Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

When I'm Gone	By : tragic.violinist Category: Naruto AU/AR > Het - Male/Female Views: 2134 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: NARUTO and its respective characters were created and are owned by Masashi Kishimoto. No copyright infringement intended. I make no money from this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Chapter 4: Words, Hands, Hearts A/N: Lyrics from Words Hands Hearts by Yellowcard
Sometime during the night Hikari had moved in her sleep as she was on the opposite side of the bed when Neji woke up the next morning. He eased himself out of the bed, careful not to wake her. He went to the bathroom and searched the medicine cabinet, sure enough he found just what he was looking for, a large bottle of Iron pills, it only made sense that she would have a supply of them if this had happened before. He then went to the kitchen to prepare something for her to eat, again he found everything she would need to start getting her iron levels back up. He fried up some Liver and spinach, cooked up some beans and dished them out on to a plate, he used the tray from the tea set to carry everything to the room for her and placed it on the bedside table. He placed a hand on her arm and she jolted awake. “It's okay, it's just me,” he said soothingly. “Here you should get something into your system.” He placed the tray of food across her lap after she sat up. “You made me breakfast?” she mused. “I wouldn't really call it breakfast,” he laughed. Hikari ate what he had made in silence, afterwards Neji went to get the Shogi board he had taken to leaving there, and they played a couple of games. They were in the middle of a game when there was a knock on the front door. She motioned for Neji to stay where he was. Hikari pulled on a hoodie to hide the bandages before going to see who was at the door. She opened it a crack to find her Aunt on the door step. “Hikari, are you alright? I spoke with Kakashi this morning, and he told me you haven't shown up for training for the last two days, and no one else has seen you either.” “I'm sorry Aunt Tsunade, I've been under the weather for the last few days so I've just been staying in bed. I didn't know how to reach Kakashi-sensei to let him know.” Tsunade too one look at her with her pale skin and bags under her eye and didn't question it further. “Alright I will let him know, make sure you rest up, once you're feeling better I'm going to take you out for dinner, I'm afraid I haven't had much time to spend with you since you got here, it's just been so busy with the Chuunin exams and all. Plus I have a surprise for you.” “It's alright Aunt Tsunade, I understand being Hokage is no small task, I'll be sure you let you know when I'm feeling better,” she paused for a moment before deciding to just go for it, “Would you mind, if I possibly brought a friend along when we go for dinner?” “Of course you can, and I'm glad you're making friends here. Oh before I forget, this was delivered to my office for you,” she said and handed her a parcel. “Thank you, who's it from?” “There was no return address but I'm sure you'll figure it out, but I need to be getting back to work, take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything okay?” “I will, thank you again Aunt Tsunade.” Hikari shut the door and went back to her room where Neji was waiting for her. “Everything okay?” “Yeah it was just Aunt Tsunade, she brought me a parcel that had arrived for me.” “What's in it?” He asked curiously. Hikari hesitated for a moment, she was pretty sure she knew who it was from, and she was also fairly certain that he wouldn't send anything that would give it away. She looked at the box again taking note of a series of holes in the top, indicating that it was something living, which meant she shouldn't leave it unopened for too long. She slowly began to remove the brown paper it was wrapped in. A letter, that had been between the paper and the box fell to the bed, Hikari opened it first. Hikari, Her name is Amaya, she is poisonous so get Tsunade to make some anti-venom for emergencies. She should only attack if you tell her to. She may be small now but she will grow. Keep her with you at all times, she will protect you. O Hikari got really excited, it couldn't be, could it. She opened the box slowly and sure enough nestled inside was a small green and silver snake. Neji watched as a smile spread across her face. She put her hand inside the box and let the snake flick her tongue across her hand, committing her scent to memory. Amaya slithered her way up her hand and curled around her wrist like a living bracelet, “She's beautiful,” Hikari whispered. “A snake, who would send you a snake?” Neji inquired. “A close family friend,” said brushing the question aside and she would say no more on the subject. “Come on let's finish our game.” Neji let it slide and they went back to their game. Afterwards Neji insisted on changing