Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ In the Rain ❯ A Strange Twist ( Chapter 7 )

Author: I'm back! As I promised, this is a Christmas Chapter. Since it's already February, It's kind of late, I won't be making a New Year's Chapter. I'm SO sorry for not posting sooner; my internet has been completely screwed up for a while. Also, if there are any fanfics you've written or fanart you've drawn, I'd be MORE than happy to read and review your work! So anyways, hope you liked the last chapter! Now, here is Chapter 7! (BTW, there might be some OOC in this chappy…just a lil' bit, I hope)

 

~To the Reviewers: I REALLY appreciate the reviews, Milton, SaSuKeS_WiFe, and alexvalentine!! You three are so sweet! If you three have any requests of one shots, special chapters, or artwork (even though its not the best -_-) later on, I'll try and write/draw them for you! Thanks again!~

 

Random Quote: “Those beautiful eyes, that incredible body, such a brain, a great smile…but that's enough about me, how about you?” -Anonymous

 

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Chapter 7:

A Strange Twist

 

 

 

Saiiya lay awake on her bed, arms behind her head, staring up at the ceiling. It was snowing really hard again, so she couldn't go outside, and was stuck inside. `When was it when we last trained?' Saiiya thought, her mind drifting towards Neji. For the past three days she had been constantly thinking of him, and had given up trying to think about something else. `I still don't know exactly why I like him. That's irritating…' Saiiya stood up and stretched a little bit, walking downstairs. “What time is it?” she asked herself, looking at the clock as she entered the kitchen. “5:42…Kakashi is usually up by now…”

 

“I was in my room, that's all.” Saiiya turned around, grinning at her brother. “Mornin' ani.” Saiiya walked over to get a cup of coffee. “When did you start drinking coffee?” Kakashi asked as she got out a mug. “Since I've been getting less than an hour of sleep every night.” Kakashi sighed. “You know, you don't have to lose sleep over the Hyuga.” Saiiya narrowed her eyes as she poured creamer into her coffee. “Why do you always pester me about him?” she asked irritably, sitting down at the table. Kakashi shrugged, pouring his own coffee and sitting down across from her.

 

“It's not everyday your little sister falls in love.” Saiiya set her coffee cup down roughly. “I'm NOT in love. It's just an infatuation,” Saiiya snapped, turning to look outside. “Every other man you've ever had an `infatuation' with never caused you to lose sleep.” “Because every other man I've had an infatuation with wasn't as fucking irritating as that stuck-up jerk,” Saiiya responded coldly, drinking some more of her coffee. Kakashi chuckled, pulling down his mask so he could drink his coffee. “It's not funny. I'm turning into that red-headed Kazekage because of Neji.”

 

Kakashi looked up at her, a smirk on his face. “Well, I'm glad I'm not you. You already started your period, didn't you? You get really emotional, so you'll probably get back to sleep in no time.” Saiiya blushed; it was uncomfortable to hear her brother talk about that. “Well, whatever. I'm going upstairs to read a book after breakfast.” Kakashi shrugged and sipped his coffee again. “Just stay out of my Icha Icha Paradise.” Saiiya blushed even harder, glaring at her older brother. “I'll give you a few more scars on your face if you don't shut up,” she warned, waving her hand at his uncovered eye.

 

Kakashi lifted his hands in defense, his cup in his right hand. “Gomen, gomen. I'm going to be making a few calls later on, so don't tie up the phone line.” Saiiya grunted in return, putting her now empty cup into the dishwasher before heading upstairs to her room. She looked at her large bookshelf, running her hand along the spines of the books. She pulled out the one she had been reading and flopped onto her bed, opening it.

 

~*~

 

“Neji-sama? I brought your tea,” murmured a soft voice at the teen's door. He sat up, walking to the door. `Oh shit! Not her!' he thought irritably as he opened it, revealing the black haired servant. He had just gotten his mind off of the ANBU that had stolen his heart and now he was going to start again. “Arigato, please leave it on the nightstand,” he replied, running his hands through his hair as he walked over to his bed. The servant placed it on the nightstand, hurrying out. Neji poured himself tea, sighing. He looked down at its murky brown depths and stared into his reflection.

