Inbred

Really long chapter ahead. No NC-17 stuff yet. This one took a really long time to do because I had to spend some time researching Japanese culture.

For some reason my word processor can't copy more than a certain number of characters so if it seems as if something is missing you know why. I'll have to reread the chapter later but I can't do it right now.

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Chapter 36

"How does this one look, Sasuke?"

The man in question tilted his head to one side and appraised the blonde who had donned yet another carnival mask. "It makes you look more mischievous than usual."

Naruto groaned, that was the sixth mask his friend disapproved of and Naruto was beginning to think Sasuke was saying he hated them just to spite him. He removed the plastic disguise and gave it another once over. Sasuke was right, it did look relatively wicked.

Foxes were considered impish creatures in most Japanese folklore and the artist portrayed their wily nature quite well. It's eyes were turned up into thin red slits, it's painted mouth was pulled all the way back in an exaggerated grin and sharp, pointed teeth were engraved in a horizontal zig-zag.

Naruto loved it, it reminded him a little bit about himself and he was going to buy it, whether Sasuke liked it or not. "Well, I'm keeping it," he taunted and Sasuke sighed and rolled his dark eyes. The blond made the purchase and slipped the mask back on and Sasuke noticed that his striking blue eyes staring at him through the tiny holes made the mask look more compelling than it really was.

"What's with you and foxes anyway?" the brunette asked already dreading the ridiculous answer he knew he was going to get.

Naruto put a hand on his hip and jutted out his waist to one side while sashaying his other hand as if he were some ghetto girl and the mask only made him look even more effeminate. " 'Cuz A'hm fox-y," and although the plastic face covering hid his expression Sasuke knew it concealed a grin to rival its own.

"Actually, I could ask you the same thing about black," he retorted and gestured at Sasuke's apparel with that same hand.

The Uchiha didn't see anything wrong with his kimono. Yes, it was of a dark hue but he wouldn't say it was black, maybe a really, really, REALLY dark red. Printed on the fabric in gold ink was a tree and breaking free from it's branches were hundreds of birds flying into a stormy distance. It was one of his favourites and he wore it to most of the festivals he attended. But he could understand why Naruto was ribbing him for his choice of dress since the blond was always chastising him for being so moody.

Well, he could volley back a retort about Naruto's outfit. His kimono was an unholy shade of bright orange, textured with green frogs and blue lily-pads wrapped around the material. Sasuke wanted to burn the thing when he saw his friend step out of his bedroom wearing it but Naruto said he had borrowed it from Kurenai-sensei for today so he had to keep his hands off.

Gaudy design aside, Sasuke had to admit that it fit the boy rather well but it would have looked alot better if he hadn't decided to wear sneakers with it, but Naruto didn't fancy the Japanese sandals very much and he had to admire his friend's ability to wear the traditional, wooden platform sandals of all things. Sasuke really looked like he stepped out of one of those old films and the fact that while Naruto's kimono had sleeves and Sasuke's did not made him look like he was cosplaying a hero straight out of the movie.

Sasuke ignored his comment and the boy turned back to the tray of masks in the stall. "Hey, Sasuke let me buy you a mask too."

He reply was a firm, "No!"

"C'mon," he whined. "We'd be like brothers."

"Naruto I already consider you a brother, I don't need to wear a mask to prove it." His touching words didn't fool the boy one bit, Naruto knew he was only trying to talk him out of buying one.

"Mmm, how about this one?" he asked and held up one that resembled a bear.

Sasuke crinkled his face, "Pass!"

"Alright," he put that one back and muddled over the selection again. "What about this one?"

Sasuke's face fell flat when the boy held up a mask portraying a racoon. He'd rather die before wearing something that hideous. Naruto returned it to its place then presented Sasuke with a third mask, giggling as he did so.

Sasuke took one look at the geisha-like disguise and scowled. "Don't be an ass, Naruto."

He laughed then and continued to parade each face covering one at a time and Sasuke continued to rebuff them, each and every one. Eventually he gave up because it seemed as if Naruto wasn't going to let him leave unless he had one, he had shown him every single mask in the stall then proceeded to show them all over again, even the geisha one. He was about to go through the selection for a third time before Sasuke snatched one. Naruto made a triumphant noise then paid the stall owner who had found the entire scene quite hilarious.