her bandages and she let him without argument. “You stayed with me last night,” she said quietly as he finished taping her up. “Why?” Neji pondered the answer before speaking, why had he stayed? He realized he had come to care for her in the short time they had known each other, but he wasn't sure how to tell her that without it coming out wrong. After all she had been through he doubted she would want him coming on too strong. “Why wouldn't I stay? Even though we've only known each other for a little while, I still consider you a friend, I'll stay with you any time you need me to.” Hikari insisted on making lunch for the two of them, after Neji had to leave for a bit, he had to stop by the tower and drop off some mission reports, he promised to come by again later that night. Hikari took some time to clean, did the dishes, and started a load of laundry. She called Aunt Tsunade after dinner and filled her in about Amaya and she promised to come and pick her up the next day so that she could milk her and develop an anti-venom. Naruto had heard she wasn't feeling well so he stopped by with some Ramen for her, a very touching gesture in his own way. Neji came back that night and Hikari suggested that they watch a movie, just for something different to do, to his surprise she chose an action movie. She explained to him that she could not bring herself to watch chick flicks no matter how hard she tried, she found them boring and stupid. She made popcorn and settled down to enjoy the movie. Near the end of the movie, Neji looked over to find her sleeping, not that he could blame her, it would take time for her blood to build herself back up. He picked her up to move her into her room, she woke up as he put her down. “Stay with me?” she pleaded. He nodded thinking he would just sleep on the couch, but she gently tugged on his sleeve. He felt his chest tighten in nervousness but he forced it down and climbed in beside her. Screwing up her courage she grabbed his hand and curled up beside him, it didn't take either of them long to fall asleep. Neji woke just a few hours later by Hikari trembling in her sleep, she was curled on her side in the fetal position, facing away from him, in the throes of a nightmare. He acted on instinct and threw an arm around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. “Shh,” he whispered in her ear, “It's just me, I'm right here with you, breathe, just breathe.” She froze, her breath caught in her throat, she couldn't draw breath. He could feel her panic, “Listen to me Hikari,” he said firmly, “Breathe, match my breathing,” he told her and he began to breathe deep and steady, it took her a few moments but he could feel her starting to relax against him, “That's it, just keep breathing,” his lips lightly brushing against her ear as he spoke. “I'm right here, I'm not going to leave you.” She clutched his arm like it was a lifeline, afraid to let go. “Thank you,” she said as she succeeded in relaxing fully. She slipped back into sleep, no more nightmares came that night. Neji stayed with her as much as he could over the next few days, each night she would ask him to stay and he couldn't say no, he would head back to his room long enough for everyone to fall asleep before sneaking back to Hikari's. She said he kept the nightmares away, and he never witnessed another one after that night. After a couple of days she felt strong enough to start training with the team again. The day she started training again was the day that Tsunade wanted to take Hikari out for dinner and show her the big surprise she had planned. Hikari was making breakfast for herself that morning, Neji would always sneak out early to make sure he was back at the Branch house before breakfast to avoid suspicion, if Hiashi found out that he was spending his nights with Hikari there would undoubtedly be unwanted questions to be answered. She had asked him to meet her after training for lunch that day and would ask him to accompany her to dinner with her aunt that night. Hikari had brought Amaya with her to the training grounds, she had explained to her pet that they were only training and she would be in no real danger. Sasuke was the only one there when she arrived, so she perched herself on a fallen log and set Amaya down beside her. “Where the hell did you get a snake from?” Sasuke asked and took a step back from the tiny reptile. “Aww, are you uncomfortable around her? You shouldn't be you spent enough time with a pit full of them,” she teased him. “Amaya was a gift.” “From who?” “Who else?” “Does your Aunt know about the little viper?” “Of course she does.” “And she's okay with it?” he asked incredulously. Hikari looked at him as if he had sprouted another head, “I wouldn't have her right now if she wasn't,” she said as if it were obvious. Sasuke opened his mouth to say something else and Hikari silenced him, “Naruto's coming,” she told him. “We'll finish this later,” he told her. “Hn,” was all she said in a