Neji's Superiority Complex

Naruto blog of Fics, art, memes. Masterlist Bnha Blog Kingdom Hearts Blog Main Blog

[xevialove]

Hello how are you doing today is it okay I can request a headcanon for neji hyuga with a black s/o if you don’t mind.

Headcanons for neji with a black s/o!

Contrary to popular belief Neji probably wouldn’t notice you until you do something that completely makes his mind only think about you

Say you saved Hinata in a mission he would be thankful to you and that’s when he would notice you beauty

Neji would be just like Hinata completely speechless and red faced

He would try to find time to talk to you more and he would get you souvenirs from his missions

He would love the way your skin glowed in the sun but his favorite thing is seeing you glow in the moonlight

He would really love how your eyes told the story of your heritage

If he ever got assigned to a mission with you best believe he’s doing everything in his power to protect you, you mean too much to him

Now for when y’all do get together he would like LOVE helping you with wash days it’s his favorite way spending time with you

Please PLEASE give him soul food he will be seeing stars

Hinata would be so happy her cousin found someone like you to love you and her and definitely best friends

Neji would love the fact you get along with Hinata since family comes before every thing omg Dominic Toretto?

He would make sure you get the best products for your hair he doesn’t want anything to damage it

Yes you did walk in on him trying on your white bonnet he slayed the look don’t even lie

Your kids would have your skin and hair type but neji’s hair color and eyes, Byakugan genes STRONK

My nigga has no rhythm you and your kids would be teaching him how to dance (a lot)

Overall a relationship between Neji and a black s/o would be full of love and laughs

I enjoyed doing this and I hope you enjoyed reading it!

[reblogif-naruto]

REBLOG IF:

Neji is NOT dead

[katsukikitten]

I'm here to remind everyone.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

STOP ASIAN HATE

AND FUCK CORPORATE GREED

“When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich.”

I'm here to tell y'all that if the world were set in the BNHA Universe I would 100% be that bitch who would bring corporations to their fucking knees if they do not yield to my demands of a livable wage.

[zest-whiplash]

Oh cool I guess Asians stopped mattering to Tumblr’s mods, so glad to see rick & morty replace #stopasianhate cause who cares that the Atlanta shooter still hasn’t been indicted with a hate crime and that AAPI are still being assaulted on the account of racial hatred. The fact that Tumblr decided “it was time” to stop giving a fuck says a lot about what the mods truly think about the AAPI community’s struggles and it’s sad. Mainstream media has done the same, and we’ve gone back to the status quo where the world will ignore racial injustice against the kawaii uwu model minority until the day comes again where a bunch of people die at once. We had to contact Tumblr to get onto trending in the first place, so it’s time to let Tumblr know how you feel once again: https://www.tumblr.com/support

[fandomtrashcanfire]

Me, reading my own WIP : damn this is lit. Hope op updates.

[yourchaoticqueer-deactivated202]

protect asian lives. say it with me.

“protect asian lives”

asians worldwide are being beaten and killed. and it keeps going unnoticed. if you are being silent, fuck you.

the amount of hate crimes against asians have risen 1900%. it’s not our fucking fault we are in this pandemic. asians arent a virus or a disease. leave us the fuck alone.

now say it again.

PROTECT ASIAN LIVES

[apocalyptic-cake-deactivated202]

Listen up!

You see a post like this? Where OP might hurt/kill themselves? You hit that button that I circled

Hit that.

Click Suicide or Self-harm Concern

Yes.

Fill in the rest of it, and hit submit. The "content you reported" will fill itself in

Tumblr will follow up and help them.

Warning: this is only for mobile. If anyone knows how to do this for desktop, please add it!

This could SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE.

YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE NOT TO REBLOG THIS.

I DON'T GIVE A FUCK IF IT DOESN'T GO WITH YOUR BLOG'S THEME.

And yes, REBLOG. Liking does no shit at all. This isn't ig.

You reblog, people see it. You don't, people don't see it. This shit's that simple.

This could save someone's life. It's not a joke.

[justauthoring]

Love? - Neji Hyuga

Request: hi!! could i request something (scenario or headcanon) of neji x reader with a gf/ s/o who’s kinda the opposite of him? not like polar opposite but more optimistic and affectionate and cute. thanks!!

Please don’t plagiarize my work - I spend a lot of my time writing, copying and pasting destroys that. If you want to repost my work. please ask first - but even then I might say no.

Requests are CLOSED!

-

You loved walking through the peaceful streets of Konoha. It was a short moment of peace you often didn’t get to experience as a ninja and you relished in it. Even more so when you were joined by your boyfriend, Neji. 

Leaning against Neji, you loved the way his arm clasped around your waist. It wasn’t very often that the boy showed affection, so you appreciated what little you got and when you got it. Simply having him hold you against himself made you melt.

“Neji?” You questioned, after a few moments of silence. Neji hummed softly, inclining his head slightly down in your direction as a silent confirmation that he’d hear you. You smiled brightly up at him, eyes shining. “Why are you dating me?”

The question was definitely odd, so it was no surprised when Neji paused in response, and he pulled away from you. His eyes narrowed just a bit in utter bafflement, silently asking you why you’d ask such a blunt question such as that one.

“Well,” you begun, suddenly nervous. “It’s just i’m so different than you. You are more in control of your feelings, where as I can barely control mine. I basically let them control me. Not to mention i’m very clingy, and loud. And I know how naive I can be… I sometimes barely understand what people are telling me…” You trailed off, cheeks red in embarrassment.

You were pleasantly surprised when you felt Neji’s hand grab ahold of your chin, bringing your attention up and onto his eyes. He had a soft smile on his lips, as if he knew something you didn’t. “Y/N,” he begun, voice as soft as ever.

“Yeah?” You whispered.

“Those are the exact reasons why i’m dating you.” Neji explained, surprising. “Why I care for you.”

“Wh-What?” You questioned, eyes wide. “But… but those are such bad tra-”

“No,” he shook his head, his hair moving with his movements. “Those are wonderful traits and that’s what drew me to you. I don’t care if you need a little bit more attention that someone else might need. Or you constantly need reassurance of my love for you. Because I will constantly provide these things as long as you’ll let me.”

His words were sweet and warmed your heart beyond belief. But you couldn’t help but focus on one word; “love?”

Neji’s eyes widened a fraction, realizing in that moment what he’d said. But after a moment, he calmed visibly. “Yes,” he nodded, swiping his thumb over you cheek. “Love.”

You smiled, nodding. “I’m so glad.”

-

let me know what you thought? remember, reblogging always helps!

[vespattilia]

[vespattilia]

[vespattilia]

[buckys-newarm]

does anyone read “y/n” as a character who isn’t you but a whole different person who is like the perfect version of “you” that you want to be or am i just weird ?

[nejislavendereyes]

Think things Through Prt. 3

“You asked for me, Godaime-san? Oh, hi, Neji.” Mei smiled brightly.

“Good evening.” He looked back at her, a small smile gracing his features.

“Yes, thank you for coming.” Tsunade cleared her throat, to ignore the two’s not so subtle romance. “Please don’t make me regret sending you two together.”

Mei blushed. “Sorry…”

“It’s alright, now, Mei, I am aware you have extra language skills, yes?” She asked.

“I’m sorry?” Mei questioned, not quite sure what she was asking.

“A family member, hm?” Tsunade added looking down at her paperwork.

Mei blinked for a moment, before it dawned on her. “Oh, oh! Yes, I am very fluent.”

Slightly confused Neji, raised his eyebrow and looked back and forth between the two. At the moment, it seemed that Tsunade was only briefing Mei on the mission and he was going to get a mission after her. Not with her.

“Good, you two are to go to Kusagakure and to retrieve and escourt ‘Kaiyo Manatashi’ to Iwagakure. Be ready to leave by morning.” Tsunade ordered.

Mei started to nod until she realized what she had said, well, when she had said. “Wait tomorrow morning?” 

Tsunade looked up. “Well, yes. Is that a problem?”

Mei noticed the concerned look she got from Neji and cleared her throat. “Well, I kinda had… some plans for um…” She trailed off and bit her lip, Sakura and TenTen wouldn’t be back in time anyway so she shook her head. “Actually, nevermind.”

“Okay, then. Tomorrow morning you’ll be headed to Kusagakure. Goodnight.” Tsundae waved them off.

Once they were standing in front of her door, Neji gently caught her elbow, turning her back to him. It seemed to take her a minute before she realized he was analyzing her. Mei narrowed her eyes quickly, as if it was going to keep him from getting into her head. And it worked apparently.

“Are you alright?” He finally asked, stepping closer to her.

“Yeah, why do you ask?” She furrowed her brows.

“Because you were silent the entire way home, love. And you’re not that quiet unless something’s talking in your pretty little head.” He answered, holding her hips now.

Ouch, three months together and he already knew more than Sakura did in three years. “Awe, you think my head’s pretty?” She grinned.

“Pretty little, yes I do believe I said that.” He smirked as her smile turned into mock offence.

“Careful, your headband’s showing a bit of your ego!” She teased, pretending to fix his band.

“Ah, thank you, I need it to protect said ego from your hurtful words.” He pinched her hip, playfully. “But are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, yes.” She nodded, placing her hand on his chest and stepping closer. When his stare didn’t relax she leaned up to kiss his cheek. “I’m fine, just tired, it’s nearly midnight.”

