Warning: Conclusion of this clusterfuck of an ARC.
-o0o-
"This is such a drag."
Shikamaru took long slow drawls of his cigarette in order to cram enough nicotine into his system before he continued his "investigation". That morning he arrived back in Konoha after spending the remaining summer break at the Nara Forest with his family. After dropping his bags off at his apartment, he decided to pay Neji a visit. Imagine his surprise and disappointment when the landlord informed him that Neji moved back to the compound. Before he could even make it to the compound he spotted several ANBU operatives guarding the place like a fortress. It was at that moment that he recalled his father's peculiar questions regarding Neji.
At the time Shikamaru had been too annoyed by his mother's constant nagging to really think about the small inquiry. But now it all made sense. Somehow during the span of three weeks Neji had managed to land himself in a troublesome situation. What that situation may be, he didn't know. And as he stood outside of Konoha General he debated on if he even wanted to find out.
Temari always joked that he was secretly in love with Neji. Shikamaru lightly quirked his lips at the thought, and then flicked his cigarette to the ground. Stepping on the discarded stogie, he made his way through the automatic doors of the hospital.
...
Kiba looked at his girlfriend's bandaged hand. "There goes the handjobs that I love so much." He feigned disappointment and even threw in a couple of fake tears to add to the effect. When he received a light jab in his arm he wiped his eyes, threw his head back and laughed. "Seriously though, I wish I could have been there to witness your bad ass moment! I bet it was pretty awesome!"
The couple walked side by side down the stark white halls of the hospital. Kiba knew that Hinata was in a gloomy mood after the recent events, so he tried to keep the conversation as light as possible. It also served to keep his anger under control. When Hinata informed him of her father's intentions to brand her older cousin and her interference, he was beyond pissed. His mother had always said that the Hyuga operated like it was the olden days.
"Could we stop by the gift shop?" asked Hinata. "I need to get a few things." Her eyes were dry and puffy from all of the tears that she'd shed over the past few days. First, her father told her about Tenten and Tokuma. Then to make matter's worse, Neji had been abducted. She didn't know how she was going to break the news to her sister once she returned from Moegi's. It had been her father's idea to keep Hanabi away from the compound until the smoke cleared.
"Do your folks know who kidnapped Neji yet?" Reluctantly, Kiba would admit that Neji scared the crap out of him with his threats of neutering on more than one occasion, but that didn't mean that he couldn't be concerned about the guy. Besides, if it bothered Hinata then it bothered him. "The news didn't even mention anything about him. They only reported the car explosion." He opened the glass door to the gift shop, waited for her to walk in, and then followed behind her.
"Apparently, Neji had a stalker. The guy had been obsessing over him for weeks." It was what her father had told her. Although, she was skeptical that a stalker would go so far as to run them off of the road, but in this day and age people would do anything. "I'm really worried about Neji. Can you imagine how frightened he must be?"
Kiba placed a comforting arm over her shoulders. "Don't worry! Your cousin isn't some pansy, Hinata. And I'm sure your Dad will take care of it!" He tenderly kissed her on the forehead, and then released her. "Now let's focus on something that we can actually do; like buy some overpriced gifts for your friends!"
Hinata knew that he was right, as of now there wasn't much that she could do in regards to Neji. Begrudgingly, she would have to leave it in her father's hands. Crying wouldn't change a thing; she had learned that a long time ago - thanks to Kiba. If she intended on changing the ways of her clan she needed to remain strong through all hardships.
"You're right Kiba!"
"Don't I know it?" He winked at her and grabbed the nearest teddy bear. "Hey this is kinda cute!" Flipping the bear over, he stared at the price tag. Once he saw the price, he sat the bear back down. "It ain't that fucking cute. Let's go check out the cards! Paper is always cheap!"
...
"Fucking expensive cards." Kiba grumbled as he carried all of the gifts in his arms. "Who charges that much for paper anyway? The system is so flawed!"
"I told you that I could pay for it myself." Hinata opened the door to Tenten's assigned room. Instantly she cooed when she saw the sight. Tokuma sat on the side of Tenten's bed, while he clasped the woman's hand. "Tokuma shouldn't you be in bed?"
Tokuma's skin was a sickly pale and there were dark bags under his eyes, but he managed a weak smile. "My injuries were minor." He lied.
"Hyuga!" A nurse nearly knocked Kiba down as she rushed towards Tokuma. "This is the second time that you've left your room! How you're able to get out of bed is beyond me!" She continued to reprimand the stubborn man as she placed his arm over her shoulder. "Proper rest is important after a blood transfusion!"
"Blood transfusion!" Hinata gasped. Then she narrowed her eyes into slits. "Minor injuries, eh?"
"I assure you Hinata-sama - I mean Hinata," Tokuma fumbled over his words as the heiress stalked towards him. "Truly, I am fine."
Chuckling, Kiba walked to the bedside table, sat the gifts down, and then he plopped down on the nearest chair and enjoyed the show.
Hinata practically took over the nurse's job and walked Tokuma back to his room - after threatening the man. When they were out of the room, Kiba glanced over at the unconscious woman on the bed. Despite the bandages, she didn't look as bad as Tokuma had. From the looks of it both of them were going to make a full recovery. Well, if Tokuma actually stayed in his bed to rest.
"Inuzuka."
The lazy drawl pulled his attention to the door of the room. "Senpai." Kiba stood up to greet the older man. "Haven't seen you since your graduation." Due to his sensitive nose, he was able to smell the rancid scent of tobacco on his former tutor. Grimacing, he took a step back. "Here to check on your classmate?" He motioned towards Tenten.
"Yeah." Shikamaru walked to the side of Tenten's bed and looked down at her. "Where's Neji?" He knew for a fact that if Tenten was in the hospital, Neji would be sitting by her side until she fully recovered. The man's absence was proof that something was wrong.
"Tenten!"
Both men turned their heads to see two dashes of green heading in their direction. Barely moving away in time, Kiba scowled when he stumbled to the floor. Looking up he instantly sighed when he noticed who the green blurs were. "Guy Sensei and Lee! You guys can't be that loud in a hospital!" He stood up and crossed his arms.
Ignoring him the two over dramatic green clad men huddled near the side of the woman's bed and wailed. There was a light tap on the door, and Shikamaru turned around to see an attractive man? woman?
"Hello, my name is Haku."
Kiba said under his breath. "Either that chick is actually a dude or she has a really deep voice." Scratching his face, he openly gaped at the newcomer until he was shoved in the shoulder by Shikamaru.
"That's Lee's husband." Shikamaru commented before he went to greet Haku. "Sorry I wasn't able to make it to the ceremony." He almost flinched when Haku clasped his hand in a strong grip. How could someone so delicate be so strong?
"Think nothing of it." Haku released his hand, and then focused his attention on his husband. "How is Tenten holding up?" He asked concern etched clearly on his face. They had caught a flight back to Konoha as soon as Guy called them with the news. Before they left, Haku made a call to Zabuza - in secret - to also check to see if he knew anything about Neji's abduction. But Kisame's team was already on it, so he decided to let them handle it. Besides, Haku and Zabuza were retired.
