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Today was a warm day in summer, a couple clouds in the sky but the sun shined bright in the baby blue sky. The wind blew soft and steady, making the leaves in the trees dance and the grass on the ground softly shake. Neji was walking along Konoha’s streets, on his way home from training. He felt sweaty and a bit out of breath, a sign he should work on his stamina next time. Though then again he’s been training since the sun rose, and it's currently afternoon, probably his body on the brink of exhaustion. He took a deep sigh and wiped sweat from his brow with his bandaged hand, tilting his head down as he did. As he lowered his head he noticed a weird figure on the ground. As he walked closer he noted that it was a plush of some sorts, but not of a fluffy animal like a bear or a bunny. The more he approached he looked at the plush dead on, it resembled a person. He crouched down to pick it up, confusion settling on his features as he did, he looked around for any children, but none of them were in sight, and no adults seemed to care for what he was holding at the moment. Neji turned to the shop beside him, maybe someone dropped it leaving the place? But that idea quickly died down as soon as it came when he realized the shop was closed. How odd… closed in the afternoon? Neji leaned closer and realized this specific shop was only opened on weekdays… convenient. But ignoring that, he brought his attention to the plush doll in his hands. The material was soft and thin, maybe mink? The makeshift hair made out of black yarn that was noticeably brushed out and styled. Followed by two black button eyes sewed onto the face. The doll wore a dark blue baggy shirt with a large collar, and some white shorts, followed by the typical sandals each genin walks around with and the signature Konoha forehead protector. This doll definitely represented a person, but who? Neji doesn’t remember anyone that looks like this. Is this a new genin? A sense of dread crawls up his back the more he thinks, maybe this doll is a trap. He had been too focused on the dolls attributes he didn’t think of safety. Without thinking twice, Neji activated his byakugan, thick veins pulsing and popping out around his eyes, adding depth to his pale skin. His vision is a bit blurry despite using the byakugan considering how much he used it whilst training with Lee and Tenten, but it was bearable enough to examine the doll. And to Neji’s surprise, and relief, the doll was filled with nothing but cotton. He retracted his byakugan with this discovery with a hum, the veins around his eyes settling back down onto his sweaty skin. Neji turned the doll over and realized a symbol on the back of its shirt, the symbol of the Uchiha clan. Neji narrowed his eyes as he stared at it, this could give him a hint to who it belongs to. But the more Neji thought about it the more he dreaded confronting anyone from the Uchiha clan, being seen talking to the opposing clan will definitely have him punished, or even killed. And Neji doesn’t plan on having another torturing headache or dying so young.
So with a heavy breath he tucked the doll away into his back pocket, making sure to hide it well as he went along his day. Neji began walking home as he previously planned to do after training. But even so his mind flooded with possibilities, and outcomes that fill him with nothing but terror. He shakes his head to remove the thoughts from his mind, and it worked somewhat, but the sensation of his stomach churning still lingered.
He finally made it to the Hyuga compound, his bittersweet home. Walking along his streets towards his house, the wind still blew peacefully, he watched as the flowers in the bushes twirled with the movement, the sound of the friction of the leaves easing his unnerved mind just a bit. And as he makes his way home, he can’t help but spot Hinata, who is outside crouching by a koi pond, the white and orange fish wandering endlessly in the clean and blue water. As Neji walks closer, he sees how Hinata is holding a ragged doll. Approaching he notices how the doll looks pretty beat up, it definitely has seen better days. But nonetheless he decides to stand beside Hinata.
-”Lady Hinata? What are you doing here?”
Neji tries to sound concerned, but if he was honest with himself, if he wasn’t bound and destined to protect Hinata he wouldn’t care in the slightest about her. Hinata jolted at Neji’s voice and looked up, her cheeks flushing, seemingly embarrassed. She stood up from her crouching position and hugged the busted up doll close.
-”Ah, Neji…”
Hinata spoke in her soft voice, the melodic tenderness from it made Neji sick to his stomach with resentment. He watches as she grows more bashful, but still has the courtesy of bowing as a greeting. Neji forced himself to do it as well, if he could groan in disdain he would.
-”What are you holding?”
Neji asked, the only thing he was interested in was that plush she was holding. Because he’s never seen Hinata with this doll. And honestly just getting a glimpse of it, Neji could see how fucked up the thing is. But unlike the human-like doll he found, hers resembled a bunny. Whilst the fur was deeply matted and coiled, a seemingly dirty gray. The decay is especially noticeable around its large floppy ears. Seriously, when was the last time she washed that thing? But even so Hinata seems to hold this doll dearly.
