A Stack of Letters

1
xxxxx

“Hey, hey Neji,” a black haired boy was shaking his sleepy friend. Frowning, pale silver eyes opened and their owner sat up, yawning. Just in case he was mistaken about his whereabouts he looked around. Yup, definitely his room.

“Sasu…” the eleven year old rubbed at his eye. He wasn’t really a morning person “What time is it? Why are you in my room?”

He didn’t even flinch when he felt the weight of the other boy as he jumped on his bed and sat on his sleepy friend’s legs. White met dark grey and there was something in those eyes that showed that whatever he was over here for was serious. With another yawn Neji forced himself to fully awaken.

“What’s wrong?” there was definitely something pensive in his best friend’s posture so he put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a rather thin smile “I won’t get mad or anything Sasu but it’s…” he looked over at his clock “Seven in the morning and –“

“We’re moving.” The other boy blurted out and now he had the Hyuuga boy’s full attention. Moving? Why? They had known each other since they were five and now he was moving?
Neji was a realist even at eleven so he looked down slightly. Sasu was his best friend, his only friend really. He really didn’t want him to go away but he also understood that there was very little he could do about it.

“I’ll write you!” his friend says determinedly, wanting him to understand that he wasn’t going to just forget about him “And m-maybe if we’re allowed to come visit uncle I’ll…” he looked away and the two boys were silent for a long moment, understanding that they probably would never see each other again.

Forcing a smile that he didn’t feel, Neji shook his friend’s shoulder slightly, getting his attention “It’ll be okay; maybe when we grow up you can come back to stay. You’re ten and I’m eleven now; legally you’re considered an adult at eighteen so…that’s not really that far away when you think about it.”

His best friend wasn’t looking at him and he looked very sad “Yeah…I guess…”

What a way to start out the morning, learning that the person you’ve been playing with everyday for as long as you could remember was leaving forever. Sasu looked as if he wanted to cry and he felt the same way. It wasn’t fair. “When are you leaving?”

The frown deepened “This afternoon.”

That fast? The child blinked back tears, it wouldn’t really help his friend, it’d just make things worse. “Oh.” Was all he could manage to say.

Dark eyes blink a few times as if remembering something. He looks up at his friend, a small smile on his face, pale face tinted with red “Hey, Neji, close your eyes for a second.”

“Huh?” Neji tilts his head at the other boy in confusion “Why?”

The question earned him a scowl “Just do it okay?” he had that snappish tone he took on whenever he wanted his way. “You’re always asking questions.”

“That’s how you learn!” he almost pushed his friend except that after today they wouldn’t see each other again and these little arguments would cease. Neji had always thought them to be annoying but now… “Fine.” He gave his friend a look for a second and then did as instructed.

Briefly he felt his friend move forward and then something soft and warm brushed along his lips, slowly adding pressure. Jerking back, the boy stared at his friend wide eyed, red dusting his cheeks “W-what…what are you doing?”

The raven haired boy frowned at him “I saw my brother do this and he said that it was because he was saying goodbye to the person who meant the most to him and you’re my best friend so…”

Now he felt bad, his friend had just been trying to say goodbye. It was a really weird method but he hadn’t minded it. It had felt…nice. “Sorry. Do it again, I won’t move away this time okay?”
It was different the second time, Sasu had put his hands on his shoulders and he had done the same although his friend’s grip was a little uncomfortable. A few years later he’d realize that his friend had kissed him, and passionately so, because he had wanted to make sure his friend knew just how much he’d be missed. He would smile a bit at the memory because he had done the same thing.

“I’m…going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you too.”

“…Neji?”

“Yeah?”

“I…I love you. That’s what my brother said to that person and…it sounds right to say it to you.”

There was a pause and then the boy smiled “Okay then. I love you too.”

xxxxx

What…what the hell is that noise?