 

“Hatake Saiiya…what have you done to me?” he asked, taking a sip of the tea. He closed his eyes, sitting cross-legged on his bed. He was brought out of his thoughts when there was another knock on the door. “Enter.” The door slid open, revealing the same servant. “Um, Neji-sama? I just got an invitation for you, it's about a Christmas Party,” she replied timidly, and Neji waved her over. She walked over and handed him the invitation before bowing and rushing off once again. Neji looked at the silky, cursive handwriting. He didn't recognize it.

 

He opened it up, pulling out the card and reading it. His face paled and he groaned. “Saiiya…you have to torture me even when we AREN'T training?” he whispered, looking at the card again. “Christmas Eve, at her house? It's casual dress, and her number is…” Neji sat up, reading the number over again. He glanced at his calendar and picked up his cell phone. “555-6929…” Neji said aloud, placing the phone next to his ear. After a few rings, someone picked up. “Hatake Residence, Saiiya speaking.”

 

~*~

 

Saiiya was just at the climax in her book when the phone rang. “Ani!!” she yelled, her nose stuck between the pages, hoping Kakashi would pick it up for her. “I'm in the shower!!” Kakashi shouted from the other room. Saiiya grumbled something under her breath and shoved her bookmark in the book to hold her place as she leaned over and grabbed the portable phone next to her bed. “Hatake Residence, Saiiya speaking.” “Hey.” Saiiya stopped functioning. If she wasn't mistaken, the voice sounded exactly like Neji's. “N-Neji?” she asked in a tone she wished was a bit more casual sounding.

 

“No, it's the first Hokage.” Saiiya grinned. She was starting to rub off on him. “How'd you get my number?” she asked, fingering with the tassel on the end of her bookmark. “You sent me an invitation to your Christmas party.” Saiiya paused, thinking back to when she sent those out yesterday. “I did?” She heard a snort on the other side. “You're an idiot.” Saiiya laughed. “I just sent them to all of my friends. There's a lot, you know.” She didn't realize that Neji's face was a light pink on the other end.

 

“Well, I'm RSVPing.” Saiiya looked over at her desk on the opposite side of the room. She got up, grabbing a pen from the pencil holder and placed a checkmark on her long list of guests next to Neji's name. She looked above his and saw Hinata's name still left unchecked. “What about Hinata? Is she going?” “I don't know. Am I her keeper?” Saiiya laughed again. “You're supposed to protect her, so you should know where she's going.” There was a long pause on the other end. “Hang on a second.”

 

Saiiya waited, a warm smile gracing her face. She lay back on the bed, picking up her book and reading it. About a minute later, she heard Neji's voice calling her name. She set the novel back down, picking up the phone. “Neji?” “Hinata IS going.” Saiiya went and checked her name off of the list. “Alright.” There was a long pause; neither of them knew what to say. “Soo…what are you doing?” Saiiya asked, lying back down on her bed. “Talking to you.” Saiiya sighed. “What else?” “Drinking tea.” Saiiya chuckled. “How interesting.”

 

“I doubt you're doing anything more interesting, Hatake.” Saiiya shrugged even though Neji couldn't see. “I'm reading a book.” “What are you reading?” “It's the Act of Treason by V. Flynn (1). It was just recently translated to Japanese from America.” “I see.” “Actually you heard, but whatever. What kind of tea do you like?” There was a short pause. “What kind do YOU like?” “I asked you first.” “I asked you second.”

 

For some reason, Neji sounded much calmer than Saiiya did. “First is better.” Neji chuckled. “First is the worst, second is the best…” Saiiya laughed. “Third is the one with a hairy chest.” “…..I was thinking along the lines of nice, round breasts, but alright. I like green tea. Now you.” Saiiya dropped the phone, scrambling to pick up, her face glowing. “Neji!” “I'm a man, Saiiya. Now answer the question.” Saiiya controlled herself and regained her composure “I don't like tea.” “What DO you like?” “Well, I'm growing to like coffee.” “You drink coffee?” Saiiya felt the familiar blush coming back. “Just started.” “Why?”

 

Saiiya grew even redder. “I haven't been sleeping well these past few nights.” “Why not?” “Does it really matter?” Saiiya asked, not wanting to tell him that it was him that was keeping her up so night, but he was going to pester her some more.

