EDITED: 3/25/17

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28

Kishi slinked back slowly to the small spot behind the trees, careful to hide from the rest of the pack. Silently, he settled in the shadows and sprawled contently on the soft grass. He did his best to look inconspicuous but deep down the blue wolf knows that nothing escapes Yuudai's sharp nose, or Akai's prodding, or Sachiko's curiosity or even Kuroi's intimidation. Just a few minutes since his arrival, his thoughts proved right.

"Oi look! Kishi's back!"

The blue wolf need not turn his head to recognize Akai's presence closely followed by Sachiko, Kuroi and Yuudai. The four surrounded him.

"Where'd you disappear to?" Akai asked, prodding Kishi with his paw. "We thought you died somewhere."

Kishi heard Kuroi snicker and Yuudai reprimanding Akai but Kishi remained silent.

"Kishi, you seem different today," Sachiko remarked. "Are you sick?"

Kishi shook his head. He doesn't really know how to tell them—or if he wants to tell them—or if he's even allowed to tell them. He holds Akira in high regard and is protective of her but the kunoichi does deserve privacy when it comes to such things. Kishi's anxiety was easily sniffed out by the other wolves in spite of his laid-back demeanor.

"Something's off," Kuroi said, circling Kishi while sniffing him. His eyes narrowed in suspicion and Kishi fought the urge to step back. Kuroi was looking really intimidating by now.

"Yeah," Akai agreed. "There's something you're not telling us! Come on, spill!"

Kishi heaved a deep breath. Maybe he could tell them a little.

"I was with Akira-hime," he said slowly.

"And?"

"And nothing. We trained by the lake."

Yuudai snorted. "So what's new with that?" Yuudai sniffed him out. "You're lying."

Kishi bristled at Yuudai's proximity. "No I'm not!"

"You're avoiding the question!" Akai growled, giving Kishi a light push with his paw. "What is it with Akira-hime?"

The other wolves kept prodding him, to the point that the blue wolf was already becoming a little agitated at their persistence. He really should've just shut up. But then their sharp senses can still sniff him out and their bound to know soon. Kishi sighed. It's now or never.

"Alright, alright!" he said loudly. Kishi let out a groan. "Akira-hime... is with the Hyuuga."

Kishi expected an outburst of furious barks. Instead the pack only looked at him as if it's the most boring thing they've heard in their entire existence. Even Yuudai, the most protective of them all when it comes to Akira, only raised a brow.

"So... was it a mission debriefing?" Kuroi asked.

Kishi let out an exasperated groan. "Nooo! You idiots! They're together!" His eyes met Sachiko's and then the white wolf let out an excited bark.

"Oh! I get it!" the female wolf exclaimed. She walked over to Kishi. "It finally happened?! It finally happened!" She exclaimed in glee and began jumping around in excitement. She pressed her nose forcefully against Kishi's and the blue wolf recoiled. "Tell me, did they kiss? How did it go? Did the Hyuuga kid—"

"Hey, easy, Sachiko! I didn't--!"

"Kiss?! What kiss?!" Kuroi's deep voice boomed.

"I swear if that kid did something to Akira-hime...." Yuudai growled.

Meanwhile Akai was beginning to look redder, a signal of impending burst of anger.

Kishi wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole. The rest of the pack were now in chaos over this new development between their pack leader and her object of affection.

It wasn't really new for Kishi, though. He'd always felt that Akira was sort of drawn towards the Hyuuga but since she never opened up about it, Kisihi kept his silence. While he still felt uneasy towards the Hyuuga's sudden appearance in their lives, he felt that it was ultimately Akira's decision on what to do with him. Kishi knew that Akira is very selective when it comes to the people she allows in her life.

Yuudai was now storming towards the 'Twisty Oaks'. "I will decapitate him and--!"

"Stop!" Kishi sped towards the gray wolf. "Stop it Yuudai!"

Yuudai was determined. "I will not allow him to hurt Akira-hime!"

Sachiko barked in protest. "He's not hurting anybody, Nii-san!"

"Not yet!" Yuudai retorted, still determined to reverse-summon himself to wherever Akira and that Hyuuga kid is. "But he will."

"And how do you know that?" Sachiko demanded.

Yuudai did not answer but continued to take long strides towards the said trees, with Sachiko hot on his heels. Kishi matched Yuudai's long strides.

"Yuudai, don't," he called out to the gray wolf. He lets Yuudai be his overprotective self but Kishi thinks Akira will not appreciate it if her pack suddenly appears out of nowhere, baring their fangs at Neji. "Let Akira-hime and Neji be."

