Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dearest diary that I haven't used since I was in middle school because there are so many better options than using a diary holding your most intimate secrets with no digital passcode,

Sorry for the offense. Life hasn't been nice to me.

Anyways.

I am expecting something romantic to happen tonight. I gave this man an incredible night! I think I went down on him like four times when my limit is usually two... Don't want to find myself in the hospital with a locked jaw, am I right?

But yes, I'm a generous lover, and it's only normal to expect this situationship to become something more. He's called on me every time he returns to Konoha for a year now, and I think he really likes me. 

I can't wait for the day he calls me his girlfriend!

[Journal closed.]

—>

"Don't bother me when I'm away on my mission. It's annoying."

His statement obliterates all the expectations concerning your love life. You believed that his groans and active participation throughout the night was indicative of his interest in you; that you would have a cute ending to this particular engagement.

The door slams closed behind him, and you find yourself here, naked. In a messy bed, within a messy hotel room, and owner of a messy life.

The weight of disappointment compresses your heart, but its source is not the man that used your body as an outlet for pleasure. No, you're frustrated with yourself for expecting more when he never gave you reason to.

You only have yourself to blame for your delusions. Never did he give any indication that this could become serious. You were alone in this venture, gearing up to ask for commitment but say that you'd take things very slow since shinobi are taciturn beings.

Then you would wait for his return from a mission, hoping that distance made him yearn for you and that upon seeing you again, he would become convinced of a monogamous relationship. After that, he would improve himself to become your perfect husband.

Because that is what you desire most. The perfect companion, aka The One.

This isn't an aspiration birthed by loneliness. You're perfectly fine being solitary in most of your daily tasks. You also believe that a soulmate enhances instead of completes one's self, that love isn't a total necessity to live. But it certainly is a special layer to life.

Its allure entices almost everyone at some point in their lives. It breathes vivacity into one's soul, ignites poems and sings tales within one's heart, and nurtures humankind with its indescribable impact. 

But right now, you feel the adverse effects of love.

Those parting words, uttered with your favorite deep and gritty voice, break the final tether in your beliefs. Being pretty won't deliver The One onto your lap, being kind won't make life any easier, and being someone other than yourself won't slot you into your crush's heart.

~

Serena is a 5'7 goddess that will let anyone know if their boyfriend is trash. Both an unfortunate yet fortunate attribute of your best friend since middle school.

"I told you that the man was no good. How does he call you randomly in the middle of the night just to hook up and leave you at a hotel room each time? He never calls to make sure you made it back home and doesn't ever check in on you while he's away."

Each fact stabs you right in the heart, but you listen to Serena's dose of reality.

You keep your head planted on the table, wallowing in disbelief. A Sunday brunch should be fun, loud, and exciting. This one contains your suffering and Serena's frustration. And some tasty pancakes and mimosas.

"Fuck shinobi. Arrogant pricks think they're all that just because they have super powers."

"They're called enhanced features," you add with a mumble against the wood.

"Either way, they can eat a bag of dicks. I did say that this was going to be a booty call for the dude. Why did you get your hopes up?" She shifts in the uncomfortable metal chair. "Sex is always good with them, but they aren't worth the attachment."

"I really liked him. It felt like he was different from everything in my life."

"I mean, yeah. If you call instability different." She lets out a scoff and tips more of her mimosa into her mouth.

You can't utter a single word in your defense. It's the factuality of your life: stability. You have a loving family, who own a nice restaurant downtown, doing exceedingly well that they've already put two children through university... Though, each stint was unsuccessful to some degree.

Stephanie, your older sister, dropped out of grad school to help at the restaurant when your mom got diagnosed with an aggressive type of muscular dystrophy, and you dropped out because school wasn't really for you. The last beacon of hope for a white collar career path resides in your younger brother, who is in his last year of high school.

But your failure doesn't mean you do not rest in a world of stability. You have a job at the family restaurant when you need cash and another side hustle at the roller skating rink. You live in a decent flat that you share with Serena and have a great support system consisting of trustworthy family and friends.

You never have to worry about food, a roof over your head, or loneliness. All essential for human beings.

You've never broken a bone. You've never been in a car accident. You've never cheated or been cheated on. You only been in one serious relationship which was with your high school sweetheart, and the breakup was just as boring as adulthood for you. When he found out that you were dropping out of university, he dumped you, stating that your paths weren't aligned anymore.

It was shitty, but you understood. He didn't want to be a successful man with a woman who doesn't at least have her Bachelor's degree.

Dick.

After that, you have had little success in finding a legitimate boyfriend. Your friends say that you are too picky, too selective, and that you need to go out there and try all the flavors. You took one baby step into the dating pool, somehow found an emotionally unavailable man that needs four blowjobs in one night, and thought this was it.

He's your forever.

In your defense, you were always his first choice after he returned from a mission. He paid for dinner and brought you to a decent hotel each time. He silently listened to you talk about almost anything, and he never seemed turned off by your incessant chatter. You assumed it was because he thought it was endearing.

And the sex? Unimaginably good and a staple to all your dates. Dinner and sex, a nice combo!

Wait...

"Oh, god. Was it really an escort relationship?!" you cry out.

"Yes!" Serena shouts back in equal measures of relief and frustration. The entire pavilion hears her, but she resolves herself to pull you out of your delusions.

"I mean, I may have texted him too much when he was out on his last mission, but it's because I wanted to make sure he was okay. What's wrong with being worried?!"

Serena tuts in disagreement. "Shinobi are secretive. If you want constant communication, you have better luck with a normal guy."

You open your mouth to remind her of your set preference, but that's forgotten as you hear your other friend arrive for brunch.

"I'm sorry I'm late!" Anya exclaims, her short stature flailing around the busy brunch spot. "I can't wait to hear about this heartbreak!"

By how her voice excites over the word heartbreak, you'd believe she enjoys them.

She settles on the chair by your left and your tiny group of best friends is complete. Anya the caregiver of the group. Serena the truthgiver that will knock sense into any friend. And you, the hopeless romantic.

Anya reaches out to hold both Serena and your hands. "I'm so happy to see you girlies~"

"As much as we are happy to see you too," Serena takes her hand back with a sigh, "we are here to beat sense into [Name] and her stupid shinobi-only rule."

"Actually," Anya gasps as she shuffles around her tote bag. Out comes her phone with the matching charms all three of you sport. "I think it's the perfect time for her to find a shinobi man."

Even though you nurse a broken heart, a bit of hope stirs. "Why's that?"

She slides her phone onto the table's surface, granting both you and Serena a view of the screen. As you two glance over it, she summarizes the displayed article. "The Prime Minister married a civilian, so there have been a few studies conducted about civilian-shinobi relationships. It was mostly to defame their marriage and discredit the Prime Minister's choice in partner, but it actually dredged up the truth.

"Shinobi are extremely compatible with civilians in terms of procreation. They basically keep bloodlines pure or grant slightly enhanced abilities. Not only that, most shinobi and civilian relationships last forever, outside of death, of course... Death is actually the leading cause of ending these relationships when it's usually money or cheating."

The table's atmosphere dips into somber territory despite the somewhat good news.

It's well known that shinobi are the leading cause of civilian fatalities. Not heart disease or car accidents. Shinobi hands. When a civilian enters a relationship with a shinobi, it's like arriving at a gun fight with a plastic spoon. The stronger the shinobi, the more protected you would be but the stronger the foe. And the weaker the shinobi, the less protected you would be but the weaker the foe. Either way, danger is always present when it comes to them, and so it's usually best to avoid shinobi relationships.

But... You are a big fan of them. The stamina, the bodies, the enigmatic differences. You're quite positive you can find an unimportant shinobi that will keep you satisfied and happy, and possess no dangerous enemies.

Yep, that's the plan!

"Anyways, my sorority sister has a friend and that friend is on this dating app. It's new, and it's to connect shinobi with civilians. It's gonna blow up and become really popular soon, so if you want to be on it, she can get you an invite."

Serena groans, "You're supposed to be discouraging her from her stupid dreams. Not enabling."

Anya grabs her phone back and begins typing on it. Clearly, Serena's words fall on deaf ears as she continues. "But this is like the one non-negotiable thing for her. Crazy sex."

Your smile returns, "That's true."

"That isn't why you want a shinobi, is it?" Serena grimaces.

You shrug. It's not not a reason, just one of plenty. They're just your type, that's your only explanation.

"Ahhh..." Serena's staunch opposition withers away.

Your phone bleats with a message, and you take a look at what you received. Anya's name brings a smile to your lips. Inside your messages with her, you find a link to the app.

"I already had her send it before I got here. Now, let's have some pancakes and get to making your profile!"

It doesn't take long to fill out the necessary fields. Your age, twenty-three; height, hair color and eye color. Your expectations: to connect with someone; interested in casual or long-term. You add some flattering photos of yourself, never including any with Serena since her beauty can steal the spotlight.

"You should pay for your dates," Serena suggests, knowing her initial battle was a losing one. "Or at least try to. You need to make sure you aren't a sought-after-escort."

"So my sorority sister also said that her friend has already gone on some dates. And that friend said that shinobi are really particular. They'll get offended if you offer to pay since it kills their pride. They'll think you don't like them," Anya says.

Ping!

All three of you glance down at your phone, and your smile grows wider, your heartbreak long forgotten. Your first match!

"How fast were you swiping that you've found a match already?" Serena asks, her voice awed.

"I'm very good at swiping," you sheepishly grin.

"You just got fucked silly, and you decide to fully jump in right now?"

Anya giggles as she glances over the menu, "Well, our Macaroon Queen knows how to use her hands!"

Do you look like a macaroon? Absolutely not. Well, you hope you don't. But the name derives from your perplexing ability in making perfect macaroons that they have become part of your personality.

Having a birthday? Bam, a tray of macaroons. Having a wedding? Bam, a tower of macaroons. Having a heartbreak? Macaroon-shaped heart. Having a sweet-treat craving? Bento box of just macaroons.

You can't make anything else as perfect as these tough little snacks. Thus, you have been dubbed Macaroon Queen by all your friends, and so far no one has gotten tired of eating them.

So, yes. You are quite good with your hands.

"I think I'll go on a date with this guy," you announce as you peruse his profile.

Kiba Inuzuka, age twenty-two, Jounin Shinobi of Konoha. Studying Veterinary Medicine.

To the dating gods, please let this go well!

Chapter Text

Dear old friend but not really,

Today will be my first date with this guy I matched with on the app. I am praying that the journey to find The One isn't as treacherous.

That it's fun, romantic, and full of joy. Maybe this is the guy. Maybe my journey is over.

Kiba Inuzuka. He sounds like a wonderful man.

Maybe, maybe, maybe... The One?

xoxo

—>

You aren't sure if arriving first at a date shows that you're overly eager. Or that you're too rigid with promptness. Luckily, it doesn't become a topic when your date arrives after two minutes of waiting at the table.

"Sup!" he greets as he raises his palm.

Kiba Inuzuka. His appearance resembles his pictures quite accurately. Slit, brown eyes. A toothy smile, messy chestnut hair, his presence is that of a friendly canine.

You stand from the wooden chair to receive him. From your exchanges in text, he came off laidback but flirtatious, and you anticipate a hug would be the best way of greeting. Your arms extend, and his built frame easily fills the empty space. 

He reciprocates the embrace, but as he pulls away, he plants a kiss on your cheek. A slobbery one that stuns you for a brief moment.

As you both sit down, the moisture tickles with every flicker of air blown by the air conditioner. You can't help but divide your attention between him and the remnants of that kiss. 

Why were his lips so ridiculously moist?! It feels like a lake suddenly appeared on your cheek's surface. Gooey and gross. Your arm itches to wipe it away. Will he get offended if you just suddenly wiped the spot he kissed?