-”It’s nothing…”
Hinata says quietly, her cheeks flushing upon her pale face as her lavender eyes drift away from Neji’s face. Her shoulders tense and she clutches the doll closer to her chest, lowering her head slightly as she speaks.
-”it’s one of the plushies I kept from when I was little…”
Hinata admitted, hesitantly pulling the soft toy away from her and showing it to Neji. Honestly it made sense why the poor thing was so worn down, but as Neji watches the rabbit’s face, the memories flood back into his mind he wished stayed suppressed. He remembers how his father gifted the toy bunny to Hinata when they were both very young. He remembers how they used to play together, including that plush bunny. How they both ran around like wild children and played pretend with the old friend. But everything changed once this retched curse mark was brought upon him and his father died. All of those memories with Hinata hold nothing but sorrow and a bitter taste on his tongue. Hatred formed at the back of his mind at Hinata’s indifference when it came to everything. At last Neji swallows a lump in his throat before speaking once more.
-”Why do you still keep that thing? It seems very withered, Lady Hinata.”
Neji responded at last, his lavender eyes moving to find Hinata’s once more. She kept quiet, seemingly mustering the courage to speak as she fidgeted.
-”I like talking to it… telling it my worries.”
Hinata confessed, bringing the stuffed bunny back to her chest. As he watched Hinata’s motions, a puzzled expression came upon his face.
-”Your worries?”
Neji said, his condescension very apparent. As if this spoiled brat could have her own worries. Everything is handed to her on a golden platter. And she still has the audacity to whine and cry about it? The very thought makes Neji scoff and roll his eyes internally. Given everything she could ask for and yet still has the nerve to complain, it made Neji irritated. What a pathetic brat.
-”Yes…”
Hinata spoke softly once more, nodding her head before continuing. She noted Neji’s judgement, recoiling back into her shell of security as she stepped back.
-”They say if you whisper your worries to the doll and place them under your pillow, they’ll be gone by morning…”
Hinata spoke, a slight enthusiasm in her voice despite her uneasy stance. But her plush rabbit was way too big to be considered a worry doll… right? It made Neji full of confusion.
-”...Is that so?”
Neji spoke, almost in a teasing tone. Hinata’s naivety was laughable and ridiculous. Hinata nodded as a long silence held between them, Neji somewhat expected Hinata to speak, but she only ran off in a hurry after a few seconds of silence. And as Neji saw Hinata scurry off, her short navy blue hair bouncing with each step, he almost wanted to laugh. A golden child clinging to her cute little teddy bear to make things better for her? Typical and pathetic.
Neji went back to his usual routine and began to walk his way home, trying to get Hinata's words out of his head, because the more he thought about it the more anger he felt towards her. He slid the door open to his house, albeit rough, and stepped inside. Sitting down to take off his sandals, a routine he’s mastered over the countless days of doing this. He stands in his empty shell of a home, he is reminded of its silence, despite how many days pass, the quietness of his house still stays unwelcoming. Ever since his father died, he can’t shake the feeling of loneliness he gets when he’s home. No one to ask him about his day, no one to hear his complaints or worries. No one caresses his head when Neji feels down. No one to come home to. No one is there for him, Neji is truly alone. With a heavy heart he sighs and turns to the kitchen, his tummy rumbling slightly as it asks for food. It’s a bit later than his usual dinner time, so he’ll try to make dinner swiftly before he gets more aggravated at the lack of food in his system.
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
The dark night clouded the sky, nothing but the full moon casting a dim light upon the town. The cool air was inviting itself to Neji’s home, the breeze softly caressing his face before he walked up to his bedroom window to seal it shut. He stood in silence as he always does, looking upon his neatly done bed, and the doll he carelessly tossed atop of it. He walked closer to the bed frame and stared at the doll, sprawled out against the mattress, the shiny black button eyes staring back at him. Neji hummed and sat at the side of his bed, the mattress and light gray sheets sinking under his weight slightly. He picked up the doll in his hands, examining it once again in the dimly lit room. A bunch of questions arose with this plush toy, more specifically to why he even brought this thing with him. He caressed the doll, running his fingertips down its stomach, poking its face, drawing light circles on its cheeks. Neji was bored, and with nothing to do in his daily life, this curious little thing has lit a spark of curiousity within him somehow. The more he stared at this doll the more he thought about Hinata’s words.