perfect impression of him. Naruto practically bounced over to them, a ball of everlasting energy as usual. “Hey Hikari, I'm glad you're feeling better.” “Thanks Naruto, I'm excited to get back to training,” she said with a smile. “You got a snake cool, can I hold him?” He noticed Amaya beside her. “Yes you can hold her,” Hikari laughed. “Aunt Tsunade dropped her off to me a few days ago, beautiful isn't she?” She picked her up and placed her in Naruto's waiting hands. “That thing better not be venomous,” Kakashi said as he arrived and spotted the snake. “She is,” Hikari explained but I have the anti-venom in my bag, and Aunt Tsunade has a supply as well.” “Don't care, next time leave her at home, we don't need any accidents.” “Yes sensei.” “Alright let's get to work, we're behind schedule now.” Kakashi worked them hard that day to make up for lost time, Hikari was exhausted by the end of it, her body not having fully recuperated yet. Neji had arrived shortly before they finished, Hikari smiled when she saw him, sprinting to join him once they were dismissed. “You want to rest before we go?” he asked her concerned, over the last few days he had learned to read her body language to tell when needed to rest, as she would rarely admit it when she was tired. “I'll rest when we get there let's go,” she said with a smile. They went to the little restaurant he had first brought her to. Taking their seats in their usual booth at the back. “You didn't push yourself too much today?” “Maybe a little,” she admitted, “But I need to work myself back up, and I can't be slacking off. Don't worry about me I'll be fine.” Hikari eagerly dug in when their food arrived. “Keep eating like that and you'll look like Chouji soon enough,” a voice said from behind them, Hikari turned to see Shikamaru standing there, she smacked him playfully. “Not going to happen, I have a high metabolism, I mean just look at me, I couldn't put on weight if I tried, and believe me I have tried,” Hikari explained to him and went back to eating. “What are you doing here anyway?” she asked between bites. Neji slid over in his seat to make room for Shikamaru to sit. “I was looking for Neji, we haven't played Shogi recently, hope you're not getting rusty.” Neji smirked, “You wish.” “So what's this? Does Tsunade-sama think you still need a babysitter or something.” “It's not like that,” Neji said defensively. “No offense,” Shikamaru quickly moved to reassure him. “So would you be up for a game, tomorrow evening maybe?” Neji hesitated for a minute before answering, “Sure why not.” “Alright I'll leave you two to your meal then, see you tomorrow, why don't you come along Hikari?” Hikari smiled “I'll be there, see you later Shikamaru.” she was silent for a few minutes, “So when do you think Aunt Tsunade will deem me able to navigate around the village alone,” she asked trying to keep her tone light, but a bit of bitterness made it's way in anyway. “Yesterday,” he answered quietly. Hikari was taken by surprise, “Really? Why didn't you tell me?” “I didn't think it mattered.” She nodded, accepting his answer, “So I guess you'll be resuming normal missions soon?” “Yeah I suppose so,” he sighed. “Well that's a good thing right, not being stuck to me like a shadow all the time,” she looked slightly disappointed though. She had gotten used to his presence, of course she knew it couldn't stay like this forever, they were shinobi after all, he had his missions and soon she would have her own as well. She needed to change the subject, this was getting much too depressing. “So, Aunt Tsunade wants to take me out for dinner tonight, she has some sort of big surprise planned, anyway she said I could bring someone with me if I wanted to, and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?” she mumbled out the last bit. “What?” he asked her, “I didn't catch that last part.” Hikari looked down at her plate trying to hide her blush, “Would you like to come with me to dinner tonight?” Neji looked at her, took in the faint blush that covered her cheeks that she couldn't hide from him, he found it a little strange, they had been sharing a bed for the last few nights, innocently of course, yet she was still nervous to ask him to dinner. He found it oddly endearing. He reached across the table and put a hand over hers, she looked up at him hopefully, “I wouldn't miss it.” Hikari's face lit up at his response. “Alright, dinner is at six, I need to go shopping for something more formal to wear, the only thing I have that's formal is that pink kimono that I wore on my first night here,” she told him. “And let's be honest I hate pink,” she said with a laugh. “Would you like me to accompany you?” he asked quietly, now that they both knew he was no longer required to escort her everywhere he wondered if she would still want him to. “Always,” she said softly with a smile, that one word spoke volumes for both of them. After spending hours shopping Hikari had finally found something she