Yuudai turned towards him. "Are you out of your mind, Kishi? We're supposed to be protecting Akira-hime."

"But we're also her friends," Sachiko butted in, placing herself between Yuudai and Kishi. "And as friends we should support each other. Nii-san ...I think you're going overboard."

Yuudai's eyes darted between Kishi and Sachiko. "What?"

Kishi sighed. "Yuudai, look. It's natural for us to be protective of Akira-hime and I understand your point. But this time Sachiko is right. It is Hime's decision if she wants to tell us about whatever's going on between her and the Hyuuga, because it's her personal business. Now I only told you what I saw because...well, we're a pack and I don't want to keep secrets from you guys. But...we really shouldn't stick our noses in Akira-hime's personal space."

That must've been the longest speech Kishi did in his entire life. For a while, the wolves were silent.

"I agree with Kishi."

Everybody turned in surprise at Kuroi who was standing nearby. "Maybe we've been too overbearing with Hime-chan lately, what with the Kageboshi and Fujiwara and all. But Kishi is right. We must respect Akira-hime's decision, like how we respected her when she said she wanted to leave Konoha."

The pack looked at each other and their gaze fell on the last wolf, Akai. The red wolf shook his head. "I don't trust Hyuuga," he said. "But I don't hate him either. I stand with Kuroi, I will wait for whatever Akira-hime tells us."

Overruled, Yuudai relaxed his posture and sighed deeply. He shook his head. "You...you're all right. Sorry I let my emotions rule me. I'm just concerned about Hime-chan. She's hurting so much and I just don't want to let Hyuuga add to that list." The gray wolf looked at the pack apologetically. "Sorry guys."

Kuroi let out a deep laugh. "It's okay. We all get hyper-excited about Akira-hime."

"Nah, only Yuudai," said Akai who was sporting a smirk. "You'll think he's the wolf sage, what with that uptight attitude of his."

"Like he's got a stick up his ass," said Kuroi. The two wolves shared laughter while Yuudai snarled at their insults.

"Oi! I'm still here! And what do you mean uptight?!" the gray wolf demanded.

While Akai, Kuroi and Yuudai ran after each other—with Akai and Kuroi still yelling insults at Yuudai—Kishi smiled in relief. 'Those crazy dogs...'

"Hey, Kishi-kun."

Kishi looked at Sachiko who remained beside him. "Yeah, furball?"

Sachiko ignored the blue wolf's teasing. "Do you think Akira-hime's happy?" She looked at him with mellow blue eyes. "Do you think her nightmares will stop?"

Kishi looked away from Sachiko. What he saw earlier with Akira... "I don't know, Sachiko."

"But she likes him! And he likes her too!"

That much is evident. But is that enough? Is it enough to sway Akira's deeply-rooted hatred and self-destructive tendencies?

Nobody can tell.

