Chapter 5:
Hinata found Tenen at the training grounds early in the afternoon. It looked like she had just finished her exercises and settled down for a break, which was perfect timing for Hinata. Tenten looked up and saw Hinata make her way over.
"Hey Hinata-chan!" Tenten greeted happily but tired.
"Good afternoon Tenten-san. I'm not disturbing you am I?" She asked.
"Oh no. I think I'm done for today, I started pretty early." Tenten smiled.
"Well then would you mind joining me for a picnic?"Hinata asked her hesitantly.
"That would be awesome." Tenten replied excitedly. She has had some of Hinata's cooking before and it was always delicious. Hinata took the basket from her arm and pulled out a blanket so they could both sit on. A few minutes after they started eating, Hinata blushed slightly while she attempted to pull her courage together to ask Tenten her questions.
"Tenten-san, can you...will you...um...what do you think about Neji-niisan?" Hinata asked, feeling her face flame into a bright blush.
"Do you mean, like, do I like him?" Tenten asked surprised and confused. Why would she want to know if she liked Neji or not?
"Um no, I mean...well...he doesn't really open up to me. I was wondering if he has with you. He...he confuses me many times. I hardly ever know what he's thinking. I...I never know how he feels." Hinata found herself confessing her anxieties, feeling guilty for burdening Tenten and for barely knowing anything personal about her own cousin.
Tenten smiled gently though inwardly shook her head. Neji was such a fool, how could he expect the woman he loved to respond to his feelings when he was as closed off as he was? Tenten lightly touched Hinata's shoulder.
"Neji never really opens up to us either. We also don't know much about him personally, but we've learned to...gauge his moods. We know when he's angry or just annoyed or just silently in thought. We know when he's being serious or trying to be funny...which actually is never funny at all." Tenten told her with a chuckle. Hinata giggled, she tried to picture Neji making jokes which in fact made her laugh more. Tenten laughed with her for a few minutes before becoming serious again.
"Honestly Hinata-chan, I think the one who's closest to his heart...is you. And I also suspect you know him a lot better than you think." Tenten smiled before standing up.
"Thanks for the wonderful food and company. But I need to get going." She didn't want to be the one to tell Hinata how he felt about her, that was his job. She walked back towards the village while a still surprised Hinata was still sitting on the ground.
Hinata couldn't believe Tenten's words, she had to be wrong, she couldn't be the one that was closest to him. She knew which foods he liked and didn't like and what time he started getting ready in the morning. But other than that, she felt she didn't really know him at all. She didn't even know how he really thought or felt about her!
Suddenly something snagged the hair at the top of her neck, pulling at it with a small pinch. Hinata winced as she reached her hand back and pulled her hair free from her necklace. Her necklace? Hinata's eyes widened as she pulled out a gold chain from around her neck, looking at the oval locket attached to it. She stared at two pictures kept inside, each an old photograph from her childhood. One of her mother and the other...of her and Neji as children.
She couldn't believe that she had forgotten that he had given this to her for her sixteenth birthday. As she kept staring at the beautiful gift she started to feel a small dull ache in her chest. This was a gift you give to someone you care about right? She was overcome with guilt again, Neji cared for her and she had treated him so badly. She wondered if he though she didn't care for him. He may had driven a wedge between them when they were younger, but this time it was her fault. Hinata clutched the locket in her hand tightly and looked up, unshed tears and determination in her eyes, she had to prove to him that she did care for him.
oOoOo
Neji opened up his eyes slowly against the bright light in the unfamiliar room, it was simple, not unlike his own back at home. He tried to get up but found it took painful a task. As he tried to recall how he got there a door slid open, interrupting his thoughts, and an old man came shuffling in.
"So ya finally up eh? Dat's good, n' ya got some more color to ya, yup yup dat's good." The old man stated while he walked over to Neji, holding a bowl of soup. "Can ya sit up?"
Neji was utterly annoyed that the pain made him such an invalid that he needed the old man's help. Some genius he was, couldn't even sit up on his own. The man smiled at him, showing a few missing teeth, and handing Neji the soup. It was obvious that he lived a humble life.