Hyuuga Neji was exhausted, he had ended up working another late night at the factory and he had really wanted that extra hour of sleep he had been given before going in to work at the office. It sounded as if something was going on at the empty apartment next to his. New neighbor?

Well, I’m awake, might as well go see what’s going on.

Combing fingers through his long hair he tied back the end, keeping it from going all over the place. He was thinking about cutting a few inches, it was coming down past his hips now and people mistook him as a female enough as it was. Throwing on some drawstring pants he groggily opened the door and almost collided into a shoulder.

“Sorry.” The voice came from a rather large box that was being held and as he walked past Neji frowned at the man’s retreating back. Where had he seen that hairstyle before?
Probably one of the movers. He mused and then sighed, closing his door. Since he was up he might as well go get ready for work. Dark mutterings could be heard as the Hyuuga shuffled around his apartment; the years had not blessed him with the ability to enjoy mornings. No, he still hated them, especially when he was awake.

There must not have been many items because when the Hyuuga finally left his apartment an hour later there was no moving truck and the door to the apartment was closed. Mentally shrugging it off he adjusted his tie and grabbed his bag and suitcase, heading for his car.

xxxxx

Confusion danced in pale silver eyes as he opened the door to his father’s office. He had been called in five minutes ago and Neji had absolutely no idea what the vice president of Byakugan International could possibly want with him. They were father and son but neither got along with each other at the moment and all discussions and transactions between them were painfully formal and business-like.

“You wanted to see me Hizashi-sama?” the young man entered the room to find that his father was not alone. The twin brother of Hyuuga Hiashi was standing with a rather strange smile on his face, as if he was forcing it, and motioned towards the man standing at his desk. The newcomer was tall with short black hair and dark eyes, almost black. The two men glanced at each other and Neji thought he looked oddly familiar but couldn’t place it. His gaze shifted to his father in inquiry.

“This is Uchiha Sasuke,” Hizashi introduced and Neji blinked a few times in obvious surprise. An Uchiha working here? Wasn’t there some secret rule or law against that sort of thing? The Hyuuga and Uchiha corporations did not get along. It hadn’t always been that way, but it certainly was now. “He’s going to be in the IT department.”

Neji just stared at his father. Hizashi knew good and well that his son was the head of the Engineering department, what could he possibly want him to do with this guy?

At least he’s not unattractive. He glanced back over and saw that the other male was giving him a rather strange look. Confused, he was about to say something when his father cut in.

“I want you to show him around,” Neji’s father explained “He’s a valuable employee and so it only makes sense to have a Hyuuga show him where everything is. Uchiha has just moved into the area so help him out a bit.”

Translation: Babysit the Uchiha so he doesn’t go crying to his parents about how mean we are.

Skillfully hiding his irritation – did his father not realize he did actual work for this company? – Neji gives the man a polite bow which is returned “Uchiha-san, welcome to the company. If you’ll follow me…”

Despite the suit it was obvious that the raven haired male was well built and they were roughly the same height. He had very pale skin, a nice gait…

And he’s probably very, very straight. He warned himself. It didn’t mean he couldn’t look.

“This floor is the executive floor, as you’re aware,” The Hyuuga began as they walked towards the elevators “the IT department is down on the sixth floor and if you ever get curious, the software development team is on the fifth. Administration is on the second floor and just to save yourself some headache for later, please avoid the pink-haired girl and her blonde friend.” With a sigh he pinched the bridge of his nose as they walked inside the elevator “They’re nice but they tend to be very flirty with new faces. Or good looking men in general.”

There was a small pause and then he felt dark eyes on him “Are you trying to say I’m good looking?” it was asked flatly.

“Excuse me?” he frowned at the new employee. The man’s face was blank for a moment before he shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to offend.”

This man threw Neji off. For one, he was very, very good at reading people, up to and including sexual preference. Uchiha Sasuke was a blank slate, he couldn’t tell anything and that was rather disarming. It also made him very uncomfortable.
Walking out of the elevator the men took a few steps before Neji spotted familiar dark purple hair. “Excuse me for just a moment.” He tells the man and walks over to his cousin who was making copies.

