(Because Neji's sex appeal is too much to ignore and his devotion to Hinata is just mind fucking blowing. So damn you Kishimoto for what you did.)

((White Sky))

((An exploration of Neji/Hinata's relationship behind closed doors))

The night concealed her, the corridor empty as she hurried to his room. She slipped through the slides with quiet precision, enough that not even a dent of moonlight stained the floors. Hinata took a moment to adjust her vision. She delicately stepped towards the futon deep in the room, the figure not acknowledging her presence.

Long hair draped across the sheets, the cursed mark fully exposed. Over the years, he displayed it proudly. Hinata daintily sat before him and observed the line of his jaw, the ease of his body and the unforgiving lines of his face soften in sleep. She held great respect for him and it always amazed her that he would indulge her wishes. Titles were a constant barrier though he ranked higher in the killing arts, the imbalance mellowed their tension over the years. The day he adhered with her urges, she felt more whimsical. There hasn't been a time when Neji refused her.

A short strand fell over his eye and Hinata leaned over to brush it away. An arm reached up to sweep her hair over her shoulder when it fell over his face, not because it was disturbing but obstructed his view of her. Hinata flushed and glanced down. His eyes bore into her. He must have been awake even before she entered. "It's late."

Even late into the early mornings, Neji never questioned her visits. "Neji," she just said.

A deep sigh. "You need rest." Pressure from all sides through her succession in formal meetings and practices and he wasn't there, wasn't allowed, and there was no day that passed without seeing him. He observed her resolve. When she trembled from the night air, he shifted the cover off him and she moved into his space. She didn't lay next to him, content in seeing him like this. But they both knew what was going to happen and he knew the moment she decided to initiate it.

Hinata leaned down. She hesitated, timidly brushing her lips over his. He followed, drawing her back down and the hand gripping her hair kept her in place. Not restricting, but waiting for her next movement.

But he wouldn't do anything. It would be her initiative, her consent, and the reason why she sneaked into his quarters past midnight. With a rustle of silk and a blush prettily coloring her skin, she climbed over him, straddling his hips. She fretted under the stillness of his gaze, the only movement from him was his breathing and Hinata took a moment to stare back. She brought his hand to her lips. A deep sound rumbled through him.

She explored the hardened outline of his arms, the power coursing through his muscles, all lax beneath her touch. The robe slipped free from her shoulders, gathering at her waistline and his head moved a little, approving from the way his eyes dropped to half-mast. Her cheeks flushed, feeling a hand snake through the folds to palm her thigh and deeper. While he didn't actively join, he wouldn't leave her to prepare them both.

She took time in obtaining their pleasure, only through his encouraged touches. When they finally joined, she savored the intimacy. She pressed down and Neji sharply inhaled. Her hips rocked slowly, taking confidence from his response. The heat built, coiling somewhere down, winding until it was there, more, but she couldn't reach it, not yet he wouldn't let her and Hinata jerked, the feeling pulsating, numbing.

Sweat formed and his breathing was apparent. He was intently watching her chest and shyly, Hinata brought them closer, obeying the command he wouldn't say. She was getting dizzy with pleasure but still she shied from his face, hiding beneath the curtain of her hair as her head bowed. A hand lifted to her chest and Hinata trembled. She refused to look at him, trying to quiet her embarrassing sounds. His palm squeezed and Hinata bit her lip.

It was slow, rhythmic, going by her pace, her pleasure. She quivered, stilling as she pulled him in deep. His muscles tensed briefly, hands flexing on her hips, as if wanting to sit up and continue plunging into her, finally succumbing to his desires. His jaw locked, eyes closed to erase the sight of her above him, and reminded himself of the unforgivable deed.

She waited, for the moment when his indifference to this act would crumble, that he would finally embrace her. Neji had nothing but measured control even when his muscles corded with strain and skin slick with sweat when the pace built. His hands clutched her hips, keeping her away. A silent demand. Hinata's eyes fluttered open. Neji was regarding her with fierce eyes, and it took a long moment to recognize what he wanted.

