nejihinata

[nejihinata]

Dating

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 3: dating #fanart #meyuko-nanasaki

[nejihinata]

Home movie date 😆☺️🤗

Late, but it's for nejihina week!!! I want to do at least one and I knew I want to do this one! UwU

Merry christmas!

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 3: home #fanart #karinonsan

[nejihinata]

🤍NejiHina Week 2023💜

Day 01: Mission together

I had some problems and didn't arrive in time for the week. However, I will be publishing the drawings I made for NejiHina Week (although I guess it will take a while) ToT

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 1: mission together #fanart #gakuto-sama185

[nejihinata]

exit stage right

NejiHina Week 2023 hosted by @nejihinata AO3 Link Summary: It’s the final table read of the season and someone is in for a surprise. Rating: G - general audiences cw: canon character death wc: 765 Photo by zerotake

“You made it!”

The crowd turned to a wide eyed Hinata standing in the doorway. She adjusted the bag and her shoulder and gave a timid wave to the production crew. Covering one side of her face, she beelined her way to Naruto who was hopping from foot to foot. Beside him, Sakura yanked down the arm he had punched into the air.

“My flight landed a bit early.”

“Glad you made it.” Sakura pulled Hinata into a hug. When she pulled away, she held Hinata by the shoulders and smiled. “End of the season, can't wait to see how this read goes.”

“I actually didn’t get a chance to read the script yet and Neji wouldn’t tell me, do we have a lot of scenes together?” Looking up and down the hallway the cast and crew loitered, Hinata missed the panic stricken stares Sakura and Naruto shared before they schooled their faces into neutrality when she turned back around. “Is he not here yet? He’s never late—”

“All right, everyone, come on in!”

A door at the end of the hall opened and everyone started to filter through. The room was filled with chairs and white boards, and a long table stretched out in the middle. The set team took their seats along the walls while the actors made their way to the table. They sat in their usual arrangement marked with their name cards, Sakura sandwiched between Hinata and Naruto who was asking Sasuke what time they'd break for lunch. As the crowd thinned, Neji appeared and Hinata made to pull out the chair on her other side, but Hiashi sat down. She blinked at his name tag and noticed Neji’s across from her own where he sat and placed a bag on the table. If he was annoyed by the change, he only smiled at her.

“Welcome back, Hinata.”

“Thank you…” She tilted her head but gave her attention to the director as the table read began.

Hours later, after lunch, and when everyone had returned to their seats, the director clapped her hands. “Everybody back? Ready? OK! Hiashi has to go soon, so let’s start on page six-fourteen when there’s the big Hyuuga team up and they’re dodging the Piercing Wood. Kishimoto—“

The show runner cleared his throat and read, “Piercing Wood falls down like rain. Neji’s headband is knocked off in the middle of a spin. It looks as though he won’t be able to dodge in time. Then Naruto’s Raisen Shuriken appears.”

“Thanks, Neji! I made it into Sage Mode!!” Naruto pantomimed throwing something large across the room.

“The Shuriken cuts through the falling wood. Naruto throws more Shuriken to clear the area.”

“Here comes some more!”

“But there are too many coming too fast. Hinata looks up and sees some heading straight at Naruto.”

She frowned as she read her next line. “They’re fast!”

“Hinata stands in front of Naruto and throws out her arms to protect him. Hiashi watches in horror from a few feet away.”

The paper trembled in Hinata’s grip as Hiashi spoke. Her eyes flicked up to Neji as the room turned the page of their scripts in unison. If he knew her character was going to die and hadn’t told her—!

“Blood flies through the air. Everyone’s eyes widen when they see the attack has hit Neji who jumped in front of Hinata.”

Sakura reached over to rub Hinata’s shoulder when she gasped. Others shot her sympathetic looks. A bag rustled and someone slid a packet of tissues to her from across the table. Hinata sniffled and choked out her last line of the scene as she wiped her eyes. It was not until Neji finished his dying declaration that she looked up and returned his sad smile.

The rest of the table read, though as mysterious to Hinata as the climax, was uneventful. It seemed the Fourth Great Shinobi War would continue next season which meant more filming on location.

“I’m already chafing just thinking about it.” Sakura shoved her water bottle into her bag as they exited the studio. She and Hinata bid goodbye to other cast and crew continuing down the street or to their cars. “All that sand, ugh. You good on a ride?”

“Yeah, we’re going to Ichiraku’s up the street for dinner.”

“I can’t believe he didn’t tell you! Give him a good kick for me, ok? I’ll see you this weekend at Kurenai’s wedding!”

Hinata laughed and waved as Sakura walked off.

“Are you ready?”

Pulling something from her pocket, she turned to Neji. “Thanks for the tissues.” He shook his head and as he took the packet, she punched him in the shoulder with her freed hand. “That’s for not telling me you died.” Neji leaned the top half of his body away, holding his stomach laughing, and she kicked his shin. “And that’s from Sakura for not telling me you died.”

Shoving her hand back into her coat, only Hinata’s furrowed brow and crinkled nose were visible over its high collar. Fighting back his amusement, Neji grabbed her cheek and leaned forward to kiss her pouting lips. “Ok, ok, I’m sorry. I know it was mean, but I wanted to see your reaction. I didn’t think you’d actually cry. Well…” They both looked down at the tissues in his other hand. “I wasn’t completely sure.”

Smiling, she swatted his hand away to latch onto his arm and steer him toward Ichiraku. “You can make it up to me by paying for my extra large ramen! All of that crying made me hungry.”

“You only cried three tears.”

“Being sad takes a lot out of a girl.”

“Did you learn that from Sakura?”

They laughed and continued down the street, hand in warm, live hand.

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 6: behind the scenes #fanfiction #artofyangji

[nejihinata]

Celebratory Surprise

Written for @nejihinata's NejiHina Week! Day 5: Accidentally

T; 1.2k Neji/Hinata Tenten, Rock Lee, Sakura, Ino, (Kiba and Shino present but not enough to tag >.>)

Neji's teammates and friends want to celebrate his survival - which was so very near a thing - and- Well, that's not exactly the surprise they intended, but hey! Good for you!

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 5: accidentally #fanfiction #kalira

[nejihinata]

where the heart is

NejiHina Week 2023 hosted by @nejihinata AO3 Link Summary: Where is home? Rating: G - general audiences cw: none wc: 201 Photo by zerotake

In the early morning, when the first light of day seeps through the curtains and creeps across the bed, when it wakes them with the caress of its warmth on rested faces, when their rousing limbs find their love in a babe’s fumbling search, that is home.

On the sprawling dunes, when the sun is at its highest and beats a heat onto their heads, when they stand back to back and let loose the power of their palms, when they share the satisfaction of a completed mission, it is home.

During the rush of labor, when the sterilizing light and heavy panting ring sweat from her brow, when the pain of his hand crushed in hers is dulled by the cries of first breath, when they are a growing family and hold the cooing weight of the world in their arms, here is home.

It is in the life they've built, if somewhat odd, from a division deeply flawed. It is in the heated nights in bed and the joint assignments still ahead. It is in the devotion of her embrace and the brightness of her smiling face. It is in her name that Neji's home is a sunny place.

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 3: home #fanfiction #artofyangji

[nejihinata]

When the war is over

NejiHina Week 2023

Day 5 - Choice

READ ON AO3

NejiHina Week 2023  

Day 5 – Choice  

Will you choose me when the war is over?  

And knowing how well you can read my eyes; I know you can hear the question I’m too much of a coward to voice, your kisses giving me no true answer but the ecstasy of our meetings help me to forget.  

I face hordes of men, slashing and brutalizing their bodies without flinching. Nor death not the dead can stop me while you heart still beats, while air still fills your lungs.   

Living soldiers and supernatural threats alike will never frighten me, only the truth. However, against the silence of your non-answer, I am powerless.  

The meaninglessness of killing, the violence are nothing against the doom befalling over me every time your eyes stray, searching for blue skies. 

From the heavens incompressible horrors fall, with you by my side, in battle, in bed, I fight men and gods alike undaunted.  

But how can I fight truth? How can I win over history? How can I kill the part of me that will not be satisfied, that will always yearn for more and more and more of you. 

I don’t mind the blood anymore, for when you join me at the Nakano River at night, I barely notice the red flowers dissolving, lead away by the currents as you wash me, warm fingertips in my hair, feverish sex engulfing mine in rapture, nor ice-cold water nor our feverish flesh can’t make me forget, but I still pretend.  

I pretend that this is forever, I pretend you will choose me when the war is over.  

Nobody thought the war would last so long.  

But sometimes, I have trouble remembering a time before it.   

There was once truly a time in which I was content by living a life in which I walked always two steps behind you?  

In which the idea of having you moaning my name as I take you against a three as the world ends around us was ridiculous?

Unimaginable?   

There was once truly a time when I slept easily on an empty bed?  

There was once, truly, a sorry past existence in which I didn’t find home in the curve of your soft waist? In which I didn’t know the paths of your body as my own homeland and didn’t know the taste of your mouth?   

Where I was free from the prison of death, the decay of a wartime, where I was accepting of my fate as a creature cursed by the ability of desire what he could never have, of picturing a reality that would never cross the boundaries of his own mind. A pitiful man convinced by himself that his heart’s deepest yearning was impossible and should be buried in shame. 

There was really, such time?  

I’ve lost the count of the men, undead, gods and aliens I have murdered, and yet, I can remember the first night you searched for comfort in my arms, and every night since then. I hear men talking all the time how they can’t sleep, that the dead come to haunt and stela the little rest they can manage to get, but by your side, in our bed, the oblivion of sleep takes me over easily than when I was an innocent man.  

Hinata-sama... No, don’t answer me, please, just take me inside of you again, please make me forget that the war will one day end, and you will remember that you don’t want me. That you gave up on me eons ago, that I’ve lost the right of even wishing you would look at me.  