Shikamaru shrugged. "I honestly don't know."
"Me either." Kiba admitted. "I've been out of town. Just got back this morning. But I'm sure my girlfriend will know." He walked back over to the chair and took a seat.
Shikamaru and Haku took a seat on the small sofa that sat against the wall. The incoherent cries of Guy and Lee continued for another ten minutes before Hinata returned to the room. She had to assist the nurse with feeding Tokuma because the man had been difficult to deal with. Tokuma said he couldn't rest until Neji was back and Tenten was recovered. Hinata couldn't help but to swoon over that, but she still put her foot down. After making sure Tokuma was asleep she left him in the nurse's hands.
"I have spoken with Tenten's nurse." Hinata informed everyone in the hallway. She made them leave the room in order to give Tenten enough breathing room. Mostly because Guy and Lee were practically drowning her in their tears. "Although her injuries were severe she will make a full recovery. However they had to sedate her because..." Hinata paused as she thought over the nurse's exact words. "Because Tenten tried to escape the hospital to search for Neji."
Guy balled his fist and nodded his head in approval. "That's my student!"
"Where exactly is Neji?" Shikamaru asked. While they waited for Hinata, Kiba told him more details about the wreck and how Neji was abducted by an insane stalker. "Has anyone been able to learn anything about his abduction?"
Hinata sighed. "The only thing that I know is when Tenten finally woke up she asked about Neji and Tokuma. One of the nurses told her that Tokuma was on a different floor. And she didn't know who Neji was and only two of them were brought in from the wreck. I think Tenten was under the impression that Neji died in the explosion. She was really hysterical - aggressive when she was brought back to the hospital. As far as Neji is concerned..."
Clearing his throat, Kiba stood up once Hinata's eyes began to water. "That's why the Hyuga compound is guarded by the Hokage. They're handling Neji's case. Not much for us to do but just hope that everything will work out in the end." He placed a comforting arm around Hinata's waist and pulled her close.
"He's right!" Lee exclaimed. "We must have faith that everything will be fine! Neji is strong. He can handle anything that comes his way!"
Everyone in the hall nodded their head in agreement. Neji always remained levelheaded in any situation. With his analytical mind, and physical strength he could take care of himself until help arrived.
The sound of a frantic screamed yanked everyone's attention to Tenten's room. Guy wasted no time in standing up from his seat on the floor, and running back into the room to check on his student. He was the first one notified by the authorities, seeing that he was the only one listed on the girl's emergency contact's list. He couldn't help but to feel...important when he learned that piece of information.
"Tenten?" Guy carefully approached; the girl's appearance causing him to be less exuberant.
"Sensei, please..." Tenten's voice was raspy from sleep. "Please tell me that Neji isn't dead." Then she laughed hysterically. "I promise not to flay him for not being here to visit me. But he's just...busy, right? Not dead. He's visiting Tokuma isn't he?" Her eyes lit up and she smiled as she tried to get out of the bed. "I'm sure he came to see me while I was asleep."
In the doorway, her other visitor's silently stood there. Hinata opened her mouth to speak, but closed it. As far as they knew, Neji was alive. However, how were they going to tell her that he was taken by some crazy stalker?
"Shikamaru I can't believe you brought your lazy ass here!" Tenten grimaced as she stood to her feet. "Come on let's go see Neji and Tokuma."
"Tenten, Neji isn't here." Shikamaru was starting to regret his decision on conducting an investigation on Neji's whereabouts. But how could he not? "The person who caused the wreck also abducted Neji." It was by far the hardest news that he ever had to deliver. "That happened two days ago."
"What do you mean he's not here?" Her amber orbs flashed to Lee, whom was heading in her direction. "Lee? Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon?" Ice seeped through her veins and her eyes widened in panic. "If you're here then that means...Neji is..."
Haku slipped out of the room to get the nurse; he could tell that they were going to need her. Guy and Lee rushed to Tenten's side before she could hit the floor.
"It'll be okay, Tenten." Lee comforted her. "Neji is still alive. He's just -"
Gone.
And not a single one of them knew where he was. For all that they knew, he was already dead. That realization alone caused an unearthly silence to settle over the occupants of the room.
"I used to sit in class staring at the clock, counting down the seconds until the bell rang." Sasuke mused aloud. "I used to think that an hour felt like an eternity but now..." Now that death was vastly approaching, an hour felt like minutes. Time was winding down and though he tried to keep it together, it was proving to be more difficult as the seconds passed. He had always thought that there would be more; that life would have more in store for him, but from the looks of it he was wrong.
Neji noted that despite the odds that were stacked against them, neither Saki nor Sasuke actually seemed afraid to die. It wasn't supposed to be like that; they were all teenagers, death should scare them. And yet, it didn't. How fucked up had their childhoods been?
He couldn't begin to imagine how Sasuke must have felt growing up, alone, in the same house where his parents were brutally murdered. Not as if Itachi really had a choice in leaving his little brother alone for weeks at a time. Neji was well aware that Itachi suffered, but he was sure that Sasuke had his own issues as well. Then there was Saki, who was told that that her existence was to serve as a tool for the clan head's use. No one should have to go through life thinking that they were disposable.
Didn't they all deserve a happy ending? Not a tragic death orchestrated by a madman.
"I'm not going to just sit around and wait to die." said Saki. "I want to see more of the world. There's so much that I want to experience."
"Like what?" Neji asked quietly. They were all walking away from the bomb room, back in the direction of the front of the bunker. He looked over at the girl to see her blushing slightly.
"It's going to sound lame." She mumbled. "Forget I said anything."
"I want to know as well." Sasuke told her. He noticed that Neji was making his own attempt at lightening the mood. Which was damn near impossible, but worth a shot anyway.
Feeling pressured, Saki decided to just confess. "I want to watch the sunset. I mean I've seen it before but I never really enjoyed it." It was silent for a few seconds and she was beginning to regret opening her mouth.
"That's not lame."
"Not lame at all."
"Really?" Saki narrowed her eyes at the two boys. "Are you two being sarcastic? If so I swear I'll rip your balls off and feed them to you!"
Unconsciously, Sasuke cupped himself. "It hurts to even think about." He grimaced at the mental image.
Neji pulled a face. "How did you go from a cute blushing girl to a ball ripping sadist so fast?" He walked a few steps, and then turned around once he noticed Saki stopped in her tracks. "What's wrong?"
Neji said I was cute! "Oh nothing!" She lengthened her stride to catch up with the boys. "Neji I think I should go ahead and tell you the truth. You need to know."
"Does it have anything to do with my father?"
Frowning, Saki glanced over at Neji. Closely she read the expression on his face; it was apparent that he already knew that truth. "Neji, I am truly sorry and I wanted to tell you but Hiashi-sama told me that as your wife I would need to protect you from the truth."