 

“It matters to me.” Saiiya's heart skidded to a halt. “Wow.” “What?” “That was the kindest thing I've ever heard you say.” “Whatever. I'm going to go.” Saiiya sighed. “Have fun drinking tea.” “Have fun reading.” “I will.” With that, Saiiya hung up. She looked at the phone softly. “Neji…” she murmured before setting the phone back and picking up her book. She stared at the cover for a few minutes, and then trotted back downstairs to go train in the weight room where her brother most likely was.

 

She got there and sure enough, Kakashi was lifting weights. She waved to him, walking over to the punching bag, stretching out. “So, how many people did you invite to the Christmas Party?” Kakashi asked as he did his 10th set of lifting. Saiiya tied her hair back, wrapping bandages around her arms. “20.” Saiiya replied, bending over to wrap bandaged around her legs, standing. “Alright. You did say that I could invite my Jonin friends, right?” he asked, and Saiiya nodded. “Yeah.” “Good. Sierra, Ino, and Sakura are coming over early to help set up, correct?”

 

“Mhm.” “Okay. Hey, can you hand me that towel over there?” Kakashi questioned, and Saiiya leaned over to grab the towel lying on a bench. “Who are you inviting?” Saiiya tossed the towel at him after asking him the question. “Ah, a few Jonin. We won't bother you much.” Saiiya's eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms. “That's not what I'm worried about…” Kakashi grinned. He wasn't wearing his mask, but neither he nor Saiiya cared. “What are you suggesting that we might do?” Kakashi asked slyly. “Something in those dirty books of yours,” was her dry remark.

 

“There's not enough men for Chapter 7, but maybe Chapter 18…” Kakashi teased, and Saiiya covered her ears. “Gyah!! Ani!! Stop it!” she shouted, grotesque images flashing through her mind. Kakashi chuckled and picked up his weights, starting another set. Saiiya muttered something about `perverted old men' and proceeded to beat the living shit out of the punching bag.

 

 

~*~

 

After what seemed like an eternity, Christmas Eve finally arrived. Luck was on Saiiya's side; the snowstorm had stopped that morning. Saiiya spent three hours cleaning and dusting and rearranging the house. She looked at her finished work and smiled. “Alright. Now that that's done, I need to see what we'll need snack-wise. Choji's coming, so we'll need a lot of snacks….” She thought aloud, rummaging through the cabinets in search of anything they were running out of. There was a knock on the door, and Kakashi went to answer it. “Oh, she's in the kitchen,” Kakashi said, and Saiiya smiled.

 

Seconds later, two arms snaked around her waist, a pair of lips pressing against her neck, silky hair that didn't belong to her brushing against her ear. “What are you doing, Saiiya-chan?” purred the man, and Saiiya blushed. “Neji?” she whispered, and bit back a moan as he nibbled the tender skin. “Yes, surprised?” Saiiya couldn't form words; her mind was at a loss. “I can't keep away from you anymore. My heart's aching to feel your skin against mine.” Saiiya's throat tightened as he lined kissed up her neck and along her jawline.

 

She laid her hands on top of his, pulling them off of her so she could turn and give the black-haired Jonin a warm, passionate kiss. Neji kissed her back, his arms pulling her in; her hands tangling themselves in his hair, deepening the kiss. She smiled as they parted, moving one hand to his cheek. “I love you…” he murmured before giving her another heart-melting kiss. “Saiiya…daijobu?”

 

Saiiya snapped out of her thoughts, realizing she had been standing still, staring down at the blank counter. ((A/N: tee hee…you thought Neji actually did that, didn't you? Sorry to burst your bubble…)) “Hai, Sierra-chan. Just thinking,” she replied, almost angry that she couldn't continue her daydream. She blushed at the fact that she was imagining such things. `It's not like he'll ever do that…' she thought dryly, taking a small notepad and writing down the things she needed as Sierra, Ino, and Sakura strolled up behind her.

 

“Who's going to get the supplies?” he questioned. Saiiya kept writing. “Kakashi. But then again, I'm afraid about his skill in shopping.” The girls all chuckled. It was true; the silver-haired Jonin never shopped that often, so he didn't know much about it. “I'm not that bad. Give me the instructions and I'll go,” Kakashi whined jokingly, entering after them. Saiiya just finished writing and gave the yellow slip of paper to him. “If there's anything you need help on, use my cell. Yours is charging. If anyone calls, don't answer it. If it's important, they'll leave a message or call again.”

