Inari-Okami

Day One

Hinata was feeling better by the first day, of Neji's agreement. Of course he had Inari-okami to thank. They settled themselves in the sitting room that night after dinner, Hinata walking around as if she were never ill to begin with. After Hanabi prepared tea, and everyone had steaming cups, then did they discuss what to make of Inari-okami's warning.

"Oh curse you cousin. Me Hokage?" Hinata ranted rubbing her forehead. "And the shrine erected once more."

"It would make sense." Sakura added, hand to her chin in thought. "Those welts on the back, were like whip lashes. Combined together, they formed the nine tails of Inari-okami."

"While you were away cousin," Hanabi spoke up grabbing his attention. "Kabuto, fell ill."

"Serves him right." Sakura cut in taking a sip of tea. "Lying to the people the way he did."

"More lords have fallen ill too, people are getting anxious." Ino spoke from her spot on the engawa. Her hair was in a low ponytail trailing along the tatami. "You could persuade them Hinata."

"As well as Neji." Hinata countered. "You saw them. And the kitsune messengers. Well at least some of them."

Neji looked to his lap, tea untouched on the chabudai.

"According to Neji, we have their favor and support right?" Hanabi asked from her spot beside Hinata.

"Then where do we start?" Ino asked leaving the engawa to sit beside Sakura.

Hinata bowed her head in thought occasionally looking up to Neji and Sakura. Sakura looked to Neji who shrugged. There was no telling as to what Hinata was thinking.

"Alright." Hinata sipped her tea draining the cup before pushing it away. "I think we should raise the shrine first."

"Huh?" Hanabi tilted to peer into her cousin's face. "But won't the Hokage and his soldiers just tear it down."

"They will try without a doubt," Hinata turned to Neji. "However, given what Inari-Okami told you Neji, I don't think they will be successful. And if they are, we will just build another. So Neji, from now on, you will act as the head priest of this shrine, since Inari-sama favors you. Kindly ask that they restore the fields."

"But…" Neji fell quiet, thinking it over biting onto his thumb. "The three of us won't be enough to maintain it every day, and the well is going dry."

"You mean the five of us." Sakura cut in with a smile. "As if we'd abandon you now."

Hinata bowed to the pink haired woman. Hanabi and Neji followed suit. It was generous and kind of them to stay behind and help.

"Thank you Sakura. Ino. That means a lot to me."

"Pssshh." Ino waved her off. "I think if we are to ask for anything it should be to restore the well and then save the fields."

"Perhaps." Hinata added. "But first let's start with the shrine, we can place it across the path up the mountain. I want everyone prepared for retaliation, when Shikamaru and Shino come through to collect taxes we won't be paying them. Instead we will buy the necessary ingredients for raising the shrine and restoring the fields. Be sure to travel in pairs. Neji, on the third day, take another offering to Inari-okami. I will utilize every advantage if it means Inari-okami will return their favor to the land of Konoha."

They could only stare at Hinata, the way she spoke, the way she looked them in the eye. Chuckling to himself, Neji smiled, understanding why Haku-sama wanted Hinata to become Hokage. She was very strong willed and not afraid to take matters into her own hands.

"You will make a fine Hokage, Hinata." Neji said, smiling fondly.

Hinata returned that smile before looking outside. The moon, a waxing quarter, was high in the sky bathing the dry garden, and the barren maple in an iridescent silver.

"Sakura, Ino. If you would be willing to stay. Personally I would ask that you move in."

"Sure." Ino answered. "It won't be safe for us back home anyway, once we start helping you."

"Alright then, come sunrise we will begin raising the shrine. So I wish everyone a peaceful sleep." Hinata concluded. "Neji can I speak to you alone?"

Everyone else rose, bowing with their retreat to bed. Hinata poured herself another cup of tea before rising, choosing instead to sit on the engawa. Neji followed leaving his tea behind. Once comfortably seated, Hinata turned to Neji, cup placed beside her as she pulled the ribbon from her hair. Like her mother, it was slightly blue in color, and clipped in the front into a bang. She combed her fingers through it, splitting it into three pieces. Understanding what she wanted to do, Neji took over, braiding Lady Hyuuga's long hair.

"You never said what would happen if we fail." Hinata spoke after a moment of silence.