"Sasuke, put it on properly," commanded the fox-boy and the Uchiha clicked his tongue against the back of his teeth and pulled the mask that had been affixed to the top of his head all the way down.

"Happy now?" he growled and he sounded just as menacing as the jaguar he resembled.

Naruto threw his arms around the boy, effectively locking the other boy's arms at his sides and Sasuke groaned. "Yay! Now we're two vicious hunters of the animal kingdom."

"Naruto, please let go of me."

He didn't comply, instead he started rubbing his cheek against his friend's and the plastic material scrunched as he did so. Sasuke tried to shake him off but the blond only held on tighter, he sighed and resigned himself to his fate. The elderly stall owner giggled at his misfortune and Sasuke glared at him, a wasted effort since the man couldn't see his disdain behind the mask. Naruto held onto him for a few more seconds before the Uchiha became impatient.

"Are you done yet?"

He shook his head and his chin brushed against Sasuke's shoulder. After a few more seconds the blond finally spoke. "Actually, Sasuke."

"What?" he snapped and his low voice was impeded by the equally low grumble of Naruto's stomach.

"I'm hungry."

"Wha-, Oh alright just get off of me and I'll get you something." Naruto squealed in excitement and gave another squeeze before releasing him from the bear hug.

"Now, we're off to prey on our first victim."

Sasuke's eye twitched at his increasingly nonsensical behaviour. "Naruto!"

"Yeah?"

"Shut up!"

***

"Hey, what's this?" the blond asked as he raised his mask to rest on his head to get a better look at the extravagant wooden box presented before him.

"It's a Makunouchi bento," Sasuke replied and when Naruto gave him a puzzled look he translated. "It's a lunch-box, you have to open it, see," and he demonstrated by lifting the lid to uncover the variety of different foods inside. Naruto's eyes grew large and his stomach growled with anticipation.

Sasuke thanked the lady at the food stand after paying and led the blond over to an empty bench where they could sit and eat. Naruto fumbled a bit with his chopsticks and Sasuke patiently taught him how to handle them. He complained in his exasperation and asked if they didn't have forks, the brunette laughed and explained that it was a fairly traditional festival and all of the stalls served their meals with chopsticks.

He eventually got the hang of it but he had to hold them at an awkward angle and his stomach became depressed at the morsels that never made it into Naruto's mouth but fell to the ground instead.

"Mmm, thish ish gud," he sighed contentedly and stuffed another piece of fish into his already full mouth.

Sasuke had more manners and swallowed first before he spoke, "Better than ramen?"

"Never!" he spat and Sasuke laughed when a few rice grains went flying. Naruto finished first and Sasuke shared the remainder of his lunch with him since he wasn't that hungry. The blond teen looked at his now empty box, uncertain of what to do with it. The wooden box itself was of a deep blue but the slots inside were painted white. The top and bottom of the container was framed with thin, silver lines and on the cover was an abstract design made of triangles in the same silver paint. It was too intricate to just toss in the trash.

Sasuke saw his befuddled state and as if reading his mind, put his concerns at ease. "You can keep that you know?" and when his expression became even more puzzled Sasuke elaborated. "Most people reuse the boxes and some just keep them as collector's items but you can keep yours as a souvenir."

He hugged the object affectionately against his chest and smiled, "Yeah I'll do that."

Sasuke stood and indicated for Naruto to follow him. "C'mon let's rest these in the car and check out the rest of the stalls.

They headed back to the car-park and Naruto took the opportunity to scope out attractions that he found interesting. There were many stalls littered throughout the large park, each specializing in a particular product. Along with the vendors that sold masks and foods, there were others that had toys, dolls, plants, jewelry and other miscellaneous items for sale. There were games that tested your skill and luck and a table where you could purchase tickets for a raffle that was to be held later in the evening. A large stage had been set up in the middle of the pasture and from what he gathered there was to be a show followed by fireworks. It was still early in the afternoon so they had plenty of time to look around before anything started.

They passed Kurenai-sensei on the way, who was purchasing flowers at a stall. She greeted the boys very affectionately and complimented Naruto on his appearance, saying he looked very handsome in the kimono. The boy gushed at her praises and Sasuke rolled his eyes when he started to babble a compliment to her as well. They also saw Kiba, hanging around his sister's stall, who had litters of pups for sale along with special dog-food she made herself.