"So I was telling my sister that it's about time I try to really look for someone," Kiba begins, his eyes happily drinking you in. They flash with approval. "I'm happy I found you. I've been swiping left on the app for so long, and when I saw your picture, it was like instant chemistry."

Not only are you disgusted by the sloppy kiss but also by how he talks about chemistry when all he liked was that bikini photo you posted on your profile. Chemistry doesn't work like that. You would like to explain that to him, but by the gods, he won't let you edge into any conversation.

You bring your glass of water closer to your lips, but again, you're just too focused on your cheek. Minutes go by, and he continues chattering away while all you think about is his saliva drying down as a patch. You listen, learning much about him until the waiter finally appears.

Kiba finally shuts up enough to bring the menu up to his face for his perusal. You do the same, shoving the mammoth-sized menu upwards to hide your next action. Wiping that damn kiss off! And you do so swiftly and subtly with the sleeve of your dress.

A tad bit of your makeup gets on the sleeve, and you nearly scream at the sight of your favorite white dress being desecrated with foundation. This is your go-to comfort outfit for needing confidence. It's a midi dress with long sleeves but hugs you just right to enhance your femininity. It shows off your legs, clings to your chest and waistline, but has a design near the tummy area to hide any zealous overconsumption.

You can eat as much as you want and never show, which is important if you are to be taken to a nice place. And anyone who knows you knows that you can't pass up excellent cuisine! No point starving when the food is excellent.

This place, however, isn't what you expected. You drove to the side of town where most shinobi congregate, and after Kiba suggested this exotically named restaurant, you thought you'd be enjoying some fine dining. Not too fine that you would need a gown, that'd be too much for a first date.

Just... not this. And it wasn't an exotic name. He just didn't spell the restaurant correctly.

You're in a corner diner that specializes in burgers and cheap meats. Nothing about this restaurant screams quality. From the rickety chairs and sticky surfaces, to the menu that creaks with every turn of the page.

It'd be extremely arrogant of an assessment, but at present, the only thing of quality in this establishment is this dress. And now, you've ruined it to wipe off slobber.

After placing your order, the conversation continues as is. Kiba chats incessantly, and you're forced to listen and not talk. You debate if intoxicating yourself would be beneficial but ultimately decide to stick to water and enjoy the mediocre appetizer.

Most of his topics are interesting enough that you don't find yourself too annoyed by the lack of engagement. You discover more about these shinobi factions, that the Inuzuka are a known clan among the shinobi world and they employ actual shinobi dogs to work with them. His current partner is Akamaru, but he doesn't believe the dog should meet you so soon...

He has an extensive family line with five sisters, him being the only son. His sisters rule the family with an iron fist, but they need him to expand the family line. His eldest sister has been hampering him to find a girl, but so far he has had no luck in finding a kunoichi willing to settle down. 

"You know how they are!" When he laughs, his whole body joins in on the glee. He practically beams with enjoyment. "Most kunoichi just want to focus on their career. I don't blame them though. Becoming a Chunin or Jounin is brutal. Even shinobi school is brutal. There's no way I'd throw all that suffering into the bin just to pop out a kid!"

You take one bite of your entree and sour over the taste. This is overcooked and freezer burnt. If Kiba had asked you just a simple question about your family, he would have known that your family owns a restaurant and so you know when food is shit.

And this is shit.

What's also shit is that this guy already gave you the ick like three times. Slobbery lips, doesn't let you talk, has a slight disrespect for his female peers, and believes civilians are baby-making factories.

"I'm actually totally for the Prime Minister having a civilian First Lady. Legit the hottest one our country has ever had too. Did ya hear that they're already expecting?" he blabbers on as crumbs expel everywhere.

"I did, it's all over the news." You pass him a napkin. "I thought you weren't looking for a wife just yet."

Kiba pauses, his eyes drifting around in thought. Upon coming to a conclusion, he then returns to his meal. "I'm into casual stuff right now. I don't want to get married like right this second. But I guess seeing you in person made me interested in the idea. You're a beautiful gal."

His eyes flare with heat, and you can only assume the vivacity of his imagination. You're flattered that he lusts for you, but does it overwrite the overall ick you feel over him?

Your gaze lowers to his shirt. Beneath his leather jacket, he wears a mesh muscle shirt that showcases his perfect physique.

Unfortunately, this is your weakness.

Shinobi men are just perfect specimens that will obliterate your world if you warm their bed. And god, do you want an unforgettable night to forget your heartbreak. It's what the pussy... heart needs!

"Which picture did you like the most from my profile?" you muse, tone dripping with seduction.

You hear him audibly swallow.

Hook, line, and sinker.

~

You sure as fuck weren't going to follow him back home. If his decision in the restaurant was indicative of anything, it's that he's fine with mess. And judging by his carefree attitude, his place is probably a pigsty.

Once more, you find yourself in another hotel, albeit less nicer than what you usually employ. Kiba has your back slammed against a wall as he devours your mouth. It is as you thought, he's just a naturally moist-mouthed man.

Before you can become dry by making out with a lake, you push Kiba away and direct him lower. "I need you down there," you moan.

Kiba triumphantly smirks, not knowing that you need his lake-of-a-mouth down there to bring some saturation to your desert. He drops to his knees without any protest, hands dipping under your dress to pull down your thong. You extend an arm to flick off the lights, and within the darkness, your senses heighten.

His mouth opens to connect within the apex of your thighs, and once the pleasure hits, your hands instinctively reach out to grab his hair. As you thought, you needed his tongue to get you ready. Maybe it was a bad idea to fuck someone who gives you that much of an ick, but at least he's good with his tongue.

It laps and suckles at your clit in ways that have your legs trembling. You let out a mewl for more, and he digs in further, eating you up like his favorite treat. He's decent, definitely better than your first boyfriend due to his enthusiasm.

But when he picks you up, throwing your legs over his shoulders, his mouth never leaving your quivering heat, you know that you will never regret your preference in pursuing shinobi men.

You wail and roll your hips against his mouth, never missing a beat even when your back hits the mattress. He keeps you tethered to his consumption. You're almost there, so close to your peak, your cries growing louder with your crescendo approaching.

The pleasure halts as Kiba pulls away, suddenly with a line of saliva trailing from his lips. He looks at you with a cocky grin, but you only feel frustration rather than any swooning. He may be handsome, but his actions ruin all of his appeal.

"I was almost there!" you gasp out.

"Damn, babe. You don't like to be teased?"

Your lips form a pout, "Not really..."

He lets another body-shaking laugh, the walls barely containing the volume of his reverie. You watch as he rounds the bed and fluffs the two pillows on it. His face shows not a hint of remorse for stopping. Actually, he seems satisfied to know that you enjoyed his tongue despite you never reaching your finish.

Judging by how he places a towel in the middle of the bed, he expects to blow your mind in another capacity, and you sure hope he delivers.

You press two fingers inside yourself. Yep... There is wetness and enough lubricant to get him inside.

He drops his pants, and amidst the shadows, you see the obscured view of his cock. It doesn't seem like you'll have any trouble when it comes to accommodating him, and for a moment, you debate if bedding this guy is even worth it. It's a decent size, but nothing to mention to your friends.

He flips you over onto your knees, and your face drops onto one of the pillows. He then drags the other under your abdomen as he brings your hips upwards. You feel air hit your backside and his hands roaming your ass.

"I've been wanting to do this ever since I saw those bikini pics," he groans, clearly appreciative of the sight before him.

How fitting for an Inuzuka shinobi to prefer doggystyle.

You feel the crown of his cock waiting at the threshold of glory. It's wrapped and protected, and the only way you'd accept him inside. That and with extensive lubrication. He then slams inside without any graduality, stealing your breath in the process.

"Yeah, fuck, you feel good," Kiba grunts as he keeps still to luxuriate the tight sheathe around his cock.

You wrap your arms around the pillow beneath your head as you allow yourself to adapt to the slight stretch. Within the darkness, you only view the white sheets and wooden headboard, and it's for the best that you can't see whatever goofy expression found on Kiba. You've discovered him to have many, and none inspire the passion and heat you desire for a mindblowing engagement.

When he begins to roll his hips into you, the friction does stimulate some pleasure. The idea of doggystyle can be quite exhilarating as a position; it allows domination over your body and reaches deep angles. Unfortunately, you begin to notice how Kiba ruts into you with little command as if he only chases his release. Each thrust feels minimal and repetitive, with no inclination to change angles or the pace.

But what you've learned with sex is that it will fail if you believe men to be mind readers. You can't rely on them to be astute of a woman's needs, especially in this age bracket. They need to know what you like, and the only way is to verbalize it.

"Kiba," you call out as you meet his thrusts with a roll of your hips. "Kiba, talk dirty to me, please."

"Ugh," he groans out. "Yeah, I can do that for you."

As you wait for his vulgarity, you reach an arm down to rub your clit. The touch is never as intense as when you have a strong, foreign finger against it, but it does bring shockwaves of pleasure needed to find your own release. You hope his words will enhance that pleasure to make you finish fast and get the fuck out of here.

Yet, you should have recognized from the initial connection that Kiba Inuzuka is a unique man with eccentricities that don't meet conventional standards. The other guy, Mr. Four-Blowjob, was also odd in the way that he loved to finish down your throat.

Kiba grabs your hair, pulling on it with meager strength, not wanting to hurt you, and you hear his voice rumble with an animalistic flare. "What a filthy bitch you are. You like the way I pound into you like a bitch that needs bread?"

You blink against the pillows, and your fingers halt their ministrations against your clit. "Bread?" Does he mean 'to be bred'? Is this guy...serious?

Your confusion only amplifies the more he speaks.

"I'll make sure you're nice and breaded. Have a liter of my pups, you bitch."

Your blinking grows more rapid as you try to process what he just said. Does he mean 'litter'? Why is he messing up dirty talk? It isn't that hard. Does he even know the language? Wait, that isn't even the main issue! Why does he think you want his children?!

"Dirtier, Kiba!" you demand as you match his thrusts.

"Yeah. Yeah... Yeah, I'm gonna knot you so good. You'll keep my cum inside you, won't you? Keep your womb sealed and plugged with my cum," Kiba growls as he slaps your ass. He then uses the hand woven in your hair to push your torso deeper into the pillows as he grounds his hips into you.

Your mind short-circuits with shock before it reboots and processes his statement. Maybe your body did enjoy how he pushed you down, but the words with it? A knot? You're downright petrified.

"Wait, wait. You don't have a fucking knot, right, Kiba?!" comes your muffled exclamation from the pillows. Your prayers no longer involve that of finding true love but rather finding escape from the possibility of being knotted. 

But it seems that his vulgarity turned him on rather than turning you on. You glance backwards to see his head thrown backwards, mouth open wide as his long tongue lulls out with happiness. He's panting, pleasure drunk from his own doing.

You let out a whimper, and his stare returns onto you. He smirks, "Yeah, you're mine, [Name]. I'm gonna mark you good. You want me to piss inside?"

Immediately, your entire body begins to move to leave. He holds onto your hips, and you shake your head. "Wait. Oh god, this isn't happening."

"Fuck yeah, you feel so good. I'll make you mine with my piss," Kiba grunts. His pace grows sloppy, and you can sense his impending crescendo. "Cum on my dick. Let me knot you, I'll make you my slutty wife."

"No! No! NO!" you yell, no longer allowing your words to be dampened by the pillows.

Kiba stops thrusting, the spell finally broken. "...No?"

You aren't sure what possesses your body. Adrenaline or maybe fear, but it enables you with enough confidence to act.

