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It was a bit late in the afternoon, the sun still shined bright but it showed it soon wanted to take its slumber. Sasuke often prepared his meals before training with his team, and he usually eats lunch and dinner with them, today he just didn’t feel like it. Naruto's loud mouth and Sakura always bantering with him which was even louder. Kakashi barely cared enough to separate them and Sasuke didn’t care enough to put a stop between them, but my god was it annoying. And as much as he preferred Sakura’s presence over Naruto's, he didn't want to deal with her awkwardness. Sakura was a pretty girl, sure, but knowing the underlying interest Sakura had on him felt a bit uncomfortable. This feeling wasn’t only with her though, he always had this unnerved feeling each time someone swarmed him. He didn’t like the attention whatsoever, there was probably something wrong with him for that, other guys would flaunt quickly to a flock of girls like that but Sasuke doesn’t want or need to worry about that now. Either way, the point is he wanted to eat his dinner alone for the day, and taking advantage of the sunny day, he decided to take a stroll in the woods. He quickly packed his food, some onigiri with tomato curry, a meal he usually saves for himself for a good day where he deserves to unwind. He takes his packed meal into his hands and makes his way outside, looking up to the sky. It was partially cloudy, but nothing serious. He quickly made his way to the nearby woods.
Why specifically the woods? There was a lake nearby and the view was nice, calming even. A place that gave his restless mind some tranquility. He passes multiple trees and bushes, the typical precious greenery he likes. The wind was soft and brushed against Sasuke's skin in a way that gave him warmth, a sense of calmness. His shoulders dropped as he relaxed his mind. He knows letting his guard down like this in such a place wasn’t wise, but he needed a breather, even if it was small. But his moment of ease quickly ceased as he heard rustling nearby, sounds of heavy footsteps in the grass. Sasuke quickly ducked for cover, hiding in some bushes before peeking out to see, it should be embarrassing how quickly he hides… What if it's some dumb bunny?
Or well Sasuke wishes it was just some Rodent, when he loomed over he saw one of the members of the Hyūga clan training, his breathing was heavy as he continued his swift movements, thick sweat covered his face and arms, dripping onto the grassy ground. He clearly has been at it for hours. Sasuke continues watching and starts analyzing: his long dark brown hair tied loosely at the bottom, how his bandages covered his right arm and leg. Where has he heard this before… oh right. This must be Neji right? One of the strongest genin… yeah right. Sasuke scoffed under his breath and rolled his eyes, his eyes settling back on the Hyūga, but he quickly realized he stood still, stiff. Veins on Neji’s eyes became visible, more prominent than before. It unsettles Sasuke, the way Neji looked around even with such clear fatigue. And his eyes quickly meet the Hyūga’s pale irises. Sasuke quickly hides, his stomach dropping and his face flushing in embarrassment. Fuck… what if he thinks Sasuke just some weirdo watching him? He should get away from here. Or well he tried to, the moment he stood up to walk away he was interrupted by a Kunai flying towards him, way too close to brushing his face before Sasuke quickly stepped back. Sasuke’s heart exhilarated, his breath heavies quickly, feeling the thumping in his chest become louder. What the fuck is going with him? He never acted like this when it came to enemies, so why is this uptight asshole getting to him so easily? Even before Sasuke could dwell in his mind any further, the voice called out to him.
-“Who are you?”
The Hyūga said firmly, taking two steps closer to Sasuke. His thin brows furrowed as he watched Sasuke's movements, but as he took notice of Sasuke’s startled expression, he withdrew his byakugan, the veins around his eyes sheathing and returning to their normal state.
Sasuke didn’t even know how to respond, his packed meal still in his hands, he looked down to recollect himself, looking back at Neji to reciprocate the same firmness in his eyes.
-”Sasuke.”
He finally responded, albeit a bit more softer than he would usually speak. He still couldn’t understand why. Sasuke would usually prove his superiority to assholes like this, but something in him just …cant.
Despite his attempts to calm his breathing, Sasuke still feels the loud thumping in his throat heat quickly going to his head to the point it made him lightheaded. Sasuke tried convincing himself it was just Neji’s creepy fucking eyes that made him feel uneasy, but even he didn’t believe that.
-”What do you want, Sasuke?”