Naruto pressured Sasuke into buying an adorable ball of fur but Sasuke asked him where he intended to keep it. Kiba warned that they were half-wolf pups and were expected to grow quite large and if they had no intentions of taking proper care of it then they shouldn't bother buying any at all and his sister berated him for being rude to potential customers.

Naruto noticed the dog-lover was in his school-uniform and asked him why he wasn't in the spirit and didn't wear a kimono like everyone else. He complained that although Sarutobi-sensei had given the school half-day off to attend the festival his Biology professor was still having the class this evening and he only came here to help his sister set-up. Naruto gave him sarcastic pity and the wild-child cursed him and threatened to kick his ass and as the two boys walked away they left him to be scolded by his sister for his filthy language and warned him not to scare away anymore customers.

Sasuke unlocked the car and put both boxes in the trunk while Naruto prepared to take a picture of him. "Say cheese, Sasuke!" he shouted to get his friend's attention and when he looked up he was almost blinded by the flash that burned straight into his cornea.

"Shit, Naruto," he swore and rubbed both eyes with the fingers on one hand.

"Sorry," came the sincere apology and Naruto adjusted the settings on the digital camera. "I still had the darn flash on. Okay, one more time, and smile this time." Sasuke folded his arms over his chest and formed the deepest scowl he could.

"Dammit Sasuke if you're not going to smile at least strike a pose or something." The Uchiha saluted him with a middle finger. The exasperated teen growled in his throat and was just about to curse his unco-operative friend when he noticed two figures appear in his camera's field of vision. He looked up and waved at the two striking individuals. "Ohayo Neji!, Ohayo Hinata-chan."

The young Hyuga girl waved back. "Ohayo, Naruto-kun. Uchiha-san, konnichiwa."

The camera was shoved into Sasuke's hands as Naruto ran over to give the young woman a warm hug and a playful peck on the cheek before he put her at arm's length to give her a once over, "You look beautiful, Hinata-chan."

She blushed slightly and returned the compliment. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. You look very handsome as well."

He grinned then glanced over at Neji who was eyeing him as if to say he should take his hands off his cousin. He paid no heed to the raven-haired Hyuga boy's silent command and decided to ruffle his feathers. "You look very beautiful too Neji," and when his alabaster face set into a sneer Naruto winked before adding, "I'll bet Sasuke thinks so too." It got the desired response. He suddenly became flustered and a blush as deep as Hinata's tinted his face but it got even deeper when the Uchiha agreed.

"Aoh! Very beautiful."

Hinata-chan took her cousin's arm and she smiled up at him knowingly. "See Neji-niichan, I told you Uchiha-san would think you're pretty, you didn't have to worry."

Neji's blush burned and he tried to hide it with the sleeve of his kimono. Damn, but his cousin had a big mouth sometimes.

Sasuke saw him awkwardly concealing his embarrassment and that shy, little gesture caused a warm feeling to pool in his stomach. He stepped closer and noticed Neji's body tense, he was forcing himself not to take a cautious step backwards. Sasuke pulled one corner of his lips into a lop-sided smirk and spoke with a low purr while his eyes grazed over the Hyuga boy in an erotic manner. "You went through all of this trouble just for me? I'm flattered."

His pale eyes widened significantly and his blush peeked out from behind his sleeve and spread to his forehead and ears. "N-No I didn't," he lied. "Hinata-chan chose the kimono and she was the one who styled my hair."

That much was true. Neji didn't have any kimonos that would fit the girl so he took her shopping the day before to pick one out. She eventually decided on a light satin fabric of a pink pastel shade with delicate flowers printed along the hem and growing along one side. Neji was about to purchase it for her but she stopped him and presented him with another kimono. This one was of a slightly thicker material but it was just as smooth and silky as the first. It was a plain white colour with a detailed cherry-blossom print, and while the leaves were the usual pink the trees' branches were silver.

He would have bought it for her but he noticed it was much too large, it was then that she said she didn't want it for herself, she wanted it for him:

"You should wear this for Uchiha-san tomorrow, niichan," she smiled and handed the article of clothing to him.

He gasped when he felt the gentle fabric brush against his skin, "Sasuke's not interested in stuff like that, Hinata-chan."

But she wasn't swayed by his pessimissm, "Neji-niichan don't talk like that. If you make the effort I know Uchiha-san will appreciate it."