The fingers in her hair paused.

"Its alright Neji-kun."

Neji continued braiding chewing his lip. Hinata only used the formal way of his name when she knew he was worried. Too afraid to share a burden. When the braid was finished, he sat by her side staring at the tree surrounded by dead plants.

"If I am going to be a leader, then I should be aware of the worst case should we fail to restore Inari-okami's presence to the people of Konoha."

She didn't look at him when she spoke, eyes also fixed on the moon sitting overhead. Neji swallowed as he exhaled, fear creeping up his spine. A breeze pushed against their clothing, the night air crisp when Neji inhaled the scent blowing across the yard. It smelled of rain and wet dirt and grass. Probably from the rain that fell upon his return home.

"If I do not return, Inari-okami will burn the village of Konoha and its people." Neji answered finally.

"Hmm." Hinata cast her gaze on him for a moment, eyebrows furrowed. "An interesting play on words."

"They know about me Hinata. About my…" Neji trailed off, shifting as he turned from the tree to stare into his lap. He would wait to speak about becoming Haku-sama's bride. He did not want to worry her further.

"Of course they would." Hinata took up the cup, blowing away steam before drinking. "Neji, I never said anything before, but… You have Inari-sama's mark."

He never realized. But as he thought back to the conversation he had with the deity, he understood as well.

"Where?"

"On the back of your neck."

Unconsciously Neji's hand rose under his hair, to touch over the kimono he wore, fingers prodding near the nape.

"I saw it when you were bathing, that day I found out how special you were." She shifted, letting her feet hang over the side. "I knew I would lead the family one day, but I figured from that day forward that you would be the one to uphold Inari-sama's shrine. That's why I asked you to ask father to re-erect the shrine."

"I see."

"Do you feel better now?"

Neji looked up at her, a brow raised in confusion.

"The day I found out, you were calling yourself a freak. You didn't believe yourself to be special, despite knowing that Inari-Okami is sexless."

"I have too many Hinata. I am nothing like Inari-sama."

"I suppose you will understand in time." Hinata drank more of her tea, peering over the garden once more. "You should love yourself more." She put a hand to her cousin's shoulder, offering a warm smile. "Good night Neji-kun."

The Hyuuga leader rose from her seat, leaving Neji alone on the engawa. When she was gone, Neji hiccuped as tears rose to his eyes, falling unrestrained to his kimono.

How could he love himself?

Day Two

When the sun peeked over the horizon Neji, along with the remaining Hyuuga's, and the newly added Haruno family, collected spare boards from the shed into the cart. They made their trek to the section of land in front of the mountain path, and began erecting a simple shrine. Luckily or by Inari-sama's will, the soldiers who guarded the path weren't present to stop or report them.

"It doesn't need to be extravagant. But Inari-Okami should see that we are willing." Hinata stated after breakfast had been cleared away. "So take something of personal possession, that we know they favor, and place it onto the shrine."

Sakura and Hinata used the hoe to clear a small section for the shrine as well as a small space behind the shrine to raise a new garden. Hanabi and Ino shaped the wood into that of a small home, while Neji worked on carving out a small torii. The way his father taught him, when they once made the shinto shrine under the maple. When he finished, he made sure to slant the ends, before painting the entire shrine. Red for the base of the torii and shrine, and black for the top of the torii and shrine roof. Once finished, each placed a personal possession onto the altar.

Hanabi chose her red obi with gold trimmings, a garment she used to wear during the lunar moon festivals. Ino and Sakura agreed on a bottle of sake they were saving for a special occasion.

"Can't get anymore special than this." Sakura told them when she placed it onto the shrine.

Hinata gave up her favorite kanzashi bira, decorated with plum blossoms, pieces of white and pink ribbons dangling from its base. Last on the shrine was Neji's favorite figurine that his father helped hide under the tatami mats in his room. It was the nine tailed kitsune messenger Kyuubi. Painted a dark red, with nine tails at its base, and crimson jeweled eyes. It was a foot tall, and carved carefully from stone. A gift from his father on his tenth birthday.

This sat in the middle amongst all the offerings.

When everything was placed, each kneeled behind Neji closing their eyes with hands clasped in their laps, head bowed. Neji clapped once before bowing his head to send his first prayer as head priest.