She bent forward, hovering above his mouth when his arm pulled her down fully. "Neji," she breathed his name, like a praise, with absolute piety to a lone god. "Neji." An ode of her love.

Neji threw away convenience at a young age. He would never shower her with affection, disclose his involvement with her nor would he reassure her of their future. But she had his pledge and gifted her with his constant companionship and unending dedication in the night.

"Hinata-sama."

…

He visited her the night before he left.

With his head properly bowed, one knee to the ground and the other bent, a palm resting flat on the floor, Neji was the very picture of a devoted servant. "Hinata-sama." A tiger mask concealed his face. "My presence will be required for the long duration of this mission. I must leave you then."

She rose, her robe undoing and focused her soft eyes on him. "I see." She straightened and fixed the garment as she walked the short distance. She knelt across him and he lowered his head even more. "How long will you be gone?" she asked worriedly.

"As long as it takes."

Hinata nodded, staying her hands. She wanted to see his face. Neji would allow her. He would wait as long as she gave the word but she wasn't as selfish to delay the mission. She tucked a strand away from her face instead. "Take care, Neji." He was still for a split second; as if in waiting and Hinata reached for him before he could decide against it. She pressed a kiss on the mouth of the cold mask. "Come... come back safely." He was gone before she opened her eyes.

A cold breeze passed. She closed the slides and didn't return to sleep.

Hinata spent time with her team.

On occasion, they resided near the forest where Kiba and Shino found comfortable. When Kiba felt the need to practice, Hinata agreed to a fight. Every movement was precise and deliberate; Neji had it all hammered in from the day he agreed to teach her. She could hear his voice now as she narrowly avoided Kiba's attack from both sides, "Hinata-sama, anticipate my movements." She was wrapped in bandages later and he offered no apology. Neji was merely silent as he assisted her for the day.

Halfway through the battle, Kiba struck her down at the end of her limit. She was blown back before she could recover, bits of power biting into her until Hinata crashed, skin splitting from impact. Her concentration wavered, Byakugan deactivating as her chakra drained. Kiba swiftly jumped to the earth floor. "Hinata, are you okay?" For a second, she could vision Neji over her with the same frown between his brows as he helped her up.

She heaved, trying to regain her breathing. "Y-Yes." But pain spiked through her chest with every deep breath and she coughed. "N-no. Broken...ribs." She spread her chakra, riddled through the organs until she mended the fragmented bones. Her teammates hovered, ready for assistance. When the pain wasn't as crushing, she wheezed, "Good fight...Kiba-kun."

"Ah, Hinata," Kiba said like he didn't know what to say.

Shino muttered, "Ominous."

The next two days, she was by the training grounds, exercising the force of her strength. The equipment held stable. Her father and Hanabi arrived earlier and it was back, the lingering darkness consuming her thoughts. She hit harder. A hand briefly touched her shoulder and by habit, she almost called for his name as she turned. "Kou," she said in surprise.

"Hinata-sama," the nin said heavily. "Please don't tire yourself."

"I'm fine."

He grasped her arm. She flinched and he withdrew. "Let your body rest, Hinata-sama."

Kou escorted her back. When the clothing dropped to the floor, Hinata noted the marks on her skin, swollen and bruised. It was no wonder Kou hurriedly stopped her from further damaging her body. She stared in the mirror, passive and strangely prideful of what she had accomplished. What defined her as a nin was on the floor and she stepped into the role of her birth right.

It was a few days later that Hinata was introduced to her suitors.

She met each of them, beautifully outfitted in the finest and politely rejected their invitations. Hiashi dismissed them, quietly telling her in passing to further improve her skills and she donned her nin attire, continuing to train even as the rain poured. The next week, Hinata was called by the elders, presenting her with another set of potential candidates as a husband. She firmly denied them. Hanabi questioned her sister what was going to happen. "Don't worry, Hanabi," she said.

