A Fatalistic Series of Events

Don't mind the OC's. They'll be gone after this plot in the story.

--

“How long have you and your darling Nanao been together, Kotsuke?” A woman asked, looking mostly at Kiba as she said it. Kiba didn’t like the look; it seemed to be asking ‘would it hurt to play around a bit?’ and only made him slip his hand more around Neji’s waist, actually pulling the other in front of him, his chest to Neji’s back.

“We’ve been together a couple weeks now, haven’t we Nanao?” He said playfully against Neji’s ear.

Neji tried not to shiver at the breath running over his ear and let his smile widen. He nodded, bringing his hands up to rest over Kiba's. "Mnhm; the best weeks of my life," he responded, leaning a little back into him.

The women looked a little startled. Maybe Kiba had been a little too playful with the other guests if she thought he’d actually cheat on Neji. He nuzzled Neji’s ear, smirking at the woman a little. His arm around Neji’s waist squeezed a little before he spoke.

“Mine too.”

"So, Mitsuki," Neji started, acting ignorant of the way she had been hitting on 'Kotsuke', "what are your opinions on those here? I mean, who are really worth noticing and getting to know?"

She seemed to consider, eyeing Kiba’s lips now pressed against Neji’s slender throat enviously.

“Everyone is in their own right. We’re all very important people here.” She smiled at ‘Nanao’ sweetly. “If I could extract you from Kotsuke I’m sure my friend would love to show you around.” She motioned to a woman not far from her who’d been idly chatting with a man in a suit that was a little less cut for him than Kiba’s. The woman nodded politely to the man, heading over.

Neji made a show of looking worried and glanced back at Kiba; the character was not supposed to want to leave Kotsuke in public and there was more safety if they stayed together.

He silently asked Kiba if he'd mind splitting for a while since it would give them time to know everyone better.

Kiba had trouble not grinning deviously for what he was about to do.

“Go ahead, make some new friends.” He leaned towards Neji, kissing him for a few seconds longer than was necessary. “I’ll be your best friend later.” He whispered a little too loud for just the Hyuuga to hear. Mitsuki’s jealousy was clear on her face as her friend bowed and introduced herself.

“Hello, I’m Yoko.”

Neji flushed, trying not to glare at the Inuzuka and not even sure if he wanted to. He swallowed thickly before turning to the new girl and returning the bow.

"Hello. Ah, my name is Nanao."

Kiba stepped away from Neji, nodding his head at Yoko and smiling at Neji.

“I’m Kotsuke. Mitsuki was just wondering if you’d show my,” he played with Neji’s hair a little, curling a strand that brushed against his pale cheek, “little flower here around the party?”

Yoko nodded, smiling, though from the way her eyes lit and assessed ‘Kotsuke’ Kiba could tell Mitsuki had done something like this before. Yoko bowed again.

“I would be honored if she would allow me to.”

Neji nodded and smiled before turning and gave Kiba a hug around his neck so he could whisper in his ear, "Don't make a scene if she starts coming on too strong. We can't get kicked out of here this soon."

Kiba nodded, turning to kiss Neji again and rest his forehead against his, staring into his eyes. It was strange to do so when Neji was wearing colored contacts, his usually milky eyes now a pale brown.

“Don’t worry Nanao, I’ll miss you till you’re back in my arms.” He said with a soft tilt to his lips, hoping this show of affection would discourage Mitsuki. And he might have liked being able to kiss and coddle Hyuuga and not get beat up. He kissed him again before nudging him in Yoko’s direction.

Neji forced out a small laugh, wishing Kiba would tone it down a little. They'd have to keep the same level of closeness the whole time they were here and he wasn't sure if he was comfortable giving away so many kisses.

He left Kiba's side and walked over to Yoko, waiting for her to start showing him around.

Kiba smirked, knowing Neji probably hated how touchy feely he was. He turned back to Mitsuki as Yoko began leading Neji away, towards a fairly large group of people.