Ever since Hinata realized that Neji and Sasuke were boyfriend and girlfriend she had been ecstatic and from that day on she kept urging him to wear perfumes instead of colognes, women's undies instead of boxers and tried to talk him into using flavoured lip balms, she had even volunteered to paint his nails a very subtle pink but because the colour was so faint he allowed her that liberty and he never allowed her any others until that day when he tried on the kimono in the dressing room.

He shivered slightly as the soft material caressed his skin. It was so light he felt almost as if he had nothing on and the way the whisper-thin cloth touched his flesh made him feel as if fingertips were teasing him in a provocative manner. How did girls manage to wear things like this for the whole day? He felt as if he were being molested.

He stifled a gasp when the material rubbed against a particularly sensitive spot just on the nape of his neck and he brought his legs close together and clamped his eyes shut as a delicious shudder rocketed through him. That was spot number one and Sasuke labelled it number one for a reason.

His head suddenly filled with images of the dark-haired man nuzzling his moist lips against his neck, planting little, wet kisses along his shoulder blade and up his spine in an agonizingly slow trail until he engulfed that spot with his hot mouth and flicked a damp tongue against the ghost-like hairs.

Neji braced himself against the floor-length mirror and fought hard against the fantasy that was playing in his mind's eye. He wished he Uchiha was right here and right now to bang him into the reflective glass.

He managed to regain his composure and sighed deeply. There was no way he could wear this for an entire afternoon especially when he was going to be around that man. But he was going to have to, because when he stepped out of the dressing room Hinata cheered and drowned him in compliments and when he tried to tell her he didn't want it she looked so dejected that he ended up buying it anyway.

And it was worth it, and although he was embarrassed out of his skull and felt like a giddy-headed virgin he was pleased that Sasuke thought he looked attractive.

"You have good taste Hinata-chan." The girl blushed and smiled uncomfortably at Uchiha's compliment then muttered a 'Thank you'. Sasuke didn't know why she was always so nervous around him, it's not like he was particularly unfriendly towards her but whenever they were alone she'd withdraw and be very quiet. He'd have to ask Neji if he knew why she was like that with him and he suddenly wondered if the Hyuga had told her any horror stories regarding the anti-social Uchiha.

"Hey, hey everyone let me get a group picture!"

Sasuke groaned and rolled his eyes then stood next to Neji while Hinata stood on the opposite side of her cousin. Naruto wasn't satisfied with them just standing around like statues and told them to get spontaneous. Hinata broadened her smile and hugged Neji's arm, she tugged on it twice and asked him nicely to please smile for the camera. He didn't comply with her request and his face remained expressionless but when Sasuke wrapped a powerful arm around his shoulders his face flashed with his surprise.

He looked up and his eyes met a pair of dark orbs gazing lovingly at him. "Koi, if you won't smile for the camera then at least smile for me."

It was such a sweet request and the way Sasuke was looking at him made butterflies dance in his stomach. He couldn't stop himself from smiling and that caused a domino reaction because Sasuke broke into a grin which caused Hinata to giggle. Naruto snapped the picture then checked the result in the gallery.

He smirked. It was definitely a keeper.

Naruto took a few more pictures, much to the chagrin of his best friend but Hinata enjoyed having her picture taken and Naruto discovered that she was very photogenic, not that he should be surprised or anything. Neji was a little stiff at first but when Hinata hugged him and continually coaxed him into various poses he had a hard time saying no. The female part of him liked playing the part of an amateur model.

Sasuke had to put a halt to the photo shoot, Neji was starting to get too much into it and he didn't want people looking at him and getting the wrong impression. Neji understood why the Uchiha ceased their shenanigans but accused him of being a spoil-sport all the same. The short-haired brunette noticed that his lover had become somewhat playful and was actually enjoying himself. He imagined that this was going to be quite an interesting evening.

"I see you started the fun without us."

Sasuke looked over at his lover who had been referring to the mask on his head. He opened his mouth to respond but the loud-mouthed blond spoke up first. "Yeah well we couldn't wait forever you know," he said before powering off his camera and slipping the handle around his wrist. "What took you guys so long anyway?"

"You mean besides Hinata putting all these beads in my hair?" they Hyuga grimaced when he remembered the painstakingly long time it took for the girl to part his hair and pull the top half into an intricate twist then secure it with various pins and decorate it with tiny beads. The lower half she allowed to cascade along his back and while it was a very elegant coiffure it didn't look too feminine but the dainty kimono didn't help. Neji sighed. "It's not easy sneaking off campus without being seen," he shook his head dejectedly. "We were lucky to run into a group of the girls who were on their way here anyway and they were so excited that they didn't even notice us."

