Reborn as Sakura and Hinata: Lost in the Wind

Hyuga Time: Return of Hiashi

I woke up from my dream in a momentary panic. I could still feel the disturbing warmth of a human body surrounding my arm, the sharp jab of ribs poking me, the convulsions of death. It was a stark contrast from the smooth cloth of my sleeve and the comforting firmness of my bed. I felt a hand brush my bangs out of my face and press against my forehead.

I opened my eye to see Neji standing over me. I blinked, my brain trying to re-acclimate to the normal world. Neji pulled back when he noticed I was awake.

"Did I wake you?" he asked apologetically.

"No, don't worry about it." I sat up slowly, yesterday's headache now gone. I stretched, trying to loosen up. Neji stayed next to me, hand still outstretched, "What's wrong?"

"I was checking to see if you had a fever." Neji answered, worry written across his face, "You seemed very unwell yesterday. Sakura told me you might be sick." he took a step forward.

With an eye roll, I grabbed his hand and pressed the back of it to the side of my face.

"See? I'm fine, no fever." I smiled, still holding onto the hand. It was probably just a side effect of my dream, but I really needed human contact that didn't involve killing.

"How are you feeling otherwise then?" Neji asked, making no move to take his hand back.

"Hungry, I guess. Thirsty?" I looked back at him with a shrug.

"Okay, let's fix that then." Neji nodded, using the hand I was already holding to pull me up. He steadied me as I stood up.

"Has Hanabi eaten yet?" I asked, realizing with a bit of panic that she wasn't with me when I woke up.

"Relax," Neji sighed, "I made her breakfast, and she's reading at the kitchen table right now."

I let out a relieved sigh as we entered the kitchen and I saw what he said to be true. Hanabi happily jumped off of her chair and ran over to me.

"You're awake!" she chirped.

"Good morning, conejita, did Neji take good care of you?" I ruffled her hair, earning a pout from her.

"He tried his best, but he's not as good of a cook as you." she grumbled. I felt Neji stiffen next to me, blushing in embarrassment.

"I- I apologize." Neji muttered under his breath. I felt my heart twinge in sympathy as he was clearly dying of embarrassment, "I am not experienced with food preparation."

"Aw!" I hugged his arm, "It's okay! I can try teaching you."

"Yes, I would like that." he affirmed my statement, but I saw something strange in his expression.

"Alright, what do we have in here." I opened the fridge and looked through, deciding on a leftover tub of pudding.

"What do you think you're doing?" Neji asked flatly.

"Getting breakfast?" I quirked an eyebrow.

"You cannot eat that!" Neji insisted, bewildered, "You have hardly eaten in two days and the first thing you go for is a dessert?"

"I don't want to cook okay!" I defended, chucking the container violently back into the fridge, glowering at him. Neji and I both glanced inside to see the container had broken open, "Shit!" I spat as I grabbed a paper towel. Neji grabbed my wrist.

"Let me get it. Make something to eat." He seemed ticked off still but his tone had softened. I pulled against him.

"It's my mess! Let me clean it!" I tugged my arm from his grasp. His wounded look at my tone made me pause, "F-Fine... do what you want." I lowered my arms to my sides, confused by my own behavior. Was I normally this volatile? Hanabi looked between Neji and me nervously. Neji frowned, picking up a washcloth and moving to clean out the fridge.