“Whisper your worries and they will go away”
How ridiculous.
But even so as he stared at this doll, something within him wanted to talk. He knew a pointless, cotton stuffed toy won’t take away anything and much less bring anything back. But when was the last time he spoke his mind? Even so, what the hell would he talk about? Does this doll need formal introductions before spilling his heart out? It all felt stupid, ridiculous, even. Neji let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders deflating as he stared into the raven haired doll. In the end Neji concluded it would be pointless, so he dragged himself to bed and shifted neatly under the duvet so as to not disturb the perfection in how he made his bed. He settled comfortably underneath the covers, his dark chocolate hair spread out on the white pillow. But even as he lied still, he brought the toy to his chest, at least maybe it’ll help him sleep a little better. Neji would never admit it, but he easily gets night terrors, waking up at night in a cold sweat was a common practice for Neji. Ever since his father died he hasn’t had proper sleep. Even worse with his disgusting mark on his forehead, the amount of headaches that originate from this horrid thing is torture. But even with all the misfortune Neji has, he still attempts to relax, maybe tonight will be different. Maybe this doll will alleviate the loneliness he felt every miserable day.
Neji stared up at his own ceiling after staring down at the doll for so long. He attempts to clear his mind, steady his breathing, and finally closes his eyes. He focuses on the night breeze, the sound of the wind brushing against the leaves. The crickets letting out their high pitched song. The sound of the Hyuga compounds koi pond’s water swishing with the fishes. And with all the peaceful noises surrounding his wandering mind. Neji finally is able to drift into peaceful slumber.
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
The next day, late in the afternoon, Neji sat in ichiraku ramen. He would never really eat at such a place but Lee really wanted to invite him here after training practice. Neji would usually deny, but Lee made a good bargain by saying the herring soba was good and cheap, so of course Neji had to test if it was true. Neji sat in silence as he brought the spoon to his mouth, taking soft sips of the soba’s broth whilst Lee talked his ear off. Neji didn’t complain much, because at least it wasn’t Lee and Gai-sensei combined… that truly would’ve been hell. But as Lee spoke, sloppily slurping away at his ramen, Neji noticed the pink haired girl sitting beside them. The girl seemed worried and desperate as she talked to an older man with white spikey hair that conveniently hides his face with the forehead protector and a face mask, except for his right eye. Neji stared at them for a good second before Lee leaned in, covering the side of his mouth as he began to whisper, as if his words were only meant for Neji to hear.
-”She’s beautiful right?”
Lee spoke quietly, a grin on his lips and shiny eyes. His cheeks a slight blush as his eyes filled with enthusiasm.
-”I heard she’s top of her class and knows every skill like the back of her hand!”
Lee continued to whisper his voice becoming high in pitch the more he praised the pink haired girl.
-”Do you think she’ll get along with a guy like me?”
Lee spoke again before turning his head to the side to face her, his expression a slight pout as his eyes filled with sadness. Neji knew Lee was a pretty insecure guy due to his lack of ninjutsu and genjutsu, so when it comes to stuff like this Neji can’t help but to reassure his comrade.
-”I’m sure she’ll grow fond of you.”
Neji spoke gently with a soft smile on his lips, his hand going up to rest upon one of Lee’s tense shoulders seeing how they relax at his touch. Neji and Lee meet eye contact, no words were spoken but Neji saw the gratitude behind Lee’s eyes before nodding.
-”Less sulking! We have food to eat!”
Lee yelled in his usual energetic tone before beginning to chow down at his ramen with gusto and pure unadultured determination. Neji hummed, a smile creeping upon his lips as he watched how Lee still challenges himself even with the simplest of things. However his train of thought was cut off as he heard the pink haired girl wail to, what he assumes, is her sensei.
-”Are you sure you haven’t seen it? I carry it all the time!”
Her large light green eyes widen as her eyebrows upturn into an upset expression. She clasps her pale hands together in a prayer as she continues to beg her sensei.
-”You’re the only one that knows about it! If Sasuke or Naruto finds out about it I’ll be done for!”
Neji watches as the pink girl's hands go to her reddening cheeks. The poor girl is clearly distressed, her posture slouching against the wooden table as her lip quivered.
-”Hey, Sakura…”
The white haired man puts a hand on the girl's shoulder. His voice was soft and reassuring as his gaze became tender for the young girl beside him.