actually liked, it was a traditional kimono, midnight blue in color with small silver stars embroidered on it, the obi was also silver setting the whole thing off nicely. Neji insisted on carrying her purchases home for her. On the way home they ran into Ino, Hikari told her about dinner that night with her Aunt and where they were going, an upscale steakhouse, and Ino insisted on dropping by later to do her hair and make-up before she had to leave. She just wouldn't take no for an answer so finally Hikari caved in and told her to be at her house for five, Ino insisted that wouldn't be enough time and that she would be there at four. That left her less than an hour to get home and shower before Ino would get there. “What have I gotten myself into,” Hikari groaned after Ino headed home to, get her supplies. Neji chuckled, “you never should never have told her where you were going.” “I'll remember that for next time,” she grabbed his hand. “Come on we have to hurry now.” They parted at the gates, Neji promising to be there to pick her up at five-thirty and rescue her from Ino if she needed it. Hikari showered as quickly as she could and pulled on a pair of tights and a tank top to wait for Ino to arrive, she didn't have to wait long. Ino worked in a flurry, brushing the tangles out of her hair, curling and twisting it up into an elegant up-do. She affixed a few sprigs of baby's breath into her hair before setting to work on her make-up. “So you've been spending a lot of time with Neji lately?” Hikari blushed, “Yeah,” she said quietly. “Oh my God, you like him don't you?” Hikari said nothing. “Well good luck with that, he's a nice guy but not very personable. I don't think he's ever had a girlfriend, but then again I've never seen him spend as much time with anyone as he has with you, and in such a short time too. I mean he was practically glued to your side at Chouji's party. Just about finished now,” she announced. Hikari glanced at the clock, relieved that it was nearly five-thirty, she looked back to see Ino coming at her with a pair of tweezers, “Oh hell no!” she cried, “keep those things away from me.” “It will only take a minute,” Ino assured her. “Nope, I like my eyebrows just as they are, anyway I still need to get changed,” Hikari was desperately trying to trying to talk her way out of it. Before Ino could take another step there was a knock on the door. Hikari sighed in relief, thank god Neji was a few minutes early, he sprinted past the girl with the evil instrument of torture and threw the door open. “Hi,” she said a little too brightly. Neji looked from Hikari to Ino and back again, he raised an eyebrow, “Everything okay?” “Yup come on in, I just need to change quickly,” She turned back to Ino, “Thank you so much for your help.” She darted into her room before Ino wanted to take another crack at her and slammed the door. “What did you do?” Neji asked Ino. “I didn't do anything,” she replied innocently, “You didn't mention you were going with her tonight.” “I didn't think it was any of your business,” he answered honestly. Ino feigned a hurt expression, “Fine then, hope you enjoy your night out, don't let her ruin all my hard work,” she called and let herself out, she smirked inwardly, she couldn't wait to get home and call Sakura. Hikari emerged from her room a few minutes later dressed in her new kimono ready to to go. She looked over at Neji nervously, “Shall we?” He offered her his arm and she accepted graciously as they began the short walk to meet Tsunade. Tsunade was waiting outside the tower for Hikari and her friend to arrive, she was surprised to see her approaching with Neji, her arm linked with his. Hikari spotted her Aunt and she smiled, her eyes gravitated to the person standing next to her. “Uncle Jiraiya!” she yelled excitedly and sent off at a sprint towards the man she had considered an uncle her whole life. She threw herself at him and he caught her easily. “My you have grown,” he told her as he placed her back on her feet, before placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Oh shut it,” she told him, “You and I both know I haven't grown an inch since I was twelve,” she slapped his arm playfully. “Neji,” Jiraiya, said and shook his hand, “Good to see you again.” “Thank you, Jiraiya-sama.” “Come on let's go,” Hikari said excitedly and began to walk ahead with her aunt. “So Uncle Jiraiya was your big surprise?” “Yes, he heard you had come here and wanted to see you, so you and Neji?” she asked. Hikari blushed, “I don't know, maybe, it's complicated,” she stuttered. “As long as you're happy Hikari,” she told her, “Just be careful, the Hyuuga's do things a little differently than your used to,” she cautioned. “What do you mean, Aunt Tsunade?” “It's not my place to say anymore, just remember what I told you okay?” Hikari nodded. Tsunade looked back at the men behind them, “Hurry up you two, we don't want to be late!” Dinner went well, both Tsunade and Jiraiya had a little too