You will go back to seeing me as nothing but a placeholder. A choice made in haste and despair, something you regret even now as I eat your moans, and bury myself deep inside of you as if I belonged there. After, it will be as always, the forlorn look in your eyes, your silences, even if you can’t let go, because war drives people to hedonism, it’s hard to deny oneself comfort when the world around dies in smoke and ashes.  

Even remaining in my bed, head pillowed on my chest, you’re already gone. 

Averting your eyes as if I won’t notice that you still cry sometimes, when you realize it’s me you see just before climax takes your mind away and all I have left to hold on tight is your quivering body and the torturing feeling that even though I’m the only one that has you, you will never crown me king of your heart. 

[nejihinata]

“The cards give you images and symbols to focus your vague intentions and transform them into action. Your will is the magic. In other words, you are the magic. If you can create something in your heart and then act on it to make it happen, that is magic. Very simple, very straightforward—no witches, no spells, and no broomsticks.”

-Theresa Francis-Cheung

NEJIHINA WEEK 2023

DAY 2: TAROT

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 2: tarot #fanart #jazumindrawzfanart

[nejihinata]

POV: you have drawn “the secret lovers” tarot card. It reads as so -

Meet your lover at midnight in the forest of your dreams. Together you’ll make a fire and count the stars that shimmer above the trees.

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 2: tarot #fanart #houseonthemoon

[nejihinata]

Too Kind

NejiHina Week 2023 

Day 1 – Mission Together  

READ ON AO3 

To say Neji was tense was an overstatement, and the bitter thoughts intruding his mind, although nothing new, haven’t plagued him since his humiliating defeat at the chunnin exams almost three years before. He had been lucky back then, that the byakugan could only see through walls and not through his thoughts, he used to think really nasty things about his uncle and cousin.  

Right now, well, truly it was ever since receiving his orders, his thoughts were as nasty, no, they were nastier. And Neji could even boast about how larger his range of nastiness had become since he stopped isolating himself, judging his person to be far above such things as friendship as he used to do pre-chunnin exams and being miserable as result. Neji had spent the last two years joining the likes of Shikamaru, Lee, and worst of all, Kiba in outings to have fun with the boys (a concept once foreigner). Although his vernacular of awful thoughts had expanded, the list towards such thoughts were driven had shortened. 

Hinata-sama, after all, had no fault if her lord father, Hyuuga-sama, was completely out of his fucking mind. 

In truth, if Hyuuga-sama’s decision had any victim (figuratively, emotionally even, literally? No. She would never be victim in a strict sense, not in Neji’s watch no sir) it would be poor Hinata-sama.  

Of course, it was Neji’s sworn duty to stop any harm to come to her, and even if Hyuuga-sama didn’t have sent him with her to that incredibly stupid risky diplomatic visit to Kumo, Neji would have gone to the Hokage himself and demand to be put in that mission. Cursed seal be damned, his brains were already frying trying to understand the reasoning behind sending Hinata-sama to that place, to that people. 

“Neji-nii-san,” her sweet voice brought him back from his internal whirlpool of cursed thoughts of murder, “please stop, otou-sama will notice your killing intent and misinterpret it.” 

“There is nothing to misinterpret, Hinata-sama.” 

She sighed and rose one hand to push her growing hair away from her face. It was a windy morning and she was yet to climb over the litter prepared for her. Neji, knowing now Hinata, truly knowing her, not the stories he told himself about her to justify his hurt over his father death, knew she would only climb in that stuffy silly old thing while her father could see them leaving and then join the party by foot, charming every single bunke bastard enlisted to that absurd mission just by being her gracefully kind self and easing everyone’s mood.  

When the old fools from the council finally figured out that the Hinata-sama that they considered weak had every single warrior member of the Hyuuga clan, including her forced to usurpation little sister, wrapped around her little fidgety finger it would be too late and Neji would actually laugh. 

Just like he knew that only when they’ve reached their destiny at Unraikyou she would climb back into the litter and play the part of Byakugan no Hime to perfection, and pretend that Kumo’s attempt to kidnap her over a decade ago was completely forgiven. 

Nevermind that the true Heiress of the Hyuuga would be in Konoha, unbothered and safe from harm. 

Neji was livid. 

“I know you are upset, but think for the bright side, we never get missions together, this one could be… fun.” 

He lowered his eyes to meet hers, heavens above… She was really… 

“Hinata-sama,” he said in a stern tone, she swallowed and her cheeks lost colour, “you are truly too kind.” 

Her face completely changed then, she bit her lips and squeezed her eyes shut, Neji wanted to punch himself. When would he ever learn to not hurt her? 

But then… That sound… No… What? 

Hinata-sama was giggling. 

“I’m sorry,” she said, “it’s the way you said it... I thought you were about to call me something awful and then…” she had another fit of giggles and even leaned forward, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder to support herself. Neji’s heart, he noticed to his absolute horror and confusion, could be heard hammering against his ribcage across from Kiri. “Too kind,” she repeated. 

He didn’t know what to say, and was too scared to name the warm feeling irradiating from her delicate hand on his shoulder and spreading through his entire body. 

“I meant… I meant too kind for your own good, Hinata-sama please-“ 

“I know! And that’s why it’s so funny,” she took a few sobering breaths “I’m sorry, I know what you meant,” her hand slid from his shoulder and it took all his self-control to not reach out and take it back, “and I shouldn’t expect you to insult me, even if you are upset. I mean, I was too! Honestly…. I’m sorry for laughing, but I am truly glad that at least…” 

She blushed then, and it was different from when her face was pink from laughter. Neji glanced nervously over her head where Hiashi-sama was very sternly giving the last orders to Ko who was leaving the envoy. His and Hinata-sama’s interactions were never… proper behaviour between souke and bunke members, Neji’s status as the prodigy and Hinata-sama’s position as the disgraced heiress didn’t mean they were allowed to act so familiar. And yet… 

“At least I’m with you.” 

Their gazes locked and for the first time Neji wished that instead of the all-seeing eyes of the Hyuuga, his doujutsu was akin to the Uchiha’s, so he could memorize that moment, her face, the curve of her smile, and how the wind blew threads of midnight hair to her soft lips. 

It was not a surprise, that feeling.  

He knew it well, he had felt it before, when he was a child when he didn’t know better. Even before maybe, in another life where such feelings wouldn’t be forbidden as they were now. 

Omake: 

“Daughter,” Hiashi-sama’s voice intruded the moment, and Neji lowered his eyes to the floor, the anger was still there, but a feeling way more powerful clouded its effects in his actions, “do not cause trouble to your cousin and the rest of the caravan. Remember your place and your duties, I wait for your return in three weeks from now.” 

“Hai, otou-sama, I received your command.” 

“And Neji,” Neji had to force himself to rise his head to look at the man that, by his own actions and decisions, wasn’t exactly helping Neji learn to stop despise him, “I know you’ll make the Hyuuga proud.” 

“Hai, Hiashi-sama,” his mouth said, but the string of colourful swears still played loud in the forefront of his mind. 

[nejihinata]

In the white of her palm is your heart

NejiHina Week 2023 

Day 3:  Dating 

READ ON AO3

The Hyuuga do things the old way, so, they didn’t date. 

Dating were for modern girls, for the daughters of civilians, and the new growing class of merchants, Hinata, being born daughter of the oldest shinobi clan of what came to be Konoha, would never be allowed such freedom.  

In truth, from the moment it was made obvious that her mother had given her father a daughter, her destiny was already sealed. She would marry Neji, the would-have-been perfect heir, and produce the purest of byakugan blessed children. And when it became clear that her temperament too soft for the ruthlessness of shinobi life, it reinforced the council's opinion that Hinata’s only utility was to bear the son that would take over after her father stepped down and fix the line of succession. 

There was nothing romantic about this plan, the trouble was that, despite the old geezers of the Hyuuga Council believing themselves as their masters, they never counted on Hinata’s newly wedded husband being a rebel. Had always been a rebel and would not be playing his part as planned by the same people that robbed him of his father and his freedom. 

He had tried rejecting Hinata, once upon a time, it didn’t work, and it didn’t last. Some things are more powerful than fate, stronger than hate and more persistent than any wish of rebellion. 

And instead of hating her of trying to reject her further, of persisting in the misery, Neji rebelled in a different way, he loved his wife, instead of letting himself to be used by the very same powers that hurt both of them so much by simply using their union to procreation, he tried his best to make her happy instead. And if the heavens one day blessed them with children, unlike their parents, their sons and daughters would never doubt their worth to their parent’s eyes.  

Neji, when he decided – because it was his decision, not obedience – to marry Hinata, he also decided that he would give her what being born the Byakugan no Hime stole from her options in life. A warm home life. The normalcy of a date nights, kisses under the moon, flowers, chocolates and teddy bears. 

Trouble was, she didn’t quite care for any of that. She knew she should, but she didn’t. But Hinata wouldn’t tell him that and break his covert romantic soul. 

The man adored her, she owed him at least that. 

So, she played along, she indulged him, playing the part of the blushing bride, because she knew he liked it so much. And she’d make eyes to him in the semi-public space of a fancy restaurant with moody candlelight, and she would let her fingers touch his when serving him tea, always so very proper, so very chaste.  

It wasn’t a task, and she wasn’t pretending, she was indeed a private person, and although their relationship had never been, at least on her part, akin to the suffocating infatuation that rendered her speechless and a fainting mess (looking back, being able to tell to his face all her thoughts about him, even those not too pleasant, when she used to be a depressed, timid little genin might have been a sign).  

After a month of marriage, she knew that the easiest way to drive her cold, austere Hyuuga husband absolutely mad with desire was to act like her meek authentic self. 

After all, he never wanted anything or anyone but her, he had told her so. 

But when they were back home, when it was only the two of them... Well... 

She giggled when he pulled her up as soon as the shoji doors slid shut behind them. 