-”Have you retraced your steps like I told you? I doubt such a thing can go unnoticed.”
The man spoke again, his hand now caressing small circles on the pink haired girl’s back who seemed like she was on the brink of tears.
-”I searched everywhere! It’s no use…”
The girl’s shoulders tensed as she lowered her head, she was truly helpless. But even so the man leaned in and kept reassuring her whilst the chefs made their meal.
Neji ate in silence as he glanced at them occasionally, and the way the man acted towards the girl made a lump form in the back of Neji’s throat. He tried to eat the last bits of fish in his bowl to distract himself from his thoughts, but he can’t help but think of his father. The way his father would hold him close when Neji was upset. The way he’d do that same petting motion on his back to ease Neji. Those somber thoughts filled his mind with grievances. But he’s quickly pulled out of his thoughts by the boy beside him.
-”Neji? Is something the matter?”
Lee leaned closer, speaking a bit more quietly and that startled Neji, almost jumping out of his seat. Neji quickly cleared his throat so as to not choke himself whilst chewing fish, and forced himself to swallow before answering.
-”No Lee, I’m fine.”
Neji shook his head, offering a sympathetic smile as he turned to face Lee’s gaze. And by doing so his pale eyes widened as he stared down at Lee’s now empty bowl in shock, his mouth hanging slightly at the sight.
-”You… you already ate your second bowl? That fast?”
Neji spoke, truly baffled. Lee however only giggled, leaning back and patting at his bloated belly before offering a thumbs up with his bandaged hand.
-”What can I say? The food is deee~licious!”
Lee spoke in his usual energetic charm, his toothy grin gleaming under the shop's light as the boy smiled. Neji smiled softly, shaking his head as he brought the bowl to his mouth, nursing off the large bowl and drinking the last of the soup from his soba. Soon Neji brings the bowl down to the table with a soft swallow.
-”Well, we better get going then.”
Neji says with a soft sigh paying for his meal as soon as he gets the attention of one of the shop owners.
· · • • • ✤ • • • · ·
Lee and Neji shared their goodbyes and parted ways, Lee went to his humble home and Neji went out into the woods. Neji always liked to escape after a day of training. He usually goes out to meditate on the grassy ground, but sometimes he likes taking a stroll around the greenery. But on this evening Neji decided he felt like meditating, after dealing with Lee for so long all he wants is to empty his head fully. He liked meditating at the Hyuga compound but that place has given him a bitter taste in his mouth the more time passed on. As Neji walked through the woods, his gaze fell upon the orange hue upon the atmosphere. The wind blew softly against his skin as the grass he stepped on tickled his calves. Soon, Neji found a good somewhat hidden area in the forest. A perfect place to sit without any disturbances. So he sits slowly on the grassy ground and takes a deep breath, letting the air exit his lungs slowly. Neji is sitting criss crossed, his back straight as his hands rested on his thighs.This was his typical position for meditating. Neji began emptying his mind, forgetting everything of the day and focusing on the birds chirping in the distance, and how some rodents shuffled through the grass. But as much as Neji tried to relax, he couldn’t. Something was weighing him down and he couldn’t tell what it was. That very thought frustrated Neji, the one time he can spend his free time alone and he can’t even properly enjoy it.
He grumbled, his posture slightly slouching as he tried thinking of alternatives to ease his mind… oh right. Neji messes with one of the front pockets and pulls out the toy from yesterday. The reason he brought it was beyond him, but something in him thought it could serve as a form of a good luck charm. Last night he slept a bit more at ease, he still tossed and turned but… not as much. Neji’s hands began fidgeting with the doll’s hair, fixing the black chunks of strands until it looked just like how he found it. His digits were gentle and precise as he poured his entire focus onto the plush object between his palms. Neji only stopped until he was satisfied with the look, letting out a deep sigh, making himself realize he was holding so much air in. He felt lightheaded as he tried to regulate his breathing, his thumb rubbing at the cheek of the doll's face. Gentle small circles around the fabric, the more he stared at it the more Neji felt more fond of it, smiling softly as he cradled the toy. Neji seemed a bit too engrossed in this simple activity, so much so he didn’t notice footsteps approaching until the last second.