much to drink but they were okay. Hikari told him about getting teamed up with both Naruto and Sasuke causing him to burst out laughing. “Poor Kakashi, having to put up with the two of you, I'm sure you give him a run for his money, throw in the Uchiha kid and I don't know how he hasn't managed to strangle one of you yet.” Jiraiya waited for Neji to excuse himself, before following him and cornering him in the bathroom. “Take care of her Hyuuga, if she gets hurt Tsunade and I will be the least of your worries.” He noticed Neji was looking nervous and he laughed, “Seriously though, she's had a rough run of things but she's a good kid.” “I know sir, she told me,” Neji said quietly. “Did she now?” Neji nodded, “well alright then, let's get back before they start to wonder where we disappeared to.” By the end of the night Tsunade had consumed more than her fair share of sake, Jiraiya had to support so she could stay up right. “Well I should get the princess home,” he told the two of them, “Make sure she gets home safely,” he told Neji as he led Tsunade out of the restaurant. They walked home both thinking of what they had been told by the adults tonight. Hikari noticed when they walked by a park that the air was filled with fireflies, she pulled Neji by the hand towards a bench and sat down next to him to watch the little lights dance around them in the darkness. She didn't let go of his hand, “They're beautiful aren't they?” Neji hummed in response, though he was looking more at her than the bugs flitting around them, a few of them landed on her head, investigating the little white flowers dispersed throughout her hair. He thought back to the night of Chouji's party when he came across her singing on the patio. She leaned into him and rested her head on his shoulder, he got to hear her sing again. The whole world was sleeping And I was there You could just sense this feeling in the air Like no one's words were good enough to define what we feared And no one's words were strong enough to fix what happened here Lead on to save me Lead us all there Find me some answers One nation beware Can't tell the difference between myth and man Or what's necessary or where I should stand The whole world is different now men have died They can just sense this feeling in our eyes Like no one's hands are big enough to hold onto this fear And no one's hands are strong enough to fix what happened here Lead on to save me Lead us all there Find me some answers One nation beware Can't tell the difference between myth and man Or what's necessary or where I should stand So do we do now Raise our voices loud Were searching for something that cannot be found Here open mouths I see open hands Blinded and silent I can't understand The whole word is watching with one blank stare I can just sense this feeling of ill-repair Like no one's heart is full enough to keep away this fear And no one's heart is strong enough to fix what happened here Lead on to save me Lead us all there Find me some answers It's time that you shared Can't tell the difference between myth and man Or what's necessary or where I should stand So do we tell now Raise our voices loud We're searching for something that cannot be found I hear open mouths And I see open hands Like the blinded and silent I can't understand. “I could listen to you sing for hours,” Neji said softly without thinking. Hikari felt the heat rise to her face, what's wrong with me, I don't think I've ever spent as much time blushing as I have since I got to Konoha, and it always has something to do with him. She looked over at him to see him leaning down towards her, his eyes at half mast. He captured her lips in a soft kiss, she gasped in surprise but then her eyes fell shut and she hesitantly kissed him back, parting after a moment, she leaned into him again and he put an arm around her shoulders. She shuddered involuntarily due to the chill in the air, Neji could feel the coolness of her skin, “We should get back,” he told her. She nodded and stood up to follow him, they walked hand in hand back to her house. He stayed with her again that night, held her in his arms as she slept, keeping the nightmares at bay. The next morning Hikari woke alone, Neji having slipped out while she still slept, She took some extra time in the shower, scrubbing the make-up from her face and rinsing out all the hair spray Ino had put in her hair the night before. She wasn't overly worried about running a little late, she would still be there before Kakashi, and she really didn't want to be there alone with Sasuke again. She left Amaya at home, in the small terrarium she had picked up for her, just like Kakashi had asked her to, Hikari promised to bring her home a mouse for dinner that night, and she headed out the door. When she arrived at the training grounds she was surprised to find Sakura there along with Naruto and Sasuke. “Is it true?” Sakura demanded when Hikari reached them. Hikari looked at her confused, “Is what