Hinata left to meet her team by the bridge. Kiba threw her a worried look. Shino attempted to comfort her, failing miserably. "Let's begin, Kiba-kun."

She returned to the house at dusk with a dismayed Kou and slept through the quiet night. And the routine began the following morning.

…

He came back to her covered in sweat and blood.

Hinata bit her lip, swallowing her cries when the wall grazed her back, Neji's larger body moving against her. He pushed into her, grinding and surging in the way that made her weak, with no restraint. All she could was hold onto him, accepting every bit of his need. It relieved her that he sought her after a tireless mission and yield to his desires.

His hand was over her mouth and by her ear, he commanded, "Quiet." He might have let her cry out her pleasure if not for the fact they were deep in an extended dojo not far from the compound. She had rushed to greet him at his arrival and he took her inside first thing. She wasn't ready for his sexual advance but the heat in his eyes when he flicked the button off from his trousers as he approached took care of her fast.

She trembled, needing assurance. "N-Neji."

"Just a little longer, Hinata-sama," he rasped.

They endured it until his mind blanked when they finally reached beyond. Hinata recovered first, gripping his face softly and sweetly uttering his name.

He leaned his forehead down to hers. "Hinata-sama."

…

She wondered if Neji ever had intimate encounters outside their quarters.

A seasoned comrade quietly told him of establishments that would satisfy his needs, in the aftermath of a long mission and Neji had dismissed it immediately. There was no need for another when Hinata was involved. He stood, arms down as his charge undid the fastener of his robes and inspected the skin beneath, running a cool finger down the ridged outlines of his muscles. She willed the Byakugan, scanning chakra lines and found his health well. "You didn't get hurt too much. I'm glad." But her eyes roved over him, anxiously looking for any sign of feminine imprint.

"Hinata-sama, there is no one else."

She breathed easier.

He knew, of course, she looked for no other either. But it didn't stop him from searching anyway. The sleeves collapsed from his persistent tugs and ugly bruises peppered the snow white skin. He took it in impassively. A calloused palm swept over the bruises and pressed lightly until as she flinched and drew away. "You've trained diligently, Hinata-sama."

She nodded. "I have been. Kiba-"

"I see."

Hinata worriedly frowned. He brushed off her concerns and took her back into the Hyuuga compound to heal her wounds. It was a few days later that Hinata decided he'd forgotten about it; Neji knew the risks of their field and by this, respected her as an equal. It wasn't until that he decided to attend her team's training that Hinata noticed that Neji faded into the background, his presence suppressed. Kiba approached, baring a fang with a smile. "Hinata, you're fine, right?" She nodded, adjusting her footwork. "Good! Hey, Shino, get outta there!"

"I tire of your enthusiasm," Shino murmured, shadowed beneath trees. "Why? Because I know what you're going to do next. How? We've-"

"I'll be your sparring partner." Neji stepped in place. His stance slid harshly on the ground, hands sharply positioned. Veins angrily protruded on the sides of his face, the barest hint of pupils in the white eyes concentrated solely on him. It tracked every movement, knew the next, all seeing. It unnerved him a little but Kiba was up for the fight.

He ended up in the medical unit afterwards but appreciated the experience brought on. Looks like he needed a new strategy, Kiba said to her during a visit. "As expected of Neji." Kiba yawned. "A genius that one." Hinata remained quiet, unsure if Neji begrudged the label.

She returned to the compounds and found him lying on the floors in the open breeze. She folded her legs beside him. His eyes briefly opened to see her then titled his head towards her as he rested. "Kiba-kun is doing well," Hinata said. Neji didn't respond. "He learned a lot from it so I suppose it's a good thing."

"Hinata-sama, tell me the relevance of this."

She lifted a long brown strand. "You weren't there to help with our training, were you?"

"If Kiba says it did, then the end results are justified."

