Sway

Archive: Just ask.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. That honor belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

It had all happened so fast.

One moment, they’re dodging an attack, the next, Naruto is shoving Takashi at him and telling him to run. Neji had never been the running type. In fact, it was his job to protect the blonde. Under penalty. At least until they returned to Konoha. But, having Takashi complicated things.

He recalled the black cloaks with red clouds meant Akatsuki, and knew Naruto couldn’t handle them alone. But they couldn’t trust a clone with the safety of their child. And Naruto would hold his own far longer than Neji ever could. He’d buy him just enough time to make the rest of the trip, drop Takashi off, get reinforcements, and return before Naruto could be killed.

The horrible pit in his stomach should have been warning enough. He pushed forward with all his reserves and forced himself not to look back.

Even if he was a little rusty, he managed to bypass six sets of guards with no trouble. Either they were in need of some additional training, or his ‘rusty’ still far surpassed their average. He wasn’t quite sure how he felt about that, to be honest. Though there was no time to consider any of it in any manner of seriousness. Naruto didn’t have much time.

His only obstacle came in the form of his teammate, a few rooftops from the Hokage tower.

“Neji! Welcome home!” Lee cried, keeping pace with him as easily as if the rushing Hyuuga were merely jogging.

He looked about for a moment, brow furrowing slightly as he asked, “Where’s Naruto?”

Neji leapt the large gap over a restaurant, sparring him a glance. “We ran into trouble. Are you busy?”

Lee shook his head, and didn’t need to be asked for his help. Lee and Naruto were good friends, and had their own special relationship that Neji would never quite understand. He’d feel threatened by it, if Lee had any interest whatsoever in anyone but a certain pink haired kunoichi. He still had his doubts where his long time teammate’s sexual preference was concerned. However, he was also aware that Lee respected both him and Naruto. And were he to find out they were even vaguely interested in one another, would back down. Not that Neji intended on saying anything. Though, were he to confide to anyone, Lee would be that person.

It was strange, how his own relationship with the taijutsu master had evolved. When they were children, Lee had annoyed him to no end. In fact, initially, he’d wanted nothing to do with him. He found Lee far too abrasive to give him any sort of consideration.

Then, Lee had saved his pride by agreeing to wear the green jumpsuit. His enthusiasm causing Gai-sensei to completely forget he had two other genin to convince. Lee had won some of his respect. And though he challenged him often, his determination caused Neji’s tolerance of him to grow. After he saved the brunette’s life during one particularly outrageous mission, Neji’s respect turned to trust.

Later, thanks to Naruto intervening, their relationship had moved into a new type of familiarity. It gave way to the distinct comfort of fully knowing one’s teammate. A relationship that was not taken lightly in any shinobi village. Well respected, and hard earned. Lee became an extension of Neji’s own self.

He would always guard the Hyuuga’s blind spot. He would always keep his secrets. Neji knew if things became too difficult, and he could not bear the burden alone, he would be able to tell Lee. Lee would support him. He would lift Neji’s own burdens onto strong shoulders, guard them with a compassionate heart, and do everything in his power to keep everyone involved from despair.

Neji realized, as he turned a corner, and took the stairs in a single jump, Lee close beside him, that in a way that was different from anyone else…He loved Lee. Not as he loved Naruto. No one could ever reach the depths of his lover within his heart. However, if he were to consider the people he actually knew and label his relationships with them based on feelings, Lee would be one of perhaps a handful – or less – that would have the specific honor of ‘love’ attached to his person.

As they came to the door, and nodded to the guards, Neji thought he may just tell Lee anyway. If anything were to happen to him, he would be able to rest in peace knowing that his lover and child were in good hands. He would trust no one but Lee with this task.

The realization that Lee was so deeply entwined within his life, without his knowledge or consent, almost made him smile. Call it irony, call it fate. Call it whatever you will.

Lee was his rival, his confidant. His supporter, and his conscience. He was the brother he never had, and the friend he’d always known.