Neji asks again, but quieter this time, almost gentle. It made Sasuke annoyed, why is he talking to him like a lost puppy. Like he’s a poor mutt. What an ass.
-”Nothing, I was just passing by and noticed you.”
Sasuke responded, but even so he stiffened, he deeply wants to get out of here.
-”Is that so?”
Neji asks with uncertainty, clearly he didn’t believe Sasuke. I mean, why would he? Why would someone “passing by” just stare at him through the bushes? Sasuke paused at this realization, he felt his cheeks flush in embarrassment, all of this just felt humiliating.
-”yes, I was simply out here to find a spot to eat”
Sasuke says as he holds up his packed dinner, two boxes of tupperware that are covered and tied together with a thick cloth.
Neji narrowed his eyes at Sasuke, and Sasuke didn’t falter. They both stared at each other in thick, tense silence which made Sasuke realize more of Neji’s features. His round face, simple long nose, tan skin, pouty yet small lips, his cheeks a bit flushed… alright what the fuck is he doing. Sasuke's eyes faltered as he shook his head slightly, a light thunder sounded in the distance and Neji let out a light gasp, his eyes widened as he looks up to the sky.
-”Rain…”
The Hyūga said rather panicked, his brows scrunching as he quickly ran off without another word. What a weirdo…
But he has a point, despite the sunny, partially cloudy day, clouds started to form and darken the sky, a tiny droplet falling onto Sasuke's nose. He humms, quickly making his way back to the village with a growling stomach. He huffed and pouted, he could’ve ate his delicious meal and be home by now if it wasn't for that arrogant Hyūga… pssht whatever.
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Sasuke was on his way home, still sulking about his meal as his stomach growled in protest. Small droplets began falling from the sky, but nothing dire to worry about so he kept walking. Among walking Konohas damp streets, he spots on the corner of his eye… the same long dark chocolate hair tied down loosely at the bottom, same bandaged limbs, same tan skin. What a coincidence he found Neji again, but why is he hiding under shade, it's not like it's raining downpour. When Sasuke walked closer to Neji, he noticed how stiff and anxious Neji seemed. Is he scared of rain or something? How ridiculous, the most strongest genin in today’s age is scared of a little bit of rain. Sasuke could laugh at how pathetic it was. But still, he felt curious, there was nothing better to do so… why not pry?
-”You”
Sasuke called out to Neji, not by name, he didn’t want to raise suspision on himself after their earlier encounter. Sasuke didn’t even know why he wanted to know about Neji anyway, something just compelled him.
Neji jolted suddenly, startled by Sasukes words, his eyes widening mommentarily before going back to his usual sterness, his bandaged hand going up to caress his bare one, as if warming himself up.
-”Ah… Sasuke was it?”
Neji said softly, indiferrent, his shoulders still tense as he turned to face Sasuke. Sasuke nodded in response before speaking once more.
-”Why are you hiding from light rain like this? You barely can feel a drop anyway.”
Sasuke said extending his hand out, and he was right, despite the cloudy day and the light rain, Sasuke could barely feel a single drop fall upon his skin. Neji watched Sasukes hand, watching as not a single drop of water formed on his pale skin, he sighed heavily, shaking his head.
-”I have to. Alright?”
Neji said sternly, like spitting venom into Sasukes face. His eyes furrowed as his lip quivered. Why does this kid care about what Neji does anyway. They met not even an hour ago, and now he probably thinks Neji is some diva for hiding in the rain. Who cares, Sasuke can think what he wants anyway. He looks away from Sasuke, his expression still sour as he did. Sasuke however just started at Neji, surprised, deep black eyes staring into him for a moment before begining to walk off.
-”Sorry to pry… I’ll be on my way.”
Sasuke says a bit shyly. Even despite how hostile Neji acted, Sasuke can’t bring himself to reply with the same venom. And he hates that he doesn’t even know why. But as he began to walk off, he was quickly stopped by Nejis hand tugging onto his arm.
-”Wait…”
Neji began, a desperate look in his eyes as he pulled his hand away. He looked back at the cloudy sky and sighed softly, turning his gaze towards Sasuke.
-”Where… Where are you headed?”
Neji asks, his lip quivering slightly, but Sasuke just asumed it was from the cold.
