Misconceptions In Waiting 1

[catriana_fiction]

Title: Misconceptions In Waiting
Series: Naruto
Genre: Romance/Drama
Pairing: NejiGaa
Rating: M
Chapters: 3(complete)
Summary: A precursor to Gift. This is basically the story of how Neji and Gaara got together eight years prior. I am not fond of this story, but I'm never fond of anything multichapter that I write that's less than 5 chapters(and even then I'm not happy).
Warnings: Eventual Lemon chapter 3. Yaoi.

Misconceptions in Waiting

 

Based on the story Gift

1

 

“What?” Hyuuga Neji asked rather ineloquently, pale eyes widening, mouth slightly agape. Clearly he had heard his uncle incorrectly or at the very least he was just losing his hearing altogether. He didn’t think that could happen at eighteen could it? Sure, he’d been around explosions and been slammed around a few times but…

“It’s unforgivable!” Hanabi was practically shaking with fury “Oneesan…” her small hands clenched into fists on her lap as she sat formally in the small conference room with her father, uncle, and the two oldest council advisors. Hiashi’s expression was grave, as were the two council members. The latter was typical.

Neji had entered not too long ago after having been summoned right as he had finished a long mission. He was exhausted and rather drained; being around Maito Gai and Rock Lee tended to do that to a person. Despite his fatigue his sharp gaze took everyone in, analyzing and deducting.

They all truly believe it is as they say. He thought, frowning mentally. This did not make sense to him, but he wasn’t going to point out the reasons why. There was only one person he truly would speak to about this situation in detail and that individual was not in the room. He would, however, acquire the specifics at the very least.

“When exactly did Hinata-sama return?” he asked calmly, his gaze not once revealing his true thoughts or feelings. It tended to unnerve the council and while he’d never admit it seeing them react in such a manner was highly amusing and satisfying. He might have forgiven them for his father’s death, but not for the years of treatment and borderline abuse. “And when, exactly, was her condition confirmed?”

“You were gone for two months, Hinata returned three weeks ago. Her condition was confirmed by Tsunade-sama herself when they had examined her for any internal injuries.”

Six months. His cousin had been declared missing in action for six months. He wanted to go see her immediately, to make sure she was alright and healthy. As important as this meeting was, he really could get all of the answers he needed from her. They weren’t extremely close but they were definitely closer than they had been over four years ago.

“I see. And they are absolutely certain it is who they claim to be? We are not talking about just any shinobi and considering his history and his current allegiance…”

“A paternity test was done,” the oldest member, and Neji’s grandfather, spoke up “they went through all of his confiscated items and everything he had with ANBU to collect the proper samples for DNA testing. Ninety-eight point nine percent was the result.”

Well, that erases any doubt in my mind about whether or not it is him, but much of this does not make sense to me.

“We have requested Tsunade-sama put her through a series of psychological tests,” the other man and his great uncle, continued “we strongly believe that based on Hinata’s testimony that her mental state has been compromised due to her stressful ordeal. Anyone else would have been killed, this is no normal shinobi we are dealing with here, and it is obvious she was kept alive for this specific purpose.”

“We are even more convinced that because it was intentional he could very well return.” His grandfather again. The old man looked to Hiashi “I stand firm by my previous statement as to how to handle this.”

His uncle looked a bit uncomfortable with this and Neji found himself confused “Forgive me, I have come rather late to this meeting so I am unfamiliar with anything said prior.”

“An abortion.” The man said with absolutely no hint of emotion and Neji had to fight the urge to wince “There is absolutely no way we can allow our heir to carry the child of that criminal Uchiha Itachi to term. With her mental state being the way it is and with his full powers still an unknown to us she could end up voluntarily giving it up to him and I refuse to allow any child of Hyuuga blood to be associated with that traitor and murderer. A hybrid child of that nature is too dangerous in any case. There was a reason Hyuuga did not intermarry with Uchiha. It has been strictly forbidden to Hyuuga for generations; a child from two powerful doujutsu lineages is not acceptable.”