You twist your torso to elbow Kiba in the face. He lets out a yelp of pain, but before he can question your sudden attack, your body scrambles forward to unhook from his dick... what a statement... and land a kick to his balls.... another amazing statement.

As he howls in pain, you rush to dress yourself amidst the darkness. The best you can do is throw on your dress and slip on one shoe before you're gone with your purse. Not a single word goodbye and you feel the squelch of the aftermath between your thighs. 

It's uncomfortable beyond belief, but you're relieved that Kiba does not try to follow. He probably still nurses the pain of your attack.

When you make it onto the main street, you call a car service to take you home, hoping to absolve the bus system of playing witness to your trauma.

Yeah, date #1? A total failure

Lesson learned. The three-ick rule. If he uses up all three icks, you block their number and move on. And you certainly don't bed him. 

Also, no Inuzuka shinobi either. 

Chapter Text

Dear diary,

You have been promoted! To my elite employee!

You shall be a journal. Yeah, that's right. It will be 'Dear Journal' since I'm a mature woman who doesn't utilize diaries.

Anyways... Trust your gut. That's what I've learned. If a dude can't be decent enough to a woman, no way is he allowed inside one.

Why did I let him inside? Whyyyyy???

But at least it will be an entertaining story for my friends.

xoxo

—>

Today, you're the last to arrive for the meetup with your friends. Work at your parents' restaurant held you up. Too many patrons needed to be seated at the same time before the dinner rush, but at least you are allowed a fashionable entrance to the eagerly awaiting stares of your friends.

The rendezvous spot is at a dive bar within the city that offers discounted drinks for women. Dirt cheap cocktails and shots are always perfect additions to girl talk, and you're definitely going to need them once you tell them The Story of Kiba.

Your friends occupy a booth, their table already holding a wealth of appetizers and cocktails. You know which is your spot, judging by your ready and waiting cocktail by Serena's side. You scoot into the plastic cushion and take a large swing of your drink.

"That bad?" Serena asks with bubbling amusement.

"It took me too long to realize why it all felt so wrong." You cast out a long exhale as you recall last night. "You guys are gonna freak when you hear this."

And so begins the tale of the dog-man. You recite every detail of the encounter, from the moment you messaged him on the app to the point of no return in that hotel room. Serena keeps her head resting on the palms of her hands, her elbows on the table as she enters a state of perpetual facepalming. Meanwhile, Anya holds her mouth to keep from laughing.

"He started talking about knots and shit."

"No, no, no, no way!" Serena rears her head to face you. "Did you just fuck a dog-man?! Did you get knot—"

"No, thankfully it was all talk. He was lying about having one, and then he said he wanted to mark me by peeing inside..."

Serena lets out a screech, and Anya practically recoils at either your story or the noise Serena emitted. Both wear faces of terror, and it's clear neither have a kink for waterworks. Neither do you, and wow to be encumbered with this experience certainly drives you farther away from that kink.

"That's why no one likes going out with the Inuzuka clan," you hear a feminine voice say from behind.

Your group directs their stares over to the voice's owner. A woman with pink hair and bright green eyes pokes her head over the spine of the booth. Beside her head is another woman with pale blonde hair and sky blue eyes.

To tell a story as embarrassing as this doesn't faze you. You're usually at the center of something awkward since you never shy away from difficult situations. You believe it is the only way to live life. 

The unfortunate side effect rests in the fact that others may hear your plight when you recount the stories. Like now. Yet you find that having an audience to your woes alleviates the burden of embarrassment and sometimes nets you new friends. You hope this to be the case when it's clear that these two are acquainted with shinobi, and you need some sort of guide in navigating a love life in these foreign waters.

"You know the clan?" you pry with a welcoming smile.

"Nasty mutts. They want to sleep with you like they're animals themselves, and like animals, they don't care about who is in their bed," the blonde sneers. "Oh, I'm Ino, by the way."

"And I'm Sakura," the pink girl smiles back at you. "Sorry for eavesdropping, but we couldn't help it. Your conversation was way more interesting than our convo."

You supply your name as do your friends, then pat the empty spaces in your spacious booth. "If you want, you can join us. I'm just telling them of the date I had."

The booth carries enough room for six, and neither of them hesitates in filling out the emptiness. They bring their drinks and offer your group their trays of food.

"We'd love to listen. None of us are getting any action, so we gotta live vicariously through someone," Ino wistfully sighs.

"Uni is tough enough, but we also have been pulled into so many missions recently," Sakura adds.

"You're shinobi?" Anya questions with a shocked tone. She reaches out and nibbles on the food they've brought over, and soon you all begin to dig in as well.

"Both of us are," Ino nods.

"Wait, are you guys not?" Sakura presses a hand against her lips. "But, I thought you guys had shinobi boyfriends."

"We're all civilians," Serena states and points at you with her thumb. "It's just that she has a strange preference for shinobi men."

With a sheepish grin, you continue relaying the context. "They're good lays, and there's bound to be a shinobi guy willing to settle down with me."

Sakura giggles while Ino lets out a huff. The blonde then gives you an overall study before saying, "You don't have to worry about finding a guy willing to wifey you up. Shinobi men may be hard to figure out, but they become lovesick puppies once they like you enough. And with someone as gorgeous as you, I'm sure you'll find many guys interested. Especially if you tell them that you'll have their kids."

"That's sweet of you to say." A stranger's compliment always feels good to hear, even when they practically said that shinobi's standards are currently low.

"You can do way better than the Inuzuka," Sakura snorts as she sips on her drink.

"So how did it end?" Anya prods, interrupting the small talk amongst the group. She's always riveted by your stories, this time being no different, and you left off at the best part.

"Oh! I kicked him in the balls and ran. Good thing I'm taking self-defense classes! I mean, it's kinda necessary if I'm going to date shinobi men."

Your friends let out sounds of impressed awe, and Serena nods her head approvingly. "I'm surprised they worked against a shinobi."

"I mean, it works when a shinobi is close to nutting," you shrug.

"You should have snapped his dick off," Ino suggests with a straight face.

"Or beat the living crap out of him!" Sakura raises a fist as though it contains the nuclear power of a bomb.

"Get this! I thought it couldn't get worse." You slide your phone, the app already opened with the message thread between you and Kiba. "He sent me something today."

They all lean in and gather closer to the screen.

'I think it'd be best if we just remain friends. Your chill, but not what I'm looking for.'

The date went abysmally, the sex was worse. In what world did Kiba think you'd return for date #2? And it's clear to you that this boy's grammar is at a child's level. Your? It's you're, dipshit.

Anya slides the phone closer to her and quickly types up a response. Without even asking, she sends it, and you hear the whoosh before you can process what happened.

"What did you do?!"

"Thank god you said it first," Anya recites the message she sent then returns to her meal. "Block him now before he tries to backtrack his words."

You grab your phone and do as told, your mind a bit hazed by the instant zinger Anya sent.

 Despite never wanting to date Kiba again, you hadn't responded to his message because a small part of you still wanted to keep an option open. Who knows when another shinobi will turn their head towards you? Who knows when someone else might finally be interested in you?

It's a miniscule part of your conscience, one that reason and logic yell at. You aren't a desperate gal, but options are always nice. To know that you are desired boosts your ego that you need when stepping out into the dating world. 

Yet with this message, it feels as though you've irreversibly cut a thread. Who knows? You guys can return to talking, get to know each other better, he changes a lot more for you, and learns what you like during sex. Then, maybe you'll learn to love his lack of proper language, the waterworks, and the knotting dirty talk...

What a horrible thought.

Anya spots the flicker of doubt. The deed has been done, Kiba is blocked, but you remain in a limbo of pondering. Serena may be your longtime friend, but Anya's emotional intelligence resembles that of a mature woman in her forties. You've known her since your first math lab at the university, which you failed then dropped, and you two have been inseparable ever since.

And she knows when you begin to question yourself. 

She pushes away the tray of food in front of her as though she readies her space to begin her counseling session. "Okay, a friend of my sorority sister—"

"Your sorority sister is very connected," Serena mumbles as she downs her beer.

"That's what sororities are for. Connections. And then you use those connections to navigate life," Anya states with a prim tone. "Anyways, she said that if you truly take care of yourself, like seriously, and feel happy and confident with yourself, you won't accept or settle for stupid men."

"Not everything is about appearances," Serena says, sounding a bit angered by the insinuation. "You can get a guy with a t-shirt and sweats."

"Yes, we all can definitely do that, but that isn't what I mean." She scoots closer to the table, and all the girls lean forward to listen to her wisdom. "I'm saying that, if you take care of yourself like working out and eating right every day, you develop a habit. Performing difficult tasks habitually makes your standards rise because you want someone to be the same as you in that regard."

"Like a gymrat wants a fit and athletic partner," you sum up your interpretation.

"Well, yeah, but not totally like that. I'm sure a gymrat girl isn't going to want a guy that does nothing all day, doesn't work on himself at all, and doesn't contribute to life in any way whatsoever. It's not that she wants a godly body in her partner. If she does, then that's a shallow preference."

Oh, guilty...

"I'm not saying that if you get fit, you're allowed to ask for fit men. I'm saying that if you dedicate more time to yourself, your expectations of a partner will rise as well. Kiba is a prime example of this. [Name], never in a million years would you allow any guy to talk over you. You aren't meek like that. Had this been a conversation with a guy friend, your reaction would be a lot more different."

You nod. The friend group you have is a cluster of twenty people, comprised of smaller units that have friends who connect the units. Most are women with a handful of men. And it's true, you speak to them just fine. Had they cut you off and never let you speak, you would have told them off. 

The fact that you let Kiba get away with practically murder does seem out of character for you.

Anya continues on, "But you think that because you're at a disadvantage with your preference in shinobi men as a civilian, you need to settle. The fact is, you aren't at a disadvantage at all. I said it before, shinobi are going wild for civilians. Shinobi men are actually the majority in this city, and compared to women civilians, they outnumber us 4 to 1."

Her words align with Kiba's behavior towards the situation. He didn't care about your personality, he was just happy to be on a date with a pretty woman.

"You also have things happening at home and a battered ego. So before you go on another date, let's get you working on yourself a little more!" Anya concludes. "Makeover time!"

You flinch at that additional nugget of information. As unnecessary as it was, the truth stings with its reality. With your mom being sick, your dad a mess trying to manage everything, your sister at odds with you, and your ex-boyfriend dumping you two years ago destroying a bit of your self-esteem, your life does have a current unbalance to it.

And if it led to your nightmare of a date with Kiba, you need to fix these issues before you deep dive into something worse.

You sigh, "Okay I'm in. This Kiba encounter really humbled me."

"Great! Are you in too, Serena?" Anya grins, her eyes brimming with gleeful ideas.

Serena finishes her beer then shakes her head. "I'm good."

If you looked like her, you too would decline a makeover.

"I'm in!" Sakura exclaims with her hand raised, even when the suggestion was not meant for her, but her eyes are wide with hopeful expectations. "I'm tired of chasing after this guy. I just want to be chased for once."

You send Sakura a bewildered look. "I don't believe you. You're too gorgeous to not have been chased."

She forces out a laugh, "Maybe I haven't noticed if I was. I've just been too hung over this guy to notice."

A layer of pity fills the atmosphere of the table. Even the most beautiful have troubles with love... 

Anya scrutinizes Sakura before nodding her head. "Well, it's settled then! I'll pull some strings to get you two into my Pilates classes. How much money do you guys have for makeovers?"

You glance at your phone and pull up your banking app. "Uh, like five grand."

"Whewww you really have been saving, girl!" Serena whistles.

"I wanted to go on the friend's trip this year, but I'm kinda in the mood for some spritzing up. I can ask my dad for more cash if anything," you shrug.