Neji immediately activated his byakugan, thick veins pulsing from his temples as he focused his glare. He sat up as fast as he could and turned around, a bit too aggressive for his body's liking but it didn’t matter to him. The second Neji took a glimpse of the stranger, he was surprised. His eyes widening as he feels the blood running from his face, he steps back analyzing the person in front of him. The boy only looked slightly younger than him, spikey black hair, his head protector neatly tied over his forehead. The pale boy had deep, almond shaped eyes with irises as dark as two black holes. A blue short sleeved shirt that wrapped loosely over his frame, his collar lifted, obscuring his face ever so slightly. The boy had his hands in his white shorts pockets, which were also pretty baggy. Neji tightened the grip he had on the doll out of instinct, feeling a bead of sweat drip down the side of his face. Neji felt a surge of emotion, baffled, astonished, embarrassed, and ashamed. He opened his mouth slightly, making an attempt to speak but nothing came out, his brain completely scrambled and his tongue felt tied.
-”Do you usually keep dolls of people in the village or am I just that lucky?”
The boy spoke, his tone was sarcastic and arrogant, it already pissed Neji off. Neji soon fixed his stance, clearing his throat and standing as straight and stiff as he always is.
-”Forgive me, I found this lying on the ground abandoned, I hadn’t realized it was yours.”
Neji tries to keep his formal politeness. Giving a small bow to the boy in front of him. But even so Neji couldn’t hide his discomfort with the whole situation.
Soon he stepped forward and handed out the doll, giving it for the boy to take. The boy took it willingly with no other complaint, examining the doll with a hum. Neji couldn’t understand why, but the silence made him uneasy, almost… nervous in a way.
-”You said this was lying on the ground?”
The boy spoke again, flipping the doll once or twice to quickly examine it.
-”Correct”
Neji nodded.
-”Lying where exactly?”
The boy spoke again, lifting his gaze to stare deep into Neji’s lavender eyes.
-"In front of a flower shop.”
Neji offered simple answers, his hands folded in front of him. The boy only chuckled at that, letting out a knowing smirk as he stared at the dolls button eyes.
-”For a lost toy you do keep it quite neat…”
The boy remarked, his thumb grazing at the hair of the doll before lowering his hand and fixing his gaze back at Neji once more.
-”What’s your name?”
The raven haired boy asked, in which Neji realized how the orange and pink hues of the sky made his hair look quite luscious.
-”Neji… Neji Hyuga.”
Neji introduced himself, the boy hummed lowering his head slightly as he stared at the ground for a moment.
-”Hm… figured.”
Sasuke spoke, his gaze kept on the grassy ground, as if he was deep in thought.
-”What about yours?”
Neji spoke again, bringing the boy out of his mind and bringing him back into reality.
-”Sasuke, Sasuke Uchiha.”
The boy said, almost like a confession. Lifting his head to finally meet Neji’s gaze head on.
-”But I still don’t understand why you kept this.”
Sasuke extended his hand to show off the doll, the resemblance in them both was kinda cute, whoever sewed that together really must like this boy. But going back to Sasuke’s question. Neji quickly became bashful, he lowered his head as he felt heat rushing up to his face. What is he supposed to say? That he brought it home to cuddle with it at night? How embarrassing!
-”I-I wanted to give it back to its rightful owner.”
Neji hated the way he stammered, the slight shake in his voice, Neji hated this feeling… this feeling of humiliation.
-”You can come up with a better excuse than that.”
Sasuke spoke condescendingly, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips. God, not only was this situation embarrassing, this damn brat was arrogant as well. Neji didn’t know if he wanted to run or punch this kid right in his smug face. Neji huffed, controlling his breathing as he decided to relax himself before he spoke irrationally.
-”I thought it looked… nice.”
Neji spoke, but his gaze was averted. His hands clenched at his sides, he couldn’t even think of a decent excuse, damn him!
-”Did you have fun playing doll house with him?”
Sasuke spoke again, continuing to tease as he held the doll up and shook it around lightly, just enough to make its hands flop as if to simulate a wave. Neji shot a glare at the boy and began to step away, but not that far. Neji sat back in his initial spot prior to Sasuke’s arrival, keeping his head up as he scoffed.
-”I gave you the doll, leave already. I came out here to enjoy the silence.”
Neji sat back on his heels, facing away from Sasuke with a huff, his brows slightly furrowed further signifying his annoyance. Neji heard the grass wrestle behind him, the crunchy leaves crumbling with each of Sasuke’s steps. Neji finally thought that brat would leave him alone and he can finally put this all behind him. Until sasuke plopped himself next to him.
Oh this little shit.