Finally taking her answer, he mumbled a small ‘okay’ and kissed her forehead. He reached behind her and opened her door, putting pressure on her hip to push her inside. “Goodnight, Mei.”

“Night, Neji.”

The next morning, Mei skipped around the front of Kusagakure’s small hospital, an amusing sight for Neji, who quietly leaned against the wall. It was still quite early in the day, very few civilians wandered about, so she wasn’t worried about their judgement. Not that she cared normally, anyway.

“Whatcha staring at?” She asked, dancing over to him.

“My girlfriend who seems to be beaming brighter than the sun, right now.” He smiled down at her.

She gasped, teasingly. “You called me your girlfriend. Out loud. In public!” 

“Noone here knows us as anyone but ninja.” He pulled her close to kiss her forehead. “So we have no reason to quiet down our relationship, if we’re even doing such.”

“Mm, fair point.” She grinned, taking his hands, swinging them happily.

“Why are you so bubbly?” He finally asked.

“We’re escorting a kid! I love kids!” She bounced excitedly. “I’ve always adored them, small little beans running around, no worries just happiness. They’re imagination is the most beautiful thing, because nothing is unfathomable for them. They are truly the most honest people you’ll meet, and they will accept you no matter who you are. I'm so excited to have my own.”

Neji’s eyebrow rose at her bursting happiness. “Are you now?”

Realizing what she said, she began to sputter. “Much later in life I mean! Not right now, of course. Like, you might not even want kids. Oh, not saying that I want kids with you. And not saying I don’t want kids with you, but it’s only been three months together of course. It’s weird to think like that, I-!”

Neji kissed her, easily interrupting her panicked ramble. “I’d love to have kids with you, one day.”

Her face reddened almost instantly, and again she stuttered incoherently. He only smiled and kissed her again, before looking over at the hospital doors to see two doctors and a small child walk out.

“I think that’s us.” He hummed walking over to the group.

“You must be here for Manatashi-san. Confirmation?” The doctor asked.

“Emerald Bunny.” Neji said, but the doctor shook her head.

“Not to me, to her.” She pointed at Kaiyo.

“Oh.” Mei crouched down in front of the small girl and waved gently. “Hi, I’m Mei Teniki.” 

Neji watched as she moved her hands as she spoke. Granted she always talked with her hands, he had never seen her do anything she was doing at the moment. “We’re here to take you home, if that’s alright.”

The girl released her crushing grip on the bunny stuffie to move her hands silently. That was when it dawned on him- the girl was deaf and Mei knew sign language. “Emerald Bunny, yeah?”

Kaiyo turned and nodded at the doctor, deeming them safe. The doctor scribbled something out on her paper quickly before showing it to the girl and pinching her cheek. Kaiyo gave the doctor a thumbs up and waved as she retreated back into the hospital.

“This is Neji Hyuga.” Mei signed aloud. “He doesn’t know sign, I’m sorry.”

Kaiyo nodded and walked up to him and stuck out her hand. “Hello!”

Neji furrowed his brows at the sound, honestly the greeting sounded very clumsy, as if she was a two year old learning to talk with a stuffy nose. Nevertheless, he gently took her hand and shook it. Mei smiled and tapped Kaiyo on the shoulder and started to talk to her, this time silently. Whatever she said made the girl beam and nod.

“We should probably get going, Neji. Her parents will expect her in five days.” Mei said, standing.

“I wasn’t aware you knew sign language.” He admitted.

Mei took the girl’s hand and started to walk. “Oh, yeah, I’ve known all my life, I think. Let’s get going.”

Neji rolled his eyes, that didn’t explain much. But she seemed too distracted with the eight year old to care too much to say more. He’d just have to ask after the mission.

The girl was silent, of course, for most of the four hours that they had traveled, holding her stuffed bunny out ahead of her, dancing it around. Mei was calmer, but almost bursting at the seams while keeping a close eye on her. Neji was mostly focused on the area around them to be sure that they had no surprises.

Although he seemed to miss the surprise of Kaiyo tugging at his pants. He looked over to Mei who now stood next to him, innocently gazing at him. He crouched down to Kaiyo’s level, giving her an answering nod.

She gently tapped the side of his head, a curious look in her eyes. “She wants to know why you look so serious.” Mei stated.

“To make sure-” He started to speak, but remembered she couldn’t hear him. But Mei already had that covered, she already lifted her hands ready to translate. “To make sure you’re safe, not that there’s a reason for you not to be. Just a precaution.”

He smiled, when Kaiyo nodded at Mei’s signing in understanding. She then turned back to Neji and promptly squished his cheeks before signing to him. 

“She said you look funny. You know with the Byakugan.” Mei translated, giggling. He made a sound of slight offense and narrowed his eyes as his girlfriend laughed. “Here.”

Mei sat down and started signing to Kaiyo, who only blinked, confused at what she was saying. Neji also watched, confused and very intrigued. It was so interesting to watch her hand movements, almost like watching someone perform a complicated jutsu, which in a way she was.

He sat there, completely lost as the two went back and forth talking in their own world. He was even more lost when Kaiyo’s eyes widened and she rushed behind him to push his hair apart, aggressively. He winced when the girl tugged his hair a tad too hard in her sudden attack.

“Wh-what is she doing?” He did his best to keep control and not pull away.

“She’s trying to find your secret eyes, I told her you basically have eyes in the back of your head.” Mei laughed, before Kaiyo gave up her search and started to sign frantically.

Mei laughed again, signing. “He doesn’t have actual eyes there, it’s as if he had them back there.”

Kaiyo nodded, and looked slightly disappointed in the fact and signed with a pout, before turning to Neji. She signed at him and Mei translated easily. “How many birds just landed behind you?”

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes and instead just closed them for a moment, before opening his eyes, his Byakugan active. He took a moment before raising four fingers for her. He didn’t think he’d ever seen anybody so wonderstruck by his dōjutsu before, her eyes grew large, her jaw nearly hit the ground, and she almost dropped her bunny stuffie. 

Kaiyo then actually dropped her stuffie and grabbed Neji’s face, pulling it close, almost making him fall. With amazed eyes, she gently traced his chakra flow around his eyes. He closed his eyes and let her run her fingers along her face, surprisingly soothed by the eight year old. When she pulled away, he blinked them open to see her signing to Mei.

“She asked if it hurts.” Mei told him.

He shook his head, relaxing the dōjutsu and she again reached to touch his face. He let her touch the same places his Byakugan occupied moments before before she grabbed his cheeks and squished them again, smiling. She backed away and picked up her bunny and skipped off, content with the knowledge she was given.

“She was so amazed.” Mei smiled as he stood.

“Wait until you show her what you can do.” He smirked.

“I think she’ll still be more awed by yours, it’s cooler.” Mei elbowed him, starting to follow Kaiyo. “Really, the Ryūiki Kyūden is just a pretty playground.”

“Exactly.” He pinched her side.

Mei rolled her eyes and bent down to scoop up Kaiyo around her middle and gently swung her back and forth while walking. The sight thumped Neji in the heart. His girlfriend, a beautiful woman, bearing the biggest smile he may ever seen on her face while playing happily with a child. Is this what his future held?

He certainly wasn’t disappointed.

Breaking his professionality he reached over to tickle Kaiyo, she let a squealing laugh and squirmed in Mei’s arms who jokingly swung the child away, as if to protect her. Kaiyo swatted at his hands when he followed to attack her sides further. He allowed her to beat his hands away, losing the battle and going back to simply walking along.

Although Mei didn’t relent the play, she relaxed it back to just swinging the child. Both wearing cheerful smiles.

He was definitely okay with this as his future.

The next day ever since Mei had woken up, she felt a strong bout of excitement, but then remembered she was still on a mission and the excitement dulled. Constantly. She looked over at Kaiyo, who sat nibbling peacefully on a sandwich they’d bought for her before leaving Kusagakure and sighed.

“Are you okay?” Neji asked from his spot against a nearby tree.

“Yeah, tired.” She answered, before walking off. “I’ll be back.”

“Where are you off to, love?” He asked following her.

“Mmm, just a walk.” She called walking out of view.

She was thankful he didn’t follow her any further, she didn’t feel like explaining the next five minutes. She walked aimlessly, collecting wildflowers until she found a nice pond. She sighed and very ungraceful plopped to the ground. 

Mei gently traced her finger through the water, willing courage to begin.

“Hey guys.” She started. “It’s that time of year again, woohoo!”

Tears already started to prick her eyes and she cursed silently. “What is it? Year twelve, mom? Year two for you, dad? And Aiko, it’s been five years without you! Jeez, time flies fast doesn’t it? I’m officially ninteen!”

Mei sat quiet for a second before speaking again. “I got a boyfriend! Oh mom you’d love him, dad you would too, even though I know you’d say the same thing you do every time; ‘he doesn’t deserve my baby girl!’ blah blah. Of course Ai, you’d just show him my stupid baby pictures...” She sighed. “I wish you guys were here to pester him, no matter how much I’d hate it.”

“Neji, would love you all, though. He’d see that I got my temper from you dad and my eyes from you mom, which by the way he says he loves. Aiko, he’d probably praise you for teaching me to be brave, but hate you at the same time… Mom, Dad you’d be so proud of me, I hope. Aiko you too.” Tears slipped down her cheeks, dropping into the water.