Hinata didn't have anything to say and Neji did nothing to placate her. She dropped it, somehow knowing it was Neji's backward way of showing his attachment. She watched the rise and fall of every breath, contemplating aloud, "He says you are a genius. Everyone seems to be saying that lately." If Neji thought her strange for bringing it up, he never showed it. "I'm not quite sure how to respond when they do."

"And what do you think of it, Hinata-sama?"

"I... I don't think you like it, to be honest," Hinata said. Neji propped himself up on his elbows and measured her, and she waited in anxiety until he pulled her down for a kiss.

Hinata Hyuuga was an enigma as much as her cousin, Kiba decided one day.

He could smell the Hyuuga prodigy on her. It enveloped her entire scent. He was flabbergasted. There was no indication, other than his duties as a Branch member that would even show of any attraction between the two Hyuuga's. Kiba had no room for judgement. Whatever they did was something he was fine without knowing. Only recently, his misgivings began manifesting and Kiba could no longer ignore it.

He was alerted of it the first time when he was searching for Hinata atop rooftops. "Hinata!" He narrowed down his targets, scenting for the lavender fragrance and rain that told of her constant walks and training. There she is. It was light, barely noticeable but it excluded everyone else's scent and Kiba pursued it. "Hinata!" Neji Hyuuga was by a civilian's shop. Confused, Kiba sniffed for her scent and it still directed to him. His face scrunched. Neji did supervise her training. It wasn't unusual. "Hey, Neji." He jumped down. "I'm looking for Hinata. I was pretty sure she was around here."

He frowned. "Hinata-sama is currently occupied with the Main Branch."

It was the second time a few weeks later that he began to really think about it. Kiba looked around. "You again? Weird. I thought you were training with her or something. You two usually are around this time."

He missed the sharp look shot at him. "Refrain from seeking her with trivial matters."

"Hey, I just wanted to talk to her. We're friends." Not that Neji knew the word, Kiba thought. "I'm sure she'll love having a breather from her duties." Neji didn't deign a response even after Kiba's incessant chatter. He left soon after and Kiba stared after him. The scent became more pronounced over the months and Kiba avoided seeing them together.

They visited the Hyuuga grounds one day.

Kiba took it in with an uncomfortable look. They smelt the same which was strange because every being had one unique trait in their scent at all times. Naruto was shouting excitedly, airing all doors curiously until he was stopped by Neji's wrath and one distant room drifted to him, smelling familiar. It finally dawned on him. They smelt of vigorous mating. He recognized the whiff of it, the heavy aroma of their mixed scents, saline and musky and – Kiba veered away, nearly hurling.

There was a bead of sweat on her forehead when Hinata shyly lifted her head. Kiba looked away. "That's alright. The members are on a trip right now so you didn't disturb anyone."

Neji was composed, no wrinkle in his crisp clothing nor any hair out of place, the bastard. "Even so, stay out of the compounds, Naruto."

"Ow, Neji, you're too defensive."

"Of course. I'll rampage through your apartment and inspect all your belongings. You understand my meaning?"

"If you wanna visit, just say so!"

"You don't follow me at all."

"Huh?"

It must have happened sometime early enough for the scent to linger. Kiba held his breath and relaxed his senses so it spread and took in everything. Fresh spring air invaded him, dissipating the other scents. They were laughing and Kiba finally spoke up. "Hinata, you've disappeared on us," Kiba said, pointedly ignoring the other Hyuuga. "Are you abandoning us now?" He grinned to soften the jab. "Let's get some –"

"Ramen!" Naruto bellowed.

"Ramen. Shino missed you too." The bug specialist neither confirmed nor denied. "Let's go!"

Neji folded his arms. "Hinata-sama?"

"It would be nice to have a break with everyone."

He nodded.

…

Kiba Inuzuka was a hindrance. Neji observed this one day, shadowing his charge's footsteps in the late afternoon.

