his shoulder. Any chance of friendship with Neji died on the same day as Hizashi. He made an attempt to approach Neji again after that night, but the boy had been curt and dismissive towards to him. Now Tokuma couldn't help but to feel as though they were somehow destined to be friends.
"Are you still thinking about that video from yesterday?" Neji joked.
Tokuma walked over to the wooden bench in the dojo and picked up his shirt. "No! I was thinking about the first time we met." His shirt was damp so he opted to just toss is on his shoulder. He never wanted to think about the video for as long as he lived.
As usual their day started with meditation then exercising by running around the compound and sparring. During their first week, Tokuma soon learned why Neji was given the title of a prodigy. He was very analytical, even during battle. Whenever he thought that the fight was his, Neji would catch him off guard with a change of tactic.
Scowling, Neji peeled off his own wet shirt; he didn't even want to catch a whiff of it. "What made you think of that?" He asked over his shoulder while he tied his hair at the nape of his neck.
"I just noticed that you were in high spirits today and it kind of reminded me of how you were before Hizashi-sama passed."
Coincidentally, Neji had been thinking about his father as well. He wondered if his father would have been accepting of his sexual orientation. Though it didn't really matter what he thought now.
"I can't even remember how I was before he died." Neji quietly admitted to himself.
Not hearing him, Tokuma decided to change the subject. "Today is Tenten's last day in Konoha. It feels like it will be my last time seeing her."
Quickly, Neji mentally flipped through the pages of Hinata's consolation handbook. "I'm sure you will see her again, Tokuma. She visits often and Winter break will be here soon." He probably didn't sound as convincing as his cousin would but he did the best that he could do.
"I'm thinking about asking Hiashi-sama's permission to court Tenten."
There was so much conviction in the man's voice that it floored Neji. He was about to question the man further but remained silent when he saw Hinata and Tenten heading in their direction. Asking permission to court someone was a prerequisite for marriage in their clan, though the actual courting could last for years. Neji was just surprised that Tokuma wanted to bring it to his uncle's attention. Hiashi could either approve or order Tokuma to never see Tenten again if he didn't deem her fitting enough to intermingle with the clan. Then again, Neji couldn't help but to admire Tokuma's forwardness.
"Do not mention what I told you to Tenten." Tokuma whispered.
Nodding his head, Neji walked out of the dojo to meet the women and Tokuma followed him. It slipped their minds that they were shirtless so they were initially confused by the reactions that they were getting from a few women that were nearby.
"Look at you two thirst traps." Tenten playfully chided.
Neji shrugged while Tokuma looked down at his own bare chest and widened his eyes in alarm. "Pardon me," He said and tried to put his shirt back on but Neji stopped him.
"You're fine, Tokuma."
"Sure is." Tenten mumbled. Her lustrous amber eyes raked over the man's muscular body. "Tokuma, how about you and I go for a walk? The primal gleam in the woman's eye was unmistakable; she didn't have a lovely stroll in the Wisteria gardens in mind.
"Actually, I need to discuss a few things with Tokuma." After yesterday, Neji knew that Tokuma wasn't ready to be left alone with his best friend again. "We will meet you two shortly."
Hinata caught the hint, "Of course! Tenten we can go start on breakfast." She locked their arms together.
Narrowing her eyes suspiciously at the two cousins, Tenten reluctantly agreed. She knew that they were up to something but decided to just play along - for now.
Once they were out of sight, Tokuma turned on Neji. "Why did you intervene?" He asked.
"There is something else that's better than kissing." Neji saw the apprehension on the man's face. "Not fisting! I don't even think that's pleasurable for anyone!"
With a sigh of relief, Tokuma urged him to continue. "I'm listening."
"From my understanding, women also have a magic spot and you can...touch it with these fingers." He held up his index and middle fingers then started to move them in a "come here" motion.
Tokuma held up fingers as well and mimicked the man. "Where is this magical spot located?" He continued to move his fingers.
Neji wracked his brain for the proper term. "Her lady...bits." What am I? A toddler? "The magical spot is in her va-"
"You want me to touch Tenten's vajayjay?" Tokuma sounded scandalized. "Are you mad?"
"Vajayjay?"
"Saying the actual term felt kind of weird."
They were supposed to be geniuses but here they were, sounding like prepubescent school boys. If Tenten was privy to their conversation she would skewer them like a shish kabob. Also, what made him think that he could assist Tokuma in this matter?
Tokuma dropped his hand to his side in frustration. "I'm starting to think that you don't know much about women, Neji." He accused the man.
"Obviously!" Neji deadpanned then threw his hands up in exasperation. "I give up! You two are going to have to just figure it out on your own. Well you will. TenTen knows what she wants." Even though she was more than likely still a virgin, but that didn't mean that she had to be as ignorant as they clearly were.
"I think that when the time comes I will know what to do," Tokuma nodded his head. "Yes. It will all come to me naturally."
Tenten is going to eat him alive. Neji almost felt sorry for Tokuma - almost.
Removing his bloody gloves, Madara hummed to himself as he walked over to the trash bin. After discarding the soiled items, he went over to Saki and touched her on the shoulder. "Take care of him," He ordered. "We'll be leaving momentarily."