Unconsciously it seemed, Neji had gone and acquired a best friend. And he couldn’t feel any more content with the choice.

The Godaime stood as they burst through the door. Neji panting slightly. It was not the run that had him so fatigued, but the growing sense of fear eating away at his heart with every step that took him further away from the blonde.

She knew immediately that something was wrong.

“Where’s Naruto?” she demanded.

“A quarter of a mile from the village,” he replied, unconsciously bouncing slightly, to soothe the squirming baby.

She seemed about to yell, and paused, looking him over. It didn’t occur to Neji that he was acting strangely. Nor that Takashi’s movement was obvious through the cloth sling hugged tightly to his chest.

“Is that a baby?” she asked, incredulously.

Neji looked down, recalling Takashi suddenly. Readjusting him, so that he was level with his body, he drew him close and lay a hand to his small head. Takashi calmed, settling against him quietly.

“Yes.” Before she asked, he added, “It’s a long story.”

The Hokage nodded, in full agreement that it would be addressed later, when they had time.

“Shizune!” she called, before looking back to Neji. “How many?”

“Two.”

She raised a brow curiously.

“Akatsuki,” he clarified.

“Shizune!” she shouted louder.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~


It had been fifteen minutes.

Neji’s body felt like it was stretched far too thin.

No sooner had Shizune come in through the door, then it happened. They had only seen it, because of the proximity to the village. The sound of a large explosion was quickly followed by a blinding red glow, that stretched across the sky like an ominous cloud.

Neji hadn’t bothered to wait, leaping out the window to his lover’s rescue. Lee had followed, instantly. As they raced across the rooftops, they’d been met by others, curious. Seeing Neji, his partner missing – which was no easy feat, considering – those closest to the blonde had simply followed.

They asked no questions, all racing toward the dimming light.

Neji didn’t want to think about what could have happened. He felt far too guilty already. Even though Naruto had wanted Takashi safe, as he had wanted Takashi safe. Even though he knew Naruto was an accomplished shinobi. There was speculating over your lover’s state, and then there was knowing.

He hadn’t realized he was afraid to use his byakugan. To see ahead of them. Too concerned over what he would or wouldn’t find. It only occurred to him, as Hinata-sama appeared within his peripheral, squinting through her own activated byakugan.

He wanted to join her, and he didn’t. Her lack of facial expression that could give him answers forced his own into activation without much thought.

The trees flashed by. The bushes became nearly invisible.

He pushed it to its limits and met a blinding wall of chakra. It almost made him pause, and he blinked several times before trying again.

It would be of no use, however. And both he, and his cousin were almost broadsided by a freed oak, as they approached the scene. Only quick motion, on their teammates behalf, saved them from unconsciousness. Lee put him down immediately, and leveled his balance – much to Neji’s thanks.

Hinata-sama was across from them, being shielded by Kiba.

“What’s happening?” Ten-Ten asked, over the roar of chakra.

“It’s Naruto!” replied Sakura, pushing her way toward the front. “Naruto!”

They could hardly see him, although the evidence of his presence was everywhere. From the overwhelming chakra that spun like a maelstrom. To the debris as small as kunai, and as large as hundred year old trees. They braced themselves with chakra, trying to neither be blown away, nor sucked in.

Because of the enforced limitation, they couldn’t move any closer.

“Naruto!” shouted Sakura again, as if he could be reasoned with.

Neji was somewhere between awe and shock. He had never known his lover had this much power. He was unsure of whether the idea of it comforted him. After all, this was what Takashi had inherited. And it was dangerous.

If this was an example of what Naruto hid, and people hunted him for it…He would definitely need help protecting his son. He looked to his side, watching Lee squinting into the glaring light. Hair and clothes were whipping everywhere, and he tried to tame his own so it wouldn’t injure his teammates.

Sakura jumped further into the storm, and clung to a tree as her feet lifted off the branch upon which she’d landed. “Naruto!” she screamed. “Naruto, stop!”