Your giant friend group usually hosts a trip in another country once a year. You went three years ago and had an amazing time, but after that, the costs rose exponentially and you need a year of rigid saving to attend. Single or not, you are rather determined to go this time.

"I've got around the same," Sakura nods as she looks at her own app.

Anya's smile grows, looking a bit maniacal, as she pushes her palms together. "Get ready then. You two will follow my guide in beautification and build the confidence you need for dating!"

Glasses clink in celebration, and the story of dogman Kiba is shelved, his tale serving only as a warning to follow your gut. Dates are performed for a reason, and if you don't like your partner, block and move on.

Chapter Text

Dear journal,

Anya's guide to spritzing up should be considered a novel.

I always thought that Anya was the most put together of the group, but damn... the amount of work she invests in herself should be admired. And feared.

Mostly feared.

Like the total-body, once a week shower routine:
1. Shampoo hair twice. Once to rinse off dirt (alternate between clarifying and dandruff even if you don't have but it's good to maintain), second time use a scalp massage tool to scrub in the shampoo (this time moisturizing shampoo) into your scalp. Make sure to section hair to rinse products properly. If hair is especially dry, don't double shampoo.
2. Use hair mask/treatment and wear a foil hair cap to make it effective.
3. While you wait, exfoliation time. Exfoliate body with tool (additional exfoliation is to pair tool with scrub especially if you want to layer scents). Tools used are exfoliating brushes, gloves, and nets. Use pummel stone or any tool to scrub feet. Don't rinse scrub just yet.
6. Rinse hair mask, put in conditioner. Rinse conditioner and scrub residue.
7. First body cleanse - use antibacterial soap or unscented soap. Use near vagina but not on. Between thighs, butt, and back (use long handle scrub for the back). 
8. Shaving time. Use shaving oil or shower oil to shave. (If you don't have oil, using hair shampoo works too.) Also if it is a preference, use a facial razor to shave arm hair. 
9. Second body cleanse with your favorite body wash.

PS: Never use scented soaps on vagina. Always clean with unscented soap (not antibacterial) and water. 
PSS: Always do body cleanses after hair routine to avoid getting body acne from the hair products.
PSSS: Vaseline on lips as your lip care at night.

Daily shower routine is just double cleansing (#7 and #9). And if you want to shave that day, just exfoliate first before cleansing.

Then we go into scent layering to just regularly smell good:
- Try to get similar scent notes of the following products:
1. Body scrub (during shower)
2. Body wash (during shower)
3. Body cream (after shower)
4. Body oil  (after shower) - optional, this is additional scent
5. Perfume (after shower)
6. Body mist (after shower) - optional, but you need one that works really well with your perfume, not clashes with it.

Scent notes examples: vanilla, fruity, cinnamon, sandalwood, etc.

There's even a guide for face, feet, and hand care. Eating correctly according to your menstrual cycle! 

Yeah, being a girl is rough...

xoxo

—>

"Emergency. Emergency. Come to the house!"
:poop_emoji:

You doubt it's an actual emergency since nothing your brother ever sends ever is. 

Last time he sent this, it was because he was craving a certain snack that can only be found near your apartment. Did you resolve his issue? Yes... You may complain about the baby of the family, but you're just as guilty in spoiling him.

And just as always, you head over to resolve his issue. Makeover day happens to be today, and so you took the day off from your job at the family restaurant. You have your second job at the skating rink tonight, leaving you a full day of errands and freedom.

Your parent's apartment resides near the restaurant, on the first floor of a mediocre-looking building. You've done food deliveries for the restaurant and have seen some luxurious buildings situated nearby, but your childhood home sits right on the border of upscale and middle class. Its only amenity is the card-entry at the door, but besides that, no concierge or pool or sophisticated elevator.

You may no longer live here, but they never rid you of your keys. You enter the three-bedroom apartment quietly, but when you don't find your brother at the door to greet you, annoyance pumps into your veins.

You stomp around, eyes frantically in search of the culprit, and you come upon him near the bathroom by the kitchen, away from the bedrooms. Your heavy footsteps lighten the second you pass the hallway leading to the main bedroom, knowing your mother rests at this time.

The little gremlin leans against the door frame with an air of nonchalance... as though he hadn't just desecrated the toilet. In his hand is a plunger, and you yank it away from him.

"I'm going to teach you this one more time." You reach out to grab the stick of resolution and approach the infested toilet. "You cover the hole, pump into it, and wait for it to suction away. You know it's working when you hear that gluck sound."

Your explanation comes with a demonstration, but by the end, you catch your brother on his phone, not paying attention.

"Did you catch that, Johnny?" It's not his name, but it's what people call him when they can't pronounce his name, Joaquin.

His eyes peel away from the screen to glare at you. "Yeah, yeah."

"Anyways, rinse off the plunger. I gotta head out." You hand him back the resolution stick, but he doesn't take it back. "Come on, I gotta go."

"When was the last time you spoke to Steph?"

Your raised arm heavies with the item, but you ignore the burn as you direct an annoyed stare at him. He's trying to be casual about his intentions, but you see right through his ploy.

"Is that why you sent the text? To have me mend the bridge with Steph?"

"Well?" he nudges.

You huff and drop the plunger into the toilet. "I spoke to her like two months ago. Why?"

"Did you know that she's back in uni?"

"Yeah, that's why our parents upped the hours on me. That's why they lectured me about needing to find a career. That's why I'm here doing this task instead of her," you list out all the consequences you've faced since your older sister returned to studying.

"Did you know that the First Lady pulled strings to get sis that scholarship and got her back into the economics program?"

You roll your eyes. "Not surprised that Steph knows people high up in power."

"You need to let go of your guilt, [Name]. She thinks you really hate her," he says.

Of course this conversation had to happen before your makeover. Because dredging up old wounds is always a fun way to start your rebirth.

"Look, I don't hate her—"

"Then tell her or try to reach out. Stop ignoring her texts."

"I've been busy."

"Clearly. You got here so quickly when I told you that I clogged the toilet." His sarcasm rings heavy, and you almost hit him with the plunger. "You're not gonna solve any issues you have with her if you don't talk to her."

"I'm here plunging your shit, and you want to give me advice?"

"It's precisely because you're plunging my shit that I feel like you need advice."

"Fuck you," you grumble as you wash your hands.

As you begin to leave, your brother follows you to the door, his words softer as he continues his lecture. "I feel guilty as well for not doing enough when mom got sick. Steph sacrificed a lot to get us through that time, and she doesn't resent us for that sacrifice. You guys might have had a big fight but that doesn't mean it's over between you two."

"We are just fundamentally different people. We don't need to get along," you let out a tired exhale.

"Just one text, sis."

You narrow your eyes at him. Although his emotions are concealed with apathy, the tone in his voice pleads for your cooperation. And once again, you can't say no to him.

"One text, but it won't be today."

"You're such a procrastinator," he grumbles.

~

They changed your eyebrow shape. They styled your hair to fit your face shape. They updated your wardrobe to places that had deals on quality clothes. And they took you to have an early dinner before work.

You may not have changed on the inside, but on the outside, you've been enhanced enough to feel like a different person, even when the changes were just minimal. 

Once more you find yourself eating with friends. It's a spot that Anya enjoys; they don't serve entrees but rather small plates to share, along with discount drinks. Being young-twenty women, these specials are always attractive. You may not be able to drink since you work soon, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the buzzed atmosphere of your friends.

Well, best friend and a new friend. Sakura transformed today just like you, and after spending nearly seven hours together, she's become part of the crew. Ino can be an honorary member since she did join in on a video call to rate the new outfits.

You sip on your soda as Anya and Sakura chat about jewelry that matches their skin tones and adding another piercing to their ears. The food is enough to sustain you for a few hours, but you'll probably need a protein shake to make it through the night.

Another addition to your changed lifestyle. Eating better since you can't have glowy skin by eating trash and never sleeping. It's been a week, and you've endured it. You couldn't say if it'll stick, but it won't be from a lack of trying.

"The both of you need to stop settling for shitty behaviors," Anya states, her tone like a mother's consternation. She then turns her attention to Sakura. "I don't know how you lasted going after Sasuke, but I promise you that you're only hurting your chances by being so clingy."

"Yeah, the second he said no, I would have dumped the idea of being with him," you agree.

Anya's narrowed stare switches onto you. "You're not any better. Mr. Four-Blowjobs was clearly only interested in sex, not a relationship."

Your mouth shuts as the truth hits you like a truck. Nothing can be said in your defense as you allowed the situationship to live for too long. You were a fool to not date anyone during it and a fool to not see the signs.

So, Anya is right. You and Sakura need to change.

"I don't get how a new look will net better guys," you grumble as you return to your nibbling.

Anya flicks over her fry at you. "As I said before, you guys were able to pull men just fine before. You don't need a makeover. But you need confidence to find someone worth your time, and makeovers always boost a girl's confidence."

"And we're going to start dating!" Sakura smiles. "Might as well look our best."

"I guess," you murmur while scanning your phone. The shinobi-dating app opens to a few messages from matches you've had during your time away. "Should I try here again?"

Sakura, who sits beside you, leans to brush her shoulders against you, her eyes on the screen. "Oh, yuck. You're matched with idiots. I've gone to school with those guys, and each one barely made it to Genin."

"I don't discriminate," you force a laugh. "How can I—"

"Bzzt, wrong!" Sakura cuts you off.

"What did I just say?!" Anya sounds exasperated. "Even if it's a shinobi, don't act lesser than them. You're going to receive trash if you think you're trash."

Sakura gently takes your phone, and you allow the action. She glances at your profile with a studious eye. "Hmm... I think drop the bikini pics and add some better photos. You're going to get less than savory guys and scare off the decent ones."

"I agree," Anya nods. "Fuck boys are not what we want."

Sakura returns your phone, and as you delete the photos and begin revamping your profile, you hear someone approach your table. Their steps are soft and harmoniously-paced. You're surprised that you even catch their presence.

You drag your sight away from your phone, and you first notice the distinctness of their eyes. An off-white color among the white. His silky, long dark hair is pushed away from his face by his shinobi headband, a traditional way to wear it that you respect, but what you especially notice is their stature of lean muscle.

"Hello," he says with his gaze initially on you but then directs it at Sakura. His eyes are full of recognition, and you realize that his greeting was said towards her and not you.

"Oh, hey, Neji." Sakura scratches her cheek, not too comfortable by his presence like old friends but they seem to possess a respectable acquaintanceship. "I'm surprised to find you here."

Neji doesn't respond immediately, his attention distracted by... you, it seems. His stare keeps straying from Sakura to regard you to which she notices.

"These are my friends, [Name] and Anya," Sakura introduces. "This is Neji Hyuuga. He's a Jounin ninja that helps in the Hokage's unit."

Neji's eyebrows furrow, clearly confused by the detailed introduction, but you know that it's for your sake. You may have terrible senses when it comes to shinobi men, but you can definitely take a hint from a woman as this is Sakura hinting that Neji is the type of man you should go for. His credentials fit the bill of what you want, but you recognize his last name. 

The holy trinity of Shinobi clans consists of the Senju, the Uchiha, and the Hyuuga. Each has a controlling influence in their niche. The Senju run politics, the Uchiha run the finance world, and the Hyuuga run the medical field. 

You may have had a makeover, but you don't think you're that prepared to climb the Hyuuga mountain.

But you are still required to be polite, and you do so with a forced smile. "It's nice to meet you, Neji."

"Likewise," he curtly responds.

Ah, he's a quiet one. That's for sure.

"So, what are you doing here?" Sakura prods to keep the conversation going.