true? Could you be any more vague? I have no idea what you're talking about.” “You and Neji,” she clarified, “Are you guys really dating?” Hikari massaged her temples, Dammit Ino, you just couldn't help yourself could you? She thought to herself. “It's not really any of your business,” she snapped at the pink haired Kunochi. “If we are or not, it's between us.” She rounded on Naruto before Sakura could say another word, “Spare with me?” she said and practically dragged him away, leaving her standing there with Sasuke. Of course he didn't want to be left alone with her either so he quickly followed them, “I'll officiate,” he called, paying no attention to Sakura as she stormed off. “So is there any truth to what she was saying?” Naruto asked her as they sparred off, using tai-jutsu only. “What makes you think I wold tell you if I wouldn't tell her,” she snapped. “You don't have to be so defensive about it,” Naruto told her, “besides you would tell me because we're friends, you just don't like her.” “Sorry,” she apologized, “It's just, it's a little complicated right now, I don't really know myself.” They continued to spar for awhile before Sasuke stopped them. “My turn,” he told Naruto, and he and Hikari took their opening stances. “So what's so complicated about it?” Naruto asked her. “Well it's not like he's come right out and asked me out or anything.” “Do you like him, would you say yes if he did ask you?' “Well yeah.” “Would you can it dobe its distracting,” Sasuke snapped. “Hikari doesn't seem to mind.” “Naruto's right, you should be able to do this with or without distractions. Talking and sparring at the same time will do nothing but make you a better fighter.” Hikari said matter of factly. Naruto went back to his stream of questions, “Have you guys, ya know, done anything yet? Have you kissed?” That question threw her off and she faltered, making it possible for Sasuke to land a punch to her face, Hikari was knocked back on her ass. “Hikari!” Naruto called and ran over to help her up. Sasuke came over to her too, “are you okay?” “I'm fine, let's continue.” Sasuke shrugged, “if you're sure.” “I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't.” They took their stances again. “So judging by fact that you let your guard down enough for him to hit I'm guessing the answer was yes?” Hikari dodged a kick, “Yes.” “So you just let him kiss you without knowing where you stood first, that's pretty stupid if you ask me,” Sasuke said, he had let his guard down a little while he spoke and Hikari was able to land a punch of her own. This time neither even thought about stopping the fight. “It's a good thing no one was asking you then.” She snapped. “I told you it was complicated.” “Not really though,” Naruto said, “You like him, he clearly likes you too, it's just he's never been involved with anyone before, he probably doesn't know how to just come out and say it. You're gonna have to do it yourself, if you don't want to wait for him to ask, and I would do it soon if I were you. If Sakura has already heard from the rumor mill that you guys are dating, well let's just say half the village will have heard in a day or two.” “Nin-jutsu?” Sasuke asked. “Sure,” her hand hurt from punch she had landed, she figured that she had broken a finger or two, and quite possibly the wrist as well, one look at Sasuke told her he had done the same. They barely missed a beat during the transition and began to fire off jutsus at each other constantly rotating between attacking and defending. “Stop!” Kakashi called as he came into the clearing. “What the hell are you guys doing?” he surveyed Sasuke and Hikari, both were favoring one of their arms each was sporting a black eye. “Just a friendly sparring match Kakashi-sensei,” Hikari answered brightly. “What are we doing today?” “Nothing like that, you two head up to the hospital and have your injuries seen to, take tomorrow off, and we'll discuss some non-physical exercises the day after that.” Kakashi told them and headed off on his own, muttering something under his breath about hormonal teenagers. They began the walk to the hospital, Naruto had decided to tag along, the were half way there when Hikari suddenly remembered about Neji. “Naruto, can you do something for me?” “Sure, what do you need?” “Neji was supposed to meet me at the training grounds after we were done, can you go let him know where I've gone?” “No problem, but hey you owe me one okay?” “Yeah yeah, see you later Naruto.” Hikari turned her attention to Sasuke, “Nice hit by the way.” “Not too bad yourself, look Hikari, about yesterday....” She cut him off, “Just forget it okay, there's a time and place for everything and this is neither of those. I can't risk it right now,” She said cryptically, “Aunt Tsunade and Uncle Jiraiya know and that's all that matters right now.” They were outside the hospital when Hikari froze as she remembered the terrible shape her arms were in beneath her armbands. Sasuke stopped when