They were careful. No passionate marks left on exposed skin. No telling guise. They lived on the same grounds, the same name, and while it was the norm within the Hyuuga, no doubt would ever be cast. Except. An underlying sense that could still intercept the act, that sunk into the skin, even hours later. There was such a clan in Konoha: the Inuzuka. He carefully navigated her away from the Inuzuka clan members. While the clan refrained from speculating or reporting private affairs, it would be inappropriate having strange looks directed at them, especially around Hyuuga clansmen.

It was why he was wary around Kiba. He was reminded of this every time they crossed paths: a barrage of questions involving the Hyuuga heiress and the showmanship of his clan's sharp animal senses in joint missions. Neji took care from touching her when the possibility of teaming up with Inuzuka arose. The issue never dominated their deeds but Neji knew when to refrain.

They were out browsing the village. Tenten stood with them, relieving Neji from his duty. He never understood the need of acquiring items daily. He opted for a paced walk back to the Hyuuga grounds when he spotted her team nearby a shop. Neji nodded cordially and walked past, feeling a burst of vicious intent from behind. Confrontation was likely unavoidable with how last night's encounter lasted. Neji felt the irritation seep in and reined it back. He was going to have to deal with the man before his mouth exposed them both.

It confirmed his suspicions when Kiba shoved him against the alley way. "You sick fuck," Kiba growled. "What the hell are you doing."

It aggravated him. Neji briefly contemplated violence. "I have no need to answer you."

The crowd noise escalated though no one paid any mind. His nostrils flared. "I can smell you on her. Everywhere. Almost every fucking time."

"I don't see a reason why you must involve yourself in our matters."

"This isn't just a simple matter between Hyuuga's," Kiba said fiercely. "Whatever you're doing to her is my business because I care for her!"

Neji's ire rose. "Then you must scent her on me too." Kiba lunged. He retaliated, catching his fist and flipped him over with pinpoint accuracy to crush a chakra line. Kiba struggled, failing to fight the paralysis. Kiba bared his fangs, animal instinct roaring beneath his human face and Neji restrained him. "Speak of this again and you will hurt her in the process. Never engage me on this."

He struggled, the animal in him howling after being downed by another alpha. "I won't hurt Hinata," the guttural in his voice rasped, "But damn you, Neji."

…

She stripped off the village's engraved protector from her neck. "Neji?" His eyes briefly opened to acknowledge her query. "Is everything alright with Kiba-kun? You two don't...seem to get along lately."

He disappeared just before her team came to view. He claimed to leave her to her devices and only walked her back when she parted with them. There was no outright hostility but it disturbed Hinata how suddenly Neji was closed off. He became more outspoken over the years and the distance creeping back in worried her.

"It's of no concern."

She worriedly frowned but didn't push. She bowed her head to comb the long strands. Neji observed for a long moment before his hand pressed on the comb, resuming her task himself. A small smile graced her lips. "Thank you." She practiced her ease around people with him, detailing him of her day. It was calming, her voice, lit with soft vocals and demure tones.

He let a hand skim down the length of her hair. "You're doing well, Hinata-sama."

Hinata smiled. He set down the comb. She grasped his hand. "Sleep well, Neji."

He excused himself from the Main House and quietly made his way back to his quarters.

It was fortunate for Neji that she was a quiet, traditional beauty.

It drew any man in with the slightest inclination to look further; straight, long midnight blue locks highlighting the white of her skin and the unusual attraction of the canvas white of her eyes. Her hips had a languid sway as she walked, Neji discovered. It made any man a fool. It wasn't just Hinata's allure that made eyes wander; it was her body, even her chest wrapped in binds made it noticeable that she concealed more. It was precisely why he escorted her when fools were present.

Neji had to admit; it was quite appealing. When he was above her, the upheaval of her large breasts pressing into him was arousing. He mused about secrets shrouded in the dark. Her head bumped his chin and Neji returned his attention down to her. He wrapped an arm beneath her chest, enjoying the weight of it, and pulled her in. "A hot spring will accommodate us better than your private bathtub, Hinata-sama."

"That sounds nice," a smile in her voice, "We should visit on our day off."

"I look forward to it."

