*ONE*

"Just because its heart is beating means it's alive"

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

He already knew about her- them, even before the war started.
His cold white eyes darted to the white ceiling above him, his arms crossed on his forehead as he lay on the futon.
Neji already knew what they needed to do even before they were told of it.

He was a genius.

And so here he was.
He wished he could re-arrange it - he thought he could escape from it, that the war could have prevented it from coming. Only it rushed it more.

Neji thought giving up his life for Hinata could save her - them.
But even if he was a genius, he can never know what future could bring. Neji was tied to his words, to what Hyuuga will say. He was theirs - hers.

So he lay here, contemplating.

He didn't save her to escape - he knew that.
He saved her from death during the battle because he knew her life was more important.
He saved her from death during the battle because he swore he would always protect her.
He saved her from death during the battle becuase he didn't hate her - she would always be his Hinata.

And she also saved him many times before.

But now, no one can save them both.

Neji Hyuuga survived the battle and it had been five months since the war ended.

The village was almost finished renovating buildings, one by one, everyone was moving on. Many died - he almost died too. If it weren't for Hinata and Sakura's healing abilities.

For the nth time, he closed his eyes, his palms sweaty and tears threatened to escape his eyes. He can't do it but he had to.

His fingers touched his cursed seal...he had to.

.

Hinata came out from the comfort room as Neji sat up on their bed - swallowing a dry throat. She was the most beautiful bride he'd seen. And no, he couldn't bring himself to hate her - not again.

She was his.

The wedding was private - but it was not wanted...it was needed.

Hiashi died in the battle and Neji was named heir - and Hinata needed to marry him.

For duty.

For duty.

.

Soft blush caressed her cheeks, her peach lips opening..
"We have to. Eventually. So let's just get this over with." Neji told her, his voice was low. Not like how it was before - he was warm, his voice was.

Hinata nodded and walked in her white and thin yukata towards the bed.
Neji was already half naked, he was perfection. The huge scar donned his creamy torso - he saved her life. For more than she could remember - she owed him everything.

There was no way she could back up from the marriage. She had to at least do this, for Neji.

For duty.

For duty.

.

Hinata swallowed, "We both h-have to"

Neji knew it will hurt her. She loved Naruto, Naruto was too - getting fond of her. But Neji needed her to marry him, not because it would repay the good deeds he had done for her. But she had to, she was heiress.

But Hinata, upon knowing she had to marry Neji, didn't cry. Not like what he thought she would do.

No.

She just nodded and gave a soft smile.

She understood why, what for - she understood that this time it was Neji who needed her.

And she gave him herself.

.

.

"F-foreplay?"

Her blush darkened as Neji nodded, his long and lean arms reaching over to turn off the lamp.

They both have to.

Neji moved his way to kiss her, his eyes shut - he had to end this because he knows it will hurt her. But they had no choice and it was final. And they both agreed to it - he had to do it.

The kiss was greedy, rough - her hands lightly pushed him. "Neji nii..Neji"

Neji claimed her lips, her hands - this time, pulled him closer. Arching her back as he moved her to the center of the bed. Separating her legs and kneeling in between them.

Her right hand stayed in his hair and at the back of his neck - pulling him closer and the other roaming at the scar around his torso. Touching the huge scar that reminded her of what she actually owed him.

"H-Hinata. We can stop if - " Neji tried his best not to stutter - it was getting hot. If he continues, there was no going back.

.

.

"Continue, Neji nii-...Neji"

Just Neji.

He can't see her fully in the dark. He didn't need to - but just his hands roaming around her soft body was enough to tell him he was a beauty. But he might never see them after this night - they only needed to consummate the marriage and conceive an heir - not unless tonight's work won't pull off the show.

He silently hoped they can - though, be intimate.

Neji silently wished that she could see him - after this.
Because Neji silently cursed...she was all he could see...after all these years.

And yes.

He saved her from death during the battle because he loved her.

More than being a sister.

But being Hinata.

His Hinata.

A/N: Not too much heavy plot - just simple drabble ion Neji and Hinata's love life.

I hope you liked it. Please leave a review. I'd really appreciate it. Hope to update as soon!