"Ok, see if ya can finish dat. If ya can, den ya can 'ave one more bowl, but no more. Ya's tummy is still really messed up. But ya should be ok if a few weeks. Patched ya up meself." The man stated with pride. Neji paused from eating just long enough to utter a quiet thank you. "Nah, don' ya be worryin' 'bout it."
"So...uh, ya know ya got a funny green t'ing on ya's fore'ead?" he asked, but Neji remained silent.
"So wat 'appened to ya? Why ya so banged up? Ya on a mission o' somet'ing?" Neji paused again to glare at him, he didn't like all the questions but the man just chuckled.
"Well couldn' 'elp but notice ya weapons. Believe it o' not, I ain' stupid. I knows a ninja when I sees one." Neji finished his second bowl and pretended to fall back to sleep, hoping that he would be left alone. But once his head touched the pillow his eyes actually got heavy, he guessed that a little more sleep couldn't hurt.
Hours later Neji woke again to the sight of the old man. He groaned, did he watch him the entire time he slept? The old man laughed at Neji's response to his presence.
"Now do I bugs ya dat much? Only 'ere to change ya bandages." He said, pulling out a clean set to replace the old ones. But of course, he had to fill the silence with his chattering.
"So...who's t'is 'inata-sama?" He asked Neji, a mischievous glean in his eye.
"How do you know about Hinata-sama?!" Neji's voice snapped, but that just made the man chuckle.
"Now don' be lookin' at me like I puts a sour lemon in ya mouth. I gots me some good ears n' ya mumble in ya's sleep." He stated with a smile, Neji was appalled, he did not mumble in his sleep.
"She ya gal back at 'ome?" he asked, trying to look innocent but was once again met with silence. Pausing in changing the bandages, he looked up and was surprised to not see another glare. Instead Neji had turned his head to look outside through the window, a far off look in his eyes. "She know ya' love 'er?"
"What makes you think I love her?" Neji just asked quietly. The man just chuckled softly again and sat back, finished with his task.
"Likes I told ya, I ain' stupid. I was a younin' once. I knows wat love looks like. N' it looks like ya 'avent told the lil missy." He lightly scolded Neji.
"Because she loves someone else." Neji confessed softly. He didn't know why, but it felt good to confide in someone, even if that someone was an annoyingly chatty old man.
"So wat." The man shrugged his shoulders.
"So what?!"
"Don' ya knew dat de only t'ing ya can count on is 'change'?" Neji lifted a brow, he had no idea what he was talking about, the man didn't make any sense.
"Ok, I can sees ya not gettin' me. Hmm, ok. How long ya know de gal?" Neji was debating on remaining silent but curiosity got the better of him. He wondered where he was going with this.
"I met her when I was four years old."
"Ok, ya love 'er den?"
"I guess." The old man rolled his eyes, the boy was so difficult that he didn't blame the girl for not getting involved with him.
"Well 'opefully it's not like de love ya 'ave for 'er now."
"Of course not!" Neji said with disgust.
"Wells den tells Ojii-chan wat 'appened." The old man said with another mischievous smile.
"Ojii-chan?"
"Yes?" he smiled wider and Neji rolled his eyes and sighed.
"I loved her almost like a sister, then hated her for years. Later I learned it wasn't really her I hated just...well...then I don't know what happened. I guess I loved her again...just...different." Neji tried to explain with as little information as possible.
"Now do ya sees wat I means? Change. Ya loved, ya hated, den you loved again."
"She's loved this person since she was just a child." Neji stated, fighting to not feel so hopeless.
"Dere's as many types o' love as dere are moments in time." He said softly, but Neji had had enough.
"You don't make any sense old man." Neji's voice snapped once again. The man looked almost sad for a moment but quickly smiled again.
"G'night." Was the only thing he said before leaving.
oOoOo
Hinata walked into her room late in the evening from a wedding, doing her best to feel only happiness from the couple, instead of envy. Her wedding won't be anything like theirs, hers will be a small traditional wedding...and not a love match. As she gazed upon the two saying their vows she could feel the sting of tears behind her eyes. She would never say any vows to Naruto, but after a moment she shook her head. She shouldn't think about Naruto, at least not until it stops to think about him. And as Neji's intended, that was the least she could do, it was the least he deserved.
