Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lee had been having a very strange morning. To start things off, his mother had spoken to him- Very unusual ever since he had revealed to her that her ‘daughter’ was actually a son. Since that day, she'd gone from being a caring parent to basically never speaking to him, despite them living together.

Worse than just that, she had demanded he get himself dressed up nice, and that they were going somewhere. As much as Lee would've liked to deny her, his nose crinkling, he nodded and obediently put on his usual outfit. She had rolled her eyes, raising a brow as she asked if that was really what he was going to wear.

The outfit Lee wouldn't budge on. His jumpsuit was something worn with pride, and there was nowhere his mom could take him that he felt it wouldn't be appropriate.

It only got more confusing as he was led to the gates of the Hyuga clan compound, a deeply unsettling smile on his mother's face as they walked up to the gates and were let inside. His mom only smiled wider as she walked up to Neji's uncle, Hiashi.

“I apologize for my daughter's state of dress, she just wouldn't put anything else on!” She said, faking a laugh. Lee could feel his ears burning at those words, still thoroughly confused.

The Hyuga nodded, stepping aside, revealing Neji behind him, who's eyes were a bit wide with shock. He looked like he wanted to say something but was biting his tongue, giving his uncle a searing stare as he gave Lee’s mother a respectful nod as well.

“I apologize for my nephew's state of dishevelment as well,” He said, Neji stepping forward slightly, brows drawn in as he stared at Lee. “I suppose it's just the way children are.”

Neji steadily made his way over to Lee, gently grabbing his arm as the conversation continued. “Wait,” Lee said loudly, interrupting his mom mid-sentence. “What is going on? Mom, why are we here?” Neji gave him a side glance while Lee's mom chuckled, cupping his cheek in a way that made him stiffen.

“What's going on is you're finally getting out of my hair, little one.” She said, smirking. “I figured, at your age, it's time you got married. I don't want my only daughter to be barren, after all.” That made Lee recoil, leaning away from her hand. He looked around the room, meeting every set of eyes with pure frustration on his face.

“You didn't tell her before this?” Hiashi asked calmly, and Lee's mom gave yet another fake laugh. “Oh, well, I already knew she'd be fine with who it was. After all, she's crazy about-” She started, Lee going red in the face.

Finally Neji and Lee were dismissed to another room, Neji carefully leading Lee into a small sitting room, placing a hand on his back in silence. “Are you alright, Lee?” He finally asked, making Lee realize he'd been hyperventilating, tears welling in his eyes.

“I… I am fine. I think.” Lee said, swallowing thickly as he looked to meet his teammates eyes. “What did she mean, married? Why..?” He paused, sniffling loudly, trying to force himself to count to ten and calm down. Neji continued rubbing his back, looking off to the side.

The brunette let out a loud sigh, staring into the distance. “My uncle, he.. He said that our clan needs to continue its bloodline, and that since I'm of marrying age now...” Neji started, his words a bit thick with anger. “I never thought he'd drag you into this, Lee, he..” Neji continued rubbing circles into Lee’s back, giving Lee the sense it was more to calm himself down than to calm him.

“He told me he would find someone suitable, somebody I would be more likely to get on with, I should've figured…” Neji trailed off, huffing to himself for not being able to prevent this somehow. Lee took a deep breath, trying to grasp exactly what he'd been told.

Not only was he being married off, it was to Neji, and not only that, but they were expected to have children? He sighed deeply, slumping against the small couch they were sitting on. “So.. We are going to be married?” Lee asked, voice pinching high.

Neji nodded, licking his lips. “Yes. I believe my uncle said that after today it's only a week out from the ceremony? After that, children are expected within the year.” He said, voice gone grave and final, not meeting Lee’s eyes out of guilt.

Lee could hear the blood rushing behind his ears at that. Within the year? He couldn't help but flush again, feeling sick to his stomach at the thought. Sure, he had considered the concept, maybe even more than most people would, but to have to have children because it was what his mother of all people wanted made him feel nauseous.

That combined with her outright admitting out loud that he already liked Neji, and calling him her daughter in front of him made him feel himself spiraling, almost hyperventilating again before he caught himself. Lee buried his face into his hands, trying to catch himself from sobbing, his eyes stinging.

For a moment, he considered saying something, anything to Neji, but he couldn't find the words. So he just sat there, processing. Neji sighed, removing his hand from Lee's back, his lips pursed. He looked into the other man's eyes, putting his hands in his lap. “I really am sorry about this, Lee. If… If need be, I can try to talk to my uncle about this. Maybe there's something I can do to get this wedding called off.”

Lee blinked, a little shocked. “Neji, you-” He stopped himself from saying that Neji didn't have to, worrying it would make him sound too eager to be forced into a marriage when he didn't even know if Neji liked him back. So he screwed his lips shut, nodding slowly. “Okay.”

Neji patted Lee’s shoulder again, both of them staring heavily into nothing as both men fretted over the predicament they'd just been thrown into. It wasn't something either of them had been prepared for, after all. The possibility his mom would just marry him off to the highest bidder, which is what Lee highly suspected had happened in this situation, had never even occurred to him.

Sure, he'd thought that one day she may finally get tired of having her son living with her, of his transition and being himself freely and kick him out, but he at least had a plan for that. This, on the other hand, was uncharted territory, and Lee really didn't know what to do. Well, other than sit here beside Neji and wonder what he was thinking, what might be going on in his rival's mind.

Chapter Text

Neji had been sure of many things from a very young age. Some of which he'd had his mind changed about by the present, but one thing he was absolutely certain of was that he never, ever wanted to have kids.

He could remember when they were younger and his teammates had discussed it in front of him. Or rather, Tenten and Lee had gone back and forth about whether babies were disgusting or adorable respectively. At the time, he had scoffed, telling them that they were being childish even fantasizing about something as silly as that, and they had stopped. The real reason he didn't like it had nothing to do with it being “childish”, but because he already knew that any marriage he had likely wouldn't be his choice, and whatever poor woman he was shackled to wouldn't have a choice in having children with him.

It was just the way of his clan. A knowledge he had been burdened with for as far back as he could think, that his clan did things like force people to bear children just for the sake of continuing their bloodline. Even if the thought of it made his stomach churn, he had to live with it. Thus, he had decided that all of his talent and abilities would die with him.

So, when his uncle had summoned him only a few months after his 18th birthday and told him he would be looking for a bride for his nephew, he had gritted his teeth and nodded. That would be an adjustment, having to share a bed with some woman he didn't love, or probably even know. And having to get her pregnant… He shuddered at the thought.

For months, Neji kept his arrangement a secret, not wanting any member of his team to get riled up and threaten to try and fight his uncle- Which had happened many, many times. He could still hear Tenten’s voice in his mind, saying she could sneak up on Hiashi with one of her scrolls and he wouldn't know what was happening until it was too late. Not that Neji didn't enjoy the thought, it was just impractical.

Still, carrying that information on his shoulders was wearing Neji down, keeping him up at night as he tried to think of ways to get out of this. The solution he had come up with was nothing, deciding there was just nothing he could do to avoid this.

Hiashi knew his nephew well, it seemed, at least enough to figure out that Neji had been dreading his marriage. So he had given him a cold smile, calling him into the room.