“Anata, they’ll hear us,” she warned him, her ears ringing as she tried to not slip from his grip as he swiftly hooked her legs on his shoulders. 

“You are the one being loud, Hinata-sama,” and then he stopped, and looked up, eyebrows rising and mouth watering, “tsuma...” oh, it was absurd how hearing him call her that made her feel, mostly because it was so rare “you are not wearing your bottom hadagi.” 

“I-I was feeling too warm,” she didn’t lie, but feeling warm in the middle of the winter had little to do with the weather. It was him. Just him. Neji licked his lips and somehow pulled her even closer in a rough move, making Hinata huff, already panting, and he haven’t even really touched her. 

“And why is Hinata-sama feeling warm when it’s snowing outside?” He teased her first with words and then with actions, one of the hands that had been supporting her lower back slid across her butt cheek to the top of her thigh, softly pulling the lonely fabric of her kimono, as if he was unwrapping a present. “Does she have a fever?” 

Hinata wanted to rub her thighs together to relieve the ache between them, and Neji must have felt the pressure of her muscles squeezing his neck, because he pushed the last bit of silk off, exposing her lovekissed inner thigh and her expecting weeping core. 

His breath hitched, and she could see the tip of his tongue between his teeth as he looked at her pussy as if it was the most fascinating thing he had ever seen. 

“Anata” she breathed, “please...” 

Without looking at her, his hand slid inwards from where it was resting on her top of her naked thigh, carefully, with his thumb, Neji separated her labia and Hinata trembled, goosebumps spreading across her skin as his grip from her lower back moved to hold her hip in place as he continued his exploration, spreading her moisture down to her opening, an up around her pulsing bundling of nerves. 

“Oh, no, no, don’t t-tea-” she protested as he continued to massage her but refused to touch her where she needed him the most, “ ah Neji...” 

“What?” he asked, finally looking at her and revelling to Hinata with his tortured expression how teasing her was taking the toll on him too, she wanted to reach down and discover for herself how much. She loved how dominating he could be, but it could also be frustrating when he got in one of those moods.  

Neji sighed and pillowed his head on her thigh, threads of chestnut hair falling on his eyes, clearly amused by her flushed cheeks and obvious impatience “do you want something, Hinata-sama?” 

And then, holding her gaze and with a small smile playing in his lips, he flicked her clit for the first time, finally. 

How Hinata didn’t come instantly was a mystery to her. 

She squeezed her eyes shut, enduring the violent waves of pleasure as he kept moving his finger in the pattern he found out wouldn’t get her there too fast, but would rend her completely defenceless against his power over her. 

“Ahhh” she panted, that was torture, absolute torture, she wanted to cry she wanted to push him to the floor and ride him all night, she wanted- 

Suddenly, Hinata found herself pressed against a wall, her husband using his free hand to push the silk away from her other thigh as he opened her legs wider and kissed her feverish skin of her inner thigh. She threaded her hands in his hair, pulling off his headband, uncovering the birdcage seal, something that caused so much pain, for so many years, she never thought that seeing it up-close would one day take such an erotic meaning. 

She wanted to kiss it, to kiss him, desperately, but he did it first. 

Hinata cried out as he sucked her clit into his mouth, his thumb intruding into her opening in tandem and curling up, it was overkill and she trashed on his shoulders, spilling wetness down his chin and neck, but he didn’t stop. He took his thumb out with a little struggle to not hurt her as her walls spasmed and when she was starting to calm the contractions, he fucked her with his tongue instead. Hinata choked, her legs shaking uncontrollably, heels hitting his back making Neji chuckle against her folds. 

When she managed to open her eyes again, he was waiting for her, lower face moist with her juices, hair mussed, cheeks dusted with red ardour and an arrogant self-satisfied look on his bright white eyes. Hinata sighed lowered one hand from his hair, touching his face softly, he moved his face, eyelids fluttering, following her caress like a kitten, and when her fingers touched his lips, he sucked them in. 

Not in a million years Hinata could have guessed that being married to Hyuuga Neji would be like this. 

“Bed,” she managed to say finally, “our bed, I... I...” 

“Are you sure?” his voice was so smooth, Hinata shivered, her legs squeezing him again, “because I’m still hungry, Hinata-sama, and I could make you come with my tongue again, and again, and again...” He punctuated every ‘again’ with a lick on her still pulsing core and Hinata fussed, desperate. 

“No, no, please I want to touch you too, please” she all but sobbed. 

He gave her a last lick before wordlessly helping her down, pushing her legs from his shoulders, and sliding her body to the floor where she stood on weak legs and, as usual, almost a head and a half smaller than him. 

Hinata grabbed he lapels of his haori and pulled him down for a searing kiss. She could feel now, through his hakama, how hard he was, and was very pleased with herself even thought, to be fair, she didn’t do a lot yet. 

She pulled back before he got too much control back, and pulled him by his hand to their canopy wedding bed. Hinata released his hand to climb on the soft beddings, and Neji just followed her, sitting at the edge, waiting. Eyes locked to his, she sat on her calves, oh so properly for a woman who had ruined an heirloom silk kimono by refusing to use underclothes soiling it with cum just to tease her already besotted husband. Hinata took her hands to her obijime, but her husband shook his head. 

“Let me,” and he reached forward, Hinata smiled and took her delicate fingers off her obi, choosing to rest her hands around Neji’s neck even if she knew, that he would take forever to unwarp her, that it would be absolute torture, that an entire ocean would be waiting between her legs when he finally slipped the last strip of silk from her body as if he wasn’t desperate to drown again. 

Frustrating as it was, because she needed him desperately, it never got old, how reverential he was at each inch of skin revealed, as if he had never seen her before, as if he had never had her before, as if he wouldn’t have her forever. 

She shivered when he finally pushed the kimono off her shoulders, covering the absence of fabric with bruising kisses and tried to make her lie down, but Hinata stopped him with one hand on his chest. 

“Anata, you’re still dressed,” she reminded him, and he truly seemed surprised when his clouded eyes glanced down, eyebrows knitting as if his genial brain couldn’t fathom the mysterious presence of his three-piece kimono. Hinata giggled and slapped his hands away when he went straight to the front knot of his hakama. “Your haori first, love, I’ll take care of the rest.” 

Obediently, he undressed from his upper garment as his wife fumbled roughly with his trousers. Each pull made him harder and when she all but hugged him to reach behind to undo his obi, burying her soft face on the crook of his neck and breathing him in, Neji’s dick twitched, begging for attention. 

Tired of waiting, Neji cupped her tight rump and pushed Hinata on the bed, pushing the nagagi off his shoulders himself as she lay there, with a too sweet smile, creamy white skin framed by the endless waves of her midnight hair. 

And she was his. Only his. 

He had planned to take his time with her, to make her beg, to make her taste at least a little of the insanity she put him through ever since they were barely people. How many nights had he spent as a teenager, trying to go back to hating her, because it hurt less than seeing her bloom into a beautiful woman that would never be his despite been promised to him at birth, all because of a mistake made by other people, mistake that drove him to resent her and push her away dangerously close of vacating the place in her heart that he had always been entitled to. 

But he had been wrong. 

He didn’t lose her after all. 

She would explain to him that too, on their wedding day, he was frightened, and she was so serene, she was so wise, his wife, his Hinata-sama. And she explained to him that his place in her heart would always be his, that she would always be his, they were destined to be one and nothing would ever change that. 

So, what was the use of trying to stall the inevitable? 

He plunged into her with a guttural moan, she was so wet that no matter how incredibly tight she was, he slid in with ease. 

Hinata’s mouth opened agape in a perfect ‘o’, and she spread her legs wider as Neji pulled back and entered her again, now deeper. 

“Oh Hinata-sama,” he said like a prayer, head lowering to suck a path of fire down her throat, his hips starting a punishing pace, one hand holding his upper body up while the other grabbed her hand, threading his fingers with hers over her head. His lips sucked under her bouncing breast and then he bit on it, she cried out. 

Her free hand grabbed a handful of chestnut hair, pulling hard and Neji moaned in protest, in pleasure too, before dragging his lips to her waiting mouth, letting her suck his tongue like her pussy sucked his throbbing cock viciously. He could feel she was close and he let go of her hand to reach down and flick her clit rendering Hinata into a sobbing mess as her arms flapped around with the aftershocks of her powerful orgasm. 

Neji stopped moving, but remained inside of her and her body stopped shaking to become limp and putty under his. He kissed her temple and her eyes, easing her to come back to earth, to come back to him. And then he bit softly at the cartilage of her ear. 

“I’m not done with you yet, Hinata-sama.” 

She sniffled and blinked her half-moon eyes open to him. Her lips were swollen with kisses, cheeks blotchy, perspiration covered her face, absolutely gorgeous. 

“What you need?” She asked in a breathy voice. 

“Turn around.” 

She swallowed hard, nodding and obeyed. Neji hissed when their movements made his cock slip out of her. 

“Not all the way,” he said holding her hip in place. “There,” Neji pulled her hair out of the way and kissed her sweaty temple, “perfect,” he put his tip against her folds and started pushing in again, Hinata squeezed her eyes and he stopped. Neji slid one arm under her head, making it serve both the purpose of pillow and also to force the face to be turned to his. “No, look at me.” 

She bit her lower lip but did as told, he pulled her leg up, hooking it backwards around his hip and then, with her eyes locked to his and one of her breasts in his hand, he fucked her, hard. 

“Ah ah ahhh” she made as he hammered inside her shaking the entire bed, her juices coating both of them and the sheets as his hips hit hard against her ass, Hinata could feel a new orgasm building up in tiding waves again, the urge to close her eyes and just let the feeling drown her was big, but he told her to look at him so who was she to deny the man that did nothing but love her, protect her, pleasure her? 