She sunk down to shield her face but the motion of sliding down his body only stirred his needs. She gasped, feeling it, and moved to the other end. "Neji," she murmured in embarrassment.

He grunted, adjusting. She turned her back to him and blew bubbles in the water. A moment passed. "Hinata-sama, let me see your face."

"N-no."

"Have I embarrassed you?" Hinata shook her head. "I thought not. You did choose to bathe with me." She couldn't say anything. "Perhaps I can persuade you to turn," he murmured and she thought he might have added just "Hinata," afterwards. She perked and turned to see his face. His lips curved, saying, "I enjoy seeing you like this." A beat of silence as she reddened. "No matter how further you get away, the bath space allows only for so much."

Hinata made a motion when he abruptly stood up and she was speechless when he retired from the bath. Neji, not bothered by her stare, dried himself. She tore her away from the sight and attempted to count water particles. "Hinata-sama, you'll catch a cold if you stay any longer." She glanced up, seeing a towel wrapped low around his hips and another spread in his hands for her. "Stand." Hinata did, avoiding his eyes as he covered her with it, and then lifted her in his arms to her quarters.

"Neji, maybe we can visit the hot springs soon?"

"If time allows us, yes. Although I have no doubt your female companions will want to join," he replied, sounding a little testy, Hinata thought. "They will question our whereabouts unfortunately."

It disappointed her but she said, "Something fun always happens when we're all together. At least it will make it memorable?"

His grip tightened. "Yes, well, I have many ideas to make it memorable with you alone."

…

He had only called her just "Hinata," on occasion. She could count the number of times with just both hands. She had dropped the title "nii-san" to his name in their privacy. It was common courtesy to the public. But Neji kept his address of her, "Hinata-sama" as custom dictated even in their quarters. Hinata questioned about it once and he merely responded, "Out of habit. It's not proper to the Main House members." If she was Sakura, she would have punched him. Ino would have screamed and smacked him simultaneously. Weapons were Tenten's first reach at a burst of anger but rationality gave way to her upbringing and Hinata remained silent. Neji kept that as a constant reminder. He put her on a pedestal and looked at her like the social hierarchy the Hyuuga practiced even alone. "Hinata-sama?"

"It's nothing." Neji didn't follow her as she returned to the Main House.

It was cold and dark, feeling entirely alien as it always was before they began their discretion. She was roused from sleep when a familiar weight rested above her and lips stroked the edges of her mouth. He didn't touch anywhere else, concentrating on her lips. Hinata turned her face away but Neji kept at it, pressing kisses on her cheek, jaw, down to her neck until she relaxed.

Neji leaned down to her, his long hair falling over, tunneling their vision. "Hinata." His thumbs rubbed her hips. "Forgive me. I didn't realize how important it is to you." Hinata bit her lip and he continued, "If I were to call you by your given name when we are together, it occurred to me there's a chance I will forget my place when we are around others, be it accidental or not. Have you realized it yet? Your happiness matters to me."

"Neji–"

"And if it pleases you for me to call you Hinata," his mouth slanted over hers, drawing out passion. "Then I will do so."

Hinata gave him a small smile, her hands lifting to him. "So you wake me to tell me that?"

"I hear no protest from you." Her hands lingered, getting lost at the feel of his taut build. No words were left and he brought them both to pleasure. Neji moved, her soft body rising to meet his, wanting to please him. He held her tight, murmuring her name.

She shuddered, surrendering to bliss. When it was over, she was curled by his side and Neji slipped one arm under her shoulder, the other over her hip. He thought about the repercussions of their relationship, contemplating that there was some understanding of it with Hiashi. Nothing escaped him but nothing was said. Neji crushed the hope quick before it could manifest. He needed to return to his room by dawn before suspicion could arise. He was drifting to sleep when she burrowed closer in his embrace.