“I think you'll be pleased to know I've been taking my time finding a bride that's.. Suitable for you.” Hiashi had said, a gleam in his eye that made Neji feel skeptical. “Suitable?” Neji had questioned, the word coming out clipped with his discomfort.

“Yes, I've been looking into young women who might meet your tastes. Someone it would be more likely you'd be interested in furthering the purpose of this arrangement, if you understand.” Neji balked at that, feeling his brow twitch. What could his uncle possibly mean? There was no way it was any young woman he knew. After all, Tenten had no family to arrange anything with, and everyone else was still a year his junior.

Before Neji could reply, the older Hyuga continued, not looking at Neji as he spoke. “There's one girl in particular I've been looking into. You certainly seem to enjoy her company. I've been arranging with her mother about a dowry we can provide in exchange for her daughter.”

Neji had left that discussion more perplexed than he had been before, heading out to train to calm his nerves. After all, there was only one person he was particularly keen on, and that was… He shook his head, forcing himself to not even think of that, given the situation.

Months passed after that until he was told that the deal had passed, and his last bit of freedom had officially been sold to the highest, or rather lowest bidder. The date for his wedding was set, Hiashi saying that he would let Neji see who his wife-to-be was a few days before.

--

That morning, he had been awoken by a loud rapping on his door and a voice telling him that his presence was requested in the foyer. Neji had huffed, not putting much effort into getting himself ready. As much as he didn't want to face his uncle's wrath, he certainly didn't want his fiancee to think he wanted her to be impressed with him.

So after putting in the minimum of hygiene he deemed acceptable, Neji headed around the grounds of the Hyuga compound to the main house, entering through the back entrance and then feeling all the air leave his lungs seeing who it was.

Lee? How was that possible? He shot his uncle a withering stare from behind, his thoughts racing for a moment. The woman standing beside Lee was talking in a voice, all fake friendly and high, and then he remembered.

Lee didn't often talk about his home life, saying he'd rather focus on the positives of his life than weigh Tenten and himself down with his burdens. Neji could remember, though, that Lee had mentioned he had a mother that was less than accepting. Hearing the woman blather on about her “daughter” and seeing the way Lee was standing, wilted and confused, all the energy that Neji loved to see knocked out of him- it suddenly made him remember.

How could he be so foolish? Neji cursed himself for having forgotten about Lee’s.. identity, just thinking of him as his charming teammate and rival, not more than that. But now, it was abundantly clear to the Hyuga that he should have thought about it more.

Neji inched his way over to Lee’s side, meeting the other man's eyes as he questioned why he was here, and Neji blinked. Lee didn't even know he had been sold? And from the way Lee's mother said it, she clearly had no guilt about giving her son away like old furniture. The word she used, “barren”, left a bad taste in his mouth, the way she spoke to Lee making him wish he could do several very unsavory things to her.

Hiashi sent him and Lee away mercifully, Neji thankful he didn't have to listen to this awful woman a second longer. As he led his teammate to a small sitting room, he rubbed his back, watching with worry on his face as Lee hyperventilated, doubling over as tears welled in his dark eyes. Neji took to rubbing soothing circles on his back, something he remembered Guy doing for him once or twice.
–
Following the short discussion he and Lee had had, the two men were finally escorted back to the side branch house, leaving the pair in Neji's quarters. Neji let Lee sit on his bed, watching as he cried himself to sleep, not even looking peaceful in rest.

He, on the other hand, sat on the floor, trying to devise a plan, anything he could possibly do. While he had tried to put on a brave face for Lee and had even let his mouth get ahead of him and said he would speak to Hiashi, he knew that wasn't true. Neji was too much of a nihilist to think it possible his uncle would change his mind, not after all the planning that had gone into this.

He sat and watched Lee, a sad smile crossing his face as the smaller man curled himself into Neji's pillow, seemingly calming down a bit. The smile faded quickly, knowing that no matter what feelings he may have had for Lee, this situation was surely awful for both of them. There was no way Lee would be happy about being forced into a marriage for the sole purpose of creating more slaves for his clan.

That would be the fate of any children they had after all, being branded and forced to serve. It sickened him to his core, and the fact Lee had been roped into it just made it worse. Watching the sleeping man wasn't helping, having to look away from the sight to focus.

Sure, he may have feelings for Lee, even thought of the idea of domestic bliss between them on occasion. But it was a fantasy, one he knew could never come true as long as his uncle was looming over his life like a tyrant.

Finally, after a long, long moment spent in brooding silence, he gently stood and grabbed the blanket, tucking Lee into his bed. For a moment, an impulse hit him, and he couldn't stop himself from brushing back a bit of Lee's hair, that miserable smile tugging at his lips again as he watched the other man's face. Lee snuggled into the blanket, a smile on his sleepy face as he leant into Neji's touch. He looked so trusting like this that it almost scared the Hyuga.

Lee did trust him, even in a situation like this. He felt a skip in his heart, shaking his head and pulling his hand back like it burned. After pausing to consider lying in bed beside Lee, he ended up unbuttoning his shirt and using it as a pillow, laying himself on the floor and forcing himself into a dreamless sleep, deciding he would figure this out tomorrow.

Though, he recalled with a shiver, their wedding was set in just three days.

Chapter Text

Lee woke up to find his face buried in a very uncomfortable pillow. He rubbed his eyes, his thick lashes practically glued together from all the crying he had done, and blinked, looking around.

As he looked at the floor, seeing Neji sleeping stiffly, he remembered. Right. The harsh reality crashing over him hit Lee so hard he couldn't even appreciate the sight of Neji being shirtless in front of him. The Hyuga was soundly asleep, looking exhausted despite being out cold.

Lee sat up and winced, his hand flying to his chest. He cursed under his breath, realizing he had forgotten to unwrap his bandages before going to sleep. It ached so badly he could feel it in his ribs, all sharp pains from his chest being compressed all night.

His eyes flitted to Neji's sleeping face again and he sighed, standing up as quietly as he could, not wanting to wake the other man. With a long stare, he crept out the window, thankful to find there were no guards or anyone to stop him.

Slinking out of the gates of the Hyuga compound was easy, feeling like a weight dropping off his shoulders. Lee found himself walking wherever his feet would carry him, his mind replaying the events of the previous day over and over. His apartment was a definite no, he never wanted to see his mother again for as long as he lived.

He had already carried a great dislike for her, but Lee tried not to use the word hate. It felt too final, too strong, after all, people can change. ..But now, it was the only word he could conjure up that accurately described how he was feeling about her. How could the woman who birthed him, who raised him, be so cruel?

Was it possible that he really had done something wrong? Maybe if he had just sucked it up and lived his life as a girl then none of this would be happening, and he wouldn't be being used as leverage to make Neji's life worse. That was one of the last things he wanted to do.

Before he knew what was happening, Lee found himself outside of Tenten's door, his shoulders slumped. With a soft sigh he knocked, trying to give his friend a smile when she opened the door. She instantly led him in, leading him to her couch to sit him down.

“Lee, what the hell happened to you?” She asked, looking worried as she took in the miserable look on his face. He almost laughed at that reaction, but couldn't find the energy. “I will tell you, Tenten, but first.. Could you help me take off my bandages? I can barely breathe.”

Once Tenten had unwound his bandages, respectfully turning away as he slid on the tanktop she lent him, his jumpsuit unzipped to the hips and hanging around his waist. “Thank you, dear friend.” Lee said, giving her a real smile now, less forced.

