estoria | [Open] I may see you, I may tell you to run

Entry tags:

lucy,
neji hyuga

[Open] I may see you, I may tell you to run

Who: Neji Hyuga

tuishou & OPEN
When: IC 6.10- early morning 6.14
Where: Residental and Pleasure Districts
What: Neji decides to make a flying leap when adapting to his new surroundings.
Rating/Warning: nudity in the last prompt, but it's mild. keep an eye on this tho.

I : IC 6.10-11 Residential District
[No open log would be complete without the 'find him anywhere' option, so here it is. There's nothing particularly interesting going on-- but then again, that's what you can expect when you're looking at Neji Hyuga to keep you entertained. He's already somewhat explored the neighboring districts and gotten himself a decent change of clothes- white shirt with long, loose sleeves and some nearly-black pants. But he notes he hasn't quite explored the residential district so thoroughly yet, and sets out to do just that. Afternoons, you might find him studying an anatomy book in some bench in the garden or navigating the sky bridges. Evenings, Neji will look off somewhat wistfully towards the Research Tower. Or towards you, near-white, pupil-less eyes just following movement.

It's not on purpose, he promises.]

II : IC 6.10-13 Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting
[In the early mornings, Neji will either be at the Gym or the dojo. He's in all-black attire, hair set in a rare high ponytail. He first stays back and observes if there's anybody else around- curiously, if someone is training with a weapon he's unfamiliar with. Otherwise, he's finding a relatively quiet and lonesome place to practice.

No weapons- Gentle Fist style is worked empty-handed. Some other-world variation of Baguazhang to those who'll want to peg a name to it. And though frustration leaks through as Neji does the occasional set (a tensing in his shoulders, a loud sigh, taking a break when he really had no reason to), he still performs as if the techniques are second nature. They are. They're controlled and effortless- his full range of movement in use as he shifts low into his wide guarding stance. When he moves to strike the training dummy, his open palm might glow faintly blue-- but the aura's shut off the instant before he hits.

No explosions here. Move along.

Or interrupt, if you can get past the bitch face.]

III : IC 6.13-6.14 The Pleasure District
[Neji could say he hadn't wanted to end up here in the first place. It'd be a damned lie, but it might just be easier to explain why he's now standing awkwardly, too patiently, in front of Porta Caelestis with someone trying to coax him inside and not taking 'no' for an answer. Or maybe the same scene is playing out elsewhere- in front of a Fantasy Hub, because Neji decided to keep trying to find his way to his destination rather than turn back. Maybe he's trying (and repeatedly failing) to convince a worker that petting his hair and trying to corral him into Mundus Caelestis is a no-go, that wasn't what he was here for. Thanks. Bye. No? Nope.

He locks eyes with the person who happens to be walking across the street, face perfectly impassive save for the very slight downcurve of his lips. As if willpower and a frown alone will communicate exactly what he's desperately hoping for.

Save him. Please.]

IV : IC 6.14 Why Are You Even Here
[To hell with all of this. He's found the CERES Spa and of course it would be open at all hours of the day. night. There's not a clock in sight and Neji thinks it's the opposite of a good business strategy, but then he wonders why he's thinking of business strategies at 2? 3? in the morning. He's led to the bathhouse and the lockers and monotonously undresses- Hyuga weren't shy sorts (most of them, anyway) even if he's sporting three large, messy scars on his body, back and front. His hair is soon tied high and Neji's resting shoulder-high in the ridiculously calming water, his head back and his eyes closed.

Why even come here if he was going to fight falling asleep in the first five minutes, you ask?

Because he was a sore loser, and he couldn't live with himself if he didn't at least attempt to turn this misadventure into a Win. Warmth. Relaxation. Isolation. Yeah, the day was slowly turning into less of a spectacular failure.

Ruin it for him. Is the bath co-ed? Will you be charged for literally everything you do when in the bathhouse- breathing, blinking, etc? Is there a very convincing worker trying to offer you a very special service? Or just be boring alongside him.]