"Let's just wait for Akira-hime's decision, Sachiko."

~~~~~~~~

Akira hugged her knees to her chest and looked ahead, towards the clear lake. Beside her Neji sat as quietly, eyes trained on the same unseen things like Akira's. They sat close, their shoulders almost touching but it was like they are in different worlds. The silence between them was thick with unspoken fears.

On the way back, she allowed him to hold her hand. They sought refuge from the afternoon sun under the shelter of a tree. He watched as she sat on the soft earth and hugged herself, like a child on a rainy day. Her eyes were clouded with emotions Neji could not read. He had not touched her again.

She was scared, he knew that. Deep down, he is too. He knows he's treading on dangerous territory—the girl's as fragile as a china doll within, although she hides it behind a tough exterior. Neji knew certain...complications...could arise with this new development between him and Akira, but for the first time in his life, he threw caution to the wind.

A long pause stretched between them. Neji waited patiently beside her, lavender eyes trained on the Satsuna. She was sitting so still, Neji wondered if she had fallen asleep. He didn't want to disturb her contemplative silence but he was also itching to know what was in her mind.

Slowly and gently, so as not to startle her, he reached for her hand. His fingers found her slender ones. When he touched her, he felt her tense for a moment. He could see Akira avoiding his eyes. Neji rubbed his thumb against the back of her hand. Soon she relaxed and he entwined his fingers with hers. Her hand was cold.

"I... I did....I did something unforgivable."

He stilled beside her, ninja senses kicking in. Despite the calm atmosphere of the forest, there was anticipation, fear, excitement. He could feel it radiate from her, fear being the most palpable. A sense of purpose began creeping in his mind. Neji knew he should demand answers but he realized that one wrong move could break her brittle trust in him. She was slowly withdrawing back to her shell and Neji knew nothing could lure her back out if he missed his chance.

He traced mindless patterns on the back of her hand with his thumb and Akira looked up at him in surprise. She was expecting him to pull away, look at her with disgust—the same way the village had looked down on her all her life. But he remained silent and gentle and eventually, the knot at the base of her stomach began to subside.

Akira tore her gaze away from their hands and heaved a deep sigh. She was definitely not ready for this. Trusting another person, baring her heart... what if tomorrow he's gone? What if this is all just a dream?

"I can't leave you, Satsuna."

'I don't want to leave you too... I don't think I can.'

What she feels for him is not important—what he feels for her is. She had never felt anything this intense towards anyone and if this...thing... between them is real, then she must be sure if he wants to be involved with her even after hearing what she has to say.

"After..." she hesitated and swallowed the lump in her throat. "When my grandmother died, the council decided to send me to the orphanage. I was seven, barely able to care for myself. I didn't understand what was happening, but all I know is that, my world has changed."

Her eyes turned stony as she looked at the afternoon sun in the horizon. "I grew up knowing only two things: the world is cruel and my grandma is good. But when she died, the only good thing in my life vanished. And I was left with a cruel world. I didn't know what to do with myself so I just followed whatever they told me. I wanted to return home but I have no home. I have no place to go. Even in the orphanage, nobody wanted me. The Academy was no good, either."

Neji felt his heart clench as he remembered the days when he just looked on while the Satsuna was being bullied by the kids in the Academy. He was too absorbed with the cursed mark on his forehead to even spare a glance at the people around him at that time.

"I spent every night in the dark basement of the orphanage because I scared the other kids away with my constant nightmares. They said I'd scream nonstop and claw myself until I bled. And the very next morning, my skin would heal as if nothing happened. They asked the Third Hokage if something could be done but what could be done? I heard one of the adults suggest killing me off. Sometimes I wish they had. Maybe if they did...he'd still be alive."

Her voice shook at her last words and Neji could feel the guilt behind them. Still, her hand remained limp in his. He waited patiently while she took deep breaths.

"One night, while the whole house was asleep, I crept to the kitchen, hoping to find something to eat since I didn't have dinner. Scavenging through the cupboards, another kid saw me. I threatened him but instead of telling on me, he helped me." Akira closed her eyes briefly. "Hideyoshi...that was his name. Since then he began following me around, even when I'd go to the Academy, he'd stay by the gates until it was time to go home. He'd help me with the chores. He was like my little, silent shadow. He was the only person who didn't shun me."

Neji's eyes narrowed fractionally at the masculine name and at the close relationship Akira seemingly had with the said boy. But the kunoichi was too lost in memory to notice.

"Until one night, I killed him." Sudden anger and bitterness sharpened Akira's voice. "I only remember bits and pieces. There was smoke everywhere. Voices that I didn't recognize. It's mostly a blur now. I remember feeling chained, almost suffocated. It was chaotic. When I finally came to, there was a lot of blood. My shirt was soaked through, sealing tags were all over me and I was surrounded by shinobi. But none of that mattered because when I saw Hideyoshi's corpse, I knew they were right."

Akira's eyes were brimming with tears. "I am a monster."

Neji's mind churned with the unexpected revelation. There were still so many questions, so few answers—Who is Hideyoshi? What really happened?—and the painful story of guilt told him enough of the source of her fears. Listening to her, he understood her trepidation, the self-pity, her distaste towards Konoha and the unrest that accompanies her internal battle of stay or go.

He wanted her to stay. His purpose is to make her stay. But can he?

He lifted her limp hand to his lips and tenderly kissed it. Akira's eyes widened in surprise. Warm tears rolled down her cheeks. A wave of emotions she couldn't understand washed over her. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

"I'd understand if... if you'd...if you want to leave." She pulled her hand away from him but he refused to let go. Akira looked at Neji and his eyes bore into hers.

"How many times do I have to tell you that I won't leave you?"

Akira looked at their entwined fingers, how his felt right against hers. "But you know nothing about me," she whispered. 'If you knew, I'm sure you'd leave...and right now, I don't think I can bear it.'

Neji's voice was as soothing as his presence. "You'll tell me when you're ready. And I'll be here to listen."

Heavy silence enveloped Akira and Neji as the sun lowered down to dusk. Akira was still unsure of how she truly felt towards Neji, and how he feels towards her, but the rational side of her had toned down to harmless whispers.

"Thank you," she said.

Neji only tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as a reply. Akira blushed at the intimate act. Who would've thought that the haughty Hyuuga Neji had this side?

They spent next few minutes in silence, hands still joined. Uncertainty still hung over them but unlike earlier, it was less threatening.

"I didn't want to do anything with you at first," Akira said after a few minutes of silence.

He lifted a skeptical brow. "Why is that?"

"Your eyes scare me."

Neji frowned in confusion. Akira avoided his stare. "I was afraid you'd see through me."

"I've seen." Not all, not yet.

With downcast eyes she nodded. "It's dark, I know."

"Not again after this. If you'll let me."

There was a pause, and he waited patiently for Akira's next words.

She did not answer. Instead, she looked straight back at him—no hesitation this time—and lifted their joined hands to her chest.

He understood.

Neji met her green eyes and saw raw truth in them, and his mind played flashback images of her in the dark, mid-possession of the Kageboshi—damaged, broken—and he wanted to hold her then. At the same time, he didn't want to scare her away, and so he settled for holding her hand tightly and savoring the feel of her touch.

Still, at the deepest recesses of his mind, a sliver of guilt had begun to crawl.

'You don't know me either.'