-”Well… home I guess”
Sasuke shrugged, his eyebrow lifting at the question. He was uneasy telling things to the Hyūga, but the brunette seemed too much like a lost puppy to be intimidating. A long silence held betweem them, Neji seemed tense but he sighed quietly before speaking, forcing his shoulders to relax.
-”Do you live far from here?”
Neji asked, twiddling his thumbs.
-”Aren’t you supposed to go back to your village? It’s a bit late no?”
Sasuke replied, but truly he kinda didn’t want this guy with major mood swings near him much. D̶e̶f̶i̶n̶e̶t̶l̶y̶ w̶a̶s̶n̶'t̶ f̶o̶r̶ t̶h̶e̶ f̶a̶c̶t̶ t̶h̶i̶s̶ e̶n̶t̶i̶r̶e̶ c̶o̶n̶ve̶r̶s̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ w̶a̶s̶ m̶a̶k̶i̶n̶g̶ h̶i̶s̶ h̶e̶a̶r̶t̶ r̶a̶c̶e̶ a̶n̶d̶ b̶l̶o̶o̶d̶ r̶u̶s̶h̶.
-”You’re right…”
Neji nodded, turning his head away, almost in shame.
-”But I can’t.”
Neji lifted his head to meet Sasukes dark eyes once more. Sasuke hummed at the sight.
One of the Hyūga’s golden boys… scared to go home? Maybe there was more than met the eye, it made Sasuke strangely curious. But his stomach was too hungry for more investigation, so he caved in and nodded.
-”My house is pretty nearby, follow me.”
Sasukes instincts are screaming at him to halt and to not do this, he should've listened. His mind clouded with what if’s now that he’s letting the Hyūga follow him home. But beforehe can dwell any longer, Neji spoke again.
-”...I’m sorry, about earlier.”
Neji walked along side Sasuke, his head down as if ashamed. Sasuke turned to face the older boy, confused.
-”I shouldn’t have been so hostile with you.”
Neji continued, which made Sasuke baffled, no one ever apologized to Sasuke… like ever, but mainly was because Sasuke barely had people to talk to. But to see Neji, apologizing over such a mundane thing… it almost made his heart flutter.
-”...it’s fine”
Sasuke looked away, a small smile forming on his lips.
-”My name is Neji by the way,”
Neji started once again.
-”Neji Hyūga, but I guess you already knew that. Thought I would introduce myself properly now that you’ve done me a favor…”
Neji lowered his head again, continuing to walk.
-”...Sasuke Uchiha.”
Sasuke said soon after, he could feel Nejis eyes widen at the reveal of his last name but chuckled to himself soon after.
-”Right… I don’t know how I missed the symbol on your back. I guess I should learn to be more... attentive.”
Neji responded.
Be more attentive… he most likely meant in general… well obviously. But the thought made Sasukes mind reel, someone being so close to him and willing to pay attention more? Jeez what is he talking about, Neji most likely just wanted to hide from the rain, he’ll be more than gone when the rain passes.
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They soon reach Sasuke’s large and empty house. They both take off their shoes at the entrance and head inside, or Sasuke did. Neji quickly went to the open porch and sat there, still and quiet, it had Sasuke confused. Sasuke wasn’t a talkative guy, but did Neji seriously preffered to watch rain pass rather than to atleast talk a bit? Sasuke felt a bit offended, but whatever, not like he cared. Sasuke was ready to sit in his living room to begin eating his meal, but he heard that unmistakeable growl once more. This time, surprisingly, it didn’t come from Sasukes stomach. Sasuke turned to Neji and stared, not knowing how to offer food, because truly he only had enough for one person. But before he could make a sound, it seems that Neji read his mind.
-”I’ll be fine.”
Neji didnt even look back, sitting on his heels.
Sasuke huffed and rolled his eyes, how pretentious. He quickly brushed him off however, unpacking his dinner from his ruined plans as he began to eat his rice onigiri, taking spoonfulls of tomato curry. The rain heavied in the background as he ate his food, the smell of steamed tomatoes filled the air. But that insistant growling was even louder. Sasuke became annoyed at Neji trying to act nonchalant and stoic despite being clearly hungry, but when he turned to face Neji he found something completely different.