Why? He wanted to ask but did not. Although he did not show it, inwardly he was absolutely appalled by the decision. Force Hinata to abort her unborn child? She wouldn’t do it, it wouldn’t matter to her who the father was or how it happened. Briefly, Neji wondered if Tsunade would attempt to pull her weight since Uchiha Itachi wasn’t exactly a Hyuuga clan matter. He was almost sure once Tsunade saw the request she’d deny it; if not her Haruno, definitely.

“Why is there a belief that her mental state is unhealthy?” Neji wanted to know.

“Because oneesan swears that it wasn’t rape, that…” Hanabi was fighting valiantly to keep her cool “that he hadn’t forced herself on him. But since it’s that guy, I’m convinced he’s manipulating her with genjutsu.”

Although Hyuuga eyes normally were not fooled by genjutsu, rumors about Itachi’s almost god-like powers had spread like wildfire throughout the village when he had been seen with Hoshigaki Kisame years ago in the village. It was said that he knew a genjutsu that not even the Byakugan could break. So Hanabi’s assumption wasn’t unfounded, but something still didn’t seem right to him.

“Hinata has already been through enough as it is,” Hiashi looked unhappy “Although she is a much stronger kunoichi now than she was a few years ago, even the best of shinobi can be affected by enough trauma. Hatake Kakashi would not have recovered from Uchiha Itachi’s attack had Tsunade-sama not been around; who knows what she’s been through these past six months with him. I do not wish to make any hasty decisions.”

Hiashi’s father frowned “Yes, son, but you are forgetting that there comes a certain point where she will not be able to proceed with the operation; we cannot wait forever and she is already two months gone.”

Two months? Once again another piece of the puzzle wasn’t fitting together correctly. But if she was with him for six…I know it is not always easy to impregnate someone but if he’s as much of a genius as everyone claims him to be, it would have only taken him but the first month or so to determine Hinata-sama’s monthly cycle. If he was somewhat proficient with ijutsu he would have been able to ensure conception. So with that said, why wait so long and why release her? What would be the point of allowing her to return to Konoha just to take the child later when he could have just kept her? He’s already an international criminal, kidnapping wouldn’t exactly tarnish his reputation anymore than it already is.

The other three Hyuuga began to quietly bicker amongst themselves and Neji regarded them coolly. If he had been able to determine that much then if no one else, Hiashi would have noticed it as well. More than likely, it probably was the reason he was reluctant to have Hinata abort the unborn child. Hyuuga weren’t stupid which meant that they were possibly in denial. They wanted Hinata to have something mentally wrong with her, the alternative was too devastating.

Patiently, he waited until the others calmed down before speaking again “I take it then you would like me to remove myself from missions to personally take care of Hinata-sama’s needs now that I have returned. You do not wish to allow Ko to continue guarding her?”

“No,” his uncle shook his head “you and Hinata are closer than you were years ago and you would be better suited to keep her safe. I have already spoken to Tsunade-sama; for now you will be removed from missions until she is fully cleared medically.”

A small nod “I understand. Do you need me for anything else, Hiashi-sama? If Hiashi-sama and the elders do not mind, I would like to see how Hinata-sama is faring.”

“It is fine, Neji. Go, perhaps your presence will do her some good.”

xxxxx

They stood outside the hokage’s office and Neji watched as his cousin seemed to shrink inside herself, her expression nervous and a little afraid. Tsunade had called Hiashi and Hinata for a special meeting regarding his cousin’s ‘condition’. Both his uncle and cousin had insisted on his presence and so he was now standing beside her a small smile gracing his features. Gently he took her hand, smile widening ever so slightly at her shocked expression, and gave it a small squeeze.

“Do not worry, Hinata-sama. It will all work out. Have faith.”

She graced him with a beautiful and loving smile and not for the first time he was grateful for abandoning his hatred for her…not that he had ever hated her in the first place.

Hiashi was already inside as the two teens walked inside and to Neji’s surprise standing beside the Hokage was none other than Uzumaki Naruto and Suna’s ambassador Temari. His uncle looked very stressed and upset about the jounin’s presence and Hinata’s confusion mirrored his own.

“Hyuuga Hinata,” Tsunade leaned forward, her gaze intense on the pregnant teen “I am going to ask you a series of questions and you will answer them truthfully, do you understand?”