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[Meanwhile Takeru wasn't so sure. With him giving a thoughtful look, he just looked back up at Neji.

The temptation was there for the boy as well but...!]

Are you sure? I'm really glad that you want to help out but I don't want you to do it because you have to!

[That and he really doesn't want to Neji to get hurt! And especially when he knows close to nothing about how to use a bow and arrow too!]

Because if you do, I don't want to make you feel sad!

Edited 2016-03-30 21:20 (UTC)

[What... was this kid's problem? He didn't want to make Neji feel... sad?

White eyes look the kid over for a second, and Neji's looking mildly... baffled. But he sighs lightly and searches for the best words.] I'm sure.

[There. Those were the words. But for some reason he feels the boy won't be content with just that.] It's important to know how to defend yourself here. And there's no use to training if you don't do it the right way. [He goes to pick up the drawstring bag he'd dropped a few feet away, and then slings it over his shoulder again.] So because you're resolved to practice anyway, I'd like to help with what I can. If you'd rather I don't, I can leave. [Don't take the clipped tone seriously, kid, that's just his Voice.]

[The last thing he wanted was to make Neji feel like he was forced to do something he didn't want to do! But he was right, he needed to learn how to fight anyway. And especially with how Patamon can't evolve outside the ViViD.

Even if he slightly flinched at his tone, it was probably for the better.

With his grip tightening around the bow, he just shook his head] No, you're right. I can't use the bow and arrow if I don't do it the right way and I won't get any better if I keep doing it like that! [Not to mention it would be kind of awkward just not being able to hold the bow correctly and accidentally hitting the arrow at someone!]

But thank you for helping me out! I promise that I'll listen really well and you won't be disappointed!

[Ah- he managed to catch that flinch, but Neji decided the tightened grip on the bow was more important to pay attention to for now. He starts to think back to weapons training, and everything he'd ever heard Tenten rave and rant about, and all those large boring books and scrolls he'd no doubt at some point read.

And still, the sharpest memory he had in regards to bows came from being run through with an arrow. Neji at least seems vaguely pleased, somehow, that the boy had taken up his offer. Which drew his attention to the second-most pressing matter currently at hand.

He gives a tiny bow at the waist, making sure to hold the strap of his bag so it didn't shift so much.] My name is Hyuga Neji. I'm more experienced with hand to hand combat, but I can promise to help with your basics in a way your teacher shouldn't mind much. [Much--?] Now then, let's get going.

[Isn't he going to wait for Takeru to introduce himself? Nope, doesn't seem like it...!]

[With the mention of his name, Takeru just looked straight back up at him. Now that she thought about it, he sure looked like her. Maybe her brother?] Hyuga Neji? You don't know a person named Hinata-san do you?

[Whomever he might be, he was just happy to know that he was going to be helping him out! One day, he'll have to figure out to repay him back for all of this! But for right now, he just looked back at Neji before giving a small bow back in return! This is what you're suppose to do to your sensei right?]

Hey wait, I should introduce myself shouldn't I? My name is Takeru Takaishi and this is Patamon! [He said before pointing to the flying creature flying above them] It's really nice to meet you!

[That was unexpected- Neji even looks surprised. He'd been used to having Lee be the bridge, and with how loud the guy was it was almost expected by this point. But Hinata was quiet, and shy when she didn't have to be anything else, but Neji supposed

sure

she would make friends with a kid. Or become well enough acquainted with them that Takeru thought it was a good idea to bring her up. Neji finally nods.] Hinata-sama is my cousin. [And of course he glosses through the title like it's nothing. Takeru gets a nod in acknowledgement for his trouble, and Neji briefly glances up at the... Patamon, before turning his attention back to the kid.] It's nice to meet you, too.

[Which might just be the first time he's ever said so to anyone in the city, so.] We'll move this outside now, Takeru. You'll tell me why you decided to practice archery in the meanwhile. There are other weapons you could pick up, you know. [And no, he won't help with the bow or with the set-up. That's Takeru's responsibility.]