“Nej-j-j-jiii ahhhhhh,” she barely noticed his husky chuckle as she shook again in a fit of orgasmic spasms, but this time he didn’t stop, as endeared as he was always were at her body’s adorable reactions, he was close too, and as Hinata was forced through a second orgasm, he came spilling inside her with a groan against her ear. Neji held her tightly for a few more moments before his body relaxed and he rolled onto his back. 

Hinata took a couple of deep breaths and then turned to cuddle with him. 

“Anata?” 

“Hn,” he made, his chest heaving. 

“Thank you for the date night.” 

He responded only with dry chuckle. Hinata smiled satisfied and kissed his jaw before letting her eyes fall shut and following him into slumber. 

--- 

I don’t remember if I wrote NejiHina smut before. Mostly because I used to not write porn at all lmao. And now Lene (Cyanis for you) has me bugging her to do a NejiHina smut week, I’ve became a depraved old woman, shame on me! 

[nejihinata]

Amas Veritas

NejiHina Week 2023 

Day 2 – Magic 

READ ON AO3

Had it been truly a memory or just a weird dream? Hinata wasn’t entirely sure. 

She was lurking through the slit between the shoji doors, the angulation of her point of view was low, the vision of a small child, tall shadows stretched on the tatami floor like gashes.  

It wasn’t uncommon to see Hyuuga-sama and Hinata’s otou-sama having heated fights behind closed doors. Young as she had been in that memory, Hinata already knew that was she should pretend to not hear the whispers about her parents’ marriage and her own status as heiress being questioned. It was said that Hyuuga-sama never blessed the marriage between his elder son and Hotaru Hyuuga, the daughter of a disgraced branded souke member, a woman so weak that despite her pure blood, had never even woken her Byakugan. The wedding happened discreetly after an assassination attempt orchestrated by Hyuuga-sama, assassination that only didn’t go through because Hotaru was already two months pregnant and the rebel heir refused to renounce the child. 

Hinata would wonder, all her life, if her father regretted his decision, the only thing making her doubt was the birth of Hanabi, his pride and joy.  

However, that night, there was something shocking different from what Hinata was used to seeing and hearing through the paper walls. Her lord father, the coldest and hardest man she had ever met in her short life, who had never before, and least of all in front of her, betrayed his façade as the pride and glory of the Hyuuga clan. His voice... it was different. No trace of arrogance, not even of rebellion. He sounded less like the inpatient heir, tired of waiting for his moment to shine, the youth in his voice had nothing to do with vigour and strength. He sounded like a whinny child, weak and broken.  

Hinata wouldn’t realise for the longest time, but the night her byakugan activated was the the same her mother died in childbirth and she saw, with the glaring clarity of her bloodline doujutsu, her father crying. 

It never occurred her before that he was capable of doing so. 

Hinata remembered of trying to suffocate with her hands, the gasp of surprise and horror before such absurd scene. Her ears assaulted by the shameful sobs of her father and her grandfather’s voice, years forward, after his body had already rotted into the earth of the Hyuuga mausoleum, Hyuuga-sama's disgusted tone still haunted Hinata’s memories uttering words such as “forbidden jutsu”, “shameful behaviour”, and “impossible”. 

She used to reminisce constantly about that horrible night, especially when Konoha’s oppressive summer wouldn’t let her sleep. And she would trash on sweaty sheets in agony, the horrifying sobs, the cries of despair seemed as real as the maddening buzz of mosquitoes and the high-pitched choir of cicadas.  

But how could it be? How those sounds could belong to the same man that pitted her against her little sister as soon as Hanabi could hold herself up on two legs and dishonoured Hinata when she fell defeated. It could never be Hiashi-sama, that pathetic man, begging for his father to let him bring his weakly wife from the dead, because a Hyuuga would never do that, a Hyuuga do not beg. 

oOo 

She waited until the end of the last hymn of the last monk.  

The incense Hinata herself had lit, burnt with the others, the sickly-sweet musk of dry ashes, infesting the air of the solemn room making her head go round and round. 

She waited.  

Her tongue felt thick and rough against the roof of her mouth, it was suffocating.  

Yet, she waited. 

She would wait forever if it was necessary. 

After every last empty word of ceremonial grief was uttered. After everyone to left, and ignoring Hanabi’s pleas to come back to the main house with her. Hinata ignored her, against all odds, truly beloved sister as the child sat beside her as Hinata stood unmoving, waiting, next to casket where, surrounded by flowers, rested Neji’s corpse. 

Hiashi’s heiress eventually fell asleep, and her unworthy sister told a bunke guard to take her sleeping child to her quarters, he left with only a nod and Hinata remained waiting until the moon floated high in the heavens. 

Then, knowing no one else would come for her since from the two residents of the Hyuuga Compound that cared for her wellbeing, one was too much of a child to remain alert through that solemn night, and the other lay dead before her, Hinata started to put her plan in motion. 

It wasn’t a good plan, she was aware, in truth, it hardly could be worse, but maybe, if it was well executed... Maybe... No. Surely, she just had to follow the exact instructions. The thing about talentless people like Hinata, there is no space for improvisation, no chance for mistakes to be made. They have to make things exactly how they should till the minor detail. Neji had taught her that. 

She swept the flowers adorning his dead body, white chrysanthemums and lilies falling on the floor, but Hinata only noticed her hands were shaking when she tried to undo his haori’s knot. From all the way too many times she imagined herself doing that, in her fantasies, his skin was never the cold marble, hard and unfeeling under her soft fingertips. 

Hinata had to stop herself for a moment there, taking big gulps of air and trying to suffocate the hysterical bubble of despair growing inside her throat, only noticing that tears ran free down her cheeks when Neji’s crisp white linen shroud stained. 

Had she been in a reasonable mind, and not insane with soul shattering grief, she would have stopped there, she’d know that she should never let herself see what was under the fabric, but she didn’t stop, and she’d never forget. Sobbing silently, she leaned towards him, her back bending forward until her forehead met his, now, as unmarked as hers. 

Was that betrayal, what she was about to do? Ensnare him with chains far heavier than those that used to bind and cage him. Would he hate her when he came to learn what she was about to do? She prayed that he would. Hinata would take a living Neji’s hatred a million times over his love from beyond the grave. 

She straightened herself, rubbed away her tears, hands steading as she parted the sides of his haori and ripped the bandages around his ribcage, exposing the wounds that had taken him away from this world, from her. The large, deep, imprecise incisions took all the space of Neji’s chest, they almost looked fake, as if they were merely kabuki makeup. Almost artful, in the way the lacerations on his flesh seemed as if they were moulded by hand, awfully beautiful the way truly horrifying things tend to be. But the undeniable paleness of death, deeper than the whitest white of the Hyuuga complexion would not let Hinata play herself, there was nothing unreal about those wounds. 

With the same ceremonial kunai she had used to expose his body, her hands moving with precision, Hinata carved over his heart the seal she had copied from the forbidden scrolls she stole from the secret vault under the debris of the old Hyuuga compound, the cursed place where the elders had guarded for eons the secret of evils such as the birdcage seal. 

He didn’t bleed. 

Not even a drop. 

She panicked.  

Was it too late? The scrolls said that blood should mix to bind to souls and pull the dead back to the world of the living. 

But the same blood that ran on her veins had once inhabited his, there was no Hyuuga blood purer than theirs, she truly believed that one day, they would make the ultimate Hyuuga, now... It would never be. Even if she succeeded, the two unnatural beings they would become could never birth a child. 

Refusing to let despair stop her, Hinata cut the sigil on her own breast and then, made two long vertical lashes on her own wrist, not even registering her own pain, only focused on smearing her own living blood over him. 

“My blood,” she chanted, forming the seals with her hands “your blood,” her byakugan came to live and she continued, “our blood.” 

Nothing happened, but she continued, with mad despair ”my blood,” she cut herself again, more blood poured forming a puddle on his chest, “your blood, our blood.” 

Nothing. 

“Oh God,” she sobbed, her voice taking the same horrible sonority her wretched father had once used to beg for her mother to be brought back, “please, please, my blood, your blood...”  

And then, after what probably didn’t take long in real time, but felt like centuries to her grieving heart, the blood flowing from her started being absorbed by his wounds, “OUR BLOOD,” she cried as the carved seal burned and closed like a cauterized wound. 

She shook as if she was pierced by the first boulder that hit him, she grabbed onto him, but the invisible force continued to strike her and Hinata’s knees gave in. Locking her jaw to not scream in agony Hinata bended forward, falling and bringing him with her. For a moment, she saw the grotesque scene they were making as if she was dethatched from it. His pristine death bed being showered in red, her blood everywhere, crimson flowers blooming on his white kimono, staining the crushed lily petals, colouring the cheeks of his serene face, deepening the warm tones of his chestnut hair. 

Hinata’s slashed wrists were too weak to sustain her, her body toppled sideways, taking the casket with her, Neji’s body rolled to her side. She took a few shallow gulps of air, the pain was making her delirious, she looked down at herself in disbelief to find her body unchanged, for she knew now exactly how it felt to have your body pierced by enormous stakes. 

And she wanted to laugh. 

It was working. 

But the laugh died when the burning began. Far more terrible than the shadow replica of the wounds that had killed Neji, it was like nature and the gods above and under was releasing the worth over the forbidden act of stealing form Death itself. 

A pain like that could drive one insane, and Hinata was not very distant from that outcome. 

It was like every since piece of her was melting, even the weight of her clothing was unbearable, she pulled her own kimono open, but stopped her mind clearing when she saw, in raw flesh, between her breasts, the seal binding her life to Neji’s. 

As long as she breathed, he would breath too. 

As long as she lived, he would live too. 

Forcing her burning lungs to take some of air in, Hinata turned belly down, and crawled towards Neji, he had fallen face down on the floor, she pulled his cascade of silky hair aside, and when her fingertips reached his face, it was warm. 

A scream awakened her. 