"My wife?" Neji halted his steps. It didn't take him long to fully comprehend the girl's words. "He promised you my hand in marriage if you...killed Madara and kept their deal a secret." Balling his fist, he faced the girl. "Were you already training as one of his guards or did he specifically select you for this assignment?"
Sasuke looked between the two Hyugas. His dark eyes were slightly widened in shock. Everyone thought that the Hyuga clan was a prime example of how a clan should truly operate. They were viewed as an image of integrity and honor, but the truth was that they were just as fucked up as the Uchiha.
The Hyuga just knew how to hide it better.
"At the age of 11, I was given a name - a purpose." Saki confessed. "That purpose was to assassinate Madara. In return I would be wed to you, the Branch delegator. Hiashi-sama thought that if I knew the truth about your father's death, Madara wouldn't be able to use it to manipulate me." She saw the anger in Neji's eyes. There was a sharp pain in her chest, because she thought the anger was aimed towards her.
But it wasn't aimed towards her. "He gave a child the task of cleaning up his mess?" Neji's voice was calm; an obvious contradiction to the rage that was clearly on his face. "Let's go back to the cell." He turned on his heel and started to walk away. "We need to find another way out of here. I refuse to die without taking two assholes with me."
This time Saki was positive there was a growl at the end of the sentence.
-o0o-
Getting out of the car, Hidan approached the blond with his arms outstretched. "I knew I could count on you, Blondie!" He wrapped his arms around Deidara and pulled him in close. "You never let me down." He leaned in for a kiss but was rebuffed.
"Where's the bomb?" Deidara tersely asked. If he was too docile, Hidan would know that something was off. "I just came here to defuse the bomb and leave. Nothing else."
Hidan's hands moved down the man's back, until he was cupping his ass. "You know, my Hime has me so high-strung. I need to release some tension." He tightened his grip causing the younger man to instantly tense in his arms. "But we can handle the bomb first." Laughing he released Deidara, and turned on his heel.
Behind him, Deidara stared daggers at his back. If Sasori hadn't told him to keep the man distracted for as long as possible, he would've stabbed him then and there. Placing the knife back in his pocket, he followed the lunatic into the bunker. He couldn't believe that Hidan had the audacity to make a pass at him, especially under the current circumstances. Although, it was the same man that had been treating him like a doormat for five years, so what did he expect?
Walking into the bunker, he saw a few bodies lying on the floor. He thought that it was Sasori's doing, but he reminded himself that it wasn't the redhead's style. Sasori didn't really use guns, and he never left bodies just lying around like that.
"Damn brats," Hidan cursed. "Let me go kill these little twerps real quick."
"How do you know that they're still here?"
"The door can only be opened inside and out with an access card. Only I have one." He laughed. "Stupid mercenaries didn't even know that once they were inside they couldn't leave without a key. They would've died in the explosion along with those brats. Have you ever seen Itachi's younger brother?" Hidan turned around and winked at him. "He's a nice piece of ass. Has that superior look just like his fucking brother though! And there's this Hyuga chick in there too. She's kinda hot, but her rack isn't big enough for my liking."
Because she's too young for you asshole! "How much time is on the clock?" Deidara asked. He would have to keep his inner thoughts to himself in order for the plan to work. "We should head there first, and then worry about the brats later." Hopefully by the time he detonated the bomb, Sasori would have the teens far away from the bunker.
"Hell we still need to find the bomb. So I guess you're right we can handle that first."
Inside of the cell, Sasuke stood near the door. He had heard bits and pieces of the men's conversation. When they made it back to the cell, Saki went into the air vent to search for a way to the surface. They had heard a strange noise, like the sound of a feminine cry and Neji left the cell to investigate. He had been under the impression that Saki had somehow injured herself. Sasuke was instructed to stay in the cell to watch the entrance of the air vent just in case.
That had been more than five minutes ago. So far, he hadn't heard any other noises from the air vent. Before he could even think about going to go check on Neji, the door to the bunker was opened and he heard that creep entering with some other guy. Honestly, he was lost on the man's reasoning for having the bomb detonated in the first place. If he wanted, he could just take Neji and leave.
"Fucking imbecile." Sasuke muttered as he walked over to the open air vent. He knew that they should've never split up in the first place.
"Sasuke." Looking up, he could see Saki peeping her head out. "I'm going to pull you up, okay?"
"What about Neji? He went to go check on you. Something about there being another air vent in the bomb room." He whispered back. Which somehow sounded louder than his regular speaking voice.
"Backup has arrived." Saki moved further out of the hole and held out her hands. "Come on, Sasuke. We're not deserting, Neji." Saki could see the apprehension on Sasuke's face. He was hesitant because he didn't want Hidan to get his hands on Neji. And neither did she. "I will never desert either one of you." Promised Saki.
Nodding his head, Sasuke grabbed the girl's hands. It was when he felt himself being lifted as though he were light as a feather that he realized that Saki wasn't alone.
Behind her Sasori held her ankles. It had taken a lot of convincing in order for him to get the girl to agree with his plan. Actually, it wasn't until he allowed her to make a call to Hoheto that she even believed that he was trying to help them. Though unbeknownst to her, Hoheto and Hiashi were currently on their way.
How his nephew was able to kill highly skilled mercenaries so silently was beyond him. Madara supposed that it was his doing; he had practically sowed the seeds of madness into his older nephew. He had Itachi trained at the age of thirteen to end a life with no remorse.
And now the monster that he created had returned to end him. How fitting?
Roughly, Itachi seated the man in his previous chair. Softly humming Mozart, he removed a pair of pliers from his pocket. Itachi gripped the sides of Madara's face to force his mouth open. "A tooth for a tooth." He continued to hum as he yanked the man's molar out with the pliers. Over the sound of Madara's loud screams, Itachi hummed louder.
Once the tooth was discarded, Madara's face was released. Warily he watched Itachi remove his bloody gloves.
"Do you hear that, uncle?" Itachi asked with a sinister smile on his face. "That's the sound of Samehada butchering your mercenaries." Tilting his head, his smile broadened. "I think Konan and Leader-sama have arrived as well." Briefly closing his eyes, he pictured the woman standing on top of the jeep as she operated a military issued machine gun, covering Pein and Kisame as they fought on the ground. It was such a beautiful sight.
"Your army is finished." Itachi lazily swung the bloody ax as he stood behind the quivering man. "As we speak, Kimimaro is in the custody of ANBU. Did you really think that Hiashi was going to leave his people unprotected? He may be a lot of things, but a fool isn't one." He glanced at his watch. "And your guy, Zetsu will be meeting Jiraiya instead of Tsunade. A little birdie at headquarters told me that Jiraiya doesn't take too kindly to threats aimed at Tsunade. So I doubt he'll be taken into custody. In fact I think you will be seeing him in hell very soon."
Madara laughed despite himself. "Yet you still don't know where your brother and lover are." If he was going down, he would make Itachi and Hiashi suffer until the moment he drew his last breath. "They have less than hour before the bomb detonates - " His head hit the table with the force of Itachi's blow.
