Rated T: For language and implied content.

Sunday

Gai & Naruto & Lee

Konoha 11 learns about them in the worst possible way. In which Neji is stressed and Kiba already knows. Everyone is troubled one way or the other.

It was an accident. He didn't mean to. He wasn't going to say anything about it.

The excuses ran through his head in a rush of mindless fear. Who was Naruto kidding; he was totally going to say something about it, even if the male Hyuuga caught him. Even if he was tortured and threatened, this was a celebration!

The villagers of Konoha had some understanding of the Hyuuga clan, especially regarding the rumored engagement between Hinata Hyuuga and a powerful figure in the clan. They assumed it was someone close to her. It could only be Neji. Well, Naruto amended, it could be that other Hyuuga, the one with short hair, but he was rarely seen in public. So it really could only be Neji. But neither Hyuuga's have said anything about it so the group assumed it was a baseless rumor. They haven't seen anything out of the ordinary as of yet either. Except Naruto did just a few hours ago.

Gai was a hero and Naruto would remember him by it. He actually didn't think Neji was going to be chasing them, but then again, Naruto did start running as soon as that steady white gaze focused on him next. This was ridiculous, Naruto thought. Why should he even flee? It wasn't the sudden vicious burst of intent from Neji that made him run. No, he needed his mouth to work for a few hours more if Neji decided to fight, because the others were too far and this needed to be said!

Wait, that meant he lost the bet against Kiba from months ago.

Damn the bastard! Why, oh why, did he have to place Neji as the likeliest in their group to be the last man standing when it came to relationships? It didn't even have to be a relationship, Naruto sulked. As long as a woman was involved, romantically or sexually, it was a go, Kiba had said with a sly smile. Naruto was very sure he would win the bet and enthusiastically agreed to it. The winning prize of free ramen for a year might have distracted him from the suspicious snickers from Kiba.

"So if Neji makes any contact with a woman before any of you guys actually have the courage to talk to one–"

"Shut the hell up, Kiba."

"Then I win. But if he doesn't–"

"He won't," Naruto had snorted. "Do you even know Neji? You lost to him so many times. I can't believe it. And didn't you end up in the hospital when you challenged him that one time?"

"He challenged me!" Kiba had yelled defensively. "But forget it, that's not what we're talking about. Remember the free year-round ramen prize we bet on?" Naruto was embarrassed to admit his eyes had glazed over from that point on. "You get that if you win, Naruto. But only if Neji stays celibate," Kiba had choked with tears, disgusted yet triumphant, and had to turn away to muffle his snickers. "Deal?"

"Hell yeah!"

For all the years Naruto had known Neji, ambition was the only thing on his mind. After all, the man was a machine and hardly noticed women, not with his cold eyes. Except apparently Hinata, Naruto thought hilariously, torn between laughing and crying. He had a feeling about it that began a few weeks ago but dismissed it. He just couldn't imagine the great Neji Hyuuga being close to a woman. Not counting Hinata because everybody knew about his loyalty.

"Complex," Naruto would cough discretely.

Which was exactly why none of them ever thought something between them was possible. It should have been a red flag. It was smothered by imprints pointing to his affections and Naruto nearly halted in shock that they never considered Neji could feel lust and love.

Apparently he could!

Kiba had to know about it. That bastard was smiling too much when they shook on it!

Naruto looked back. There wasn't a figure in the roofs nor did he see a blur among the crowds on foot. Which only meant–

A shadow passed over him. With dread and mirth bubbling forth, Naruto looked up to see Neji towering above him on higher grounds.

"Hey," Naruto began cautiously, even as his mouth twitched to fight off a smile.

"What were you doing on Hyuuga grounds?"

"Is that what you really want to ask me?" Naruto said instead, immediately regretting the words, but it was hard, really hard, to not push the man in front of him right now. "I mean, Gai-sensei was looking for you," he hurriedly added. "For an exercise or something." It was half a lie, but Naruto valued his life over respect for an instructor he never had.

True to the Hyuuga name, his mask did not slip. "It is a Sunday. I wasn't aware that today was a workday."

"Apparently you and Hinata thought so," his mouth ran off without thought.

At the mention of her name, Naruto thought that Neji had a side to him others rarely saw, seeing the white pupils expand. Except maybe his enemies. Naruto adjusted his headband, smoothing over the imprint of Konoha's symbol in reminder. "Concerning other matters," Neji began menacingly and Naruto had to snicker because finally they were getting into the heart of it! Even if he was beaten, wait no, Naruto could hold his own; he did win the war. He was a hero. "Your word of silence."

"On what?" Naruto pushed, hysterically feeling victorious and fearful.

His jaw locked. "What you witnessed."

"Oh," Naruto cajoled, clapping his hands so they wouldn't shake. "You mean when you felt up Hinata or–" A sharp metal zipped past his ear. Maybe he should think twice the next time he spoke.

But he must have crossed the boundaries already because Neji dropped down to the ground. "Say what you like about me. But do not ever regard Hinata in such a debauched manner."

"Hinata, huh," Naruto snickered, wiggling his brows. "No more Hinata-sama?"

"You test my patience." Which Naruto didn't think needed to be said, seeing something evil beneath the cool indifference Neji displayed.

"I'm sorry," Naruto started, needing to say it. "I won't say anything about Hinata like that again." It didn't appease him. Neji didn't move, fierce white eyes still trained on him, waiting. But Naruto wasn't done yet. "What were you two doing anyway?"