Kakashi appeared beside her, grasping her round the waist as she lost her grip. They watched Sai and Yamato charge the chakra barrier. Thankfully, neither died, as they were blown backward. Sai landed halfway through a tree. Yamato ended up entwined in one.

Kakashi was next, chidori unheard in the deafening vortex. His attack hit, and Kiba and Akamaru landed a double right after him. The chakra wavered, but didn’t give.

There came a scream from within, that was more primal than Neji had ever heard before. It almost sounded like a roar.

“Naruto! It’s us!” shouted Sakura, still attempting reason. She held out both palms, pouring chakra out as if she had Naruto’s reserves. “Naruto, please! Come back to us!”

Neji was confused, but Sakura was Naruto’s teammate. And if Neji knew anything for certain, it was that a teammate always knew how to handle a situation. Likely, something like this had happened before. Something only Naruto’s team had been privy to. So, he decided to trust her judgement.

Closing his eyes, he focussed his chakra and mimicked her pose. Lee stood behind him, unable to do more than watch, as one by one, the others followed.

Neji could feel their chakra, individuals merging into one force. It was miniscule, insignificant even, compared to the ragging inferno before them. But somehow, it seemed to speak to it. It didn’t give when attacked by the angry red chakra. Instead, it spread, like their own barrier, pressing aggressively into the swirling chakra.

After a few tense moments, the chakra began to slow. Stagnantly, backing away from them. They approached, one step at a time, forcing it inward. It recoiled further at their combined touch, shifting and waving, like an animal, unconsciously cornering itself.

It was exhausting, eating away at everything they had. But, Neji knew though the blonde may be his lover, and the bearer of his child, he was most certainly not the only one who loved him present. As Naruto had taught them, a little bit of love, went a long way.

So they pushed their very wills into the task, falling weakly to their knees. Precariously perched upon branches, or fallen against upturned soil. The chakra continued to drain away, returning to the blonde’s body.

What felt like an eternity later, as vision lagged, and the world spun dangerously, Naruto’s form could be seen. The chakra wrapped itself tightly about him, cocooning his body, before bubbling, and receding into his burned skin.

Naruto stood for a moment, body held up as if strung. And then he inhaled sharply, wounded chest raising raggedly, before he fell face forward into the dirt.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Everyone but Lee ended up in the hospital.

Neji woke to the familiar sight of blanched ceiling, and almost shot straight up. He would have, had he not been suddenly overcome by pain. Wound tightly about his chest, were a series of bandages. It seemed he’d broken a few ribs. He wasn’t quite sure how, but it mattered not, in the face of learning what had become of his lover.

“You’re awake!”

Neji winced slightly, but turned to face Lee. In the other shinobi’s arms was his son. Safe, and sound asleep. He exhaled in relief. Lee noticed, looking down, and then smiling up at him.

“Your uncle wanted to take care of him, but I thought you’d rather have him near you.” He gave Takashi a soft hug. Surprising the wounded Hyuuga. “After all, there’s a lot of power in youth.”

Neji snorted softly, but gave a bit of a smile. The most he would ever expose himself in Konoha. “Thank you for your concern, Lee. But, he’s Naruto’s.”

Lee looked slightly stricken. “But…I thought…I mean, he looks just like you! Even your family-”

“He’s Naruto’s.” He gestured at Takashi. “If he were mine, he wouldn’t have blue eyes.”

Lee frowned down at the slumbering little face. Then he sighed. “Well, I guess…if he’d have opened his eyes…”

He felt a bit guilty lying to Lee. But, at the moment, he couldn’t be sure it was safe. And he wanted to speak to Naruto about it first. After all, Lee was his friend as well. Maybe Naruto wouldn’t want anyone knowing. And maybe, a very select few in the village would know, and it would turn into one of those conspiracies that would engulf their lives.

“Speaking of Naruto,” he said, trying to sound mostly unconcerned. “How is he?”