To her credit she did not move to lean towards her cousin for support. Instead she merely nodded and gave a soft affirmative.

The Hokage leaned back in her chair “This conversation will not leave this room, understand?” she looked at everyone sternly before continuing “After a thorough series of tests it has been concluded that Hyuuga Hinata is not, and was not influenced by genjutsu during her six months of captivity. This means that anything she says will be of her own volition and will be accepted as much by me. Now, with that said; did Uchiha Itachi kidnap you and kill your team mates?”

“No…Hokage-sama. He…we were attacked by enemy shinobi. I witnessed them kill my team mates and then they rendered me unconscious. When I awakened I had been taken in by Uchiha-san.”

Tsunade smiled “Considering the situation, Hinata, I doubt you need to use formalities.” His cousin blushed horribly and the Hokage continued “So you’re saying he saved you?”

“Yes.”

“So he tended to your injuries for six months. I read the reports and Sakura was able to confirm all of the injuries you had experienced. Why didn’t he take you to a hospital or a nearby village?”

“The closest village was a day and a half journey…he said he didn’t feel comfortable moving me with my injuries.”

The blond nodded; it was reasonable enough “That doesn’t explain why he didn’t just move you when he was finally able. Why did he keep you around?”

At this Hinata hesitated and then she shook her head “I…I don’t know, Hokage-sama. A-and to be honest…I don’t think he knew either.”

Everyone in the room was surprised by the admission and Neji frowned thoughtfully. Hinata hadn’t really told him much about what happened and he hadn’t wanted to probe. The rape allegations had never sat right to him when they had told it to him a few months ago and now it definitely didn’t hold water.

Could they have…grown feelings for each other? Could the child have actually been conceived out of love or something similar?

It sounded impossible, this was Uchiha Itachi after all and the man had brutally slaughtered his own clan. Men, women, and children; he had killed them all. So why?

“Alright, I know this is going to be a very awkward question for you Hinata but we need to know. Did you willingly sleep with Uchiha Itachi and if you did, why?”

The tension in the room couldn’t have even been cut with a kunai it was that serious. All eyes were on his cousin and she looked extremely uncomfortable but…

That look…it is not often that I have seen it but I know it. It was the look she would show whenever she was completely and utterly devoted to an ideal or purpose. It meant that whatever she was about to say, she was going to stick to until the end.

“Yes.” She finally said, startling everyone. Briefly she looked at Naruto, a sad expression emerging before looking back at Tsunade “I did because…I love him.”

“Hiashi, Neji, leave the room.” Tsunade’s voice was firm and held no argument. She looked at Hiashi when he tried to speak up “I need to discuss some things with your daughter that is top secret.” She paused when he continued to give her a somewhat defiant look “I’m not asking.”

His uncle was livid but said nothing. Instead he turned briskly on his heel and walked out, Neji close behind.

“I refuse to believe that any daughter of mine would willingly consort with such a person.” The Hyuuga head said, his hands in his sleeves and looking quite furious. Neji resisted the urge to sigh.

“Tsunade-sama says that Hinata-sama does not have any –“

“I know what she said, Neji, I was in the room.” The younger male ignored Hiashi’s irritated tone. He was frustrated and understandably so. Honestly, his feelings mirrored his uncle’s; what possessed Hinata to say something like that? She wasn’t lying, that much was obvious, but why would she do such a thing with such a person willingly? “It makes absolutely no logical sense for her to do this so either she was influenced, manipulated, coerced…” he shook his head “Tsunade might be one of the legendary sannin but she’s not perfect and she’s not god. She must have missed something, something subtle.”

Right then and there Neji knew the Hyuuga head was never going to believe Hinata’s words…he couldn’t. If he did he might as well call his daughter a traitor, a disgrace. She would be considered little less than a whore to the clan and when word got out the village as a whole. He would be forced to disown her and possibly even brand her. If the council got too much in an uproar about it she might even be killed for such blasphemy. She was Hyuuga; Hyuuga didn’t willingly sleep with international criminals who murdered, what, more than over a hundred people? The Uchiha clan hadn’t been small, it had been second largest to the Hyuuga.