He finally settles his focus onto Sakura, granting her an explanation for his shocking attendance. "I am treating Lady Hinata to a small celebration for her graduation after the previous celebration at the main estate went cataclysmically."

"It didn't go well, huh?" Sakura grimaces. "So is Hinata here?"

"No, she'll be here soon. You're welcomed to join us," he says as his eyes stray once more to rest on you. "I'm sure Lady Hinata wouldn't mind a few others. Of course, my treat."

Sakura eyes you guys, a silent question on whether you want to merge tables or not.

You almost agree until your phone alarm blasts. Your excitement deflates while the others startle.  "Aaaaah... I forgot! But I have to go to work now."

As Neji sends you a subtle stare of disappointment, you notice Anya bobbing her head to the side to quietly gesture at him, demanding that you ask him out. It's clear there's instant attraction, why not act on it?

But he's employing the word 'Lady' in front of a name which means he probably is a noble among shinobi. You wouldn't be surprised if he's loaded with money, drives a nice car, and can make you a housewife in two seconds. It's a bit intimidating when so far the guys you've dated had none of those qualities.

You scoot out of the booth, ignoring Anya's obvious command to ask Neji out. "I'm sorry, but I hope you guys have fun. And Happy Birthday to Lady Hinata!" 

You incline your head as both an apology and farewell, then race out of the restaurant.

It isn't until you make it to the bus stop that you receive two texts.

Anya: "Good news and bad news... Bad news is that you need to work on your confidence. Good news is that Neji asked Sakura for your digits."

Sakura: "Heeey! Can I give Neji your number?"

Your heart races, and before you allow anxiety to manipulate you into thinking that this is a bad idea, you reply to Sakura instantly, allowing Neji to receive your phone number.

He seems like husband material. He seems far different from Kiba and Mr. Four Blowjobs.

Maybe this time you've actually found The One...

Chapter Text

Dear journal,

Who knew that changing a few things about yourself also lifted your standards. It also felt like my preferences were an oxymoron—I was picky in general but not too picky when it came to shinobi. And because of that, the world provided me with a great test, Kiba Inuzuka.

Now, I am to arrive at a nice restaurant to enjoy fine dining with a man whose wealth supersedes most of those living in Konoha. 

What a journey...

Again, I pray that this connection works.

xoxo

—>

There's nothing to criticize when it comes to the setting of your first date with Neji.

There's enough lighting to see your menus but not enough to highlight your flaws. The chairs are comfortable and sturdy, the view of the city is breathtaking, the servers are attentive, the room a perfect temperature, and there's a hook under the table for your purse! Yay!

Even the man seated before you is easy on the eyes.

As soon as he acquired your number, you two exchanged pleasantries and small talk about Lady Hinata's makeup dinner. Apparently, Anya grilled him with questions (for your benefit, but you won't tell him), and Sakura kept speaking highly of you (also for your benefit). 

Then, he went straight to asking about your availability for dinner. Your friends must have truly hyped you up for him to want a date without much of a conversation with you.

From the scant interaction, you gather him to be a no-nonsense man. He quickly finalized date plans, and after two days, you find yourself here at an impressive restaurant. This time, you made sure to look up the establishment before you trusted the typed words of a shinobi, but it would seem that Neji's vocabulary and diction vastly outranks Kiba's. He did indeed type the restaurant name correctly.

Neji certainly carries an intimidating countenance. He seems sure of himself with a graceful gait of nobility and a strong body of a shinobi. And those eyes, haunting and piercing. This man checks off every box when it comes to physical appearance, and you're sure he's to be your ruin if you allow him.

You scoot the chair a bit closer to the table, but there you find the first complaint. Why is it difficult to scoot forward? Are you too heavy to move it a tiny inch? Neji performed a gentlemanly thing two minutes ago in helping you sit, but he didn't push the chair in enough that now there's a large gap between you and the table.

His eyes currently gauge the leather-bound menus, and you use the distraction to force a push. To your dismay, the scoot comes with a dreaded screech that echoes throughout the dignified ambience. 

All the patrons turn to look as does Neji, who sends an arched eyebrow over the menu.

As much as you want to crumble to dust, you try to think positively. They may send glares your way for the disruption, but hey, they get to admire your asymmetrical black dress where half the skirt falls to your ankles and the other half rests at your midthigh. You wear sheer black tights beneath and styled your hair up to display your neck. 

Serena helped a great deal in preparing you and even prayed to the dating gods for you. 'Please let her bag this rich dude so I can have a rich best friend that takes me on expensive trips.'

Okay, so the prayer wasn't wholesome, but any bit of help is much appreciated!

Finally, close enough to the table, you fish out the cocktail menu from the centerpiece. It's a thin, laminated sheet that displays their selection of... bottled wines. You glance behind the sheet to find it empty. It seems this place is too good for cocktails and serves only wine.

Disappointment fills your expression, but it dissipates when Neji begins the conversation.

"So where do you work?" he asks the most basic date-question, but you won't complain. Kiba couldn't even be bothered to do that.

"My family runs a restaurant, and I work in whatever capacity they need me. Most times, I just play hostess, but I clean and cook too. I also do a side gig at a skating rink." 

You pause before asking him the same question. Most times, when you mention your side gig, people show interest. They want to know what a 'side gig' entails at a skating rink. 

However, Neji doesn't engage, his stare expectant of you to return the question and a bit unimpressed.

You set down the wine menu to assess him better. "And... what do you do?"

"As Sakura mentioned, I'm in the Hokage entourage."

"Ooooh, your work must be secretive then~" you tease with a laugh.

"It's the least secretive of the factions," he states simply which wipes your smile off clean. "Are you still in school? What are you studying?"

"Ah, well, I only got my Associate's. I was trying for a degree in Nutritional Sciences, but that didn't work out," you sheepishly answer. He doesn't need to know that you failed both math and science in your first semester, and you barely made it to your second year to complete that Associate's Degree.

Again, you wait for him to engage in this topic, and again, you don't receive a word from Neji, only more of his unimpressed expression.

"And you?" you prod, your tone a bit defeated.

"I double majored in Bio Chemistry and Bio Medical Engineering, got my Master's in Bio Chemistry, and I'm currently working on my PhD."

Of course you're annoyingly accomplished...

You clap your hands together, hoping to keep your enthusiasm alive since it suppresses the urge to roll your eyes. "That's impressive! You're aiming to be a doctor?"

"Well, my uncle is the president of Konoha General Hospital, and my father is vice-president. They expect me to take over in one of those two positions depending on Lady Hinata's decision on her future."

"And Lady Hinata is?"

"She is my first cousin." He turns to the waiter, who just arrived, and asks for a specific bottle of wine. When they leave, he resumes, "I'm assuming you're a civilian then?"

"I am, how did you know?" you sardonically reply. There are a plethora of reasons that highlight your lack of shinobi talent, and you just wonder exactly what gave it away.

Finally, something you said cracks his stern expression. He smirks, "You don't know of my family, and had you known, you would have been too intimidated to say yes to this date. Usually, my dates are with women who possess more... substantial backgrounds."

You don't doubt that. He's only stating the plain, cold facts of this date, and his tone doesn't indicate him to be an egotistical monster over the matter. Between you two is a clear disparity in social status.

The waiter appears once more to pour the wine into your glasses and takes your orders. You order something small since you feel like this date may end badly and you'll be forced to pay for yourself. You have sufficient funds if things go south, but you don't want to dip into them.

Once alone again, you begin to respond to the glaring issue between you two. "And yet, you asked me out."

You're being testy, and he seems to be intrigued by it, judging by how his smile remains.

"I anticipated that a friend of Sakura's would be a kunoichi or someone in the same medical field of study," he says, attaching an exhale of annoyance at being wrong. Yet his eyes burn into yours as though his annoyance isn't centered around your lacking background, it's more that he hates being wrong.

Because your makeover certainly did work in tricking him, and you realize now that if you wear things that suit your face and figure, you come off as a person of luxury. If you actually dedicate time in self-care, people will assume you were born into an affluent lifestyle.

It doesn't matter that most of your jewelry was found at pawn shops or most of your clothes were from the discount bin. It doesn't matter that you don't even own a gym membership or go to the spa everyday. If you feel confident and look confident, you attract confident people.

Or arrogant ones.

And you wonder which Neji is.

"I met Sakura at some restaurant downtown, and we hit it off," you shrug, not playing into the need to win his approval. "I don't judge a person based on their background, only on their character. You interested me because of your kindness towards your cousin."

And that he was cute, invited your friends to a free lunch, and gave you bedroom eyes... But that's besides the point!

"You're family-focused?"

"You kind of have to be when you have a large family," you give a singular laugh. "I have an older sister and a younger brother, and my parents are still alive. They're all important to me as are my friends. And I want a partner who understands and respects that."

Neji sips on his wine, and for once, seems more than interested in your looks. "You're already looking for a life partner? How old are you?"

"Twenty-three, and I don't think it's unusual to be searching for a husband at my age. It's not that I aim to marry tomorrow, but I'm not entirely interested in flings."

"And if I told you that I aim to marry within the next year or so?" Neji questions.

Your eyebrows furrow. "How old are you?"

"Twenty-six."

"You're certainly accomplished at twenty-six."

"I have to be if I am to carry the weight of a hospital on my shoulders," he chuckles.

You nod along in agreement, and you return to the question he posed earlier. "Then I would understand the need to find a wife with an impressive resume, but I don't believe in matchmaking based on resumes. It should be based on love."

He leans back in his chair, his expression that of a man who has already figured out the woman before him. "A romantic at heart."

"I am," you confirm without a hint of shame. 

"They do say that opposites attract," Neji murmurs against the rim of his glass. His eyes flicker back onto you after he finishes his sip. They drink you in like fine wine, and you watch him marveling with equal marveling yourself. "And you seem quite an attractive contradiction to my beliefs."

You take a sip of your own glass before replying, "Aren't those the best kind?"

The corner of his lips quirk. "They certainly are."

~

You expertly follow the rhythm of the same old dance. Though dinner and sex is not an appealing combo, you will admit. It's hard to get into a mood when you feel bloated with food, but when the waiter presents an extensive dessert menu after a meager meal, you cannot deny a sweet ending. 

Besides, most of the meal was spent flirting in a way that has you confident your wallet will remain untouched. You do casually slip your hands into your purse to see if paying is necessary, but when Neji's eyes narrow with annoyance, you instead bring out your lip gloss and compact to retouch your lips.

It would seem that Anya's words were true. Shinobi offend easily at the thought of their date paying. 

Neji also seems to have planned ahead. If the date was a success, the building also contains a luxury hotel in the top floors. And judging by how he lingers close to you after exiting the restaurant, he wants to use it.

Call it pussy intuition!

Or a woman's intuition...

"Is there some place else where we can get to know each other more?" you ask, your voice seductively low as your fingers play with the buttons on his shirt. Your eyes flick upwards at him, and you know that you have him hooked by the darkened shade in his eyes. 

Understanding the double entendre in your words, he fulfills your request quietly and swiftly. He leads you to the hotel lobby with his hand on your lower back, heated and possessive, acquires a room, and brings you to it. 

You expect a heated kiss once the door closes, but he just passes you to perform a quick inspection of the room before heading to the bathroom. It's a simple one with a king bed, another great view of the cityscape, a desk with two comfortable chairs, and a luxurious bathroom. 

The sound of water hitting tile halts your perusal. As you sit on the edge of the bed, you watch steam hit the glass panels of the shower and the blurred, toned figure of Neji enjoying the heat of the water. 

You shouldn't expect less from a proper man, and being clean always makes sex much more comfortable. You just wonder if he will be okay with one more in the shower. Or if you should be in your lingerie before he exits. You already bathed extensively before coming here, while he had just come from work. Naturally, he wants to expel the grime of a long day.