“So, where’s your man?” Mitsuki’s smile dropped a little but she maintained it for the most part. Kiba began wishing this whole party was over already.

--

“Nanao, did you make any new friends?” Kiba called as he saw Yoko and Neji heading back some time later. A long time in which he’d considered how many different ways to kill everyone and escape before switching to how many different ways to kill himself. He and Mitsuki had migrated to a couch and she sat next to him, her leg brushing his.

Neji nodded and moved to sit on his other side. "Yes, they're all very nice here," he said. Of course he'd wanted to just hit some of them, most of them, but there had been a few who actually seemed nice. Unfortunately, he had been introduced to mostly just the other females, which made him annoyed at the lack of progress so far.

Kiba put his arm around Neji’s waist, bringing him in close.

“That’s nice. I hope none of the men were as good looking as me?” He grinned at Neji, pecking his cheek.

“I showed Nanao to most of my female friends, actually.” Yoko said. Kiba tilted his head before pulling Neji over into his lap, placing his chin on Neji’s shoulder.

“I’m sure Nanao won’t be led astray, Yoko. Look at who she’d be leaving behind,” He grinned charmingly at the woman, seeing Mitsuki glare at all three of them. He’d not been very co-operative to her advances.

Neji stiffened a little before forcing himself to relax back against Kiba. He gave a small laugh. "I'd never leave you, honey," he said, inwardly cringing as he turned his head and gave a quick kiss to Kiba's temple.

Kiba was sure Neji would kill him later but he couldn’t help himself. He nuzzled at the other’s neck, sliding his arms around Neji’s waist.

“I know babe. Yoko will take you to see the boy’s next time I’m sure.” He smiled against the soft skin, turning his eyes to Mitsuki. “My time was consumed while you were gone.”

Neji nodded in understanding; they'd have to do something about that other girl if they wanted to make real progress.

"Mm, maybe next time we can go around together?"

“Mmm, I wouldn’t mind a chance to show you off.” Kiba said, moving to kiss at the soft cloth that covered most of Neji’s neck. He preferred the feel of skin under his lips.

“Yes, well, wouldn’t want the other men to get jealous would we?” Mitsuki said, a little affronted that she’d been ignored. Yoko remained quiet, nodding slightly and drifting over to another little group.

"Jealous? Why would they get jealous?" he asked, playing ignorant again. Now really more for the opportunity to ruffle her feathers than anything else.

Mitsuki gave Neji a look that spoke clearly of ‘oh like you don’t know’ but smiled quickly after.

“Because you’re so pretty Nanao!” she simpered, the smile a sickly sweet and obviously false kind. Kiba lifted his head, grinning at her.

“Isn’t she though?” He nuzzled Neji’s ear affectionately. “I always thought arranged marriages were awful but Nanao has proved me wrong.”

Neji just laughed, not having to fake it but he did have to disguise it as not condescending. For some reason he was having fun unsettling the girl.

"I'm just lucky it was you, Kotsuke," he said finally, leaning his head slightly into the contact.

Kiba was a little surprised when Neji actually went along with it. He smirked, turning to face into Neji’s nape where little trailings of hair fell. He lifted a hand to pull the material of his dress down and expose more of Neji’s throat, kissing at the skin.

“I’m sure you could have any man you want Nanao. You’re such a cute girl.” He nibbled at Neji’s neck, suppressing his laughter as he eyed Mitsuki playfully. She didn’t look offended by all the touching; around the room he could see many other couples doing similar and more. More offended because she knew ‘Kotsuke’ was teasing her.

Neji took a sharp intake of breath in surprise, skin prickling a little. He definitely wasn't going to let Kiba sleep on the bed, even if it was king-sized; he was getting enough of him this way.

"Well, it's good that I have who I want, then, huh?"

“Very fortunate for both of you.” Mitsuki said, standing. “Well, I hope to see you next time, Kotsuke.” She smiled before walking off. Kiba allowed a small snicker against Neji’s neck as soon as she left.

“Oh man, did you see her face?”