Numbly, Saki nodded her head and walked over to Sasuke's bent over form. He flinched at her touch but she was persistent. "Come on, Sasuke." She gently placed his arm over her shoulders and supported his weight.
While they walked to the bathroom, Madara pulled out his phone. Due to recent events several of his plans had to be altered. As disappointing as that was he couldn't help but to be content with the way things were going.
The stage was set, the only thing missing were the performers.
On the fourth ring the phone was answered - more than likely by "branch member number fourteen", but he didn't want to speak to them. "Put Hiashi on the phone." He didn't bother being cordial with the Help. Moments later there was a terse voice on the other end.
"Hiashi, my old friend."
"What do you want? I thought I told you to never contact me again."
Unfazed, Madara chuckled. "I believe congratulations are in order!"
"State your purpose and stop wasting my time. I tire of your games."
"I just called to welcome you into the family." Madara reveled in the dead silence on the other line. He could sense turmoil from miles away; nothing was more satisfying. "It would appear that our nephews have eloped recently. I never thought that I would live to see a union of our great clans."
The silence stretched on for a few more seconds before a humorless chuckle was heard. "Are you truly this pathetic, Madara? I knew you were deranged by how you pined after Hashirama all of those years, but don't you think this is a little low, even for you?"
Madara's smile didn't waver, not even an inch."Put that brother in law of yours to use and find out for yourself." He abruptly ended the call. There was no need to say anything else; he'd gotten his point across.
Glancing at his watch, he noted that it was time to leave so they could put distance between them and any Black ops that were after them. He wished that he could see the look on Itachi's face when he saw the gift that he was leaving for him.
-o0o-
For the second time that month, Hiashi would have to enlist the aid of the man that he loathed. Seije was the brother of Neji's birth mother and thanks to him the two had never met. They would never meet if he had anything to do with it. Hiashi couldn't have the head of Ryuugamine -second largest Yakuza syndicate -interacting with his family. The clan head couldn't help but to sneer at that. He wasn't concerned about the safety of his family when he made the decision to do business with Madara.
Hiashi tapped on the partition and waited for the driver to roll down the tinted window. "Change of plans. We need to pay Seije a visit." He instructed calmly despite his building rage. If what Madara said was true there would be no mercy.
Once again, Neji found himself in Hinata's bedroom, pacing the floor while he tried to figure out how much he wanted to open up to his friends about. Due to her age, Hanabi was excluded from the conversation and was out with Moegi, so they didn't have to worry about her listening in. After another long talk with Kami-sama, Tokuma was there as well, seated next to Tenten on the chaise lounge chair. It wasn't as if he didn't trust any of them, but he was very hesitant to disclose too much information regarding his relationship with Itachi. Mainly because if word got out about their marriage it would not only piss off Hiashi but the rumor mill would eat the story up.
Two male prodigies from notable clans eloping would be the talk of the century in Konoha. If not the entire country. There was also the fact that Tokuma was loyal to Hiashi. Then again he had an inkling that the man had also been listening in to his previous discussion about Itachi but from his understanding he hadn't told Hiashi anything. There was also the other day when Neji was looking for a way out of the marriage arrangement and Tokuma didn't rat him out. However, this situation was different; he had committed treason against his clan. And Tokuma was obligated to report any misconduct to the clan head.
"Neji," Hinata said. "You don't have to go into full detail; we just want to know how you've been holding up." She could practically read Neji's thoughts and that was a clear indicator that something was wrong. Her cousin's poker face rivaled that of her father's.
Glancing at the two other occupants he could see that they agreed with Hinata. With a slight nod of his head, Neji stopped pacing and stood with his arms crossed. "I appreciate the concern from all of you." He looked at Tenten. "And thank you for extending your visit, Tenten. I've been acting like a jerk towards you and Hinata and I apologize for my behavior.
Three sets of eyes widened at his apology and Neji scoffed. "You all act as if I've never apologized before."
"On rare occasions." Tenten mumbled.
"And it's usually very vague. It takes me a while to realize that you are apologizing." Hinata replied sheepishly.
Then Tokuma added his own two cents. "I was under the impression that you never apologized, honestly."
Neji couldn't believe them. Sure he didn't just apologize for every small thing but he could recall saying those words to every last one of them - at least once.
"Tokuma I remember telling you that I was sorry about the position of branch delegator being passed to me." Smirking, Neji waited on the man to realize his mistake and acknowledge it.
Frowning, Tokuma shook his head. "I don't remember that." He stared off into space as though he were in deep thought. "Nope, can't recall such a thing ever happening."
Appalled, Neji was about to open his mouth to refresh the man's memory but the sound of the doorknob being twisted stopped him. Then there was a sharp knock on the door; whoever was on the other side was pissed that the door was locked. He narrowed his eyes at Tokuma before he went to go answer it.