“Okay, now will you tell me what happened?” She persisted, still looking concerned. Lee glanced aside, his smile falling. “Right. Well, it is a bit hard to believe, but… My mom arranged for me to get married-” He stared, Tenten interrupting.

“Oh, that.. Lee, I swear, if it's to some creep, I am one hundred percent willing to-” The girl started, her brows furrowed with anger. She had been the main person Lee vented to about his mom, not wanting to burden Neji with his own bad family life. As such, Tenten had a tendency to promise violent acts against the woman whenever she got a chance, even though Lee never once said yes.

He didn't want his mother hurt, after all.

“No, no, it is not like that, Tenten!” Lee said, cheeks flushing. “It is, ah… The person she arranged for me to get married to is Neji.” He finally managed to say, staring into Tenten's eyes while she blinked, processing his words.

“Neji?” She repeated, like she thought he'd say it was a joke. Lee nodded solemnly, looking down at his lap. “Yes. My mother, she somehow made a deal with Neji's uncle, and now we are.. engaged..?” He winced as he said the last word, as if he was unsure if that was right. “We are going to be married in less than a week!”

Tenten put a hand on Lee’s shoulder, catching him from almost hyperventilating again. He took a deep breath, meeting her eyes. “I do not know what to do. I do not know why…” He trailed off, leaning his head onto Tenten's shoulder as he started crying.

She just sat there, wrapping one arm around Lee's shoulder, patting his back. After letting out a sigh, Tenten spoke, trying to keep her tone gentle. “Maybe it won't be that bad?” She tried, brows drawn. “I mean, there are worse people than Neji you could have to marry.”

Lee sniffled at that, sitting back up and rubbing at his eyes. “That is true. But.. No matter how I feel about him, with us being forced together like this, I cannot expect he might ever like me back. He already has it hard enough with his clan without having to worry about dealing with children and all that comes with being married.”

Tenten's brows shot up at the mention of children, but she didn't say anything, letting the man speak. “I mean, I do not even know what the actual wedding will be like! For all I know, they might make us do a blood pact or something!” Lee said, now looking more upset than before.

“I doubt they'll make you do a blood pact, Lee.” Tenten said blankly, and he sighed. “I know. It is just.. Well, you know I have always imagined what my wedding would be like.” She nodded at that, remembering the many times he had detailed it to her as they were growing up.

He had it planned to the detail, every food item and outfit written out in his journal. The idea that he wouldn't even be allowed to choose any detail of the ceremony was just an insult to injury. Lee sighed, leaning onto Tenten again as he thought miserably about his very near future.

“I mean, not to mention that Neji has said he never wants kids at all.” Lee said, pouting. “I do not want to make him do anything he does not want to. But.. I do not know what his clan would do to me if I do not have children. It is one of the things my mom apparently told them I would be fine with.”

Tenten wrapped Lee in a real hug this time, not able to come up with any advice for him. It was a very out there situation, one she knew no amount of her playful threats could help. So she focused on trying to cheer him up a little, standing to make tea for the both of them.

As soon as she walked over with the cups, Lee stood, his eyes wide. “I forgot! Neji is surely awake by now. He is probably worried about where I went, after..” He paused, trying to think of a way to say he sobbed his eyes out and then vanished out the window as soon as he woke.

“I am sorry, Tenten, but I will come back as soon as I can. Please do not worry about me too much!” With that, he zipped his jumpsuit back up and jogged to the door, leaving her standing there, looking bewildered.

Chapter Text

Neji woke to the cool breeze blowing over him, his eyes fluttering open. He shivered, pulling his shirt he'd been using as a pillow around his shoulders. The window was open and Lee was gone. Great.

He stood, walking over to shut the window. After taking a moment to compose himself, Neji decided to get dressed properly. Since Lee had left, there was really no reason for him to stay on the compound. There were no preparations he needed to make, all ‘wedding’ set-up being done by Hiashi.

Neji left the Hyuga compound with a mean look on his face, unable to school his expression to anything more calm. He walked to the training grounds and decided he might as well take out his anger at his uncle on a training dummy, rather than letting it boil up. It was a happy feeling, melting into the routine training instead of focusing on everything that was upsetting him right now.

He was so lost in his training, in fact, that he didn't notice his sensei approaching him, nearly jumping out of his skin as that booming voice called his name. After making sure he hadn't just died on the spot, Neji turned and nodded, standing up straight. “Gai-sensei.” He said respectfully, watching as the older man approached.

“Neji! It's rare to see you out training alone. What brings you out here?” Gai asked, smiling at his student. Neji crossed his arms, fighting the urge to roll his eyes. “I have a lot on my mind right now. I figured training might help.” He replied, tone a bit forced.

The boisterous man laughed, patting Neji's shoulder. “A lot on your mind, huh? Well you can always talk to me, my pupil. I know you're older now, but I'll always be your sensei. Even if you don't need my guidance as often.” Neji's nose crinkled slightly with distaste before he exhaled long and slow.

“I guess talking it out with someone might be. Helpful.” He finally said, meeting his teacher's eyes. “You know more about my clan than most do anyway. I'm sure you remember all about how my uncle considers me more.. viable ever since the chunin exams. Well…”

Neji leaned against the dummy as his mouth opened, the words just pouring out about the marriage and his worries and everything. “And I don't think Lee was even told about this before! It's messed up, that's what it is. I can't just use him for my clan's interests!” Gai listened intently, taking in his students' words with a nod.

“It makes it worse because I…” Neji paused, swallowing thickly, about to admit his feelings out loud for the first time. “Because I already like him, but I know with this whole.. situation. There's no way he would want to actually be in a relationship now. There's nothing to consider because he wouldn't even get a choice.”

Gai patted Neji's shoulder sympathetically, giving the younger man a soft look. “Well, if you really do like Lee already, you could just.. Ask him out properly.” He suggested, Neji taking a step back at those words.

“Be serious, Gai. There's no way-” Neji started, looking outright angry now. Gai raised his hands defensively, waving them slightly. “I am serious! You never know, Lee might appreciate it more than you'd think.”

After saying that, he dropped his hands, giving an apologetic smile. “If you want, I could talk to Lady Tsunade about this, I'm sure she could do something about the wedding if neither of you wants to be wed.” He said, running through possible solutions in his mind.

Neji shook his head, laying a palm flat against the chipped training dummy he'd been beating on earlier. “Don't involve the hokage in this. It's not that serious.” He said firmly, no longer looking at his teacher. He lifted his other arm and struck the dummy hard enough it made a loud crunching sound, which eased his mind ever so slightly.

“Besides, wedding ceremonies are done in a very specific way in my clan. It's not the sort of thing that can be exactly ‘called off.’” The Hyuga continued, lifting his hand to strike the training dummy again. “I appreciate the thought.”

The next hit he landed properly broke the wood, it falling to the ground with a loud thud and a cloud of dirt. “I'm sorry you can't come to our wedding, sensei.” Neji said with a tone full of finality.

He turned to leave, not wanting to spend any longer with that caring look being directed towards him, it making him cringe up. No matter how much time passed, Neji could never shake the feeling that other people feeling sympathy for him was a weakness. “I wish you the best, Neji.” Gai called to his back.