"If you can hear me Inari-okami, Kyuubi-sama. Haku-sama. I ask that you look upon us, and forgive us for our trespass against you. May you now continue to look upon us in a new light, one of mercy and hope. Kyuubi-sama, in return for this offering, I ask that you present Inari-sama with our humble wish."

Neji paused looking upon the stone imitation of Kyuubi, eyes glittering with the sunlight. He didn't want to overdo it. So he would ask for the most important thing his family needed to survive. The Hyuuga brought his clasped hands to his lips, eyes closed as he continued.

"Inari-sama, I ask that you lay your nurturing hands upon this field, and give it life once more. I ask that you restore the_"

"Hey!"

Neji's eyes snapped open as footsteps approached from his left.

"How the hell did you manage this?!" One soldier asked, his mouth slightly muffled by the bandana tied over it. The pair of soldiers stood over the Hyuuga's, spears raised and pointed, one dangerously close to Ino's nose. "This is a crime punishable by death!"

"We made it while you were lazing around town, bastards." Ino smarted, back pushed against Sakura to avoid getting pierced. Hanabi curled into Hinata's back, gripping her sleeves as she clutched behind her.

The soldiers pushed closer, forcing the group tighter together. Neji fell to the side, arm bumping the stone figure.

When the soldiers demanded they all rise, the one with curly and brown hair, scraped into a ponytail, dropped his spear.

"S-Shino! Do you see that?"

Neji turned as the soldier Shino did, staring at the shrine, or rather behind it. Hinata and Ino gasped, while Hanabi broke into a quiet sob.

Under the rays of the sun, green nubs peeked from the overturned dirt. The specks grew, more leaves sprouting as it took the shape of a long blue pods, others white with a blemish of pink as well as purple. As if moving forward in time, the colorful pods lengthened before splitting open, revealing bluebells, kiku, sumire, and one lone red blossom.

A spider lily.

It was a reminder if nothing at all.

"Has Inari-sama forgiven us?" The soldier Shino asked, voice quivering as he sank to his knees. His fellow soldier took off running back the way he came.

"With time." Hinata said now on her feet. "Perhaps if you ask forgiveness for abandoning them as we have, Inari-sama may return their favor."

Shino stared at the girl, eyes wide as tears crept into them. With a shuddering breath he threw his head to the ground before the shrine, sobbing openly as he mumbled and ranted to himself.

Neji too rose from the shrine turning to see the path behind them. His eyes widened and he looked to see if Hinata could see this as well, but she seemed more occupied with the small garden now in full bloom. Neji turned back to the steps under the first torii. On each step of the trail sat nine kitsunes, in nine different colors. Each had a tail, increasing in number the higher up the steps. He easily recognized Matatabi, on the second step. On the the fifth was the familiar form of Karin-san, and above her, Sai-kun who sat on the sixth. Kyuubi sat at the ninth step, eyes glittering like the stone figurine upon the shrine.

All of the Tailed messengers were present.

To witness the erection of Inari-okami's shrine.

Hinata turned to Neji who was now gazing at her with hopeful eyes. Even though she couldn't see them, she smiled with a hand on her cousin's shoulder. The soldier returned then, with other soldiers and curious villagers. Most thin and scrawny from lack of food, other coughing and hacking as the illness claimed more lives. Even so, Neji watched as each whispered to one another, pointing and gesturing in awe.

"It is a sign. Inari-sama has forgiven the Hyuuga clan." Hinata called to the small mass. "You need only offer your blessing, and Inari-sama will bless us once more with prosperity."

Hinata began to undo her kimono, turning her back to the crowd. Neji and Sakura grab the front of her kimono as she revealed the scars along her back.

"Like most too weak to stand, I too suffered the wrath of Inari-okami's anger. Because like you I abandoned them." Some amongst the crowd gasped at the nine lashes across her back, now healed. "Abandoned them. And for what?" Sakura helped Hinata fix her nagajuban and sash, her kimono still layered around her waist. "For a false god who does nothing for its starving and ailing people. The Hokage told us to pray to this false god to save us from Inari-Okami's wrath, but did he?"

Hinata pulled up the sleeves of her kimono. When everything was in place she spoke again.

