(Naruto) (RP) Arranged Marriage 2 (ItaNeji)
sarolynne: Neji
askerian: Itachi
Neji: *Neji is waiting to "meet" Itachi officially.
When she confronted her uncle about the time of the wedding, she found out that it wasn't at all a mistake. It had been his idea. She should be a proper wife--which means not distracted by jounin exams at her wedding, and not taking needless risks. He made it clear that he expected her to have a fine career, and retire in a few years when she started having children. There was more than that, and it didn't put her in a good mood.
Neither does her current attire. It's very traditional. Very pretty. She feels like a doll in her kimono, with her face painted, and her hair up.*
Itachi: *Itachi has been taking the opportunity to study the Hyuuga compound, doing his best to salvage the day.
He follows his guide to the little room opening on the gardens where his fiancée is waiting. He's dressed up too; several layers of yukata, they're a bit hard to move well into and it displeases him, but he can deal with that. He walks in the room, and hides the urge to arch an eyebrow as he sees Neji. He has trouble recognizing her -- kneeling, so proper. He bows toward her and sits cross-legged on the other side of the table, and waits for his guide to leave before saying anything.* ...Hello.
Neji: *inclines her head back. She hates kneeling and bowing like this, but she also knows they're being watched by more people than Itachi probably realizes* Good afternoon. *formally*
Itachi: *softly* I am glad to finally meet you. *feels watched, and it irritates him quite a bit*
Neji: It's my pleasure. *tells him, very politely, and seething inside. She'd have to strip off half of her clothes to fight properly*
Itachi: *allows a thin smile on his lips* Allow me to tell you that you are beautiful. *their spies would have to be close by to hear the little mocking note in his voice.*
Neji: You honor me too much. *doesn't quite arch a brow. She's wearing so much makeup, she thinks actually having an expression might crack her face*
Itachi: *actually isn't quite sure of what he's supposed to say, nor does he care much -- but they have to put on a good show, so... hm. oh, right, Neji has to serve him tea. then he can invite her to take a walk or something.*
Neji: *pours him tea. She can't make herself keep her eyes properly downcast without thinking of it as a mission. That... actually helps.*
Itachi: *half-bow of thanks, takes his tea and sips. This is so boring.*
Neji: *pours for herself, and plays the part very well if you ignore the tension in her back and shoulders. She'd like to break the teacup in her hand. If only to ruin her dress* I hope it pleases you. *manages not to make it sound like "I hope you choke on it." That's good, right?*
Itachi: It pleases me. *gives her a benevolent little smile, eyes flashing red briefly. He can read her intent in every little twitch she makes, ever breath she takes*
Neji: *meets his eyes, not frowning overtly, but it's still there*
Itachi: *softly* how could it not please me, after all? It comes from you. *teasing her by pretending this is romantic*
Neji: *would roll her eyes, but that would hardly be in character. Good wife. Yes* You flatter me too much.
Itachi: Not enough. *silky voice -- playing with Neji is amusing, and right now he's bored*
Neji: *...would get in trouble for smacking that smug look off his face. It's a shame. Maybe when they get a chance to spar* Are you anticipating the marriage?
Itachi: Of course. *his lips move a way, but what he whispers is something else* I still wish to spar with you.
Neji: *smiles very faintly, and honestly at that* My thoughts have been much the same.
Itachi: *nods, and takes another sip* ... Do you play shogi? Or go?
Neji: Occasionally. *watching him closely*
Itachi: Maybe we could play a game, later today. *what with this being boring and them having already talked and Itachi not liking to say anything when he's being watched from all sides*
Neji: *dips her chin in polite acceptance* I would enjoy that very much.
Itachi: ...Take a walk with me first? *knows that they're not really supposed to,but he wants to make listening to them more difficult*
Neji: *glances around, still knowing that they're being watched. There's no where in the compound they wouldn't be* ...It'd love too. *would love it more if her skirt didn't make it impossible to take a full-length stride*
Itachi: *gets up and gives her a hand to lean on as she pulls herself up*
Neji: *dislikes needing help, but it's easier to accept the hand up than to stand without it. Smoothing her kimono out and sighing, she turns with him toward the garden*
Itachi: *allows her to walk out first, following her lead*
Neji: *feels like she's hobbling in this dress, but manages to make it look relatively graceful, at least* I believe you're supposed to go first.