[And somehow, Takeru gets this odd feeling that both Hinata and him didn't get along did they? Not with how he addressed her. Although, with a title like that, he can't help but wonder if there were something between the two of them.

Whatever it might be, he was just worried. But would it be wise of him to be nosey. Perhaps not. He gets the feeling if he did, Neji probably wouldn't be too happy. But until then...!

As the boy quickly picked up the pieces from the bow and whatever he had with him, he pondered his words.]

Well...I thought maybe it was time that I should start protecting myself. I don't want to see anyone else get hurt because of me so I thought maybe using a bow and arrow would be a good place to start! [That and Angelo just offered it to him.]

[Maybe he hadn't made himself clear-- on more than one count, but for Neji there was only matter to clarify. He was glad the boy- Takeru- had at least taken the clue and not asked for his help on gathering his equipment.

Archery was troublesome. So many... things. Refraining from wrinkling his nose at the thought, Neji hums at the answer as he makes his way to the doors. He wonders, idly, if the Patamon-thing would follow.] It's natural to want to protect yourself and it's wise to learn how. [Which sounded entirely too textbook, even for him. Takeru had already confessed to being the reason someone got injured-- Neji just couldn't find it in him to direct his attention to it.] But what I want to know is, why a bow and arrow, Takeru? [No honorifics. Again. He's not used to it-- sorry.]

For its range? You'll have to compensate for the distance you'll put between yourself and your opponents, you know. Your accuracy will have to be impeccable. I'm sure Angelo's told you that.

[Don't worry, Neji, honorifics isn't something that bothers him. He's use to being around people who don't use it anyway!

Now that was something Takeru hadn't thought about. As he tried to think of something to say back, he just couldn't. While he started to clean up equipment, he just pouted before scratching the back of his head. He didn't want to admit it but it was true.

Who wouldn't pick up the bow and arrow after learning how cool it was?]

I know but that just means I need to practice a lot! If I could learn how to use it like he did, maybe I can do it as well as he did! Because it looked amazing when he used it!

[Even if there were a lot material he needed to pick up, it still meant something to him to know he could help people out! But once he was done, he just walked over toward the taller boy as the flying potato followed]

And I need to keep my eyes open and always be careful too!

['Because he looked amazing'. Not that pleasing of an answer but at the very least it was one. Neji hums out a little something as he holds the door open for the kid (look, he's not rude, not on purpose). He kind of wished Gai-sensei was around to take over for him, because Gai would have the energy to infuse Takeru with resolve and commitment (if only because Takeru might have enough self-preservation instincts to want to keep the grown man from crying all over him).

The thought lightens him up as much as it made him homesick. Quietly and sometimes glancing up at the potato-pig, Neji finds himself keeping tabs on it like someone would keep tabs on a puppy. He leads Takeru to an adjacent field that's fenced and so very conveniently free of bystanders. A baseball field.

Then of course he turns back to Takeru.] Hand me your bow. Go and place your target wherever you want it to be on this field.

[That's it, that's the start of the lesson. Neji relishes simplicity-- it's perfect for driving a point home.]

[Again, Takeru had to wonder if he might have done something to made Neji mad. As he looked back up at him with a worried look, he was scared that he might do something wrong around him! Instead, he just made sure to keep moving forward and doing everything in his power to do things 'right', somehow!

Throughout the entire walk, Takeru probably should have said something but he didn't. He kept his mouth quiet, he didn't even know what to say to him. But that thought was cut short as he saw a baseball field nearby!

Oh right, he should speak up!] O-Okay then! Um...how about here?

[As he gave the bow to him, he immediately started to place a target nearby. Although, he was getting a bit ambitious as it was far back then it should!]

[Some day he might get the idea that apologizing to the kid will be the right thing to do. But, well, today is not that day it seems! No, he's actually got the idea that Takeru's a nice, quiet kind of guy, and that's actually pleasant.]

Set it wherever you'd like, Takeru. I won't interfere. It won't make a difference anyway.

