Remember

"I remember how heavy the weather made me feel."



Neji had been running though the thick forest for what felt like a life time. He had started to feel the cold coat his limbs making his body go numb. Clenching his hands into fists Neji pulled them further into the sleeves of his white jacket.



"Damnit, I wish I have brought gloves," he scolded himself for being so careless. "Well atleast its only a little bit..." Howls echoed in the night making Neji's already frozen ears sting. "They must have smelled me...Byukagan!" Neji's eyes combed the surrounding area of trees.



In a flash two figures were approaching him from a short distance away. A large white dog and a young boy wearing a leather jacket came barreling forth. Within seconds the pair appeared in front of Neji.



The young man in front of Neji was Kiba, wearing his usual smile. Standing by Kiba's side was a large white beast with a smirk painted across his face. "Neji what brings you to this neck of the woods? This seems a bit out of your way," Kiba questioned resting his hand on top of the beast's head, stroking the fur back.



Neji released his byukagan, "I have been requested to bring Hinata-sama home."



Kiba's hand slipped from Akamaru's head, "No she hasn't even been here."



"Oh, then I am sorry for having brought you out here," Neji bowed. Turning his heels into the ground Neji, Kiba spoke, "Wait whats this about?" Kiba stepped forward reaching for Neji.



"Please don't touch me," Neji commanded. Kiba pulled his hand back. Akamaru growled getting into a defensive stance. Stepping back Kiba reassured his friend its alright.



"Its alright Akamaru," looking up at Kiba, Akamaru whined still unsure about the matter.



"Its a family concern Kiba, you should understand that," Neji said without turning around. Kiba wasn't the type of person who liked not being looked at while being spoken to.



"Thats fine but if you know I care and worry about her," Kiba stood his ground, planting his feet. Neji shook his head, finally turning towards Kiba.



"I am her protector, you don't have to worry about Hinata-sama any longer. She has also become a talented Shinobi," Neji spoke softly. Unsure of what to say Kiba stood in silence. Taking that as a sign of no futher discussion Neji bowed again and started to walk away.



Suddenly Neji fell to the ground from a hard hit to the face from Kiba, "Don't you tell me who I can and can't worry about. I am tired of all the arrogance the Hyuga Family has!" Looking down at Neji, Kiba started to rub his fist.



Rubbing his cold cheek Neji rose to his feet, "How dare you..." As Neji raised his head, Kiba could see the byukagan had become active. "If you want to fight thats one thing but don't do it when someone's back is turned." Getting into the Hyuga stance, Neji bent his knees, only to never take his eyes off Kiba.



Akamaru's fur stood up straight as he growled at Neji, "No Akamaru, this is my fight," Kiba smiled cracking his knuckles. Giving another whine Akamaru looked up at his long time friend, "Its alright, this is my fight. I know it isn't what I usually do but this different, this is a fight between men."