It was a woman from the bunke, a middle-age servant, Hinata’s head was too light to remember her name. She was saying something to Hinata, she was scared. Hinata wishes she would stop shouting. 

She tapped around, apparently her body was lying on something hard, but she wasn’t afraid, she wasn’t in danger. Weird. Finally, she reached to something that could be someone’s shoulder. Her wrists hurt so much, and the smell of blood was everywhere. Her hands reached a face, and when she felt the breathing against her palm her heart skipped a beat, elation and relief taking place of any bodily discomfort. 

The woman stopped shouting, disappeared. Where had she gone? It took every bit of will to make Hinata turn her face to the person beside her. 

Painfully familiar white eyes stared at her. 

Eyes she never thought she’d gaze upon again. 

She sobbed or she laughed, she wasn’t sure and stretched her coagulated blood covered hand to Neji’s face, but before she could reach him a crowd swarmed the desecrated temple, and they were separated, the severance was so violent that Hinata lost conscientiousness. 

The itch caused by the needle in her backhand was maddening, but it had been so difficult for the nurse to tap one of her dry veins that Hinata was afraid of ruining it. Irritation grew as the effects of the drugs they gave her dissipated. She was tired of the hard looks she got every time she asked about Neji, tired of the silence, the nurses, all Hyuuga bunke, must have been ordered to not talk to her. At least she wasn’t at the Konoha’s Hospital under the mercy of the Hokage, but Hinata was smart enough to know that wasn’t a measure to protect her. Obviously, the council wouldn’t want information leaking that the Hyuuga could bring back the dead. 

Then, her lord father was there in her room. 

And to her surprise, for the first time in her life, she wasn’t afraid of him, nor ashamed, not eager to prove herself, the dull old pain of longing for love was gone too. 

Hyuuga Hiashi stared at his disgraced daughter in silence for almost an hour. Hinata didn’t speak either, more out of habit than respect. She should only speak to Hyuuga-sama if he spoke to her, so, she waited.  

There was nothing on his face that betrayed his opinion of what Hinata had done, but she didn’t have to wonder very far, she was, after all, his living disappointment. But if once she had gained that status for betraying his expectations being less of what she was expected to be, her act of rebellion now, the grandiosity of what she had accomplished, that was new. 

What she had done was a crime not only by Hyuuga law, but of the entire Ninja World especially after the war. Better shinobi had been condemned and executed by far less. 

What would Hiashi do with her? What would he do with his weak daughter who done what he had been too afraid to do so many years before? 

But what was done was done, she didn’t regret it, she would never apologise. Neji belonged to her. He had always belonged to her. Ever since he had been given to her to protect with his life, life he had lost to fulfil his duty, it was fair, and it was right despite all nature law saying otherwise, that she returned to him at least half of his sacrifice by sharing her lifeforce with him. 

And she could already feel it. The ghostly beating of his heart echoing each ba-tum of her own. 

“The Hokage will come in the morning,” it was all her father said before turning his back on Hinata who breathed out in relief. 

And, as if knowing what was going on with her, Hinata felt the warm weight of a hand touching hers, but when she looked, there was no one. 

He was staring at her when she woke up for a second time and the sensation was so familiar and so right that she took in the first real breath of air since the end of the war. 

It was dark behind him, the sweet night air blew through the leaves making them tap against the window. 

The weak feeling of the blood loss and chakra depletion was easing on her, or maybe it was his mere presence feeding her strength back, Hinata sat up. 

“You shouldn’t be here,” she whispered, he was weak still, she could feel this tiredness as her own. 

“No,” his voice, even fragile, breaking on the edges, was a miracle, he was a miracle. Her heartbeat increased pulling his with, her eyes glazed and she wanted to apologize for forcing him through the emotions, but he continued, “I should be dead.” 

“Please don’t-” she pleaded, itching to touch him, but he remained static and out of reach. “Don’t say that. Never.” 

They held the silence between then like a newborn child for the longest of times, and then, as if taking pity on her or just manipulated by the mixing of their souls, overpowered by her desire (could he call it hers only? Nothing belonged to only each of them individually now, every feeling, every want, every pain was shared), Neji drew a step toward that woman that ate his death, then he took another, pulled by irresistible current.  

His pale hand crossed the air, graceful like a dove in flight, it landed on her cheek, an act that in his former life would be unthinkable. Hinata sucked a breath at the sensation, shamelessly pressing herself against his warm palm. 

He was real, he was here. 

A shiver overtook both of their bodies, it was more than simple mirroring, she wasn’t just feeling exactly the same things he was feeling, nor what made her human had been cut in half to sustain his unnatural life. 

Everything was more.  

As if the sensations merged and multiplied, feeding from each other, and growing, it was overwhelming, it was suffocating, it was the best thing either of them had ever felt. 

They had been close, of course, far closer than what was proper in their position as a disgraced princess and her lowly guardian, but no line had been crossed. 

Because there was no line.  

The bars separating them in individual cages all through their lives vanished. 

So, when Hinata’s hand pulled the tie of his haori slid her fingertips through the smooth planes of his chest, it was with undeserved naturality, but naturality nonetheless. 

“Your wounds are gone.” 

“Except...” 

His hand slipped from her face and she almost cried over the loss, but a moan escaped her lips when he took her wrist and pressed her hand to his only remaining wound. Right over his heart, the binding fuuinjustu she had carved on his soul and on his flesh. 

He had always belonged to her, but now it was beyond any possible attempt of denial. 

Hinata forgot all about trying to preserve the needle in her hand’s vein and searched for her own scar, noticing that Neji winced also feeling the sting when she pulled her hand and the needle slid out of her.  

There it was. 

Right between her breasts, inflamed red skin shaped into the seal of soul binding.  

“Hinata-sama...” There was awe, there was fear, and there was something so much darker in his voice. “What have you done?” 

Oh no... 

She clenched her eyes shut. Her insides turning with feat.  

Please don’t hate me. 

“I could never do that.” 

She snapped her eyes open, and they glanced at each other in astonishment. 

In adoration.  

It had never been a secret, not to her, how he felt about her, that’s why it hurt so badly when he tried to hate her for so long, why even the notion that he could hate her now pieced her heart like a spear. They belonged together, always, and when he didn’t want her, she had to do things to survive. 

There were no such options now, there was no remaining heart in her to offer to anyone else, it all belonged to him, and if he rejected her... When he was dead, she thought she could take it, his hate, but now she knew it would kill her. 

“Hinata-sama,” he breathed her name like a prayer and arched forward, his front touching hers, “what have you done?” he asked again. 

“I couldn’t, I couldn’t do it without you.” 

“Do what?” 

“Live,” she answered with raw honesty. 

“What about-” 

“No!” She sobbed, put a hand over his mouth, almost hurt by the implication even though it was a fair question and she knew it. “He wasn’t you. It had to be you. Don’t you get it?” 

She almost cried at the heavenly sensation of his warm breath against her skin. 

“I do,” he said against her fingers, “It has to be you for me too.” 

And that was more than enough for her to move forward, slide her hand from his mouth to his chin, pulling him down to her and suck his lower lip between hers. 

Neji’s hand fell from her cheek do her neck, cupping the back of her head, shamelessly thrusting his hot moist tongue into her mouth as if he had done that a thousand times before, as if he knew exactly how she liked it.  

Hinata didn’t resist, letting him bend her body to his needs, as his other hand pressed the small of her back forward, their hips meeting and she cried out. 

Eyes opened agape she saw white, white, white. Byakugan white. 

His eyes, the moon, bliss. 

Their body were tingling and they had barely touched yet. 

Whatever destiny found them in the morning, whatever punishment, it was already worth it. 

When she recovered the smallest notion of what was happening to her, she was back in the bed, silky chestnut threads of hair, still smelling like funeral flowers, covered her mouth and nose as his owner licked his way down her neck. 

Hinata helped Neji off his kimono, noticing just now it still was the blood stained one he would have been buried with. There was an especial satisfaction in seeing that piece of fabric leaving his person, it wasn’t just about seeing him naked for her pleasure, there was a feeling of victory. 

She had won. 

Death had tried to steal him from her, and she had snatched him back. 

She was victorious. 

Hinata’s small hands palmed the taut muscles of his back, ready to explore uncharted territory e reclaim her absolute victory, but Neji seemed to have other plans, as he pulled her hands off him, ignoring her whimpers of protest, and locking both of her wrists over her head as his mouth continued its path of fire down her collarbone. 

And again, it was better than whatever she’d planned to do, it was like he knew better than her what would bring her the outmost pleasure, and Hinata wasn’t convinced that was only because of their magical bonding. No. It was just how he was when the subject was her. 

Be cause he was hers. 

Had always been hers. 

And now, he had her too. 

Hinata clamped her thighs viciously around his hips, ears ringing when he moaned against her neck as his hardness pressed against her hot core. 

“Hinata-sama,” he protested? Praised? Begged? 

She glanced at him through her lashes and then offered her neglected mouth for the taking, invitation that he did not dare to decline.  

Still, as his tongue explored her mouth further, Hinata could hear the back of his thoughts, the remains of his conditioning, scandalised reprimands of how out of place he was acting, that he should be disrespecting her, and to that, all she could say was: 

“Please, make love to me.” 

He freed her wrists, maybe out of shock, which was funny considering he was already laying over her. 

Hinata cupped his face, tracing the familiar lines of his cheekbones with her thumbs. 

“Please.” 

“Are you sure?” 

She smiled sweetly. 

“You know I am.” 

He took a raggedy breath and leaned forward, his forehead against hers, Hinata relaxed under him, feet massaging lazily the backs of his powerful legs. 

“I still don’t understand... How?” 

“Does it matter?” 

He opened his eyes and stared down at her, so serious, so Hyuuga Neji. 

She giggled and he frowned, but was there was a smile fighting to emerge too. 

“I’ll explain later, I promise, but now...” she moved to press her lips against his ear whispering , “I need to feel you inside of me.” 