Hinata hung her head shamefully. "I'm sorry Neji-niichan."

He put his hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring squeeze, "It's not your fault Hinata-chan, it's just that I'm a little worried but please don't blame yourself, I'll figure something out." He would have preferred to keep her locked safely in his dorm but he couldn't do that the girl, it was too inhumane.

"Yeah," her crush cut in. "I'll help him him come up with something, after all...," he threw one arm around the Hyuga's shoulders and gave him a playful shake. "We make a pretty good team." The two men shared a knowing smirk then looked over at Sasuke expectantly and when he caught them staring in his direction he assumed an expression as if he had been caught sleeping in class.

"What?" he asked looking from one disgruntled face to the next.

"Sasuke, you're such a bastard," the blond muttered and his friend just shrugged a shoulder and the young girl giggled.

"Hey, Hinata check this out," and the playful blond slipped his mask back over his face. "Pretty neat huh?" he boasted and pointed unnecessarily at the disguise over his face.

"Naruto-kun looks very cute," she laughed.

The blond balked. That wasn't the look he was going for. Sasuke broke out laughing at the girl's observation and Neji crossed his arms over his chest and turned to give him a coy sneer.

"Let's see your mask then, Sasuke."

The Uchiha immediately stopped his chortling and his face became hard and serious, his voice was the same. "No!"

"Aww c'mon Sasuke," his friend pleaded but Sasuke still refused.

Neji sauntered over to him and Sasuke's breath hitched in his throat as he watched the provocative sway in the man's hips, his heart skipped a beat when Neji leaned very close to put one hand on his shoulder and tap his chin with the index finger on the other hand and his nostrils tingled at the fragrance of lilacs and jasmine that clung to him. "If you won't wear it for Naruto, then will you wear it for me?"

Naruto grinned behind his mask. he knew there was no way the Uchiha was going to refuse now, and he didn't. He grunted, then dragged the annoying thing into it's proper place. "How's that, koi?"

His lover gasped and made a motion as if to step away but Sasuke's hand snaked out to wrap him firmly around the waist and pull him closer. Neji squirmed slightly then stopped immediately. The silky texture was stroking him in an uncomfortable manner and the thin material did nothing to diminish the feel of Sasuke's powerful arm around his waist.

The feline mask did nothing to deny the Uchiha's predatory nature and Neji felt trapped, captivated by the creature that stared at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He stared back like a deer caught in headlights and his breath came in weak puffs through his slightly parted lips.

"I hope you don't think it makes me look cute," he teased.

Neji shook his head but he couldn't break free from Sasuke's gaze. "No...umm, it' makes you look dangerous, actually."

He couldn't see it, but he could imagine Sasuke was grinning under there. "Dangerous, Neji?" he drawled. "Are you afraid? Do you think I want to devour you?"

His breath hitched in his throat at the double meaning and he heard a low chuckle emanate from his captor's chest.

"I'd ravage you Neji and satiate my hunger on you. I know you'd like that, but,..." he suddenly leaned closer and Neji had to grip the material at Sasuke's shoulder because his knees started to feel weak. "I'd rather claim you as my mate." Neji's legs buckled under him but Sasuke was swift and managed to support him with his other hand in time. "Would you prefer that, Neji? Would you like it if I take you in the forest and made you mine?"

He stifled a moan as the naughty images already began to play in his mind: He, naked in a secluded forest on all fours as Sasuke took him from behind while wearing the mask, riding him like an animal, burrowing him into the soft soil, their grunts and the sounds of their mating reaching the moon in the dark sky above. "Naah, Sasuke," he whimpered and clutched tighter against his shoulders. He wanted it badly.

"Umm, guys," it was the voice of a slightly embarrassed Uzumaki. "Could you not do that now? You're scaring Hinata."

The girl gripped one of Natuo's sleeves with both hands and stared at her feet on the ground, an uncomfortable blush plastered across her features. Sasuke was annoyed at the interruption yet still relieved by it. Had they not intervened he imagined he'd be screwing Neji into the hot asphalt by now and he knew the other boy wasn't going to fight him on that one. He sighed and willed that fantasy into a dark corner of his mind.