Itachi: I am following your lead, my lady. These are your gardens, not mine. *brushes a kiss against her hand. Purely for show*
Neji: *cuts him a sharp glance, wondering why he's laying it on so thick* Hm. This way. *leads him down one of the paths toward a koi pond*
Itachi: *follows quietly, amused, and admires the gardens.* I like you angry better, I think. *not moving his lips*
Neji: *smiles very faintly. Chances are, anyone with a strong Byakugan would know he'd made a noice, but not what he said* I am.
Itachi: I see that. *chuckles softly* But it isn't as good when you restrain it.
Neji: Don't worry, dear. I don't do it often.
Itachi: *amused smirk* That I will believe. Tell me -- do they really assume that I don't feel the scrutiny, or are they voluntarily letting me feel it? It is getting slightly irritating.
Neji: It's common. *frowns slightly* Most of them probably aren't supposed to be watching.
Itachi: *frowns.* ... I see. *audibly and visibly this time* I do not begrudge your chaperones the right to keep an eye on us, but I do wish the rest of the spectators would remember that ANBU members rarely take kindly to being spied on. *pointed glance at the direction of one of the most insistent watchers*
Neji: *smiles slightly, then a bit more when at least some of their watches disappear* You aren't particularly one for tact for form's sake, are you?
Itachi: *softly again* I can do tact. I do not believe it is always essential. Sometimes being blunt give much better results. *brings her hand up and kisses her fingers lightly* See. You're smiling.
Neji: *blinks, surprised. That--was he teasing again, or was that honest? It seemed rather real, but they are trained to be seductive, and he is a high ranked officer. She flushes slightly, but manages to keep from showing herself as flustered* I suppose I am.
Itachi: *lets go of her hand slowly, but offers his arm instead* Show me around?
Neji: *accepts after a moment, leading him on* You seem to be taking this seriously.
Itachi: What do you mean by "this" exactly?
Neji: Hm... Courting? *suggests*
Itachi: Hmm. I'm expected to take it seriously. Besides I do want to get to know you. *smirks* But mostly, teasing you is amusing.
Neji: I see. *less flustered now that he's admitted it* Is there any particular reason why?
Itachi: *lists, casual* You're pretty when you blush. Catching you by surprise is a challenge. I get to learn what makes you tick.
Neji: Is that so? Have you figured out what makes me tick yet?
Itachi: You dislike being trapped, by your gender, your role, your family's expectations. You are highly competitive and do not take kindly to being dismissed as harmless. Being admired as a woman flusters and bothers you. Hmm...
Neji: *gives him a sharp look* What makes you think it bothers me? I'm used to it.
Itachi: You refused to admit to yourself that I might be flirting with you for the obvious reason -- that I find you attractive and am actually pleased with our match. *amused little smirk*
Neji: It's hard to be sure of that when you enjoy flustering me.
Itachi: Mmh. My brother calls me asshole rather often. He might not be entirely wrong.
Neji: Your brother? *snorts* We've met.
Itachi: *arches an eyebrow* Really? And what did you think of him? *interested in knowing how they'll get along. probably not that well.*
Neji: *frowns a little* We met during our first Chuunin Exam. It was not a particularly friendly meeting.
Itachi: Hm. *that's the time Orochimaru tried to kidnap him. A good thing even the brat has better sense than to trust that bastard's promises -- and a good thing the ANBU were close by. He really doesn't like the idea of Orochimaru's mark on his little brother.* Which means?
Neji: *shrugs one shoulder* We won't start fights, if you're worried about it.
Itachi: Well, this promises delightful family meals. *sarcasm much?*
Neji: *meets Itachi's eyes, smiling faintly* We can interact without killing each other. We simply... weren't impressed with one another. *never did get to fight him, either. Bastard*
Itachi: Alright. *thoughtful hum* ... I understand that you are orphaned?
Neji: *not smiling now, imagine* Yes. I lost my father when I was young.