Hinata must have known all of this…so why? She wasn’t a bad judge of character, what did she see in Uchiha Itachi that no one, not even his own brother, could see? What was the missing link here?

After about a half an hour the two were allowed back inside the room. His cousin’s face was still red and she looked as if she had been crying. Temari’s expression was carefully blank and Naruto looked a myriad of emotions Neji wasn’t even going to attempt to try and fathom. Seeing the blond so serious bothered him a bit.

“Here’s the deal,” Tsunade sighed and looked as if she had a headache. “Hinata has requested to carry the child to term and I’m granting it.”

Hiashi bristled “Hokage-sama…”

She shook her head “I understand she’s your heir but her situation is unique. I am convinced that Uchiha Itachi purposefully did what he did; he was considered an absolute genius and his records prove it. With that said, aborting the child could be disastrous for the village; I don’t want him coming here to get revenge.” She gave him a grim smile “That man got into the village so easily last time it was insulting. If you kill that child I can’t guarantee he won’t return and do just that. I don’t care how good you think your clan is; my responsibility is to the village and all the clans and he’s too much of a threat to risk it.” She frowned “However, I can’t let Hinata stay here either. Once word gets out, she’ll be in danger. The Uchiha clan was wiped out, some of those folks had friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, people that weren’t Uchiha but were attached nonetheless. The chances of them taking out their pain and frustration on her is too high. That’s not including the reaction from the clan.”

Temari finally stepped forward “When Uzumaki came to Suna on a mission with Haruno he told Gaara about Hyuuga’s situation and he offered to lend his assistance. My brother anticipated something like this would happen based on what he was told. Since we’re allies, he is offering Hyuuga Hinata sanctuary in our country.”

Hiashi and Neji just blinked at her. “For how long?” the younger male blurted out, still a little stunned.

“Permanently.” Tsunade answered “He’s offering full citizenship, a chance to become a Suna shinobi if she so chooses. No one will know or suspect her there and she’ll be able to raise the child without fear. This isn’t an option, for her safety and that of the village she must leave. Since she’s still not far along for travel to be unwise for her, she will be leaving immediately, I expect the Hyuuga to send any belongings she cannot carry over at a later date.” A smirk flickered on painted lips and she gave Neji a look “Oh yeah, you’re going with her.”

The young jounin blinked twice “Excuse me?”

xxxxx

For the fifteenth time since they had began their journey Neji resisted the urge to sigh “Hinata-sama,” he began, trying his best to sound calm even though he was becoming slightly annoyed “I told you a thousand times, I am not angry that you specifically requested for me to accompany you. I am not upset about having to leave the village and my team – the latter will save me sleepless nights, incredibly early mornings, and headaches. I am not upset with about the fact that you are pregnant, although ‘stunned’, ‘shocked’, and even ‘somewhat horrified’ come to mind. Thanks to this my cursed seal has been…altered and it can no longer bring me physical pain. I am not at all angry, sad, or disappointed so please stop apologizing.”

Temari looked amused and he did not share her sentiments. He was only grateful that they had actually arrived. He loved his cousin but her ability to guilt trip herself into oblivion was trying at times.

Not that I helped any over the years. Well, he was only human; even if he did feel like a jackass for being irritated it didn’t mean the feeling would go away. It also didn’t help that he was somewhat overheated from the hot weather and thusly a little irritable. Temari was wearing dark colors and she looked just fine; he kind of hated her at the moment. While he’d never admit it out loud, he was also rather irritable because the heat would more than likely dry out his hair…and his hair was his only vanity. He took rather good care of it; there was a reason it looked as soft and shiny as it did. Of course, his hair could become as dry as the desert and he’d never complain. Neji was no whiner.

“Gaara set aside a few hours today to show you two around and answer any questions you might have.” Temari informed them as they passed the natural rock ridge leading into the village “Since you’re friends of Uzumaki, he wanted to personally greet you, so we’ll be heading to the tower first.” She looked at Hinata “It’s pretty hot this time of year, Hyuuga. It might be best if you allow Gaara to just escort Neji around while you and the baby get some rest.”