Sasuke kept a firm grip on his lover until he managed to regain his composure, it took him a little while and the younger brunette felt a little guilty for pushing him too far. Neji nodded to let him know he was okay and Sasuke released him reluctantly. It felt good to hold the other boy in his arms and his skin tingled where the smooth fabric brushed against him.

Everyone just stood there, a little too embarrassed to do anything until Naruto breathed life back into their little group. He asked Hinata if she'd like him to buy her a mask and she got excited about that, needless to say he got her the female geisha mask but Hinata didn't mind because she found it to be pretty. Naruto wanted to get a mask for Neji and Sasuke concurred, he wanted the boy to suffer as much as he did but Neji's excuse was that wearing it would ruin his hair.

It was pretty lame on his part but it was also valid and neither boy pushed it after that. They bought lunch for the late comers and Naruto volunteered himself to feed Hinata, however he still hadn't mastered the usage of chopsticks so Hinata ended up feeding him instead.

Since the boys already had their chance to shop they were forced to tag along while Hinata browsed for jewelry, scented oils and various accessories. Neji pretended he was just a brother offering advice but Sasuke knew he relished the experience. The girl giggled after applying, what was probably the third sample of lip gloss on her and Neji and her older cousin rolled his eyes and acted as if he was being forced to try them on.

Sasuke parted from the group to check out an adjacent stand and Naruto went over to see what he was buying. He didn't get there in time but he knew it was a piece of jewelry because that's what the vendor was hawking. He would have asked what his friend bought but he knew he'd just tell him to mind his own business so he didn't waste his breath.

They played a few of the games after that. Well, Naruto did, everyone else just watched him. It took a few attempts but he managed to accumulate enough points to get Hinata a prize. He then badgered Sasuke to play one and get a prize for Neji. He blatantly declined. But after a prolonged minute of the blond whining and begging the Uchiha lined up at a shooting gallery and Naruto was a little disturbed by his pin-point accuracy.

Dusk had settled in and the paper lanterns illuminated the park with their colourful glow. There was activity around the platform in the middle of the park and the stage hands were setting up the instruments and props for the entertainment. The group of four were nearby and grabbed a spot near the front just as a crowd enclosed around the stage.

The emcee introduced the first act as a martial arts demonstration. Naruto had seen them before but never as extreme as this. He thought he could fight but these guys could kick his ass with both hands tied behind their backs. The demonstrators did all manner of flips and shifted smoothly from one fighting style to the next, their movements were so quick and nimble that if anyone dared blink they would miss it. The unarmed monks bowed respectfully to the crowd and their efforts were showered with applause but as they walked off, two teenaged boys many years Naruto's junior came onto the stage. They bowed to each other then drew swords that were sheathed at their sides and while the demonstrations Naruto witnessed before used fake weapons he could tell these were real.

The friendly combatants clashed with one another, their weapons clanged and the friction created sparks that danced across the air. To Naruto it didn't look so much like a demonstration but an actual fight, everyone was cheering and he wondered if he was the only one in the audience that was worried one of them would get hurt. He soon laid his concerns to rest because whenever it appeared that one boy would land a devastating or fatal blow the other fighter would skillfully parry it or dodge it with great agility.

The mock battle was finally over and Naruto breathed a sigh of relief.

The emcee returned and said that the next act was a comedy and was a perfect follow-up for the seriousness of the previous act.

It was a skit on a popular Japanese folk-lore of Momotaro the Peach-Boy who was found in a giant peach by an elderly couple who had no children of their own. Naruto didn't understand much of what they were saying and Sasuke gladly translated for him. The tale sounded familiar to the boy and he was sure that there were similar Western adaptations although he couldn't think of any right now.

The inspiration for this skit was of a very serious matter but the actors had altered the script and their exaggerated body language made the entire play quite humorous and Naruto almost split his sides at the fight between the hero and the ogre.

The emcee appeared at the end of the spoof and said he was pleased everyone enjoyed it and he was sure the actors felt the same way. The final act was a synchronized, traditional dance choreographed by a local performance studio. Seven girls shared the stage and they kneeled before the audience while covering the lower halves of their faces with large fans. The music began and they slowly rose to their feet. On each beat of the drum they would take a graceful step forward and when they reached the edge of the stage the flauntist began playing a haunting refrain and the young ladies rolled their heads as if in anguish. They twirled with the lilting of the wind instrument and moved slowly around the stage, their motions reflecting the sombre tone of the music.