"Training," was the tightly gritted answer.

"I got that," Naruto allowed, rolling his eyes. "I meant–"

"Enough."

Naruto ignored the warning. "Hey, where's Gai-sensei?"

"He is rethinking his life choices," came the dull reply.

"Oh."

Even though he knew a fight was inevitable when he left, he only felt two chakra signatures standing at rest even miles away. Either Neji had inhumane speed or Gai had left peacefully. Now that he thought about it, he couldn't pinpoint where the older man was. Which meant he was unconsciousness somewhere. All Naruto knew now was that he had to find Gai if he shook Neji off. He was the only other witness.

It was quiet for a moment and Naruto was getting hungry from the run. He should get ramen before–

"Naruto. You will keep your silence."

They stared.

"I won't," Naruto said gravely.

The Byakugan suddenly triggered and he was within its sights. "Then I have no choice."

A snap of a twig from the bushes.

Neji refrained from reaching for an impending headache because Naruto began snickering again.

"Lee!"

…

They were sparring.

And as Naruto watched, he was really glad that he wasn't the subject of their offensive strikes. It was almost a miracle that he won against Neji in the Chuunin exams from long ago.

"Oh, that's a good hit," Naruto murmured, watching Hinata push him back from his place.

They were watching from the highest point in the tree lines, a safe distance from being caught. Hinata swiped his legs, blue chakra emanating as ferocious lions in both of her hands and she pushed them towards Neji who knocked down her arms and proceeded to flip her on her back. She quickly recovered and Naruto's brows furrowed.

The last time Neji did the same move on him, his arms broke. "Bastard," Naruto muttered. So maybe Neji was in a bad mood that day and this was Hinata, but still! "I hope you break something," he continued, watching as Neji bent back. Hinata went faster, quicker, and one opening hit later, she unbalanced him. There was no leverage for him to counter and he went down hard.

"Hell yeah!" Naruto praised before Gai smacked a beefy hand over his mouth.

"Have I taught him nothing?" Gai whispered fiercely as Neji relented with hands raised.

Naruto shoved the offending hand away. "Hinata's getting pretty good."

"I will take charge of his training," Gai declared, about to stand when Naruto yanked him back down to quiet him.

"Remember what we're here for!" he hissed. He endured boredom, wanting to drag them both out of the Hyuuga grounds for a fun exercise. They had already convinced the other teams, surprisingly even Shikamaru agreed, and now these two remained. It took a while to find them until they realized: the Hyuuga compound.

They were turned away at the gate, citing their heiress and Neji was busy. It only took a shared look between the two to find another way in.

Now that they were close to ending their training, they could finally convince them to join. But for those precious minutes when Neji's lecture should have ended, they still weren't moving apart. His sharp eyes caught something suspicious and he looked closer to see if it was real.

The shuffle of their hands that were hidden from view made him uncomfortable. Naruto blinked. He did not just see Neji's hand linger in places he didn't want to say. Naruto couldn't tell because the heavy flow of her hair masked it. No way was Neji touching her right there. It couldn't have been because they were talking about strategies, Naruto could hear if he strained enough to listen.

But it was strange, because Neji's voice was getting deeper and Hinata was blushing. Then he suddenly moved closer, leaning up on his elbows to murmur something in her ear that made Hinata turn away in embarrassment. And the words Naruto caught was something he wasn't meant to hear.

Naruto burst out laughing. "I knew it!"

They whipped towards the voice, veins rising by the corner of their eyes. Neji sat up, forcing Hinata upright, and gently deposited her beside him so he could stand. His lips were set in a line, one that said many things, but the thoughts racing through Gai's was, praise the Kages, the boy wasn't oblivious!

There was still hope. Gai sniffed. They watched as Neji say something to Hinata, who tugged on his sleeve. His head shook and Hinata frowned. Then Neji bowed to her, if that was for appearances it was too late, before striding evenly towards them. Behind him, Hinata dusted dirt off her tights and walked back into the compound with a nervous smile to them.

"Neji!" Gai shouted with authority.

Neji looked up. "Gai-sensei."

"You lost! Why do I feel shame? What is this feeling–"

"Why are you here?"

It sounded like a demand and he knew when to abandon a failed operation. Naruto tried backing away but a kunai embedded itself on the tree behind him. "Youth!" Gai answered. "We need you and Hinata to come with us!"

"Unfortunately, we are busy."

Naruto snickered, and thank the gods Gai's shouts smothered it because it looked like Neji was already losing patience. "Excuses! It might have looked like that but these eyes," he pointed at his own, wide with energy, "saw everything! I know what you were doing, Neji! How dare you allow defeat at the wiles of a woman? Is Hinata so–"

"Gai-sensei, I will only ask this time for you to be quiet."

"Is that a challenge I hear?"

The Byakugan was in his eyes and Naruto took that chance to escape.

"Are you challenging meeeeee?" Naruto still heard and he rolled his eyes.

…

"Where are they?" Lee questioned, looking down at the village.

"I'm pretty sure I heard Gai-sensei shouting an hour ago," Shino murmured. "In the direction of the Hyuuga compound."

"Should we investigate?"

Kiba ignored them, knowing the delay. "Nah, let's just wait a while longer."