~~~~~~~~

Dusk had settled when they finally went separate ways. Her smile was still the only thing Neji could see as he walked back to civilization. Konoha's busy roads had begun to show signs of night life, as café shops lit up their signs and weary shinobi littered the street for a round of drinking. Neji steered away from the busy crowd and took the quieter path to the training grounds.

The trees showed abuse from sharp weapons and Neji realized that Tenten had been here. After all, she was the only one of his acquaintance that took strange liking to weapons.

But then, there was Akira too, and before he could delve into that thought, his teammate—Konoha's Weapon Mistress—emerged from the shadows.

"Neji," she greeted.

Caught slightly off guard, Neji looked up. "Good evening Tenten."

"You're still training?" she asked.

"No."

"Oh. I'm actually done training too," said Tenten cheerfully. "Lee and Gai-sensei were here earlier. Actually I missed—I mean, uh, we missed...we missed you. I mean, training, we missed training with you."

Neji did not miss the little Freudian slip and the blush that dusted Tenten's cheek. All these years he knew the feelings that his teammate harbored towards him. It didn't bother him in the past—not that he encouraged her—but he didn't brush her off either, like the way he does to other girls that vied for his attention. Tenten was important to him after all. She's his teammate, confidante, friend. In fact, a small part of him thinks he could return her affection.

But since Akira made an appearance in his life...it changed things. The odd feeling of guilt that often accompanied his tender thoughts for the red-haired kunoichi crawled up his mind again. It was like a silent reminder that everything was fleeting. Still, the events of the afternoon were enough to dampen this foreboding shadow.

Neji shrugged a little. "It has been a busy week, Tenten. I'm sorry for missing out on our training sessions."

"No, no! It's alright! We understand. You're a jounin already after all, and of course you're busy with missions..."

"Thank you for being understanding, Tenten."

The kunoichi smiled kindly in return. "No problem. So, you're going home?"

Neji heard the unspoken expectation, where they always set out together after training and simply walk home together, but Neji had to refuse. He knows he couldn't settle in his bed without clearing his mind of red-haired kunoichi and everything in between.

"No, sorry."

"...Okay. I'll be going then."

He didn't miss the sadness in her eyes even if she tried to hide it behind a cheerful smile. Neji watched as Tenten walked away. It was one of those moments when he felt like a failure, not as a genius people hailed him to be.

~~~~~~~~

Akira entered the classroom, her books and notes carefully cradled in her arms. It has been a while since she last saw her pupils. After a week's rest and shuttling back and forth from the Hokage's office, T and I and the hospital, Akira was finally cleared to resume her teaching post. She has to admit, she missed the place a little.

The classroom was as still as it ever was—just how it's like whenever she entered the room. Her pupils greeted her as usual and she began with the day's lecture. In her absence Iruka had covered the topics of basic ninjutsu and genjutsu. Today was the day they tackle making clones.

"A bunshin is the most basic but one of the most important jutsus you'll ever need in you life as shinobi," Akira said as she paced the room. "While it is true that you need a couple of A-ranked jutsus in your arsenal, it is always wrong to ignore the simple ones." She paused. "Alright. I'll demonstrate first the Bunshin no Jutsu then we'll go to the hand signs."

Rapidly molding her chakra, Akira said, "Bunshin no jutsu!" The thin veil of smoke cleared and a clone of her appeared. The clone-Akira waved at the class before Akira dispelled it. There was a collection of 'oohs' and 'aahhs'. Akira smirked.

"Okay. Your turn. Everybody, these are the seals: Tiger – Boar – Ox – Dog. Repeat!"

"Tiger – Boar- Ox -Dog!" The class said in unison.

Akira made them practice the seals in their seats without molding chakra, just for the children to get the hang of making hand seals. Some are making progress, especially the Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Inuzuka, and Hyuuga kids. The others, not so well.

After practicing, Akira told them to mold chakra and perform clones. Nobody got things correctly the first try. Akira smirked in nostalgia. She remembered a certain blonde shinobi who didn't graduate on time due this jutsu.

'But look at him now,' she thought fondly.

"Akira-sensei! Look! Hanabi-chan made one!"

The class erupted in delighted squeals and Akira turned her attention to the small ruckus. At the back of the classroom, there was two Hanabis, waving at her.

"Akira-sensei! I made it!" the girl was beaming.

Akira nodded appreciatively. "Great job, Hyuuga. 5 points for the next exam." She turned to the remaining students. "The next pupil who performs the jutsu correctly will get 4 points in the next test!"

The incentive placed the class in hyperdrive to perfect the jutsu. Akira smirked. Iruka-sensei should've done this to Naruto's batch. If he did, then who knows, maybe Naruto would've passed on his first try.