It doesn't take long for you to decide, opting to not shower. It's the first date, and you have no intention of taking off your makeup that took forever to do. Or ruin your hair since you didn't bring a shower cap. 

Once you rid yourself of your dress and stockings, you dim the lights enough to enshroud the room in shadows and place yourself in the middle of the bed on bent knees, a submissive display for his ego.

Neji doesn't take long and exits in a bathrobe. His eyes darken a purple shade when he spots you, and it steals your breath how an eye color can be so mystifying. He prowls over in two large strides to take you into his arms.

His hands are gentle when handling you, one behind your neck and the other on your hip, as they guide you towards him until his lips hit yours. A simple kiss that judges what this is, then another to taste the fruit of his desires, and a final one to open your mouth for his tongue. 

What a relief that you no longer feel slobber. In fact, you're pleasantly surprised to discover Neji's penchant for kissing. It's like night and day when comparing him to Kiba. 

Neji utilizes gradualness akin to quicksand; an initial steadiness when delving into your mouth. His tongue tantalizes yours in a slow dance, dominant of the pace, but each time you try to change the course of his intent, the more heated he becomes, desperate to keep you anchored to him.

Yet... your instincts nag at you that this is wrong. What Neji offers isn't what you crave. You want romance, you want flowers, you want the tickle in your heart. Of course, it will not be present on a first date, but your current entanglement encompasses only primal instincts. 

By how his hands roam and enjoy the soft expanse of your skin, he's besotted by the physicality of your beauty--not that you're a romantic, not that you're a struggling woman in her young twenties, not that you're a great conversationalist. He doesn't care about any of that. Your beauty and the layer of illicit relations between your social statuses blurs the line he crosses, the consequences of coupling becoming an afterthought for another day.

But you suffocate those instincts, ignore the complications, and grant him permission to do as he pleases with you. Resistance is difficult when he sinks you into his temptations through his expert kisses. When your body relaxes enough into him, his touches begin to venture lower.

His fingers delve under the silk of your undergarments, and you feel a stutter in his actions when he finds you seeping with arousal. His throat rumbles with approval, and his strength pushes you into the mattress. 

Crisp sheets soak you in their embrace, bedding you comfortably as Neji's warmth pulls away. He lowers the top of his robe, creamy muscles fill your view, and when his robe drops completely, you hardly gain a peek of what's beneath. But you feel it against your legs. 

Scorching hot, achingly hardened, and dripping bits of precum. 

As two fingers dip into your cove, the stretch and the surprise make you squeak. Neji gently curls his fingers which instills both pleasure and discomfort.

"Let me get you ready," he grunts.

"I don't have lube," you mumble.

"I don't need lube." His statement brings little confusion. Either he's really good at fingering or he's willing to eat you out, but he gives little indication as to what he will do. 

Then, you hear crackling near his face. Through the veil of shadows, you notice that the veins near his eyes have become more prominent. His eyes have activated in a way that shakes concern into your body. Slight fear comes with the territory of being with shinobi, but you trust that Sakura's friend won't hurt you. 

His fingers dig an inch deeper inside you, then he uses the pad of his index finger to search for something. Intrigue replaces confusion, your chest rising and falling quickly in anticipation. But you know what he's found when pleasure rips through your entire nervous system. 

Your body jolts, hands flying to grip his wrist as you yell, "Oh my god!"

"Found it," he states with pride. His eyes return to normal, but his fingers immediately begin to prod at the spot that has you almost cross-eyed.

He starts off slow and sensual, the motion like waves of an ocean crashing onto the sand. You shiver and moan with each roll, and when he feels you gaining comfort, he switches to a rapid come-hither motion that assaults your body with spiked sensations of pleasure. 

The wet sounds of your arousal fill the room as cries of pleasure spill from your lips. Your nails dig into the skin on his wrist as your senses overload with ecstasy. He wants to rip an orgasm out of you, and you can do nothing but wholeheartedly concede to his desires.

"What-- Ughn! Neji, oh my god, oh my god, oh my GOD!" You let out a long, crying moan as he rids you of any human decency. Your limbs convulse, your drool falling onto the sheets, and when he hastens to an inhuman pace, you find nirvana and come undone.

It takes a few seconds for your brain to restart, but when you return to the world of the living, every cell feels light and airy, the pleasure of your orgasm wiping away the stress of life. Your body spasms with each wave of convulsions while your inner walls squeeze his fingers, requesting for more.

"Now, I have you all soaked," he comments with a smirk.

"What... the fuck was that?!" you cry out as you hide your face behind your hands.

Neji slowly takes away his fingers until you feel empty but sated. You expect him to taste it by how he inspects the residue on his fingers, but he primly rubs them against the bathrobe on the bed. 

"I used the Byakugan to find the spot women enjoy quite a bit." He explains it with a bit of arrogance, but you can't blame him for having an ego over this. 

The Byakugan seems to be a handy tool to find your g-spot. Though, you're sure it's also important for missions and protecting the country.

You hear foil being ripped, and in a daze, you watch Neji roll it onto his cock. He then pulls your panties down your body, throwing them into a corner of the room. His knees bring him closer between your open legs, and he stares down at you in awe.

"You're so wet," he says as he lines himself with your quivering entrance. Your pussy seeps and agonizes for his girth, and he doesn't wait another second to sink inside.

He feeds you an inch every two seconds until he's settled inside of you. You let out a whimper at the full sensation, and his hand reaches out to grope your breast through the lace of your bra. You arch your back to give him more, and he hums appreciatively.

"Such a pretty little thing you are. Is this what you were thinking about all night?" he asks as he pulls away, leaning back as he slides almost completely out.

Another moan escapes, and you wrap your legs around his waist to stop him from leaving. "Please, Neji!"

"Please what?" His tone comes off negligibly playful, as though he won't be so cruel to devoid you of pleasure even if you don't play along. 

But you still cooperate as it seems that the idea of control turns him on. "Please fuck me, Neji," you beg in your most innocent voice, and it sets him off.

Neji plunges deep inside, and you throw your head back onto the pillow. He says nothing else as he drives into you with each roll of his hips. Over and over, he blanks your head with bliss, the onslaught of pleasure nipping at your every nerve. You're already so sensitive from having your g-spot assaulted and from the intensity of your previous orgasm, that his cock keeps you at a chokehold of control.

He demonstrates with every thrust that your body is his to command, to manipulate, to dominate. And he wields his authority magnanimously, granting you a toe-curling experience that will imprint into memory.

Your body grows pliant to his onslaught, greedily accepting him deeper, sinking him down along with you, until you're both drunk on the pleasure. 

He grips your waist with both of his hands, keeping you tethered to his thrusts; his eyes are sealed on your expression of ecstasy. He's far gone as are you, but he still retains enough sense of self to verbalize.

"I want you on birth control," he pants as he dives deeper, "because I'm going to have you every time I see you, [Name]. You're too tempting to leave untouched."

You nod eagerly, not fully comprehending what you've signed up for. And truthfully, you don't care. If he can use his Byakugan to find your g-spot upon every encounter, you'll do anything just to keep him close by. 

"You'll be my obedient woman, no?"

Again, you nod, ecstatic to hear that he wants you just as badly as you want him. But you understand that his requests are all just bed play, not an actuality of things besides the mutual desire... Right?

He smiles as though he's won the jackpot, and soon begins a pace of extremity that only shinobi can accomplish, dragging you both into the pit of rapture. 

You're the first to fall, cumming with a wail that leaves you both in tears and breathless. Neji soon follows with a long groan as he fills the rubber with an excessive amount of release.

And when he pulls out of your trembling body, you moan weakly in protest at the sudden emptiness 

"Don't worry," he murmurs as he reaches for another foil. "I'm not done with you just yet."

It's both unfortunate and fortunate that you don't find him when you rise in the morning. As much as you'd like to finally awaken to the face of your bed partner, you're sure that your makeup and hair are too much of a mess to be presentable.  

You just didn't expect Neji to be one of those who leave after a great night. 

But when you check your phone, you're met with a great deal of notifications. Social media notifications and texts flood your feed, and upon a quick investigation, you discover the reason behind it all. 

Neji seems to have checkmarked the "taken" status on his profile. And his new beau? You.

But, isn't this a little quick? You only friended him on socials in between rounds of sex... Well, it was three rounds which was extensive work for you. You're sure he wanted one more, but you were too sleepy to comply.

You swipe through your phone to open your texts and find Neji to be among the few who have reached out. He sent a paragraph of an explanation--he had to leave for work but that he made himself unavailable in social media and for you to do the same. Because you two are exclusive, and he won't accept a relationship lacking in monogamy.

His request leaves you a bit confused. It didn't seem like this relationship would be something that worked long-term. In fact, it felt like things would be temporary, a tryst that had no monogamy to it.

Is this what we call... pussy power? 

You keep blinking at Neji's handsome profile picture as you deliberate.

Well, it isn't like you are in love with anyone else or have any crushes. There's no harm in being exclusive with a quality man, especially one who knows where the g-spot is. 

You select the same status onto your profile, and soon enough, you gain an extra flood of notifications.

Even one from your sister.

'What the actual fuck, [Name]? Are you with a fucking shinobi???'

That's right... You were supposed to message her when you left your parents' house. 

Well, better late than never.

'Teehee,'  comes your response which opens a can of worms. 

Chapter Text

Dear journal,

I'm now a taken woman. It's hard to believe that after one date, Neji claimed me so quickly. I usually have a tough time becoming exclusive with someone I'm interested in (i.e. Mr. Four Blowjobs). 

For a while, I thought I was the problem, but I see now that I had the wrong mindset.

Anya was right. I just needed to raise my standards! Up here, there are loads of guys willing to make me their wife!

And I feel like Neji won't be a problematic guy. He's established, smart, and reasonable.

He's also an intense family man. He takes his role in the Hyuuga clan so seriously. His screen saver is him with his cousin, his emergency contact is his cousin, and the person he interacts with the most on socials is his cousin.

Which is sweet... Love that for him...

Yeah, I think he's the one!

xoxo

—>

It takes three days to finally meet up with your friends to spill the details about your new beau. They utilize the park to convene the meeting, and you realize why they chose this spot when you spot an array of additional faces in attendance.

Your eyes narrow as you approach the group by the large oak tree. They already have multiple picnic blankets set up that host their seated forms along with their bento boxes.

When they notice you, they all glance upwards with large, welcoming smiles.

Serena waves you over. "Over here! I saved you a spot!"

As you round the blankets, you receive multiple greetings from the group. Upon sitting, Anya embraces you and keeps you in her arms, protectively as the expectant eyes of everyone here overwhelms you.

"Hi, hi!" greets Cherry as she waves both of her hands. "We heard the news about your new man. Congrats!"

As unkind as it is to think, you have appointed Cherry as the opportunist of the group. She appears for every party or trip and leeches onto whoever can grant her what she wants. Or whoever has the most money. 

That doesn't mean that you've dropped her as a friend. If there's something you have learned upon reaching adulthood, it's that you need to place a clear divide on passing friends and good friends.

You like Cherry. She's a great time, fun to party with, and will do anything with you, even if it's embarrassing (like blow up a bathroom if you don't want to do it alone). She just isn't the girl who will display loyalty if you beef with someone she currently leeches off of. The expectation of loyalty with Cherry is nonexistent, which keeps your friendship with her healthy.

And you're sure that she spots an opportunity with you dating a rich man.

You recognize two other girls, who are wearing amused smiles when glancing at you. 

"You need to tell us how you snagged him," Yasmin demands playfully.