"Hey, I think I see Naruto," Tenten suddenly said.

"Is he with them?"

"I don't think so," she muttered, seeing the fleeing form of Naruto disappear into the forest followed by Neji, a dark look on his face. Naruto must have said something he shouldn't have for Neji to lose his cool. "I don't see Hinata with them."

"I'll go see what's going on," Lee volunteered before Kiba could stop him. He sighed, catching the attention of Ino. Kiba shook his head. He had no obligation to guard their secrets; people were going to find out eventually but if Hinata wanted privacy, he would keep quiet, but not because the thought of Neji targeting him had anything to do with it.

"We can meet up later," he said absently, resolving to keep away from the conflict as much as possible. If Naruto was involved, then it wasn't long before those calculating white eyes landed on him next.

"Was Gai-sensei with them?" Shino asked.

"No," Tenten said slowly, watching the distance. They hadn't moved from the forest and that meant Neji had trapped Naruto.

"We'll reschedule then," Shikamaru decided, beginning to descend the steps.

Meanwhile, Lee hurriedly flew from stone to stone until he reached the rooftops, leaping to the trees after and zeroed in on their general location.

"Hinata, huh?" he heard Naruto's teasing voice. "No more Hinata-sama?"

Lee's brows dipped in a frown. Yes, it was unusual to hear it from the very disciplined Neji, but at least it meant his barriers to people eased, especially since it was Hinata. He moved closer.

"What were you two doing anyway?"

He stopped.

"Training," Neji gritted.

Lee crossed his arms. Of course, what else were they doing? Did Naruto not know Neji was in charge of her training? It was common knowledge.

"Where's Gai-sensei?"

He decided to keep quiet. His mentor was not here, now that Naruto mentioned it. And why did it sound like Neji was in a bad mood?

"He's rethinking his life choices," Neji said idly.

Lee gulped. There were only a few times he heard Neji use that voice. Gai-sensei! What has he done to you? His beloved mentor who could have been murdered by his heartless teammate– Keep it together, Lee! Neji wouldn't kill anyone. But he was still missing. And by Neji's hand.

"Then I have no choice," he heard Neji warn and Lee stepped back before he could be noticed.

Something cracked beneath his foot. It was loud in the ensuing silence and goose-bumps burst out when the Byakugan locked onto him.

"Lee!" Naruto shouted with a joker's smile.

Neji gritted his teeth.

"Hello…" Lee began. It was difficult to summon energy when his life was briefly shocked into the afterlife.

He was really an emotional man, Naruto absently thought, seeing so many new reactions from Neji. It stemmed from anger but at least it wasn't just a frown. His brows were drawn down too. The Byakugan sporadically appeared and Naruto wondered if Neji was aware of it. "I didn't do anything," Naruto told him, regretting it when it reminded Neji of his crime. He pointed to Lee. "He found out himself."

Neji growled at him. His vocabulary shortened in anger, Naruto concluded. "Lee," Neji said in a low voice. "You heard nothing."

The widening of his eyes was enough to confirm that he did, indeed, witness something he shouldn't have. "N-Neji," he began. "Did you really–"

"You heard nothing."

His skin prickled and Naruto rubbed his arms. Neji rarely repeated himself, coupled with the fact he was in a mood made it worse. Lee was about to protest, but the look in his eyes made him think twice. His shoulders slumped. "If that's what you want," he said glumly. "When you're ready to tell me, I will be waiting." Or he could find Gai-sensei on his own. His eyes peered elsewhere. "Speaking of which, where is Hinata-san? We planned an activity."

"Not today," Neji said. "She is completing preparations for a clan meeting."

Naruto suppressed from snickering. It would only take one more reason for Neji to snap and Lee must have felt the violence in him, because he stuttered, "I-I thought you'd know. Well, of course, you know, I just –"

"Send my apologies to the rest," Neji said evenly and turned his attention back on the golden hero. "Naruto."

"Oh please, Neji, it's too late now," Naruto said. "What's the problem? It's just the three of us that knows you and Hinata are...dating?" He made a face. "Together. No, wait. In a relationship. Yeah. Or is fiancée the right word? We heard rumors," he added. "Wait, you're still a virgin, right?" Naruto babbled, missing Lee's face growing paler by the second.

Neji cracked his knuckles.

…

Fine, maybe Neji convinced him to stay quiet.

Naruto banished the degrading memory, vowing to retaliate in some way. He sulked in the seats of the ramen shop. Even the delicious taste of ramen didn't satisfy him. A heavy weight shifted itself beside him and Naruto looked to see Gai slumped over the counter. "Gai-sensei! Where were you?"

"Where was I?" the older man repeated. "I don't remember."

Naruto shivered, irked. "You remember anything from a few hours ago?"

"My pupil lost," Gai groaned.

"He lost against you?"

His eyes snapped open. "Nothing happened." Something did, Naruto sourly. "He's experiencing youth," Gai suddenly gushed with tears. "Finally! I was worried about him. He's always climbing the ranks by the months and I thought he was missing the best years of life. Until…Until, uh…"

"You saw it, too," Naruto whispered. "You know!"

"It isn't any of my business," Gai suddenly said, closing off, and the tears streaking down his cheeks made Naruto sweat. Whatever Neji had done to Gai must have been worse than what was done to him. "I am just happy everyone is youthful!" he cried.

"That's right," a restless voice put in.