She could feel her face burning, not in her wildest dreams she foresaw saying those things, but whatever power that brought him back had changed her too, free from shame, there was no use of denying, of trying to disguise her desires when he could know it all.  

And the urge to unite, the absolute necessity of it, Hinata knew, was unbearable for him too. Even without a mind link, she could tell by how rock hard he was against her pelvis. 

He kissed her again, sucking her tongue inside his mouth, making her moan. If there was little hesitation before, now that he had a spoken consent, there was no hesitation whatsoever and Neji started touching her freely. 

The doctors had already freed her from the confines of her obi, so, the hard work was already done, not that by the way he used his perfect mastery of the gentle fist to cut her bust bindings without giving her a scratch showed that he cared about preserving the integrity of her mourning robes. Hinata sighed when his lips released hers at the same time that his palm cupped her breast for the first time. She opened her eyes to find his locked in his new discovery. Fast string of thoughts shared through their soul binding revealed to her how long he had wanted to do that and Hinata squirmed when he flicked her dusty pink nipple. 

“I apologise, I-“ 

“No,” she said breathy, pulling his hand tighter against her mound, “touch me, please, I can’t bear it when you stop.” 

Neji licked his lips and leaned forward, sucking her neck, spreading open mouth kisses down her collarbone until he was sucking that very same nipple he had just discovered and Hinata’s eyes rolled back in pleasure. She pulled his hair, but the pain echoed only accentuated the bliss. 

His free hand helped her to push away the sleeves of her kimono, and then he sitting on his knees, pulling her up as Hinata rocked against his hard cock, driving both of them to insanity. 

“I don’t want to hurt you, Hinata-sama,” he said as this new position had her above him, foreheads touching as her midnight hair fell around them like a shroud. 

“I don’t think you can.” 

He smiled, besotted, and Hinata felt like a thousand stars were going supernova inside her chest. 

“You know that I mean... I’ve... I’ve never done this.” 

“There isn’t much we can do wrong now, and even if we somehow find a way to make mistakes... I’d rather make mistakes with you. Neji...” 

And maybe saying his name free of the reminder of his position was the magical word to make him finally stop hesitating. 

He didn’t stop again when she reached between them and held his pulsating dick in her small hand, and helped her up as she fumbled to align the tip to her entering, easing herself down slowly. 

Every bit of him entering her was a mix of relief and absolute agony and he must have felt her oxymoronic feelings because even though he didn’t stop her again, his tone was honestly worried as he pushed the hair from her face to the back of her ear. 

“Hinata-sama, are you alright?” 

There was no way he didn’t know it, not with the way they were linked now, but she loved him more than ever for still needing a spoken answer. 

“It’s just... It’s my first time doing this too, can you believe?” He chuckled and moved slightly under her hitting a spot that made any amusement dissolve, she needed him to do that again. 

Hinata rocked against him, arching her back and he followed her movements, still letting her lead but matching her rhythm effortlessly. 

His hands on her undulating hips as she held his face, Hinata kissed him again the overpowering sensation of him moving inside of her was better than everything she had experienced before. And she knew it wasn’t due to their new supernatural bond, no, there was something older, deeper, something powerful. 

She thought about touching herself but Neji’s thumb was already there, flicking her clit, with his free hand he hooked her arm around his neck, and then moved to her breast, squeezing it hard. Hinata’s whole body shook, she was so close. He fell forward, lying her down on the hospital bed, but continued thrusting, Hinata opened her legs wider for him, from her mouth a string of sweet nothings spilled and he drank every drop. 

And then the first rays of sun hit his bright eyes, Hinata touched his face sweetly and arched towards him as the climax broke the two of them in a million pieces, duplicated and them quadrupled exponentially by their bond. 

She was still shaking when Hinata opened her eyes again, brought back to Earth by the unpleasant feeling of Neji pulling out of her and fighting to fit both of them in her small hospital bed. 

“What are we going to do?” she asked in a small voice as he continued lazily spreading small kisses on her sweaty temple and cheekbone. 

“About what?” 

“Father said the Hokage was coming.” 

“Hmm,” he pondered. “We should go, then.” 

She chuckled at how matter-of-factly he sounded about deserting the village he had literally gone to war and died to defend and becoming nukenin. 

“Go where?” 

“Does it matter?” 

She smiled at his echoing question, lifting adoring eyes to him. 

“With you? No, it doesn’t.” 

He held her gaze, and kissed her front, she should have known, that to her, he would be so affectionate. 

“Then, it’s settled.” 

------------------

I began writing this fic in 2019, with @azarashionna’s help. It’s crazy to think she’s been gone for so long. I still miss talking to her every single day, and how painful it is that I wrote a fic about bringing someone from the dead with the help of someone I’d lose not much after, someone I cannot bring back. But I can now finish this story, I can now write NejiHina again, I’ve grown enough my grief seem smaller. Ray, this one is for you. @cyanis-art, this one is for you too. I love you both, forever. 

[nejihinata]

Background:

Neji and Hinata are in the line of sucession of throne after their marriage but days before of the marriage a dark wizard appears in secret in hinata's garden and threatened her to kill Neji. In order to not happen that, the wizard offers her a deal: if one of them die the other one will be safe.

Next day, Hinata decided to save Neji goes to the Magic Tower and steal a poison but Neji was there and saw her taking something so he decide to follow her. Once she arrive at the library, where no one can see her, and is about to drink the potion. That instant Neji, hidden behind a shelf, recognizes the liquid and stop her.

Hinata surprised inquiered his actions and begs to have the poison back. Neji refuses her demand and claims and explanation. Hinata starts to cry, letting him now something's is wrong.

-This is something I have to do- says Hinata while cries

-Hinata-sama, you know I won´t do that. Just let me know whats the matter- says Neji calm in the outside and hoping that that wasn't an suicide attemp, but a misundertanding.

-I gotta save you...- Hinata's suffering fave is all he can sees. In a blink, the young woman unsheathe the word which was in Neji's belt and point him with it.- Give it to me - her face, full of tears, had a decided look. She was sure that would's scare her lover but she had to try. This time, was Neji's face who was flooded with anguish, but he just said:

-I won't never.

...........................................................

Is this something related to Nejihina week? It was, at the begging but then...i changed my mind

Anyway i'll try to do something else for the week. And sorry for the possible mistakes in the story, if you tell me ill fix it!

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 2: magic #fanart #nejihina-and-mlb

[nejihinata]

the meaning of her stare

NejiHina Week 2023 hosted by @nejihinata AO3 Link Summary: Neji’s latest assignment is killing the legendary Bright Witch. Rating: M - mature cw: character death, blood wc: 3133 Photo by zerotake

Neji was grateful for the law that prohibited eye contact with royalty each time he knelt before the king. He was not sure he could look at the man who killed his father and shared his face.

“The Bright Witch was seen entering Uchiha territory this morning.” Hiashi’s habit of forgoing pleasantries was the only thing Neji liked about him. It meant less time in his presence. “They are undoubtedly recruiting her to try and gain an upper hand in the war. Kill her.”

“As you command.”

.𖥔 ݁ ˖

He arrived at the same time as her cavalcade. In the midst of war, the rarity of guests with any notoriety brought daily life to a halt. People lined the streets and hung out of windows, climbed trees and rooftops along the path to the palace at the heart of the capital but kept the road clear. The whole city composed the crowd that buzzed with excitement.

“I heard she defeated an entire army with a wave of her wand!”

“Bet she sold ‘er soul for that kinda power.”

“It’s all smoke and mirrors.”

“They say she’s gorgeous.”

“How’d anyone know? She never shows her face.”

“My pa said she brought water back to a village in the Land of Wind.”

“Think she’s looking for an apprentice?”

“How ‘bout a husband?"

Standing in an alley too grimy and narrow for anyone else to bother, Neji tuned out the gossip growing more fanciful with each whisper. The Bright Witch held a similar reputation in the Hyuuga Kingdom, revered by some and scorned by others for her various deeds and rumored origins. He had learned by his second assignment not to concern himself with the acclaim of his marks. Many were exaggerated for prestige and intimidation, both of which were a distraction to his work. And he knew the real enemies to fear were those whose existence he did not know, who left no trace other than a cold body, and demanded no recognition.

A hush fell over the crowd at the measured march of the approaching procession and then all at once the people broke into cheers. Uchiha sentries brought up the front and rear, each with a naginata against one shoulder. Compared to their darker robes and fanged weapons, the Bright Witch's guards flanked the convoy in stark contrast. They dressed in light colors and carried simple staffs, and their eyes were hidden by the brims of their woven hats. In the middle was a palanquin pulled by two kirin, one on either end, who walked over lush grass that bloomed in the dirt beneath their hooves and mirrored each other in their palette. Where the scales of one was black with white fur and horns, the other was its opposite of white and black. People pointed, and looking closer, Neji realized the creatures wore no harnesses to bind them to the caravan nor saddles to rest its weight safely on their back. The palanquin looked to be floating.

Its curtains were closed. But through the sheerness of the fabric and its color, a lilac so pale it appeared white in direct sunlight, a silhouette was visible. The dark profile’s rounded folds and tall hair with dangling accessories spoke of a refined woman. She faced forward, unprovoked by the crowd’s cajoling, but as the procession crossed the forgotten alley, she shifted. Though the shadows obscured the direction she turned, Neji felt the weight of eyes on him until the palanquin rounded the corner. The people funneled into the road after it while Neji retreated further down the back streets.

In a rundown section of town, Neji found a shack on higher ground with a window facing the palace. He had decided to wait; the first day of her arrival was too obvious a time to make his move. Instead, he memorized a stolen scroll with an outline of the manor’s grounds until the sun settled beyond the horizon, then sharpened his tools by the light of the moon so the glow of a fire would not attract attention. Just as he was replacing the last kunai in its holster, a thunderous echo crashed over the city from its epicenter and the world reverberated in its wake. Neji kept low while clinging to the few tufts of grass that sprinkled the bare floor of the shack and threatened to rip from his fingers as the ground rolled like a wave beneath him.