 

The others just rolled his eyes. Her sense of logic was strangely correct. But, they all knew he never listened and picked up the phone anyways. Kakashi took the phone and paper from Saiiya before disappearing in a puff of smoke. “Soo…what're we needed for?” Ino asked, breaking the silence. “Alright, we need to set up decorations; I laid them out on the tables in the living room. Then we'll need to set up entertainment. There's DDR, karaoke, and music that I need to get out from the garage. So, Ino, you and Sierra will set up decorations while Sakura and I go get the other stuff.”

 

The three girls nodded and they all went off to do what they needed to do. Sakura glanced over at the ANBU, seeing her drifting off into space. “Umm, Saiiya-sempai? What are you thinking about?” she asked, and Saiiya snapped back to reality just like before, blushing. “Oh, um, nothing really.” Sakura chuckled. “You're really bad at lying. Who's the guy?” Saiiya blushed harder as she opened the door to the garage. “Is it that obvious?” Sakura nodded, and Saiiya sighed. “A man I'll never get…” Sakura slowed her pace. “I know how you feel. It sucks, doesn't it?”

 

“Yeah,” she agreed as she pulled out the supplies, giving half of it to Sakura. She kicked the door shut and they began walking back. “Who do you like?” Saiiya flushed even more. “H-Hyuga Neji…” Saiiya couldn't believe that she was telling Sakura this. So far, only Kayrin, Kakashi, and Sierra knew. “But don't tell anyone, or I'll brutally kill you.” Sakura sweat dropped. “You two would look cute together, you know,” she complimented. Saiiya smiled shyly. ((Wooahhh…you don't see THAT often)) “You really think so?” Sakura nodded.

 

“I don't think anyone would be surprised if the Hyuga clan chooses you to marry him. You're strong, attractive, even if the two of you fight like cats and dogs. But either way, you're really compatible.” “But I guess it's not the same as really caring about each other, you know? I mean, I'd be so happy if I could marry him, I'd be screaming for days on end in excitement, but that's forced love, something I can't stand.” Sakura nodded in agreement. “You're right. It's not.” They ended their conversation as they got back, Saiiya spotting Sierra sticking mistletoe above several doorways.

 

Saiiya grimaced. “Mistletoe…” she grumbled. Sierra looked over her shoulder. “What?” “Do you know when the literal translation for mistletoe is `dung on a twig' (2)?” she asked, and Sakura laughed. “No…where did you hear THAT?” Sierra questioned, raising an eyebrow as she climbed down from the ladder. “Internet.” Sierra rolled her eyes. “You're strange, you know that?” Saiiya shrugged. “I live to be strange, Sierra.” “No, you live for a certain black-haired ninja.” Saiiya flushed and immediately Ino's eyes were on her. “Sasuke? That man's MINE,” she warned.

 

Sakura giggled. “Tch, only in his dreams. But it's not important, keep working.” Saiiya groaned as Ino bounced up to her, interested in the ANBU's love interest. “Aww…come on, tell me! Let's see…who else is a black haired ninja our age…hmm…Shikamaru?!” Saiiya stepped back, grimacing. “Why would I like someone as lazy as HIM? If we were to go out, we'd both be too lazy to do ANYTHING!” Sierra snorted, moving to another place to hang mistletoe. “Who else has dark hair?” Saiiya shook her head.

 

“You'll see tonight. But if I catch you even so much as look like you're going to scream who I like, which I know you'll want to do, I'll beat the shit out of you until you are a disfigured bloody pulp.” Ino paled and went back to working. A little while later, Kakashi came back, and Sierra and Sakura went to go cook. Kakashi helped finish Saiiya setting up. Finally, they were done, and it was close to the time Saiiya had said for everyone to be there. “Kayrin needs to get here soon, she's the event switcher person.” Saiiya noted, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “MC?” Sierra corrected, and Saiiya nodded. “Right! MC!”