Neji walked back to the Hyuga compound, feeling worse than he had before leaving. His new plan was to meditate, hoping it'd make him feel better than training did. ‘Just ask him out.’ What silly advice. There was no way Lee would accept something like that. It was his clan's fault this was happening, and why would Lee ever want to be part of it anyway?

Neji forced himself not to stomp as he re-entered his room, seeing Lee was back, sitting on his bed. “Hey, Neji.” Lee said softly. Neji flushed, eyeing Lee over and swallowing before sitting beside the other man. “Lee.”

He huffed, his knee brushing against Lee’s as he tried to think of something to say. “I really am sorry about all of this.” Neji finally settled on. Lee sighed, turning to stare into his eyes. “It is not your fault, Neji. I am not upset with you.”

Both men sat in silence for a moment before Neji gasped softly. Lee had slid his hand on top of his, the contact making the brunette shiver. Feeling that calloused hand against his own calmed Neji more than anything else had, his shoulders slumping. “I know. But I'm still sorry my clan… My uncle chose to involve you in our issues.”

Lee didn't reply, his fingers lacing with Neji's. They sat together, neither of them bold enough to say how they really felt about the other. So they held hands, sitting on Neji's bed and thinking about their inevitable marriage in two days time.

“I should explain to you how the ceremony is going to go.” Neji finally said, pulling his hand back from Lee's as he prepared to go into exactly what their ‘wedding’ would be.

Chapter Text

Lee spent the majority of the next day being dragged around the Hyuga compound. The day was filled with repeatedly being measured for his wedding robes and having several medical checkups done on him. He was tired of it all by this point, but he still couldn't help but notice just how many people there were in the side branch.

It had never occured to Lee how many Hyuga there actually were. Sure, he knew logically that the clan had to be large, but the amount of faces he'd never seen before, all linked by those pale eyes, was astounding. He even tried striking up a conversation with the girl who had been measuring him, the two getting along shockingly well.

“And then I told him that it was just a matter of time before he gave in and joined us for training, and he never can resist a competition.” Lee said happily, regaling her with a tale of a training session with Neji and Gai, doing his best to hold still while she wrapped the tape around his chest and wrote down his size.

“I have heard that your sensei is quite a character.” She said, offering Lee a soft smile, her eyes on the notepad she was holding. “It must be nice having all of that excitement in your life.” Her voice had a hint of sorrow in it that made Lee frown. It reminded him of Neji when they were younger, full of a distaste for her own life.

He grinned, lifting his arms for her to measure them as well. “Maybe you could come train with me sometime! I am sure I would not mind your company!” Lee paused briefly, something occuring to him. “What is your name?” He asked, his eyes twinkling.

That made the girl freeze, meeting his gaze with a hint of surprise at his suggestion. She shook her head slowly, wrapping up the measuring tape and tucking her notepad under her arm. “You don't need to know my name. Thank you, but.” She sighed, shaking her head again.

She turned to leave, her dark hair swishing behind her as she glanced over her shoulder. “Save that kindness for someone who really needs it. I hope your ceremony goes well.”

With that, she left, Lee once again being left alone in one of the many chambers of the side branches’ section of the clan compound. He knew at any moment, someone else would drag him along and make him do some other mundane task to prepare for the event. For now, he plopped onto the small chair in the room, staring out the window with a blank look on his face.

Lee wasn't a fan of being kept in the dark about things, since it happened often enough regularly, people assuming he wouldn't understand things. On one hand, he was glad Neji had taken the time to give him a rundown of the ceremony, but on the other.. Every question he had posed, the other man had just stiffly replied that he would handle it, gritting his teeth. The black-haired man knew Neji must have his reasons, but it made his eye twitch to not be given any of the finer details.

After all, it was still technically his wedding, even if it wasn't by choice or anything like the way he would have planned it. As his thoughts drifted, Lee let himself fantasize about his dream wedding with Neji, of the other man being dressed in a matching outfit, the two of them exchanging vows and then sharing a sweet kiss. He had imagined it over and over for years, but now, with a real wedding looming over him like a dark cloud, the idea only made him pout.

Lee turned his gaze to the small room he was in, the pale gray walls and equally bland furniture, and it made him sigh. Everything about Neji's clan seemed like it was handcrafted to make him miserable, down to the way they did weddings. They refused to even call it a wedding, just calling it a ‘ceremony’ or ‘binding’, neither of which filled Lee with the warm feelings thoughts of a proper marriage did.

When he was finally brought to another room, this time being scanned over by two Hyuga, one of whom didn't have the byakugan, which caught his attention. Must be another person who had married into the clan… Lee didn't bother trying to converse this time, figuring that everyone here didn't want to be.

As they took his vitals and read his medical record, the two whispered about him back and forth, murmuring loud enough for him to catch that they were discussing his lack of chakra control. He glanced away, trying not to listen as one of them giggled, saying something about how he wouldn't fit in well with the clan, which hit like a blow to the chest.

He'd dealt with enough bullying to ignore it, but not enough for it to eat away at him from inside. It was enough to render him silent, mumbling his answers to their questions regarding his past surgery and the way he was born.

Nothing had ever made him as grateful as when he was finally escorted back to Neji's room, flopping onto the bed and burying his face into the pillow. He whimpered to himself, unable to cry or do anything else, all the stress and worry built up inside of him with no hope for release.

His mind filled with thoughts of Neji, of the way he'd promised to take care of everything so Lee didn't have to worry. It was sweet, so sweet it made his heart pound and cheeks flush, but it wasn't enough to keep him from freaking himself out thinking about the wedding, about having to play the role of Neji's wife for the rest of his life.

Neji was surely off getting everything on his end finished, with the grace and calmness he faced seemingly everything with. Lee sometimes found himself wishing he could be more like Neji, to be able to wear that shield that hides away his emotions. He knew that was impossible, though, since he had worn his heart on his sleeve ever since he was little.

He could remember the way his mom would always laugh and tell him to fix his face, to stop crying, to be a good girl and hush. Those memories made him recoil, curling into himself tightly as he tried to force his mind away from his mother. Her words didn't matter, he told himself. Sticks and stones and all that.
–

Right then, the door opened, Neji quickly approaching the bed and placing a hand on Lee's shoulder. The Hyuga didn't say a thing, but he sat beside Lee and pulled him into a hug, Lee slumping onto him. Neji's presence helped, if only slightly. Lee found himself still unable to talk, words failing him.

Neji didn't seem to care, stroking a hand down Lee's back, his nails gently scratching at his skin, making a shaky sigh leave his lips. “It's all okay, Lee.” The brunette said, his voice like a refreshing drink to Lee's ears. “I… You don't need to worry.” He continued, doing his best to put on a brave face for Lee's sake.

Lee wrapped his arms around Neji in return, letting his eyes slip shut. Silence fell over both men, neither finding anything to say that could make things better. Finally, after a long moment, Lee sat up slightly, realizing he was practically in Neji's lap.

“Thank you.” He said, voice coming out shakily. Neji hummed, his eyes flitting to Lee's lips for a moment. He blinked that off, convincing himself Neji had just been looking down. “Neji, I.. I cannot help but worry. Your clan is so… traditional. And strict. I am not sure that they will accept me, even once we are married.”

Lee said, his voice thick with a mix of misery and anger. “I do not fit in here, it seems. I am not good enough for them.” He said, nearly spitting the words as Neji held him tighter, the other man's eyes narrowing slightly.