Itachi: Mmh. *watches her* Is there anyone in your clan that you are close to?
Neji: *frowns more now* Am I being interrogated?
Itachi: *blinks* *blinks* ... Ah... My apologies. I simply wish to know more about you. That... maybe wasn't the best way to getting it across. *frowns thoughtfully* you're welcome to return the favor.
Neji: *thinks about that for a moment* You mentioned before that you'd probably join the police force eventually. That didn't sound like it was really your goal. If it was, you could be there already.
Itachi: Those of us with clan responsibilities are not encouraged to make a lifetime career in ANBU. I'm sure you are aware that the kind of missions we handle takes... more of a toll than normal jounin missions. *by which he means, the proportion of suicides and breakdowns is much, much higher in ANBU*
Neji: I'm well aware of that. But it doesn't really answer my question. *soft, but rather blank expression* Not that you have to answer, but did you not want to join the police force?
Itachi: *humorless smile* Frankly, the idea of walking in my father's steps bores me. I know everything there has to be done, and the exact way to do it. There is no traveling to outside countries -- no challenge by unknown forces, no learning of more and more jutsu. For me, the police is a job for a father making a living for his family. Not a ... vocation.
Neji: I see. But you're expected to replace your father. *not a question. She understands expectations very well*
Itachi: I'm expected to settle down when my body starts to slow down, instead of keeping on taking ridiculous risks and, apparently, endangering my sanity. *quoting his father here*
Neji: *snorts* Slow down? A take it he hasn't paid much attention to the Hokage. *smiles a little* Time just makes some ninja smarter.
Itachi: *chuckles softly* Ah, I can understand his concerns. *ponders the wisdom of sharing that... but she wouldn't appreciate him hiding it. He makes sure that nobody can hear him at all* When I was thirteen, I was already sent on ANBU missions; I had the ability; I didn't have the emotional stability. I almost ... broke. *broke isn't the right word, really* My father knows; he will never entirely trust my ability to handle stress again. I am telling you because I don't doubt you will hear rumors about it the second we're living together.
Neji: *frowns* Broke. *repeats thoughtfully, and half smiles. It's not as though she can blame him for that. She almost wonders if she can take him off guard* Did you try to kill your cousin? *flatly*
Itachi: *blinks slowly* ... I did kill my cousin.
Neji: *blinks as well. She wasn't expecting that, and she has absolutely no idea how to respond*
Itachi: *humorless smile* Mmh. There was no one to stop us. *looks away* My apologies.
Neji: I don't think you owe me any apologies. *doesn't ask why, and doesn't want to know who he'd kill if he came close to breaking again*
Itachi: I'm pretty sure there were better ways -- and better moments -- to share this. Sadly, I'm not the best at judging what's socially appropriate.
Neji: *still not sure how to respond to that* I don't know that there's ever a particularly appropriate time to confess to killing a member of your family.
Itachi: *smirks* Probably not. But you would have known within the week anyway; most of the civilians in my clan have no idea of the range of the Byakugan and almost less of a Jounin's abilities.
Neji: I see. ...And there was no one there to stop you. *does that mean he knows why she suggested that?* I wonder how many people could have.
Itachi: No one could have. *very softly* Very few people understand the level I'm currently at. *And yet he feels like he's stagnating.*
Neji: No one? *incredulous, and not doing too much to hide it* I'd believe that of you now. But no one is a bit... over arching. I imagine that there might have been one or two people with the power to slow you down enough to prevent it from happening--they wouldn't actually have to be stronger.
Itachi: *ponders* ah -- maybe. But at this hour, no one was awake -- and no one ever came to our meeting place. It was our secret. *kind of misses Shisui, in a vague, abstract way*
Neji: I see. *...right. What kind of person are they marrying her to?* But obviously you're still heir.
Itachi: Yes. *snorts as he sees her expression* I was twelve when I made ANBU, Neji. I was a child, and for a whole year they sent me out to do a work that breaks most adult men in under two weeks. I'm twenty now. If I was still a danger, I would be dead. *or a missing-nin.*
Neji: I realize that, but it seems as though they would have at least removed him from duty. *not that Neji was ever chastised for almost killing Hinata, but that was in a sanctioned match where death, though avoided, was still a possibility. And she was stopped*
Itachi: I was. For a whole year. Then I became a Jounin, and then after two years, made it back into ANBU. I've been monitored closely since then. *tilts his head, watching her* Did they monitor you? ... any more than they already did?