Neji just smiled, a hint of gloating in it, and nodded. "Mm, I think we've overstayed our welcome for tonight, don't you?" he asked in a murmur, making sure no one would hear it.

“Aww, I’m sure we could find another girl who’s jealous of you. It’ll be fun.” He said, not quite as lowly as Neji since it wouldn’t be a danger to be overheard.

"But useless," Neji said quietly. "I doubt we'll get any farther tonight and they'll still be here tomorrow."

“Killjoy.” Kiba said with affection, letting go of Neji so he could stand. “You need to cut loose sometime, it’s a blast.”

"I'll take your word for it."

Neji stood up and took a step away before turning back around to face him, waiting.

“One day, Nanao, one day.” Kiba said, smiling deviously as he stood. He offered his arm, as he’d seen the other men do, for Neji to take.

Neji felt a little impressed that he was finally picking up manners but didn't let it show, just slipping his arm around Kiba's.

--

Kiba was beginning to enjoy the feeling of relief that washed over him when he closed the door. It felt great to be able to be himself.

“Wow, Neji, today was fun, seriously. Well, not when you left; Mitsuki’s really boring. All she wanted was sex, I mean, seriously. And she went about it all wrong even if I was interested.” He said, moving to the nearest cushioned seat, which happened to be an ornate couch.

Neji gave a snort, starting to take all the pins and clips out of his hair, wanting it down again. "At least you had fun," he said, rolling his eyes. "It was so boring meeting all those girls. Makes me appreciate those in Konoha more."

“Wow, someone worse than Sakura or Ino? That’s harsh man.” He smirked, draping one arm over the back of the couch while the other pull his tie out, loosening it until it draped.

“You didn’t have fun when you were with me?” He smirked wider.

Neji glanced over at him, drinking in the image he made. A little unsettled, he found it appealing at how laid back he looked with those rich clothes rumbled just slightly.

"Not particularly," he said, giving his own smirk before he moved into the bathroom to finish getting his hair down and take out the contacts.

Kiba laughed a little before deciding he’d had enough of the jacket. He sat up, unbuttoning it and tossing it haphazardly over the couch back, unbuttoning the white under shirt but leaving it on. He actually liked the white shirt. The pants he kicked out of, tossing them over the jacket and settling back again, lounging on the couch in just the tie, shirt and his boxers. He’d kicked his shoes off long ago out of habit.

Neji wiped and washed off his make-up, glad to not have it caking his face still. He frowned a little at his reflection before taking out his wrappings, which he'd stuffed into the make-up bag. He brushed out his hair before tying them around his head and covering the seal again.

He bent down and undid the sandals, slipping out of them and picking them up before exiting again. Without a word to Kiba yet, he went back into the bedroom and shut door, glad that the hotel room had two parts to it.

Kiba looked to where Neji had gone without another word, back to himself already. He scratched his cheek lazily, remembering only then that he had make-up on. He grimaced, walking into the bathroom and scrubbing it off. Looking in the mirror it seemed odd for him to be wearing the nice shirt and tie, but he shrugged. They didn’t bother him so they could stay on. He walked towards the bedroom, opening the door with a yawn.

Neji looked over, eyes narrowed a bit. Of course he wouldn't have knocked. The Hyuuga was just glad he'd already got his sleeping yukata on. He eyed him a little before saying, "There's only one bed here, so you'll sleep out on the couch. It should be big enough."

Kiba stopped mid-yawn, raising a brow at Neji. He looked towards the bed, scratching at his stomach idly. The bed could fit the both of them with some people in the middle.

“Dude, what does it matter? That thing’s a beast, we’ll never even get within a foot of each other.”

Neji glared at him a little. What happened to following his rules to a T? But he relented. "Fine, but if any of your limbs touch mine, you go sleep out there, deal?"

“Just while I’m awake? Sure.” He grinned, climbing onto the bed. He stopped, flopping down without moving under the covers.

“Man this bed is soft.” Kiba said into the pillow, relaxing where he was.