Her waves of sandy blonde hair always sparkles and shines under the sun, but turns a sad, dull shade under shadows. It's what she hates about her natural color, and so she usually dyes her hair vibrantly during the fall and winter. It's also the only fun fact you know about her besides her family being wealthy. And she has a resting bitch face.

Beside her sits her friend, whom you've always gotten along with but your schedules never line up to meet.

"I'm sure there's tea involved~ I so adore listening to your stories, babe," Rika adds, her tone bone dry with a hint of interest. She then gestures with the shrug of her shoulder to the raven-haired man beside her. "This is Geto, a friend from high school. He tagged along today since he had nothing better to do."

"What kind of introduction was that?" Geto chuckles, then he turns to you and nods his head. "Apologies for crashing your little get-together."

With a quick study, it isn't difficult to dub him handsome, but you do find the atmosphere around him quite... heavy? He may wear a lackadaisical smile, but that feigned joy doesn't reach his eyes.

He's the kind of person who you tend to avoid since it's hard to gauge their impression on anything. Meanwhile, you're an open book, sometimes to your detriment, and so you prefer close friendships with similar people. 

You know it to be an impossible feat, but at least you expect the bare minimum which is honesty.

You wave your hand at Geto. "Oh, don't worry. It's a free park, and we can't really stop you from attending our tea-talk, so welcome, welcome."

Though, why he joins is a mystery to you.

"He's hosting us for our summer trip," Rika answers the question within your stare. "His family owns a huge mansion in Juju Island which will be our destination."

"That so? Yay, thank you, Geto!" Now, your eyes sparkle with glee. There's going to a mansion for this trip? Sounds amazing.

"Are you going?!" Cherry gasps as she picks at the charcuterie board.

"Mhm! When do the details come out? I wanna make a down payment soon." You glance around in search of whoever is spearheading the trip. It's always between Yasmin and Teresa, who are both here and always trying to be leaders of the friend group. 

Everyone's gaze turns to Yasmin. It seems to be her that leads this year's trip. 

Yasmin sneers, well you're sure it's a laugh but she's bad at expressing herself that it comes off as a sneer. "Girl, you sound like you're buying a home."

"Depending on how many excursions you guys decide on, it kinda is like buying a home," you respond as you lean into Anya's constant embrace. "Are your friends going to join too, Geto?"

There aren't a lot of guys in your group. Maybe two or four, depending on whether this girl, Jennie, has broken their hearts. She's the type that acts without inhibition which at times leads to some people getting hurt. Most guys befriending the group are warned about her, but they don't listen. Just one look by her, and they become spellbound and stupid.

Her personality and looks are both enticing. A natural flirt, down to earth, and great sense of humor. The trifecta of ensnaring any guy. She's also another person who knows how to have a good time and a solid friend. It's just that your schedules also don't align to be close.

When Yasmin is leading a trip, she demands that guys attend as well. So if there aren't enough in your group, you're sure she aims for Geto's friends.

Geto doesn't look at Yasmin, his eyes trained on the fruit that he picks apart in his hand. "I can't guarantee it, but I guess if it sounds fun enough, a few might join."

You nod your head before glancing at the rest of those in attendance. You recognize a few other faces, but they are all in other small groups that you don't converse much with. Josselyn, Teresa, and Anya's sorority friend named Chibi. 

Then, beside Serena are your new shinobi friends, and your smile grows exponentially.

"Sakura, Ino!" you gasp. "You're here too!"

Sakura sends a peace sign, while Ino winks and says, "I saw that you got Neji to go official on date #1.Do you know how shocked all of us were? You need to tell us everything."

"Oh, yeah. What a night!" you exclaim as you scoot closer to them. Your mouth opens to recite the tales of Neji, but you halt upon noticing another girl by Sakura's side. Her long, dark hair frames her pale face, but it's her Hyuuga eyes that raises your suspicions. You also recognize her from Neji's screen saver.

Sakura spots your inspection of her friend and introduces her. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, but I brought Hinata today to meet you."

You let out a screeched gasp, "Like, THE Lady Hinata?!"

Hinata shyly nods, "You can call me by my name... But yes, I've heard so much about you from big brother Neji. It's so nice to meet you, [Name]."

"It's nice to meet you too," you respond in awe. No wonder Neji keeps her close. She might be the prettiest woman you've ever seen. 

"So spill," Yasmin orders you from afar, "did you sleep with the guy on the first night?"

The memories of that night widen your smile, and your mouth opens to recount the delicious sex. "Yea--" Your entire body freezes upon two realizations.

One, Hinata is here, and does she want to hear the tale of Neji, the g-spot connoisseur? And do you want to recount the tale of her 'big brother Neji'? No to both.

Second, it's weird talking about sex in front of a dude, and you don't like sharing in large groups either. Had it been your small group of Serena, Anya, Sakura, and Ino, then it's a no-brainer. Yasmin and Cherry along with their friends feels like too much.

Their expectant stares, however, demand a fun story, even Geto seems intrigued to hear. It may go against your comfort, but if there is one thing about you, it's that you love to tell a story.

You subtly turn to Sakura with a forced smile. "He's such a gentleman..."

Sakura narrows her keen eyes. You may not have known her for that long, but you two share a bond over your makeover. You're also an open book, so it's not difficult for her to ascertain your intention.

"Hey, Hinata, let's go get some tea from the vending machine," Sakura nudges the girl. 

Hinata sends a confused stare at her pink-haired friend but then acquiesces to Sakura's suggestion. It would seem that Hinata has also taken the hint to leave, understanding that the conversation ventures into territory not for her ears. 

Oh, Sakura... Taking one for the team. You'll be sure to profusely thank her later and send her a box of macaroons. Then tell her the story of Neji.

The second they are out of earshot--well, as far as one can hope since shinobi have good hearing--you begin to recite your story.

"So we went to Deluca's."

"DELUCA'S!?!" the other side of the picnic blanket shouts, echoing throughout the park.

The friends on your side sip their refreshments with pride in their eyes. You can practically hear them cackling in their head, yeah that's our girl. But they won't speak upon the mistakes you've made to get here, like Kiba.

"Great place, and we flirted the whole time." You expand on the topics, the little embarrassing moments, the details about your food, and then how it went in the bedroom. You warily glance at Geto, who both listens to you and eats his sandwich. "Close your ears for this one, Geto!"

He chuckles and pretends to not listen, but there isn't much you can do to stop him.

"So he used his Byakugan, which is like this shinobi eye thing that only his clan can use. And he found my g-spot by using it."

The picnic erupts in gasps and inquiries. Everyone wants to know exactly how this Byakugan (aka g-spot locator) works, how they can find a Hyuuga man, and how you are still walking. You answer them all, and soon, everyone begins telling the tales of their sexual escapades, or rather their horror stories of when men couldn't make them orgasm.

When Hinata returns with Sakura, they listen to the ongoing risqué topic, and you notice how red Hinata gets. A part of you feels a bit of shame for speaking about such things, but it's difficult to learn from just personal experience. You need the experience of others to figure things out, and by hearing some of these stories, you hope Hinata can move forward with the understanding that if she goes for a man, find one that can make her orgasm.

In this, you pray for her!

Though... maybe big brother Neji may not appreciate your prayer.

When the picnic concludes, your group takes photos by the main cherry blossom tree. Although you participate in all of them, you only post one photo of you with Anya, Serena, Ino, Sakura, and Hinata. A selfie with the girlies, and you edit lighting to make it stand out.

You then head back for your apartment along with Serena while the rest go their own ways. As you two speak upon what to make for dinner, you receive several texts at the same time from both your sister and Neji.

Serena hears the notifications, and as you scroll through them, she inquires on the senders, "Popular, much?"

"Oh, my sister and I are talking again," you announce as an offhanded remark.

"Huh?!" She pauses on the sidewalk to send you a bewildered stare. "You guys are talking again?! That's great news!"

Serena has played witness to your volatile relationship with your sister. Both of you had equal parts in its dissolution, but that doesn't make either of you bad people, as Serena has told you many times. She's played peacekeeper for the both of you since little, so to see the connection returns does warm her heart.

"We're only talking a little bit. She isn't happy that I'm with Neji, and you know how she is when things are out of her control," you let out a scoff.

"She's protective of you. It's coming from a place of love," Serena explains as she resumes walking.

You follow her pace, your thumbs hard at work in responding to your sister. "But it comes off mean and controlling. That's the issue I have with her, but she is trying to tone it down." You scratch your nose as the allergies of spring still nip at your sinuses. "She now checks in on me every day to make sure I'm not in the middle of any shinobi clan war."

Serena chuckles at the comment, but before she can make a joke, you receive a phone call. Neji's name lights up on the screen, sparking a hint of butterflies.

You grin at the sensation and quickly pick up the call. "Hello~"

"Are you with another man right now?"

You scowl at the question. "Another man?" You ruminate over who he could be talking about since the person beside you definitely isn't a man. You also haven't been around any men except... "Oh, my friend brought one to our picnic. But there were like eight other girls there. Wait, how did you know?"

"I saw the photo your friend tagged you in."

That must have been Cherry, tagging you to tell the world you're her friend like the opportunist she is. "Gotchaaaa. Did I look cute in it?"

"Look, I hope you understand that even though it's a recent union, I want us to be loyal to one another."

Your lips form a pout. You're hurt that he feels a need to remind you of monogamy. You've only been together for three days, and he already thinks you're cheating. 

"Of course I understand that. This wasn't like some date. We were having a friendship-picnic. Sakura and Ino were here too, and they brought Lady Hinata to meet me."

Neji goes silent. Then, "You brought Lady Hinata to that sort of place?"

"It's a park. We were looking at falling cherry blossoms and eating cheese," you now grow defensive. "Neji, I am a loyal girlfriend. So I don't appreciate you saying those things."

"We can talk about it later. When can I see you again?"

Despite the growing annoyance surrounding your boyfriend, you don't let it affect your response. "I'm free right now."

"Good, I'll pick you up in an hour for dinner," he states before hanging up.

You pull your phone away from your ear. No request, no apology, no accountability. Neji came in like a hurricane to suck out the joy from your picnic, and you played the role of a bystander to it.

Stunned, you glance at Serena, "Uh..."

"I'm guessing we're not having dinner together?" Serena clicks her tongue in disappointment. When the two of you cook meals together, it always ends with a movie night and beer. The pleasures of living with your best friend.

"Yeah, but I can bring you back something nice," you offer to appease her.

"I don't want cold leftovers. You guys are gonna go to some hotel afterwards, I'm sure," she shrugs. "I'll just head to a ramen shop."

"I think--" You pause to process the interaction you just had with Neji. It was both frustrating, confusing, and a bit...controlling. "I think he's kinda obsessed with me or something."

Serena laughs, "Was he cute about it?"

"Not at all," you exhale a long sigh as you both head back to the apartment to get ready.

Chapter Text

Dear journal,

Four dates so far, each of them being dinner and sex. 

At times, I feel like I'm back at square one as being some sort of paid escort for a shinobi. But there's a layer of communication I never received from Mr. Four Blowjobs (aka MFBJ) that I do appreciate.

Yet Neji's communication comes with stipulations.

He hardly ever texts when working or studying. He sends a singular text in the morning to start my day, a quick phone call during lunch, and either another phone call at night or a text goodnight. He's unsurprisingly a busy man that any free night he has available, he tells me so I can adjust my schedule and go on a date.

I'm learning about him during these dates. Like, what kind of food he likes, the hierarchy of his clan, and the culture of shinobi living. Apparently, once a shinobi settles down in regular society, they are either ridiculously accomplished shinobi or a failure. There's no in between.

So far, Neji works towards his shinobi accolades during his study, and he wants to be settled down before he runs the hospital in some capacity. Gaining a wife is also a necessity before taking on the mantle.