He had to hand it to her, if Temari held any disgust or ill feelings towards Hinata because of her situation she sure as hell wasn’t showing it. More than likely, she probably didn’t care. She was an ambassador but that didn’t mean she held any personal feelings towards Konoha or its people.

His cousin nodded, although she looked miserable which made him feel guilty. This had to be agonizing for her; while he was close to his teammates and they were somewhat like a family to him it wasn’t nearly as close as her bond with hers. Kurenai had all but taken her in, giving her the mother figure she had lost years ago. Inuzuka and Aburame had helped her become stronger in their own ways, while also standing by as emotional support. Now all she had was him and he was already snapping at her. She was young, pregnant, in an unfamiliar land without family and friends and more than likely she was horribly afraid.

“Hinata-sama,” he put a hand gently on her shoulder and she gave him a slightly confused glance “Do not worry, once weather permits I will show you around. Is there anything you’d like while I am out? Whatever you’d like, I will get it for you.”

He had known she wouldn’t take him up on the offer but that hadn’t been the point. When she smiled at him and relaxed a bit he felt a little better. Some rest would do her good.

Gaara was actually not in his office when they had arrived, but in the guest halls. Apparently Temari had known this, as she had not at all been surprised to see him there. He had been leaning against the wall by the door to a room when they had rounded the corner and immediately straightened, turning to face them. Neji found himself blinking at the seventeen year old and the obvious differences.

He was taller, although Neji had more height on him by far, with wider shoulders and a lean frame. His hair was but a little bit longer but still wild, red, and all over the place. It was his expression that caught Neji off guard the most, for he had not seen the other male since the chunnin exams and a completely unemotional Gaara seemed…off.

Taking a few steps forward the Kazekage uncrossed his arms and a very, very small smile emerged. It almost completely changed his demeanor, mostly because the smile actually reached his eyes. In fact, the more Neji looked at him, the more he realized that while his face was impassive his eyes still glittered with emotion just as it had years ago. This time, however, it wasn’t the gleam of madness or bloodlust, it was genuine kindness and the Hyuuga didn’t know how to make it compute in his head.

“Welcome to Suna.” His voice was the same, deep but soft; unhurried. “I trust there was no trouble along the way?”

“Nope, got here safe and sound.” Temari smiled at him and the Hyuuga took in that it was also genuine, no longer was there any fear. He had heard Gaara had changed after his battle with Naruto and it was obviously one hundred percent true. “Hyuuga might need some rest though, you mind just showing her cousin around instead?”

“Oh no…” Hinata clasped her hands, putting them near her chest “Kazekage-sama took time off especially to show us around. I don’t want to be rude…”

The redhead raised a hand to cut her off “It is not rude, your condition takes precedence over something as simple as a tour. Temari can show you to your room, please try to rest. Tsunade-sama instructed that you go to medical first thing in the morning for a check up.” He looked at his sister “Would you mind showing Hyuuga-san around at a later date?”

When Hinata moved to complain again the blond gave her a little push “Cut that out. If you’re going to be living here you gotta learn not to be so polite about everything. And don’t worry about our feelings, I really doubt you could ever offend us.” She smirked “Yeah, I don’t mind showing her around, she’ll need a girl to relate to since she doesn’t know anyone. I’ll even introduce her to Matsuri.”

His smile widened slightly “She would like that. I think she should be returning from a mission in another day or so. I believe that will give Hyuuga-san plenty of time to rest and adjust herself a bit.” He looked at Hinata “Is that acceptable?”

She looked almost horrified “Of…of course! I wouldn’t…”

“Of course it’s fine, Gaara.” Temari rolled her eyes “You know she’s not going to say no.” she grabbed his cousin’s arm “C’mon, I’ll show you to your room and then we’ll get you something to eat.”

As the two women walked further down the hall jade eyes shifted to the pack Neji was holding over his shoulder “Is that all you have?” when the Hyuuga nodded he turned slightly, opening the door he had been standing beside “This room is yours.”