Neji was still sitting on his heels, this time more hunched over and playing with his hair. Talking about his hair, it was now loose, and despite how flat and silky it looked earlier, it now looked slightly poofed, like when Ino has one of her bad hair days. Neji was combing his hair with his fingers, albeit very hurriedly and panicked. Sasuke quickly cocked a brow, Neji seemed panicked and clearly shivering from the cold air.
-”Why do you insist on staying outside?”
Sasuke asks after swallowing a mouthful, which made Neji turn around to look at him, same nervous expression.
-”...I didn’t want to be a bother.”
Neji took a while to respond, acting more awkward than ever.
-”Well you’ll become one if you end up having a cold.”
Sasuke said a bit annoyed, but patted his side, signaling Neji to come inside.
Neji sighed, taking a momment before actually standing up and going back inside, shutting the sliding door behind him. He sighed, inside was indeed much warmer, but his hair still looked strange, and that clearly wasn't making him happy. He walked his way across the table where Sasuke sat and resumed his previous sitting position, and Sasuke went back to eating. They sat in silence for a while, but Sasuke really couldn’t help himself, the hell is up with his hair.
-”Did you hair always look like that?”
Sasuke says before getting a spoonful of curry in his mouth.
-”No..”
Neji replied, shamefully.
-”it always gets like this when theres just an ounce of humidity”
Neji says as he lifts a lock of his hair, almost as if dissapointed.
-”So what? Can’t you just brush it out?”
Sasuke shrugged, eating the last bite of his onigiri. Which made Neji chuckle at his words.
-”if only it was that simple…”
Neji shook his head softly.
-”I just dont understand why it’s such a big deal to you, only girls care for such things.”
Sasuke continued, scrapping his curry bowl with the last of tomato peices.
-”It’s a big deal because I must set an example for my clan, both in battle and presentation.”
Neji began, his eyes not meeting Sasuke’s.
-”I’m one of the unfortunate Hyūga’s in the side branch who has curly hair. The Main branch prioritizes our similarities, such hair is deemed unappealing.”
Neji’s eyes seemed to fill with resentment, brows furrowing to the same bitter expression as before.
It all amazed Sasuke, he assumed Neji was just some arrogant guy that wanted to seem superior. This told him a completely different story.
-”Main branch?”
Sasuke asked, taking his empty plates and heading to the dishwasher. Neji gasped softly and covered his mouth with the tip of his fingertips as Sasuke began to walk to the kitchen.
-”Forgive me, I’ve spoke too much.”
Neji lowered his head with a somber tone, and that sentence alone made Sasuke turn his heel, looking at Neji with a puzzled expression. Did Neji just spill something secretive about his clan? To the opposing clan no less? He decided not to pry, best for both of them anyway. He let the silence linger until he heard Neji’s stomach growl once more.
-”You know, I have some left over tomato curry if you want some.”
Sasuke offered as he began washing his dishes.
-”I would very much appreciate it, seems like going out to train without lunch wasn’t the wisest idea.”
Neji accepted the offer willingly with a nod.
Interesting though, this guy has been training in the forest for that long? And with the lack of food in his system, Sasuke was surprised he didn’t find Neji unconcious on the forest ground. Either way he poured some curry into another dry bowl he found his cabinet, steam hitting his face for a second before waving it off with his hand. He walked towards Neji, placing the bowl infront of him on the table, and Neji bowed with a thank you. It all made felt Sasuke confused, Neji of all people should know he shouldn’t trust an Uchiha like Sasuke so much, yet he’s accepting food and shelter willingly. He typically would make a sly comment about that, but Sasuke held his tongue.
Sasuke watched as Neji ate, or well more so watched his hair, he stood awkwardly behind Neji, staring at his long cascading hair, it wasn’t curly as Neji spoke about earlier, but it wasn’t pin straight either like earlier today. But even so, it was very long, it reached down to his mid section, and Sasuke could notice the waves in his hair, allbeit faint. It made Sasuke think, think about itachi that man. How he used to braid his hair when he came home from missions, how he liked combing through that man’s hair, how the silky strands felt soft on his fingertips. The memories where a cruel reminder of how things was. He hated every single shred of that man. How he wished to erase every single memory of him, every single one.