Hinata's first assumption was that the person at the door was Hanabi. No one else would try to open her door without knocking. So when she heard a loud smacking sound, it jolted her out of her stupor causing her heart to hammer violently against her rib cage. Quickly she glanced over at Tokuma and Tenten; the former was kneeling with his head bowed while the latter's amber eyes were widened and a hand was covering her mouth in shock. Panic settled in Hinata's stomach when she finally looked at her door to see her father standing there. Fury and belligerency marring his features. Her eyes began to water long before she caught a glimpse of Neji on the floor holding the side of his face.
Everything happened so fast after that.
"Get up!" Hiashi barked. When Neji didn't move as fast as he wanted he reached down and grabbed a fistful of his hair. "You didn't think I would find out?!" He seethed.
Hinata all but jumped off of her bed. "Father what is the meaning of this?" Before she could reach the door her father was already dragging Neji by the hair out into the hallway.
Neji's feet dragged as he tried to catch his balance and struggle against his uncle's tight grip on his hair. He could see Tenten and Hinata following behind him with tears in their eyes. Derogatory words spilled from Hiashi's mouth as he continued to practically drag him through the corridors of the mansion. Maids and servants silently stood by and watched him aimlessly struggle to his feet. If it were another opponent he would've already been free of their grasp, but physical retaliation against the clan head meant forty lashes.
Absently, Hinata was grateful that Hanabi wasn't home to witness such a sight. She was aware that her father could be harsh and unyielding but she had never seen this side of him. The look in his eyes was murderous, the tone of his voice was a barely leashed growl; Hinata feared for Neji's life in that moment.
When they turned the corner to her father's office, Tokuma appeared in front of them with a blank expression on his face. "This is as far as you two can go." He extended his arm to block their path.
"What in the hell are you doing, Tokuma?!" Tenten yelled. "We need to get to Neji!" Tears streamed down her face and it angered him because he hated to see women cry; especially the one that he had fallen for.
"He's right." Hinata wiped her eyes and sniffled. "We can't intervene. Especially you Tenten, you're an outsider."
"What is going to happen to Neji?"
"I'll go see what all of this is about." Tokuma assured them both. "Go now. I'll find you later." He left the two girls in the hallway and turned the corner. Instead of using the designated door to the office, he walked past it and entered the door that the guards used. Behind the shoji screen he stood and silently listened to the exchange.
It had only been one day since Itachi left and here Neji was, in his uncle's office being yelled at for eloping with Itachi. How in the hell did Hiashi find out so soon? The question was at the forefront of his mind. None of his friends knew and from his understanding nobody else besides Itachi knew. So again - how in the hell did Hiashi find out so soon?
Forcibly, Hiashi yanked Neji's head back. "Disappointed can't even begin to describe my feelings towards you right now!" He tightened his grip and pulled the boy to his feet. Releasing his hair, he circled around him like a lion stalking his prey. Hiashi's anger was flowing off of him in waves; he wanted nothing more than to unleash that rage on his defiant nephew.
Neji's right cheek was throbbing and his head was pounding, but he kept his face clear of all emotion. He wouldn't allow his uncle to see the fear that was running through his veins. Being branded was by far one of the most demeaning things that his uncle could do. Even though the mark was no bigger than a silver dollar, it would be located on his face for all to see. No matter where he went, everyone would know what it meant. They would know that he was an outcast to his clan.
"Do you know what happens to orphans in this clan?" Hiashi continued to circle around him. "Their names are taken and they are given numbers to identify them. When the day comes for them to be of use, then and only then are they granted a name!" He stood in front of Neji and leaned closer. "That was your fate until I changed it!" With a tight fist, he reached back before punching the boy in his stomach.
Grimacing, Neji doubled over and tried to keep himself from gagging. Gritting his teeth, he fought through the pain and the urge to retaliate as well. The punch was only half of his uncle's strength, it wouldn't be long before he stopped holding back on him. But taking everything in silence was eating him up on the inside.
"I could've left you in the hands of the council! You would've been chained to this clan for the rest of your life like all of the others! Yet I opened my doors to you and took you in!" Hiashi roared the entire office seemed to shake from its intensity. "I gave you more freedom than my own children! And this is what you give me in return?! Look at me!"
Defiantly, Neji kept his eyes on the tatami mat. The urge to punch Hiashi's teeth down his throat was overwhelming but he needed to fight that urge because he would be the one to suffer in the end. Neji found it ironic that the first time that his uncle ever sought him out, it was in order to punish him.
"I said look at me!" Hiashi grabbed him by the chin and lifted his head. "Did you think that by marrying that, that Uchiha scum it would somehow free you?" He was enraged, near vibrating as he held the boy's gaze. "This clan is mine. Everyone within the walls of this compound belong to me." He leaned forward to make sure that Neji caught every syllable. "There is no freedom unless I give it!"
It was true. There was no freedom for him; he didn't understand why he allowed Itachi to fill his head with pipe dreams.
"You will annul the marriage tomorrow and be remarried the day after that." Hiashi knew that he'd promised Saki but that was irrelevant now. "You have forgotten your true purpose in life - the purpose I bestowed upon you. No worries, I'll remind you. In fact, I'll make sure that you never forget it!" The final words were furious and guttural.
Hiashi shoved Neji's head away and twisted his face in disgust. "Hoheto!" He barked. Moments later the man walked in the office.