Neji's glare darkened but he didn't protest. He knew just arguing back would cause more trouble than not. But if he ended up cuddling Neji in his sleep, he would be kicked to the floor without a second thought.

He fixed his hair into a loose braid like normal so it wouldn't tangle and went to the other side of the bed, sitting down without comment.

Kiba rolled over, watching the Hyuuga. Neji seemed like his old self. Kiba had forgotten how cold and heartless he acted during the day when he’d heard the other actually laughing. Which was a shame, Neji had a good laugh. He closed his eyes, moving to lie on his back.

Neji pulled back the covers and slipped under them, settling down. He expected he would have to wake up the other in the morning; he probably slept in later than he did and slept heavy.

"...Goodnight," he muttered.

Kiba caught the words, opening his eyes and turning his head. He had thought Neji hated him too much to wish him anything good. He turned onto his side, his natural body heat enough to keep him warm, keeping his back to Neji.

“Sleep tight.” He mumbled in return.

--

Neji stirred awake in the morning, sunlight filtering through the drapes and waking him. He blinked open his eyes, squinting a little until his eyes could filter the light comfortably, and slowly sat up.

Kiba snuffled softly in his sleep as the bed shifted, turning onto his back, his shirt gaping open. He hadn’t gotten cold during the night and was still above the comforter.

Neji looked over, letting his eyes rove over the others body. The Inuzuka really was good looking and he could be nice, but there was so much that annoyed him about the other boy.

He sighed and shook his head before slipping out of bed and standing up. He'd wash up before waking him.

Kiba blearily began moving into wakefulness, not being much of a morning person but having conditioned himself to get up when the bed moved or be awakened by a sloppy dog kiss.

He sat up, stretching and yawning.

Neji came back into the room, face clean and hair down and brushed again. He was a little surprised to see Kiba awake but just shook it off.

"Morning."

Kiba glanced at him with eyes still seeing fuzz. He rubbed at his eyes tiredly, yawning again.

“Morning Nej--” he broke into a yawn before he finished and didn’t bother completing the name when he was done. He flopped back on the bed, closing his eyes and enjoying his half awake state as it slowly seeped away and he became more alert.

Neji raised an eyebrow then shook his head. They didn't need to be anywhere in a hurry, so it wouldn't hurt to not just drag the other out of the bed. Actually, waiting a little longer to put on a dress seemed like a really good idea to Neji.

He left the room without another word, going out into the main area and put on some water for tea, once again thankful that Tsunade had splurged and gotten a high-end hotel for them.

Kiba remained where he was, unthinking. Mornings and him didn’t get along well.

“Ugh…” He grunted, more awake than asleep. He moved to the side of the bed, slipping off slowly and walking into the kitchen. He sat down at the table, crossing his arms and putting his chin on top.

“Morning Neji.”

He glanced over from seeping a teabag in the water, smirking. "Morning. Finally awake then?" he asked. "Want a cup too?"

“…Sure.” He resisted yawning, closing his eyes again. “Mornings suck.”

Neji just brought down another cup, making a small noise. He'd always gotten up early and trained, so mornings had never bothered him. He poured the tea in both cups before bringing them over to the table. He slid one over to Kiba after sitting in a chair then brought his own to his mouth and took a sip.

Kiba lifted his head up, propping himself up on a hand while the other took a tired sip of the drink. He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth that flooded him, waking him up further.

“…Good tea.”

Neji nodded, enjoying it as well. It wasn't too sweet or too bitter. He sat in silence comfortably, drinking the tea until he was done. He got up and went over to the sink to wash the cup.

Kiba shoved the cup away from him when he was done, slumping forward. His hand slid from his cheek to run his fingers through his unruly hair, the other arm still folded under his chin.

Neji rolled his eyes and grabbed Kiba's cup, washing that as well. He knew the other would do it-- eventually-- but this would just be easier.

He went back over to the table again, standing beside Kiba. "Come on. We'll get dressed and go somewhere to eat."

