Chapter 3
Music sang from his neighbors house that echoed through Neji's walls. When he stepped outside to watch the music spoke into your soul and made your heart beat faster even if you did not move. People littered the lawn and his eyes were overwhelmed with the amount of colors exploded against his eyes. Whether it were people, tents, fountains or the food he was uncertain. Tables were lined with buffet and chairs, the yard was filled with dancing, laughter, and smiles. As the light from the sun faded the party got more and more excited. People came and went as they pleased as if it were a yard sale.
Neji was the only one to have been invited. It had been had delivered and not being one to rudely ignore Neji accepted. He had attempted to find Uzumaki but had no such luck and sighed dejectedly so he decided to loosen up at a party where no one looked down on you for being single. He had just begun to become tipsy when pink hair invaded his vision. “Why hello Miss Haruno.” He spoke more cheery than usual.
Sakura giggled with a wink as she held up her drink. “I thought you might be here! Delightful party isn't it? Just ravenous!” She held out her hand and for a reason Neji couldn't place, he took it. They sat at one of the tables and picked up in the gossiping conversations. Some believed Uzumaki had killed a man, others believed he had been a spy, all of which Neji found amusing. As they all pitched in their suspicious and laughter with cheers.
The pinkette leaned to Neji's ear with a laugh. “Let's head out hm? I wish to dance until I can't dance anymore!” Neji chuckled as he let the energetic woman pull him along to the center. They swirled around each other, shook and kicked out with smiles on their faces. Perspiration shined on their faces as they gasped for breath but could not seem to stop themselves from continuing. Neji had not felt this light in years and if he had know Uzumaki's parties would make him feel like this, he would have gone long ago.
Soon he was swept away again to the refreshments as they leaned on each others, their hearts light and their feet aching. “Hey!” She turned to Neji with an excited look. “Let's go see if we can find this mystery guy.” She said without really giving him a chance to say anything. They searched high and low, sometimes getting distracted by famous guests or someone insisting on speaking to Sakura and her successful career. That was until he had lost her in the crowd. He shook his head with a sigh.
Then an arm draped over his shoulder and when he turned his head he met sky blue. “Hey there friend. I hear you've been looking for me?” Neji furrowed his brows. The man seemed to understand and grined leaning to the man's ear. “Im Uzumaki. And all of this, is my party. What do you think? Now I know I might be a bit big headed but I know better than to go yapping my mouth so everyone knows. You know what I mean old friend?”
“I... suppose. I appoligize if I seem rude you just.. don't seem-”
“Like my rumors? Nah, but I love hearing what people conjure up about me. Its a real kicker that they think I was a mob leader.” He broke into a hearty laugh that was strong enough to even bring Neji to smile. Then a butler rushed out whispering to Uzumaki before heading back. “Well, it seems I've been summoned old friend. If you need anything, just ask for it.” He patted Neji's shoulder so contrast to Suigetsu who acted as if he had to enforce his dominance. While Uzumaki's radiant personality demands attention even when you ignore.
“Darn you!” Neji turned to now see bright green eyes. “You got to meet Uzumaki and didn't tell me! How rude!” She was yelling but the smile on her face and eyes told him she was being playful.
“Who is he? Where did he come from?”
Surprise engulfed her face before a sly smile took its place. “Oh you're curious now, are you?”
Neji took a deep breath and looked at her seriously. “Aw come now, don't be a soil sport Neji! Liven up.” She hummed happily as they looked out into the lively crowd mesmerized by the dancing and orchestra. “Pardon me, Miss Haruno?” Both Sakura and Neji looked to the butler behind them. “Mr Uzumaki would like to talk to you.” Sakura beamed happily as she nudged Neji. “My turn, huh?” The butler nodded and she spun on her toes and kissed Neji's cheek before following “Don't get too jealous Neji!” She sang as she walked away.
Neji turned back looking at the bustling crowd full of life and energy. Reality was coming back to Neji as his shoulders slouched and he leaned on the railing. Time seemed to pass so slowly when you were not wrapped up in the crowd. It was as if as long as you were dancing with everyone else you were drinking from the fountain of youth, to never tire or thirst.
He was amused to see all the couples clashing. Wives fighting with their husbands and then consoling each other as they glare at their significant others. Something about their husbands being selfish or fun suckers. Soon enough the husbands had enough and picked their wives up yelling and kicking as they left. Then Sakura and Uzumaki came out together discussing something before male's attention was drawn to the goodbyes. She rushed over to Neji with a smile. “Oh the things I discovered! Oh I wish I could tell you, but I promised I wouldn't. Perhaps he will tell you! Ah, I apologize, I'm just teasing you. Anywho, I must leave, I had a wonderful time with you. We should most definitely do that again!” With that she dashed away joining another group of famous persons. The girl was like a whirlwind most definitely.
Neji rubbed his tense shoulder with a sigh before spotting Uzumaki again. “Thank you for the invitation Uzumaki.” The blonde turned and grinned waving his hand.
“Don't mention it old friend! You're welcome anytime. Perhaps I will find you to do something tomorrow, hm?”
“Sir, you have another call.”
“Ah forgive me...”
“Neji Hyuga.”
“Neji Hyuga.” Uzumaki repeated. “Fancy name old friend, nice meeting you. Good night!” He called over his shoulder as he headed inside. Seems like this man was another whirlwind. He took a deep breath rubbing his shoulder and headed to his property right next door.
As he rested his head on his pillow he couldn't help but chuckle at a memory of Sakura earlier that day when they had driven together. She had almost hit a worker in the side of the road with her driving. “You really shouldn't be driving If you're cutting it that close to hitting someone.” He stated with disbelief as he looked over at the pinkette.
“I'm careful.” She declared with a smile and the straightening of the spine. “Or more like other people are, so they'll most certainly keep out of my way.”
“You're insane. What'll you do if you have a run in with another careless driver like yourself?”
“Let's hope I never do! I hate careless people, which I why I like you so much Neji.”
“Doesn't change the fact your are still insane.” He muttered as he looked to the side denying his cheeks were even the slightest pink.