"Don't fuck with me." Itachi's voice was cold enough to freeze hell over. "You think that death is the worse thing that could possibly happen. I can assure you that I can do things to you that would make death look like a dream vacation." He lifted the ax and aimed for the man's hand.
Blood splattered on both of their clothes, and yet Itachi didn't bat an eye as his uncle screamed in agony. Hiashi walked out of the mansion, took one look at Itachi, then at Madara.
"Saki has made contact. Apparently one of your own has her. Hoheto and I will be heading to their location now." Hiashi informed them. "So you can kill him now and end all of this." He didn't believe in torture. Surely death was enough.
"I will meet up with you shortly," Itachi said without turning around. He was enjoying himself far too much. This was the man that had taken everything from him and he was going to make sure that he gave his uncle the death he deserved.
"Well while you continue to play around I'm going to go save my nephew and Saki! Your brother as well!" Hiashi unconsciously took a step back when Itachi turned around to face him. The look in the man's eyes was pure insanity - with a hint of euphoria. It was as though he were looking at a different person altogether.
Turning back to face Madara, Itachi finally spoke. "I appreciation your urgency to save my husband and brother. But why exactly did you leave the compound instead of just sending a few of your guards?"
"Because Neji - "
"Because you felt guilty." Itachi rudely interrupted. "Neji and the girl are here because of you. Now you're going to do whatever is necessary to save them. How valiant of you Hiashi-sama. Just remember that when this is all over, Neji will not be returning to the compound unless it is his desire to do so. Try to take him there by force and you will learn that I do not play around."
Without another word Hiashi turned around and left. If Itachi thought that he was going to allow his nephew to remain married to a maniac, he had another thing coming. The remaining members of his guard were instructed to stay back, while he and Hoheto left to retrieve the teenagers.
Lifting the ax over his head, Itachi peered down at Madara. "Now uncle where were we? Oh that's right." He chopped his other hand off without a second thought. "The first was for my father and that was for my dear mother. Now that leaves Shisui," Itachi brought the ax down again; ignoring the man's tortured screams. "And Naruto's parents, Nagato and every other life you've taken or ruined!" He yelled in between chops.
By the time that he was done - there was nothing left of Uchiha Madara.
The ax slipped form his hands, and Itachi slightly swayed. He never imagined that killing his uncle would be so draining; both mentally and physically. Lifting his head, he stared at the clear sky, silently sending a prayer to his fallen clansmen.
"Itachi." Kisame looked down at what he assumed was Madara, and then back up at Itachi. Nonchalantly, he walked over Madara's corpse. "Let's get you cleaned up."
Itachi allowed the man to lead him inside of the mansion. Konan and Pein were there waiting for them. "You don't want Neji and Sasuke to see you like that." Konan smiled. "Dei and Sasori can handle it until we get there." She assured him.
Numbly he nodded his head and followed Kisame up the stairs. Once they were out of sight Pein spoke. "He seems a little out of it. Almost as if he's remorseful after killing Madara."
Konan furrowed her brows and shook her head. "I think he's so overwhelmed with happiness that he doesn't know how to properly react. Trust me, Itachi doesn't regret killing that bastard."
Mentally scolding himself, Neji remained hidden in the supply cabinet that was located in the bomb room. Through the small crack, he watched the blond that he had seen at ANBU headquarters, work on detonating the bomb. Behind him Hidan paced the floor, running his mouth about irrelevant things to pass the time. He wondered if the man was aware that half of the things that came out of his mouth was pure trash.
From the bits and pieces that he'd gathered from the man's one sided conversation, Saki and Sasuke were still alive. Which was a good thing; he couldn't allow anyone else to die because of him. As of now, he didn't know if the blond was truly on Hidan's side - from the looks of it the man hated the extremist. But he didn't plan on making a move until he knew for sure.
On the bright side, the bomb was being taken are of. Now he just needed to think of a way to get back to Saki and Sasuke, take care of Hidan and get the hell out of there. Then he would pay a visit to his uncle.
"I thought you said there was only one exit."
Neji focused his attention back on the two men. He had to slightly bend his knees to keep them from locking. If he made any wrong move, his location would be discovered.
Hidan stopped mid sentence. "- there is only one exit."
Deidara sighed. "There's a door in here that leads outside. It was set to trigger the bomb if anyone pulled the handle." He stood up and walked to an obscured door that blended in with the wall. "Madara is such a prick." Walking back to the bomb, he sat back down and snipped the yellow wire. The timer immediately stopped. "All done."
"I knew you could do it, babe." Hidan reached down and pulled the man up. "Now I'm going to reward you by allowing you to suck me off." He smiled at the man and placed his hands on his shoulders to lower him on his knees, but Deidara slapped his hands away.
"Fuck you!"
"Okay, but after you suck me off!" Hidan threw his head back and laughed. Then his smile faded, and he took a menacing step closer towads the blond. "Don't piss me off. Hime's been turning me on so much and I can't wait until tonight. I need it now, but you'll have to do until then."
Inside of the closet, Neji nails dug painfully in his palm. He had to keep himself from behaving rashly. However it was proving difficult. Hidan was the lowest form of scum, and he couldn't wait to kick the living shit out of him.
"You're a real sack of shit, Hidan. I said NO!" Deidara yelled. "And for your information, 'No' is a complete sentence!"
"Since when do I give a fuck about you saying no, huh?" Hidan taunted the boy. "Deny me all you want, but we both know the truth. You don't think I know about all of the people you've slept with? You're a little slut so drop the act." He saw Deidara move his hand to his pocket, and he lunged forward.
Deidara's head hit the floor with a hard thud, disorienting him momentarily. He could feel Hidan straddling him and he tried to wiggle out of the older man's hold, but he had always been weaker than Hidan. Too weak minded to think for himself, and too weak to fight him off.
"Come on Blondie," Hidan sneered at him. "You're not a fighter. You know that."
He did know that. So why did he even try to convince himself otherwise?
"You're going to like it. Just like always." Hidan reached for the boy's shirt and ripped it off. "Don't fight me or I'll make it hurt."
It always hurts,and afterwards he would just hate himself like always. Closing his eyes, Deidara was instantly presented with Sasori's face. Before they split ways, there was a look in the man's brown eyes that made him feel...
Worthy and strong. As though, Sasori had faith in him to do the right thing. All of them - his teammates - were depending on him. With that in mind he snapped his eyes open. At the same time he heard a loud noise.
When Neji jumped out of the supply cabinet, with an enraged look on his face, Deidara used the surprise appearance to throw Hidan off of him. Straddling the stunned man, Deidara looked over at Neji. "Use that door and run!" He punched Hidan in the face to keep him in place. "What are you waiting for, hn? Get the fuck out of here! Your friends are already out!"
That was the information that Neji was seeking. He ran to the door and yanked it open. Turning around, he spared another glance at Deidara; he didn't feel right about leaving the man alone with Hidan. He didn't know their history together, and Hidan had even called him a slut. But Neji didn't give a fuck if the man screwed half of Konoha.