But being brought back to reality, he realized his state, literally standing behind Neji whilst he ate, and he somehow didn’t mind it? God Hyūga’s must be weird as hell. But even as he watched Neji’s hair, something feels like it possesed Sasuke. A hand reached out ever so slowly, god what was he doing. But he kept inching closer… could he replace his brother's that man’s memories by using Neji’s hair instead to fill his greiving soul? It all felt ridiculous, naive even, yet his hand was already reaching for Neji’s hair, taking the whole thing gently in his hands. He felt the weight, the softness, how his thumb felt every bump when he ran his finger down the strands. Neji quickly noticed the attention to his hair and Sasuke pulled his hand away harshly like it burned. His face flushing red in embarrassment as he turned to look away. Gods what is he doing, Neji wasn’t ugly, but Sasuke knows he’s not that attractive to start petting and braiding his hair. Or maybe he is?
A lump developed in Sasukes throat, maybe it was best for Neji to leave, Sasuke can’t even control himself or his feelings when it came to company, what a mess. This felt humiliating. But even before Sasuke could apologize for his intrusion, Neji spoke again
-”Go ahead, I don’t mind.”
Neji said softly, going back to eating his meal with nonchalance. It sickened Sasuke
Something turned in his chest as his heart sunk, his breathing felt slow as his body felt tight, nauseating. But he still gave in, he sat on his heels behind Neji, shaking hands reaching out to grab his hair once more. He divided the thick hair into three big strands and got to work. Beginning to move his hands and Neji’s hair, gently braiding his hair bit by bit. They sat in silence, and it all just made Sasuke feel even more sick. He felt pure acid in his throat, his eyes twitching as tears prickle in the corner of his eyes, but Sasuke quickly pushed away the feeling of nostalgia this momment gave him. He missed the feeling of tranquility this gave, but even so it felt like he was prickling himself with a thousand needles the more he did Neji’s hair. Finally, he finishes braiding Neji’s hair, a tear dripping down his puffy cheek, but Sasuke quickly wipes his face before Neji could notice. Neji lifts his hand, a hair tie around his wrist and Sasuke takes the hint to take it. He slips the hair tie off, their hands brushing, and my god where Neji’s hands cold. But he swiftly tied the end of Neji’s hair, the brain officially done. Sasuke exhaled heavily, feeling like a weight lifted off his entire body. He watched as Neji turned his head and moved the braid to the front of his body to examine it.
-”You did that pretty quickly, you have quite the talent.”
Neji spoke softly his fingers gently running along his newly done hair.
-”Thanks…”
Sasuke responded dryly, a question sparking in his mind.
-“...How do you keep your hair straight anyway?”
Sasuke asks, watching as Neji stood with the empty bowl, carrying it to the kitchen as he began to wash his plate.
-”Well I usually just heat up a metal comb over the stove and use that.”
Neji said, shrugging as he quickly finished washing his dish.
-”Can you ever keep it in it’s natural state?”
Sasuke asks, still sitting but he still turns to face Neji.
-”I would love to have it that way, but my situation isn’t really one for free expression.”
Neji says a bit somber before turning to facing Sasuke.
-”Free expression?”
Sasuke repeated under his breath.
-”Like I said, I must obey and conform to the standards of the main branch of my family.”
Neji replied, but it was clear he wasn’t happy with the words coming out of his mouth. He subconciously turned to face a window and realized that not only has the rain subsided, the sun began to set.
-”Goodness I should really get going, I’m sorry for taking your time like this Sasuke. I’m grateful for what you’ve done for me.”
Neji bows to Sasuke and quickly goes to the front door, beginning to put on his shoes, Sasuke quickly following behind Neji.
Sasuke wanted to say something, anything, but he didn’t even know what. Only until Neji spoke again.
-”Again, thank you Sasuke. I’ll see you next time.”
Neji nodded as he opened the front door.
-”See you next time…”
Sasuke repeated and watched Neji walk away. Sasuke repeats those words, baffled. Next time? Neji wants to see him again?
Sasuke quickly perished the thought the second he felt his face heating up. He just needs a shower…get his minds off of things and clear his mind, but the thought still lingered.
I’ll hope to see you next time, Neji.
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