It's nice to be considered wifey material... I'm just not sold on marriage happening so soon when it feels like we've hardly scratched the surface with one another.

xoxo

—>

"Can you repeat yourself again?" you ask as you blow on your toes to dry down the paint.

Your phone sits on the bed between your sprawled out legs, and you've placed the call on speaker as you busy your hands with painting your toenails. It's been an arduous process that has taken you a while, stemmed from a need to conserve your funds. You've made it your mission (pun intended) to go on that girl's trip and scramble together scraps to make this a reality.

It will mean flawed nails until then, and you hope your boyfriend excuses this particular imperfection.

Neji lets out a sigh before repeating himself, "Is it possible for you to attend a private party tomorrow? It's a birthday celebration for an elder in our clan."

"What time?"

"Around four."

Literally the worst time he can mention. Earlier would have been fine, later would have been better. In the middle of a shift? Undoable, unless you put yourself in a bad spot with your family. Your father already harps on you about your entitlement, how you do as you please when taking shifts, so you've been trying to be more responsible by not calling out randomly.

Fulfilling this request will put a wrench in your efforts.

Neji hears the hesitance through the phone, and his additional comment doesn't help with the situation. "It's imperative that you attend."

"I just wish I got more of a heads up." A weak grumble, but your complaint is more than valid.

"I understand that it may be a bothersome request, but this particular elder discovered our relationship and expects your attendance," he explains, his tone softer as he too understands the imposition he's placed on you.

"I mean, our relationship status is pretty clear on socials. Why did you not anticipate him to know about us?"

"Because [Name]," he enunciates your name with every syllable as though he's about to impart common knowledge, "he doesn't have socials, none of my elders do. And Lady Hinata and my parents have been quiet about our relationship."

"Well, Neji," you use his same tone, "you must severely underestimate your elders. There's such a thing as word of mouth, but here. Let me prove to you that your elders are technologically advanced. What's your elder's name?"

He lets out a huffing laugh then supplies the name.

You reach out for your phone and bring up your social page. In it, you glance through your recent friends. A great deal of people have added you within the month, more than you have ever added in the past years. Almost all are shinobi--Sakura, Ino, Neji, Hinata, and a few of their friends whom you've met in passing. You also rejected Kiba's friend request when you saw that he was connected through Hinata. 

Mental note: warn Hinata to not go near the dog-man and his penchant for waterworks.

As you scroll through the list of people, Neji takes your silence as his victory. "So are you able to make it to the part of my technologically advanced elder?"

Your eyes finally fall upon the name you were searching for. With a grin, you glance through your notifications. "There he is! Can you believe it? He's one of the first people to befriend me when we got together. He's been liking my posts too."

"You... What?!" Neji yells, shock apparent in his voice.

Ignoring his exclamation, you continue scrolling through your timeline. "I'm friends with him. He likes all of my fit checks and the pics of our dates."

He actually seems like an ardent enjoyer of your outfit videos which is what you constantly post on your account. Each one has been liked by him, and some of the cuter ones he's added a clapping emoji on it.

Neji appears to have glanced through your profile while you studied your interactions with his clan elder, as his reaction comes out scalding. "Do you just accept anyone as a friend?"

You give a shrug, even when he cannot see your nonchalance. "I'm not exactly on private, and I only befriend people that have mutuals with me. Though, I guess I just added whoever had Hyuuga as their last name too. Heeeeh, you're not even friends with your elder."

He ignores your teasing and continues on with his annoyance. "What are these photos of you? They are... indecent."

"Are you looking through all of my stuff now?" you ask as you try to recall what's on there.

You've done well to scrub away anything with your ex, and MFBJ never documented himself in any of your excursions with him. Your social page documents your time with friends and traveling around Konoha. Your fit checks lack any sexuality as well, you just extend your arms out, perform heart signs and twirl in cute clothes.

Well, maybe there are some clubbing outfits and beach day outfits.

"I'd prefer it if you began dressing more modestly. You will make more enemies in my world dressed like that," Neji states when he finishes his inspection.

You make a face of disgust. You don't appreciate his prim tone of condescension, that he has some moral high ground over clothing. "It's not like I actively search for tiny skirts or crop tops, I just buy what looks cute on me. And I don't ever make enemies because of my clothes. In fact, I tend to make friends."

"But if you are to be at my side, you will be one of the leaders of the Hyuuga. It is imperative you look the part," he explains. "You're an intelligent woman. You do understand that there are times when you must dress according to your role."

His words become white noise to you as you busy your attention once more with your nails. You opted for sharp, stiletto black nails that are certainly bold along with matching black on your toenails. Too bold for a prim princess that he wants you to be.

Is he worried you'd scare his family or make him look bad? He shouldn't, you make friends wherever you go!

But there's a hint of logic to his request. If you want to continue with Neji, you must assume a position of power that needs you dressing more appropriately. 

You just don't know if you want to give up your enjoyment of these sorts of fashion so soon. Or if he is even worth it.

"Of course I can dress appropriately around your family, Neji, but what I wear with my friends shouldn't be policed," you sigh.

"Why not? You are my woman, of course I want you to be modest to the male gaze."

Your lips purse with annoyance. "I'm not dressing for the male gaze. I can't help it if guys stare. If anything, I take it as a compliment. My friends and I just really enjoy fashion and experimenting with different styles. If it works out then we're happy. If not, we just laugh at ourselves and move on. It's really not that deep."

"And I am saying that it matters to me."

"Hey look," you feign a gasp as you open up a post, "your elder even liked a post of my skimpy outfit from last week!"

The subject change cuts the argument short, especially since it sucks out the rest of Neji's patience. "What in the world is happening?!" he groans. "I need to get back to work. Can you make it tomorrow or not?"

"Yes, Neji dearest. I'll make it," you intone as you return to your nails.

"Okay, I'll pick you up from your place tomorrow, but let's talk more about our misunderstanding later tonight."

He hangs up, and when nighttime rolls around, you don't answer his call. There's no way you are going to ruin your night by listening to a lecture by your boyfriend. Instead, you go out with Serena in your shortest skirt to eat at your favorite food truck.

~

The party is as bland as you thought. Rigid, quiet, and intense. Everyone keeps their eyes on you, one of the only non-Hyuuga participants and also the only non-shinobi here. A rarity among the clan's nobility and their friends.

You currently visit the Hyuuga main estate within their clan's neighborhood. A traditional house made of wood and sliding paper doors, it holds centuries of history imprinted within its foundations that you practically feel the stuffiness of it. The dull colors of wood and off-white are as unwelcoming as the estate's occupants.

Unsurprisingly to you but surprisingly to them, the moment you stepped inside the clan elder requested that you sit by his side for dinner. Since then, you have spent your time beside him, conversing and enjoying each other's company.

"Interesting, and then how do you make the filling?" he inquires while once more awing at the gift you gave him.

Neji had originally clicked his tongue and soured when he saw the gift you brought for his elder. It was a tower of macarons, homemade and in several shades of white and purple like their eyes. You were quite proud of it, and when you presented it, the elder made it the centerpiece of the dining table.

Now that dinner has finished, the elder sits closer and prods you for details, which you supply excitedly. "It's a technique I perfected, but honestly, the batter is what I find most difficult."

"I saw on your social that you made a wide variety of them the other day," he continues, giddy to be a recipient of your treats.

"Yes, I'm currently testing color gradients," you nod as you shuffle out your phone. "Oh, I should show you my red gradient. That's my best work."

Was it worth getting yelled at by your dad just to prove a point to Neji that you can fit in anywhere by dressing in your style? Yes, totally. Your backless dress has definitely received all kinds of looks by his family, but none of his elders have uttered a word in protest. And apparently their opinion is law among them.

So they must stay quiet and accepting. Only when they practically beg for the elder to open the other gifts does he leave you alone. And you travel over to Neji with a skip to your step and a shit-eating smile.

"Hello again~" you sing as you reach over to hug Hinata and kiss Neji's cheek. You then drop yourself into the chair between the two.

Neji catches on to your smugness, side-eyeing you with annoyance while Hinata offers you another shy smile. "You're amazing, [Name]. He doesn't like speaking with anyone."

Hinata's sister, Hanabi, includes herself with an equally large smile as yours. "He always makes these parties unbearable by throwing tantrums."

"Hanabi," Hinata chastises with a whisper.

"It's not a secret to outsiders. We were all waiting for it to happen, and then big brother Neji arrived with his goddess, who's basically a pacifier." Hanabi bows to you jokingly, which receives the annoyed grunt of Neji.

You giggle, "Heh, I think your elder may have a tiiiiny crush on me."

Neji grumbles, "Please don't make a joke like that."

"Don't worry. You're my #1!" You subtly stick out your tongue. "I won't leave you for your elder, even though he's so much nicer about my outfits and hobbies."

"You do enjoy your jokes," Neji sighs deeply before resting his arm around your waist despite the chair being a hurdle. But he ignores it, ascertaining a level of possession over you in front of the others.

Before you can indulge in his cute display, Hanabi breaks your reverie. "Huh, I just noticed, but you don't have your girlfriend as your screensaver while she does."

You flutter your eyelashes before reaching for his phone on the table. He does nothing and allows you to confiscate it for your inspection. It's the same photo from when you two met, one of him and Hinata having dinner.

"Oh... I thought we said we were going to have matching ones."

Neji says nothing, a bit tiffed to be under the spotlight and rebuked. As much as you appreciate his close relations with his family, you've mentioned to him that at times it feels as though you're a third wheel to him and Hinata.

But he doesn't enjoy any dissent when it involves Hinata and closes off when it happens.

Like now.

Thankfully, Hinata is here to play mediator. "That is such an old photo of us. Why would you prefer that over the one with [Name]? Her screensaver has such a beautiful photo."

"It's just a preference," comes his weak reasoning.

"You kinda suck as a boyfriend," Hanabi drones, sending Neji an unimpressed stare. "If I were you, I'd be proud to show her off."

Again, Neji remains silent, stubborn, and uncaring of the hurt you feel. It's a trait of his that you have decided to accept since he has many other qualities that shine over his staunch stubbornness.

He listens (when it suits him), he gives you any of his available time (when it suits him), and he communicates his issues (when it suits him). He even ravages you in bed (in a way that suits his tastes, not yours).

You pause to process the complication between you two. It's been a month, and no interaction feels smooth. You're constantly clashing with him over everything. He's a strong personality to endure, and you have your own but not to the effect that inflames the issues. Usually, it's Neji getting his way while you perform passive aggressive retaliations.

Maybe, you need to stop being so docile about what matters to you. Maybe, you are the one who needs to be better in communicating since he actively and constantly states his issues. While you keep it all to yourself under the guise of being understanding and reasonable.

Another mental note: better communication starting tomorrow.

Because today you shall revel in pettiness.

"Why don't we take a pic?" you suggest with a smile geared at Hanabi.

The girl instantly gleans your intentions and mirrors your smile, one full of malicious compliance. She hops over, pushes Neji's hand away from your hip, and pulls you and her sister in for a trio selfie.

A pretty picture of the three girlies, and you immediately make it your screensaver. Two can play at that game, and you're definitely not going to be the girl that's walked all over.

"So cute! I think I'll go show your elder, maybe even take a selfie with him. I'm sure he'll make it his screensaver," you grin as you skip away.

Neji lets out a noise of annoyance, aware of your petulance over the situation, but he won't say a single word in response. For some reason, your petulance turns him on, and when it's time to leave, he will bring you to his apartment to fuck you until you're more obedient.

And you'll enjoy it.

Until the day you don't anymore, and the cons outweigh the pros which feels like it may be soon.