Gai whipped around. "Lee! You understand! Come with me and we will rediscover Neji's youth!"

"Y-yes, Gai-sensei!" came the less than enthusiastic reply Naruto didn't expect.

He blew the steam off the bowl. No doubt about it: Neji's wrath outweighed everything else.

…

"Jeez, Naruto," Sakura started when they gathered. "Where were you? I haven't even submitted my report to the hospital yet."

"I haven't eaten," Chouji added.

"Because you all love me," Naruto said absently, ignoring their groans though no one overruled him. "Sorry, guys, I ran into trouble." Tenten flicked a glance to her quiet teammate before focusing on the enthusiastic Lee who had gone pale.

"Did you even ask them?" Ino said dryly.

It wasn't as if he had a chance, Naruto thought. "Why else would Neji be here for?"

"But where's Hinata?"

They all looked to Neji. "She will be arriving shortly," he grunted. He then focused his gaze beyond the clearing. In a few moments, Hinata appeared, hurrying over.

When Lee caught sight of her, he stiffened and straightened in place, saluting her. Hinata questionably blinked, glancing over her shoulder even as her team navigated her to the side. Neji closed his eyes in exasperation. "Good afternoon to you!" Lee shouted after her.

"Good afternoon," Hinata returned quizzically.

"I pray you have a good day!"

Neji walked over and dragged him away. Tenten followed shortly. "Hey, what were you doing earlier?" she asked him. "I saw you chasing Naruto."

Lee turned red. "It's not what you think! Neji–"

"He trespassed on our grounds," Neji said. "He needed to be reminded that it will not be tolerated."

"What's wrong with you?" Tenten asked incredulously as Lee swiped his head left and right and his face turned a myriad of colors. "Lee!"

Kiba observed this with an uninterested glance and shrugged when Hinata called for him. "Wasn't Gai-sensei supposed to be with us?"

"We don't really need him," Kiba explained. "It was just an excuse Naruto used to gather us. Besides, I think Gai-sensei misses his team."

They glanced uncertainly at the small group. While Gai and Lee were joined by the hip, he didn't look as excited, Tenten looked suspicious, and Neji, ever sharp and cool, was unmovable. It was as if he saw through them all. But he never did leave. He glanced over and at once, Hinata looked away as did Kiba, who grimaced in response. "Strange," Shino murmured.

"They're always weird," Kiba tried dismissing. He didn't really want to see the redness of her cheeks.

Shino stayed quiet and Kiba let him draw his own conclusions. "Are we ready?" Kiba called out.

"Yes!"

…

It was nearing early evening by the time they were done.

Shikamaru and his team went ahead, citing reports needed to be done. When Shino departed, Kiba joined him, waving goodbye to Hinata without a second look. The others left soon afterwards and Hinata looked around to see who remained. Naruto disappeared the moment it was over. She, at least, wanted to thank him, knowing his motives. It had been a while since they spent time together. She straightened, looking for Neji. He appeared beside her. "You did well," he told her.

From the space hidden by the rock formations, Naruto and Gai waited patiently. Lee earlier declined to join and raced off before they could catch him. A camera was hidden in Naruto's hands. All he had to do was capture something incriminating, shower the photos in the village in the early morning, and watch Neji do damage control. Let the bastard feel humiliation. And if Neji went after him, then, hah, lots of witnesses!

"Shall we head back?"

They could see it; the way her body softened in response to his voice, the way her spine arched a little to deepen the curves she had. Hinata beamed up at him. "Yes."

They watched the exchange closely with wide eyes. Finally, Naruto slouched back. "You know, I don't really get it."

Gai crouched next to him. "Wait for it," he muttered.

They turned an empty corner by the staircases. Then it happened: he brushed her bangs away, running his hand down her back. Then he whispered something, by the way his face was angled down closer to hers. They couldn't hear but it made Hinata smile so mysteriously. And it looked so familiar, the female lips curling and the glint of her eyes but Naruto couldn't place it yet. He ushered her to go ahead, leaning on the rails to watch her figure sway and descend the steps.

Very protective and romantic, Gai gushed.

It was nice, Naruto thought. To start a relationship with a loved one who held the same feelings and couldn't help but smile because love was new–

Wait.

In the hot springs months ago, when everyone joined after catching Neji heading towards it alone, he must have imagined Neji agreeing with them, because aside from Shikamaru and Kiba admitting they weren't virgins, ignoring the fact Sai also raised his hand, Neji hadn't really responded either. It was just embarrassing to admit because the women were next door, having the same argument. So he assumed Neji was on the same boat as the rest of them.

And now Naruto noticed that Neji had disappeared once the fight ensued and that it wasn't until the next morning he had noticed Neji was in a better mood than before.

Naruto shot up in shock, dropping the camera. "He lied!" he screeched. "Oh my god," he said in a loud whisper. Now he remembered that feminine look. It was the same look he'd witnessed when Ino was performing in reconnaissance missions. "That means Hinata–" Neji turned to their direction, which might have actually said that he was suddenly aware of them, making Naruto sweat. "So," he prompted with a wave of his hand as if expecting a collision of confessions. When a vein rose in the Hyuuga's face, Naruto recognized the look that would follow and turned to run.

From behind, he heard Gai shout to the skies, "Youuuuuuttttthhhhh!" before hearing a suspicious explosion of the earth.