No meant No.
"Go!" Deidara struggled to keep Hidan down. "Please, Neji!"
Seeing the desperation in the man's eyes caused Neji to do as he was bid. He ran out of the bunker without another glance.
Hidan growled. Grabbing a fistful of Deidara's hair he yanked on it painfully and tossed the man off of him. "You useless fucking slum rat! After everything that I've done for you!" He kicked Deidara in the head as he tried to stand up. "I'm not even going to waste my time killing you. My Hime is more important than you'll ever be!" Delivering another kick to the man's head, he turned around and ran out of the bunker after Neji.
...
Stealthily, Saki and Sasori moved through the halls of the bunker. Behind them Sasuke did his best to follow in their footsteps. After taking an access card off of the guard that he killed, Sasori was able to gain access into the bunker. He didn't want to radio Deidara in fear of compromising the man. The teens were more difficult than he initially thought. They were adamant about coming back to save Neji and he couldn't argue with that. Sasori would admit that he was also worried about Deidara.
"Remember, " Sasori told the teens. "Stay behind me." Once they nodded their head in understanding he continued down the hall, checking the various rooms as he passed them. He was impressed by Saki's skills, and Sasuke's rationality. Neither one of them were whiny or annoying like most kids. Especially considering the situation that they were in.
Suddenly, Sasori turned around, grabbed Sasuke and placed the boy behind him. Impressively, Saki had also heard the sound of a door slamming outside. They were both aiming their guns at the door of the bunker, waiting for the newcomer to show himself. He had purposely left the door cracked in order for his teammates to enter, but he wanted to be sure that it was them and not an enemy.
Whoever the person was, they were smart. Instead of just walking in, they slipped a mirror in and slightly tilted it to check the surroundings. Saki immediately lowered her gun. Moments later, Hoheto stepped in with Hiashi right behind him.
"Hiashi-sama?" Saki couldn't believe her eyes, and then she reminded herself that Neji was the reason why he was there. Not her. "Forgive me, Hiashi -"
"Saki, are you alright?" Hiashi approached the girl, and placed his hands on her shoulders. Glancing down at her stained clothes, and bruised face he scowled. "Don't worry. I'm here to bring you home."
"You're here for me as well?"
"Of course." He smiled at the girl. It was the first sincere smile that he had ever graced her with. "First, we need to locate Neji. Do you know where he is?" He had already noted that Sasuke was with them as well.
"That is who we are looking for now." Saki informed him. She was still reeling from the fact that Hiashi actually cared about her well-being.
Now all five of them moved down the hall of the bunker. When they approached the bodies, Saki smiled sheepishly at the questioning look that Hoheto sent her. Then he nodded his head in approval and they kept moving. Sasori was in the front so he heard the sound of the painful groans first. Halting he lifted his hand, signaling everyone else to halt. Silently, Hiashi instructed Saki and Sasuke to stay back. He didn't know what they were going to walk in on and would prefer if the teenagers didn't see.
Begrudgingly, Saki and Sasuke stayed back. They were just as worried about Neji. During the time that they spent together a small bond had formed between the three teenagers. Neji and Sasuke were the only friends that she had - well she hoped that she could call them her friends. There was a chance that once this was over, they would all go their separate ways and they would forget about her.
The groans grew louder when they approached, Sasori immediately realized that they were not salacious. Although that did nothing to ease his building distress. Rounding the corner, the pain that he felt in that instance showed on his face. "Deidara." He ran to the blond's side.
Deidara's hair was tangled, and bloody. His face was swollen and bruised. "Neji..." he was fighting to remain conscious. "He ran out of that door." He pointed to the open door. "Hidan followed him." Before he could finish the sentence, Hiashi and Hoheto were already running through the door.
"I'm sorry..." Tears slid down Deidara's cheeks. He had felt lower than dirt after Hidan left him to die on the cold floor. "I couldn't even do this right. Hidan is right. I am a...useless slum rat."
Cradling the boy's head in his lap, Sasori brushed his hair out of his face and wiped his tears. "You're not a useless slum rat, Deidara. Hidan is a piece of shit, haven't we established that?" He could see the boy's eyes drooping close. "Deidara, you need to try to stay up."
"What's the point?"
"You may never wake up again."
Snorting lightly, Deidara closed his eyes. "Who cares?" He asked.
"I do." If the blond's eyes weren't closed he would have seen the single tear that slid down the redhead's cheek.
"Why do you care, Sasori?" His head fell back as he relaxed. Sleep was beckoning him, coaxing him so sweetly. At that point, he didn't care if he ever woke up again.
"Because, I love you."
That statement alone was enough to jolt Deidara out of his near slumber.
Outside of the bunker, Neji was greeted by a dense forest. Branches whipped across his face as he ran, and he stumbled on a few rocks, but the adrenaline gave his legs the strength to keep running. Approaching a cliff, he halted his steps, but the momentum caused him to fall to the ground - mere inches from the cliff. He'd been so determined to get away that he didn't even think about where he was heading.
Standing up, Neji placed his hands on his hip and tried to force air into his lungs. His conscience was eating away at him. The desire to go back and help Deidara was overwhelming. He couldn't just sit around and allow anyone to be raped - no matter who the person was.
It was wrong.
The pounding of his heart was loud enough to drown out the sound of the wildlife surrounding him. And the sound of leaves crunching, and twigs snapping. It wasn't until he heard that one dreaded word that Neji realized that he wasn't alone.
"Hime."
Luckily, he was able to move away from Hidan's grasp, and he started to run again. Instead of going straight, he ran to the right, not bothering to look back to see if Hidan was on his heels, because he knew that he was. While he ran, his mind quickly formulated a plan of action; he wouldn't be able to run forever. Bending down, he scooped up a rock, pivoted on his foot and threw it at the man. The rock hit Hidan in his eye and it gave Neji the upper hand.
"Bitch!" Holding his eye, Hidan continued to chase after the boy. Dodging another rock, he picked up one of his own, but he waited to throw it.
Neji veered to the right, his goal was to run back towards the bunker. He could see a clearing up ahead, and if he could at least get out of the forest he would be able to run faster. Having to constantly dodge trees and boulders was a nuisance. Hurrying his steps, he ran in the direction of the clearing. However, the back of his head was hit and it caused him to slip. That one slip was all Hidan needed to close the distance. As Neji righted himself, Hidan tackled the boy down to the ground. But he wasn't expecting the sharp pain that he felt in his side. Looking down, he saw the jagged rock in the boy's hand.
The rock wasn't sharp enough to pierce his skin, but that wasn't Neji's initial goal. Using the man's confusion, Neji punched him in the face, and then pushed Hidan off of him. That was when he saw the gun lying on the ground. Grabbing it, he scrambled to his feet and aimed it at Hidan.