“Hinata?” Pale eyes identical to his except with a tint of lavender flicker to his face and she gives him a warm smile “Why are you on the sixth floor?”

“O-oh…” she let out a small, exasperated sigh “The copy machines upstairs are broken again.” His cousin tilted her head and looked behind him “Neji-niisan, who is this?”

Before he could open his mouth the man in question stepped forward “Uchiha Sasuke,” he said and she took a step back when he suddenly leaned in near her face. After a moment he straightened and looked at Neji “You two siblings or something?
She’s got your eyes, except hers is lavender and yours is…silver I guess.”

Hinata, who was very red, moved back to the copier, pretending to situate her papers and ignoring the fact that some stranger had been inches away from kissing her he’d been that close.

“We’re cousins.” Neji answers, ignoring his slight embarrassment. He hadn’t been aware the other male had been looking at his eyes so intensely. It wasn’t something either Hyuuga was unused to, many people tended to act strange when they saw white eyes. “But we’ve lived in the same house since we were born so we’re more like siblings, I suppose.”

“Hn.” Tilting his head he noticed the ring on her finger “Married?”

Well, I am about sixty percent sure that this man is straight at this point.

Blushing even more Hinata raised some papers, hiding her smile behind them “I’m engaged.” She says with her soft voice “Um, he…works at another corporation though…”

Neji snorted “He’s the president of the corporation, do not let Hinata fool you. I don’t even know why he still lets you work here, it is not like you really have to anymore.”

His cousin wrinkled her nose at him “I…I want to.” Her tone held a bit of a stubborn note to it so Neji decided to stop teasing her for the moment, he wasn’t trying to upset her.

“Anyway, we will let you get back to your work Hinata, I’m just showing him around since he will be working on this floor.”

“Oh!” she looks up at the Uchiha and flashes him a bright smile “Welcome to the company.”

He returns her smile slightly, the first time the Hyuuga male has seen the man smile. It looked…good on him. “Thanks. I’m liking it here already.”

Okay, eighty percent at least.

Hizashi must have called down to the department ahead of time because the team was all grouped up as if in a meeting. The department head was standing in front, looking a little nervous. When he saw the two men round the corner he adjusted his glasses and smiled.

“Ah,” walking up the man gives Sasuke a small bow “you must be my replacement, yes?”

…Wait, what?

The Uchiha returned the bow “Yeah.” Hands still in his pockets he looked over the group and then put a hand behind his head “Since you’re all sitting here I guess I better say something.” He shrugged.

“Oh yes,” the department head looked beside himself, Neji wondered what the guy was so antsy about. “Just a few words about yourself?”

“My name is Uchiha Sasuke, I’m twenty five and I’ve been officially doing IT work for the past seven years. I got all of my certs and creds so you’re not dealing with an idiot. I just moved in today so I won’t be coming in for actual work until tomorrow. I’ll be watching for the first two weeks for turnover purposes but I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions.”

Head of the IT Department? Hizashi had conveniently left that part out. ‘Working in’ indeed. Well, the Uchiha was probably good if that was the case, his family didn’t hire idiots. Well, not for their higher positions anyway.

A few hands raised; all of which were female and two rather effeminate males. Sasuke sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose “Since I know what you’re going to ask, yes I am single, no I am not going to date anyone within my own department, please put your hands down.”

Neji inwardly smirked when all of the hands dropped and some disappointed moans sounded in the back.

“Come on, Uchiha,” Neji motioned for another set of elevators “I’ll take you down to admin.”

They spent only five minutes in Administration due to Sasuke all but getting raped by Sakura, Ino, and Karin. He had forgotten to tell Sasuke about the redhead.

“Is that going to happen every time I go in there?” The Uchiha sounded horrified. Laughing slightly Neji shook his head.