It was the second time that week Naruto agreed to keep quiet.

Tuesday

Kiba & Ino & Kakashi

"So have you heard?"

"Of what?"

"The Hyuuga clan. Apparently their lady Hinata is engaged right now and someone caused a ruckus."

"You have any idea who it was?"

"Nope."

"Oh. Well, we'll find out eventually."

"Whoever it was, didn't you hear Kakashi saying something about dumping those books of his to whoever the groom is? Lucky bastard. Those copies are hard to find nowadays."

"I don't think his fiancée would like that."

"I think her groom would totally appreciate it."

…

Kiba was feeling nostalgic.

He wanted to return to the old days. When none of them separated, when their ranks didn't define their schedules, when they still had time to socialize. Maybe it was the joint activity they all participated in days ago that made him yearn for it. He ordered Shino to stay put at the park and left to find Hinata. It was perfect because he knew she was not assigned to any missions today.

His senses led him to the busy market. The smells and noises didn't bother him. He was too good in a mood. He soon caught sight of Hinata, browsing through a flower shop. For her garden, no doubt. Kiba smiled. He stepped forward to call for her attention then stopped when Neji appeared from around the corner.

He only took one look at the pair and walked away. But his nightmare began the moment he crossed paths with Ino Yamanaka.

"Kiba!" Ino called.

His ear twitched from the pitch. "You don't have to shout!" he growled, sharp fangs emerging.

Ino huffed and shoved his face away. "Don't threaten me."

He fought for patience. "What do you want?"

When she inched closer and her eyes lowered to half-mast, it sent alarms ringing. "Hey, I was thinking. You know Hinata?" Kiba tried not to gulp. "I think there's someone she's been seeing."

"And you're telling me why?"

She shot him a haughty look. "Don't think I don't know. You've been acting suspicious too. Is it you?"

Hell no. Not to say Hinata wasn't attractive. It was just that the obstacle was Neji Hyuuga. "No."

"Then it must be someone else! We don't see her often anymore."

"You think so?" he said dully.

Ino frowned. "Aren't you worried? She's your teammate, Kiba. She hasn't been keeping secrets from you, has she?"

"None," he said truthfully. Technically, there were no secrets between them when Kiba already knew.

Ino flipped her hair, nearly smacking his face with sharp accuracy. "Well, I am worried! I can't believe you're not even the least curious. Where's Neji? I bet he would want to know." Kiba snorted, then flinched when her eyes flicked to him. "What was that?"

"What?"

Blue eyes narrowed and they were a pretty color, Kiba thought, even when he could see murder written in them. "No games, Kiba."

"No games," he repeated assuredly.

"Ino-san?" Hinata began. They jumped, seeing Hinata observing them innocently, but Kiba had a feeling deception was in play already. How long was she there? But most importantly, why didn't he hear her? He wasn't panicking, he told himself, just because Neji was nowhere in sight. "Would you like some?" She offered a bag of seeds in her palm. "Kiba-kun tells me you are interested in finding exotic flowers."

"Actually, yes," Ino said, surprised. Hinata smiled kindly. "Thank you." Kiba shrugged, looking away when Ino glanced at him. Just when Hinata was set to leave, Ino grabbed her back. "Hey, Hinata," she began in a low whisper. "Whose this groom I keep hearing about?"

Oh gods!

He looked away for just one fucking second! And where was Neji? He had to be somewhere–

"Groom?" Hinata asked carefully.

Kiba covered his face.

"Some people were talking about it."

"Oh." Kiba incredulously whipped towards them. If this was the moment she would reveal everything, he was going to watch. He knew about it from the beginning, forced into voyeurism when they were in public and humiliated with that one threat, and damn everything if he was going to miss the end. "I am not engaged," Hinata said.

His jaw managed to keep in place. Instead, Kiba blinked once, twice, then turned his back. Lying was never Hinata's strong suit. Which only meant, in technicality, that the engagement was not official in the Hyuuga clan's eyes, but they might as well have been celebrating because it was in the works. Hinata was not a liar, it wasn't even a deception, and it was true down to the very word.

Ino had asked the wrong question. If Kiba asked, he was sure his head would be buried in the ground when Neji caught wind of it. And no one dared to ask Neji Hyuuga. Naturally, they turned to the approachable Hinata Hyuuga; though Kiba had to nervously laugh because he found out that she was very skillful in navigating the pools of truth and lies.

"Are you and Neji together?" With their naivety and her kind smile, she'd answer yes because no one would link them romantically, and Neji would appear beside her soon after to confirm that yes, spatially they were together.

"Do you love Neji?"

"Of course," she would probably phrase with a quizzical smile and no one thought twice because they suspected familial bond.

"Is there anyone who makes your heart beat faster?"

"Y-yes," she'd answer, ducking her head and they'd think, Naruto Uzumaki, from all the rumors before the war.

But if it was Kiba: "Are you and Neji fucking?"

She would waver, redden and stammer, "W-why... I–" that would confirm it in anyone's eyes and Kiba would be unconscious in the next second.

So Kiba didn't ask.

"Please excuse me," Hinata said then, hastily running back to the shop, its manager calling for her.

"Huh," Ino murmured. Kiba tried getting away, but her strong grip stopped him. "Follow me, Kiba."

He tried navigating her away. She relied on his senses when they disappeared from the crowd, but she smacked him and Kiba didn't want anymore bruises. He could be patient today until Ino was no longer interested.