White eyes blinked “Oh. Thank you.” The room was simple although it was twice the size of his bedroom in the branch house. Setting his bag down near the door inside a shiver went up his spine when he felt hands move through his hair. Startled, he straightened, eyes wide and confused at the Kazekage. He was even more confused by the redhead’s reaction. He was staring at his hand as if it were some sort of foreign object he had never seen before. It was only for a moment before he looked at Neji with those intense green eyes.

“I…apologize.” It was said sincerely “I am not…entirely sure why I did that.” And indeed he sounded very confused.” He blinked once and then the confusion was gone, replaced by cool indifference “Would you like more time to get ready?”

“N-no…I’m fine.” he suddenly felt very out of sorts. For some reason looking at the Kazekage made him feel strange, mostly because he was just so different from all those years ago that he was having a difficult time adjusting. The personality change made him uncomfortable and he wasn’t sure why. And then there were his eyes. Neji was good at reading emotions through eye contact. The simplest twitch here, the shift in gaze there; he could determine much. Looking into Gaara’s eyes, however, made him feel as if he were sinking, plunging into some unknown territory that he didn’t quite understand. Not only that, it felt as if he could see into him, that the Kazekage saw just as much as he. It was disconcerting, Neji was not used to people being able to accurately read him. Then there was just the fact that his eyes were so vivid, the dark circles only enhanced it.

Years ago during the chunnin exams Neji hadn’t thought much about Gaara besides the fact that he had been strong, insane, but a worthy opponent. Now he had a completely different feeling and he wasn’t sure if he liked it or not.

With a small nod Gaara then took the lead, his strides steady and unhurried, his gait smooth. His gourd was not on his back initially but when they left the compound he had briefly stopped by his office to grab it. Neji remained silent, typical when he wanted to observe new surroundings and adjust to his present company. It seemed that Gaara was also not a talker, but the silence was not uncomfortable. Since this was to be the Hyuuga’s new home his white eyes tried to take in everything, especially the people. So far he was ignored; foreigners from Konoha weren’t terribly uncommon or unwelcome since they were allies. He wondered if that would change once the villagers began to realize the white eyed people weren’t going away.

“You were a jounin?” Gaara’s question cut him from his thoughts and when he looked he noticed the redhead was looking right at him. Warmth and discomfort filled him at the piercing stare and he nodded, trying to keep his expression as impassive as possible.

“Yes. I am not sure if you remember but I was the teammate of –“

“Of Rock Lee.” He gave a brief nod and turned “Yes, I know.”

Silence continued and this time it did feel a little tense. No, it felt…awkward. Even though Gaara was quiet and appeared calm he seemed to have an intense aura about him, especially when one looked into his eyes. It was really throwing him out of whack.

Since everything was pretty much either named or its purpose was obvious, Neji felt fine about Gaara not explaining anything. Perhaps the redhead knew he didn’t mind the silence, he didn’t know. He did notice that the villagers seemed to have a sort of love for the Kazekage. Although they didn’t approach him directly, they would smile or wave and he would give a small nod or smile back. It was all just too weird for Neji; where did the homicidal maniac go? This Gaara felt like such a completely different person and indeed he was.

As the day grew later the redhead suddenly stopped in front of a restaurant “Are you hungry?”

He was “I am a bit.”

With a small nod he turned to walk inside but then paused again and turned to look at him “Do you care for spicy food?”

At the word ‘spicy’ Neji’s stomach did a twisted flip flop and he felt a little ill “Ah…I haven’t had many pleasant experiences with spicy food I’m afraid.”

Gaara seemed to have this habit of just staring at a person, which was really damn unnerving. Then he smiled briefly “Does it have anything to do with the ‘Curry of Life?’” he looked amused and Neji actually chuckled.

“So he told you about that, did he?”

“Very enthusiastically.” The smile widened “The letter was ten pages, half was on the curry itself and how delicious and youthful it was. It…apparently saved his life?”

Still chuckling, Neji shook his head. That Rock Lee sometimes… “Yes, although it kills anyone else.” Without thinking he flashed Gaara a smile and walked inside with him “It’s an interesting story, although I was unconscious for a bit of it…”

As Neji continued he didn’t notice the brief flicker of confusion in the Kazekage’s jade eyes before it shifted to something else entirely. By the time the Hyuuga turned to him again the look was gone.

 

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