There was a loud 'ting' from the triangle and they quickly snatched a second fan that was secured to their waist and flicked it open when the instrument was struck again. They brought the other fan up to their faces as well then with a flick of their wrists and another ring from the triangle they snapped both fans shut revealing their exquisitely painted faces.

The beat increased in tempo and the girls opened their fans again before performing all manner of tricks. They would flip one fan into the air then pass the other one to catch it again with the other hand. They did this a series of times before juggling both fans and eventually juggling the fans amongst themselves. The crowd was in awe at the beautiful display but no one applauded, it would be a crime to drown out such enchanting music with harsh clapping.

The music became sombre again and the girls kneeled on the stage to place their fans on the ground in front of them and bow politely to the crowd. The audience erupted into a crescendo of praise and acclamation but it appeared the show was not over yet. More musicians came onto the stage to play the unmanned instruments and the crowd became excited when they played the intro to a popular song. The girls jumped to their feet and began a series of dances that most of the audience seemed to know and after going through the motions three times they pranced off the stage to pull random people from the crowd and into the vacant semi-circle they formed in front of the platform.

One of the girls grabbed Sasuke and he was so surprised that he didn't get the chance to deny her but when Naruto pointed a long, tanned finger at the Uchiha and threw back his head to laugh his wrist was secured by another girl who tugged him into the make-shift dance floor. Naruto shook his head, suddenly very afraid...he didn't know the dance. Hinata called out to him and when the girl surmised that she was probably his girlfriend she dragged her out too and when she noticed that Neji looked like her relative she pulled him along.

Neji and Hinata knew the dance well and had no problem getting into the rhythm with everyone else but the female performer had a hard time getting Naruto to follow along with more of the complex moves so she brought him over to Hinata and asked her to teach him. The performer put her hand in his and Hinata blushed when their skin made contact. The dancer smiled before she went off to coax another audience member into their little party.

Neji noticed that the girl had abandoned Sasuke and was already teaching a little girl the steps but the Uchiha had stopped dancing and just stood there in the middle of the pasture. Neji maneuvered his way over to the boy and bumped his hips against the brooder.

"C'mon Sasuke get into it," cajoled the Hyuga who had lifted his arms over his head on the third count and spun in a clockwise circle on the fourth. "You know this dance."

He just glared at the boy who was having way too much fun.

Neji reached out to take his hands in his and sway him along with the music and when the stubborn Uchiha showed no response he mashed on the boy's foot.

"Shit Neji," he winced and would have reached down to grab his throbbing foot but Hyuga still had his hands.

"Move your feet Uchiha or I'll step on them again."

He gave a defeated sigh before allowing himself to be controlled by his pretty puppeteer. Neji gave him a dazzling smile and Sasuke suddenly believed it was worth making an ass of himself in public. He shouldn't feel too embarrassed though because Naruto still hadn't memorized the steps and he would bump into other dancers and cause Hinata to stumble a few times.

The song came to it's end and the dancers made their way to their dressing rooms but the musicians continued to play. The emcee encouraged everyone to join in and the sea of spectators came in like a wave against the shore. Sasuke managed to pull Neji away before they were swallowed up by the crowd and he sincerely hoped Naruto had the common sense to do the same. He did, or rather Hinata did. When he noticed her reservation at the incoming group of people he led her away from the revelers.

The fireworks had been slightly delayed so they bought some light snacks and huddled under a large tree. Naruto wolfed down his pocky then troubled Hinata for some of hers and Neji chastised him for being such a pig.

"I'm not a pig," he muffled through a half-filled mouth. "I'm a fox remember."

Neji rolled his eyes.

"You should take off that hideous mask now, dobe," cut in his best friend. "I'm trying to eat here."

The blond bristled and Neji and Hinata laughed. Naruto wasn't wearing his mask right now.

They finished eating and Sasuke went off to toss their remains in the trash and upon his return he found all three of them engaged in an amusing conversation. They were talking about their favourite parts of the play. Naruto's was obviously the fight between Momotaru and the ogre; Hinata liked it when the old woman found the boy in the peach; Neji thought the child actors that portrayed the talking animals fit the respective roles perfectly but when they asked Sasuke what his favourite part was he said he didn't have one.

