A/N: Okay all. I'm really struggling so this is an attempt to get those juices flowing… as I mentioned in the message I posted amongst "reviews" I'm really having a hard time since the passing of my surrogate father a few weeks ago…so it's the main reason for the writers block—my heart's just not in it right now. But I don't want to give up so this is the only thing I could think of to try and get me to move past this. This may be a series of miscellaneous vignettes based on several different characters/pairings, or it may focus on one single paring, I don't know yet. So just bear with me.

Here goes nothing…

/

Vignette #1—Tigress

Pairing: Neji/Hina

Rating: T

Two years after the Chūnin exams

Tigress: Reunion

The last thing Neji expected on returning from a two-week solo mission, was a run in with a small delegation from Suna—a delegation who had no business showing themselves in Konoha, as far as he knew. Being ANBU Captain, the Hokage always made certain he was one of the first to know if they were to expect important dignitaries. Which could only mean he was in for some kind of hostile confrontation.

Great. Just what the Hyuuga prodigy did NOT need.

"What is your business?" he directed his question to the leader who stepped forward, pulling down their hood to reveal four distinct blonde pigtails. "Hyuuga-san. You aren't supposed to be here; this is a classified mission."

Neji's sharp eyes surveyed the small group of Shinobi; there were three others aside from Temari and they all wore hooded cloaks which kept their faces concealed. One however was masked which struck Neji as particularly suspicious—why not mask all of them?

"As ANBU Captain, there is nothing above my status; I am cleared for any and all classified missions, Temari-san. So let's try this again. What is your business here?" A light gasp from the masked figure did not go unnoticed by the young prodigy and his eyes narrowed as he rested a hand on the hilt of his katana—a subtle sign of warning.

Temari's green eyes narrowed. "Ah hell. Look, I don't have time for this. In all honesty this is absurd; your family has a personal treaty with mine; considering your Uncle placed your cousin in the care of my family, two years ago, you shouldn't be questioning my intentions."

"Indeed. However as you say, it was my uncle who chose to place Hinata-sama in your care at the end of the chunin exams 2 years ago. Not mine. Just because he trusts you, doesn't mean I do—your actions two years ago more than warrant distrust." His gaze flickered to the masked ninja on Temari's right. There was something odd about them. Their Chakra level was suppressed so he couldn't sense if it was a signature he was familiar with, but there was a tense, uncomfortable aura surrounding them that he just couldn't shake.

His gaze was cool and calculating as he turned his attention to the faceless shinobi. "You. Why are you masked? Your comrades don't see a need to conceal their identities so completely—what are you hiding?" He took a step forward and was only mildly surprised when the person stiffened and took a half step back, reaching for the kunai pack at their hip.

Temari stretched out her arm in front of her subordinate but kept watchful eyes trained on the Hyuuga. "Easy, Tigress…stand down; he's just a suspicious bastard, that's all."

"Tch. And you are arrogant and over-confident. If you have no intention of telling me what you are planning, then I have no obligation to let you pass—the safety of my village and my Hokage comes first." With that, he unsheathed his sword, officially barring their way.

Temari grit her teeth, reaching for her fan. "Damn it, Hyuuga we don't have time for this shit! Tsunade is expecting us, it's not my fault that she didn't tell you anything but clearly, she has her reasons! Aside from that, we had a difficult time getting here as it is; stealth was imperative and you are jeopardizing more than you realize!"

Her words had turned urgent and the trace of desperation in her eyes made him pause. Just what in the hell is going on? And why wasn't he told anything about this 'classified' mission? Then another thought crept on the edges of his mind and suddenly, he felt an icy dread creep up his spine. "Is—does this have something to do with Hinata-sama?"

Another startled gasp from the masked figure was all the confirmation Neji needed and something visceral ignited deep in his gut. Gripping his Katana tighter, he took a stance and his Byakugan flared to life. "What has happened to her?"