When the earth finally settled, he could hear the people leaving their homes to check on each other and question the strange phenomenon. He peeked over the edge of the window to the palace. It was as peaceful as it had been moments before. Whatever occurred did not spur the guards to raise the alarm. When the city’s inhabitants had settled again and the only sounds were the chirping and hooting of wildlife, Neji sat beneath the window with his arms folded and fell asleep, dreaming of a gaze he felt but eyes he could not see.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖

The next evening, in the same hour that the mysterious sound had disrupted the city’s nightly routine the day before, Neji scaled the palace walls. Suspicion soured his stomach as he made his way across the compound in its gloom to the guest wing. Other than the decorative vegetation and water fixtures, the grounds were empty of typical Uchiha sentry and incidental Bright Witch guards. And when he approached the room the sorceress was most likely to occupy, the shoji door to its personal garden was ajar.

Neji crouched as he approached at an angle that kept the waxing moon in front of him. When he saw movement, he paused and shifted sideways until the single occupant was framed by the open door.

She sat in front of a mirror, back to him, as she brushed her hair. Shining like the reflection of moonlight on a calm river, it fell over her shoulder and pooled in whorls on the floor. Each pass of the bristles over her dark tresses solidified its saturation against the pale of her robe. Her eyes were closed, resting downy lashes against cheeks dusted blush, but as Neji’s gaze made its way to her face, they opened and their reflection caught his in the mirror at the same moment his breath stopped his lungs.

The Hyuuga was considered isolationist. It was uncommon to meet one of its citizens, all marked by eyes of varying shades of ivory, outside of its territory. The few of which Neji knew were envoys to the smattering of kingdoms with which the Hyuuga maintained relations and he did not doubt there were others in his position stalking different political enemies. He had never heard of anyone immigrating from the homeland, let alone considered the possibility.

Yet there she was with eyes the same near white as her palanquin’s curtains. Something in Neji’s chest ached, a homesickness so sudden and unfamiliar that he dismissed it for the pain of holding his breath as he awaited her reaction. He thought that she had seen him, crouched, shadowed, and masked though he was, as her stare held fast in the mirror. But she continued to comb through her hair until her eyes closed again like the tuck of a bird’s wing. Then did the exhale of Neji’s stale breath warm his face beneath the fox’s veil.

When she reached some number of passes that satisfied her, she set the brush down and stood. Neji did not yet dare move, so no longer in the path of the mirror, she disappeared from his view. He heard the rustling of fabric as she sat again and the clinking of a cup against its saucer. A familiar fragrance of earth and roast accompanied the trickling of water. Just as Neji settled his weight on his heels, expecting to wait some time for her to snuff out her candle and give him an opening, a voice cut through the silence.

“Would you care to join me?”

For a long moment, the only sound was the twinkle of a chime in the breeze.

With the same caution he had used to stalk the grounds, Neji stepped into the open doorway. The moon had dipped from its apex to elongate his shadow across the floor. Two steaming cups were laid out on the low table where she sat straight backed and facing him. Her pink lips turned up a patient smile.

Folding his legs beneath him, he sat across from her. Neji paused to reconsider the etiquette of drinking first, but she was unmoved, seeming as bound by propriety as he was conditioned to be so he lifted a hand to his mask and, at a pace slow enough to make his muscles tremble with the effort, set it on the table. As he reached for his cup, she leaned across the table.

“Do you mind?” She broke eye contact to glance at the mark on his forehead, a spell placed by the Hyuuga magicians each time he left their territory that glamoured his eyes to black and would render them unrecognizable in death so that no misdeeds could ever be traced back to the hermetic kingdom. When he did not object, she swiped at his forehead as though tossing away a cobweb and Neji felt the weight of the spell lift. The hint of a smile returned to her as the manji dissolved and the corners of her eyes upturned when he finally began to drink his tea.

She spoke again after taking her own sip.

“Hiashi sent you to kill me.” The sound of his name without its title along with her impassive tone at her own assassination were jarring, and Neji’s cup landed louder than he had intended onto its saucer. It was not a question so he did not reply but that was answer enough for her to continue. “He thinks I will ally myself with the Uchiha. But he is wrong. I want nothing to do with a war for land or power. I rejected Itachi’s proposal.”

Neji’s eyes shot up to her from where he had been watching the ripples of his breath on the surface of the golden liquid. “Then why are you still here knowing he sent someone after you?”

She hummed and returned his stare before her eyes traveled his face. Always in the shadows, never to be seen nor heard, Neji could not remember the last time, if ever, someone had looked at him with the intention she did now. She studied him as he had wanted to her when she had revealed herself as kin in the mirror, before the adrenaline rush of being found had focused his attention to the choice of fight or flight. He took her silence as a chance to do so and remarked to himself that at least one of the rumors was true.

She seemed to find her own truth in the contours of his expression and, making eye contact with him again, locked it up behind a smile. “I wondered why…”

As Neji poised to push back at her non-answer, she pinched her brows in apology but continued to interrupt him. “How much do you know about magic?"

He was tempted to turn her own words against her, I wondered how much, but he doubted his ability to look as contrite. And against his better judgment, which he had abandoned the moment he stepped through her door and which had abandoned him the moment he saw her, he trusted her. “Very little. I have no tendency for it.”

“No, I suppose you don’t.” She sighed and he wondered if she sensed, as all magicians he met had commented on, the lacking sense of wonder that marked Neji as incompatible with the sensationalism of witchcraft. “I was not prepared for his reaction to my rejection. His guards killed mine and his mage, Orochimaru, sealed my magic with this.”

As experienced in his role as Neji was, the times he found himself heart pounding and unsure of his next move were few and far between. Yet for the second time tonight the hairs on the back of his neck raised to attention and he swallowed a breath.

She pulled at the neckline of her kimono until the layers unfolded like the petals of a blooming lily. The hem stretched across her clavicle on one side and hung from her shoulder on the other to expose the whole of her slender neck. Her skin shone in the flickering candlelight, soft as cream and near unblemished save the three hooked markings over her pulse. They were black, thick at the top and tapering into a curve. But one was unlike the others, turned a few degrees too far at its tip.

Neji lowered his gaze after committing the image to memory and looked up again when she had righted herself. The collar sat crooked and he hesitated to voice his question rather than comment on how cute it was.

“Did you not use magic to remove my seal?”

She nodded. “I had only enough time to disrupt him placing it properly, not stop him completely. It has left me access to enough magic for paltry spells but not enough to remove the seal on myself or the one on this room, locking me in.” Neji’s eyes darted from wall to wall and he realized he was in a half crouch, muscles aching to spring only when the lilting aria of her laughter stole his attention. “You needn't worry. It only affects those touched by his magic.”

As he settled back onto his cushion, she poured them both another cup. They sat in comfortable quiet together until another laugh, stifled by her mouth at her hand, shook her shoulders.

“I was just thinking, I am like that Western tale of the princess locked in a tower, awaiting a knight to rescue me.” Neji’s frown of confusion caught her by surprise. She stared at him with wide eyes until they softened and, still watching him, she brought a hand up. A book flew from the bookcase and into her palm. She opened it and without his objection, began to read. “Once upon a time, there was a man and a woman who had long wished for a child…”

.𖥔 ݁ ˖

By the time she finished, the black sky was fading into blue. Neji left as he had arrived over the palace walls. And returned the same way the next night and the one after that.

She sat on a pile of cushions with his head in her lap. One hand carded cool fingers through the hair at the top of his head and the other held a book from which she read another story. Neji had heard more children’s tales those three nights with her than during his whole childhood but the admiration with which she told them, as though speaking to that younger version of himself that believed in the magic they spun, kept him in anticipation for each one.

“…and when the prince kissed her, she opened her eyes again. Not long after, they were wed and lived happily ever after.”

She set the book aside and Neji took her free hand in his to lay them over the slow rise and fall of his chest. He closed his eyes against her soft gaze to bask in it and their nurtured conviction. The first stars were burning out when he spoke.

“I want to be your knight.”

He could feel her grin against his forehead where she pressed a kiss. Warmth trickled from that smoldering spot down his face until it enveloped his whole body. She guided their joined hands to his hip and wrapped his grip around the hilt of his kunai.

“The moment you stab Orochimaru in the heart, embue your weapon with my magic.”

When she slipped his mask on his face, he stood and walked into the hall. A single ray of light broke across the horizon when he slid open the door to the magician’s chambers. It was just enough to see by, to witness the look of shock as a kunai glowing white hot rent the chest of his mark, to watch the flecks of blood fling themselves onto his mask. As the blade sunk into the beating muscle, Neji was thrown back by a force that echoed the thunder of days ago.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖

The sky was a bright, calm lake when his eyes opened again. The palace was silent. Neji let his instincts lead him through its halls and to the main room with its door wide open.

She stood on the dais, back to him. The kirin nibbled at the grass their roaming nurtured and Neji avoided the curled orange and brown speckled flowers blanketing the ground. As he approached, she turned to him and he noticed a fallen body behind her but it was hidden again by the sweep of her robe. He stepped into her raised hands and she removed his mask where it clattered to the floor.

“Thank you, Neji.” Her smile was wide as she held his face up to her and surely, he thought, this was how she had earned the title of Bright Witch. “You know me, do you not? I see the recognition in your eyes.”

He did know her. Memories had come like errant rain drops through their listless nights until the blast broke the dam and he awoke in a sea of nostalgia. The yearning that had cast aside his pitiable loyalty to Hiashi on that first night was not the beginning of his fealty to the daughter his uncle-king had scorned. And the source of his hatred for the throne of Hyuuga, strengthened by his father’s death that bound Neji to servitude in his place, was the disappearance of the woman who stood before him now tracing the lines of his smile with a loving caress.