The brief tutorial from Saki, gave him all of the information that he needed to kill the man standing before him. He remembered the girl telling him that aiming a gun wasn't suppose to look cool. Contrary to the movies, holding it sideways served no purpose, and he wouldn't look like a dweeb if he clasped the gun with both hands. In fact for a first timer, holding it with both hands would help with the recoil.
In the end surviving was the ultimate goal.
Hidan held his hands up in a placating fashion. "Put the gun down. You don't want to hurt yourself, Hime."
When the man made a step to approach him, Neji fired the gun. The recoil was stronger than he thought, but he shoved off the slight pain. His aim was a little off; he had been so close to shooting Hidan's toe off. "I won't miss next time." Well he hoped he wouldn't. His hands were trembling from the powerful recoil.
Neji's eyes widened, then narrowed into slits at the sight of his uncle and Hoheto approaching. "This must be my lucky day," He mused as he took a step back. "All three of you played a role in my father's death." The look on his uncle's face was priceless. "Didn't think I would find out, uncle?" asked Neji.
"Please, Neji - "
"Shut the fuck up!" Neji aimed the gun at his uncle. "I don't want to hear anymore of your lies! Did you see? Did you see what that asshole did to my father? Your own brother?!" He saw Hidan make a move, he aimed the gun at him instead and fired. "Told you I wouldn't miss again you piece of shit!"
Clutching his knee, Hidan fell to the ground. "Fuck!"
"Hoheto don't!" Hiashi yelled. When Neji turned his head, the guard pulled out his own gun and aimed it at the boy. "Go back to the bunker so that me and Neji can talk." He knew that the man was only trying to protect him - even if his attacker was his own nephew - that was how loyal Hoheto was.
"No, he stays!" Neji yelled over Hidan's loud curses.
"Neji this is between you and me." Hiashi kept his voice calm and restrained. "You know that my guards have no choice but to follow my orders no matter what. Do not blame Hoheto, only I can bear the blame."
There were too many targets, and he was a novice - Neji knew that. He was also aware that what his uncle said was the truth. None of the guards could deny his uncle anything. "Fine, Hoheto can leave." He watched his uncle reassure the man that everything would be fine. Glancing over at Hidan, he could see that the man was staring at him intently. More than likely trying to figure out a way to disarm him.
"The only reason why you were able to control my father is because you threatened him with what you would do to me if he resisted." Neji aimed the gun at the man's other kneecap; he wanted him to suffer. "You don't have that kind of hold over me!" Pulling the trigger, he smirked in satisfaction when he hit his target. The chances of Hidan walking after that was nonexistent.
"Neji stop this!" Hiashi didn't want to see his nephew become a murderer. "You're not a killer. Please, give me the gun. I will take over from here."
"No. He tortured and raped my father, repeatedly, for 3 days!" His voice broke, and he could feel his eyes burning with unshed tears. "What did my father do for you to hate him that much,Hiashi?"
Horrific images of what happened to his brother bombarded Hiashi's thoughts. It took everything in him not to breakdown right then and there. "I never hated my brother. I never intended for this to happen - "
"But you still wanted him dead! Even if you didn't intend for him to be raped, you still placed a hit on your own flesh and blood." Neji looked down at Hidan who was slowly bleeding out, and then his gaze slid over to his uncle. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you, Hiashi." Frankly, he didn't give a shit about the man's excuses; he just couldn't get the image of Hanabi and Hianta crying over their dead father out of his head.
The hurt, and confusion was evident on his nephew's face. In a show of his sincerity, Hiashi slowly fell to his knees and prostrated himself - something that someone of his stature would never do - in front of the young boy. "Hizashi was my brother and I loved him dearly."
Shocked, Neji fractionally lowered the gun.
"The truth is - I envied him. The role of clan head is my birthright, but Hizashi was the true leader. He was admired by all that was lucky enough to encounter him, and he genuinely cared for others. In my fear of being usurped from my position, I became irrational - blinded by my own insecurities." His tears fell to the earth, but he didn't care anymore. The weight of his sins were suffocating him and he could no longer keep it in. "I had my own brother murdered out of bitter jealously!"
Tears swamped Neji's vision; he was finding it more difficult by the second to keep the gun up. But he didn't waver. His father suffered until he drew his last breath; it was all because of the man kneeling before him. All of the loneliness that he experienced growing up, his struggles with identifying himself - all could have been easier if his father was still alive. Hiashi had taken so much from him, beaten him, and threatened to keep him in the confines of the compound for the rest of his life.
How could he ever forgive that? Now was the perfect chance; he could kill them both- Hidan and Hiashi - and put an end to his suffering.
What about Hanabi and Hianta? Shaking his head, Neji tried not to think about his cousins. Although, he would have to look them in the eye, knowing that he had taken their father away from them. They didn't deserve that, but...
Neji felt so alone in that moment. Tears continued to run down his face as he held the gun firmly in his hands. Hiashi's cries were loud enough to be heard; it was a sound that Neji had never heard before. But the sounds of his father's cries and screams inside of his head were much louder. Decision made, he raised the gun and aimed it at his uncle's bowed head.
"Neji." Itachi had been standing behind the boy, unnoticed, since the end of Hiashi's speech. He saw Neji tense before turning around. The relief that flashed across his husband's face tugged at his heart.
"Itachi!" Neji's heart raced at the sight of the man. The loneliness that he previously felt was slowly ebbing away.
Itachi looked down at Hidan, who was unfortunately still conscious. However, from the looks of it, Neji had done a fine job of taking control of the situation. Yet, now he needed to make a decision. Deciding to give him a hand, Itachi stood behind him, until their bodies were mere inches apart. Neji visibly relaxed, but kept the gun firmly in his hand.
Lifting his head, Hiashi wiped his eyes. At that point, he knew that he was going to die. Itachi would more than likely convince his nephew to pull the trigger. Of course the Uchiha wouldn't care if his nephew became a killer like him.
Itachi placed his hand over Neji's - the hand that was still aiming the gun at his uncle. "Give me the gun." He gently caressed the man's wrist. Coaxing him to relax his hold on the handle of the gun.
"But they-" Neji swallowed thickly to keep from sobbing all over again. "I saw what really happened to my father, Itachi. It was horrible I...I can't allow them to live." Right? Wasn't avenging his father his sole responsibility?
Itachi could hear the broken catches in Neji's voice. He had no idea what he had experienced while he was Hidan's captive, but he couldn't stand by and allow his husband to become a killer. Killing Hidan wouldn't be nearly as bad as killing his uncle. "Neji, please trust me." He moved closer in hopes that his presence would give Neji the strength that he obviously needed. "You do not want to live with your uncle's blood on your hands." His hands were already drenched in blood, so the fact that he butchered Madara only hours ago was irrelevant.
Murdering someone wasn't as easy as it seemed. No matter if the person deserved it or not, the night terrors would show no remorse. If Neji killed his uncle, guilt would weigh him down every single time that he interacted with his younger cousins. Even if he opted to never see them again, he would still suffer.
