[Log]

[heavenly_earth]

Characters: Hyuuga Neji (heavenly_earth) and Maito Gai (hotbloodedly)
When: Sunday afternoon
Where: Downtown market
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Gai Mentions of shounen-ai and general harassment
Summary: Gai spots one of his students innocently perusing a decorative shop.

Comments

[hotbloodedly]

Although Lee had been growing into a suitably fine young man, Gai could not fight the fit of empty-nest syndrome he was succumbing to since he'd arrived at this odd place, where Lee seemed to be quite busy with a rigorous training schedule -- not that the sensei had minded, as he took great pride in Lee's dedication. At least, he was pretty sure that had been preoccupying his precious student's time, though it could have been something else. It was a bit of a change for Gai, who was used to being joined at the hip with Rock Lee. Codependent? Never!

However, this bout of loneliness had allowed Gai to zone in on his more ... difficult student. Without Tenten here to mediate the team's passionate energies, Gai had wondered if Neji would feel alienated upon his sensei's arrival; he'd certainly hoped that Neji would not think he and Lee would only focus on one another, and leave him to just sweep up the house like a lonely housewife! Though he most definitely would not suffocate his student, either. He knew the genius needed his

[heavenly_earth]

Some of the things he came across were amazing.

Neji found everything from candlestick holders, platters, and serving dishes, to bells, layered cake stands, and tea sets. Some of the most beautiful wear consisted of glass or crystal lids topping the silver- sometimes pale gold- dishes with intricate designs on the sides and lids- handles curved so artistically, Neji stared for several minutes just to wonder how it had even been crafted.

Then there were a plethora of beautiful things Neji didn't know the name or use for, and some other decorations to complement the dishware. With so much to choose from and think about, his visions started to run a little wild. Reigning those in, the Hyuuga was presently trying to tear himself away from one particular dish set. He knew he shouldn't take it home lest he face questions, and that if he somehow successfully evaded even those, he'd simply just never see food good enough to set on those plates

[hotbloodedly]

Gai dropped to his knees and immediately scrambled to pick the pieces up, feeling incredibly foolish and not very stealthy, at the moment. He broke out into a nervous laughter, piling the shards up against his forearm, then scooping them up into the remainder of the vase.

Would he have to pay for that? Oh, he really hoped he would not have to pay for that.

It was very rare that Gai felt bashful at all, especially in front of the Hyuuga prodigy. Usually, such occasions were reserved for his Rival getting the best of him, or perhaps being forced into an awkward situation where he yet again was reminded that Tenten was female. However, he couldn't help but blush a bit -- if only because he knew, he just knew that Neji was somehow looking down on him, or thinking this was due to clumsy behavior and not an insane case of bad luck! Or maybe the store was cursed

[heavenly_earth]

A thin line greeted Gai's nervous laugh, and Neji watched, nonplussed, as he picked up the shattered pieces of the vase. Fortunately, there was nothing to pay for since the world lacked any form of real currency- not that it made Neji's mood any lighter or any more agreeable.

Gai 'sought him out'? Neji stared, still not moving to assist him- as he felt rather righteous about the situation. It was only appropriate that Gai picked up after his own outlandish mistake. Did this mean he followed him here? Jaw set, Neji found himself even more displeased with the man.

"Yes," He said frostily, "I imagine a smashed vase would startle anyone." Then, after letting Gai stew for a bit, he continued. "Did you need something, Gai-sensei?"

Neji didn't appreciate being followed, but Gai was inherently unpredictable sometimes. He could want anything from absolutely nothing to the most imaginative race ever invented. Neither reason was particularly appealing, and being caught in this setting, Neji was twice as defensive.

[hotbloodedly]

It's not as if it were easy to prevent Neji from being judgmental, or hard to vex Neji in any manner, but it put Gai on the defensive just by noticing that familiar twitch in his student's brow. He'd stared back for a moment, and the words that came out of Neji's mouth might as well have been dripping with venom to his sensei.

He wanted to think that it was particularly surprising and perplexing that Neji had already been acting so unwelcome of him, and of his presence at this place in general. Being the sensitive man he was, many emotions tugged at his chest to try to get him to react to the entire situation, but he'd been as prideful as he could be. It was a bit ridiculous to have such pride issues with his student, but he could be so ....bratty. With how mature Neji had acted, there was something about him that spurred playground antics between the two of them. Yes, it was totally all Neji's fault in his head.

"Although I find it very insulting that you feel I would need a specific reason to indulge in your company," He

[heavenly_earth]

For a split second, remorse and regret tugged at Neji's heartstrings. It happened rarely, but the Jounin saw what his words could do to his sensei's ego: deflate and make him miserable. It was times like that Neji just barely refrained from apologizing. And why should he? Gai was unreasonable, idealistic, and paid little heed to sense. He needed to see reason time to time