Shit. Temari knew the minute Neji showed up, there was going to be trouble. But now, things were unraveling fast and she had no choice but to go to plan B. 'Damn you, Hiashi Hyuuga—you just had to leave your nephew out of this one and now I'm stuck handling the mess you made!' taking an offensive stance, she leveled a glare at him. "I'm gonna ask you one last time; let us pass before this gets out of hand."

Neji hissed and lunged. "What has happened to my cousin?! Answer me!"

Temari evaded his attack, blocked and evaded again. "Enough of this! Ask your uncle, since you—clearly don't—trust me!" with one violent sweep of her fan, she managed to push Neji back, her wind attack forcing him to take cover before he was shredded to bits.

She knew this wouldn't hold him long; Neji was an exceptional ninja and his Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven technique was impenetrable and would deflect all her oncoming attacks from here on out. This was their one small window of opportunity. "Tigress! Go! "

Tigress wasted no time and while Neji was occupied, she took to the trees and headed straight for Konoha at top speed.

'Ah, please be alright, Temari-san!' She was only a half mile out before she sensed it. Neji's strong, intense Chakra was closing in on her and at this point, she knew she'd have no choice but to cross swords with him. Exactly what she was trying to avoid. 'This is bad…at this rate, he'll know…he'll see…' it was then that a shuriken whizzed right past her head, forcing her trajectory slightly north. It wouldn't be long now. Then, the telltale SHING of a sword sliding out of its sheath, had her brandishing a kunai and turning her upper body just in time to block his attack.

She was face-to-face with him now—well face-to-mask but it was enough to rattle her as her eyes took in every inch of his features, from behind the narrow slits in her mask.

Her breath caught in her throat.

He was gorgeous. There was no other word she could think to describe him. High cheek bones, a straight nose and strong jawline leant a very aristocratic look to Neji's features—and his pale skin that looked as if it had been carved from the ivory of gods—oh, she was actually feeling just a little bit feverish at the mere sight of him! His dark chocolate hair was much longer now, falling over his shoulders and down his back in waves of near-black silk… she'd always been a sucker for his hair, though she'd die before ever admitting it to him. And his form was flawless as he fought, his physique, perfect from what she could see. 'Damn it, I'm drooling over him! What the hell is wrong with me?! This is Neji!" …but that's just it; he hadn't been the Neji she remembered from 2 years ago—he was still just a boy then; fourteen years old and so full of anger and hatred. The Neji before her now was so different—he seemed calmer—not restrained or cold like she remembered—and much more sure of himself, with a subtle strength and confidence that offset the haughty arrogance he'd carried himself with for all those years.

"Your comrades did well in distracting me—but I don't like my time wasted so now—you will tell me—what in the hell is going on here—or I'll have no other choice—but to force you to submit!" another fierce attack—she parried, countered and pushed him back just enough to gain a bit more ground before he closed in again—this time, the kunai whizzing passed her shoulder had an explosive tag tied to the end and erupted on impact. The smoke blinded her momentarily and she coughed and sputtered as the sulfur burned her nostrils and throat. In the next instant, her wrist was captured in an iron clad grip and she was thrown sideways into a tree. The impact left her dazed and blacks pots clouded the edges of her vision as she catapulted herself up into the thick foliage to escape.

"Tch. You won't get away that easy, Tigress-san." And he took off after her at lightening speed. Suddenly, her Chakra flared and Neji nearly choked when he felt the very familiar pulse of Byakugan.

'what…is this?'

He pushed harder, now hot on her heels and at just the right moment, he snagged her hood with one hand and with a kunai in the other, cut the mask loose. "Got you—!"

What he never expected was thick silken violet tresses coming loose or the wide twin lavander orbs nearly identical to his own, staring back at him.

She was a breathtaking vision that knocked the air straight out of his lungs, leaving him gasping in shock.

It can't be!

"Hinata…?!"

Her cheeks pinked and then two hands grabbed him from behind, seconds before everything went black.