“Just give them a week or so to get used to your face and you should be fine. I went through the same thing, they’ll become disinterested soon enough.”

He didn’t look convinced but didn’t say anything. Looking at his watch, the Hyuuga realized it was almost noon. “Well, this is probably as good of a time as any to grab something to eat. You just moved here so I am guessing you do not know the area too well.” When Uchiha shrugged he gave a small nod “Do you like sushi?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty good.”

“Well, it is a bit out of the way but there is a sushi place about fifteen minutes away by car that I go to from time to time. They have the best sushi for their prices in my opinion. I’ll pay for it, don’t worry.”

He gave Neji one of those strange looks again, the one that kept throwing him off. “Sure, sounds good.”

The two didn’t speak again until they reached the parking garage “Hyuuga,” he waited until he had Neji’s attention “What exactly do you do here?”

“I’m the head of the engineering department. Actually, I am usually at one of the factories and only come in here for meetings and paperwork.”

“Huh. Guess we won’t be seeing much of each other then.” He sounded a mix between disappointed and thoughtful.

What is…I don’t get this guy at all. I cannot tell if he’s just being nice or if he’s inadvertently flirting. “No, not really. Unless you were the one moving into the apartment next to mine this morning. Ah, that’s where I remember seeing you, it was this morning.” That had been bothering him for a while now because he has looked so familiar but hadn’t been able to place it.

Another one of those weird looks “Yeah, that was probably me. I thought I bumped into someone, I guess that was you.” The Hyuuga shrugged and Sasuke smirked a bit “Sorry about that, by the way.”

Pulling out his keys he clicked on a button and the doors to a silver BMW unlocked. The Uchiha whistled.

“Nice.” He complimented.

“Thank you.” He motioned for Sasuke to get in and they were off a few moments later.

They had one conversation the entire ride there and it had probably been one of the most uncomfortable conversations he had held with the exception of when he had told his father that he was gay. That had not ended pretty.

“So,” dark eyes took in his ringless hand “No ring so I’m assuming you’re not married. You dating anyone?”

Alarms went off in Neji’s mind and he tried very hard to wonder where the Uchiha was going with all of this “No, I am not seeing anyone at the moment.” His voice was guarded.

“Huh.” There was a long pause “Are you looking?”

Alright what the hell… “W-why are you asking something like that?” He was trying very hard to fight the heat rising to his cheeks. Neji made it a habit not to hit on guys that he could tell were straight and well…he couldn’t figure out what the hell this guy was. He was fairly certain that he wasn’t attracted to men but then he’d say or do something weird and…

“It’s just a question.” He shrugged and turned his gaze towards the window. Nothing more was said until they reached the sushi restaurant.

It was the standard sushi-go-round and it was fairly busy but there were two chairs available. Grabbing a cup he found the jar of green tea powder and heard Uchiha make an appreciative noise.

“Great,” he said “I hate the tea bags. It tastes better like this.”

Neji gave the man a genuine smile “I agree, it is one of the reasons I like this place.”

He heard a noncommittal grunt and then there was silence for a little while. “What are your hobbies?”

He’s asking a lot of personal questions… Neji tried to tell himself that it was just because the man was naturally curious but it was a little unnerving for him. He couldn’t tell what the other man was thinking at all, meaning that he wasn’t entirely sure how to respond. “I practice martial arts, I meditate, and I go hiking from time to time. Beyond that I don’t do much, I work a full schedule and I do not have time for much else.” Once again nothing more was said until the car ride back.

“You should go out more.” The Hyuuga felt dark eyes on him “What are you doing this weekend?”

Is he…is he asking… “I…I did not have any plans…”

“Alright. Do you think you could show me around then? I used to live here a long time ago but everything is different now.”

That was news “Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

Something in his tone made Neji take a quick glance at him while driving. Uchiha was giving him one of those stares again and he was beginning to feel a little freaked out by it. Why did he keep staring? “Ah. Well, I do not mind. When and what time?”