But she led him, with whatever womanly intuition she used, to the exact area they were at. Kiba held his breath. Their mixed scents was really disturbing him.

It was unfortunate that they had to stumble upon them, Kiba sulked. His luck was downright horrific. Kiba nervously eyed Ino. If she made a scene, it was his head on the line although Neji didn't discriminate in fights, because if Ino made a fuss then it soothed him to know she would carry half the burden.

Neji took the bag off her arm, even when Hinata protested. From the annoyed look on Ino's face, Kiba summarized that Neji was in the way. He counted towards his eventual demise because he knew what was going to happen. With one hand free, he offered it to her and Hinata flushed, looking around. Kiba immediately suppressed their presence when Ino's spiked. Not that Neji could notice, because his eyes were solely on Hinata.

Their fingers laced, making Ino gasp. Like a bad drama, Neji pulled her closer by the waist, pressing their bodies intimately. He was murmuring something by the way his mouth moved and Hinata smiled gently with reddened cheeks. "Neji," he heard her voice raise the slightest bit to his trained ears when he bit her palm.

Kiba warily averted his gaze because no one wanted to watch that. Except Ino, Kiba revised, seeing her eyes widen and jaw drop. Whatever they were doing next made her inhale air into her lungs. Kiba draped a hand over her mouth before whatever sound she was going to produce attract the pair's attention and dragged her away, suddenly alerting someone else.

…

"Were they–"

"That's what you saw."

"So Hinata–"

"Looks like it."

"But does Neji–"

"Do you need to even ask that? It was obvious."

"Then they–"

"Yes."

"When–"

"Which one are you talking about?"

"Let me finish!"

"Ow!"

And so the animals of the forest curiously witnessed the frantic exchange, coupled with occasional slaps by one flustered female nin and one tired Inuzuka clan member.

They were soon joined by a third voice and the animals scattered, feeling his bloodlust.

…

Hinata sighed.

She didn't know why Neji was looking so stressed for the past few days. And when she thought to ask, his face had darkened and Hinata frowned, all the more curious. But then he distracted her with a passionate kiss that made her forget. She watched from the bench as Neji discussed with a nin by the tree lines. About a mission, she thought. Which either meant Neji was going to leave again or he was relaying information.

She shouldn't be fretting over parting with him for a while. He promised her forever long before the formalities of their engagement was official. They could wait a few more years to seal their marriage in paper.

"Soon," he had murmured to her, kissing her left hand.

Her hands rose unthinkingly to touch her cheeks, red with embarrassment at the memory. She sneaked a glance at him, ridiculously happy from the mere sight of him. "Hey."

Hinata swept her gaze. A leaf fell and Hinata looked up to see a shadow lounging in a tree. "Kakashi-sensei?" Hinata asked.

"Heard a rumor."

"Oh?" she had to say when the silence lengthened.

"Yup," he murmured, dropping a leg out on a branch. "So I wanted to congratulate the groom-to-be."

"I-I see," Hinata stammered, wondering how to escape the mischievous man. She didn't want to draw anyone's attention, especially Neji's. She frantically looked over where Neji was still engaged in talks. He hadn't noticed yet. "Uhm–"

"I don't know who he is. From the Hyuuga clan."

"I don't know why people are asking me," Hinata said, wringing her hands.

"Thought you might know," he continued. "I heard you are the bride-to-be."

"T-that's not. . . By no means am I going to be a bride soon," Hinata said. It wasn't a lie. Their marriage wouldn't happen until the Hyuuga clan was secured in choosing its successor.

"Whatever the case," Kakashi said airily. "I want to help whoever the groom is."

"How?" she asked curiously. This man had no connections with the Hyuuga and Neji had already obtained the blessings of the Main House. Kakashi dropped to the ground, eyeing his novels. She fidgeted, uncomfortable. Hinata looked up when his finger tapped insistently on paper. Her eyes caught sight of the very erotic cover, vaguely reminding her one time of what Neji had done to her. Her cheeks heated. "N-No!" she cried, instinctively slapping it away and catching the attention of Neji who immediately stormed towards them.

"He's got to learn how to make you happy," Kakashi said through the commotion. Neji was there in an instant, scowl and all. Kakashi hummed, flashing the books with a clever swipe of his hands. But steady white eyes did not even flick down to the provocative covers. It struck him that Neji was very well-disciplined.

"What have you done?" he demanded, pulling Hinata behind him.

"Maybe you would know about it," Kakashi continued, ignoring him. "Who's the lucky groom?"

His brows furrowed. "Groom?"

"Ohoho," a deep masculine laugh, startling them both. "I know the workings of the Hyuuga clan," he continued, upsetting them further. "I just want to help. The groom, that is."

"I don't care." He didn't bother excusing themselves, instead led Hinata by the elbow away from the scene.

"Just a few pointers and tricks to make the lady happy," he called out, setting the bait successfully when Neji whipped around with a furious look.

Veins lifted by the corner of his eyes, a scowl marring his face. "That is not necessary."

Beyond him, the older man could see her face reddening and Kakashi rerouted his attack. It was not meant for her ears after all. "It's not for you," he retorted.

"Keep that away from her," he warned.

"So you're fine delivering it? I don't mind if you read it too," he crooned, flipping the pages.