Staring around her room, shaking herself from her thoughts, her eyes landed on a couple of pictures resting on her desk. A picture of her genin team and another of her mother and herself. They were picking flowers and looked so happy, she wished she could remember that time but she was so young. She was always told that she was just like her mother, kind, gentle, loving, not a fighter at all. But it was difficult to remember her, she had passed away not long after Hanabi was born.
Hinata walked to her laid out futon and sat down, clutching a pillow. Witnessing the love between the bride and groom for some reason made her feel so lonely. She buried her face into her pillow when she suddenly heard a scratching at her door. Her head bolted up and quickly rushed to the door but when she got there the hallway was empty. Her shoulders sagged a little until she noticed a cup of hot tea placed next to her door. Hanabi must have placed it there.
The familiar gesture however only brought an ache to her chest. Whenever she came home a little sad or stressed Neji would come to her room with some hot tea and snacks, he would remain silent but allowed her to talk about her problems. When she heard the scratching on her door she half expected it to be Neji, Hanabi must have watched him make it for her some time. She held the warm cup in her hands and looked at the door next to hers, Neji's bedroom.
She took the few steps down the hallway and opened the door slowly, hesitantly, and walked inside his room. She stood there just looking for what almost felt like hours. His room seemed almost barren, a desk, a dresser, and his folded up futon in one corner. She walked around sipping at her drink and looking, not poking into his things, just looking.
She stopped at his desk, he also had two pictures, mirrors of her own. A picture of his genin team and another of his father and him. She smiled, maybe they weren't so different after all. When she reached his folded up futon she stared down at it and could even believe what she was thinking. But...deciding to not really think about what she was about to do, she placed her cup on his desk and unfolded his futon and stretched out on it. She inhaled deeply, it still smelled like him. Wrapping her arms around his pillow she wondered why she felt more lonely than usual, why his absence was more aptly felt this time?
Hinata made herself comfortable, snuggling in his sheets and stretching her arms and legs to cover the whole futon but frowned when something scratched her arm. Moving the pillow and covers she found herself staring at a recent picture of herself. She picked up the picture and recognized it was during the few times she was able to volunteer at the hospital. She was caring for a little boy when Sakura had come and snapped a picture, they were both smiling brightly.
"Why would Neji-niisan have a picture of me like this?" She whispered to herself aloud. But as soon as she heard her own question an answer flashed through her mind. She shook her head and let go of the picture as if it burned her. There was no way...it couldn't be. She ran out of his room and back into her own, throwing herself onto her own bed and burying her face into her pillow. It was impossible, they barely spoke to one other!
When her heart started to beat at a normal rate again, she pulled out a familiar picture of Naruto from under her pillow. She kept it there so she could gaze at the object of her affections...was that the same reason he had for keeping her picture there? So...did that mean...Neji cared for her...in that way? She couldn't believe it.
oOoOo
It had been two long agonizing weeks Neji had spent in the care of the old man, recovering from his injuries. He was nearly healed and getting ready to leave when he walked into Neji's room and sat down starting at him.
"What do you want now...Ojii-chan?" Neji asked, annoyed.
"Member wat we was chatin' 'bout couple weeks ago?" he asked, looking serious for once.
"Well, I try not to." Neji replied, his attempt at humor dry and pathetic.
"Well...in order ta 'ave a workin' relationship ya must learn ta grow wit each other. Member wat I says 'bout change? Even if ya love ya wife, da love changes. It never stays da same. It's a lot 'o work to 'ave a workin' relationship. Ya can tell 'er dat ya love 'er, but it's better ta show 'er. Ya get my meanin'?" He asked, Neji remained still and quiet, shocked at the wisdom coming from him.
"I knows in a way wat ya goin' through. When I gots married, I was in love wit another gal and me wife thought tat I was ugly n' stupid. But I respected 'er, n' she me. Over da years we worked ta grown tagether n' eventually learned ta love. I t'ink ya can do that same." He told him, Neji looked down, pondering the man's words.
