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[It's been weeks since he left, or maybe even a month but she lost count exactly when, and the memory is still as clear as day in her head. The only difference as time goes by is the fact that she's coming to terms with it and acceptance is becoming her friend slowly but surely. After all, these memories are the only things she'll be holding onto from now. Even if the idea sounds depressing, she tries hard for it not to. Memories are still memories and if it's the only thing that will keep her close to him now, she'll accept it.

It's still a little poignant to think, however, that she won't be able to celebrate Christmas this year with him. Last year, there were so many beautiful lights and he suggested they all get together for it. She can still remember how his voice sounded then.

Glancing fleetingly at the huge toad plush sitting on her bedside drawer, she returns to the task at hand. Which turns out to be decorating this little Christmas tree in her room. After she hangs one Christmas ball, her small smile widens a little.]

I... guess it's that time of the year once more. I can't hardly believe I will be celebrating this occasion in this place again, but I suppose the future is unpredictable that way.

[Unpredictable, just like him leaving. There's a visible shift in her eyes but she quickly maintains the earlier tone of her voice as she continues.]

Though, I think the beautiful lights from last year won't be having a repeat performance this year.

[As she finishes hanging another ball, she goes for her journal and types a private message.]

[Private to Neji;]

How is Shikamaru-kun doing, Neji-niisan? I will drop by later with flowers and fruits.

[End Private;]

[After this, she stands up but when she does, she trips over some of the Christmas balls laying on the ground. In a feeble attempt to hold on to something, Hinata grabs for the nearest thing - the Christmas tree - but we all know how that will end.

A loud crash and a tree on top of her.]

Um... [Now where is her journal?] A little help? [Looks like Hinata just turned into one messy Christmas ornament on the ground.]

[Action;]

[After visiting Shikamaru in the Battle Dome clinic, she goes ahead and kills two birds with one stone when she decided to do some training there as well. It's been a while since she had a proper training session and from the looks of her movements, she's become a little rusty. As sweatbeads begin to gather on her brow, Hinata tries to compose herself.

It will be a shame if he ever comes back and she's lagging behind on her training. She won't forgive herself if that ever happens. And even when he's not here to watch her, she knows he'll be proud of her. She can already hear him cheering her on.

Feel free to come bother her!]

[Temari is at the Battle Dome herself. Seems the place for ninja to be, after all. She sees Hinata training and makes herself unobtrusive in a corner, arms crossed, and will watch until she's noticed.

Probably won't be long, all things considered.]

[Yes, it won't take too long for Hinata to notice the other kunoichi. Maybe also because of the fact that she has her bloodline activated while training. She only blinks it away, however, when she greets Temari with a smile.]

Ah, Temari-san. [A nod.] Did you come to train as well?

[She shakes her head, still leaning against the door jamb.] I was just wandering through.

It is a good day to do that as well. [If this was a different day, she'd do the same too.]

Edited 2012-12-15 17:14 (UTC)

[Temari inclines her head, acknowledging the answer.] You train often here?

When I need to do so, yes. [Implying that she's not that often staying here.]

You feel that you need to?

H- H-

HINATA-SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

[Yeah. He'll be running to your room at top speed.]

[Okay, she's just shocked by the immediate shout and the fact he just ran.]

L- Lee-san?

[He politely knocks twice on the door and then proceeds to kick it down.]

Do not worry, Hinata-san! This tree shall meet death for daring to assault you!

[The moment she heard the door being knocked down, Hinata immediately turns to that direction with wide eyes. She's slowly trying to fix the mess herself, trying to set aside the ornaments that have fallen on her.]

A- ah, Lee-san... That is not necessary...

Are you sure that you would like me to have mercy upon this tree?! I could always punish it harshly, all for the sake of your safety!

[He's quickly squatting down by Hinata and then goes to bench press the tree above his head.]

[Rather than answering over the journals, Neji decides to pay her a visit instead; with Naruto gone, he imagines she may need... company. Perhaps. And his may not be the best, but at least he is someone.]

[So he knocks lightly at her door, thinking it will be a quiet talk... and then he hears the crash.]

Hinata-sama!

[Caution thrown at least temporarily to the winds, he pulls the door open quickly, concerned for her safety.]

[Hinata seems unharmed, really, as it looks like the tree just fell on her and so did the numerous ornaments on it. Unharmed, yes. Embarrassed, oh definitely.]

Ah, Neji-niisan... [Her cheeks flush pink.] I- I suppose that was not a good idea, after all..

More caution would have been wise, Hinata-sama.

[The words are chiding, but he moves quickly to help extricate her from the tree.]

What is this?

I- I apologize for the trouble, then...

[Ever since Naruto left, she had been getting clumsier. With that in mind, she helps Neji pull her out from the chaos she inadvertently caused by shoving away some decors that have fallen on her.]

Ah... it's a Christmas tree. I have read it is an ornament they put up to celebrate the holiday.

Hm.

[He regards the fallen tree thoughtfully, then gives a small nod.]

It isn't one of our holidays, but nonetheless, it seems... an appropriate sort of decor for us from Konoha.

[The words are offered with a small smile, but it fades as he searches her face soberly.]

Hinata-sama... have you been well, lately? [Since Naruto left, is what he doesn't feel he needs to say aloud.]

[At his question, Hinata's face somehow fell but she effectively masks it by how busy she is with setting aside the decors.]

Oh, um... I'm fine, Neji-niisan. I do not feel ill. [Even if she sort of knows that's not what Neji's pertaining to.]

I wasn't asking whether you are ill, Hinata-sama.

[Is she going to make him say it outright? He's trying not to.]

Beautiful lights? Do you mean the ones people hang on trees and buildings?

Yes, I suppose so. The ones I saw last year where definitely on trees and buildings.

I don't see why we couldn't find some to hang around the village this year too.

Oh, you're right. I guess I can find some tomorrow and begin hanging them here to start with.

And if we find enough, we could cover the entire village with lights. Wouldn't that be cheery? It would be hard for anyone to stay in a sad mood with such a beautiful sight all around.

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