[That last bit is supposed to be a clue. Neji took the bow and briefly tried to examine it, and quickly reminded himself why he'd never even given thought to picking one up as a weapon, himself. Looking back at the kid, he tilted his head slightly to one side. He already knew Takeru wasn't that good of a shot, but he'll let the little guy dream big for now.]

[Takeru couldn't help but wonder what Neji was suppose to mean by that but he wasn't going to complain. Not when he was suppose to be helping him out!

As he ventured his way back, he quickly picked up the bow before looking at the string. If there was one thing he knew, it needed to be really good and strong before he needed to aim toward something! As he placed the arrow in position, he was ready to go!

He was going to impress Neji with his shooting skills! ...Only for it to barely go anywhere.

Whoops]

[...yeah, that sure was something.]

Let's move closer.

[But hey, Neji keeps even the pity out of his voice and proceeds to act as if that miserable attempt to shoot was just a part of the lesson plan- which it was. And when he passes Takeru, Neji even manages a small ghost of a smile- sympathetic, in a way, but entirely sincere. And short lived. As if that would be the surprising part.

Anyway, he gestured for Takeru to follow along.

And soon Neji's standing about- what? seven? feet from the target.

Yes, this is happening.] Can you hit the bullseye from here?

[....he can move closer, you know.]

[At least he tried, that's the important part right? Right??

As his cheeks started to swell up, he was frustrated! It was tempting for him to throw a fit but he couldn't. He just had to get better! What other choice does he have? But he gave a nod before following the older boy.]

You mean like this? [He said before standing next to him. As he closed one of his eyes, he stared straight at the target! Trying once more, he aimed his bow to it and....!

It manage to hit the bottom of the target! Whatever disappointment Takeru had was gone! All he could do right now was give off the bright smile he could give!] Neji-san, did you see that?! I did it, I finally hit the target! Thank you so much!! [Don't mind him cheering loudly over here!]

Edited 2016-04-11 23:40 (UTC)

[Oh gods, Neji wasn't sure he could do this anymore.

Here was Takeru cheering and congratulating himself for not hitting the target dead-center while standing only a pair of meters away. And he was beaming and sounding so... sincere, that Neji stared after the embedded arrow in bafflement for a blink or two before succumbing to

whatever this was

and allowing that small smile to creep over his lips again, because he understood none of this except that progress was progress. And that was a good thing. Atta boy, Takeru! He faces Takeru with a quick gesture to the target again-] You did that. [He is taking no blame... for this...] Don't go around thanking me for it.

If you let go of the arrow sooner-- don't let your hand begin to shake- do you think you could do better?

[In his mind, as long as he was able to hit something, that was still a victory to him! Just knowing that all his practicing meant that he was getting better! As he continued to jump for joy at his brand new success, he just started hugging Patamon and couldn't stop giggling at all!

What was a 7 year old boy to do when he just couldn't handle this much excitement?]

But you did though! You still told me to get stand over where you were! So that's still helping me out! [Sorry, Neji, this someone who just can't go around and not give credit when it's due!

Although, as he looked at the bow once more, he gave a small hum.] But I think I could! It's just hurts sometimes and that's why my hand shakes sometimes!

[If he wasn't so afraid of looking downright rude, Neji might just have had to turn away because the sight of Takeru so happy and the potato being equally happy was making his brain risk breaking. No worries, he won't interrupt, he'll just be confused. Even more so when Takeru thanks him yet again. He'll... give a tiny, barely-there bow and

someone send an adult.

So when Takeru admits to an injury, Neji's going to quickly latch onto that! His lifeline, yes. Yes, he knows that's horrible. The concern is real, though, so there's that.] Does Angelo know about that?

[Actually, the hell did that matter-]

You know yourself better than I do; should you be resting instead of practicing right now, Takeru?

[Neji, stop being a tsundere and just accept the praise this boy was giving you! But as he went on, he wanted to speak up because now was he was exhibiting a lot of stuff his own brother would do. Maybe Neji was just shy and didn't like to express himself a lot? Not to mention that small bow too!