“Don't worry about that, Lee.” Neji said resolutely, like it was a command. “You don't have to be good enough for anybody besides yourself.” Lee tried to rebuttal that, but he was quickly cut off. “Besides, like I told you,”

Neji shifted, meeting his rival's eyes. “I have it all handled. I want you to focus not on the ceremony, but what'll come after.” That confused Lee, unsure what the other man was talking about.

“Please, tell me what you mean, Neji.” He questioned intently. “What do you have handled?” Lee's brows bunched as he asked, his cheeks warm at Neji's strong embrace.

Neji didn't reply for a long, quiet period, looking deep in thought. “I'll explain later, I promise. For now, you should try to sleep. Tomorrow's the ‘big day’, after all.” He said, not meeting Lee's eyes.

With that, Neji let go of Lee, trying to get up to let the other man have the bed again, but Lee refused to let go. He held Neji tightly, wanting to keep his warmth and promise beside him, anything to calm his racing mind. “Please, Neji.” Was all he said, and the Hyuga relented, laying down beside Lee, being careful not to touch him.

The two laid in bed side by side, Lee slowly shifting closer to Neji until their arms pressed together, a soft sigh leaving both of their mouths. “Alright. I trust you to not say something like that and not mean it.” Lee said softly, gently rolling onto his side to face him, putting them chest to chest. “Good night, Neji. Tomorrow… Tomorrow you will be my husband.”

That was said so quietly it was barely audible, but Neji blushed regardless. His arm instinctively slung around Lee's body, making it so the two of them were outright cuddling. “Go to sleep, Lee.” He replied, not even bothering to hide his flushed cheeks.

Lee smiled, falling asleep faster than he ever had. There was no warmth quite like the comfort of Neji's arms, after all.

Chapter Text

To say Neji had been busy all day was an understatement. He had woken up early, rubbing his back, sore from another night of sleeping on the floor while Lee took the bed.

Both of them were up and dressed by the time there was a knock on the door, Lee practically being dragged off by one of his fellow clansmen. Neji sighed, forcing his expression flat like usual before leaving his chambers.

While Lee was off getting his preparations done, Neji had his own set of things to do. Thankfully, his measurements were already safely tucked away in the clan’s files, so nothing was needed for him. With an icy expression, he left his room, glancing around the side branches' segment of the compound, taking in just how much of his clan were stuck rushing around to help set up for his ceremony.

He rolled his eyes, making his way to the main branches' building. Technically, he wasn't allowed over there, but he found that Hiashi was at least more lenient about him breaking that rule than anyone else who wasn't from the main branch. So, Neji entered calmly, making his way down a short staircase into the ceremony room.

The room was mostly dark and empty, a small stone pedestal in the center. He approached it and placed his hand on the table, letting his eyes slip shut as he felt the thrumming of it, as if it was alive.

In a way, it almost was.
Neji had only ever witnessed one ceremony, and it was when he was very young. Every Hyuga gets to watch once, when they're a child. It had been for some second or third cousin of his, the man marrying an outsider. He could remember the whispers and gossip of the clan about it for weeks afterwards, the thought of his and Lee's marriage being thought of that same way made it feel like he'd swallowed a stone.

The ceremony itself was a simple affair. The clan head stands before the pedestal and activates it, then the two people being bound together both place a hand on the smooth stone, letting their chakra pool to their hands and absorb into the stone, then slowly into each other.

The sharing of chakra supposedly gives you a bond unlike any other, tying you together for as long as you both live. Neji shuddered at the thought of Lee being forcefully bound to him, a grimace crossing his face as he laid his hand out flat, feeling the chill of generations of Hyuga wed in this same spot, of one loveless marriage after the other.

Neji jumped out of his skin when he heard a smooth voice say, “I thought I'd find you here.” He turned, seeing Hiashi, forcing his face back to pure neutrality. “Oh, uncle, did you need me?”

Neji met his uncle's eyes, a bolt of unease running through his body. “I just wanted to… thank you for being so cooperative. It makes things much easier on my end.” Hiashi said, and Neji relaxed, glad he wasn't being berated for being in the room at all.

Many short conversations like this had occurred over the short few days up to the wedding, Neji growing more agitated as the older Hyuga refused to give him straight answers on anything. For instance, he had tried to get an answer as to what would happen if Lee wasn't pregnant within the year, and had gotten a snarky, “We'll just have to find out, won't we?” In reply.

Hiashi walked up beside Neji, placing a hand on the pedestal as well. The older man let out a sigh, feeling the worn rock. “You're going to be doing more work than most do for their ceremonies.”

The clan head continued, stepping back and tilting his head up to look down at his nephew. “After all, your future bride can't control her chakra, can she?” He continued, a hint of disgust on his face at the notion. Neji had to fight the instinct to reflexively correct about Lee's pronouns, knowing his uncle would never even begin to accept that the ‘girl’ Neji was marrying wasn't one at all.

“That's right. He- She can't.” Neji said, sliding his hand back and crossing his arms. “I already figured out that I can pool.. her chakra, to make things easier for everyone.” He said, forcing his body language, expression and tone all even.

Hiashi nodded, patting Neji's shoulder in a familial way that made him cringe. Without another word, Hiashi left, and Neji let out a breath, walking out of the room and rushing off quickly.

Neji walked all the way back to the other half of the compound, leaning against a small building with a huff. It was difficult, trying to juggle all of this. Lee being involved made it much harder, because unlike if his bride was an unknown woman, his feelings were involved.

Lee… Thinking about the other man made Neji's heart clench, knowing he hadn't been entirely truthful. He had given Lee the barest of explanations of the ceremony, of how they'd be twining their chakra together, swapping a piece of their souls. When questioned, Neji reassured his friend that he had everything handled, but he couldn't help but feel that he really, truly didn't.

Neji sighed, walking into one of the small chambers where the formal wedding robes were being made. He eyed the fabric, soft and faintly patterned, shiny and smooth. The other branch members who were sewing them edges and hemming Lee's to fit him didn't even spare him a glance.

He approached, eyeing the robe for Lee and then clicking his tongue. “I'm sorry, but could you change the cut of these?” Neji requested calmly, forcing out the next half of the statement. “Un-cinch the waist at the very least. I don't want my wife to be uncomfortable.”

The young Hyuga holding the sewing needle looked up at Neji and frowned, then nodded. “Of course.” The boy carefully went to loosen the fabric and fix the shape, Neji nodding approvingly as he headed out to see about the makeup for the ceremony, making sure they wouldn't paint Lee too much or too pale.
–
By the time Neji got back to his room, he was exhausted, but clearly not as much as Lee. He walked up to his rival and placed a hand on his shoulder, biting back an ‘are you okay?’, because he clearly wasn't.

Neji sat beside Lee, the bed dipping under their combined weight. He was surprised that his attempt at comforting led to cuddling, but he wasn't complaining, burying his face in Lee's hair and breathing in the scent of his shampoo as he fell asleep.

–
The ceremony itself was quiet, the ritual of it all making it easy for Neji. Lee looked stunning in his robes, Neji had to admit, the small family crest on the bosom making Neji feel a warmth in his chest.

When they both placed their hands on the pedestal, Neji gently ran his finger along the vein of Lee's wrist, helping move his chakra along, resting his palm flat against the other man's. Neji shut his eyes, breathing softly as he felt the oddly hot feeling of Lee’s nature mixing with his own.