"He did not. The moment our family priest begged Inari-sama for forgiveness, I was healed." Hinata exclaimed gesturing to Neji. "You may continue to worship your false god, but the Hyuuga's will stand for this heresy no longer!"

The woman spoke with a finality that made Neji wonder why Haku-sama did not choose her as a bride. She was wise, confident with herself and body. Neji was sure he was none of those things. It was that moment, Shikamaru pushed through the crowd, Kiba in tow. Staring at the shrine and the blooming garden in surprise.

"Shikamaru?" He turned to Hinata, mouth falling open, the piece of wood in his teeth dropping to the ground. "Tell your Hokage, we refuse to pay the tax. Tell him the Hyuuga's will no longer stand behind him as Hokage."

The people gasped, as well as Neji and Ino, who was not expecting something so brazen.

"We are leaving."

Hanabi, Ino, Sakura, and Neji turned to leave following behind the family head who held her head high.

"You think you can get away with this?!" Shikamaru shouted taking up the spear Shino dropped to the ground. He pointed it at Hinata. "The Hokage will burn this shrine to the ground for your insolence!"

"Then we will raise another." Hinata called back, her pace unbroken. "And another, and so forth until he and his god leave Konoha and its people alone. This sickness and starvation is his fault."

When the group reached the inside of the Hyuuga house, the gate closed behind them, Hinata heaved a huge sigh of relief. Neji clenched his chest, heart racing fast enough to make him dizzy. How lucky they were to avoid harm in such an intense moment. Ino ran ahead and turned around to face Hinata, her smile so wide it nearly split her face in two.

"So we're Hyuuga's now?"

Hinata smiled, turning to Sakura. "I hope I wasn't being presumptuous, but we could use a new doctor and field expert."

"You weren't. But surely Hanabi knows as much as you as far as plants go." Sakura claimed as they each removed their sandals.

"True, but after seven more days, Hanabi will be the new head priestess of the Inari-okami shrine."

"But you just told the villagers it was Neji." Hanabi stated following her sister who led them all to the sitting room.

"Yes but if I am guessing correctly, Neji won't be returning to us after the ninth day."

"You won't?" Sakura asked, wrinkles appearing along her brow. It was the only proof of her increasing worry.

Neji swallowed as all eyes turned to him. He took his seat next to Hanabi who was looking at him with wide eyes. With a sigh Neji confessed what Hinata managed to figure out on her own.

"Inari-sama said that I must stay with them, as a trade."

"Why do I feel like it's also because of...?" Sakura inquired head resting in her hand she cast a quick glance at Hinata who only shrugged. Hanabi and Ino looked between them before staring at Neji.

"If I do not return on the ninth day, Hinata's illness will return and Konoha will burn to the ground." The Hyuuga spoke ignoring their questioning gazes.

"Damn it! Just when I was getting happy!" Ino exclaimed, slamming her head against the table.

"I'm sure if I inquire, I will be allowed to visit from time to time." Neji added placing a hand to her shoulder in comfort.

"We will cross that bridge when we get to it." Hinata remarked, her solemn frown traded for a gentle smile. "In any case, I would be honored to welcome the Haruno's as an extension of the Hyuuga family."

Ino lifted her head from the table, smiling. "Of course."

"I agree."

Even though Sakura and Ino were two years older, they still treated Hinata like a loving younger sister.

"Sakura Hyuuga and Ino Hyuuga. That sounds weird." Hanabi berated, standing to start a fire in the adjoining room for a pot of tea.

"They will still be Sakura and Ino Haruno. But also an extension of the Hyuugas. Like a second last name." Neji explained to the youngest Hyuuga.

"Sooo… Sakura Haruno-Hyuuga?" Hanabi questioned striking flint against small logs. When the fire took, she blew on it until the flame expanded. She disappeared along the side for only a moment before returning to the fire with a tea kettle in hand.

"Hold on, let me get more water." Ino called rise from her mat heading for the closed engawa. When she opened the sliding panel everyone behind her gasped. In what was suppose to be a desolate garden, was more ume and kiku. But what was even more shocking, was the tree which had been barren of leaves for some time, was now in full bloom, even though Konoha now sat in the middle of autumn.

"Why is everyone so starstruck?" Hanabi asked returning to the sitting area. When her eyes fell upon the garden and tree in bloom she dropped the yunomi set.