“God, I know I shouldn’t be crying, but fuck am I sad.” She cried. “I miss you guys, but I can’t stay much longer, I’m on a mission. With Neji actually. We’re taking a little girl home. Her name's Kaiyo, so sweet and bright. She deaf, too. I guess what you taught me is still useful, guys.” She choked. “Yeah… well, I gotta go. I love you guys.”

She put the bunch of flowers into the water and watched them drift for a bit before standing. “Happy birthday to me.”

On the way back, Mei wiped her eyes and tried to fix herself before she walked back to where Neji and Kaiyo were. As soon as she came into view, Neji pointed her out and Kaiyo ran up to her. Hugging the life out of her legs.

Mei laughed and patted the girl’s head, making her look up. Her bright eyes instantly filled with concern when she noticed the redness of Mei’s orbs. Neji noticed as well when he joined them.

‘Why are you crying?’ Kaiyo asked.

“I’m not crying, I walked into a spiderweb. I got dirt in my eye from it.” Mei lied, easily. It seemed enough for Kaiyo as she lifted her bunny to ‘kiss’ Mei’s eyes. But Neji saw right through it. “Come on, let’s get going, honey.”

“Why were you really crying?” He asked when Kaiyo ran off ahead. “I know you didn't walk into a web, I would’ve heard you scream.”

Mei pursed her lips, irritated that he was right. She knew she wasn’t going to get out of this. “The mission’s kinda getting to me…”

Neji raised a brow. Just yesterday she was gushing over how cute Kaiyo was and now she was crying? “What do you mean?”

“Uh, it’s just Kayio- her being deaf- reminds me of someone I miss.” She answered, started to walk, to catch up with the eight year old. “She reminds me of my older sister Aiko. She was partial deaf and lost most of her hearing growing up, so she and my mom taught me sign. I haven’t used it since, well yeah.”

“Since ‘well yeah’?” He asked trying to catch her eye, but she easily avoided him. “I don’t mean to pry, baby, but, I would like to know what’s hurting you…”

She smiled. “It’s not really hurting me. Aiko died almost five years ago, well, she’s been MIA for five years, so."

Neji sat on the new information. Completely new, he had never known of her sister. He was always convinced she was an only child, yet now he was finding out that she had an older sister. A dead older sister, at that. 

"Fix your face, it's weird." Mei sighed. "I hate it when you look so sad."

Neji raised a brow, amused at her attempt to lighten the situation. "Mei you just told me you had a partially deaf sibling. Who is presumed dead… and we are transporting a deaf eight year old. Should I laugh at you for crying?"

"Yes. Wait, no, I'd punch you in the throat, but don't look so sad and sorry. It's annoying." She huffed crossing her arms. 

"Well, be annoyed then, because I am sad and sorry that you've gone through such a thing." She scowled at his words but he continued. "But I'm also proud of how strong you're being about it."

At this she finally peaked over to catch his eye. He smiled and leaned over to kiss her temple. "Now, can I ask what your sister was like?"

"Oh, just a slightly taller version of me." Mei snickered. "Her jokes were worse timed and much dirtier."

"Oh god."

Later while they were walking, Kaiyo and Mei were making funny faces at each other. It was like they were trying to see which one could contour their face more, and Mei was losing. Child faces are much more pliable.

“Okay you win!” Mei laughed, signing to the girl.

Kaiyo jumped and clapped excitedly, making Mei laugh again. She glanced over to Neji, who was quietly walking ahead, as he had been for several hours. Her laughs turned into a gentle smile and it was as if he felt her eyes on him, because he looked over his shoulder at them and smiled back, his eyebrow raised teasingly before looking away.

'Do you like Naji-san?' Kaiyo asked, making Mei blush and cough, which enticed Neji to look back at her again, this time concerned. 'He's very handsome.'

"What is she saying?" He asked, no doubt noticing the redness of her face. 

"Well, yes I do like him. He is very handsome." Mei answered aloud.

'Does he like you?' She asked. 

"I hope so, he's my boyfriend." Mei smiled. 

'He gives you special looks my papa gives my mama!’ Kaiyo signed excitedly.

‘Well, I don’t think it’s quite that special.’ Mei signed, now silent, but her blush still strong.

‘No, it is!’ Kaiyo rushed up to Neji and snagged his hand and hurried to yank him around. For a little girl she had a bit of strength, because she tugged him back towards Mei, almost throwing him into her.

“Well, hello there.” Neji smirked, his arms wrapped around her, stabilizing her from falling.

Her blush deepened due to his proximity, but nevertheless mumbled a greeting. “Hi…”

“Your nose is sunburnt.” He stated.

“I-it burns easily, al-always has.” She tried to focus on speaking but, Neji closed his eyes and leaned close, bumping his nose into hers.

“Is that where your freckles come from?” He asked. 

Mei took a deep breath, almost leaning closer. “Most, uh, most natural…”

“That wasn’t a coherent sentence, dear.” He chuckled.

She closed her eyes as well. “I want to kiss you… So bad.”

"That's not a one sided feeling." He admitted. “We should reach a village by nightfall. Stay with me?”

“I’m not leaving you?” They were on a mission, it wasn’t like she was going to run away.

“Stay in my room, I mean. Let’s get one room, two beds.” He hummed. “I miss you.”

“Okay.” She sighed, happily, and leaned her forehead against his. “But we should try and get a move on so we make it to said village, yeah?”

“Probably a good idea, especially since the eight year old is watching us.” He laughed, straightening up.

“Yeah.” Mei blushed again and cleared her throat.

Kaiyo made an awkward noise and stamped her foot, making the two look over. “You did not kiss.” She pouted, speaking aloud.

“I get the sneaking suspicion she’s upset we didn’t kiss.” Neji chuckled and Mei laughed hiding her face in Neji’s shoulder.

“Kaiyo, we’re taking you home, we don’t have time for that.” Mei signed. “Also, your verbal speaking is really good.”

“Kiss.” She almost demanded.

Neji kissed Mei’s cheek, softly, before looking down at Kaiyo. She only made a contemplative face before deciding that was enough for her and nodded grinning. ‘Just like Mama and Papa.'

Mei rolled her eyes and picked up the girl, flipping her over. Neji tickled her while she hung and she wiggled and laughed, attempting to get away. Eventually the two stopped torturing her and let her ride Neji's back. 

It seemed after that they only had a few hours of walking until they reached the village and in that whole time, Mei's persona dulled further and further. Though when Neji asked anymore, she simply complained she was just tired and he simply assumed she was still tender over what she admitted earlier. So he left it alone, but he did hope she’d talk to him more as it still bothered her into a silence.

Neji tried not to let her deteriorating mood get to him, but it was chipping at his own mood. Unironically, it was something Kaiyo began to notice, yet she said nothing. She only grabbed both their hands and swung them gently, her bunny tied to her hip. 

Once they reached the village, they found a small motel to stay at and checked in. Neji ran to get some food for their dinner leaving the girls alone. Mei quietly, brushed Kaiyo's hair, it being a bit knotty after their bath. 

Slowly, Kaiyo turned around. 'What's wrong?' She asked slowly. 

'Nothing, sweet heart. Why do you ask?' Mei furrowed her brows. 

'You're sad. You look sad.' Kaiyo pouted. 

'I.' Mei stopped, there was really no point in lying to her, the day would be over in a few hours, anyway. 'It's my birthday today, and no one really knows. Not even Neji.' She shrugged, smiling weakly. 

'Happy birthday!' Kaiyo signed, excitedly before asking. 'Are you sad that no one knows?' 

Mei tilted her head back and forth, thinking. 'Not exactly, I could tell Neji, but I don't want to take his focus away from the mission; getting you-' She poked Kaiyo's nose softly. 'Home safely.'

'But a birthday is important!' Kaiyo tackled her. 

'Yes. Yes, they are. But only to an extent.' Mei squeezed the child hugging her. 

'No, they are very important! I'm sure your mama and papa have a big cake and a lot of presents for you!' Kaiyo declared. 

Mei smiled gently, knowing she was wrong but enjoying her optimism. 'I bet you're right, Princess.'

Mei kissed the girl's nose and climbed up into the second bed and laid her on her chest. She started signing to Kaiyo, silently, asking when her birthday was. They went back and forth for ten minutes or so until Neji entered the room. 

They both looked over to him, and they all stared until Kaiyo signed to Mei. Mei looked over at Neji and then back to Kaiyo with a grin and nodded. 

"I feel a little uncomfortable now." Neji narrowed his eyes. 

"Well, we've decided, you aren't going to be allowed to come in. Unless you can pay the right price." Mei smirked. 

"I have sweets?" He tried. 

Mei shook her head and Kaiyo grabbed the hair brush. Neji's face dropped. 

Hours later and a slightly sore scalp later, Neji laid in bed. Holding Mei who slept peacefully curled into his chest. She and Kaiyo seemed to have fallen asleep as soon as they touched their pillows, but he had been lying awake for an hour. 

Kaiyo's bed creaked as she climbed out of it slowly, as if she was trying not to wake them. But that turned out to not be the case, because she clicked on the light in between their beds. She locked eyes with Neji and appeared surprised that he was awake already. 

He raised a brow and went to wake Mei but Kaiyo hurried to stop him. She waved her hands frantically and pressed her finger to her lips. Neji nodded and just hugged his arm back around her. Kaiyo nodded as well before grabbing a tissue and a pen. She struggled to scribble on it for a moment before turning to showing him what she wrote. 