His heart pounded in his chest, as Lee leaned into one hip, and rocked Takashi. “He’s fine. Though, no one’s been allowed to see him. He’s under guard.”

Neji felt the knot in his chest lunge upward into his throat, and lodge itself firmly.

“Any particular reason?” he asked, as calmly as he could manage.

Lee had known him a very long time, and it seemed he was aware that something was amiss. Thankfully, he had known him a very long time, and knew better than to broach the subject at this juncture.

“As far as we know, the Akatsuki attacked him.” He shrugged. “Other than that, and that he’s not in danger of dying, it’s anyone’s guess.”

The tightness in Neji’s body eased at that, and he relaxed into his pillows. All that was left, was the wait.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~


They stood side by side, in front of the Godaime. Both bandaged but otherwise, fine. Naruto had been unconscious for three days before the Hokage had asked the Hyuuga clan for help. Since she didn’t have an Uchiha at her disposal to look into his mind, Hinata-sama was asked to check on his chakra system, and report any medical findings. Though he’d somehow managed to burn them, his chakra pathways and connective channels were recovering.

Two days later, he was awake, and mostly healed. Demanding to be allowed to leave, and otherwise making a ruckus. It had relieved everyone who knew him. Back to normal, meant a return to health where Naruto was concerned. And Tsunade, Shizune, Sakura, and even Ino took great pleasure in arguing with him for the next forty-eight hours.

While it would take his ribs some time to fully heal, Neji was also up and about. He’d gone to visit Naruto, not that the blonde knew. For he’d arrived during a confidential sounding conversation, and couldn’t find the will to ignore it.

“I’d thought he’d gotten better at controlling it,” the Hokage had said. “Kakashi, Yamato, didn’t I tell you not to allow him to use it any more?”

They must have nodded, for Neji heard no confirmation from either shinobi.

“He was doing much better,” Kakashi finally said, voice soft, as if in some sort of regret.

“If you’ll excuse me for saying so, Hokage-sama,” said Yamato. “He could hardly be expected to be in complete control given that he was fighting for his life, against at least two confirmed Akatsuki members.”

Kakashi made a noise of acquiescence.

The Godaime sighed heavily.

“What are we going to do with you, Naruto?” she had said fondly.

After that, Neji had gone. He’d wondered over what they’d been discussing for days now. It had always been obvious, that the Hokage knew more than she said. And though it was understandable, Neji hadn’t quite expected for others to know.

He tried to console himself with the fact that both Kakashi and Yamato had trained Naruto. They were bound to know more about him than an average person, even amongst the sensei. Which made Neji wonder, just how many of the sensei did know?

He was fairly certain Iruka-san knew. And Jiraya-sama most definitely knew. Did Gai-sensei know? Would he tell him anything, were he to ask? Probably not. The way they had spoken, one would think it was a village secret.

“So,” said the Hokage, leaning her chin upon her folded hands. “Would either of you care to explain?”

They looked to one another, and for a moment, only they existed. Their eyes speaking to one another.

‘Alright. Here we go.’

Naruto gave a guilty laugh and scratched absently at the back of his head. “You see, Baa-chan…I sort of…slipped up.” He grinned like a cheshire cat. “But, she was really pretty! You’d have liked her!”

The Hokage narrowed her eyes upon Neji.

He cleared his throat calmly. “My apologies, Hokage-sama,” he replied, bowing in contriteness.

Naruto gave another awkward laugh.

“Naruto, are you aware of what this means?”

The blonde went quiet, dropping the facade instantly. He looked so genuinely miserable, that Neji wanted to blurt out the truth, just to spare him the sole responsibility. Naruto nodded, and looked down at Takashi.

“But…” he said, hugging him close. “I thought, it’d be best to bring him back, because…” He straightened. “Because a shinobi belongs with their village.”

The Godaime observed him for a long moment, before sighing.