/

When he next opened his eyes, he was at home in his own bed. There was a knock at his door and one of the servants entered to inform him that his uncle was waiting for him in his study. After a quick change of clothes and splashing his face with icy water, he headed out. It was a vast lawn that separated the Branch grounds from the Main house but Neji made it in record time; he was eager to see what his uncle had to discuss with him—pearlescent orbs and violet hair flashed in his head as he reached the large oak door that lead to Hiashi's study. The doorkeeper nodded curtly. "Hiashi-sama is expecting you." With that, he entered—starting marginally when he caught sight of Tsunade standing to the right of the Hyuuga head, arms crossed over her ample chest and honey eyes fierce.

She wasn't happy. "Ah, Hokage-sama I wasn't aware you were here as well—excuse my late arrival." Neji dropped to one knee before her but she waved him off. "Enough of that, Neji; we have more important things to discuss. First off, I want to assure you that this whole—escapade was indeed authorized by myself but it was your uncle's idea to keep it secret. I'm sorry. I don't think it was prudent to keep you in the dark but…well." And she cast a scathing look to his uncle that indeed, only Tsunade could get away with, before Hiashi himself stood to his feet and spoke.

"It was fully necessary for her protection, Hokage-sama, that fewer people knew; plus, the history between them has been strained in the past so the last thing I wanted was to cause any tension or stress to either of them."

"Wait, I—I'm sorry Uncle but I do not quite understand. Just who are you—" it was then that he recalled the last thing he remembered before blacking out, but before he could question further, the door opened and in walked a scowling Temari, "I told you everything went to hell. Ah well I guess I can't fully blame you, Hyuuga." She addressed him but his attention was only vaguely registering as his eyes glued to the silent, demure companion at her side; his heart hammered against his ribcage.

Hinata with long hair flowing passed her waist, hourglass curves and legs for days and she was here!—her Shinobi attire had evolved dramatically, from the baggy swallowing clothes of her genin days. Instead, a black snugly fitted kimono cinched at the waist with a red obi, hugged her curves, allowing free movement via the generous slit in the side which reached just above her mid thigh.

Neji gulped. The top of the kimono was modest and covered most—barely a nip of cleavage could be seen, but Hinata's generous bosom was more than noticeable without it. How had she changed and so much in just two short years? And it wasn't just her physical aspects that left him reeling and trying to grasp the newness of her; he could sense the change in her. She was calmer but the ever-resent timidity, the self-deprication…it was gone, replaced by a quiet strength and self-assurance he'd never known her to possess. It was refreshing. Intriguing.

"Hinata."

She stepped to her father and bowed deeply at the waist. "Chichue. It's good to be home."

I have read the monthly reports on your progress—you have done well, daughter." He rested a hand on her head and Hinata's lips curved into a tiny smile as she soaked in this rare moment of affection from her father.

But the moment was fleeting as the Hyuuga Head turned a severe countenance upon his nephew. "Neji. Your desire to protect this village is admirable—but you suspicion and distrust of known allies, is disgraceful. You should have accepted Temari-san and her companions without question. Instead, you nearly caused an international incident that risked your cousin's safety. Her position as the daughter to the Hyuuga clan Head, makes her a primary target for enemies of Hyuuga therfore, it is imperative that her movements outside the village, are kept in utmost secrecy. You should know this by now, considering what happened during the Hyuuga affair—"

Hinata's eyes widened at the mention of the most painful day in her cousin's life and she interjected. "Chichue, please! Don't bring up the painful past. Neji-nii-sama couldn't have known that I would be on this mission as he was kept completely in the dark; He was only doing what he is trained to do—defend Konoha from any and all threats, whether foreign or domestic. His desire and determination to put his life on the line for our village is commendable—not to mention a-admirable." She could feel the heat of her cousin's gaze on her and it elicited the falter in her speech which hadn't been present for nearly 2 years… 'I suppose there's no helping it; Neji-nii-sama has always been the one that made me feel the most self-conscious…I guess old habits die hard.'