'We need to get her a present. Secretly. It was her birthday but she said it wasn't important! Help me?' 

Neji furrowed his brows, reading the tissue and looked down at his girlfriend. It was her birthday and she didn't say anything? Was that why she was crying? No, she said that was about her sister. Maybe it was both… but why wouldn't she say anything about that?

Kaiyo thrusted the tissue in his view again with a different message written on the back. 'She didn't want to interrupt taking me home…’

Neji grabbed the tissue and pen and simply wrote back. 'Ideas?'

The next morning, the traveling group was two people short, leaving Mei to search the town with silent worry. When she had woken up, both Kaiyo and Neji were gone, with no note left to tell her where they’d be and Kaiyo’s bunny stuffie. She’d waited an hour for them to return but, still, was left alone. So she’d set out to look for them, hoping they’d just gone out to breakfast. 

Though, the thought seemed irrational, as Neji and Kaiyo couldn’t really communicate aside from writing maybe, but being gone for so long didn’t seem like a trip that could be traveled with paper and pen. She didn’t want to ask for their whereabouts from the townspeople, just so in her head, she didn’t feel irresponsible for not being with her mission. So she traveled through the massive town that seemed to be having a small festival, in search of her boyfriend and Kaiyo.

Throughout the day, though, she received an unnatural amount of gifts and food samples from the festival stands. She tried to refuse some as she was running out of room in her bag and stomach, yet she received the weirdest responses.

“Oh, take it sweetheart. You deserve it.”

“Just a little something for you, dear.”

“Enjoy it, just as you should enjoy special days, people and gifts.”

“I feel a particular day has passed and you’ve yet to celebrate it.”

It was like half the town knew her birthday had passed. 

Not that the thought mattered, she still had to find Neji and Kaiyo. She was going on two hours of searching and was growing a bit restless. She bit the bullet and asked a stand keeper if they’d been seen around.

“Ah, yes. They’d come by nearly twenty minutes ago. Very lovely family you’ve got, I can see why you’re eager to find them.” The lady complemented.

“Oh, um, thank you.” Mei blushed at the fact that the woman thought Neji was her husband and they parented Kaiyo. “Did you happen to see where they went?”

“Mmm, you’re husband used a paper to speak to your daughter, asking if she was ready to head home, and she nodded so I think they’re waiting for you there, dearie.” She answered helpfully.

“Thank you so much, ma’am!” Mei started off but the woman stopped her quickly.

The woman pulled a pretty Chrysanthemum flower and held it out to her. “I can see you have so much already but, I feel you deserve something special.”

“Thank you.” Mei smiled, taking the flower.

Mei sniffed the flower, as she walked away, a happy feeling making her float. Now that she knew Neji and Kaiyo were safe, she didn’t feel panicked anymore. All the kind people she met throughout the day, their words and gifts were coming back to her. She felt wonderful.

She took her time getting back to the motel, the joyful bubble around her making her feel a bit weighted, yet free. Normally, it took three nights of ice cream and cupcakes with the girls to avoid the pain after her birthday, but-.

“Happy birthday!” 

Confetti fluttered down over her head as two beautiful voices echoed in her ears. In front of her stood Kaiyo and Neji smiling at her. Mei looked at them both, shock and surprise on her face. Tears welled in her eyes, worrying Kaiyo and Neji.

‘Why are you crying! You’re supposed to be happy!’ Kaiyo signed frantically, jumping from her chair.

“Mei, what’s wrong.” Neji asked gently.

‘Please, don’t be mad I told him it was your-.’

Mei scooped her up and hugged her tightly. She nearly barrelled into Neji, aiming to hug him as well. Neji chuckled as she cried into them and hugged them tightly. He kissed the top of her head and squeezed her arm before she stepped back.

She set Kaiyo back on the chair and sniffled. “I looked everywhere for you two.” She signed, aloud. “But I only found nearly every shopkeeper giving me gifts, enough for the next four birthdays of mine.”

“Yeah, had to keep you occupied for a bit while we had the cake made.” Neji apologized, sheepishly. “It was her idea, actually.”

“So you were the one who told everyone my birthday!” Mei signed, before picking up Kaiyo and tickling her.

“But really, thank you guys.” She stood up and smiled at the two. “Best birthday I’ve had in awhile.” 

[nejislavendereyes]

Think Things Through [prt. 2]

Prt. 1

Mei sat at a table, grumbling and glowering, annoyed with her friends, Sakura and Naruto. She had kicked Naruto enough times, his children should feel the bruising on his shin. Granted they took her out for food after the mission, she was still irritated. 

"Hi!" Hinata greeted making her way to their table with, surprisingly, Neji in tow. 

"Kiba said you guys got back this morning." Hinata slipped in the seat next to Naruto and Sakura, allowing Neji to take the place next to Mei, who tried her best not to blush. "How was the mission?"

The question suddenly sent Mei blushed into a redder hue as her eyes narrowed in anger. She once again grumbled lowly and glared hard at the table. 

"Forgive me if I'm mistaken," Neji started with a raised brow. "But I'm not sure the table deserves such harsh language."

Mei growled before dropping her head on the table. Once. Twice. Almost three times before Neji put his hand under her head. 

Both joining parties looked at Naruto and Sakura for answers. "She's just upset that she got into it with two squirrels… and lost." Sakura sang. 

"I didn't lose! They were just… really hard to get away from…" Mei tried to sound less pathetic. "They have really sharp claws! I was at a disadvantage, I could've lost an eye!" 

They all laughed at her bitterness and she only grumbled more. "Here, let me see." Neji tried to lift her head but she resisted. 

"No," She whined. "It's all ugly…"

"Mei." He encouraged. 

Grumbling, she finally let him lift her face from the table. He gently pushed her hair from her face, and rolled his eyes at her pout before looking at the scratch marks over her eye. It didn't look bad at all, really it seemed they were exaggerating to tease her, while Mei nursed a bruised ego. 

"It doesn't look ugly at all, Mei. Sakura healed it so it should be gone soon." He rubbed his thumb over it, gently.

Naruto cleared his throat and shot Neji a cheeky look that she missed. A look that turned his smile back to a frown and caused him to pull away from Mei quite a bit. Mei also frowned a bit, he never stayed too close to her. Sometimes when they were alone, but not too often. The thoughts started to deepen her frown...

"Imma head home, I'm tired. Thanks for lunch, Naruto. Bye!" Mei jumped over the booth and started out the restaurant. 

"Wait! Let me walk you home, it’s getting dark." Neji followed her. Mei just nodded with a small smile. If he was nothing else, he was a gentleman.

Their walk was quiet, but not unbearably silent. Mei hummed quietly, kicking a small pebble ahead. She had waited for Neji to hold her hand, step closer, talk to her… Something! But, alas, he kept to himself. 

Now the walk was unbearably silent. 

She thought that once feelings were admitted and out in the air, things would be different. But, within the last two weeks, the only thing that changed is small kisses, and again, that's only behind closed doors occasionally, when she kissed his cheek. She was surprised by the PDA he showed today and hoped he might show more, but maybe she was just being greedy.

That thought made her feel gross and needy. She hoped she was never one of those clingy girlfriends, really she didn’t think she was, no other boyfriend had mentioned it. Maybe she didn’t notice that her neediness bothered them? She was quite aloof to others and what they were thinking.

That would explain the shortness of all her relationships. Wait. Were she and Neji even together? She kept saying girlfriend and relationship, but he’d never mentioned her being his girlfriend, or even asked her to be his girlfriend. 

That was the problem! Was she expecting relationship like qualities from something that wasn’t a relationship! But what about the slight affection he gave her. Now she was confused…

“Mei?” Neji called.

“Hmm?” She blinked back into reality. “Yeah?”

“You’re home.” He said, pointing at her door.

“Oh?” When had they gotten to her apartment? She looked over at him and really wanted nothing more than to kiss him on the cheek but instead opted out. “Goodbye, have a nice night!”

She’d have to figure this out, in order to keep this going right.

A few days later, sparring with Ino, Mei was most definitely losing the hand to hand battle they were having. The idea was to imagine having nothing but their hands. No jutsu or tools. Something told Mei she was fucked if it truly came down to it.

“Ow, shit…” She grumbled as her back came in contact with the hard ground beneath them.

“I didn’t even throw you that hard.” Ino smirked, turning away

“Piss off, sunflower.” Mei kicked her in her knee, sending her to the ground.

She hurried to jump atop her, pressing her knee to her spine and grabbing her elbows. She pulled back and smiled when Ino grunted in pain. After a moment or two, Ino tried to tap but Mei ignored her.

“I will only let you go if you get me a plate of Daifuku.” Mei bargained.

“No way, let go!” She hissed, struggled.

“Guess we’ll be here a while.” Mei snickered.

After a moment, Ino whined. “Fine, I’ll get you some stupid Daifuku.”

“An entire plate?” Mei tugged a little, making the blonde yelp.

“Yes, yes! A whole plate! Now get off!” She yelled.

Mei grinned and released her friend’s arms, happily. She climbed off her and helped her stand up before making her way over to where her water and an unimpressed Sakura were at. Mei smiled cheekily at the medic nin, but when her arms didn’t uncross she frowned.

“Oh come on, I think I did pretty good.” Mei pouted.