~~~~~~~~

Hanabi put to practice the bunshin no jutsu she learned earlier that day when she and Akira trained. The kunoichi was amazed at the young Hyuuga's improvement. The girl has better aim, faster reaction time and more coordinated attacks. With more training, Akira knew Hanabi can match, or maybe even surpass, Hinata and Neji.

Not to mention, her stutter is gone.

As always Akira engaged Hanabi in a taijutsu match, since the young girl still cannot perform ninjutsu and had just started with clone-making. Akira noted that Hanabi made use of the Hyuuga clan's taijutsu more often, and took it as an opportunity to learn more of the prized Hyuuga style of fighting.

"Otou-san said that the key to mastering the family's taijutsu is harmony," Hanabi said while she and Akira performed cool-down stretches. "There must be balance in each movement and strike. He often reminds me to imitate water."

"That sounds abstract," Akira remarked, massaging her calves. "Do you understand it?"

"A little. Meditating helps."

"Oh dear. Tell me you won't grow to be as boring as your cousin."

"You mean Neji-nii?" Hanabi sat cross-legged across Akira. "He's okay. I mean, more okay now than in the past. I think you'll like him, sensei."

Akira failed to hide a blush, fortunately Hanabi was still too young to understand why. Instead, Akira kept a straight face. "What do you mean he's more okay now? He's still quite arrogant and bossy, in my opinion."

"Well..." Hanabi looked thoughtful for a while. "It's clan business but, for a long time Neji-nii harbored bad feelings towards Hinata-neechan and I and Otou-san." Hanabi frowned and Akira saw the sadness in the girl's slumped shoulders. "I still don't get the whole thing and why but Kou-san told me that Neji-nii had tried to kill Nee-chan before. They said I will understand when I get older."

"Hmm. Was this during the Chuunin Exams?"

Hanabi nodded. "Kou-san said if it wasn't for the jounins and examiners, Neji-nii-san had already killed my Onee-chan. Sometimes when I look at Neji-nii...I'm still scared of him."

Akira could not blame the girl. From what Akira knows, the Hyuuga family kept to itself with their heavily guarded clan secrets and lived in one compound. It is easy to surmise that Neji, Hinata, Hanabi and their relations grew up in the presence of each other. It's the same as seeing your brother attempt to kill your sister.

Akira heard of this small Hyuuga fiasco from Hayate himself who was the proctor and the one who stopped the match. Akira could still remember their conversation.

"That was a very stupid thing to do," Akira grumbled as she sat down on the soft grass to clean her katana.

"It was. That boy must've harbored too much hate to attack the young Hyuuga girl like that," Hayate remarked, watching his pupil carefully.

The hidden meanings in his words were not lost to Akira. With eyes still focused on her blade, she said, "Maybe they forced him into something he doesn't want. Neji's a genius, he's always thinking of his actions before doing them. Maybe this time, he just wants to break away." She paused. "If I were in his place, I'd probably do the same."

"Kill people?"

"Retaliate."

"And then?"

Akira had no answer for that. After she had retaliated, what then? The young Chuunin looked up to her sensei. "I don't know. I haven't thought that far."

"That's because after retaliating there's nothing left to do."

Akira looked away from Hayate as she realized what Hayate wanted her to understand. Looking at things from his perspective, Akira knew the jounin was correct. She sighed.

"What else happened? Were they disqualified?" she asked.

"No. There's nothing in the rules that disqualifies them," Hayate replied. "Technically, Neji won since Hinata's unable to continue the match. But I really wouldn't call it a victory."