“A little before noon on Saturday if that’s okay. I figure we could grab lunch as well.”

I know he’s just asking because I’m his neighbor and he wants to learn the area but it still feels as if he’s asking me out on a date. “That sounds fine.”

This guy made him very uncomfortable, mostly because he didn’t seem as if he was interested in men but he kept saying strange things around him. Neji didn’t exactly hide the fact that he was gay but he didn’t broadcast it either, many people in society were still uncomfortable about things like that. This was definitely true in a company environment so he made it a point to act as neutral as possible.

There was also the fact that he really didn’t like crushing on straight men and Uchiha was making it very difficult. The other man was handsome and appealing; had a nice body and that voice…

Stop that. You do remember what happened last time don’t you?

It had been a horrible misunderstanding on his part but in college he had held a rather large crush on someone he had been absolutely positive wasn’t straight. His mannerisms had been too feminine, he had even looked like a female, and his clothing had been questionable. When the guy had found out he had been very, very upset. So had his girlfriend of five years. Of course after he graduated he had learned that the man, known as Haku, had been, in fact, in the closet but it had still been a sobering experience.

“So when exactly did this ‘phase’ start and how long are you going to indulge in it before you get your act together?”

His father’s words. It was pretty much the reason the two didn’t get along at the moment. He had lied and told his father it had started in high school when in reality he had been attracted to men the moment he started holding romantic feelings. Heck, his first kiss had been with another boy at eleven years old.

“Hyuuga.”

“Hm?” Neji looked over at the other man who was giving him another one of those strange looks.

“Stop by my apartment tonight when you get off of work.”

For a moment he was struck speechless “What?” Was he just interpreting all of this wrong and this guy really was into men because really…

Sasuke laughed for the first time at the other man’s flustered expression. “There’s something I want to show you, that’s all.”

“O…oh.” He hated feeling so out of sorts around this guy “Sure. I’ll be back a little late because I go to the factory today but…”

A small shrug “It’s cool. It won’t take long anyway.”

He is just being friendly, he is not hitting on me, I am obviously imagining things, I really need to get a grip on myself…

“Here.” Sasuke handed Neji a slip of paper as they were walking over to the Uchiha’s car. He was leaving for the day to take care of his apartment “It’s my cell, I don’t have a land line yet.” He flashed Neji a grin that he was almost positive was flirty as he got inside his car “You can call me whenever you want.” He said, sounding very amused “See ya later, Hyuuga.”

xxxxx

I. Am. So. Exhausted.

It was around midnight when Neji pulled into his parking spot at the apartment. There had been an emergency at one of the factories and they had ended up having to stick around until it had been fixed. He could have gone home and let the others handle it but the Hyuuga wasn’t that sort of person; if his people had to stay late he stayed late. Somewhere along the car ride his hair tie had been lost because brown hair was now flowing over his shoulders and he could not find the energy to care. Grabbing his bag and briefcase he dragged his tired body up the stairs. When he reached his door he thumped his forehead lightly on it, closing his eyes. He could sleep here right? No one would see him until morning anyway…

Oh, I promised to stop by Uchiha’s for whatever it was he wanted to show me. Still out of it he unlocked his apartment and tossed his stuff inside before walking over next door and ringing the door bell. There was silence for a while so he pressed the button again.

“Who the hell –“ the door wrenched open and there stood Sasuke in little more than boxers and he looked rather pissed off. Realizing it was his neighbor he gave Neji a look “You do realize it’s midnight right?”

“It is?” the Hyuuga yawned “You told me to stop by so I’m here.” Eyes hooded he found himself staring at the perfection that was the man standing in front of him. Yes, definitely nice body underneath the suit…

I’m staring. Stop staring.