A denial was on his lips when Hinata suddenly turned on her heel and walked away, surprising them both. "Hinata?" She didn't answer him and Kakashi watched in amazement as Neji's fierce look crumbled at her silence. Neji turned his attention back angrily. "Keep yourself out of our matters."

"I didn't say it was about you," he returned coolly. "Or are you telling me something?"

"I admit nothing."

"You don't want to go further," a low voice gritted to him and Kakashi turned to see the tight muscles of Gai's face constricting in close range.

"What's wrong with your face, Gai?"

"Do not go near my student, Kakashi!"

But Neji was older now, no longer considered a student. He was at a distance, far more skilled than his peers, and only behind Naruto Uzumaki. He was an adult, but it still made Gai want to protect whatever innocence there was left from the clutches of Kakashi Hatake. Although considering what he had witnessed days ago, there was no innocence left at all.

"What are you talking about?" Kakashi asked, watching Neji skim a hard look to his former instructor before leaving. "You saw the look he gave you? No respect from the youth these days."

"Speak for yourself," Gai muttered. "Team 7 weren't outstanding models either."

"I'll visit them later–"

"Don't you dare!"

"You sly dog," Kakashi drawled, watching Neji's retreating figure and Gai paled. "Shame on you, Gai. Now I must know."

…

When Kiba saw Team 7's former instructor sneaking outside the Hyuuga compound, his first instinct was to walk away. Just a few hours ago, he miraculously sustained no wounds when Neji confronted them. Maybe because Ino was a friend of Hinata's, but he didn't care, the animal in him still agitated. But something made him pause in his retreat. Kiba groaned, looking up at the sky. I better be rewarded in the next life, he thought to whichever divinity was listening.

As long as Hinata was happy. As long as Neji didn't use violence. Why couldn't people keep away? Then he moved, suppressing his chakra before the older man could disappear. "What're you doing?" he growled, sliding beside him.

"Curious," was all Kakashi said, shaking off the restraining hand on him.

"Don't!" Kakashi bargained with one copy of his books and Kiba had to struggle to deny it. "Kakashi-sensei, you don't want to be involved," he hissed.

A cool look in his eye told Kiba he didn't care. "You can just leave then."

"I can't."

They moved in deeper and Kiba suspiciously wondered how the older man knew the layout of the Hyuuga compound. Maybe when he was in a better mood, he would mention it to Neji. It was inevitable because they were going to be caught one way or other. What better way to negotiate, Kiba thought. "Ah, there she is," Kakashi announced.

Kiba hated being out in the open, but the sight of Hinata and this lecherous man talking didn't sit well with him, but there was another monster to look out for. He could smell him somewhere or maybe it was Neji's scent mixed with hers that made it so. He grimaced. The things he did to protect their secrets, Kiba sulked, jumping down.

But before Kakashi could call for her attention, Kiba jumped on his back. He was thrown off the next second, but it was enough time for Hinata to walk back inside. "Now, Kakashi-sensei," Kiba insisted. "You don't want the Hyuuga's as your enemies."

At that, he paused. "Hiashi does possess a violent temper."

Kiba sighed in relief.

Naturally, Neji made perfect timing, the bastard.

Kiba covered his face when he appeared. He placed a kiss on Hinata's upturned lips before opening the slides for her and Kiba nearly rejoiced because that meant they weren't noticed just yet. He tugged on the older man's arm to get him to move, but he was rooted to the ground. A quick glance at his face and Kiba blanched. "So Neji Hyuuga actually…" It meant trouble.

He was afraid to look back because he felt the sudden spike of chakra from afar. But he had to look, to measure if there was enough time to escape.

As soon as Hinata entered, the Byakugan manifested, locking on them.

Kakashi grinned.

So Kiba did what had to be done.

He slapped the book right to the ground, its sensual cover splaying flat just like the woman was positioned and simultaneously, two pairs of eyes fell on it. One was its loyal customer, Kakashi Hatake. And surprisingly, the other was Neji Hyuuga, who suddenly flexed his hands and focused his eyes on the obvious perpetrator.

Kiba ran.

…

"Anyone thinks Neji is acting suspicious?"

"No!" Lee burst out.

Sai watched with detached amusement as few of his comrades tried their hardest to suppress their alarm. He flicked a glace to Kiba Inuzuka, looking unruffled as ever. Kiba returned it with lazy wariness. "I did not know it was a custom to lie to your friends."

"Like hell you don't," Sakura growled.

"Yeah, Sai," Naruto put in. "No one believes you've had sex!"

She turned to him, all fury and teeth. "Of all his lies, that's what you pick out?"

"Are you hiding something from us, Lee?" Tenten questioned, ignoring them.

"No!"

"Leave him alone," Ino said, waving a hand in the air. "Maybe Neji doesn't approve of whoever this groom is."

Sakura frowned. "Why would he be?"

Kiba needed to do damage control. If – when! – it leaked out, he was responsible for it. "Hey, they are pretty close, after all," he offered. "I'd be pissed if I found out my clan is arranging a marriage for my sister without letting us know."

"He could be a bastard," Ino added. "A sick pervert with a fetish for–"

"I assure you the clan is diligent in choosing respectable suitors," a voice said darkly and all at once, they paled. Only the oblivious, Kiba wryly thought, had the courage to face him because neither Naruto, Lee nor Ino moved to look. "It isn't any of your business," Neji said sternly.

