"Follow Me"

Chapter 12

'Interesting?' Hinata hummed as she gazed at the current information. Neji hasn't been home in the past two weeks. They had separate drivers but he was recently fired as Neji had explained that Shikamaru's driver would be taking him to school but it was a cover. He hasn't touched his room, or eaten dinner with them. 

But she saw him at school, it was difficult not to see him. He's been tailing Naruto, being his dealer when the situation arose, and being a body double when the games called for a potential sacrifice of a body part. Of course with Naruto's luck Neji never lost a limb but it wasn't very pleasant to see her brother be so willing to gamble. With how Neji was disgusted by it since childhood it was weird that Naruto had charmed him into being so active in the dens. 

She sighed softly, leaning back in her chair as she dismissed one of her many informants as she planned. Planning and actions are two different things. Contrary to what one might believe Neji was a cornerstone for every plan the Hyuga clan executed. He was swift and devastating in his blows to others outside the clan. Seeing him be charmed by Naruto was a confirmation that Shikamaru didn't make mistakes. No move was mindless, it was all calculated. 

A worthy opponent indeed. 

She slipped out the doors of her private office and traversed to Neji's gambling den. He had claimed one under Naruto's district and it was surprisingly popular. She walked in to see her brother dealing cards while flirting with the ladies who couldn't see Neji stealing the money from their purses.

His princely features were godsent for the clan but the naivety needed to be trashed. 'Well, I suppose since he's been around Naruto he's anything but innocent now.' 

"Neji," She called out and her brother looked over with immediate disinterest. "A moment." 

"Later," Neji brushed her off as he returned to playing with the girls. Hinata gritted her teeth. 

"It would seem that playing in Naruto's sty had made you into an animal," She was terse and the temperature dropped. Neji looked at her but he was still distracted and he didn't move. She opened her mouth to make another sly comment when a hand was placed on her shoulder. Hinata knew this hand, the hand that was so gentle but promised swift death. 

"Is that how you see my lover Hyuga," Shikamaru murmured as he leaned down. "Isn't this a compromising situation? Especially since Naruto has affection for your brother as well as myself." 

Hinata steadied her breathing before facing him, she looked up into his face with a bit of displeasure. "Is this going to be a permanent arrangement or temporary? I know Naruto will let him go if he gets bored but what about you?" 

"It's an arrangement for the rest of our lives, a lifetime gamble if you must," Shikamaru patted her head. "Besides you've always been a thorn in the Nara Clan's side." 

"You're just worried we'll overtake you," She smirked, feeling confident. 

Shikamaru gave her a blank stare, raising his eyebrow. "Overtake?" 

Hinata's frown deepened at the question, Shikamaru chuckled his eyes narrowing at her. "You haven't checked the prices yet, have you? Caught up in your brother you've neglected your duties. You are nowhere near the Nara Clan, not anymore." 

Hinata spun to Neji who was already staring at her, his face stretched into a smile. "You brat, you ungrateful little brat," She cursed as she made a move towards Neji only to be yanked by her ponytail by Shikamaru. 

"Can't have you attacking our newest asset now, can we?" Shikamaru pulled tighter as Hinata growled quietly. "You Hyuga are so annoying but it can't be helped. You're founding members of Konoha." 

"You have no right to give them Hyuga secrets Neji," Hinata leveled him with a glare. "When I report this to Father he'll have your head." 

Neji laughed. "I don't care, what are you gonna do? Banish me?"

Shikamaru chuckled as he dragged her out. "Take care of the den sweetheart." 

On the outside Naruto was waiting with a bored expression on his face as he got off the wall to approach them. "Is he okay?" He asked, referring to Neji who was still inside. 

"He is, but Miss Hyuga over here is gritting her teeth as we spat in her tea," Shikamaru shook her by the ponytail. "I'll thank you later I need to go sort her out."