“Naruto, you know…” She swallowed, before continuing. “You know, that as it stands, what you’ve done is a serious crime.”

Neji felt his nerves prickle.

“You never should have-”

“It’s my fault, Hokage-sama!”

She turned her gaze on him.

“I gave him leave. I know it was improper, given the urgency of our mission. However, I thought once could do no harm. I sincerely apologize, Hokage-sama.” He bowed deeply, and did not straighten. “If someone is to be punished, punish me. I was his commanding officer.”

He could feel everyone’s eyes on him, but none mattered so much as Naruto’s. And from them, came a warmth. An understanding that he would not be forsaken. Neji would rather die than let Naruto’s career be ruined over this. Takashi may have been a sin in the eyes of the village. But, to Neji, there had been no greater blessing in his life, than Naruto’s love, and the proof of that love.

The Hokage was quiet, as if considering. And then she exhaled once more.

“He’ll have to be examined.”

Neji felt Naruto go rigged beside him.

“Please, Baa-chan…Don’t…”

“It’s the only way, Naruto.”

Neji wanted to reach out and take his lover in his arms, as the blonde began to tremble from the very core of his being. He hugged Takashi tightly, and closed his eyes. Neji turned to him, confused and angry. Why was the Hokage being so harsh on him? It wasn’t as if this were the first time a situation of this nature had occurred. Shinobi had a habit of spreading their ‘seed’. Illegitimate shinobi children occurred more often than the council would admit. Why then, was Naruto being treated as if he had done something grievously detrimental to Konoha’s welfare?

It was almost as if, they wanted to ensure he hadn’t defected. It was absolutely ludicrous!

And then it hit him.

If they were going to examine Takashi, they’d discover his true lineage. More than anything, he couldn’t allow that to happen.

“Hokage-sama, with all due respect, there is nothing to be concerned about,” he said. “The child’s mother was an average villager. She was no one of particular interest to shinobi, and will pose no threat to our village.”

“I’m afraid, you don’t understand, Neji. This is a private matter. The child must be examined.”

Neji’s heart shifted gears in his chest. Going from anxious to full on panic in zero to sixty. Naruto, beside him was doing no better.

“He can’t be examined,” he said softly, as if admitting to treason.

The room was silent.

“He can’t be examined, because…” He swallowed. “If he’s examined, Baa-chan, they’ll-” His voice hitched, and Neji had to force himself not to look, else blow cover.

Naruto gave a sob, and clutched Takashi close suddenly.

“He’s…” He pressed his face into Takashi’s soft hair. “He’s…‘infected’.”

“Naruto?” Neji asked, lost. The Hokage had gone violently still. Beside her, Shizune was looking everywhere but at Naruto, and the baby in his arms.

Naruto turned to him, and Neji suddenly found his arms full of lover and child. Though it would be mostly out of character for him, he drew Naruto close and rubbed his back. He could always say later, it was momentary weakness from spending over a year in his solitary company.

The Godaime shifted in her chair.

“Naruto,” she said, softly.

The blonde turned to look at her.

“Will this be a danger to us?”

Naruto shook his head.

“Are you sure?”

Drawing away, Naruto rubbed at his eyes and nodded. “In fact,” he said, through hitched breaths. “It means the Akatsuki can’t have me.”

The Godaime raised an eyebrow.

Naruto seemed to be calming, so – reluctantly – Neji released him.

The blonde smiled at him gratefully, before straightening again. He turned back to the Hokage, and held Takashi in one arm. Pressing his palm over his abdomen, he said. “I have eight inside me now.” He lay the same palm to Takashi’s round belly. “Takashi has the ninth.” Sniffing loudly, he gave a watery smile. “They can’t take what doesn’t exist anymore.”

The Hokage looked completely floored.

Shizune stared, mouth slightly agape.

Neji looked to his lover who cocked his head, and offered him a stronger smile. Somehow, whatever the problem was, it had worked itself out. Though he couldn’t understand it, Neji knew that much.