"His arrogance is his downfall, Daughter; regardless of his motives—he lacks prudence, despite my best efforts to instruct him." Cool, eyes laid on his nephew who merely responded with a curt bow and clenched jaw.

Hinata's heart ached for him—why was such a purely good man always reduced to suffering? Yes, he had tried to kill her but she couldn't blame him; the division of the Hyuuga had birthed his pain and her own father's derision fostered his hatred; he'd known of nothing else and no other way to survive but to cling to Anger's hand and press onward.

No, she couldn't fault him for it at all. She only wished she could take even a third of his pain upon herself; she'd bear it happily for the sake of seeing him smile just once, hear his laughter that hadn't echoed in her ears since they were children.

"Besides, if the arrangement between our clan and the Sabaku family is to come to fruition, we cannot risk pettiness or reckless, misguided pride." His stinging remark nettled Neji's nerves, testing his control. But the peculiar words his uncle spoke—arrangement. Sabaku family—piqued his interest which turned to apprehension at the flash of disquiet reflected in Hinata's eyes. "It isn't a definite arrangement; only a proposed option."

"Ah, but a viable one. The connection would make a strong alliance for us!" Her father spoke enthusiastically, obviously pleased with the prospect; she had no desire to discuss it. "Chichue…you have other business with Temari-san, yes? Let's leave this for another time—I-I'm tired."

"Yes, yes of course. Your room is the sane as you left it. Ah, you know the way and if not, Neji can accompany you."

The young heiress protested. "Oh n-no that's really not ne-"

Neji interjected. "Of course, it would be my pleasure." His expression was impassive as she'd remembered—but his eyes were warm as they looked upon her and she felt her cheeks heat not for the first time, since her reunion with her cousin.

He was so much of a man now, she hardly knew how to even look at him properly, much less how to carry on a decent conversation so she simply nodded—half-hesitant—and followed as he led her out into the hallway. Their walk towards the East Wing was companionably silent between them and save for the handful of greetings she received from family members they happened to pass, there was little that was said.

Neji observed her from his place at her side—discreet glances that she wouldn't notice, gave him further opportunity to take in the sight of her and each time, he was conflicted with the reality of how stunningly gorgeous she was and his apparent blindness to it until now. How long had he spent loathing her with everything he had? And how far had it damaged and impaired his judgment to where he couldn't view life from the most practical and unbiased position possible? Neji couldn't fathom just what exactly he'd hoped to gain by fostering such a hatred—what result was he forging towards? Had he been under the illusion that he could change his destiny by simply refusing to accept the reality of the path his father had chosen? Was he so deeply steeped in selfish, arrogant pride that he believed he could cause the whole of Hyuuga to submit before him, by simply up turning his nose and stomping his foot like some spoiled, petulant child?

Oh, he'd been foolish indeed—thrice foolish for disrespecting his father's wish, rebelling against his family and casting her in the blame for it all. There was none to blame but himself—even his uncle's cruelty and dispassionate manner was no excuse for the sins he'd committed…he only prayed this would be the start to make things right.

If she would let him try, then surely…

"What is the arrangement Uncle spoke of?" the words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them and catching the tension lining his cousin's features and the light falter in her step, he cursed his own insensitivity for broaching the topic that clearly brought her unease.

"Ah, that was…"

"Mm, forgive me Hinata-sama I-don't know why I asked, it isn't polite of me."

Caught off guard by his uncharacteristic reticence, she cast a look at him and when his eyes happened to meet hers, she couldn't quell the natural upturn of her lips, nor the simultaneous rosy hue that dusted her cheeks—Neji's eyes were so much more expressive now than they'd ever been; though his countenance carried the trademark Hyuuga stoicism that he himself was well-known for, his gaze held such an intense, sincere warmth that left her quite unknowingly besmitten. "Oh it's not—I mean it doesn't bother me that you asked. I actually…well would you mind if I shared it with you?" The nervous stutter may be gone but Hinata would always be the quiet, unassuming, introverted girl he'd doted on when she was three. That part of her he'd thought he hated at one time, now simply struck him as—well endearingly familiar if he were to be completely honest. "I would not mind at all." He replied and was rewarded with a small but clearly delighted smile from his mistress.