Finally, the faint glow of the stone faded, Hiashi nodding approvingly as the two men removed their hands. “Now, there's only one final step.”

Hiashi said, and with that, two Hyuga escorted Neji and Lee to a small, standalone chamber on the property, which Neji recognized at the ‘honeymoon suite’. Or rather, the small structure made for marriages to be consummated.

The two were let inside and then locked in, both sitting on the plush bed in silence, their fancy clothing doing nothing to help their moods. Neji stared at Lee, his brows furrowing as he took in the look on that face he knew so well. It was one of absolute misery, one that made him feel sick.

This was his fault. He knew that, he should have been able to figure out something by now, some way to get them out of this arrangement. But he hadn't. He had failed Lee when he needed him the most. At this point, he felt the only thing that could make this better would be a political assassination of his uncle, his mind added bitterly.

Neji didn't realize he had tears in his eyes until he blinked and felt one fall from his face and drip onto his thigh. Lee looked surprised to see Neji crying, something he had actually never seen before.

It was like a fact of life, birds flew, and Neji didn't cry. Lee leaned in, wiping away Neji's tears, thumbing away the drops. “Neji, what is wrong?” He asked, staring into those pale eyes.

Neji shook, turning away from Lee and scrubbing his eyes with his sleeves, not caring if the fabric of the evidence of this sham of a marriage got damaged by his tears. “I'm sorry, Lee.”

Was what he managed to get out, a thousand thoughts filling mind, not a single one positive. “I'm so sorry about all of this. I told you I would handle it, but I didn't, I couldn't…” He trailed off, finding his voice thick with emotion he couldn't control.

“I thought I could handle it, that maybe I'd find something to say to change my uncle's mind, but. I guess I couldn't even get myself to do that. My family shouldn't be your problem.” Neji said, his brows moving inward with his anger, hands clenching at his robe, shaking.

Lee shook his head, frowning but still speaking softly, his eyes warm and friendly as ever. “Neji, I do not expect you to be able to fix everything. I did not expect you to stand up against your uncle-” His eyes flicked to Neji's forehead for a moment before moving back to his eyes. “Or anything like that. Your clan… I know enough to understand why you feel powerless.”

Neji turns more fully away from Lee, his voice coming out meeker than either of them had ever heard. “But Lee, I know you've always wanted a real wedding.. You want it to be something special, something real, with someone who can be both those things.”

Lee blushed at that, hand grabbing Neji's shoulder, both of them shuddering as the heat of their blended chakra washed over them both as they touched. Feeling emboldened, Lee replied firmly. “It is true I always dreamed of my wedding.”

He sighed, sliding his hand down Neji's back, then down onto the bed. “I was just talking to Tenten about it a couple days ago, in fact. For me to be wearing my formal clothing, Gai-sensei in the audience to cheer me on…” Lee shook his head, trying to stay on topic. “But.. I should tell you who I always dreamed the groom, ah, the other groom would be.”

Neji turned at that, a brow raising skeptically. He met his teammates eyes and frowned, his pale face flushed with emotion. “Who do you mean?” He asked, genuinely vexed.

“It was you, Neji. Or, it is you.” Those words made the Hyuga sit up straight, his eyes widening.

“No way. That can't be true. Why would you like me? You.. you should want someone much better.” Neji said, still speaking low and emotionally.

Lee looked Neji over for a moment, then crossed his arms, his silky robe’s sleeves slipping over his hands. “It has always been you. You have always looked out for me, always been there to help me when I needed it.” Lee started, holding Neji's stare firmly. “You make me feel warm all over, you inspire me to be a better man! You are part of why I have always pushed myself so hard, and you never treat me like I am worth less because of things I cannot control.”

By that point, Neji was blushing fully, eyes wide and brows nearly touching his hairline. “How did I… I never noticed.” Neji said to himself, and Lee chuckled, cupping Neji's cheek. “How long? How long have you liked me, Lee?”

Lee paused to think. “Well, after I got over Sakura, I realized that someone more.. attainable was right nearby. I have always figured you liked me back.” He admitted, and Neji balked, shocked Lee noticed his crush on him.

“You figured?” Neji repeated, dumbfounded. “How did I stay blind to this for so long?” Neji huffed, melting slightly as Lee's thumb rubbed at his cheek.

“Lee.” He said softly, meeting those brown eyes again. “You.. You're right. I do… harbor feelings for you.” At that, Lee lit up, looking much less depressed than he had been just moments before.

“I knew it!” Lee said, his other hand moving to clasp one of Neji's. “I knew you had to like me, I knew it!” He leaned in, stopping himself a fraction from Neji's lips. “Can I kiss you, Neji?”

The question was high and tense, like he feared rejection. Neji would never reject Lee. He nodded, then leaned in to close the gap, letting Lee have his first kiss. It was gentle and brief, but it was magical, that fuzzy warmth flowing through his body again. Lee gasped softly as the kiss broke, his eyes dazed.

“Wow.” Lee said, making Neji smile. “Can I kiss you again?” Neji asked, almost desperately as his hands slid to hold both of Lee's, the contact of their palms making him melt. Lee closed the gap this time, the two both getting used to the feeling of their lips on the other's.

While the two didn't end up consummating their marriage, they did find themselves cuddled up again, Neji spooning Lee in his arms and knowing that while it was just a mundane ceremony they had had, this was the start of something real for the two of them.

Chapter Text

Lee had been shocked by how easily the ceremony went by, expecting more hassle. It made him thankful, since Neji had promised to handle things and clearly had meant it.

For instance, his robes being a masculine cut was a happy surprise, and the makeup he had to wear was a simple light dusting and lips being lined. The event itself was a bit chilling, despite it being easy. The way Neji's eyes had pierced into his soul as he oh-so gently traced over Lee's arm to move his chakra for him made him shiver, the feeling oddly sensual.

Even if Hiashi had called him the wrong name, certainly told to him by his mother, Lee had no problem with the ceremony overall, despite it being nothing like his dream wedding.

And when they had finally finished the ritual, he quickly found that he was feeling even more drawn to Neji than before, like there was a drug in his system burning him from the inside. When they kissed, it was hot, the warm tingle that urged him towards the other man bursting inside of him.

It had taken two long weeks for the effects of the ceremony to start to ebb, making them less clingy to one another. Lee had concluded that this was part of how it the Hyuga ensured that couples ended up having children so soon after being wed. Still, that pull combined with the feelings he already had for Neji was hypnotizing, Lee finding himself laying on his love, or kissing him all over, or just petting his hair more often than he usually would.

Lee had almost been persuaded by it to just do it with Neji to get it over with, but Neji refused, saying he didn't want their first time to be anything less than perfect and natural, not because of some stupid jutsu.

Neji sighed, his hands on Lee's hips while the smaller man laid on top of him. “I just don't think it's the best idea. I know we don't know what will happen if we don't produce a child, but doing it just because of my clan feels.. wrong.” The Hyuga said, a calm smile on his face thanks to Lee's proximity.

“I understand that.” Lee said, though he still felt that burst of warmth in his belly. “What is it about the ceremony anyway? That makes people feel so.. drawn to each other?” He questioned, tracing shapes mindlessly into Neji's bicep.