 

The doorbell rang, and the young ANBU went to answer it. “Oh! Asuma! Kurenai!” she cried cheerfully, grinning. “Hey, how're you?” Asuma asked, ruffling Saiiya's hair. “Alright, and yourself?” she responded, waving them inside. “Great. Happy Christmas Eve, by the way,” Asuma replied. Kurenai bowed her head calmly and squeezed Asuma's hand. “Yes, Happy Christmas Eve, Saiiya.” Saiiya bowed her head. “Back to you. Kakashi's in the kitchen.” Asuma and Kurenai thanked her, going to find their friend.

 

A few minutes later, Kayrin arrived. She was wearing a dark green shirt with the sleeves hugging the area just below her shoulders, white straps over the junction between her shoulder and neck. She had on a pair of tight jeans to match. Her hair was loose, but was now only to her shoulders. “Hey! When did you get your haircut?” Saiiya asked, picking up the hair in question. Kayrin smacked her hand away, smirking. “Yesterday. I didn't feel like keeping it so long, so I shortened it.” Saiiya grinned. “It looks good.”

 

“So do you. That really suits you. You just can't live without fishnets, can you?” Kayrin joked, pointing at her best friend. ((A/N: Saiiya's wearing her casual wear minus her headband and shoes. See Chapter 2 for a refresher )) Saiiya nodded, seeing some more people coming. “Well, you're the MC, so . It's a miracle the blizzard ended this morning, though, don't you agree?” Saiiya questioned, looking outside calmly. “Hai,” was Kayrin's reply as she took the list and began to glance through them, marking off the names as people showed up.

 

Saiiya made sure everything was ready and turned on some music. It was a very upbeat song that immediately lifted everyone's spirits. Shijin, Kiba, Choji, Shino, and Anko (she went upstairs with Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai) had arrived during the next half hour, and Shikamaru, Lee, Tenten, several of Saiiya's old classmates, and even the sand siblings (who were in Konoha for the past week on a mission) were there. Saiiya looked anxiously through the crowd looking for a certain white-eyed bishie, but couldn't find him or his cousin anywhere. Kayrin then walked up onto a mini platform that Kakashi had set up in case of any announcements.

 

“Alright! We are going to have a dance contest!!” she shouted, catching the attention of all the people in the room. They all cheered and divided into male and female (with the male group heavily outweighing the women). Kakashi and the Jonin he invited came downstairs to join them. “Alright, let's have the guys go first!” Kayrin shouted, and the girls moved to the side to watch. “You weren't going to start without me, were you, Kayrin?” asked an all too familiar voice. Kayrin looked at the door where Neji and Hinata were standing. ((w00t! The long awaited Hyuga Duo has arrived!))

 

Saiiya's eyes glowed, but she restrained herself, turning to the boombox. “Well hurry up, dobe, we're tired of waiting,” Saiiya remarked, and Neji rolled his eyes, taking off his overcoat. Saiiya gaped at his clothes. He had on a navy blue short sleeved button up black shirt that was opened to reveal a white tang top underneath. He had a pair of black pants that was held up by a matching black belt. He took off Hinata's and she nervously walked towards the girls. Neji joined the guys.

 

The music started, and Saiiya couldn't believe how talented the male ninja of Konoha (plus Kankurou. Gaara just stood next to Kayrin, glaring at the dancers.) were at not only fighting but dancing. Kakashi stood next to her, not interested in dancing. Guy was currently showing Lee the `youthful' way to dance. In the middle of the song, Ino inched over to Saiiya. “It's Neji, isn't it?” she guessed, a smirk on her face. Saiiya flushed, glancing at the blonde. “So what if it is?” Saiiya responded dryly. Ino's smirk formed into a ha-ha-I-know-who-Saiiya-likes grin. Saiiya grumbled something under her breath that Ino didn't pick up.

 

They were both silenced as the men caught their interest. It was Neji and Shijin left, their break dancing moves getting more complex as the song was nearing an end. They both finished, and there was a wild cheer amongst the small crowd. Saiiya gaped. “Well, we have our winner: Hyuga Neji!!” Kayrin shouted, lifting up Neji's right hand, earning another cheer from the crowd. Neji looked up at Saiiya with a smirk as she jogged towards him, grinning, or so he thought. She stopped in front of Shijin, her arms crossed and laughter in her eyes.