Shikamaru glanced at her. “I don’t think you’re supposed to bargain your opponent’s life for sweets.”

“Well, why not? They get to live and I get delights.” She shrugged, drinking water.

“Would you spare a murderer for sweets?” Neji asked, his eyes closed while he leaned against a tree.

Smirking, Mei answered. “If they bought me a plate of Daifuku for each victim, I’d consider it.” 

He opened his eyes to meet hers and raised a brow, it had been the first time she responded to him verbally since they saw each other. She avoided it for the one reason that she’d cave, say screw it to not being clingy. But for once she was thankful for the punch Ino sent to her side, she groaned and tore her eyes away from his to glare at the blonde.

“Sakura! You’re just gonna let her abuse me still?” Mei gasped as the girl started to walk away.

“You just had your knee on her neck.” Sakura gave her a look.

“So?” Mei dragged.

“So? You deserve it.” Sakura stuck her tongue out.

“She hit a tree. With me!” Mei gasped.

“She didn’t bribe the tree.” Hinata giggled from behind.

“Whose side are you on here?” Mei narrowed her eyes. “Hint, you’re supposed to say mine.”

“I feel like if I were on your side, I’d be a dirty fighter.” Hinata reasoned. Mei snorted, and shrugged knowing she was right. 

Somewhere between the training area and the restaurant, Ino managed to coax a piggy back ride out of Hinata, while Mei ended in the back walking next to Neji. How? She hadn’t the closest idea, since she was tugging Sakura’s cheek, childishly, not moments before.

The group died down to silence, which left Mei alone to her thoughts. Which, weren’t bad, whatsoever, really she was contemplating getting a cat. She saw one in an alley and played with it a bit before training. She suddenly wondered if Neji liked cats.

At the thought, Mei sighed softly, thankfully not catching the attention of her friends. Well, all but one. He brushed his hand along hers, making her look down at the slight connection before up to his eyes.

“Hmm?” She questioned.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“Nothing, just contemplating.” She answered honestly.

“Contemplating?” He pressed, as they slipped further behind their friends.

Holding your hand or not. Mei hesitated, but admitted. “A cat.”

This seemed to take him by surprise. “A cat?”

“Yep, I think I want one, but I’m trying to think if I really want one.” She felt his hand brush hers again, a bit harder.

“Well, what makes you want one?” He glanced down at her.

“I saw one this morning, he was sweet.” She told him.

He nodded. “What else, makes you want one?”

“Um, let’s see.” She thought for a moment. “I had one when I was a kid, Tomao. She was mean and grumpy. Bit you when you tried to pet her, knocked down three expensive vases, for no reason.”

“And you want another cat?” He raised a brow.

“But.” She continued, shushing him. “She was always there when I was alone, so I wasn’t actually alone. If I cried, she was there sitting on my lap, licking the tears away and then biting me as if telling me ‘Suck it up!’ She had always slept near my bed. Tomao was a very mean, sweet cat. So yes, I want another.”

“Okay, what would make you not want one.” He asked.

Mei’s face instantly deadpanned. “It may try to kill me if I don’t feed it before bed. Like could you imagine, ‘The Great Ninja Mei, death by cat. She should have fed the tiny demon.”

Neji let out a laugh. “If you manage to die to a cat, I don’t think ‘great’ should be on your tombstone.”

Mei elbowed him, laughing too. “Cat’s are natural ninjas! Could slit my throat before I even knew I forgot to feed them!”

“I think that would be your answer then. Don’t get a cat, you may die.” Neji concluded, but noticed Mei had stopped. “Mei? What are you-?”

There she was, still, staring into the trees. Neji looked up to see what had her attention and was amused to find that she was angrily eyeing down a squirrel. He looked to find their friends still walking off in the distance, and was about mention such to Mei, but a small yelp startled him.

Mei was now behind him, watching the squirrel that now stood at the edge of the trail. He looked back at her, trying not to laugh. “Maybe it’s here to finish the job.”

Suddenly, Mei was caught up with the group.

“I hate you. So much.” Mei grumbled.

“What happened to you?” She snapped. “Any other day, you’d be cracking dumb, shitty timed jokes!”

“Now, what are you doing?” She clicked her tongue. “Hiding in a bathroom. What the actual fuck, Mei!”

Mei glared hard at her own reflection. A reflection she’d been staring at for almost an hour. She groaned and dropped her forehead against the reflecting glass. She wanted to cry.

Neji decided to cash in the bowl of ramen she owed him, from a month ago, and her mind instantly deemed it as a date. And no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t shake the nerves on that thought. So, stupidly she went to Kiba for help.

He only laughed at her for being so tight wound about it. He claimed he just asked her on a date, it wasn’t too big of a deal… 

“Unless, it’s not a date and he’s gonna tell you he hates cats.” 

That sentence made her thump her head again. Leave it to her ex to make her more nervous about the thing she went to him for confidence. He didn’t mean any harm, really, she knew that, but… It really could be just a lunch together, without being together. She hit the mirror again.

“If you thump your head anymore, I’d think you’re trying to get into the mirror.” A woman piped up.

Mei groaned and willed herself not to do it again. “Honestly doesn’t sound like a terrible idea.”

“Oh, don’t say that. You’re just nervous.” The woman laughed, moving to the sink.

“At this point, I don’t know. I’ve been in here for forty eight minutes, because I’m nervous to go meet the guy that invited me out. ” Mei brushed her hair out of her face.

“He’s been waiting for almost an hour?” She gasped.

“No! No! Only about ten… I’ve been panicking for almost an hour.” Mei corrected.

“You said it yourself, you’re not like this normally, right? Just go out there and be yourself.” The woman encouraged, chuckling. “He asked you on a date for a reason.”

“But that’s the thing! I don’t know if it’s a date! I have to buy him ramen.” She exclaimed. “I just don’t know what we are, and it’s completely screwing up my thought process. Do I go out there and talk like we’re just friends or do I go out there and talk to him like his girlfriend?”

“Are you his girlfriend?” The woman asked.

“I… I don’t know… My best friend says we are, because we kissed twice. But that’s all. He hasn’t asked me to be, and he hasn’t really done anything to make it clear.” She groaned.

“Well,” The woman fixed Mei’s hair, and then her shirt. “Maybe he’ll change that now, so go out there and figure it out, honey.”

The woman gave her a wink before retreating from the bathroom. Mei’s nerves seemed to go with her and finally she felt like she could breathe. With one more glance at herself in the mirror, she nodded and walked out of the bathroom.

She walked up to the table, where Neji was sitting, drinks already placed. She slipped into the seat in front of him, making him open his eyes. “You came from the bathroom?”

“Ah, Ino and Sakura. They had tried to follow so they could spy on the date, almost couldn’t get away.” Mei rolled her eyes.

Neji smirked slightly. “Should’ve told them you were going to hang out with a friend.”

“Hm?” Mei hummed.

“They wouldn’t have wanted to follow you since it’s not a date.” He stated.

“Oh…” That settles that.

After that, Mei could make it any longer than fifteen minutes, before she had to leave. With a gentle excuse that she couldn’t remember very well, she was on her way home, quickly dismissing  his offer to walk her. She held back the tears that burned her eyes, until she was just getting home. And to make it better, she saw Kiba walking with Akamaru.

“Oi, Mei aren’t you supposed to be on your maybe da...te…?” Kiba started to tease her but it died off as soon as he noticed the shine in her eyes. “I’ll kill him.”

Mei just shook head and laid her head on his chest.

Four hours and three empty liquor bottles later, Mei, Kiba, Ino, Hinata and Sakura laughed at the strange sounds that came out of Ino’s mouth as she laughed. After an hour of crying, Mei agreed to invite the ladies over as well. Because as much as Kiba wanted to support her, he had never seen her so hurt over something, he needed help to handle it.

“If you somehow manage to get that full spoon in your mouth I swear to god.” Mei snorted as Sakura struggled to shovel a spoon full of ice cream in her mouth.

“If only her mouth was as big as her head, she’d be done by now.” Ino teased.

Kiba threw a piece of some kind of dried meat at Ino, making Ino dramatically fall into Hinata’s lap. “I’ve been hit.”

“If it takes a piece of meat to take you down, I’m disappointed.” Kiba laughed.

Ino went to flip him off, but Akamaru got in the way, taking both Ino and Hinata to the ground. The sight sent the whole group into a laughing fit, even Sakura who was risking death with the ice cream and spoon finally in her mouth.  As the group quieted, Mei slowly remembered why they were so drunk and tears filled her eyes again.

“Hey, hey! No tears!” Kiba hurried to wipe them away.

“The only tears allowed to fall are because your cheeks hurt from smiling, damn it.” Ino declared, pushing Akamaru off her chest.

“But my heart hurts.” Mei mumbled. “Can’t I cry about that pain?”

“Oh eoush ee uhshent eeerf or ears!” Sakura garbled around her ice cream.

“Sakura… please we can’t understand you…” Hinata said, definitely not as drunk as everyone else.

Disgustingly, Sakura spit the ice cream out into the tub she emptied before trying again. “No, because he doesn’t deserve your tears.”

“That was gross…” Ino whispered.

“But, it still hurts, I thought after everything that happened, things would be different. Of course I didn’t think we’d instantly be like in-love-ready-for-kids kinda shit. Just… maybe… Hey-I-like-you-let’s-date kinda shit…” Mei sniffled, the sake making her emotions worse.