"Hiashi-sama, your orders?" Hoheto didn't even spare Neji a glance.
"Prepare a fire in the courtyard." Hiashi walked over to the lounge area in his office. "Summon the rest of the Branch; they'll need to bear witness." He opened an elaborately engraved chest and took out a branding iron.
"Hai." Hoheto walked out of the office.
On the other side of the wall, Tokuma stood, eyes wide, and fist tightly clenched. There wasn't a defiant bone in his body. But now he wanted to interfere, he wanted to disobey in order to save his friend. Yet he didn't even know where to begin.
Once he was sure Hoheto was a good distance away, he slipped out and went in search of Hinata and Tenten. Maybe they would know what to do.
-o0o-
"Let's kick his ass!"
Tokuma sighed at Tenten's response to everything that he had just told them. "I cannot allow you to attack the clan head. No one in this compound would."
Frowning, Tenten concealed her kunai. "So what? We just let Neji be branded?" She shook her head defiantly. "I'm not going to just sit by and let that happen."
"I don't want to see Neji being branded either but I can't physically intervene." Tokuma reminded her.
Hinata who had been silent the entire time finally spoke up. "I know what to do. But first, I need to make sure that Hanabi doesn't come home in the next few hours."
"Hinata-sama," Tokuma noticed an indescribable look in the girl's eyes. "What are you up to?"
"Remember, Tokuma." She smiled at him. "You don't have to call me that. You can just call me Hinata."
Tenten noticed the look too and it unsettled her. Hinata went from distraught cinnamon roll to a woman on a mission in only a matter of seconds.
"I need to go make a quick phone call." Hinata said before she left the room.
Tokuma and Tenten shared a look. "Are all Hyugas bipolar?" Tenten asked.
"Fucking bastard!" Kisame spat while he stared at the molar that slipped from Itachi's hands as he stormed out of the door to the house. Konan went outside to make sure that Itachi didn't go on a rampage. They had been tricked by Madara: why did they even think that it would be that easy? Of course all Madara had to do in order to evade them was remove Sasuke's tracker.
The tracker led them to a two story mansion on the outskirts of Amegakure. Sasori assumed that it was one of Madara's safe houses. When they arrived and saw no signs of anyone, they assumed that there was an underground bunker but low and behold, sitting on the kitchen counter was Sasuke's tracker.
"It was clever of Itachi to place the tracker in one of his brother's molar." Sasori bent down and picked up the tooth with his handkerchief. "But it would seem that once again Madara is one step ahead of us."
"He yanked the kid's tooth out?" Deidara grimaced. "Shit must have been painful." He shuddered at the thought of having any of his teeth removed with pliers.
Sasori placed the tracker in his pocket for later inspection. "Not as painful as what Itachi is going to do once he gets his hands on Madara. Kidnapping Sasuke was enough to piss him off but now he has caused him physical harm." He almost sounded excited about the carnage to come.
Deidara had seen the aftermath in Otogakure; he could only imagine what Itachi would do to Madara. Or him if he found out that he texted Hidan yesterday. But he only texted him to rant, nothing malicious. His crush on Itachi was a thing of the past; he was just more pissed off about the fact that Hidan had been right about the man.
"What are you hiding, Deidara?"
The blond cleared his mind of his previous thoughts; Sasori would be able to read every thought that he had if he wasn't careful. The man had always been good at seeing right through him. "Nothing." Deidara shrugged and stuffed his hands in his pockets. The gesture practically screamed that he was in fact hiding something.
Of course Sasori didn't believe that. "Your sour attitude may interfere with this mission. If Madara even suspects that there is any conflict among us he'll use it." He warned the man. Madara knew how to turn a family against each other with barely any effort. The last thing they needed was to turn on each other.
"It's not that serious, Sasori."
"Why did you text Hidan yesterday?"
Cerulean eyes widened in shock. "How did you know that?" Deidara asked.
"I didn't." Sasori deadpanned. "You just told me." He could see the blond getting hostile; something he did when he was cornered.
Deidara remained silent until Kisame left to go check on Konan and Itachi. When the door closed he faced his partner head on. "What's your deal? Why do you care so much about me and Hidan?" He crossed his arms over his chest and waited for a response.
The intimidating pose made Sasori's lips quirk in amusement. It was pitiful. "Hidan is an abusive misogynistic sadist who has been manipulating you for years." Cut and dry; straight to the point.
"Manipulating me?" Deidara laughed. "Hidan doesn't manipulate me."
"We can save that discussion for a later time," Sasori was losing his patience. "Just tell me why you've been acting like a bitter ex since yesterday. Are you still infatuated with Itachi?"
"No! I'm happy that he found himself another snob to marry."
It was as Sasori had suspected. After Itachi rejected Deidara, Hidan convinced the boy that it was because of his upbringing in the slums of Iwagakure. Deidara had grown up feeling inadequate and Hidan preyed on his insecurities. Manipulating a sixteen year old with self esteem issues would be a walk in the park for Hidan - well any of them honestly. There was also the fact that Hidan was eight years older than Deidara when they first slept together.
"I can't believe you believed him."