 

“You said you weren't that good of a dancer, Shijin. You did so well!” Saiiya exclaimed. Neji did an anime fall. “And now, for the girls!” Kayrin shouted, and went to join the girls as they began their dance off. Saiiya immediately recognized the song. “Heh, S.O.S. by Rihanna. What is it with us and American songs?” Saiiya asked to no one in particular. ((You have an author who's from America and doesn't know any Japanese songs…)) Shijin scooted next to Saiiya, carrying two glasses of punch. “Here you go,” he offered, glaring at Neji who was standing a few feet off. The Hyuga glared back, sipped his own punch, gripped the second glass he had gotten originally for Saiiya and turned around, stalking off.

 

Saiiya smiled at him. “Arigato, Shijin,” she thanked, taking the drink and took a drink from it. Shijin scooted just a bit closer to Saiiya; Saiiya didn't notice, or didn't care, either one. Neji stood on the opposite side of the room with a clear view of Saiiya and Shijin. He was pissed off. Shijin was getting to close to HIS woman. `Wait a second- when has Saiiya been MY woman? Dammit, she's screwing with my head.' He barely noticed as Tenten came up, smiling shyly and swinging a kunai. “Hey, Neji-kun. Who's that second glass for?” she asked, pointing to the glass next to him. “No one. You can have it.”

 

Tenten blushed and took it, taking a place next to him. “You were amazing in that contest. I've never seen anyone dance that well.” Neji grunted, and Tenten looked back out at the dancers. Her hand inched along the table they were both leaning against, her fingertips brushing against Neji's. He looked at her, and she blushed, looking downwards. He looked down at her hand. He looked back towards where he last saw Saiiya, suddenly finding her missing. `Dammit,' he thought irritably before going to find the `bathroom'.

 

Shijin pulled Saiiya towards the punch table. “Hey, Saiiya-chan, I think the punch is running low, let's go get some more,” Shijin suggested, and Saiiya took her eyes off of Neji and Tenten. “You're right, let me go get some,” Saiiya muttered, going to grab some more punch from the kitchen. Shijin waited patiently by the doorway, oblivious to the special plant hanging over his head. Saiiya came back with the drinks, and Shijin held the door open. That was a big mistake. “OOOHH!! Shijin!!” Kayrin exclaimed, quieting the whole room at once.

 

“Yes?” Kayrin just smirked and pointed upwards. Saiiya looked up, and her face paled. Shijin looked up as well, seeing the mistletoe. “You know what this means, right?” Kayrin purred, and a few snickers from random people indicated that they were interested to see the teammates kiss. Saiiya glanced at Shijin, who was now redder than a tomato. Saiiya sighed and set the drinks down. She placed a finger on the older ANBU's cheek, sliding it down to his lips. She stood on her toes, smiling a bit as she pecked his cheek. “Feel familiar?” she whispered before leaning back.

 

Neji's eyes narrowed dangerously thin, a growl rumbling deep in his throat as he watched the ANBU kiss. He locked eyes with his new rival, Shijin, as he put a hand on Saiiya's shoulder and walked with her to the punch table. On the blue-haired ninja's face was a satisfied smirk. “Alright, let's start DDR!” Kayrin announced, and there were yet more cheers. Several people went to go play, including Neji. Shijin let Saiiya make the punch and followed the white-eyed teen. I challenge Neji,” Shijin called aloud, his arms crossed in superiority.

 

“I accept.” Both men could sense Saiiya's watchful eye on them, sparking a heated match between the two of them. Neji stepped onto the mat, and Shijin selected the two player. “Do you want to do an easy one so you don't have too much trouble?” he mocked, his foot hovering over the select button. Saiiya jogged up, stepping on the mat and changing it to the hardest level. “Bring some energy into it, Shijin. Easy's boring.” Shijin smirked at her. “Alright, but don't cry when I kick your ass.” Neji snorted.

 

“You'll be the one crying.” The song started, and it was a really fast one. Everyone watched in awe as their feet began hitting the arrows with amazing speed and accuracy. Some people attempted to keep up, but there was a reason this song was on the hardest level. Neji was winning by only a few points, and it was throwing doubles left and right (3). Shijin felt a bead of sweat roll down his face as she jumped back and forth, Neji's movements identical to his. Then, just as fast as the song had started, it ended. Everyone shouted, and the scores showed up. Shijin had lost by 10 points.