As if struck by force, Ino quickly slid into her sandals, and ran for the well, pulling back the wooden lid.

"Its filled!" She exclaimed. "Great Inari-sama, it worked!"

Hanabi jumped up and down with excitement, tea set left forgotten on the floor.

"Inari-sama fulfilled both wishes, even though I only prayed for one." Neji spoke hands covering his mouth in surprise.

"Let us not question it." Hinata spoke with tears in her eyes. "Tomorrow is the third day, Neji you should give Inari-Okami our thanks."

Neji nodded.

"There may be hope for us yet."

Day Three

Donning a purple kimono with a black obi, Neji checked the basket containing more inarizushi. He had no sake to offer this time around, but considering how Haku-sama reacted to the last bottle, he was more than happy to forgo it. However in its place, Hinata suggested tea, and Neji pulled his favorite box from the tea shelf. Placing it into the basket with care, Neji debated if he should take cups and plates.

The last set was left behind, per their request.

Deciding against it, Neji closed the lid, peering through the window to the blooming maple. Auburn leaves were spread all across the yard, the color a beautiful addition to the flowers. With a deep breath, Neji collected the basket and made his way through the yard. Passing Hinata on his way out. She was smiling, happy that the garden was restored. It felt good to see her joyous face again.

Heading up the road past the field with Hanabi, Sakura, and Ino moving about. The entire field wasn't restored, however Haku-sama was gracious enough to provide enough harvest to last the Hyuuga's through the winter. Further on, Neji could see the shrine, blankets and incense left near and around it. Once he was close enough, Neji smiled.

More offerings.

It was good to know that a lot of people were turning away from the Hokage with such ease. Bowls of rice, and soup, and little trinkets sat upon the blankets, next to folded papers holding prayers.

The trail was left unguarded, and Neji made his way up. Everything was quiet save for the gentle breeze pulling leaves from half empty trees. Leaves rustled along the ground, littering the stone steps in hues of gold and red. Before he knew it he was at the sixth torii. Unlike last time, there was no fog. No zipping creatures. No snarling and growling from the surrounding forest. At the ninth torii, Neji once again stood before the bridge although he wasn't as tired as before.

Taking the bridge across, Neji noticed that there were no ripples in the water, but a mist floated across the pond in ruffling waves. It reminded the Hyuuga of lingering spirits, but Neji doubted the type would be here in such a pure space. When he reached the shrine, Kyuubi was laid across the grass, tails limp by its side. When Neji approached, eyes blinked open, freezing him in place.

Thy Hyuuga bowed. "Kyuubi-sama. It is good to see you."

Kyuubi huffed, rolling onto its back, twisting around and wiggling.

"Uh, um… I hope the shrine was to your liking Kyuubi-sama." Neji stuttered out backing away as three tails flicked his way.

"I am no master here." Kyuubi spoke, righting itself, stretching once on all fours. "Kyuubi-san is fine."

"Ah yes forgive me Kyuubi-san." Neji lifted the basket lid to pull out a bundle wrapped in bamboo leaf. "Inarizushi, for you." Neji stooped to place the bundle to the ground undoing the strings. "Thank you for delivering our wishes to Haku-sama."

Kyuubi stared at it curiously, tails, all nine dormant on the grass.

"Hyuuga-san?"

The Hyuuga turned toward the entrance, noticing Karin-san standing before it.

"Inari-sama is waiting."

Neji nodded, rising as he followed the other kitsune.

"Enjoy Kyuubi-san."

Trailing behind Karin-san, Neji looked over the pond waters, the mist getting thicker and thicker with each step. Soon rain fell over the waters, pittering and hissing as it pattered against the pond. Karin-san stopped, gesturing to Inari-okami who sat facing the pond watching the rain fall. With a bow she left, taking up her kitsune form along the way.

"Haku-sama." Neji paid his respects before taking the zabuton next to theirs.

Today, they wore a green yukata, with white and black chrysanthemums, over it they wore white trousers. The obi, like Neji's was black.

"Good to see you again Neji-kun."

"If it pleases you, I brought tea to go with today's batch." Neji pulled the tin box from the basket holding it out for them to see.