"What are you talking about?" Deidara frowned in confusion.
Sasori spoke on a sigh. "Itachi didn't reject you because of your background, Deidara."
"What?"
"I'm not sure of his exact reasons but it wasn't because of that. You should know that he doesn't care about anything like that. But that's neither here nor there. What's important at this moment is that you're hiding something." He roughly grabbed the boy by the shoulders and dropped his usual mask of indifference. "Stop fucking around and tell me the truth!" It was the face that his victims saw in their last moments.
Deidara had never seen anything so frightening; he never knew that Sasori could even pull a face like that. Also, the redhead didn't swear. Well he had never heard him swear before.
"Okay!" Deidara pulled back from the man's strong grip and he winced. His shoulders were more than likely bruised now. "Okay, I'll stop fucking around." Annoyed, he released a puff of air through pursed lips. "Hidan is interested in the Hyuga kid." He grumbled.
"How does he even know Neji?"
"Hidan was assigned to kill his dad years ago." He thought about the things that Hidan had planned for the boy. "Regardless of if I told him about the marriage or not he was going to make his move on him soon."
Sasori allowed the information to sink in. On top of his brother's location being unknown, Itachi would have to worry about keeping his husband out of Hidan's grasp. "Itachi is going to be furious when he finds out you've been keeping this from him."
His lack of empathy always bothered Deidara. "Not my problem!" He pretended nonchalance when he certainly didn't feel it. Deep down inside he knew that Hidan was a fucked up person, but he was still his...friend. Even he didn't believe that.
"You need to tell Itachi everything that you know." The blond had gotten himself in this situation so he would have to get himself out of it. "You're still young Deidara so I understand why you're blind to how Hidan has been using you but that doesn't change the fact that you knowingly kept this information from Itachi."
"Okay you can stop scolding me now, yeah!"
"Do you know where Hidan is now?"
"Last time I checked he was in Konoha."
Raking his fingers through his red hair, Sasori sighed. "No doubt about it, Itachi is going to kill you."
Blankly, Neji stared at the crackling fire: the flames danced and leapt in the air, reaching hungrily for anything that they could consume. He stared so hard that all of the moisture in his eyes evaporated, leaving them dry and painful. Yet he couldn't look away from the sight. Loud murmurs could be heard amongst the crowd as everyone waited for his uncle to speak. Hiashi was patient, letting the moment drag out until the excitement in the crowd swelled, then began to subside. Neji realized that his uncle was a showman, playing the crowd.
Neji chewed the inside of his mouth to keep himself from lashing out. His hands were tied in front of him and Hoheto tied his hair back out of his face. For a brief second he thought that he saw pity in the man's eyes. But he was more than likely just seeing things. Besides, Neji didn't want anyone's pity; the risks were known when he decided to sign his name on the dotted line. If he were given the chance he would choose Itachi every single time. His uncle more than likely expected him to plead and grovel, put on a nice little show for everyone, but he refused.
Hiashi looked around the courtyard; some of the branch members glanced away or at their feet as his gaze touched them. "I'm sure that most of you are curious to know why I have summoned you here tonight." Hiashi held the branding iron in his grasp as he talked. "It brings me great sadness to inform you all that my own nephew has committed an act of treason against our clan."
If it wasn't his ass that was on the line Neji would've scoffed at the dramatic speech about how he basically plotted to denounce his clan and runaway with another man. Hiashi truly outdid himself with the monologue. Now it looked as if he were selling classified secrets to the enemy rather than simply being in love with another man. If any of the branch members believed his uncle's exaggerated account, he wasn't sure. The only thing that he was positive about was the branding iron that was now blazing red as his uncle prepared it over the fire. A single tear ran down Neji's cheek, he told Itachi that he would never leave him. But he would be forced to end their marriage then remarry the day after.
It would seem that he couldn't keep that promise after all.
"How do you think that this would make your father feel if he could see you now?" Hiashi asked while he moved towards him with the heated iron.
Closing his eyes, Neji prepared himself for the searing pain that he knew would come. His heart was beating so loudly in his chest that it blotted out the startled gasps in the crowd.
"Father Stop!"
Neji's eyes snapped open at the sound of Hinata's voice. She stood on the side only a few meters away, he looked behind her and saw Tenten and Tokuma as well.
"You know better than to interfere!" Hiashi stared at her indignantly. "I'll deal with you later, Hinata!" It was more of a threat than a promise.
Ignoring her, Hiashi focused his attention on Neji again. No one was going to stop him from delivering the punishment. It was long overdue and he needed to set an example that would remind his clan that he was the absolute law. He held the brand firmly in his hand and aimed for the boy's face.
Not a single person standing in the courtyard had expected what occurred next. Even Tokuma and Tenten were completely shocked by the turn of events. Their feet moved before their minds fully registered the command.
"No you'll deal with me now, Father!"
Hiashi looked down at the branding iron then at his daughter. "Why would you do that?!" He screamed. "What in the hell is wrong with you, Hinata?"