"Anyways!" The old man smiled and slapped Neji on the back. "It's time ya be gettin' 'ome. Give me respects to ya gal." And with that practically shoved Neji out the door and slammed it in his face. Neji glared at the door, what a stupid annoying and rude old man. But he smiled as he turned around and started to head back to Konaha. He didn't need to stay away any longer, his mission was to track down and gain information from the nin that Neji had defeated weeks ago. His injuries being the only reason why his trip had been extended so long.
His mind whispered Hinata's name, he started to run faster. Even if she still hated the idea of being engaged to him, he just wanted to see her. Her long beautiful hair, her pale skin, her gentle gaze and soft smile. Her smile that somehow, for some reason, made him want to always be around her, near enough to touch her. He wondered what it felt like to hold her, to kiss her...oh yes, he couldn't wait to see her.
oOoOo
It was late at night when he finally arrived in Konaha, too late to drop off his report, might as well do it tomorrow. Walking through the compound he headed straight for his room, exhaustion pulling at his limbs. He was still eager to see Hinata, but she would be fast asleep, no point in disturbing her. He entered his room and quickly changed before he realized that his futon was not only spread out but also occupied.
He must have been more exhausted than he realized to not notice the moment he walked in, was he in the wrong room? His eyes immediate scanned his desk and the pictures he kept there, this was definitely his room. Unsure of what was going on he made his way to the futon and pulled back the covers, his scolding words stuck in the back of his throat.
Hinata was curled on her side facing him, sleeping peacefully in his bed. He froze as his eyes stayed on her, as if starving to see her. His mind raced, why was she sleeping in his bed? He watched her shiver slightly and quickly pulled the covers back onto her, gently tucking her in. He walked to his closet and pulled another blanket and settled himself against his desk, keeping his eyes on her until sleep finally claimed him.
oOoOo
Hinata was warm and content as she could feel herself slowly starting to wake. She inhaled deeply, she could still smell him, it brought a small smile to her face. She could hear the birds sing and then felt something warm gently brush through her hair, caressing her lightly. She sighed deeply, it felt so nice she could feel herself start to fall asleep again. She purred and snuggled against it.
"It's time to get up, sleepy." A deep voice whispered softly.
"Five more minutes." She mumbled, enjoying the lazy moment before her eyes suddenly snapped open. Neji was leaning over her, inches away, his close proximity made her heart beat faster. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down, holding him to her tightly. She had missed him more than she thought she would, he had been gone for so long, two long mission's back to back.
Neji was shocked still for a moment, it was not the response he was expecting but he welcomed it. He wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair, she smelled so good. He never wanted to let her go, never wanted her to let go of him. But it wasn't long for him to become aware of her breasts pressed tightly to his chest and her warm breath on his neck. He squeezed his eyes tightly and fought to keep his body from trembling. As much as he never wanted to leave her arms, he felt she would turn from him if she knew how much he wanted her. Pulling himself from her, he sat back.
"It's good to see you too Hinata-sama." She blushed at her impulsive act, and then felt herself flush even more at being caught sleeping in his futon and in his room.
"I'm sorr-"
"Don't." He cut her off, "Don't apologize. But it is time to get up." He stood and she sat up, clutching the covers to her body completely embarrassed.
"I'll meet you in the kitchen." He said, walking out of his room and towards the kitchen. He thought about some of the things the old man said to him, to show his feelings. He didn't think he could voice how he felt for her, but he could do things for her. She usually was the one to cook them breakfast, if they both were up, perhaps it was time he could return the favor.
"You made breakfast?" She asked with a smile when she stepped into the kitchen. "You didn't have to."
"I know." Neji mumbled, pushing her plate towards her.
"Oh...thank you." Hinata mumbled back, eating silently. She was planning on training today but since Neji was back, maybe it would be a good idea to spend some time with him. To learn more about him, try to understand him, to focus more of her attention to him.
"Neji-niisan, what...um...what were you planning on doing today?" She could feel her cheeks pinken.
"I was just going to rest today." He had gotten up earlier and already turned in his report.
"Oh, well...um, I was wondering...if...you would like some company?" She wished she could just wish her blush away, he was silent and the look in his eyes made her squirm. Was her question so crazy, so strange?
"I would like that." He answered finally, giving her a small smile.