“Well, he’s an idiot.” Sakura crossed her arms, watching Mei move to cuddle the large fluff that was Akamura.

Mei scoffed. “Actually, he’s a genius.”

“A ninja genius, not a life genius, obviously.” Kiba corrected, . “Otherwise, he would’ve snatched your heart up when he had the chance.”

“I have to agree with Kiba. My cousin really didn’t think any of this through.” Hinata sighed.

“Yeah, I don’t know what is going through his head but, it’d stupid.” Sakura added.

Ino butted in too. “It was dirty of him to string you along.”

Their words of drunken wisdom and kindness fell over deaf ears as a soft snore erupted through the room. Looking over to where Mei was, they found that she was fast asleep in Akamaru’s fur. And although she was drifting off to dreamland, tears still slipped down her face, letting them know just how bad she was hurt.

The next morning, Kiba grunted when a finger thumped his forehead. It thumped him twice more before he jerked up, almost punching his attacker until he realized it was just Hinata. He rubbed his eye, groggily as she pulled him up off the floor.

“Hina-.” He grumbled.

“Shh!” She pointed at the girl’s that were still asleep. “We’re gonna go talk to my cousin.”

They both looked over at the girl drooling and gripping, Akamaru’s fluff. He was awake and watching the two, but made no effort to get up and move. Kiba reached down to pet him and slip a blanket over Mei’s shoulders.

“Let’s go.”

It being nearly eleven in the afternoon, it wasn’t hard to find Neji. His usual training spot, of course standing still, eyes closed. Probably working on his detection, or concentration. Not that either cared at the moment.

“Hinata, Kib-!” He barely opened his eyes to greet them when Kiba grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into the tree behind him. Neji raised a brow, not seeming bothered at all. “Can I hel-?”

“Shut it, I’m hungover and pissed. Decent civility, courtesy of Hinata, is the only thing stopping me from breaking your nose.” Kiba snarled.

Neji looked over to Hinata, who looked less aggressive but just as hateful. “Can I at least know why?”

“Because you’re being stupid.” Hinata said, watching Neji’s eyes narrow in offense. “Either stop leading her on or do something real about it.”

“Leading on? You mean Mei? I’m not leading her on.” Neji tried, only for Kiba to press him harder into the tree.

“Bullshit! You show her slight affection, knowing she’ll bite. But, you leave her hanging.” He glared.

“I’m genuinely not sure what you’re talking about.” Neji stated, same intensity in his own eyes.

“You’re giving her just enough to believe she has a chance with you but you’re not giving her that chance, Neji! You act like you want a relationship with her but then you don’t ask to be in a relationship with her!” Hinata yelled.

Neji furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “I’m not? I’m pretty positive I'm dating her."

"Well, she's not so sure." Kiba revealed. 

"I wasn't aware that I had to write my feelings out on a sign, after telling her as well. She not stupid."

"No, but she is confused, insecure and hurt." Hinata said. "She thinks that you guys are still just friends, just close friends now. You don't hold her hand, you haven't asked her or clarified you want her to be your girlfriend. You don't even take her out!"

"I went on a date with her yesterday, so that last one’s bullshit." Neji shoved Kiba's hands off of him and straightened himself. "She left because she didn't feel good."

"She didn't feel good because someone said; 'They wouldn’t have wanted to follow you since it’s not a date'. She doesn't think it was a date, she thinks you just wanted the ramen she 'owed' you!" Kiba yelled. 

"She doesn't believe you want to be with her, and honestly with how you act, I don't believe you do either." Hinata sighed. 

Three loud knocks echoed through Mei's apartment making her groan. Slowly she pulled herself off her couch and again the knocks echoed again. Her groan grew louder, as if her visitor would be able to hear it when they knocked again. 

"Shit, I'm coming! If you don't stop knocking, I will stab you in the fucking-" She yanked the door open to find Neji. "... Throat."

"Would you spare me if I had a surprise for you?" He tried to joke. 

"As hungover as I am… probably not." She rolled her eyes. "But anyway, what are you doing here?"

Akamaru wormed his head between her legs and growled. Mei popped his head, softly telling him to hush and he whined in apology. "Sorry, he's annoyed he's not getting me to himself right now."

"Kiba here?" He assumed. 

"No, Sakura is though." Mei she corrected. "Why, you want me alone?"

"No, that's fine." He shoved his hands in his pockets. But then noticed her shoulders drop and hurried to restate. "Wait, that sounded wrong. Yes, I would love to be alone with you, but you don't have to send her away. I don't care if she knows what I'm here for."

"And what is it you're here for, Neji?" She sighed, jerking away from Akamaru’s tongue on her leg.

"I guess I do have to write it out for you." Neji mumbled. 

"Look, I am too tired and hungry to deal with this right now." She sighed, starting to close the door. 

"Then let's go on a date." He stopped her. He watched her eyes narrow at him and he continued. "It seems that my feelings haven't been very clear recently, and I'm sorry about that."

"I have to go make sure Sakura didn't choke on her ice cream again." She again tried to close the door. 

"I am trying to ask you to be my girlfriend, Mei. I thought I didn't have to ask that question, but I wasn't really making it obvious that I meant for you to be my girlfriend a month ago." Neji admitted. 

"Neji, you didn't say anything…" She huffed, hurt. “I didn’t know what to do or even think! I didn’t know if holding your hand would be pushing limits, or kissing you, or... Or… If you liked cats for fuck’s sake!”

"I am now. I’m sorry it took so long, Mei…” He reached up to wipe the tear from her cheek. “Please Mei.”

“Mei, I swear to gods, if you don’t say yes I will beat you with this spoon!” Sakura yelled from the kitchen and Akamaru barked in agreement.

She sniffled and let out a laugh. “Do you even like cats?”

He smiled and shook his head. “I love cats.”

[nejislavendereyes]

Think Things Through [prt. 1]

Hi, you may have seen this story before- maybe on another account, but I promise. T’was me- When I first wrote this, I didn’t have a Naruto Blog, I had a random one. But upon, making a Naruto Blog, I decided to reupload this story, after editing it a bit. So, please do report, or spam the other blog. I promise it’s the same person.

Also, this was really meant to be a one shot, but it turned into a slice of life with a developing plot soooooo- Anyway, Enjoy loves!

“Come on Naruto, you’ve gotta hit me once. At least one time.” Mei rolled her eyes. “This is so boring.”

“Don’t call me boring!” He snapped, hot headed as always.

“Don’t be boring then.” She taunted.

Naruto let out his usual battle cry and created several dozen clones of himself to surround her. She readied herself and closed her eyes. She pulled a kunai from her bag and drew her sign over it.

“Water style; Copy.” Mei leaped up as the Naruto’s tried to charge her.

Kunai of nearly a hundred pierced each and every Naruto to be seen. Except for the one behind her. He kicked her in the back, sending her back toward the ground, which she easily landed on. She dodged the other Naruto that came at her from behind and kicked him into the real Naruto just ahead of her. As they tumbled through the dirt Mei hurled all her shuriken at them, ripping through the clone and pinning Naruto to a tree.

As Naruto realized what had happened he started yelling and making a fuss as usual. Laughter erupted through the training grounds, only pissing Naruto off more. “At least you hit her once, you’re not a failure Naruto!” Kiba chuckled and Akamaru yipped.

“No, he failed still.” Shikamaru corrected. “Just not completely.”

“It’s not fair fighting you!” Naruto yelled struggling against his restraints. “It’s like fighting Neji!”

Neji scoffed, and crossed his arms. “Hardly.”

“One, you beat Neji, once. Remember? And two, Neji, I know you think you’re hot shit and all, but we’re almost the same level.” Mei defended herself.

“Again, hardly.” He narrowed his eyes at her, his arms crossed. “Just because you can pin Naruto to a tree means nothing. You and I are nowhere near each other in strength.”

“Neji.” TenTen tried to scold him.

“Fine. Care to test that theory?” She was suddenly behind him and went to punch him, but of course he caught her fist. He then threw her back to her original spot and restanced himself, appearing bored by her.

“Oh, come of mister ‘I-have-a-stick-up-my-ass-and-I-like-it-there’. If you can’t take me down, I’ll just assume you’re too weak to do so.” She taunted. “And I supposed that would make me better than you, right?”

Really, she’d never in a million years believe she was better than Neji, in any way. But to pass up an opportunity to tease him and possibly end up with him pressing her to something? That wasn’t about to happen.

There was something about his intensity that made her swoon with cliche heart eyes and all. It’s been that way since they were kids, and she’s given up on trying to build up the courage to confess as well as trying to get over him. She was content with being friends and pretending the feelings didn’t exist.

“Please spar with me Neji.” Mei groaned, irritated that she had to resort to begging.

After a moment, he finally stepped forwards and Mei jumped, cheering that she had won him over but then pouted slightly when he didn’t lose his stance. She rolled her eyes and quickly threw two water made kunai towards him making him jump and dodge. She kept throwing the ice at him until he finally spoke up.

“This is why we aren’t nearly equal. You attack head on, even when you know it won’t work.” Neji told her.

She threw more kunai at him and smirked. “And you always think I don’t plan ahead.”

She winked and dropped into the puddle below her, that’s when Neji realized she had backed him into a small puddle. He jumped away, but only a split second late as her hand already wrapped around his ankle and pulled him through. Suddenly, it appeared that they were standing in the same area  just, it seemed duller, the colours were a pastel version of the real world’s and there were no living creatures but themselves.