The excruciating pain in Hinata's right palm from where she deflected the branding iron weakened her. She stumbled backwards as though she would fall over but Neji supported her as best as he could. "Don't you think that you are taking this too far?" Hinata made sure that her voice was loud and clear. "You can't brand people like cattle!"
Neji was beyond speechless; he could only stare at the burned flesh on his cousin's palm. He couldn't believe that she would go that far for him. When Tokuma and Tenten flanked them, he tore his gaze away to look over at Tokuma. It could be interpreted as an act of defiance on the man's behalf; his punishment would be just as severe. Tenten was an outsider so her interference could have her banned from the compound indefinitely. Her chances of ever being with Tokuma would be obliterated. Why would they all risk so much for him?
Sighing, Hiashi handed the branding iron to Hoheto. He glanced over at Tokuma, his eyes lingered momentarily before landing on Tenten. "What did you three hope to accomplish by trying to save Neji? Tokuma I'm disappointed in you most of all."
"This is all on me so keep them out of it." Hinata pulled his attention back to her. "What kind of flawed system allows the branding of another human being? Neji didn't defy the clan; he only broke a few of your asinine rules. That doesn't call for a punishment as awful as this! You're abusing your power as clan head and I'm sick of it!"
The crowd was on edge, waiting to see what Hiashi's next move would be. It wasn't a secret that Hinata was highly favored among the branch members. Hiashi even suspected that majority of them were counting the days to when she would take his place. If he acted too brash now, it would only work in his daughter's favor. He was also torn between being proud of his daughter's bravery and outraged by her blatant disrespect. There was also the issue with Neji; he couldn't just allow the boy to get off that easily. Begrudgingly, Hiashi admitted that branding Neji publicly was a bad move on his behalf.
"Hoheto go get Natsu so she can tend to Hinata's burn." Hiashi quietly instructed. Then he focused his attention on the branch members. "All of you return to your homes." Normally a simple command would be enough, but not this time. "Did I not make myself clear?" He raised his voice an octave. "You are all dismissed!"
While the branch members filed out of the courtyard, Tenten discreetly went to Neji's side and freed his hands from their binds. Slipping the kunai back in her sleeve, she gave him a comforting smile.
"I must admit that your bravery is quite impressive, Hinata." Hiashi said. "But you will soon learn that everything can't be solved by simply talking it out. People need to know their place or they'll run all over you."
"This isn't about that and you know it." Neji was tired of keeping quiet. Besides his friends had already done enough, this was his problem to handle. "You're just upset because I'm gay. If it were a woman that I had been with you wouldn't have went this far."
"You are a disgrace to this clan, Neji!" Hiashi saw so much of his brother's personality in Neji that it set him off. "You think you're above the law, that you can't be reprimanded for your actions! Then you had the nerve to marry another man. An Uchiha at that! After I showed you what he was capable of you still married him and did god knows what else with him. No Hyuga would ever be so daft!"
Tokuma hadn't told the women about Neji eloping with Itachi so they were stunned by Hiashi's words. It made the clan head sneer at them all. "He didn't tell you, did he? And yet you all scrambled to his aid?" Hiashi scoffed. "Tomorrow you will annul the marriage and remarry in two days. Hinata stay here, the rest of you out of my sight!"
"I didn't know about the marriage but it doesn't change anything either. If Neji is happy then I'm happy." Hinata looked over at her cousin. "We can talk another time. Don't worry about me I'll be fine."
There was something in her voice that made Neji reluctant to leave. He couldn't quite place it. But he didn't speak on it instead he headed back to the mansion. When they were out of hearing range Tokuma spoke up. "Hinata really surprised me by her actions. She will make a fine clan head one day." He said as they bypassed the mansion. "We were just going to create a diversion and sneak you out of the compound. I didn't know that that was her idea of a diversion."
"Where are we going?" Neji asked.
"You and I are staying at a hotel tonight," Tenten informed him. "Tomorrow you're flying back with me to Kawa."
"Shouldn't I go pack a few things?"
"Already taken care of. Here's your phone." She handed him the cellular device.
"I understand you being rebellious Tenten. Even Hinata standing up to her father didn't surprise me as much as your involvement did Tokuma." They made it to the garage where the unmarked sedans were parked. Following his friends, he climbed in the backseat of one of the cars.
"I will more than likely suffer the consequences for my actions when I get back but I don't regret my decision." Tokuma started the car once they were all seated. "I couldn't just stand by while a friend was in trouble."
From the backseat, Neji placed his hand on Tokuma's shoulder. "You're a good friend, Tokuma." He smiled before sitting back in his seat.
"I'm totally digging this bromance you two have going on!" Tenten laughed.
. . .
The lights of the city could be seen in the distance as they made their way out of the rural area. Neji felt like the more miles between him and the compound the better he would feel. Neji knew deep down inside that his uncle was only trying to protect him but that didn't make him feel any less caged. To say that he was relieved would be an understatement. However, he couldn't help but to feel uneasy about leaving Hinata alone and allowing Tokuma to go back. There was no telling what his uncle had in store for both of them; not only did they interfere, but it was done publicly. Because of her status as heiress, Hinata's punishment wouldn't be nearly as brutal as Tokuma's. Neji couldn't begin to express how grateful he was for having friends like them.
