NejiHina - Gentle Fist, Gentle Heart

The Cursed Bond

Hinata watched as Hanabi dove back into the darkness. She was still unsteady on her feet, and feeling a bit warm - but what just happened certainly woke her up.

She turned and rushed back to Neji.

"Ni-san? Are you alright?" Neji was still on his knees, panting.

"Y-yes Hinata-sama.." he managed to get out. Whilst he was still dealing with the after effects and pain, he felt completely winded - his body drained of strength.

The curse mark. The cruel and twisted reminder that Neji was of the branch family and that Hanabi, was of the main. Neji's fingers dug into the dirt beneath him as his hands curled into fists. The deep anger that dwell within him coming to the surface once more.

How could I forget? How could I forget this pain.. this cursed reminder of  what fate I must overcome. 

Neji's thoughts only got darker. It had been a long time since his curse mark had been activated by a main family member.

Suddenly Neji felt warm arms around him - dragging him out of his head. "H-hinata-sama?" 

"Shhh..." Hinata knelt in front of him, Neji was still involuntarily shaking from the hell he had just been put through.

Hinata held Neji to her chest, her arms wrapped around him. "I'll hold you until you stop shaking." She rested her chin on top of his head and stroked his hair with her left hand.

"And.. I was meant to be the one taking care of you..." he murmured into Hinata's chest.

He couldn't help himself, but his arms gingerly embraced Hinata back. He was glad it was dark, it meant that Hinata couldn't see the blush in his cheeks - not that she would be able to anyway, what with his face pressed up right against her chest..

It was hard for Neji to Ignore how well endowed Hinata was... but through sheer willpower he somehow managed. Despite standing up from him, as well as now comforting him - Neji could tell Hinata was still drunk.

There was still a slight scent of sake on her breath - that and, in her rush to comfort him - Hinata pushed Neji right into her chest - and then locked him in place with her chin. It was getting difficult to breathe... Neji moved slightly, turning his head so that his face was faced outwards. 

Finally air.. 

He could hear Hinata's heart beat. It was steady and alluring. He felt himself begin to be lulled to sleep.. he was not the only one. 

Hinata's hand was midway down Neji's back - it seemed she had fallen asleep.

Feeling recovered, Neji gently removed himself and picked Hinata up - this time in a Princess style carry.

She protected me.. Neji thought gratefully. Whilst Hanabi still inflicted upon him intense pain, it was cut short thanks to Hinata.

"Thank you my sweet Imoto.." he whispered, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

This much is fine... It's because she protected me.. Neji felt the need to rationalise with himself.

The all too familiar, yet unbearable feeling rising in his heart once more.

He held Hinata close to him as he resumed the walk back to the Hyūga estate.

~

The next morning Hinata woke with a splitting headache - and a hazy recollection of what had happened.

Um... so the.. the Chunin exam was yesterday! Yes.. Neji and I passed.. Tenten.. drinking...

"Oh my god!" She jolting up, her face already flushed from the bits and pieces she was remembering. No...no..no..

Everything was slowly coming back.

"Hanabi!" she gasped as she recalled the incident between them and Neji.

Neji? She began to recall how he had ended up spending the night having to look after her.. even to the point where he got punished by Hanabi.

I should go and talk to both of them right away.. she began to think - however her aching head and body told her otherwise. I will go.. she thought, sinking back into bed.. after this nap.

Neji's morning did not go as smoothly.

After he and Hinata arrived at the estate, he handed Hinata over to one of the maids and gave a brief explanation. 

He returned to his own room. He was still getting used to the idea, of his own room in the Main family estate. Normally branch members would never be allowed to have their own place of residence within the Main estate.. yet because Hiashi had permitted him so, Neji was allowed his own.

Neji felt his cheeks burn as he thought about how tightly Hinata held him. Ahem and where she held him. 

Trying to clear his mind, but failing - he didn't get much sleep.

He awoke to a maid knocking on his door. Hiashi had summoned him. Neji gulped, afraid of why Hiashi would want to see him.