“You like it?” Mei asked, bringing his attention to herself. “It’s my favourite place to be. No one really knows how to get here.”

“Trapping me here doesn’t secure your victory in this.” Neji said.

“What makes you so sure, Neji?” She smirked. “Look around, there’s nothing but intense chakra here. It’ll be hard for you to tell the difference between mine and this place’s.”

He suddenly jumped out of the way of her water clones trying to pounce on him. And she was right, the place she brought him to was filled with her chakra, it was hard to differentiate anything.

He landed and threw his own shuriken towards her, which she evaded before charging him. She tried to punch him as he did her, but alas neither could land a good enough hit. That is, until Mei managed to duck and strike him in his chest. The blow knocked him off his guard enough for her to kick him to the side.

He rolled along the ground, but easily picked himself up. And found a puddle under his hand, yet he wasn’t falling through. He rolled out of the way of her leg coming down, aimed for his shoulder. “Sorry, not the right water portal. Plus you can’t leave by yourself, I have to pull you through. Without me, you’re stuck.”

He glared at her and swiped at her with his kunai, successfully slicing her thigh as she jumped away.  She landed and hissed and the slight burn from her cut, but nevertheless, she stood ready to attack again.

“Byakugan!”

The sudden use of his visual jutsu threw her off, making her stumble. Mei couldn’t help but stare, the veins bulging around his eyes always held her still. She even remembered telling Sakura it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. Whenever he looked at her with it, it rendered her completely useless.

She could see that he was running towards her, but she stuck. Caught like a stupid fly. She watched him grow closer and yet she didn’t move. He easily tackled her, and to her surprise, through the exit puddle. He must’ve found it with his Byakugan.

Their friends gasped as they flew up from seemingly nowhere, soaking wet. Neji quickly flipped them over and slammed Mei to the ground. She tried to punch him, but he hurriedly caught her wrists and pinned them over her head.

“You move too slow to win this battle Mei, give up.” He stopped using his Byakugan, but still held the stern expression.

“I almost had you there.” She grunted, struggled against his grip while some of their friends tried cheering her on. “So, no. I’m not quitting ‘til I get you pinned.”

He sighed. “Give up, or I will hold you here until you do.”

She really didn’t want to lose, this was the closest she’d ever been to beating him, but she couldn’t figure out a way to get out of his hold… So, she closed her eyes and did the first thing that came to mind, and quite possibly the stupidest. Silence took over the training ground as shock traveled every corner. It seemed the earth itself was surprised as the wind stopped as well.

In the center of the training grounds, still laid Mei and Neji, frozen. Hands pinned to the ground, hair full of dirt, both soaking wet… Lips locked together.

Three full minutes were they still, Mei counted. When he didn’t push her away or pull back, she tested the water and pressed her lips a bit harder to his, which he responded with his own added pressure. She tilted her head to deepen the kiss and slid her wrists from his grasp slowly as to not ruin what she had going.

She pressed her hands to his chest, as if to hold his closer, but in reality- “Water style; transfer.” In the blink of an eye their places were switched and Mei had her kunai pressed against his throat. It took everyone a moment to realize that she had Neji Hyuga pinned.

“I think I’ve won.”

He stared at her, surprised for a moment before an unreadable expression painted his face and just let her sit on his chest. In a bursting moment noise filled the world again, birds chirping, the wind rustling the trees, their friends cheering. Still, he stared at her, this time holding her hostage just with his white orbs only.

Thankfully, Naruto yanked her up and broke the suffocating gaze. Their friends surrounded her, congratulating her for beating Neji. Although, it didn’t cross anybody’s mind that the cheering seemed like a bit much. That is until they realized that Neji was retreating from the training area.

Two months. That’s how long it’s been since Neji and Mei spoke.

A month and four days. That’s how long it’s been since Mei hung out with the group, as she believed that Neji wouldn’t come around if she were there.

Four days. That’s how long it’s been since Sakura told her she’d been selected to run a mission… with Neji.

Three days. That’s how long it’s been since she left the village to go on said mission. For three days, they’ve been tracking a bandit group that’s been tormenting villages. In tense silence. At least silence between Neji and Mei.

Finally Sakura stopped. “I can’t take it anymore!” She turned and glared at Mei and then at Neji. “You two need to get over whatever this bullshit is!”

When neither spoke up, Kiba butted in. “Seriously, you can’t be that butthurt over the fact you lost, right?”

“Yeah, it’s not that big a deal.” Naruto tried.

“I don’t care that I lost!” Neji finally snapped, startling them all. “It’s how.”

“Really?” Mei called. “You’re pissy because I distracted you to win?” She angrily asked.

“No, you kissed me!” He yelled back.

“As a distraction!” She tried.

“Exactly! You don’t kiss your opponent to win the fight!”

“It worked didn’t it!”

“Are you going to kiss each and every person you fight, now!”

“I just might, what would it matter to you!”

Their teammates watched the yelling match with wide eyes. Neji and Mei glared at each other, before turning away from each other, scowls etched on their lips. Now the tension was thicker than it had been before.

“Okay, guys, let’s keep goi-ah!” Sakura suddenly was ripped from the tree branch she was on.

“Sakura!” They all jumped down to where she landed. “You okay?” Mei picked up her friend and cut the string that pulled her down.

“Neji, where are they?” Naruto asked.

“I can’t see them… Wait. Watch out- behind us!” Neji warned.

They all dodged the sharp spears aimed for them. Maybe a dozen pierced the ground where they previously stood. "This is why we don't yell…" Sakura sighed.

"Really not my fault." Mei quickly defended herself as their attackers appeared.

"I don't see how it's not." Neji glared around the bandits.

Before Mei could respond another spear was launched at her. She jumped out of the way but as she landed, she found herself in between two enemies. She dodged the first jabs at her face and turned into water as the second tried to stab her, causing him to stab his comrade.

"Well, damn, did he steal your sandwich? That was just rude." She turned to face the other as she rematerialized. “Now don’t look at me like that. I don’t like ham!”

She ducked past the next stab and barely dodged another. He managed to back her up until she had her back braced against Kiba. They briefly looked over one another’s shoulders before locking onto their opponent again.

Mei quickly drew her sign and grabbed Kiba and they fell through the earth, allowing the enemies to stab each other. As soon as they fell through the puddle, Mei threw Kiba back out another.

“Peekaboo!” Mei reached through a puddle and yanked two through while pulling herself back to the real world. “Oh hello, Sakura. Fancy meeting you here.”

“I will drop kick you in the throat, now is not the time!” Sakura snapped, punching another enemy Mei threw her way.

“So snappy…” Mei grumbled taking her place next to Sakura to fight off enemies from seemingly every which way. “Ah, shit!” Mei yelped, taking a spear to the thigh.

Sakura narrowed her eyes. “Well, if you hadn’t kissed Neji and pissed him off, we’d probably have the upper hand here.”

“Wh-what? You’re saying we don’t have the upper hand?” Mei joked, pulling the spear out and stumbling over her injury.

The group eventually found themselves cutting down the enemies easily. They were beginning to thin out, and before anyone could stop him, Naruto commented on such. But, surprisingly the enemies seemed to stop coming.

Akamaru growled, warning them they still had a few around. “Neji, where are they hiding?” Mei asked. When he didn't answer Mei rolled her eyes. “Neji, come on, be mad at me all you want. But right now we need to work together!”

He sighed. “They keep moving. They are circling us.”

“Kiba.” Naruto called.

“Yeah.” In the blink of an eye they leaped into the trees to try and chase down the enemies, leaving Sakura Neji, and Mei in the clearing. Several smoke bombs flew at them, quickly covering the field and blinding them all. And once again the spears started flying again, much like bobbing for apples except with sharp objects and vital organs.

Uncomfortable with the lack of sight she had, Mei rushed through the smoke towards what she hoped wasn’t an enemy. She made it to the edge of the smoke and coughed turning back to the dark figures she assumed were her teammates.

“Water style; transfer.” Mei placed herself in Sakura’s and Neji’s places, with a clone and herself. Thankfully so, too. Spears tore through her clone and impaled her through her chest. Sakura cried out as Mei was sent flying back into the trees.

“Mei! Mei?” Neji was in front of her in seconds.

Mei wheezed in pain and gagged on her blood. "Don't talk, just breathe!" Sakura dropped to her knees in front of her friend. She tried to breathe through the pain, but breathing only seemed to make it worse. She gripped Neji’s hand and cried while Sakura tried to tell her to relax. The three almost didn’t notice the rest of the team join them.

Sakura tried to give medical aid, but at the moment Sakura couldn’t do much, worried about the enemies rounding them. “We need to get her out of here. How many are left Neji? Kiba?”

Neji looked around and Kiba sniffed the air. “Eight.” They responded quickly.

“Hey, hey! Eyes open, look at me.” Neji ordered Mei, who was slowly losing consciousness.

“Neji, take Mei and get away from here. Go find her some help, we’ll catch up.” Naruto told him.

Neji didn’t argue at all, as he normally would with Naruto’s orders. He simply maneuvered Mei onto his back, wincing when she whined in pain. He rushed off without a second thought, leaving the enemies to his comrades.