Village children often tugged the ends of his hair because of its length being the only one capable within reach. "Neji-niissan!" Strangers assumed being warded off by the Hyuuga's cold eyes but Neji simply allowed them. It didn't mean he wouldn't evade it often. One child giggled, trying to reach for the tie that secured the ends next. "Your hair is longer than mine! It's so pretty!"

Hinata agreed. The long, dark brown mane perfectly suited his appearance; Hinata enjoyed brushing it, free from restraint but most especially when he leaned down and it fell over, curtailing them from the world. One was amazed and followed the movement when a strong wind blew. "Why is it so long?"

"So you can play with it," he responded flatly. They squealed and attempted to climb him. Neji sighed. "Hinata-sama, we need to visit the Hokage."

"Yes."

Several shrieks quieted with a glower and an apologetic mother later, they made their way to the tower.

…

When he wasn't summoned, he spent his time within the Hyuuga compounds. Clad in a loose robe and hair unbound, Neji resided by the secluded corners of the residence. He wore no accessory to hide the cursed mark.

He raised one knee to rest an arm while he observed the approach of the coming season. The formal announcement of the next appointed Hyuuga Head was approaching. While they won the war, it was he who led the clan to battle. There was enough unrest caused by the Head choosing him, a mere Branch member, they whispered, to lead the clan but he voiced his support of her succession by fighting alongside her.

If it was seen as an unusual attachment on his part, none spoke about it. A powerful figure in the Branch family playing in favor for the eldest daughter, they said, was a sign of absolute obedience. Outsiders saw the strength of their bloodline by him and raised their ranks above other noble clans, notably the disgraced Uchiha clan. Neji prided himself with his achievements. Surpassing the current generation of his clansmen never incited jealousy however; Hinata would never use the seal against him. He'd proved himself to the Head thus only the occasional throb of the mark.

In the event she does not become the Head, marriage was another option with a man likely belong to the Main House. She had met potential candidates in her training; Neji had chosen a long mission at the time. Now the Hokage had given him another mission, possibly separating them even longer if Hiashi declined her involvement.

There was a rustle of silk and dainty footfalls behind him. A sweet scent drifted over and the feather light weight of loose sleeves wrapped around his shoulders. "You've been looking at the garden for a while, Neji. What are you thinking?"

"It reminds me of our youth."

Her hands skimmed over his arms and felt her smile against his skin. "You make us seem old. It wasn't so long ago but it feels like it is." Comfortable silence prolonged and it brought back memories before he discovered hate. He must have tensed because Hinata stroked the stiff muscles tenderly. "I was asked by Tenten-san if I'd like to join them this afternoon."

"It's peaceful here. Seeing their faces will disrupt that." She giggled by his shoulder. "Hinata, would you like to meet with them?"

"It's fine like this."

He wasn't looking, but knew her every shuffle of movement when she rested against him. He absently ran a hand down her hair, asking, "Will you accept the mission?"

"I will."

"We have a mission briefing in two days. Prepare for anything necessary." She nodded. "Before that," he trailed, using a hand to direct her face to him, "I'll put your safety in front of anything else. When I give the command, you will pull out and alert the others. Do you understand, Hinata?"

She took a moment to answer. "Our priority is the information hidden in their base. Anything can happen but as long as the team can coordinate together, we can both return safely."

"I'm not talking to you as the captain," Neji said. "The target country has long sought the Byakugan and you as Hiashi-sama's eldest daughter would likely attract their attention. It's unavoidable. The Hokage plans to expose their motives along with the mission. Rouge ninjas won't work a second time."

"That's what teammates are for." He was dissatisfied with that. She was determined. "I'll protect you too." Then she whispered her love sweetly and he responded by meeting her lips for a passionate kiss. He disrobed her swiftly. Neji would never declare his love but she felt it the same through his desperate touch, hands fervently sweeping over her body.

He defiled her right there, where tranquility only existed within the power imbalances of the Hyuuga grounds and wryly contemplated on the irony. Even after, he'd moved them away from the sunlight and into shadows, holding her tightly as if to forever keep her with him in his world.

TBC