she did, “What's wrong?” he asked confused. “Nothing,” she said trying to brush off the question, she could only hope to get a medic-nin that could keep their mouth shut, as there was no way she could get out getting checked out. They went inside and Hikari thanked her lucky stars when she caught sight of Hinata. Hikari was confident the timid girl wouldn't ask too many questions. “Hikari, Sasuke what happened to you guys?” she asked concerned. “Nothing to worry about,” Hikari assured her. “We just got a little carried away in training today. Do you have a minute?” “Of course, follow me,” she led the two of them to an exam room. Hikari took a seat off to the side allowing Sasuke to hop on to the exam table and get treated first. “I didn't know you worked here,” she said. “I just started,” Hinata said shyly. She worked quickly and efficiently, setting the bone in Sasuke's arm and sticking one of his fingers in a splint before taping it up. “You should apply some ice to your eye when you get home.” “Hn,” was all he was going to say until Hikari elbowed him in the ribs, “Thank you,” he grunted, “see you Hikari.” Sasuke left, leaving Hikari and Hinata alone. “So what happened?” Hinata asked again. Hikari laughed it off, “It's nothing really, we just broke our fists on each others faces.” She paused for a second. “Hinata, can I ask you a favor?” “Of course Hikari, what is it?” “I'm going to show you something and I need you to give me your word that you won't tell anyone else, and I mean anyone not my Aunt or anything, okay?” Hinata nodded apprehensively. Hikari carefully removed her armband and the bandage underneath from her broken wrist. Hinata gasped at the sight of the cuts that covered her arm, “Hikari, why, what happened.” “Please Hinata, don't freak out, it's nothing really, I've dealt with it and it's something that won't happen again I promise, please just trust me okay?” Hinata nodded and set to work, doing the same to Hikari as she had done for Sasuke. “Hikari, just please, if you ever need someone to talk to I'll be there okay?” “Thank you Hinata, but really I'm okay now, I promise.” “Okay,” she said quietly, “Could I ask you one more thing?” Hikari nodded for her to continue, “I overheard Sakura and Ino talking....” she paused when Hikari smacked herself. Hikari sighed, “Hinata, that is something I'm still trying to figure out the answer to myself, I promise when I know I'll tell you okay?” she laughed, it seemed Naruto was right, she would have to talk to Neji about this and soon. “Alright, so as I told Sasuke, get some ice on that eye to bring down the swelling, not much you can do for the bruise though.” “Thank you Hinata, you're a good friend,” Hikari told her before leaving. She walked out of the hospital to see Neji outside waiting for her, “I see Naruto was able to catch you,” she said with a smile. “Yeah but I'm afraid he didn't really get past the word hospital before I took off,” Neji explained, “What happened?” It was nice to know he cared about her. Hikari smirked, “I kind of broke my wrist on Sasuke's face,” she said with a little laugh. “And your eye?” he asked. “Yeah about that, he broke his hand on my face first,” she scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. Neji just shook his head in exasperation. “Let's get you home.” Hikari nodded and followed him. Once they got to the house she turned to him, “want to play a warm up game of Shogi before we meet up with Shikamaru?” “Sure.” “Alright you get it set up, while I make us something to eat, since we didn't get to go for lunch.” they settled in at the island so they could play and eat at the same time. “Neji can I talk to you about something?” she asked nervously. He nodded and looked at her intently. “You see Ino and Sakura have been talking and well, I don't really know what you want me to tell them, if anything.” “So they got to you too?” he asked. “Sakura was waiting at the training ground for me this morning,” she explained, “Who came to see you? Ino?” “Yeah.” “So, I need to know, where do we stand right now?” Every second that passed without him saying anything made her more and more nervous. Finally he got up from his seat and came around the table, he placed a finger under her chin and made her look at him before leaning in to kiss her. Hikari melted into the kiss. Neji pulled back and stared at her, “Does that answer your question?” he asked huskily. Hikari blushed, “Not really,” she replied breathlessly, and he kissed her again. This time when he pulled back he said, “I could do that all day.” “Then do it again,” and he did, he swept his tongue along her bottom lip, a silent request for access, which she granted. She loved the taste of him, sweet and bitter all at once. Finally they had to pull away just to breathe. He rested his head against hers inhaling deeply. He reached over and moved a piece, “Check mate,” he whispered, and kissed her again.
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When I'm Gone