Neji: *that answers that question* ...No. They already watch me, and if I make a wrong move, they can subdue me. There's no way around that. The incident happened during one of the few times such a thing could. *pauses* And because of it's nature, there's no way to argue that it was premeditated.
Itachi: ... was it? *softly*
Neji: *meeting his eyes seriously* I couldn't have known that I'd fight my cousin in that match.
Itachi: Mmh. *nods, watching her* Do you still hate her?
Neji: *hums thoughtfully, rolling that question over* No. I don't.
Itachi: *thin little smile* ... I think this is enough hard questions for today. From me at least. Anything you wish to ask?
Neji: When do you want to spar. *seriously*
Itachi: *stares at her, then chuckles* As soon as you're free to do so. I'm on vacation.
Neji: *...that makes sense, since he's dealing with the preparations for his marriage* For how long?
Itachi: Until two weeks after our marriage. Then I will be handed mostly short missions for a month or so.
Neji: I see. So things have a chance to settle. *actually doesn't know how long her own leave will extend yet; they're still fighting over it*
Itachi: Yes. Should we go back to the house and request a go board?
Neji: *snorts* Why bother?
Itachi: Do you have anything else you wish to talk about? I'm running out of subjects.
Neji: Nothing springs to mind. *shrugs slightly* ...Do you like philosophy?
Itachi: I can discuss it, though it doesn't fascinate me.
Neji: Hm. *smiles a little* Can you have a comfortable silence?
Itachi: *smiles back, for once sort of sincere.* I can do that.
Neji: Then we'll be fine.
Itachi: *nods and drifts to a bench, sitting down to look at the gardens. He leaves a space for Neji in invitation, though he doesn't bother speaking*
Neji: *surprised, since she would have expected him to be very bored with the stroll through the garden, but, after a moment's hesitation, she sits next to him*
askerian: Itachi
Neji: *Neji is waiting to "meet" Itachi officially.
When she confronted her uncle about the time of the wedding, she found out that it wasn't at all a mistake. It had been his idea. She should be a proper wife--which means not distracted by jounin exams at her wedding, and not taking needless risks. He made it clear that he expected her to have a fine career, and retire in a few years when she started having children. There was more than that, and it didn't put her in a good mood.
Neither does her current attire. It's very traditional. Very pretty. She feels like a doll in her kimono, with her face painted, and her hair up.*
Itachi: *Itachi has been taking the opportunity to study the Hyuuga compound, doing his best to salvage the day.
He follows his guide to the little room opening on the gardens where his fiancée is waiting. He's dressed up too; several layers of yukata, they're a bit hard to move well into and it displeases him, but he can deal with that. He walks in the room, and hides the urge to arch an eyebrow as he sees Neji. He has trouble recognizing her -- kneeling, so proper. He bows toward her and sits cross-legged on the other side of the table, and waits for his guide to leave before saying anything.* ...Hello.
Neji: *inclines her head back. She hates kneeling and bowing like this, but she also knows they're being watched by more people than Itachi probably realizes* Good afternoon. *formally*
Itachi: *softly* I am glad to finally meet you. *feels watched, and it irritates him quite a bit*
Neji: It's my pleasure. *tells him, very politely, and seething inside. She'd have to strip off half of her clothes to fight properly*
Itachi: *allows a thin smile on his lips* Allow me to tell you that you are beautiful. *their spies would have to be close by to hear the little mocking note in his voice.*
Neji: You honor me too much. *doesn't quite arch a brow. She's wearing so much makeup, she thinks actually having an expression might crack her face*
Itachi: *actually isn't quite sure of what he's supposed to say, nor does he care much -- but they have to put on a good show, so... hm. oh, right, Neji has to serve him tea. then he can invite her to take a walk or something.*
Neji: *pours him tea. She can't make herself keep her eyes properly downcast without thinking of it as a mission. That... actually helps.*
Itachi: *half-bow of thanks, takes his tea and sips. This is so boring.*
Neji: *pours for herself, and plays the part very well if you ignore the tension in her back and shoulders. She'd like to break the teacup in her hand. If only to ruin her dress* I hope it pleases you. *manages not to make it sound like "I hope you choke on it." That's good, right?*
Itachi: It pleases me. *gives her a benevolent little smile, eyes flashing red briefly. He can read her intent in every little twitch she makes, ever breath she takes*
Neji: *meets his eyes, not frowning overtly, but it's still there*
Itachi: *softly* how could it not please me, after all? It comes from you. *teasing her by pretending this is romantic*
Neji: *would roll her eyes, but that would hardly be in character. Good wife. Yes* You flatter me too much.