"Beautiful." They took a sniff, eyes closed as if savoring the fragrance. "The tea is lovely too."

Neji gasped hands dropping to his lap, heat blooming across his cheeks. Biting his lip, Neji looked over the pond as he tried to find his voice "T-thank you…. Um… If you have a tea set, I would be more than happy to prepare this for you."

Haku-sama gestured to the adjacent room, an iron kettle steaming hot, sat on a wooden serving board. Neji stumbled a bit as he set up the tea, everytime he looked back, Haku-sama eyes caught his in an unwavering stare.

"How are you today?" Neji asked, if only to distract from the curious gaze. He sat on his knees, waiting with a nervous twiddle of his fingers. Surely it did not take this long for tea to steep did it?

"I fare well Neji-kun." When they blinked it was slow, gaze drifting from the Hyuuga's face to his fidgeting hands. "Has no one called you beautiful before?"

Inhaling sharply, Neji clasped his hands.

There it was again.

Beautiful.

No one has ever called him that. Except for maybe Sakura, but the woman was only joking.

"Do you not think yourself beautiful Neji-kun?" Haku-sama rose from the engawa to sit beside the Hyuuga, watching the blotches of scarlet bloom across his face.

No he did not. He was a foul creature that should have never been born. With a gulping swallow, Neji checked the teapot, taking up one of the cups with shaking hands.

"I-I believe the tea is r-ready, Haku-sama." Neji deflected pouring the cup, pretending he didn't hear the rattling as his hands shook. Once he finished pouring the second cup, Haku-sama grabbed his hand. And Neji could only marvel at how soft, and delicate those hands were despite the strength within that grip.

"Is there a reason why?" Haku-sama's lips were turned downward, eyes narrowed and shining like golden yen.

"I'm not normal, Haku-sama." Neji whispered face downcast. "I am not…"

He shouldn't say these things. He was suppose to be here giving thanks from the Hyuuga family. With a shuddering breath, the Hyuuga cleared his thoughts away, blinking several times to push away unshed tears.

"You should know, the village seems taken with Hinata. There were offerings this morning." The Hyuuga spoke up turning to face the deity. But when he saw their eyes, he swallowed again. "H-Hinata was quite b-brave, yesterday. Many villagers…. they were in awe. Her head held high. She spoke with amazing confidence. "

"Hmmm."

When they said nothing further, Neji continued.

"You restored the well… and the garden and fields. The Hyuuga's have enough to last them the winter." He paused to look at his hands, still clasped in Haku-sama's grasp. "The Hyuuga's are grateful. Thank you for your generosity Haku-sama."

The deity nodded, thumbs rubbing over the Hyuuga's trembling hands.

"Do you think I am weird Neji-kun?" They asked, eyes peering into Neji's widening ones.

He shook his head. "Of course not Haku-sama! I could never think of such a thing."

"Do you think perhaps, I am not normal?"

"N-no." The Hyuuga could feel the frown turning his lips, confused as to how such a beautiful deity, powerful as they are, think such things about themselves. If anyone should speak such ill against Haku-sama, may their wrath know no bounds.

"But we are so much alike Neji-kun. Surely if you feel this way about yourself, then you feel the same for me, who shares the same body as you."

The Hyuuga's mouth fell, eyes widening to unnatural proportions. Of course Haku-sama would feel this way. Neji was a fool to say such things aloud, especially when the two of them were so similar in body. Yet, Haku-sama was a deity, capable of many things. Holding the ability to save or destroy many lives. Villages worshipped them.

Loved them.

Neji was no exception.

"You are much better than I, Haku-sama." Neji whispered. "You are capable of many feats. I can only make inarizushi. Hinata can lead a village. I could barely sell the vegetables she and Hanabi grew in the yard."

"Everyone has something they are good at. Just because you have not discovered yours does not make you any less." Haku-sama lifted the Hyuuga's hand to their cheek, kissing the knuckle. "I chose you for reasons other than your ability to make inarizushi. You should love yourself more."

Tears welled in Neji's eyes, throat closing as he struggled to breath. Hinata said the same thing.

"Never let anyone tell you otherwise." Haku-sama spoke with a finality that made the Hyuuga's heart lurch. With another kiss to Neji's knuckles, Haku-sama waved, the basket that had been left on the engawa, vanished before reappearing by their side.