Obviously the Uchiha caught him because he motioned for Neji to enter and then said he was going to go put on some clothes. Oops. Groggily, he found himself plopping into the side of Uchiha’s sofa that wasn’t covered in stuff and closed his eyes.

He had a crazy dream in where Uchiha walked in on him sleeping and knelt in front of him with one of those intense stares of his. Then the other man had leaned forward, framing his face with his hands and kissed him. It had been a rather nice kiss and in the dream the dark haired man had made a comment about how he liked his hair and something about having it draped over his body but it was a dream so it had been all muffled and weird.

A hand shook him sharply “Hyuuga. Wake up.”

“Hm?” pale eyes opened to gaze into dark grey. He blinked. “Uchiha?” Where was he? Why was Uchiha here?

“You fell asleep. Come on, I’m going to help you back to your apartment, this couch really isn’t comfortable with all the stuff on it.”

Slightly delirious he let out a tired sigh when he felt his arm being wrapped around someone’s neck and was pulled up. “Hm. I probably should go to sleep on my own bed.” He heard the other male chuckle lightly as they began their wobbly trek to his apartment.

“Yeah, it might help.” He said nothing when Neji’s head fell on his shoulder.

“Will you join me?” he laughed lightly at his own joke, he was extremely tired to be saying crazy things like that. “Sorry, I’m incredibly exhausted, ignore my ramblings.”

He was met with silence so he closed his eyes and drifted back and forth between consciousness. It wasn’t until they were walking into his bedroom that he heard the low thrum of Uchiha’s voice.

“Do you want me to join you?” It was asked low but seriously. Obviously, he was still dreaming because there was no way that question came out of the Uchiha’s mouth.

Flopping down on his bed he looked up at the man, smiling “You are incredibly attractive but I am also sure you are incredibly straight. It is quite alright and I was joking in any case.” He closed his eyes.

There was pressure on his bed and then he felt something soft and warm brush along his lips. Pale eyes flew open before lowering once more automatically. What a nice dream, he really couldn’t complain. Those lips moved over his passionately and when he felt the warmth of the other’s tongue he parted his lips, letting out a soft noise when he felt the other delve in. They were like that for a while and when they parted Neji found himself frowning slightly in confusion. He was dreaming, wasn’t he? So why did he feel more alert and awake? Why had that felt so real?

“I missed you Neji.” The words are spoken softly, whispered against his lips. Then there was nothing and the sleepy Hyuuga eventually surrendered to the loving haze of sleep. This time he dreamed of when he had been seven. There was another boy with him and they were playing, obviously very happy with one another. For some reason, however, he couldn’t see the boy’s face or remember his name, only the feeling he had with being around him. He remembered that boy vaguely in the dream, he had moved away but Neji was sure that the boy had probably been the first person he had held romantic feelings for.

Upon awakening the next morning Neji realized a few things. One, he had been helped to his bed. Two, he was almost positive it had been Uchiha Sasuke that had done it. Third, he was almost absolutely positive the man had actually kissed him.

“I missed you Neji.”
What had that meant? It had sounded as if he had known him before. How strange, he had been sure yesterday had been the first day…

No…even that morning when I saw him I had thought he looked familiar. What does he remember that I do not?

He was not an old lover, the Hyuuga had held two ‘lovers’ in his life and that man was not one of them. So why the kiss? An amazing kiss but a kiss nonetheless. It killed the notion that the man was straight, obviously he wasn’t if he had kissed him like that last night. Everything about that man confused the hell out of him and he wasn’t sure if he should be intrigued by the challenge it gave him or disturbed.

I suppose I will have my answer by this weekend. More than likely he wouldn’t see the Uchiha at work, they worked in two completely separate departments and Neji was hardly at the office as it was.

He did not hear from the other male for the rest of the week and in all honesty Neji had been way too busy at the factories to have worried about it. It wasn’t until that Saturday at around ten in the morning that he began to feel nervous at the fact that Uchiha Sasuke was at his door.