While Takeru was giggling at the subtle display, he wince once more from the pain.

This was going to be one long day for him wasn't it? As much as he didn't want to admit it, he couldn't deny how much it was throbbing. Suddenly, Takeru felt embarrassed. He wasn't sure how to look the older boy in eye and instead, looked straight at the ground]

....I should but I don't know if I might get better if I do.

[See but that wince served him right, though.

Neji raised a brow expectantly but it soon became obvious Takeru wasn't going to notice him if he kept on being silent. Which Neji thought was strange itself--

come on, kid, where had that fiery resolve gone off to? Neji would have been more comfortable with a 'yeah it hurts like hell but I'm going to keep practicing anyway'. He realizes, quietly, that his team has possibly ruined all expectations of training. Hm.] You might and you might not. I can't know which it'll be, so will you keep practicing today or will hope your injury subsides by taking a few days' rest?

[Someone tell him he's not supposed to put so much stock in a child's ability to make sound decisions. Surprise him, Takeru.]

[As soon as Takeru opened his mouth, he wanted to say something but instead? He found himself quickly closing it. While he wanted to keep on training, it probably wouldn't do him much good would it? With the flying potato hovering over him, he already knew what Takeru was going to say. Although, he figured he'll let the boy speak for himself

With the blond slowly stretching his arms (and wincing a few times too!), he just gave Neji a look he gave a small pout to him.]

...Maybe I'll take a few days rest and work on it later. I don't think Oniichan would like it either if he found out my arm was in a lot of pain anyway.

[Oh. A brother. Neji certainly found himself grateful, somehow, to learn the kid wasn't alone here. He kind of hates that he hadn't thought of it as a huge disadvantage before it was brought to his attention, though. --and of course Patamon is curious, and Neji almost wishes he could ask about it, but that was for another time when he'd let his curiosity be piqued just enough.

Takeru's pout is unappreciated, though. Rather than stay idle long enough to really show it, Neji only shakes his head and moves to retrieve that one arrow that hit the target- it slides out smoothly and easily, thanks to Neji manipulating some chakra around it.

Last thing he wanted was for Takeru to hurt his strained arm by wrangling the thing free.]

I'm sure both your brother and your teacher would agree that's the sensible thing to do.

[He readjusts the strap of the bag over his own shoulders and-] And I'm glad you came to that decision. It's true that you can only improve in what you want if you practice, but being overeager will hardly ever help more than patience. Should I help you home, Takeru? ...or perhaps to the clinic?

[If there was one thing that Takeru was thankful for, it was that he had a lot of his friends here in Cerealia. Although, now with all of them here, it made Takeru want to work even harder than before. If Cerealia was going to be dangerous, he had to make sure everyone he cared about was save! For better or for worse!

But as Neji went over to grab the arrow, Takeru just blinked in confusion. He was able to get that arrow out so easily, he was a lot stronger than he thought!]

If you want to but I think I'll be okay! I planning to go back home when I was done anyway! [He said before picking up the bow and looking over at the leftover arrows.] And I got Patamon to help too!

[That and he didn't want to ask for anymore from Neji. He already helped him out so much, he couldn't ask for anymore than he had! It would just be rude.]

[If he wants to, but... Alright, Neji can identify a refusal without fussing over it.]

If you're sure.

[Then he'll just help by picking up the other scattered arrows and finally handing them back in a neat bunch to Takeru. The concern for the kid's injuries (and however old or extensive they might be) keeps him from being even a little disappointed at the small mess and time passed.

And yes, he does get the idea that Takeru might be the kind to want him to say more

and maybe he glances up at Patamon when its name is mentioned thinking now would be a good time as any to ask about it

but he won't.] I hope you do feel better, Takeru. [He could lecture again. He won't do that either, instead giving the kid another tiny smile because, well, that's what he was supposed to do, isn't it? And besides, he was a good kid, if terrible at weapons.] And I hope you'll continue practicing once you heal. Then next time we meet, you can show me your improvements if you'd like.

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[Open] I may see you, I may tell you to run

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