“Hinata.”

She hummed and they stared at each other, imagining what stories they could tell each other and what stories they would make together.

“Neji,” her face was still kind but her voice carried a new sincerity, “I want nothing to do with a war of land and power. Will you help me?”

He took her hands from his face and turned them in his own as he contemplated what kind of war they would wage. His breath grazed each knuckle with a kiss and then her lips where he whispered his answer.

“As you wish.”

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 2: magic #fanfiction #artofyangji

[nejihinata]

Amas Veritas

Day 2: magic

A fanfiction by @pandoraimperatrix

Available on AO3

Rated: E

Summary:

“Your wounds are gone.”

“Except...”

His hand slipped from her face and she almost cried over the loss, but a moan escaped her lips when he took her wrist and pressed her hand to his only remaining wound. Right over his heart, the binding fuuinjustu she had carved on his soul and on his flesh.

He had always belonged to her, but now it was beyond any possible attempt of denial.

 

Hinata uses a forbidden jutsu to bring Neji back from the dead and bind his life to hers forever.

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 2: magic #fanfiction #Pandora Imperatrix

[nejihinata]

Too Kind

Day 1: mission together

A fanfiction by @pandoraimperatrix

Available on AO3

Summary:

“I know you are upset, but think for the bright side, we never get missions together, this one could be… fun.”

He lowered his eyes to meet hers, heavens above… She was really…

“Hinata-sama,” he said in a stern tone, she swallowed and her cheeks lost colour, “you are truly too kind.”

☆☆☆☆

Hiashi sends Neji and Hinata to a diplomatic mission to Kumo.
Also the writer is never getting over the fact that Neji tried to insult Hinata by saying she's too kind and then lost his shit when she was indeed kind enough to acknowledge his suffering.

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 1: mission together #fanfiction #Pandora Imperatrix

[nejihinata]

i'll bring back the goods

NejiHina Week 2023 hosted by @nejihinata AO3 Link Summary: On the eves of their coming of age ceremonies, Neji and Hinata have choices to make. Rating: G - general audiences cw: animal death (hunting) wc: Photo by zerotake

The first rays of the sun had yet to cross the horizon by the time Hinata was up, dressed, and sneaking out of the house. There was barely enough light for her to find Neji beyond the tree line in the forest surrounding the town.

“Good morning, Hinata.”

The twisting of her stomach and racing of her heart that marked each interaction with Neji had gotten worse when he agreed, after much convincing, to call her by name. She could not temper the accompanying smile as she returned his greeting.

“Good morning, Neji.” His expression did not stretch as wide but she recognized the softening of his eyes. Grateful for the blushing dawn light that blended with her face, Hinata wrapped her arms around herself and glanced away, catching sight of the weapons at Neji’s feet. “Did you bring…”

He started and tore his eyes from her to pick up one bow and quiver from the two leaning against a tree. “Yes, this one is for you. It’s my old one so it’s broken in already, and a good size for you.”

Hinata held them in her arms, staring at the nicked and polished wood and ran a finger along the sleek feather edges. “Thank you, Neji.” Her voice was as far away as her eyes and he stepped aside to strap on his own quiver. When she was ready, he helped her put on hers, then they were off, walking further into the woods.

“We’ll try rabbits today. They’re fast but live in groups and are small, so if your hit lacks power, it should be enough to take them out. Plus, I know a good spot for them.”

More of the forest revealed itself as the sun breached the skyline. Surer in her steps where the path bloomed with light, Hinata followed close at Neji’s side, pointing out the plant life she recognized from textbooks, and craning her neck to watch the twittering birds. He listened and offered his own advice on recognizing the cloved tracks of deer in the muck and the jagged claws of bears on trunks of trees. When the conversation lulled for some time, Hinata spoke up.

“Thank you, again, for bringing me out here. I’m glad I get to do this at least once.” She held out her hand and watched her fingers skim the drooping tips of the high grass they waded through. Head down, she missed Neji’s twisted expression as he glanced at her.

“Then we should make the most of it, shouldn’t we?”He stopped and threw an arm out to keep Hinata from continuing into the clearing. When she looked up at him, he motioned for them to crouch along the tree line until he found suitable deadfall to hide behind. Neji fixed one of her hands around the worn leather grip and the middle fingers of the other along the string. He let her practice the motion of pulling it taught and nudged her elbow up or down until he was satisfied with its position and her follow through. Pulling an arrow from her quiver, Hinata notched it herself and blushed when Neji commended her, then flipped it to the other side of the string.

“See them, there? To the left.”

Hinata nodded and brought the bow up with the shaft resting on the side of her gloved hand. The head laid flat and its sharp end trained on a group of animals shuffling around the underbrush.

“Keep both eyes open. Pick one and watch it until you can tell where it’s going to go, when it will stop. Take a deep breath… and let go.”

The arrow sailed through the air and landed with a thud. The rabbits kicked up dirt as they tore across the other side of the clearing and disturbed a flock of birds that ascended as one dark cloud into the clear sky. Flexing her stiff fingers, Hinata jumped up and jogged to the rabbit which she held out to Neji as he drew beside her.

“I did it!”

His smile sent a pleasurable rent through her stomach. “Congratulations. Now, time for breakfast.”

They worked together on skinning the animal and spitting it over a fire. Hinata was watching it cook when Neji, drying his hands with a quick shake, came back from the stream they had moved closer to. He sat beside her and offered to take over turning the food.

“Your rite of reign is soon, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Hinata watched the shadows of heat dancing across Neji’s face but he did not meet her eye. “Father says I cannot put it off any longer. It will be at the next full moon.”

Both turned to the waning shade of the moon hovering over the tops of the trees. He hummed and the crackle of the fire filled the quiet. When they deemed the rabbit cooked, they moved the spit to let it cool. Hinata tore off a leg when she continued, answering the question Neji could not embolden himself to ask, “I’m still not sure who I will choose to marry after my rites. There are no eligible men who have had theirs, and I know so few who have earned their mark of mastery and fewer still I have any fondness for.”

“You know Kou and I know you’re fond of him.”

“I do, and I am.” She nodded and began to eat. “Do you know when yours is?” Hinata took her turn to avoid Neji’s gaze and concentrated on picking at her food.

“No.” At his pause, she stole a glance from the corner of her eye to watch the thoughtful thinning of his lips. “I’ve put word in that I’m ready but Gai-sensei has not yet heard from the Hokage on when it will be. I doubt they have enough people to justify holding a ceremony yet.”

“I see.”

They finished the meal in silence and put out the fire before continuing the hunt. After a handful of attempts, Hinata felled a second rabbit and almost a third until her fingers throbbed against the stiff string and sent the arrow tumbling through the air. They laughed as it landed steps away with a dull thump into the earth. She decided she was done and they moved onto the bigger game Neji was tasked with bringing home. He led them to the nearest grazing spot, and, some distance away, Hinata watched in awe as he snuck up on a herd of deer, nocked an arrow, and struck a stag in one swift motion. She came running up behind him when the animal let out its last heavy breath under the pressure of Neji’s blade. Its bulbous gaze settled on her and shone a dark reflection of their pitying faces.

“Neji.” Though she was still sick with nerves, determination began to burn through them as Hinata stared back at that open eye. It flared when he looked up at her and she let it speak before overthinking seized her again. “I was waiting… until you took your mark of mastery. I’ve chosen, it’s you, of course, it’s you.”

She stepped back when Neji shot up, but he followed until he could put his arms around her and rest their foreheads against each other’s. He lowered his eyes and loosed a shaky breath that danced over her lips.

“I will speak to Gai-sensei as soon as we return to the village.” Neji shook his head and watched with heavy lids as his thumb traced her jaw. “I will hold my own ceremony tonight and force the Hokage to accept it, if I have to.”

They met halfway, knocking teeth in their excitement that prevailed the pain. They did not count the seconds but when they parted, the sun shined directly overhead and they leaned on each other to catch their breaths. It took great effort that failed several times against languid kisses and loving caresses until they found the self control to part. Gathering their weapons, which Hinata carried, and respective kills, the two headed home in the direction of Konohagakure. Neither could hide the wide smiles that flourished from the giddiness of their shared confessions. It was when the gates to the village came into view that Neji’s expression dropped and he ran ahead, pace undisturbed by his large carry.

“Gai-sensei!”Hinata caught up to them as Gai greeted his pupil with his usual gusto. “Neji, my boy, I see you’re taking my advice and embracing your youth with an early morning hunt! It keeps the body spry and well fed. And you’ve recruited others! Good morning, Hinata!”

She bowed and Neji ignored Gai’s erratic poses. “Gai-sensei, about my mark of mastery—“

“Oh, yes? Did someone already tell you?” Gai’s face withered until he noticed the expectant look on both of theirs. Perking up again, he shoved a fist into the air. “Good, only a teacher should get the joy of informing his student of these things! Prepare yourself, Neji, for your mark of mastery to take place on the next new moon!”

Hinata gasped and put one hand over her mouth. Neji stared at his teacher who blinked at both of them.

“Is that…ok?"

Gai watched in surprise as a grin unweighed down by his usual gentility split Neji’s face into a mask of joy. “Yes, it’s perfect.”

“Perfect!” Gai gave a thumbs up and then grabbed Neji by the shoulders to bring him into lockstep. “Please, forgive us, Hinata, as we now have much to prepare! The new moon is not far off!”

Face soft in its own smile, Hinata waved to Neji who shot her an apologetic look as he was dragged away. She would have preferred taking the rest of the day to explore their newfound feelings, but with the promise of their choice in each other, she had gained the motivation to prepare for her rite of reign. And she knew, when they both had completed their coming of age ceremonies and entered into ritual union, they would have the rest of their lives to spend together.

#nejihinaweek2023 #day 1: mission together #fanfiction #artofyangji