Kiba glanced up without lifting his head. He stared for a few seconds, trying to find the energy he normally had in abundance. It liked to sleep longer than he did.

“…Okay.” He pushed his chair back, standing and sluggishly walking back to the bedroom, pushing the now severely wrinkled dress shirt back to scratch at his hip.

Neji watched, amused, before following him back in and grabbing a more casual dress from his bag. He turned and left without a word and went back into the bathroom to change.

Kiba trailed into the bedroom, pulling the tie off his neck. He yawned as he pulled a pair of plain slacks on, reaching for a red wool blazer. He tiredly buttoned up the white dress-shirt from the previous night before buttoning the two on the blazer. He walked back out, rolling his shoulders as he felt more awake, energy seeping back into his muscles.

Neji slipped on a red and black sundress, put in his contacts and pulled back his hair after undoing the wrappings. He quickly applied make-up and manipulated his vocal cords again before heading back out, knowing he'd have to do Kiba's too.

Kiba sat down at the table again, leaning back.

“Hey Neji.” He said, seeing the other in the dress. Well, they matched this time.

Neji nodded in greeting and sat down opposite him. "Get your make-up bag and bring a chair closer. I'll help you again," he said.

Kiba felt like groaning, but complied. He put the make-up on the table and pulled a chair up, glancing down as he scooted it closer. His eyes lit on smooth white skin. A small tilt came to his lips as he sat down, lifting his eyes to Neji’s.

“Nice legs.”

Neji frowned slightly as he reached for the foundation and a wedge sponge.

"Er, thanks, I guess," he finally muttered, starting to rub the liquid on Kiba's face.

Kiba grinned a little.

“You’re one of the smoothest guys I know.” He said, almost snickering.

Neji glared, resisting the urge to smack him. "I waxed before we left, idiot," he said. "Now stop grinning and talking or I'll put this stuff on your tongue."

Kiba had to resist sticking his tongue out, unable to make his lips completely stop smiling.

Five or so minutes later, Neji finished covering Kiba's tattoos and put the make-up down.

"Put them back away and then we'll go."

“Sir, yes, sir.” Kiba said, grabbing the make-up and putting it in the bag before grinning. “Or is it ma’am, yes. ma’am?”

Neji rolled his eyes and slipped on a pair of sandals. "Stop being cheeky about this," he said.

“Would you forgive me if I said I couldn’t help it?” He said, standing and walking to the door. His stomach gurgled softly, not yet growling. “Come on, I’m hungry.”

Releasing a sigh, Neji walked over and opened the door before making himself grab Kiba's hand.

Kiba chuckled lowly as he stepped through the doorway, turning to close it behind him.

“So Nanao, where do you want to go?”

Neji put on a smile. "What about that small restaurant we passed by yesterday?"

“Anything you want, baby.” Kiba cooed, laughter an undercurrent to the sweet toned words. He began walking in the direction of the restaurant, one of a very select few. Most restaurants were big and expensive in this town.

Neji walked beside him, looking happy and content. It didn't take too long to reach the place and they went in, being seated less than ten minutes later.

“So what do you want to do today, Nanao?” Kiba asked, letting his eyes move across the restaurant listlessly before landing on Neji again. He’d spotted a man walking towards them but he was a ways away, and staring at him would seem off. He raised a brow at Neji, asking if he’d noticed.

Neji flicked his eyes around discreetly, wishing he could use his byakugan, but not willing to chance anything. He inwardly frowned, spotting the man. He had brown hair but was he...?

"...I'm not sure, maybe we can just relax a little today," he finally responded.

Kiba leaned back, nodding. The man was close now, close enough to overhear their conversation.

“Yeah, relaxing sounds good.” He grinned, teasing in his eyes. “Though I wouldn’t mind a certain kind of exertion…”

The man chuckled as he reached their table.

Neji blushed lightly, inwardly promising Kiba some sort of payback. He lifted his eyes to look at the other man, carefully studying his face. Eyes catching the scar on his nose, he suppressed a smirk.

"Can we help you, sir?"