Glancing over at Hidan, Hiashi could see that the man was losing more blood by the second. Deciding that now was the time, he moved towards the man and straddled him. "Where is my brother?" He peered down at the man like a madman as he grabbed his collar. "Where is Hizashi buried?!"
The abruptness of his uncle's actions startled Neji, causing him to fire the gun. Thankfully, Itachi had already adjusted his arm so that the bullet landed in a tree, instead of Hiashi's head. Removing the gun from the Neji's hands, Itachi placed a tender kiss on his temple.
Finally surrendering, Neji turned around and cried in his husband's arms. Placing his chin on the top of the man's head, Itachi placed one arm around his waist, while the other rested on Neji's shoulder. If Hiashi didn't kill Hidan he would. Aiming the gun at the two men on the ground, Itachi waited to see what the clan head's next move would be.
"Answer me!" Hiashi violently shook the man. He needed to know where his brother was - he needed to bring Hizashi home. "Where is my brother?"
"Fuck you!I ain't telling you shit!" Hidan chuckled. "I'll be seeing my Sunshine soon. Jashin has set aside a place just fo-"
Hiashi had no interest in hearing another word from the crazed man. After ripping the man's shirt open, he aimed for the precise pressure points on his chest. He sat back and watched the blood instantly spill from his mouth. Hidan's violet eyes widened in a mixture of fear and confusion. With one more hit, this one aimed directly at his heart, Hiashi killed him.
Lowering the gun, Itachi discarded it, and then wrapped both arms around Neji. The man was speaking to him, but his words were incoherent, bordering hysteria. Itachi stroked his hair and whispered words of endearment in his ear. Seeing Neji so broke made him reconsider his decision to keep his uncle alive. However, Itachi knew that killing the man wouldn't make his husband's pain go away.
Hiashi stood up. "Come on Neji. I'm taking you and Saki back to the compound." He dusted off his clothes, smoothed out his hair - put his mask back on. "We can wait to annul the marriage, but we need to leave now."
"Annul our marriage?" asked Itachi." He looked down at the discarded gun, then lifted his gaze back to the clan head. "You're still stuck on that? After everything that has happened?"
"Neji is my responsibility. I will not allow him to be married to someone like you."
Ignoring his uncle, Neji looked up at Itachi. "Would you do something for me, Itachi?" He quietly asked.
"Anything."
"Take me home."
"Home?" Itachi thought over it for a few seconds, and then he smiled. "Of course. Come on. Sasuke and your friend are worried about you."
As they walked off, Hiashi stood back and watched them leave.
Sasuke stared at Kisame for a few moments before he narrowed his eyes in recognition. "You're that crossing guard."
"Crossing guard?" Yahiko slid a glance to the large man that was standing next to him. "Since when were you a crossing guard?" He asked.
Scratching his head, Kisame sheepishly looked in every direction but at the teenager standing in front of him with his arms crossed. "I don't know what you're talking about kid."
"I was in middle school. You called me an emo brat!" Sasuke accused.
"Kisame is that true?" Itachi and Neji walked up. The former took in the faint blush on the larger man's face. "You called my brother an emo brat?"
Throwing his hands up in exasperation, Kisame pointed at Sasuke accusingly. "Damn kid was always walking with his head down, hands stuffed in his pockets and shit! People in Konoha can't drive worth a damn so I had to pose as a crossing guard. So what?!"
"I didn't know that you could be so thoughtful, Kisame." Yahiko patted the man on the back. "Nice to know that you have a soft spot."
While the two men bickered everyone stood back and watched on with amusement. Sasori had "borrowed" Hidan's car - hell he didn't need it - and rushed Deidara to the nearest hospital. Konan decided to ride with him once she caught a glimpse of Deidara's appearance. The other members were just as worried about the boy, but remained just in case Itachi would need back up.
Out of the clearing, Hiashi, Hoheto and Saki stepped out. Once she spotted Sasuke and Neji, the young girl moved to go to them, but reminded herself that they weren't really her friends. People like her couldn't have friends.
"Itachi," Hiashi walked towards the group with his hands clasped behind his back. "May I have a word with you alone?" His nephew wouldn't even spare him a glance and it honestly hurt, but he knew that he deserved the boy's cold shoulder.
Itachi looked at Neji, then at Sasuke. "I won't be long." He promised them.
After they walked off, Sasuke looked up at the sky. Tapping Neji on the shoulder, he got the boy's attention and pointed at the sky. Nodding his head in understanding, Neji flashed him a sincere smile.
Saki was staring at the ground, thinking about how things were going to be once she returned to the compound. Failing an assignment like this was going to cost her. Though at that point she didn't really care. What was the worse thing that Hiashi could do to her? Take away her freedom? Well she never really had that in the first place. She looked up to see Neji and Sasuke standing in front of her. When Neji extended his hand, she stared at it before hesitantly taking it.
"Where are you taking me?" Saki asked once the two boys started to walk. Instead of answering her, they lead her away from he bunker. A few meters away from the bunker was a grassy plain that seemed to go on forever.
Releasing the girl's hand, Neji took a seat on the grass and Saki mimicked him. When Sasuke sat on the opposite side of her she gave both of the boys a bewildered look. "I asked a question." She complained.
"Stop talking or you'll miss it," Sasuke crossed his arms and feigned annoyance. "Didn't you say that you wanted to watch the sunset?"
Speechless, Saki snapped her eyes to the sky. She watched with an unwavering gaze as the fiery orb of light gradually sank beneath the horizon. Threads of light lingered in the sky, mingling with the rolling clouds, dyeing the heavens in an array of colors. Unconsciously, she grabbed both of the boys' hands, and held on tight, as though she were trying not to wake herself from a dream. When Neji and Sasuke clasped her hands just as tightly, she could no longer hold back the tears.
Silver stars like the glowing embers of a dying star winked down at the three teenagers, illuminating the dark curtain of the sky. Then suddenly the clouds parted, revealing the lustrous moon.
While Saki silently cried, Neji allowed her to rest her head on his shoulder. He chewed the inside of his mouth in anger as he thought about how his uncle used the young girl to handle his mess. "I'm sorry, Saki. "He felt as if his words were inadequate, but he didn't know what else to say. "I know that my uncle promised that we would be wed, but as you know I am already married."
"Neji could you grant me one small request?" asked Saki.
"Sure. If it's in my power to give."
"Well, it's really a request for both of you." Sitting up, she pulled her hands away. "Could you guys be my friends?" She stared at her fingers in her lap. Funny, she could kill a man but couldn't ask one to be her friend without blushing like a schoolgirl.
Sasuke snorted. "And here I thought we were already friends."
"Me too, Sasuke." Neji shook his head. "Guess we were wrong."
Squealing in excitement, Saki threw her arms over the boy's shoulders. "Besties 4 lyfe!" She grinned like she'd just won the lottery.
"Besties?" Neji scrunched up his face in disgust.
"I saw two girls wearing matching shirts, the phrase was written in glitter. Is it not a hip term?" Saki genuinely wanted to know.