Everyone tried to squeeze it out of him, even Hinata asked nicely but he was saved when a loud explosion was heard overhead and the park was suddenly bathed in a blue glow. Another firework went up after it and covered the area in a red blanket. Their debate was immediately forgotten and they cuddled into their respective couples to share the breath-taking moment. They were very creative with the explosives this year and some of them formed familiar shapes like stars and hearts while others were more intricate and required a keen eye to decipher what they were supposed to resemble.

Unfortunately they couldn't enjoy it to its entirety because the rain decided to fall at that moment.

Many of the festival-goers who wore very expensive kimonos made a mad-dash towards their vehicles or nearby cover. Naruto didn't want Hinata to get wet but she couldn't run as fast as he could so he tried his best to shade her under his arm. Sasuke ran ahead to his car and procured a large umbrella from the trunk. Needless to say, it was black. He huddled all three beneath it and gripped Neji firmly by the waist.

The blond teen slipped Hinata into the back seat before going into the trunk to get his hoodie which he instructed her to put on. Neji got into the back seat with his cousin and grimaced when he felt the Uchiha's upholstery get wet.

Sasuke got into the driver's seat and Naruto rode shotgun back to campus. Unfortunately it was raining there too and they had to share the umbrella once again. A few of the guys in the dorm laughed at their unfortunate predicament but no one noticed the fourth person who was well concealed beneath Naruto's blazer. When they got to the safety of their floor Neji started laughing and wrung the excess water out of his hair.

"I am so soaked," he chuckled with a shake of his head and Hinata laughed with him and reached up to remove the beads and pins that were slipping out. The coif she had styled could no longer support itself and the heavy strands fell limp along his back. He ran his fingers through his hair and a few beads and pins jumped to the floor. He leaned over to pick them up and Hinata bent over to help him.

Sasuke and Naruto exchanged glances.

The light fabric of their kimonos was clinging suggestively to their skin but Hinata got off lucky, she had on a large jacket to cover her torso but Neji wasn't that fortunate and his outfit was leaving nothing to the imagination, especially since it was of such a light colour.

"Is that all of them Hinata?" her cousin asked even as he scanned the floor for stray beads.

Hinata gave the ground a once over before nodding her head. "I think that's it, niichan."

They got to their feet and made their way over to their room. "Good night guys," was Neji's parting and he gave them a small wave. "It was fun. See you tomorrow."

Sasuke reached out to grab Neji by the wrist and give him a wicked grin. "Actually we'll be seeing Naruto and Hinata tomorrow."

"Wh-what do you mean?" he asked with a confused look on his face and tried to pull away from the iron-like grip

Sasuke leaned closer to press his lips against his ear and Neji shivered at the contact. "I mean we'll be spending the night together."

The Hyuga boy blushed then and made another attempt to break free. "But, but Hinata-chan-"

"Will be spending the night with Naruto."

Neji looked at him as if he were crazy. "Are you fucking nuts, Uchiha?" he roared. "There's no way I'm leaving her alone with that horny, little pervert again."

"Then would you rather her sleep in your apartment tonight and make her suffer through our fu- love-making?"

His blush became deeper but his scowl deepened. "I'd rather we not do this or TALK about it for that matter."

"Ah, sorry koi but you're the only one in opposition."

"Wha-?" he suddenly realized what Sasuke was talking about and turned to question his cousin if it was true. "Hinata?"

She blushed and lowered her chin to her chest and fiddled her index fingers together. "I- I don't mind being with Naruto-kun tonight, Neji-niichan."

Neji opened his mouth in disbelief at the bold statement from his usually shy relative but it was suddenly covered by warm, wet lips pressed against his own. It wasn't a passionate kiss, it was a brief sign of possession and Neji found himself wanting more and Sasuke was prepared to give him more.

He unlocked Neji's dorm and began pulling the boy inside but he turned to give the other two one final 'Good night'.

"Mmm, Uchiha-san," the girl vied for his attention and he barely heard her request. He really wished she'd stop calling him that. "Please take care of Neji-niichan."

Sasuke grinned and glanced at the wet boy with the red face when he thought about all the different ways he wanted to 'take care' of him. "I will!" he promised. "And Naruto, you take care of Hinata too."

His friend nodded and led Hinata into his dorm just as Sasuke locked the door of Neji's.

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Another split between the next two chapters. Neji x Sasuke & Naruto x Hinata