Neji closed his eyes, his jaw clenching as he focused on his breathing. Neji attempted everything in his being to ignore the boy next to him. He focused on meditating once again, until just a second later, he felt a nudge to his arm. Neji ignored it the first time. This kid should catch a hint. But Sasuke persisted, nudging him again. Neji finally gave in, reluctantly opening his eyes, the setting sun beaming onto his irises. Neji is temporarily blinded but he quickly shakes it off, turning his head to look at Sasuke. Only to see the raven haired boy extending his hand out, offering the doll. The sight immediately took Neji aback, but Sasuke was insistent, extending his hand more.
-”Keep it… it’s better off with you anyway”
Sasuke spoke in a loud murmur. He sat criss crossed and knelt forward, leaning on one side in particular so he could prop his head up with his elbow. An elbow in which was digging directly into his thigh, it made Neji wonder how the hell he could be comfortable like that. But with hesitance he reaches out and grabs the plush toy from Sasuke’s hand. Their fingers brush so light it felt like a ghost's touch. But nevertheless Neji took the doll, cradling it in his hands once more.
-”You’re quite trusting of people you just met.”
Neji quickly quipped, looking down momentarily before his attention going to Sasuke once more.
-”it’s not like that…”
Sasuke covered his face in his hand, attempting to hide the blush creeping in his pale cheeks. But Neji still noticed anyway.
They both sat in silence for a moment. They both averted each other's gaze, and Sasuke seemingly began to get bored. Neji noted how the boy grabbed a twig and began playing with the blades of grass with the thin stick.
-”Then what is it then?”
Neji asked, cupping the doll in his hands. Neji’s words spiked Sasuke’s interest, whom immediately stopped messing around with the grass and turned his attention towards Neji.
-”Huh?”
Sasuke hummed, his eyes widening at the question.
-”What makes you see a total stranger with a doll that looks exactly like you, and let them keep it willingly?”
Neji turned his head as he asked Sasuke. One of his eyebrows raised as he smiled, his words were genuine curiosity. But Neji couldn’t help but feel that Sasuke was a bit silly.
-”I… I don’t really know.”
Sasuke lowers his head, his lips pursing as he seems to be deep in thought.
-”It’s just… it seemed like it meant something to you.”
Neji saw how Sasuke softened his voice as he spoke. How he sat a bit more straighter as Sasuke talked with sincerity.
-”I just felt… bad. For taking it away.”
Sasuke’s hands intertwined at his lap, his thumbs twiddling whilst he spoke.
-”How noble of you.”
Neji said, almost teasingly. Yet he still smiled as he looked at Sasuke.
-”Whatever…”
Sasuke huffed, crossing his arms as he did.
-”It’s getting late, don’t you have people waiting at home for you?”
Neji spoke as he stared into Sasuke’s eyes, the sky began to darken as the sun slowly sank into its daily rest.
-”mmyeah”
Sasuke shrugged, beginning to toy with the grass with a stick once more.
-”But they can wait. I just say I got lost in training.”
Sasuke smirked, looking down at the ground as he did. Neji smiled, turning his face to hide it from Sasuke as he suppressed a chuckle that wanted to bubble out of him. Soon he turned his head to look at Sasuke once more. They sat in silence once more. Neji didn’t understand why. While he could just find another place to meditate, the fact this boy seems to stay by Neji’s side willingly made Neji have a flood of emotions.
-”You know… maybe I won’t need this doll anymore.”
Neji hummed, placing the doll in a sitting position between them, watching as the doll's head slightly slumped forward due to the weight of itself.
-”I seem to have the real one beside me, no?”
Neji lifted his gaze, meeting Sasuke’s eyes. Sasuke’s eyes became wide and rounder, it made Neji notice how Sasuke’s eyes looked like tapioca pearls.
-”What do you mean?”
Sasuke tilted his head slightly as he asked, like a curious puppy.
-”I haven’t been completely honest with you, Sasuke.”
Neji turned his body, fixing his position so he’s still sitting on his heels, but facing Sasuke directly. Neji lowered his head, pursing his lips as he thinked. He tried burying his embarrassment and began to talk.
-”Whilst I haven’t spent much time with this doll. I felt… nostalgic comfort with it.”
Neji began to speak, staring at the doll between them.
-”I don’t have much for family or close friends. This little thing was nice to be around…”
Neji spoke softly, fondness in his voice as a smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he confessed.
-”So what are you saying? You liked playing house with mini me?”