"Me either," Akira replied. "Though I understand his reasons. But it was a douche-move, nonetheless." She sheathed her katana back and lied down on the soft grass. "I wonder what goes on in his head." Although they shared the same class and graduated at the same time, Akira had few encounters with Hyuuga Neji. The boy was the epitome of mystery. He was cold, haughty, even to the point of being unfeeling. Sometimes she'd catch him looking off into the distance, watching birds fly. Then he'd close his eyes for a moment before shaking his head a little, as if clearing away a distant memory. It was as if he was in his own, little world.

Neji was the genius of her generation and people gazed at him in adoration. Girls her age gawked at his aristocratic charm while adults talked about his impressive skills and elite lineage. Many knew of his intelligence and skill, but nobody really knew who Hyuuga Neji is.

"I think it has something to do with him being a branch family member, and Hinata being a Main family member."

Akira frowned. "Huh? Branch and Main families?" Coming from the orphanage, all Akira could remember having for a family was her deceased grandmother, so obviously she has no clue of what Hayate was talking about.

Hayate shifted in his seat. "There are two branches, or factions, in the Hyuuga clan: The Main family, and the Branch family. I don't know how this started, and what their rules are for these are clan matters. But from what I know, the Main House runs the clan while the Branch House protects them. Technically speaking, the Branch Family members are considered servants of the Main House members. Hyuuga Hinata is of the Main Family. Hyuuga Neji was born from the Branch House."

Akira was surprised to learn about this. The genius Hyuuga Neji is but a servant? A part of her wants to scorn the shinobi, but a greater part of her pities him.

She sat up slowly and turned to Hayate. "So...no matter how good he becomes...he'll be nothing but a servant to the Main house!"

Hayate's silence confirmed her conclusion. For some reason, Akira was outraged at the unfair treatment. "But why does the Hokage allow this? Why can't he put a stop to it?"

"The Hyuugas have been around ever since Konoha was founded. They are one of the oldest families in the village. As such, they hold a little bit of influence over village matters and are generally left alone. Especially if it's about matters of their clan." Said Hayate.

"That's...unfair."

"Sorry to break it to you kid, but..." A cough. "Life is unfair."

Looking back, the same feeling of outrage and pity coursed through Akira. Life is indeed unfair. It was unfair to her, to Naruto, but little did she realize that it was also unfair to everybody. Even the seemingly perfect Hyuuga Neji has his own share of bullshit too. The only difference is that compared to her own share of bullshit, his has a way out. Hers, well, there really is no escaping the Kageboshi, is there?

She regarded the young Hyuuga beside her. "You said he's more okay now?"

Hanabi nodded. "Yup. He still is scary and a little cold towards Nee-chan and me but at least he talks to us now. And Otou-san brings him during clan meetings. I think that fight with Naruto helped."

A fond smile appeared on Akira's face. "Ah, yes. Naruto has a way with people."

"I think my Onee-chan likes him."

Akira's heart skipped a beat. "Neji?"

Hanabi frowned. "No, sensei. I meant Naruto."

Akira sighed in relief internally. "Oh. That's good. I mean, how—how could you tell?"

Hanabi paused, as if remembering something. "Well...Hinata-nee blushes whenever Naruto is mentioned. And she faints whenever Naruto's too close."

Akira snorted and rolled her eyes. "Maybe she's just sick. Got anemia or something." Although she's just teasing Hanabi, she knew the girl's suspicions are correct. Hinata was as red as a beet when Ino, Sakura and Tenten were teasing her of the blonde shinobi.

"What's anemia, sensei?"

"Oh never mind." She stood up and fixed her katana at her waist. "Time to go home, Hanabi. Come on."

The young Hyuuga stood up and together, they walked out of the training ground. Sachiko walked ahead of them, tail swinging back and forth which Hanabi tried to catch. Akira usually summons Sachiko whenever she's with Hanabi since the white wolf is a little less intimidating than Yuudai. Also, Hanabi seems to be more comfortable with Sachiko.

Akira had told the wolves of her relationship with Neji—if it could really be called a relationship. The five wolves were somehow accepting since Kishi had told them of it beforehand (Kishi confessed to have blabbed a little about what he saw after their training session by the lake). Yuudai, as expected had voiced out his doubts, but in the end all wolves were willing to accept this new development. Akira was relieved that none of her wolves had attempted to bite off the Hyuuga's head the following day when they saw him by the Hokage Tower.

Yesterday was the first time she and Neji spoke to each other after "the lake thing". Before the start of her class, she went to the Administrative Department of the Hokage's office to drop off some paperwork. Along the way, she came across Neji.

It was painfully awkward. They exchanged stiff greetings with a lot of blushing from her end.

