Fly Free (Naruto): #288 - Destined jealousy
Title: Fly Free
Author: scarlet_ivy
Rating: K
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing/s: nejihina, platonic
Theme: #288 - Destined Jealousy
Genre/s: Angst, Family
Warnings: fluff, if you squint really closely
Words: 907
Summary: No one is strong enough to overcome destiny. That is what I believed. Until…
Disclaimer: It’s very simple: is my name Masashi Kishimoto? No. Therefore, I do not own Naruto.
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Fly Free
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A dove watched longingly as other birds took to the sky, wishing for the day it will be able to join them without a care in the sky. Freedom seems so far out of reach…
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“Neji-nii-san… D-Do you hate me?”
The dappled light from the sun shining through the leaves in the forest created dancing patterns on her body, and my eyes were drawn to the mesmerizing sight. But that did not distract me from my duty.
“No, Hinata-sama. I do not hate you,” I intoned impassively, jumping down from my perch on the tree to accompany her as she started to walk away, deeper into the forest. If it were up to me, Hinata's afternoon walks should be cancelled to fit in more training time; Kami knows she needs it.
My answer apparently did not satisfy her, and Hinata’s face scrunched up in worry. “A-Are you s-sure?”
I sighed. “Yes, I am sure, Hinata-sama,” I assured her, trying to hide the irritation in my voice. Kami, I hated that insufferable stutter. I wish she would stop that; it reflects badly on our clan, and that could not be tolerated.
It might seem inconsequential, but her inquiries made me feel important, for once. But it’s too late. I remember all the times in my childhood when I wished someone would help me through my hardest moments, and no one cared. No one had lifted a finger to help me, no one even pretended to care, and that hurt.
“D-Do you r-resent me then, Neji-nii-san?”
What is with the questions all of a sudden? The Hinata I knew would have never said anything unless spoken to, much less bring up a topic she knew was painful for me. However, strict obedience bred and beaten into me forbade me from speaking my mind to the Hyuuga heiress. ‘Which could’ve been me if my father had been born three seconds earlier,’ the bitter part of my mind whispered.
I grit my teeth in frustration. “No, Hinata-sama.”
“B-But I have taken e-everything away from you… it’s o-okay if you h-hate me nii-san… I-I would hate m-me too if the positions were r-reversed…”
‘Is there a point to all of these questions?’ I wanted to ask. All they are doing is fuelling my rage against the Hyuuga Main Branch.
“Neji-nii-san, don’t y-“
“Enough!” I barked harshly. “Can you not just accept the fact that I do not harbour any resentment towards the Main Family, that I do not hate them for taking my parents away from me, that I do not hate being treated like a servant to a bunch of people who think they are better than me because they were born FIRST, that I do not feel envious because the people I had once admired get more respect simply because they were born into the Main Family?! Can you just leave it be?!”
“NO!” Hinata exclaimed, stepping in front of my path. “No, I cannot, because it is unfair, and I know you think so too!” Defiant eyes tried to capture my gaze, but I looked away uncomfortably. Nonetheless, she stood her ground, determination straightening her posture, bringing her head right up to my nose.
“If you know, then why do you continue to ask me all these questions,” I finally muttered.
“Because I do not understand why you do not try and fight back, why you do not try and change things,” Hinata said in concern, stutter for once disappearing from her speech.
“There is no point,” I murmured. “It is destined that I will always be under the Main Branch’s control. Therefore, there is nothing I can do.”
“Is this what you believe in?” She stared incredulously.
“Hai, Hinata-sama,” I nodded. “I believe that destiny has already decided. Everything that has happened, is happening, and is going to happen is predetermined by destiny. I am not strong enough to resist destiny.”
“Is it also destined that you will become jealous of us? That you would train your hardest to break the mould of the helpless Branch members?” Hinata argued. “To me, you are trying your hardest to defy destiny, by overcoming the hardships and becoming the best you can be! To me, that is real strength. That is what I believe!”
My eyes widened. Is this the same Hinata as before? Was this fiery girl that spoke so passionately about something I thought was etched in stone the real Hinata?
I couldn’t help it; I laughed. Hinata’s face flushed in indignation. “What’s so funny?” She demanded.
“You,” I gasped as I tried to reign in my laughter. “That you could read my exact thoughts, like they were laid down in front of your eyes. I guess your eyes are really all-seeing.”
“Neji-nii-san is laughing!” Hinata gaped comically.
“And so I am,” I agreed easily. Hinata giggled.
“Thank you, Hinata-sama,” I said seriously.
Hinata tilted her head. “For what?” She asked confusedly.
“For setting me free from destiny, from my mind,” I replied.
Hinata’s pale lavender eyes, identical to mine, softened. “No problem, Neji-nii-san. What are families for? You know, you can always tell me anything.”
A soft smile spread across my face, the first in a very long time. “Thank you,” I said gratefully. “Come on, let’s go… Hinata-chan.”
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Up on the branches of a tree, a pale white bird spread its wings, ready to fly, for the very first time. Freedom isn’t so far away after all.
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Hope you liked it!
~scarlet_ivy