 

“God, is there anything he CAN'T do?” Kayrin asked in wonder, refilling her punch.

 

“I doubt it. Besides express any emotion besides anger, resentment, indifference, and cockiness.” Kayrin laughed at Saiiya's comment and drank some of her drink, eyeing the scene.

 

The party went on for a few more hours before things began to die down. Several guests left, and Saiiya was getting rather tired. Neji was watching her from the opposite side of the room while sitting on the couch. Currently there was a movie playing, capturing the attention of the remaining guests. Hinata and another woman sat next to him on the couch, both women absorbed into the movie. Neji stood up, moving carefully out of their way and over to Saiiya. Shijin intercepted him halfway. “Neji, what a pleasant surprise,” Shijin greeted, his eyes betraying his fake smile.

 

Neji went to go around Shijin, but Shijin stopped him. “You aren't thinking about going to talk to Saiiya, are you?” he asked dangerously, and Neji shot a glare at the older man. “What does it matter to you, pedophile?” Neji snapped back, and Shijin's eyes narrowed. “I care about her and I frankly don't think you deserve her.”

 

“Neither do you.”

 

“Watch your tongue kid. Go find some clan heir to be your woman.” They exchanged heated glances before Saiiya wandered over, looking between them and the T.V. “What're they watching over there?” Saiiya asked, trying to guess the movie. Shijin shrugged. “I don't know. Hey, Saiiya, can I talk to you in private?” Shijin questioned. “Um…sure…” Saiiya replied, and Shijin took her by the hand, leading her away. “What is it?” Shijin stopped, thinking. He hadn't really anything to ask her, he just wanted her away from Neji.

 

“Um…I just wanted to say…that…you look really beautiful tonight,” he commented, and Saiiya smiled warmly. “Thanks. But I wouldn't have minded if you said that in public.” “Well…um…it's kind of embarrassing I suppose…” Saiiya shrugged, giving him a brief hug. “Well, I'm actually getting tired, so I'm going upstairs for the night. I'll see you later. Oh, and tell Neji I said goodnight.” Shijin nodded, waving to her as she went upstairs after giving her older brother a kiss on the cheek.

 

Neji frowned in disappointment as Saiiya left. It didn't help his nerves when Shijin smiled in contentment, pleased that Saiiya had shown such affection. It was obvious the blue-haired ANBU had a thing for his Captain. Neji would rather skin himself alive ((A/N: heh, ring a bell? Go back to the previous chapter if you don't get it.)) than let that man steal Saiiya. Shijin didn't deserve her. Besides, he was a lot older than her, wasn't he?

 

He stood there for a few minutes after Shijin had gone back to watch the movie and decided that he was going to talk to the object of his affection. He headed up the stairs, looking for her room. He activated his Byakugan, looking for the certain black-haired girl. He stumbled a bit when he saw Kurenai and Asuma thoroughly making out, touching each other suggestively. He grimaced and continued down the hallway.

 

Saiiya was just brushing out her hair when she felt someone present just outside her room. Narrowing her eyes, she calmly set the brush down on her desk. “Do you have no courteous thoughts? The door would have been preferable,” she called somewhat softly. She turned and moved towards her window, sliding it open. “Do you have an answer?” the black clad figure asked, dropping into her room, landing silently on the floor. “It hasn't been a month.” The figure, a male, glared at her. “Orochimaru is impatient.” “Well he must learn to be otherwise. I will not oblige if he demands anything beyond what we had originally agreed on.”

 

“As you wish. We will meet again soon. We hope you will follow through on this plan, and the scroll has not been seen by any eyes but your own, correct?” Saiiya simply nodded, waving him out. “Leave now.” The man jumped onto the ledge. “Don't forget the stakes, Hatake.” Saiiya reached over and slid the windows closed and turned around. She ran her fingers through her hair, exhaling. She looked up when there was a knock on the door. “Yes?” “Saiiya?” Saiiya opened the door, cocking an eyebrow. “Neji?”