"Hi," she had said.

"Good morning," he had said.

And then Akira felt her cheeks become warm as he appraised her with his eyes. There was a pause before Neji said, "I'll see you." He then smirked (which made Akira's heart drop a couple of inches from her ribcage) and then walked away. She then spent the entire day thinking when he'll see her.

Because he had said, "I'll see you" not the casual "See you" or even "Bye". He said he will see her.

Or maybe he didn't mean it that way. Maybe what he really meant was just... "I'll see you." Nothing more, nothing less.

But still, she did want to see him again. Because ever since that "lake thing", she can't wait to be with him. Hold his hand. Be in the same breathing space. She has even thought of what to say to him. It was pathetic, she was beginning to be just like the other girls. Head-over-heels for Hyuuga Neji.

It was Hanabi's squeal of "Neji-nii!" that woke her up from her reverie. Sachiko's excited barks echoed in her ears before Akira registered the tall shinobi across her.

"Neji-nii!" Hanabi walked towards Neji who seemed to be waiting for them by the side road. "I told Kou-san that I'd be off with my classmates and—" she glanced at Akira who was standing nearby. "Sensei was kind enough to walk me home." That was always Hanabi's alibi since it was Akira's strict rule never to tell anybody that the kunoichi was training the young Hyuuga.

Akira merely glanced at Neji before nodding curtly at Hanabi. "I'll see you in class tomorrow, Hanabi. Don't be late." The young Hyuuga girl only nodded, aware of the change in mood by her sensei.

She turned around to leave but Neji spoke. "Akira-san."

Akira swallowed the lump in her throat before facing Neji. "What is it, Hyuuga-san?"

He bowed curtly. "Thank you for accompanying Hanabi-sama."

"You're welcome." She returned Hanabi's short wave before nodding towards the white wolf. "Sachiko, let's go."

Sachiko gave one last bark at Hanabi and Neji before they walked away. Once out of the pair's earshot, Sachiko growled.

"That was awkward, Akira-hime," the white wolf complained. "It's like...you're strangers to each other."

Akira shrugged. "It can't be helped."

"I'd have to agree with Sachiko-san. That was indeed awkward."

Akira turned to see Neji, his tall frame leaning against a tree. His lips curled into a smirk while amusement danced in his pearlescent eyes. He watched as Akira looked towards where Hanabi and Neji were standing a moment ago, and then to the Neji in front of her.

The kunoichi returned his knowing smirk. "Ah. Bunshin." Her smirk widened into a rare, genuine smile. "Genius."

"Thank you." He stepped away from the tree he was leaned against and walked towards her.

Akira tried her best not to trail her eyes over his features, or notice the way his muscles flexed when he casually crossed his arms. "So...what are you doing here?"

"I said I'll see you, right?"

Oh. So he did mean it that way. Akira bit her lip, unsure how to respond. Meanwhile, Sachiko had walked towards Neji and was excitedly barking at him. Neji awkwardly pat the wolf's head, unable to understand the canine's excitement.

Akira felt like rolling her eyes at Sachiko's obvious thrill. "Easy, Sachiko. He doesn't speak wolf, okay? And we're not going to be making babies! Ugh."

"I think I'll go to Shizukana Yama for now, Hime," Sachiko said, a teasing glint in her eyes. "You'll be okay?"

Akira smiled at Sachiko and lightly ruffled her soft fur. "Sure. Hug the pack for me. Bye."

When Sachiko had disappeared in a thin veil of smoke, Akira let out a sigh and rubbed her forehead with a hand. "That wolf's a handful." She looked up at Neji and smiled ruefully. "Sorry, but I had to tell them. They promised not to kill you though, so I hope it's fine."

Neji nodded lightly. "Okay. But, care to tell me what was it that Sachi-san was saying?"

Akira blushed. No way in hell is she going to tell Neji that Sachiko just suggested they elope and make babies!

"Uh...nothing," she replied, averting her eyes as she began walking towards the direction of the forest. "Stupid wolf's just excited, is all. You know she's quite a ball of energy."

"Hm."

They walked in silence afterwards and the initial awkwardness wore off. The sounds of the busy street were replaced by the tranquil whispers of the forest. Sunlight streamed through the leaves, dotting the earth with patches of light. There was a certain calm within the forest that was quite unusual. Neji sharpened his senses, feeling for any disturbance in chakra.

Neji was silent as he followed her through the narrow trail that led to a clearing. He noticed the indentations on the ground and the deep gashes on the trees. Ahead, there was a small white bench.

"This is my favorite training ground," Akira said. "It's away from everybody. The thin veil of genjutsu around it makes it unseen by most people."