Itachi: Not enough. *silky voice -- playing with Neji is amusing, and right now he's bored*
Neji: *...would get in trouble for smacking that smug look off his face. It's a shame. Maybe when they get a chance to spar* Are you anticipating the marriage?
Itachi: Of course. *his lips move a way, but what he whispers is something else* I still wish to spar with you.
Neji: *smiles very faintly, and honestly at that* My thoughts have been much the same.
Itachi: *nods, and takes another sip* ... Do you play shogi? Or go?
Neji: Occasionally. *watching him closely*
Itachi: Maybe we could play a game, later today. *what with this being boring and them having already talked and Itachi not liking to say anything when he's being watched from all sides*
Neji: *dips her chin in polite acceptance* I would enjoy that very much.
Itachi: ...Take a walk with me first? *knows that they're not really supposed to,but he wants to make listening to them more difficult*
Neji: *glances around, still knowing that they're being watched. There's no where in the compound they wouldn't be* ...It'd love too. *would love it more if her skirt didn't make it impossible to take a full-length stride*
Itachi: *gets up and gives her a hand to lean on as she pulls herself up*
Neji: *dislikes needing help, but it's easier to accept the hand up than to stand without it. Smoothing her kimono out and sighing, she turns with him toward the garden*
Itachi: *allows her to walk out first, following her lead*
Neji: *feels like she's hobbling in this dress, but manages to make it look relatively graceful, at least* I believe you're supposed to go first.
Itachi: I am following your lead, my lady. These are your gardens, not mine. *brushes a kiss against her hand. Purely for show*
Neji: *cuts him a sharp glance, wondering why he's laying it on so thick* Hm. This way. *leads him down one of the paths toward a koi pond*
Itachi: *follows quietly, amused, and admires the gardens.* I like you angry better, I think. *not moving his lips*
Neji: *smiles very faintly. Chances are, anyone with a strong Byakugan would know he'd made a noice, but not what he said* I am.
Itachi: I see that. *chuckles softly* But it isn't as good when you restrain it.
Neji: Don't worry, dear. I don't do it often.
Itachi: *amused smirk* That I will believe. Tell me -- do they really assume that I don't feel the scrutiny, or are they voluntarily letting me feel it? It is getting slightly irritating.
Neji: It's common. *frowns slightly* Most of them probably aren't supposed to be watching.
Itachi: *frowns.* ... I see. *audibly and visibly this time* I do not begrudge your chaperones the right to keep an eye on us, but I do wish the rest of the spectators would remember that ANBU members rarely take kindly to being spied on. *pointed glance at the direction of one of the most insistent watchers*
Neji: *smiles slightly, then a bit more when at least some of their watches disappear* You aren't particularly one for tact for form's sake, are you?
Itachi: *softly again* I can do tact. I do not believe it is always essential. Sometimes being blunt give much better results. *brings her hand up and kisses her fingers lightly* See. You're smiling.
Neji: *blinks, surprised. That--was he teasing again, or was that honest? It seemed rather real, but they are trained to be seductive, and he is a high ranked officer. She flushes slightly, but manages to keep from showing herself as flustered* I suppose I am.
Itachi: *lets go of her hand slowly, but offers his arm instead* Show me around?
Neji: *accepts after a moment, leading him on* You seem to be taking this seriously.
Itachi: What do you mean by "this" exactly?