 

Neji peered over her shoulder, swearing he had seen someone else in the room just a moment ago. “Was there someone else in here?” he interrogated, and Saiiya couldn't hide a flash of guilt that crossed her eyes, so she looked over her shoulder as casually as she could. “I don't know what you're talking about.” Neji shrugged. “May I come in?” Saiiya gestured towards her room, granting him permission. He glided in, taking in the surroundings. He had secretly wondered if she was a pink fan, thanking kami that her taste was just like her personality.

 

She had a large bed (probably Queen sized) blanketed by dark blue satin sheets, the end closest to the wall flooded with plump pillows. Next to the bed was a simple black nightstand with a lamp resting on the corner and a book in the center. At the foot of her bed was a large window with a tree towering just outside. There was a large vanity mirror and desk to his right, several scrolls and books cluttered on top. Neji was tempted to open one that looked strangely out of place, but ignored it. He continued to look around, spotting a large bookcase. It was filled with books and scrolls and notebooks.

 

He cocked an eyebrow; he had never realized how much she read. In the space between the bookcase and her bed was a long silver and blue dragon that had been painted on the wall, looking quite realistic. “Did you paint that?” he questioned as Saiiya closed the door, sitting down on the bed. He moved towards the painting, running his hand down it. The eyes of the dragon stared down at him, flaming with ferocity. It was VERY realistic. “No, I hired an artist to paint it. I WISH I was that talented. I don't have a lick of artistic talent in me. I'm not even that talented of an actress.”

 

Neji looked over his shoulder at her, the woman's eyes distant. “There's something on your mind.” Saiiya turned her gaze towards him, sighing. “There's always something on my mind, Neji, it's not unusual.” Neji felt his feet move on their own, and soon he found Saiiya standing up, absorbing his facial expressions with curiosity, her breath catching in her throat as he paused, less than a foot away from her. She stepped backwards awkwardly, his white eyes threatening to find out all the secrets she held behind her own. She quickly felt the cool surface of the wall pressing against her back. Neji placed his hands on either side of her face.

 

“Tell me who that man was in your room just now.” Saiiya turned her head to the side, avoiding his look. “Why does it matter to you?” Neji couldn't deny the turmoil that unsettled his stomach. “Because you are my teacher and my friend, that's why.” There. He had admitted it. He had admitted at least that he cared about her somewhat. That was enough, wasn't it? He cursed as he saw the ANBU's eyes glisten. “If I wanted to tell you, I would.” “Why don't you want to?” Neji interrogated. There was something she was hiding. Something that was important.

 

“I think it's time that you leave, Neji.” Saiiya closed her eyes, furrowing her brow. She didn't want to talk, and she couldn't. Neji wouldn't tolerate her thinking about striking a deal with Orochimaru, the man who had killed the third Hokage. And he certainly wouldn't allow her to escape his grasp without attempting to kill her; that was the price to pay for being a traitor. “Why won't you trust me?” Neji didn't realize how close his words struck home, stinging Saiiya's heart. `I want to, Neji. How I want to trust you so badly…' she thought desperately, biting the inside of her lip. `I want to, but I can't take the risk.'

 

“Neji, can you please leave? I need time to think.” “Think out loud, tell me what's going on. I want to know, Saiiya.” Saiiya gritted her teeth, forcing herself to remain silent. Neji clenched his fists, taking Saiiya's cheek and turning it towards him. By that one simple gesture, he placed the two of them in quite an interesting predicament. And by interesting, he meant thought and heart provoking, and by predicament, well, he wasn't quite sure what to call being two inches from the woman of your dream's face with a cute little blush coloring her cheeks. But whatever you called it, it sure as hell felt good.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Author: I couldn't resist this cliffhanger!! I know you'll hate me for this, but hey, just imagine the possible outcomes in the next chapter! I'm SO sorry for the delayed update, but rewriting the chapter during the limited free time I've had this year…I hope you understand. I'll update as soon as possible. Now I'm off to type the next chapter! (:

 

 

 

(1) - Act of Treason by V. Flynn: This is an actual book, but I can't remember if the last name is right. I don't own this book or the author -^^-. I can't even remember what it's about…look it up if you want to know more.

 

(2) Dung on a twig- No, I am not kidding. This IS actually what Mistletoe is named. It's also an endangered species, so don't go picking it in the woods. Look it up for more info