So that was the faint chakra change Neji noticed earlier. The genjutsu was nothing too complex, just enough to trick a person's sense of direction. It was becoming more obvious that Akira took her wariness of people more seriously than he thought if she bothered to put up a barrier between this space and the world outside.

Wordlessly they sat on the small bench. Just like before, Neji held her hand and Akira did not protest. She curled her fingers around his. It surprised him how small her hand was compared to his.

Neji surreptitiously studied Akira from the corner of his eye. Maybe, winning her trust and her heart wouldn't be as difficult as he thought. Akira was relaxed in his company, not baring her fangs at the slightest hint of trickery. In a way, she treated him almost like Naruto—the only person he knew to have Akira's trust one hundred percent. But Neji isn't content with just comfortable companionship.

He admired her vulnerability and natural grace that hid beneath a tough exterior. One look and it was easy to believe that this woman has grit as hard as nails. It was easy to forget that she's not just shinobi but a woman too, until she looked at you.

Akira's eyes are like mirrors; one could tell what exactly she's thinking just by looking into them. The green irises are rimmed with a thick layer of black, and when pensive they mimic the dark moss-covered stones found in a riverbed. These stones turn to hard, rough emeralds when angered or hurt, and then soften and lighten to jade during rare moments of calm. They glisten bottle-green in times of intensity. But always, in spite of the harsh façade, her eyes contain traces of innocence when he looked close enough, long enough.

A gentle breeze brushed her long, crimson tresses and Neji itched to run his fingers through the dark locks. He knew the reason she kept it up in a constricting ponytail, but he would've wanted to see it fan around her face, like a halo of color against a pale canvas.

Strangely, despite of the stormy temperament of the girl, it was especially peaceful sitting in this wilderness with her, isolated from everyone and everything. He realized that this kind of solace is the one Akira seeks whenever she leaves the village proper to "hunt". She wasn't merely hunting animals; she was hunting her own peace.

As the minutes passed Neji noticed Akira to fidget in a very Hinata-like manner.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I want to ask you something," she replied.

Neji continued to stare at her, encouraging her to speak. Akira breathed deeply before talking again.

"Why me?"

Her question lingered in the air, like a suspended air balloon. Her eyes bore into his—wide, inquisitive, curious with a trace of fear in the dark green flecks. Again, Neji felt the sliver of guilt creep in his chest, weighing down like an anchor.

Neji shifted ever so lightly such that there was but a few centimeters between them. He fought the urge to lean closer, instead he tucked a loose crimson lock behind her ear and whispered, "Why not?"

A blush dusted Akira's fair cheeks and for once, she had no rebuttal for the Hyuuga. Every day since he made his intent known, Akira had thought of ways to discourage him. It is now evident that keeping him out of her life is a lost battle.

She looked away and shook her head in resignation. "You are so damn persistent."

Neji smirked at her frustration, internally glad that she hadn't resisted his advances. "I never back away from a challenge."

"Probably a good thing."

She tried to pull her hand away but he caught her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. Akira tensed but obliged. Though they sat close to each other, there was still a defensive wall around Akira that Neji was sure would be up again tomorrow, or even sooner. There had to be a way to keep it from happening.

"Akira, are you scared?" he asked softly.

She pulled away. "Terrified."

He winced. "Why?"

Sighing, she leaned her head against his shoulder, her red hair tickling his neck. "You make me feel safe," she whispered.

Neji leaned his head against hers, surprised at the sudden intimacy she showed, yet pleased. His heart twisted sharply at her words, joy that she felt safe in his presence, pain that she feared it, and guilt. Lifting his head, he looked down to see her eyes closed, breathing soft and even. Neji smiled gently and adjusted the angle of her head on his shoulder. He leaned back slightly and wrapped an arm around the kunoichi.

His mind swirled with mixed thoughts.

Akira still tensed whenever he touched her, but her show of affection just now proves that she's making a conscious effort to fight the reaction. Neji would be careful not to press her, especially knowing where her aversion to contact started.

He knew there are still a lot about her that begs to be revealed but Neji knows that the more he'll press her for answers, the more she'll clam up. So he decided to wait, after all, he did say he'll wait for her and listen.

Something in her past indicated a grave sin, such that it led her to believe that she's a monster, unworthy of life and acceptance. He wanted to erase that thought, banish it and replace it with nothing but positivity. However, when he reflected on what really brought them together, Neji could not help the nagging guilt.

Torn between duty and affection, he held the slumbering girl closer to him. Maybe the harsh reality can wait a few more.

Uncertainty loomed over them but Neji was determined not to let her go.

~~~~~~~~