Neji: Hm... Courting? *suggests*
Itachi: Hmm. I'm expected to take it seriously. Besides I do want to get to know you. *smirks* But mostly, teasing you is amusing.
Neji: I see. *less flustered now that he's admitted it* Is there any particular reason why?
Itachi: *lists, casual* You're pretty when you blush. Catching you by surprise is a challenge. I get to learn what makes you tick.
Neji: Is that so? Have you figured out what makes me tick yet?
Itachi: You dislike being trapped, by your gender, your role, your family's expectations. You are highly competitive and do not take kindly to being dismissed as harmless. Being admired as a woman flusters and bothers you. Hmm...
Neji: *gives him a sharp look* What makes you think it bothers me? I'm used to it.
Itachi: You refused to admit to yourself that I might be flirting with you for the obvious reason -- that I find you attractive and am actually pleased with our match. *amused little smirk*
Neji: It's hard to be sure of that when you enjoy flustering me.
Itachi: Mmh. My brother calls me asshole rather often. He might not be entirely wrong.
Neji: Your brother? *snorts* We've met.
Itachi: *arches an eyebrow* Really? And what did you think of him? *interested in knowing how they'll get along. probably not that well.*
Neji: *frowns a little* We met during our first Chuunin Exam. It was not a particularly friendly meeting.
Itachi: Hm. *that's the time Orochimaru tried to kidnap him. A good thing even the brat has better sense than to trust that bastard's promises -- and a good thing the ANBU were close by. He really doesn't like the idea of Orochimaru's mark on his little brother.* Which means?
Neji: *shrugs one shoulder* We won't start fights, if you're worried about it.
Itachi: Well, this promises delightful family meals. *sarcasm much?*
Neji: *meets Itachi's eyes, smiling faintly* We can interact without killing each other. We simply... weren't impressed with one another. *never did get to fight him, either. Bastard*
Itachi: Alright. *thoughtful hum* ... I understand that you are orphaned?
Neji: *not smiling now, imagine* Yes. I lost my father when I was young.
Itachi: Mmh. *watches her* Is there anyone in your clan that you are close to?
Neji: *frowns more now* Am I being interrogated?
Itachi: *blinks* *blinks* ... Ah... My apologies. I simply wish to know more about you. That... maybe wasn't the best way to getting it across. *frowns thoughtfully* you're welcome to return the favor.
Neji: *thinks about that for a moment* You mentioned before that you'd probably join the police force eventually. That didn't sound like it was really your goal. If it was, you could be there already.
Itachi: Those of us with clan responsibilities are not encouraged to make a lifetime career in ANBU. I'm sure you are aware that the kind of missions we handle takes... more of a toll than normal jounin missions. *by which he means, the proportion of suicides and breakdowns is much, much higher in ANBU*
Neji: I'm well aware of that. But it doesn't really answer my question. *soft, but rather blank expression* Not that you have to answer, but did you not want to join the police force?
Itachi: *humorless smile* Frankly, the idea of walking in my father's steps bores me. I know everything there has to be done, and the exact way to do it. There is no traveling to outside countries -- no challenge by unknown forces, no learning of more and more jutsu. For me, the police is a job for a father making a living for his family. Not a ... vocation.
Neji: I see. But you're expected to replace your father. *not a question. She understands expectations very well*
Itachi: I'm expected to settle down when my body starts to slow down, instead of keeping on taking ridiculous risks and, apparently, endangering my sanity. *quoting his father here*
Neji: *snorts* Slow down? A take it he hasn't paid much attention to the Hokage. *smiles a little* Time just makes some ninja smarter.
Itachi: *chuckles softly* Ah, I can understand his concerns. *ponders the wisdom of sharing that... but she wouldn't appreciate him hiding it. He makes sure that nobody can hear him at all* When I was thirteen, I was already sent on ANBU missions; I had the ability; I didn't have the emotional stability. I almost ... broke. *broke isn't the right word, really* My father knows; he will never entirely trust my ability to handle stress again. I am telling you because I don't doubt you will hear rumors about it the second we're living together.