Clasping her hands behind her back, her steps slowed to an easy walk and she felt at ease in the quiet presence of Neji, falling back into a rhythm she remembered from long ago, that was effortless and calming. "There was talk of—a possible betrothal between the eldest Sabaku and myself. Nothing at all definite, more of a tentative contemplation than anything else….but I…"

"The eldest Sabaku. That would be Kankuro no Sabaku."

Neji knew the man instantly—by reputation mostly and no, not the one regarding his skills as a shinobi. His steps had halted at the instant the name left Hinata's mouth and as his mind processed and turned over the information, he felt that visceral clenching in his gut as his eyes pinned his cousin with a look of shock and utter disgust. "The man is a pig, Hinata-sama!" His sudden outburst caused her to jump and without thinking, she grabbed his hand and pulled him off to the side, shushing him. "Not so loud Neji-nii-sama, s-someone will hear!" she pleaded.

"But how can you even be considering this?! His only 'merit' is he's the brother of the Kazekage and his right-hand advisor, but the man's a philandering, womanizer!"

"I'm not considering it; but you know Father, he's eager for alliances that can strengthen our clan, especially with war on the horizon-"

Neji shook his head, cutting her off. "It's absurd; for him to even consider aligning you with such a man—your honor would be besmirched and your good name smeared with scornful gossip."

She nibbled on her lip nervously. "…The Kazekage seemed convicted his brother is—reformed. Father wouldn't have been open to a discussion otherwise…"

"That's preposterous, Hinata-sama; men of Kankuro's level do not 'reform' overnight and certainly not because of a tentative arrangement between themselves and a strange woman."

"You think I'm strange?" The sliver of hurt in her voice surprised him and his tirade cut short. "What? I never said that, I—meant in regards to the fact that he does not know you personally; he has no connection with you. That—that was all I meant."

Something warm bloomed in her chest at his words, though she couldn't pinpoint the cause—perhaps it was relief, knowing that Neji didn't think her strange, or maybe it was his vehement declarations that Kankuro was not at all suitable for her—not worthy…maybe it gave her hope? Hope that her cousin didn't despise her quite so much anymore—that maybe he valued her even a little?

They came to a stop in the hallway and as customary, Neji checked Hinata's room to make sure it was safe, before she entered.

"Please rest as much as you can, Hinata-sama—I will be nearby so call if you need anything." He had just slipped passed her and out the door, before something stopped him and he turned, calling out to her.

"Ah, Hinata-sama—"

The Heiress turned, expectant. "Yes?" voice eager as she felt a strange tingling blooming in her chest.

Neji waited, debating on what to say next—he felt self-conscious and awkward and he didn't know why. Why was he so nervous when simply speaking to her?! "Ah, I just—" his eyes met twin pearlescent orbs tinged with lavender, his heart softened and the warmth spread to his eyes. "…Welcome home, Hinata-hime.."

Her lips parted on a gasp and she stared at him with wide eyes. There was that warm look again and she felt the blood race through her veins, heating her cheeks. Then, she smiled. "Thank you; it's good to be home...Neji." She breathed just his name, on a whisper, hoping he hadn't heard, before disappearing into her room without looking back.

But if she'd even taken a glimpse, she wouldn't have missed the shocking view of Neji standing frozen in the hallway, eyes wide in shock, and a telltale shade of red staining his cheeks.

/

As I've said before, this is just an effort to get the inspirational juices flowing. Yay? Nay? I have quite a few other vignettes in mind but let me know if you guys want a "sequel" to this particular one. If not, I'll just move onto the other pairings.