Neji blinked, his brows furrowing in thought as he tried to think of what he knew about the ceremony. He knew how it worked, of course, and how it happened, but he didn't know exactly what was happening during it beyond that the chakra was swapped from one person to another. “I… I actually don't know, Lee.”

He said finally, sounding disappointed in his own lack of knowledge. Soon after that, Neji had reluctantly pried himself off of Lee and told him he'd be right back before leaving. Lee sat alone, stretching out on Neji's bed and sighing softly, nuzzling into the pillow.

Alone with his thoughts, Lee sighed, envisioning himself being pregnant with Neji's child. He knew from what his mother had told him in the past that her pregnancy had been very easy, up until she had to be put on bedrest in the last trimester. Lee was sure he could handle that part, especially with Neji to look out for him and take care of him.

That wasn't what worried him though. Ever since Neji had fully explained the reason he had never wanted children, Lee couldn't help but think of it. The idea that his own children might have the cursed seal placed on them made him feel sick to his stomach, even the barest hint of the notion that the pain Neji had described would be forced onto his potential child made his heart clench.

Still, Lee imagined them as a happy family, of them at least waiting until they had both agreed that they could raise a child to have one. Getting pregnant at eighteen had never been in Lee's plans, even if he did like the idea of having Neji's babies.

Lee sighed, shaking himself off and deciding that since he was in here alone and had nothing better to do, he might as well train. After all, being a splendid ninja was still in his heart no matter what happened to him.
–

Neji paced in circles around the grounds of the clan compound as he chastised himself for never being curious enough to find out how the ceremony worked. He had promised Lee that he wouldn't keep any secrets, and that included clan secrets, at least to him.

He was certain that in the clan's archives, there would be something detailing how it worked. The archive was another place he strictly wasn't allowed to go due to his status in the clan.

Running a hand through his hair, Neji counted out the options in his head before settling on one, walking to the clan training grounds and spotting his cousin. “Lady Hinata.” He half-shouted, the girl pausing her practice hits to turn to him.

“Oh, Neji!” She said, smiling as he walked up to him, panting softly. “I haven't seen you in a while. Is Lee well?” Her question made Neji's shoulders relax, realizing he had been ignoring his cousin while all the procedures for the wedding were happening.

“Yes, he's fine. He's been a bit upset the past few days, but besides that, he's okay.” Neji replied, a small smile on his lips as he thought of Lee, that warmth tingling in him again, reminding him why he was here.

“Right, Lady Hinata, I had a favor to ask you.” She met his eyes curiously, tilting her head. “Would you be willing to accompany me to the clan's archive so I can do some research? There's something I need to look into.”

He looked to his cousin expectantly, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. “Sure, Neji.” Hinata agreed, nodding. “We can go right away, I barely started training.” She said with a giggle.

As the two walked to the archives, a large building alongside the main branches' half of the compound, Neji eyed his cousin, noticing something different in the way she was carrying herself. He shook his head, trying to focus on the task at hand.

“So, Neji, what are you trying to look into anyway?” She asked, opening the door to the room full of scrolls, detailing the history of their clan. He sighed, heading to one of the bins to dig through it to read the labels.

“Our ceremonies. Lee asked me about them, and I realized I know very little about the actual function of the pedestal. And just about everything else about it too.” Neji huffed softly to himself, growing annoyed as he checked bin and box alike, finding nothing.

Hinata started searching as well, scanning the tall shelves for anything about them. The two just about turned the room upside down looking before finally finding one single scroll with the information he sought. Neji slid it into his pocket, offering Hinata a small smile.

“Thank you for the help, Lady Hinata.” He said. “I hope this will have all the answers I need. Lee's been a bit more.. affected by the ceremony than I think most are. And I just want to find out if he'll be okay. I'm sure the purpose of it all is to encourage us to have children, but I don't think it's a good idea.”

He sighed, giving an apologetic glance for complaining. “I don't want to just make more members for the branch family, you know? I don't mean to speak ill of your father, but he truly is a bit… overly invested in making me have children.” Neji crossed his arms, eyeing Hinata blankly.

The girl brought a hand up to pat his shoulder, doing her best at comforting. “Don't worry so much, Neji. When I'm clan head, I'll make sure nobody gets sealed anymore. You go through so much because of it, it's just wrong.” Hinata said passionately, shocking the taller Hyuga a bit. He was so used to Hinata just letting things pass her by that her being proactive surprised him.

“That's a nice thought, Lady Hinata, but I was barely four when I got the seal placed on me. Do you really think uncle will be… No longer clan head by then?” Neji said, ever a pessimist.

Hinata sighed, following alongside Neji as he walked back to his chambers. “I'll talk to him, Neji, I promise. I'll make sure nothing happens to you and Lee's children, or to you as best as I can!” Neji blinked again, then nodded. As he reached for the knob, he met her eyes kindly, an expression he hadn't offered her in a long while.

“Thank you, Lady Hinata.” With that, he re-entered his room, chuckling at the sight of Lee laid out on the floor, shirtless and panting, his lean body sweaty and flushed from a good workout.

“I see you were busy while I was gone.” Neji joked, sitting on his bed and pulling out the scroll from his pocket. Once Lee laughed and looked his way, Neji unrolled the old paper, careful not to damage its delicate clasp. He read through it, telling Lee all of the important bits.

“The clan head places a ‘love charm’ on the stone, surging into the man and woman's chakra as they share their bond. Effects wear off after..” Neji paused, eyes widening as he read through it repeatedly, hoping he'd misread. “Effects will wear off once whatever the placer of the jutsu wished to achieve occurs.”

Lee blinked, sitting up from the floor, his lazy smile falling. “So we have to do whatever your uncle might have… intended?” He questioned, moving to zip up his jumpsuit to cover his sports bra. “Does that mean..”

Neji nodded, bringing a hand up to run through his hair. “Right. It seems we'll be stuck under this jutsu’s boot until we, ah, properly consummate.” He scowled at the scroll, fighting the urge to crumble it up and throw it full force.

Both men sat in silence, stewing over the facts. Lee moved to the edge of the bed, sitting with his head leaned onto Neji's leg. “I guess it could be worse, my dear… We could have to do much worse things.”

Lee licked his lips, meeting Neji's eyes. “Not to say it is not messed up, but if there is nothing else we can do….” He trailed off, sighing softly. “Maybe we can still make it our own, right?”

Neji raised a brow at that, looking down at Lee curiously.
“You know, we may have this in our bodies, but we are married, and.. We love each other. It is only natural that we would…” Lee tried to explain, and Neji huffed in reply.

“I don't want our first time to be because of some curse my uncle felt the need to put on us.” Neji insisted, his pale eyes sparking with defiance. Even as he spoke, his hand slid into Lee's silky hair, toying with it idly.

“Then we do not have to count it as our first time. This can be just.. something we have to take care of, then we can have our real first time, eh?” The black-haired man said, leaning into Neji's gentle caress.

Neji finally relented, agreeing. The hot warmth was getting to him, and he knew that in his heart he wanted Lee like this, wanted to make the man he loved feel amazing. So, they finally coupled, both of them passing out right after.

The effect of the jutsu wore off, and both men were painfully aware of how Neji's seed might have been taking root at that very moment.

Chapter Text

Neji stared at his reflection as he dressed himself, triple checking that his hair was just right, that his shirt wasn't wrinkled. Once he was satisfied with his appearance, he sighed one final time before walking into their bedroom and meeting Lee's eyes.

