NejiHina - Gentle Fist, Gentle Heart

After Party

Neji had never seen such grandiose in his life, the feast was plentiful and delicious.  Hoheto made sure that everyone's - save Hanabi-sama's cup - stayed full of sake.

Nakahira didn't drop his nervousness towards Neji drinking, Neji couldn't figure out why.. it tasted like normal, albeit strong, sake.

After they were done eating, Hoheto, who despite drinking twice as much as everyone else could still stand straight, (Hinata had a heavy blush to her cheeks, one that Neji couldn't help but notice.) addressed everyone.

"I am truly blessed to be able to accommodate the future of the head and branch family today, it is my honour."

"It is now time for this old man to retire, but don't let that hold you back - Naka.. do come help me." 

Nakahira nodded, and followed Hoheto as he began to retreat.

The table watched them leave.

Haruko slammed the table. "Right! Now that Gramps is gone... it's time to play."

Hinata looked visibly uncomfortable, unsure what was about to happen. Neji got up to move, but there was a strong hand on his arm refraining him from doing so.

"Don't worry, it's going to be fine." Hikaru gave him a smile.

Neji sat down, his eyes still on Hinata, he hoped that his presence would be reassuring to her.

Surprisingly, Hanabi was more than ready.

"Play? What shall we do!" 

Had Neji not been concerned over Hinata, he would have chucked. Despite how hard Hanabi tries to act adult - she showed her age all too often.

"Hanabi is too young to drink anymore Sake, if it's more drinking you're suggesting, we will be retiring." Neji said firmly. Whilst Hanabi was definitely too young for drinking games, it was more because upon remembering Hinata's tolerance, he didn't want her to get that drunk in this place that put even him on edge.

"Nono, this is a game that won't even take long, I'll even let you escort the lovely Huuga ladies back to their rooms. Hikaru and I have business to do after this." Haruko winked.

She called out some more attendants, they bought different small glasses - there was a sweet smelling aroma that followed.

"The rules are!" Haruko clapped her hands, the attendants lay down these small glasses in front of everyone.

"Everyone has to drink - bottoms up! Don't worry, its very low alcohol content, so you should be fine Hanabi-sama." 

Haruko cupped her glass in her hand. "And one of us will have a small pink pill! And whoever gets it, gets a special prize. It's easy and fun right!" 

Hanabi's eyes were sparkling, she loved games.. and she loved winning them.

Everyone downed their drinks. Neji felt the twin's gaze on him, he swallowed his drink - he felt a small pill on his tongue.

Hurrah.. I suppose I'm the winner. He was unsure what this would do, but would much rather him be the one taking the mystery pills the twins were feeding him instead of Hinata-sama or Hanabi-sama.

Haruko clapped her hands yet again. She was so lively, her thoughts seemed to race a mile a minute.

"Well now! I do believe it's time for us to go to retire also. Haruko? Will you show the girls where to go?" 

Haruko flicked her wrist, and almost instantly another attendant was beside her.

"Show our lovely guests where to go, Hikaru - show Neji, I'll meet you after." 

"Goodnight all." Haruko bowed deeply, before departing swiftly.

Hinata looked a bit flustered, Hanabi a little put out, Neji guessed upset that she wasn't the one with the 'mystery pill'.

"Don't worry," Hikaru started to say. They've been saying that a lot lately.. it's not exactly reassuring.

"Haruko and I thought you would want to reconvene after a long day, there are some refreshments being prepared for you. The attendants will take care of the ladies - I just wanted to have a talk, man to man." Hikaru smiled again, the same one that never quite reached his eyes.

"Will you be okay Hinata-sama?" Neji asked.

Hinata blushed, "I'll be alright Ni-sama!" Hinata bowed.

"I'll see you soon, Goodnight Hikaru." 

The ladies left, following yet another attendant - leaving Hikaru and Neji to themselves.

The already large table, felt even more so now it was just the two of them.

"I feel I made the wrong impression earlier today." Hikaru turned to Neji, his blue eyes staring down Neji's.

Once again there was something about them that unnerved him.

"I just wanted to give you a word of warning," Hikaru continued speaking whilst getting out of his chair and moving towards the door - motioning for Neji to do the same.

"I wouldn't trust Nakahira if I were you." Hikaru pushed open the towering doors and lead Neji yet again through a long hallway of twists and turns.

Hikaru abruptly stopped, from Neji's understanding of the layout of the estate - they were on the opposite side from Neji's chambers.

"But, I know you already don't." he turned around to face Neji, a chilling grin on his face.

"You're smart Neji, I like you. So I'll give you this one for free." he stepped closer, so that his mouth was only centimetres away from Neji's ear. 

"Tomorrow night, just before dusk. Theres a back fence at the very edge of the training ground."

He pulled back, "Try jumping it." he winked. 

"Go into this room, Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama should be waiting for you. I'll also take my leave, Haruko and I are going to go over our strategy for tomorrow's spar. I hope you and Hanabi-sama are ready." 

Hikaru bowed, before disappearing. We're all Ninja, Neji mused. But must the twins really disappear so fast - does no one walk normally? 

He sighed and shook his head yet again and pushed open the door. Despite the whirlwind that was today, he was not ready for the sight before him.