Finally looking at his phone, Neji noticed that he had a few missed calls and texts from an unknown number.
Call this number back as soon as possible.
- Itachi
"We're being followed," Tokuma glanced at the side view mirror and his eyes widened in recognition. "Whatever happens neither of you will leave this car." He instructed as he veered over to the right. The secluded dirt road was his destination.
Looking back, Neji frowned. "I know that car. What the -"
The back tires were shot out before the crack of the gunshot filled their ears. Before Neji could turn his head to the front of the vehicle, the world seemed to shift as the car flipped over. Faintly, he could hear Tenten's shrill scream; the scream that made his blood run cold. It was a sound that heralded death and destruction. Then silence returned far more quickly than it was before the shot, as if everything around them was collectively holding its breath. Neji's eye lids drooped close as he slipped into unconsciousness.
Tokuma spared a quick glance to the two unconscious people before he kicked his door opened. Blood ran down his face and his right arm had a deep cut when he finally climbed out of the car. His ears were ringing from the impact of the crash, his head felt light from the loss of blood but he disregarded it. Now was not the time to allow such weaknesses to hinder him.
"So you're still standing?" Hidan stepped away from his car with a feral grin on his face. "Guess I should've shot all of the tires out!"
Adrenaline surged through Tokuma's veins, fight or flight, stand or run, be a hero or a coward. As he rushed Hidan head on, his decision was made. His injuries protested the action but he ignored the warning.
Hidan left his gun in the car; he didn't think that anyone would be conscious after witnessing the car flip like that. But it was of no consequence. Dodging a kick to the head, he countered with a haymaker to the temple. Yet Tokuma easily evaded the attack. Despite his injuries, the Hyuga was graceful, his body well balanced, the moves and steps more a like a ballet than a fight.
"Fuck!" Hidan growled when Tokuma fractured his ribs with side kick. Quickly he pulled out a pocket knife. "I didn't come here for you." He yelled.
Tokuma didn't move fast enough so the knife cut him on the face. Sensually, Hidan ran his tongue over the bloody blade and leered at him hungrily. "Hmm," Hidan smirked. "I might just have to have a taste of you before I take my little Hime with me."
"I don't know who you're referring to, but you will leave here emptied handed." Tokuma continued his assault. "Though I don't plan on allowing you to leave at all!"
Neji could hear fighting in the distance when he opened his eyes. He tried to move but his seat belt wouldn't budge. Panic settled in when he spotted Tenten's unconscious form in the front seat. Her hair was loose and blood stained her cream colored shirt.
"Ten!" Neji struggled against the seat belt. A flash of silver caught his attention out of his peripheral and he turned to see a shuriken plunged in the cushion of the back seat. He sent a brief prayer to Kami-sama that the weapon missed his head. Grabbing it he made quick work of cutting himself from the seat belt. Oddly enough that was when he noticed that his ankle was sprained. Leaning over, he checked TenTen's pulse.
"She's still alive." Neji breathed.
A loud grunt pulled his attention back to the fight that he'd heard earlier. Testing his door handle, Neji was relieved when his door popped opened. When he saw who Tokuma was fighting he narrowed his eyes. "Coincidence my ass," Neji mumbled as he climbed out of the car.
"Now look at what you did!" Hidan dodged another kick. "You woke up my Hime. Now you gotta pay the price!" He retreated back to his car; in actuality he wanted to avoid engaging both of the men in battle. Tokuma was close to bleeding out yet was giving him a run for his money. Add Neji to the mix and things weren't going to go so well for him.
"Neji stay back!" Tokuma retreated as well. He knew what the man was getting out of his car. "Stay where you are!"
"Fuck that! This asshole has some explaining to do!" He could feel blood trickling down his face but he ignored it. "That bastard hurt Ten! I'm going to kick his ass!" His injuries were irrelevant to him - nobody got away with hurting his friends.
Tokuma glanced over at the car and felt his anger return, but then Hidan pulled out a handgun and rationality replaced his anger.
"Now this is what's going to happen," Hidan aimed the gun at the car's gas tank. "I'll blow little Brownie up unless you come with me, Hime!" Madness swirled in his violet orbs; he dared them to think that he was bluffing.
Tokuma assessed the situation; the compound and the city were a good distance away, so there would be no back up anytime soon, any bystander that happened upon them would be more than likely killed and he had no doubt in his mind that the man would have no qualms with blowing up the car. Nonetheless, he couldn't allow Neji to leave with him. He would be failing his clan, his clan head and most importantly his friend. And he couldn't let TenTen die either. It was one of the hardest decisions that he ever had to face.
Neji looked back at the car where Tenten was then at Tokuma. "I have your word that you will allow my friends to live if I go with you?" He asked Hidan.
"Neji," Tokuma's voice sounded strange to his own ears. It felt broken and weak. "You can't." He had never felt so useless before in his life.
"Tokuma, take care of Tenten. I'll be fine."
Hidan could barely hold in his excitement when he saw Neji limping towards him without a hint of defeat in his pale orbs. So much like his father; strong, prideful and defiant. He could hardly wait for the fun to begin.