"Hey, Hinata's our friend!" Sakura shouted, eyeing Naruto who would usually be the first to defend special bonds, but he was unusually quiet, sweating even in the cool air. "Right, Naruto?"

He twitched. "Right."

"Are you all…not well?" Hinata asked when she got closer, trailing from behind. Ino considerably brightened. As if Hinata being there leashed Neji's aggressiveness. Which it did to an extent, Kiba mused.

"Who are you marrying?" Sakura interrupted bluntly, and she couldn't see the contained reactions of some of them because her back was turned. Shikamaru raised his brows at Ino, who bit her fingers and Kiba smacked her arm. Naruto sized them up, eyes narrowing until it dawned on him.

You know!

Kiba pointedly eyed Neji. Not now.

Hinata thoughtfully stared. "Where did you hear that?" she asked softly and Neji stiffened.

Kiba blinked, rubbing his arms. It shouldn't have felt chilly. "Some nurses were gossiping," Sakura said. "Well, are you?"

Her protector was still as a statue and Kiba sweated bullets. "We are not marrying yet," Hinata explained and before anyone could ask, she continued, "I-I thought it was not the right time. I want to make sure I am prepared," Hinata murmured, smiling shyly, and they all understood. "So please, um, I don't want to talk about it anymore. It is a private matter within my clan."

"Right," Ino automatically agreed.

"But who is he?" Sakura persisted. "You know him?"

"It is best until I wait for my father's announcement," Hinata said and Kiba didn't know whether to fear or admire her cleverness.

Sakura nodded her head reasonably. Something audible hit the ground. "Lee!" Tenten suddenly shouted. "What's wrong?" she asked, shaking his limp body. Kiba wiped his forehead, knowing the storm passed.

"Oh, Hinata," Sakura began again, touching her arm and they tensed. "Can you help me out at the hospital? I need an extra hand."

"Yes," Hinata said with a smile, whether it was genuine or not, Kiba didn't know. They left in a hurry. But when the rest of the group dispersed, the three that knew stayed because Neji was staring them down, not counting Lee because Tenten had hauled him straight to the hospital.

They nervously flicked their gazes to him. Neji challengingly glowered at them and they showed their obedience by nodding vigorously. Naruto went further by slamming his head to the ground. It must have satisfied him, because Neji turned and left without inflicting harm.

As soon as they no longer saw him, Naruto jumped up and landed a hard hit on Kiba. "You bastard! You knew about it and still made that bet!" and he bent over from the pain.

"Damn it, Naruto, contain your power a bit, will you," he wheezed.

He dragged him closer by the collar. "I lost a year's worth of ramen," he snarled.

Kiba bared a fang. "Anything goes."

"Why would you even make a bet like that," Ino said warily, crossing her arms.

"That wasn't even a bet! It was just a waiting game–"

"What bet?" a soft voice asked.

They froze. Naruto nervously eyed Hinata, who suddenly appeared next to the very enraged Neji. "Uh…"

"I thought you went with Sakura," Ino said, tucking a strand away.

"I forgot to invite Kiba-kun for an outing with Shino-kun," she replied, her kind eyes making Ino feel guilty.

"What bet?" Neji repeated. Hinata glanced at him.

"About you two," Naruto mumbled, shuffling his feet. "Nothing serious."

She reddened, hands flying to her cheeks. "W-what're you saying?"

"They know," Neji said, voice clipped.

She dropped her eyes to the ground, too embarrassed to confront them. Questions raced through her, heating her face, and Neji patiently waited until she sorted it out, because he was ready to attack. "I-I see," she said weakly. Ino smiled at her and it might have eased the tension in her. She could discuss it later with her but she had no courage to look at the other two in the eyes just yet.

"What bet?" he gritted. Hinata frowned. So this was his source of stress. But why hadn't he told her?

Because Kiba's ribs still hurt, he choked out, "Naruto wanted to know if you're going to have sex soon."

"N-no!" she cried out.

Neji shot her a skeptical look.

When gasps echoed, Neji grimaced. Hinata met his eyes accusingly. But before threatening them again, his priority was to somehow pacify Hinata because she was red and shaking and Neji was prepared to go on his knees but by the gods, this was not another moment their companions would see. Before any words left his lips, she shot him a tearful look and ran away.

Kiba couldn't suppress it any longer and coughed out a bit of blood.

He rounded on them. "Say anymore and I will end all of you," he warned menacingly.

…

"I hear you have been causing trouble, Neji."

"It is nothing serious, Hiashi-sama."

The older man eyed him critically. "How has word of your engagement with Hinata spread among some of the villagers?"

"I assure you, Hiashi-sama, it was not done on our part. Naruto…trespassed on our grounds," was all Neji could say without saying that they were caught in a compromising act.

"Naruto," Hiashi choose to say instead. "And the rest?"

"The same," he hedged.

"Be careful, Neji," Hiashi gruffly warned. "I'd like to make a formal announcement soon, but you need to stop Naruto before the whole village knows."

Neji kept his face blank. "Yes, Hiashi-sama."

"And respect your elders, Neji. I was informed Kakashi Hatake and Might Gai was assaulted in our grounds."

"I understand."

"Has Hinata finally spoken to you again?"

A short silence, then in the most subdued voice Hiashi ever heard from his nephew say: "No."

TBC