“Lee, are you ready to go?” He asked, and the other man nodded, beaming as he stood up off the bed, taking Neji's hand. The two walked off the Hyuga compound and out for lunch. It had been a while since they'd had a team outing of any kind, so both of them were in good spirits.

Neji had been surprised, honestly, that things hadn't been ruined by this marriage. He had been expecting the worst about it for so long, dreading everything that it might mean, but the past few months had been shockingly calm.

He mused on it as they walked down to a small restaurant that Tenten had recommended, Lee swinging their hands between them as they walked. Neji could feel the hint of a smile on his lips at just how cute Lee was, it still hard to believe that the other man was happy with this arrangement, even with all that had happened.

But as they sat down with their team, Lee happily hugging Gai and Tenten punching his arm in greeting, nothing went up in flames. So, he let himself relax, sipping on the tea that had already been brought to the table.

“It's always a lovely day when I get to see my pupils all together again!” Neji had tuned in just in time to hear Gai say happily, the older man beaming at the three of them. Tenten rolled her eyes at the words but still smirked, and Neji echoed the sentiment with his own shake of his head.

“I agree! I am so excited we are all here!” Lee said, his enthusiasm palpable. “I have missed the four of us having time to be together.” He added softly, and Neji felt a pang in his chest, the hint that Lee was upset with their domestic life making his brows drop.

While Tenten voiced her agreement, and his team started chattering about how their lives have been going, Neji stared down at his menu. No matter how much he relaxed, the secret they were keeping felt like a physical weight on his back. Even though it had been his idea to keep things a secret from everyone, Neji still felt that urge to proudly blurt it out.

“So, how's the married life been treating you two?” Tenten asked nonchalantly, glancing to Neji. The Hyuga sighed softly, sitting up straight before answering. “It's been well. Me and Lee have been… adjusting.”

He answered vaguely, his pale eyes flitting to Lee, who gave his own reply. “It has been amazing! Even if getting used to the rules of Neji's clan has been a bit of a challenge.” Lee scratched at his neck, where his hair was a bit longer than he liked it.

“But I am happy that our relationship has been flourishing regardless.” The man finished, nodding to himself, a dopey smile on his face as he looked at his lover. Lee nudged Neji's foot under the table, giving him a silent look questioning his mood. Neji just looked away, not wanting to say anything.

Gai laughed loudly, launching into a speech about young love that made Tenten playfully gag, and Neji let himself forget about his feelings for a moment and relax into the bickering of voices he knew so well.

After the dinner, Lee huffed as he walked alongside his husband, arms crossed. “Do you think we should have told them?” He asked gently, patting his stomach. Neji bristled slightly, shaking his head.

“No, you aren't showing yet, so I don't think anyone needs to know.” He said firmly. Lee licked his lips, gently placing a hand on Neji's arm while they walked down the street. “Eventually we will have to tell everyone. Even… Even your uncle.”

Those words made Neji's face sour, knowing it was true but not wanting to think about it. Hinata had promised, sworn up and down that she had made sure Hiashi wouldn't do anything to their kids, but even so, he didn't feel comfortable bringing any child into the world that would have to have that man as their main authority.

“I know that, Lee. I just,” He bit his tongue, taking a slow breath. “Can it stay our secret for a little longer?” Neji gave his love a soft, pleading look as they entered through the main gates of the compound and walked to their housing, Neji helping Lee onto the bed.

Lee didn't reply, lost in his own thoughts as he stared down at his tummy. He knew very well how Neji felt about all of this, and even with all his optimism, Lee knew it was an awful situation. But then again, it wasn't all bad, and he wanted Neji to see that.

“Come here, darling.” Lee said, and Neji instantly turned back to face the black-haired man. As he stepped closer, Lee smiled, tugging Neji down onto the bed beside him.

“You know, I have been thinking of names.” He murmured, wrapping his arms around the brunette. Neji's cheeks flushed, and his brows raised. “You have?” He questioned, that subtle interest making Lee smile.

“Of course I have! I have thought about having children for a long time, you know that.” Was his reply, pressing close to Neji, the other man placing a hand on Lee's mostly flat stomach, gently feeling for the pulse of another chakra signature.

Lee hummed softly, rocking Neji back and forth in a way that he loved- but still hated that it always calmed him down. “Imagine if you did not have to worry about anything, not your clan, not your uncle, nobody but yourself. Surely you have imagined what it would be like if we could be together.. Normally?”

Neji sighed at that, his shoulders slumping as he relaxed against his spouse. “Who wouldn't imagine something like that? Everyone dreams of a better life, don't they?” He said, lips brushing Lee's neck as he mumbled. “I will admit. Sometimes, when we were younger, I would imagine if we could have a non-clan ceremony.”

The Hyuga shifted slightly, curling into Lee despite being larger than the other man. “I've only ever seen them on television, of course, but it seems delightful.” Neji let himself smile sadly, his hands tracing the muscles of Lee's back.

“A party with your friends and close family, sharing vows and having everyone cheer when you kiss… I can imagine it.” Neji's voice broke as he spoke, holding back a miserable noise that built in his throat.

Lee sat silently for a moment, then grabbed Neji's wrists, pushing them back to stand. He headed to one of the boxes of his things from his apartment- which he had sent Neji to get for him so he didn't have to see his mom again- and dug through it, turning around with his journal. “Here, Neji, I know it is in here.”

He said, sitting back on the bed, Neji leaning his head onto his shoulder. As Lee flipped through the pages, Neji let his hands roam Lee's body, imagining how it would change with pregnancy, envisioning his husband wearing maternity robes and feeling conflicted about finding the mental image adorable.

“Here it is!” Lee said happily, snapping Neji from his thoughts. On the page was a simple drawing of a venue, lots of flowers in the background, and a list of everything Lee had dreamed of having at his wedding. “I wrote this when we were much younger, of course, but..”

Neji read through it, unable to fight off his smile as he read Lee's description of his guest list, of the refreshments they would serve, and everything else he could think of. “Lee, you sap.” Neji couldn't help but mutter, shaking his head. “Why are you showing me this?” He asked, dropping the book back onto the bed.

Closing the journal with a soft clap, Lee met Neji's eyes. “Well, I have been thinking.. Maybe if circumstances ever permit, we could have our real wedding..?” He said, sounding unsure. “I mean, your clan's ceremony was… Something, but it was not what I would call a wedding.”

Neji nodded, clicking his tongue. “If circumstances permit?” He repeated softly, his hand having found its way to Lee's belly again. He bit back a comment about how the circumstances would only be right if his uncle keeled over, as much as he wanted to say it. “Maybe. Someday.”

He looked aside, sighing as he drew circles onto Lee absently. “Maybe we could get away with it if we could find a way to do it in secret? I mean, we aren't being heavily monitored yet.” Neji said, knowing as soon as Lee had his next mandatory check up and anyone else found out he was pregnant that his clan would be keeping all eyes on his lover at all times.

“If we do it soon and we do it quickly…” Lee laughed, breaking Neji's train of thought. “What's funny?” He asked, only to be silenced by Lee kissing him gently.

“Do not worry so much, Neji. I am sure everything will work out for us.” He spoke with such surety that Neji somehow found himself agreeing that things would turn out fine for him, for Lee, and for their baby, whoever they may turn out to be.