Neji: *frowns* Broke. *repeats thoughtfully, and half smiles. It's not as though she can blame him for that. She almost wonders if she can take him off guard* Did you try to kill your cousin? *flatly*
Itachi: *blinks slowly* ... I did kill my cousin.
Neji: *blinks as well. She wasn't expecting that, and she has absolutely no idea how to respond*
Itachi: *humorless smile* Mmh. There was no one to stop us. *looks away* My apologies.
Neji: I don't think you owe me any apologies. *doesn't ask why, and doesn't want to know who he'd kill if he came close to breaking again*
Itachi: I'm pretty sure there were better ways -- and better moments -- to share this. Sadly, I'm not the best at judging what's socially appropriate.
Neji: *still not sure how to respond to that* I don't know that there's ever a particularly appropriate time to confess to killing a member of your family.
Itachi: *smirks* Probably not. But you would have known within the week anyway; most of the civilians in my clan have no idea of the range of the Byakugan and almost less of a Jounin's abilities.
Neji: I see. ...And there was no one there to stop you. *does that mean he knows why she suggested that?* I wonder how many people could have.
Itachi: No one could have. *very softly* Very few people understand the level I'm currently at. *And yet he feels like he's stagnating.*
Neji: No one? *incredulous, and not doing too much to hide it* I'd believe that of you now. But no one is a bit... over arching. I imagine that there might have been one or two people with the power to slow you down enough to prevent it from happening--they wouldn't actually have to be stronger.
Itachi: *ponders* ah -- maybe. But at this hour, no one was awake -- and no one ever came to our meeting place. It was our secret. *kind of misses Shisui, in a vague, abstract way*
Neji: I see. *...right. What kind of person are they marrying her to?* But obviously you're still heir.
Itachi: Yes. *snorts as he sees her expression* I was twelve when I made ANBU, Neji. I was a child, and for a whole year they sent me out to do a work that breaks most adult men in under two weeks. I'm twenty now. If I was still a danger, I would be dead. *or a missing-nin.*
Neji: I realize that, but it seems as though they would have at least removed him from duty. *not that Neji was ever chastised for almost killing Hinata, but that was in a sanctioned match where death, though avoided, was still a possibility. And she was stopped*
Itachi: I was. For a whole year. Then I became a Jounin, and then after two years, made it back into ANBU. I've been monitored closely since then. *tilts his head, watching her* Did they monitor you? ... any more than they already did?
Neji: *that answers that question* ...No. They already watch me, and if I make a wrong move, they can subdue me. There's no way around that. The incident happened during one of the few times such a thing could. *pauses* And because of it's nature, there's no way to argue that it was premeditated.
Itachi: ... was it? *softly*
Neji: *meeting his eyes seriously* I couldn't have known that I'd fight my cousin in that match.
Itachi: Mmh. *nods, watching her* Do you still hate her?
Neji: *hums thoughtfully, rolling that question over* No. I don't.
Itachi: *thin little smile* ... I think this is enough hard questions for today. From me at least. Anything you wish to ask?
Neji: When do you want to spar. *seriously*
Itachi: *stares at her, then chuckles* As soon as you're free to do so. I'm on vacation.
Neji: *...that makes sense, since he's dealing with the preparations for his marriage* For how long?
Itachi: Until two weeks after our marriage. Then I will be handed mostly short missions for a month or so.
Neji: I see. So things have a chance to settle. *actually doesn't know how long her own leave will extend yet; they're still fighting over it*
Itachi: Yes. Should we go back to the house and request a go board?
Neji: *snorts* Why bother?
Itachi: Do you have anything else you wish to talk about? I'm running out of subjects.
Neji: Nothing springs to mind. *shrugs slightly* ...Do you like philosophy?
Itachi: I can discuss it, though it doesn't fascinate me.
Neji: Hm. *smiles a little* Can you have a comfortable silence?
Itachi: *smiles back, for once sort of sincere.* I can do that.
Neji: Then we'll be fine.
Itachi: *nods and drifts to a bench, sitting down to look at the gardens. He leaves a space for Neji in invitation, though he doesn't bother speaking*
Neji: *surprised, since she would have expected him to be very bored with the stroll through the garden, but, after a moment's hesitation, she sits next to him*