Being with Sasuke and Saki made Neji think about Tenten and Tokuma. All of the times that Tokuma would come to him with some sort of odd sex related questions. And the moments that he shared with Tenten were far too many to count. They had always bonded over the fact that they were orphans, except the woman was never as bitter as him. In fact, they did a great job of balancing each other out. Knowing that he was responsible for their deaths made him hate himself.
If only he'd pulled the trigger he could've avenged all of their deaths. His father, Tenten and Tokuma. But he was too weak.
...
"You are aware that Neji is no longer a minor. He has the right to make his own decision on the matter and he has already chosen me."
Hiashi seemed to reach some internal conclusion, and after a few tense moments, he answered him. "My nephew doesn't belong in your world. You know that. If you truly care for him, you will end this farce. He needs to be with his family."
"The same family that had his father murdered. I think not." A hint of anger crept into his words. "I understand you. In another universe, you would be a useful adversary, but right now I dislike you." There wasn't a hint of remorse towards the confession.
"The feeling is mutual." Hiashi assured him. "Why did you stop Neji from killing me? So you could win me over?"
Itachi blinked. Looked around the clearing, then back at the clan head. "Win you over? Why would I need to do that? Neji and I are already married. He will be spending the rest of his life with me. End of discussion."
"I remember your earlier threat, but I'm ready to call your bluff. I have my elite guards only a few miles away -"
"You'll be dead before you can make the call." Itachi quietly said. "Do you think me daft? I know that your guy is listening in on this conversation. But while he's watching your back, who's watching his?"
Hearing that, Hoheto turned his head and glanced down at the red dot hovering over his heart. Lifting his gaze, he locked eyes with Yahiko who was smiling at him. He hadn't even heard the man approach.
Itachi continued. "Don't you think that Neji has been through enough? All of them have been through enough. Don't make matters worse by causing unnecessary bloodshed. You talk about 'my world' as if you aren't a part of it. Stop lying to yourself." Turning his back on the man, he walked away before he ended up hurting or worse, killing Neji's uncle.
Sighing, Hiashi ran his fingers through his hair. It was time for him to stop lying to himself, and his clan. "Hoheto, go get Saki. It's time for us to go home." As soon as he made it back, he would inform the Hokage that he was ready to turn himself in.
Staring blankly at her lap, Tenten fiddled with the ID band around her wrist. Five days had passed since the wreck - since Neji was abducted. Everyone around her was just as clueless as she was about his whereabouts. For the past two days, Hinata hadn't left the compound due to an internal crisis. Even Tokuma was checked out of the hospital and taken back to the Hyuga compound.
However, she was beyond grateful for both of them stopping by to explain the situation to her. Tenten didn't know how she would have reacted if they left without a word. Tomorrow was her scheduled discharge. But after her recent episodes she was positive that the day would probably be pushed back.
But who could blame her? Her best friend was taken by a crazed stalker. The same crazed stalker that shot the tires out of their car, and shot the gas tank causing an explosion that almost killed them. She had a right to be worried. A person that was capable of that was capable of anything.
That night, when she first woke up in the hospital bed, Tenten immediately panicked. Hospitals and her didn't necessarily get along. To top it all off, the nurse had made it seem as if Neji had died in the explosion. The mere thought of it caused her eyes to water all over again.
Guy and Lee were out buying her something to wear for when she left the hospital. Thankfully, Haku was with them because she could only imagine what the two men would purchase. Shikamaru was in class, but he promised to stop by once he got out. Even Temari had came to visit a few times. All of them had been so supportive over the past week and she was truly grateful.
And yet she couldn't help but notice that something was missing. Neji was missing. In situations like this, Tenten had taught herself to prepare for the worse because she always had the shittiest luck. Though she just couldn't bring herself to belief that her best friend was truly dead.
Outside of her window, she could hear the chirping of birds. The sweet melodious chorus caused her to lift her gaze to the window, out of her peripheral she could see someone standing in the doorway to her room. Sucking in a sharp gasp, Tenten threw the sheets back and tried to climb out of the bed. Her legs gave out on her, three days of being bedridden caused them to become numb and momentarily useless.
"Ten!" Neji didn't bother picking her up, instead he hugged her right there on the tiled floor. "I thought you were dead." He squeezed her tight in fear that she wasn't really there. "I thought you were dead." Neji repeated on a broken sob.
Eagerly returning the embrace, Tenten placed her chin on his shoulder. She glanced up to see Itachi standing in the doorway; the look on his face gave her pause. The man looked weary, as though he'd had many sleepless nights. Their gazes locked and he smiled at her - it was a melancholy sight. It was as though he were trying to convey a message to her. However before she could decipher it, he was gone.
On the floor of the hospital room, the two best friends cried in each others' arms. While on the other side of the wall, Itachi slid to the floor and placed his head in his hands.
After they returned from Yusagakure he had known that Neji and Sasuke weren't going to just go back to normal. He had prepared himself to help them get through the trauma. With the help of Naruto, Sasuke was steadily getting back to his life of normalcy. His bruises were starting to heal and their relationship had improved after he finally opened up to his younger brother.
On the other hand, Neji had assured him that he was fine; over and over again the man would tell him that he was fine. Itachi knew that it was a lie, but he didn't probe him. He told himself that Neji would come to him whenever he was ready to talk. Looking back on the first night they arrived in Konoha, Itachi wished that he would've tried harder. But he knew from experience that pressuring Neji wouldn't be a good idea, it would only make matters worse.
Three days passed, and Neji wouldn't eat, he slept for majority of the day. Itachi assumed that he was simply grieving the loss of his friends so he only made sure that the man would stay hydrated, and eat at least a little bit of something. On the fourth night, Itachi woke up to the sound of glass shattering; it was loud enough to startle Naruto and Sasuke. After telling the boys to go back to bed, he tried to get into the bathroom but it was locked and had to kick the door in. Neji had refused to open it.
Once he stepped into the bathroom and saw the blood on his husband's hands he panicked. Apparently Hidan had carved the Jashin symbol on his stomach and Neji tried to - remove it.
He called Kakashi and the man came over with his fiance, Dr. Umino to patch Neji up. Also, Kakashi suggested a session with Ibiki, but Neji refused to comply. They had their first argument as a married couple that night, and it wasn't a simple disagreement.
Sighing, Itachi lifted his head and stared at the white wall across from him. His sleep and eating patterns were just as irregular as Neji's. He couldn't function properly unless he was sure that the man was healthy and happy. He just didn't know what to do. Forcing Neji to meet with Ibiki would be no different than his uncle trying to force him back to the compound.
When Itachi learned that Neji's friends had survived the wreck, he became hopeful. Maybe if Neji knew that his friends were well, he would be more open to wanting to get better. They hadn't been married for a full two weeks and Itachi feared that he was going to lose Neji. Nonetheless, he didn't plan on giving up so easily. He was going to do whatever was necessary to make sure that his husband made it through this ordeal.
.