For a while it seemed none of them followed him, which yes he found odd, but didn’t waste time to dwell on it. He could feel blood soaking through his shirt at an extreme rate. "You can't die yet, I'm still mad at you, Mei."

She muttered a quite response he didn't catch. “I’ll only forgive you over a bowl of ramen, got it? So you can’t die yet.”

Mei panted and tried to respond, only to choke slightly and drool blood onto his shoulder. “Ramen? To make up for kissing you? Mmm, odd deal…”

“Stop talking, you need to rela-!” Suddenly a paper bomb blew them to the side. He should’ve seen that coming. But instead he was too focused on Mei's bleeding.

Neji pushed himself off a tree he nearly collided with to catch Mei before she hit the ground. Now he could see them, three men circling them. Another smoke bomb exploded in front of him and not a moment later did spears come at him from each direction. He struggled to evade with Mei in his arms but he managed. That is until he stepped into a paper bomb.

"Mei… Mei?"

Neji’s voice pulled her from her sleep, and she was acutely aware of the pain throughout her body. "Relax, I'm not dead yet… Dying yes, but dead. No."

Neji sighed. "Now isn't the time to be funny."

"I'm telling the truth aren't I?" She chuckled, before coughing and groaning.

"They seemed to not want you dead yet, either." Neji noted the wrapping under her shirt. It was a messy wrap but nonetheless, it managed to slow the bleeding.

"How do you feel?" He asked.

For the first time since she woke up, she looked up at him. He was bruised and bloody, no doubt a punching bag for their captors. "I feel like an idiot, Sakura and the boys are out there most likely losing their minds and we're here probably about to die."

"Hey, we're not gonna die. Okay? We'll be fine." Neji quickly hushed her. "They'll find us and we're gonna get out of here and you'll get me that bowl of ramen."

Mei hummed, dizzy. His voice was slowly becoming distant again, and she felt like a nap was definitely in need. But Neji had other ideas. "You shouldn't have taken our places, Mei."

"I panicked…" She understood the underlying problem he was trying to say. "I placed the clone first and then I took the last open space."

"You couldn't have put two clones?" Neji asked.

"I. Got. Scared." She mumbled. "Fuck off."

"You never think anything through, do you?" Neji sighed. "Only favouring water jutsu when fighting, making jokes at the worst times. Replacing people and enduring serious injuries... Kissing me during our spar."

"You always assume that, smarty pants." Mei looked up at her teammate. "I favour water jutsu because there's water everywhere. I make jokes because it distracts everyone even for just a second, you might need that second. I switched places with you guys, cause it was my fault-."

"I yelled too." Neji interrupted her.

"But because I made you upset." Mei added. "And during the sparring, I just wanted to I, uh, just wanted to… kiss you..."

“And you thought training would be the best time to do so?” He narrowed his eyes at her.

“Hey two birds, one stone. Kiss the guy I’ve been crushing on since I was seven and beat him in a match. Hell yeah!” Mei admitted, smiling cheekily before groaning.

The door opened and three men walked in silently. Two stepped next to Neji and Mei while one stood in front of the door. For several minutes they just stood and stared, not even at Mei or Neji, just into the air. Like they were waiting for orders.

“Well, hi, my name is Mei, I’ve been drinking since I was three, family tradition to put sake in the bottles-!” Mei’s joke was cut off as a fist violently introduced itself to her face.

“They don’t talk, and don’t seem to like it when you do.” Neji warned, and just as he said he got elbowed as well.

“Well, that’s boring.” Another punch to the mouth made her whine.

The one standing at the door looked at her. The stare actually made her uncomfortable and squirmed in her seat before she remembered she was tied to a chair. “Many of my men will not come home tonight due to you and your friends.”

Mei raised a brow. “I hope you don’t expect me to say sorry?”

Another blow landed on her cheek. “No, just suffer. But first.” He looked over at Neji and suddenly he was struck in the chest. “You’re friends. Where are they?”

Neji wheezed, but said nothing. He kept his thoughts to himself even as his babysitter continued to beat him senseless. This continued for a few minutes, until finally the one by the door stopped the assault.

“Again I ask. Where are you comrades?” Neji only spit the blood out of his mouth in response. “Fine. Until, he speaks.” He snapped his fingers at Mei and not a second later did an open palm cross her face.

The man left the room, intent on leaving the man to beat Mei for a while. Neji opened his mouth to say something but Mei gave him a hard glare, before her head snapped to the side from the fist bruising her cheek bone. He did his best to keep his mouth closed, and simply shut his eyes to avoid seeing her.

Yet a loud thud made them snap open, to find Mei had been knocked over onto the floor. The man started to kick her in her stomach, her cries of pain had become too much to ignore. The man kicked her onto her back and stomped on her chest, and it seemed like he enjoyed the gurgling sounds Mei made, as she choked on blood.

“I can’t see them!” Neji shouted, halting the abuse. “I can’t see them.”

The man eased off her chest and nodded to Neji’s abuser to go outside and a moment later the other man rejoined them. He looked over at the struggling girl and smirked before looking at Neji. “Well?”

“I can’t see through walls. I couldn’t tell you where they are unless I can see outside. Therefore.” Neji explained.

“You think I’ll just let you walk out there? You could give them a signal to attack.” The man scoffed.

“It’s a risk you’ll have to take if you want to expect their ambush.” Neji tried.

For several minutes, the room was silent, except for the pained wheezing from Mei. Finally the man motioned for Mei to be straightened up and for them both to be untied. “You get three minutes to find them, or she dies.”

They were both pulled from their chairs, Mei with a knife pressed to her throat and Neji’s hands bound. Mei gave him a look, appearing irritated that he was about to give up the team to save her, but Neji only looked at her freed hands. Then she understood.

The men began leading them through a hallway, no doubt towards an exit. The place seemed to be empty except for themselves, thankfully. As they neared a door, Mei made her move.

Mei drew a sign discreetly before she spoke up. “You know, human blood is nearly ninety-two percent water… just a fun fact before I pass out here.” With that she pressed her hands onto the man behind her and whispered her attack. “Water style; possession.”

Mei collapsed to the floor, appearing to have fainted, when really she was kneeling over herself. In the body of the man who was guiding her. She pretended to check her pulse, and looked up to the men ahead of her and shook her head. The leader rolled his eyes, motioned for her to leave the body and continue on.

“Now, you get three minutes or you die.” The man warned Neji who simply glared, yet didn’t try anything.

Not that he would’ve had to, Mei stabbed the man holding Neji and kicked the leader in the face. “Wow, is this what it feels like to be tall?” She gasped, jokingly.

She narrowly avoided a fist to her face by the man that previously held Neji captive. She grabbed his arm and swung him into his leader and yanked Neji away and cut his binds off quickly. He dodged a kunai aimed for his neck and threw two of his own back landing his into the eye of the one she stabbed and into the throat of the leader.

“Being tall isn’t fun anymore.” Mei breathed looking at Neji.

Neji only rolled his eyes and watched as she stabbed her vessel in the chest. She fell to the ground and moments later she gasped and jerked up in her own body again. “Hey, relax.” Neji was quick to grab her.

“I forgot how I felt.” She groaned, all the pain rushing through her at once.

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” Neji sighed.

“Sorry about what I said earlier.” She said as Neji helped her up.

“Oh you mean, telling me you have liked me since we met?” He teased gently.

“Yes, let’s not repeat it. I only said it because I thought we were going to die.” She groaned.

“So you never planned to tell me? Even after the kiss?” He looked down at her and they stepped through the exit. “Were you gonna let me be mad at you forever?”

“Yep. Well, I didn’t think about the forever part, but yeah.” She chuckled, before wincing in pain.

“You never think about things, do you?” He repeated, pulling her up further over his shoulder as she became limper. “What if I shared feelings for you as well? And never told you, because I wasn’t aware of how you felt?” He asked.

“If you never told me, I wouldn’t have guessed.” She mumbled, sleepily. “But, I think you’d tell someone if you liked them. You’re blunt like that mister straight edge.”

“How mistaken you are, Mei…”

In the middle of the training ground, Lee and Neji were sparring and of course Lee wasn’t doing too amazing. Naruto sat on the ground being his loud self trying to cheer Lee on while Kiba and TenTen were doing the opposite. Shikamaru was grumbling about them all being too loud.

Neji managed to knock Lee down for the third time and sighed. “Lee, you’re not beating me. Let’s call it a day.”

“No way! I’ll win!” Lee argued standing back up.

Suddenly a voice no one had heard for the better part of two weeks echoed through the air. “Try kissing him! It worked for me.”

They all turned to find Sakura and Mei standing, grinning. Fight completely forgotten, Neji walked over to her with determination. He stopped in front of her and just stared at her, as if she wasn’t real. But there she was, real as the grass they stood on.

“You just gonna stand there and stare or say someth-!” He cut her off pressing his lips to hers.

“You owe me a bowl of ramen.” He breathed pulling away slightly.

[gettoux]

.*•☆ {``.HAPPY B-DAY, NEJI!.´´} ☆•*.

[reblogif-naruto]

REBLOG IF:

Neji is NOT dead

[vicforov]

• like if you save, please/reblog ♡

[nejislavendereyes]

Masterlist

Key~ * NSFW

          + TW

Reblog anything you like, but do not steal... that’s rude...

Neji Hyuga

Series

Think Things Through (Neji X OC)

Prt 1. \\ Prt. 2 \\ Prt. 3 \\