"That reminds me."

Haku-sama summoned plates, serving the fried tofu the way Neji had when he first arrived. "I have a gift for you. I meant to give it to you when you first came here. Do you often carve wood?"

"I-I do." Neji answered wiping away the stray tear that fell. If Haku-sama noticed they didn't say. "Since I was a child. My father taught me."

"The figurine you gave me was quite beautiful. Delicate." A box appeared in front of Neji, wrapped in paper and tied with a string. "I appreciate an honest gift but answer me this. Why did you give it to me?"

Neji thought for a moment. Thinking back to the day Sai-kun escorted him home. "I wanted you to have it. You seemed kind, and I thought…" The Hyuuga trailed off, another blush dusting his cheeks.

He had thought Haku-sama was beautiful. Before he realized who they were. Realized he was attracted to Haku-sama before they were introduced as Inari-okami. Before his first appearance at the shrine, he hoped to see Haku-sama again, only to find the kitsune Karin-san or Sai-san waiting for him.

"Open it." Haku-sama ordered, a smile adorning their face.

With shaking hands Neji pulled the strings, smoothing the paper away carefully. Behind the brown wrapping paper was a box, and once the lid was removed, several carving tools rested inside on a white cloth. Much more complex than the knife and pick he used to carve the kitsune figurines. There were seven in total, each used in its own way for adding detail to wood as well as clay. He looked forward to using them, and he couldn't stop the smile turning his lips.

"Thank you very much Haku-sama. I appreciate it." Neji ran his fingers over the polished wood of the box and tool handles. "I truly do."

"Seeing you smile makes me happy." Haku-sama took up the cup blowing steam away from the tea. "Haku-san or Haku is just fine. There is no longer any need for you to be so formal."

"I-I-I am eternally g-grateful."

He was.

To think the relationship between the two of them could mature so quickly. Him a human, and Haku a deity. They drank and Neji followed suit, admiring the aroma of cherry blossoms mixed with fresh herbs including mint. It was refreshing and always made him feel better, calming his nerves.

Haku…

Neji smiled.

"Will you carve for me?" Haku returned the cup to the table.

"I would love to Haku-san."

"Just Haku. I like that better." Haku replied, eyes roaming over the Hyuuga.

"H-Haku." The blush returned as he looked away, hands rubbing his cheeks. He could feel his heart and stomach fluttering. "What would you like?"

"Can you carve all of my pups? All nine of them?"

Neji nodded eagerly. "I carve human forms as well. I can add a carving of you if you'd like."

"I would like that. I would like for you to stay for dinner. Won't you?"

Neji nodded again.

The pair talked for sometime, simple things. Neji learned that Haku liked sweets as well as inarizushi. Shaved ice being one of them. Dango and namagashi as well. Neji spoke of Anzu then, a woman who made the best dango Konoha had to offer following the death of Anzo, her twin sister. Their favorite season was winter, spring, and autumn. All the while, Neji accepted the blocks of wood from Matatabi-san and began carving, leaving the shavings to gather on the ground of the engawa.

The Hyuuga confessed that he was not a fan of spicy foods and namagashi was a sweet he enjoyed as well. Winter was too cold, and the summer too hot. He loved watching the maple and sakura bloom in spring and the colors change in the fall. Haku offered to show the shrine in the spring. When everything was booming beautifully.

Dinner was delicious. Especially the fish. It was white and flaky, a variety Neji wasn't familiar with. Sweets followed with more of the tea Neji brought. When the dishes were finally cleared away, the moon resting above, the Hyuuga paused in his carving. Neji only managed to carve four of the nine figurines.

"I can finish when I return home?" The Hyuuga offered as he packed the tools away. He ran his fingers over Son-Gokuu, the four tailed kitsune messenger. Checking for bulks or chips in the smoothed wood.

"But I enjoy watching you carve. Its peaceful." Haku commented taking one of the figurines in hand. "Such details."

"Then I will continue when I return. Is three days alright?"

Haku placed the figurine on the table with the others. They rose, gesturing for the Hyuuga when the tools were packed away into the basket. Taking his hands Haku kissed the knuckle before pulling him closer, placing a kiss to the Hyuuga's cheek.

"I look forward to your return."