"Give me your word!" Neji glowered at the smiling man in front of him. "I'm not going anywhere until you do so!"
"Of course," Hidan bowed tauntingly. "You have my word, Hime."
Begrudgingly, Tokuma watched Neji climb in the passenger side of the red Ferrari. How could he face Hiashi after this? He stood there until Hidan climbed in the car as well and sped off. Then he made his way back to the car to check on Tenten and make a call to Hoheto.
Hidan had only driven a quarter of a mile before he put the car in reverse. "Where are you taking me?" Neji asked but was ignored.
With a maniacal laugh, Hidan turned the car around, rolled down his window and shot the gas tank of the black sedan. He sped off once the car exploded. All of the blood drained from Neji's face, "You killed them," He stared at the rising flames as the Ferrari sped down the dark road. "You killed them..."
"Sure did!" Hidan laughed. "Word of advice never trust a -" He almost lost control of the wheel when Neji punched him in the jaw.
"You son of a bitch!" Neji reached over and began pummeling Hidan; his punches were frantic with some landing on the man's face and one breaking his already fractured rib. "You fucking bastard!" He continued to wail on the man relentlessly.
With a loud frustrated growl, Hidan put the car in park, then grabbed a fistful of Neji's hair and slammed him against the window. Before Neji could pounce on him again he already had a bottle of chloroform out. When Neji inhaled the substance he fainted in the leather seat.
"Little bitch packs a mean punch," Hidan chuckled. His mouth was bloody from Neji busting his gums. "You and I are going to have so much fun together!"
Hiashi sat in the lounge area with his eyes closed as he reflected on everything that had transpired. Not only was Neji married to another man but it was one of Madara's subordinates. His oldest daughter made a spectacle of him in front of the entire clan. Something that he was actually proud of. Overall he couldn't help but to think that it was his entire fault. If he would've have just accepted the fact that Neji was - attracted to other men a long time ago, then maybe things wouldn't have turned out like this.
However, he was too set in his old ways for him to allow such a thing. The marriage would be annulled once he got a hold of his nephew again. There was still a very strong chance that the Uchiha was in cahoots with Hidan and he couldn't allow that fiend to get his hands on Neji. There was also the fact the Tokuma, of all people, defied him. That was something that he honestly did not expect. Never in a million years.
Hiashi knew that Hoheto was outside of his door. "Come in."
Hoheto walked in. "A package has arrived for you." He handed him the white parcel. "I have already checked for any malicious traps. It's safe."
"Who is the sender?" Hiashi took the package and opened it. There was a plain compact disk in it.
"Jashin."
Hiashi's blood instantly ran cold when he heard that name. "Leave." He ordered.
Long after Hoheto left the room, Hiashi sat there, staring at the disk. Though he was unaware of the disk's contents he didn't want to look at anything that extremist sent him. Eventually his human nature overrode his wariness. Standing up, he made his way to the entertainment stand and then placed the disk in the DVD player. Before he made it back to his seat the film had started playing.
Only ten minutes into the video, Hiashi was grateful that he was sitting down. He had to take a few breaths to keep the nausea at bay. Saliva filled his mouth, and he thought he would throw up but he fought it back. For eleven years he had been under the impression that his brother's death was executed swiftly. Hiashi comforted himself all of those years by thinking that he'd been merciful but this, this wasn't mercy.
"Hizashi!" He called out his brother's name on a broken sob. Though it was too late; far too late.
Grief smothering him, Hiashi stood up, his legs felt weak causing him to stumble and he lost his balance. No longer caring about his dignity, he stayed on the floor. When his brother's agonized screams filled the office, the tears started to fall uncontrollably. Tears blurred his vision yet he could hear everything perfectly.
The slicing of skin, the slapping of flesh on flesh, every thrust, every groan and scream could be heard. Hiashi could hear Hidan threatening his brother with what he would do to Neji if he didn't beg louder.
"You're so beautiful, Sunshine. So beautiful."
On a loop, the words played in his mind over and over long after the video ended. The last conversation that he had with his brother ended with them both saying unpleasant things to each other. Hizashi was infuriated after he'd caught wind of the truth behind Tokuma's parentage. Of course, there were a ton of other things that his brother was pissed off about, but that incident was the icing on the cake. The only thing that his brother ever wanted was for the Branch to be treated equally yet he sentenced him to be tortured and raped.
Hiashi could try to lie to himself again and say that he didn't intend for his younger brother to go through that but it didn't change a thing. He sat up; his usually neat appearance was ruffled. Tears stained his cheeks yet none of that mattered.
"Those aren't my brother's ashes." Hiashi felt numb when the realization settled in. He used the armrest of the chair to keep himself steady as he stood up. All of his sins were slowly burying him alive. "Those aren't Hizashi's ashes." He repeated again.
In the Hyuga mausoleum where their clan was laid to rest, where he thought his brother was laid to rest, was an unknown person in his place. Did Hizashi even have a proper burial? Not only did he suffer in his last days but now his soul was suffering as well.
At this point even Hell was far too good for Hiashi. There was no way for him to atone for his sins; not anymore.
TBC