Sasuke teased, a smirk on his lips as he tries to act cocky despite the somewhat intimate conversation. Neji however didn’t take it lightly, his expression quickly contorting into a scowl. Sasuke immediately got the hint, his shoulders tensing as he retreated.
-”Sorry…”
Sasuke apologized quietly with pouty lips after clearing his throat. Neji however closed his eyes to calm himself down before speaking again.
-”I’m saying it was nice having a companion around.”
Neji kept his eyes closed, speaking a bit more firmly. But even through his seriousness it felt like he was ripping out his own skin as he spoke, his shoulders tensed, rising slightly as he talked. Sasuke however stared at Neji baffled, his eyes wide and speechless.
-”If you’re proposing what I think you are, it’s unwise.”
Sasuke’s voice firmed, his arms crossing as he lowered his head. Sasuke sat in a defensive stance, he didn’t view Neji as a threat, but he hated having his vunerabilities in the open.
-”But you’re still here.”
Neji quickly spoke right after. His head quickly turned to look at Sasuke, finding the other boys dark eyes.
-”it’s wrong but… I can’t help feel like as if fate brought us together Sasuke.”
Neji continued, looking up at the darkening sky with longing for a momment. He watched as a flock of birds flew slowly through the sky before lowering his head to face Sasuke once more.
Sasuke sat speechless, his fingers digging into the skin of his own arms. His shoulders tensed as his lip quivered. This was wrong, horrible even. But Neji was right, and Sasuke felt a lump in his throat. The thought was nauseating. But Neji wasn’t loud and overbearingly annoying like Naruto. Nor was he insistently clingy like Sakura. Sasuke didn’t want to admit it fully, but Neji was just like him. Two reserved boys burdened by life. They both have their fair share of companions, but nothing as authentic as this. Sasuke loosened his grip onto himself and turned his head finally meeting Neji’s lavender eyes. Neji let out a soft smile as he found Sasuke’s timid gaze. And that soft smile felt more than welcoming to Sasuke, like a warm drink on a cold day.
-”Maybe you’re right.”
Sasuke hums after he spoke, mantaining eye contact with Neji as a smile creeped up on his lips.
-”When can I see you again Neji?”
Sasuke leaned forward slightly, hope in his eyes as he asks Neji the question.
-”How about same place tomorrow?”
Neji tilted his head as he asked the question like a curious puppy. Sasuke nodded in response, facing forward on the setting sunset once more. Neji quickly stood up, the grass loudly crunching as the blades brush against eachother. The wind slowly picks up as he stood up, Neji’s hair blowing in the wind, neatly tied together by the hair tie at the end of his strands. Neji reaches out, his hand open as to offer Sasuke to stand up. Sasuke takes the offer without a second thought, letting Neji help him stand up. They stared at one another in silence once more, Neji and Sasuke felt a sense of hope within, as if a new life will bloom between them.
They where to caught up in their gazes to realize the warmth pooling in their shared hands. Sasuke looks down and realizes that they where holding hands. Sasuke quickly becomes bashful, red blood rushing onto Sasuke’s pale cheeks as he pullef his hand away as he cleared his throat. Neji brushed his hands off on his shorts, also trying to dismiss the lingering touch they just shared.
-”I should head home, the moon is beginning to rise.”
Sasuke scratches the back of his neck as he let out a soft nervous chuckle as he spoke.
-”Right… I’ll see you tomorrow, Sasuke.”
Neji said his goodbye with formalities, only receiving a nod of the head by Sasuke as they began to walk away, the sound of the leaves rustling and the grass crunching at their feet.
-”Neji…”
Sasuke stopped at his feet, turning around to face Neji once more. Neji turned around as well, waiting for Sasuke’s words, watching as the boy twiddled his thumbs before speaking again.
-”Uhm… thank you.”
Sasuke said shyly, averting Neji’s gaze as his cheeks still remained flushed.
-”My pleasure.”
Neji nodded with a smile in response and they both turned around once more.
They both finally went on thsir seperate ways. Neji’s heart felt full and his body felt warm despite the cold evening air. A new kind of feeling rushed through his entire body he couldn’t name but he wanted more of it. Whilst he thought a conversation with an Uchiha would be dreadful, it felt nothing more but exilirating.
Neji walked alone in the night sky, butterflies in his stomach and his head lightweight from all the blood rushing to his cheeks. Walking home with the only thing on his mind being his new friend.
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