Gift Art: One Of Those Days

Out of all the ways for this day to end, this was probably the last one Neji expected, not to mention the last one he wanted. He knew it had been stupid. That if he had just taken the time to look where he was going that this wouldn’t have happened. But whether fate just had it out for him today, or it was his own stupidity that didn’t change the situation.

“At least that farmer was kind enough to let us use his water trough for this, or else it would have been five miles to the nearest river.” his sensei tried to put a positive spin on it, and Neji fought the urge to smack his head against the wooden rim.

It had been an accident. A foolish misstep and over estimating the space he had available to him. In his defense though it wasn’t as if the farmer had told them anything. This was just supposed to be a D rank mission helping out with some of the animals and fixing a roof. Not involve him falling off the roof and into a dung heap.

‘I’m never getting a pet.’ Neji growled to himself just as he was pushed under the water and came sputtering up like a cork.

“Sensei!” he gasped spitting out water.

“I told you to hold your breath.” Guy said. “Weren’t you listening?”

Neji shot a sour look to the side. Not really. Ever since this happened he hadn’t really been focused on much of anything except getting the gunk and smell off of him.

“You know there’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Neji. It was a simple mistake and you’re lucky you didn’t…”

“I think lucky is a bit of a strong word.” he muttered, his glare deepening at Guy’s attempt to stifle a chuckle. But at the very least, he had to admit things could have been worse. There were so many D-rank missions right now that in order to do them all, they had been split up into two teams. Lee and Tenten in one, and him and Guy on the other. If they had all been together…

White eyes flashed wide as a thought struck him and he stiffened.

“Sensei…you…you’re not going to tell Lee or Tenten about this…are you?” he hated how his voice sounded, but he could already hear their reaction in his ears. Lee would try not to smirk or laugh and ask if he was alright, but the next time Neji told him to give up, he knew Lee would bring this up. Tenten…well he’d be surprised if she could stand up from how hard she’d be laughing over this. And unlike Lee, she’d bring it up every chance she got.

Now his dignity and reputation all hinged on his teacher and the laughter seemed to be his answer.

“Of course not.” he ruffled his wet hair. “This isn’t something anyone needs to know about, though in a few years you may find the subject makes for an interesting story.”

“I highly doubt that.” he said almost under his breath, but he relaxed somewhat. It wasn’t that he cared what his teammates thought of him or anything like that. But…it was nice to know his mistakes wouldn’t be flaunted in front of him like they would be at home.

“And of course this provides an excellent chance for you to see the difference one of my suits makes in training. I always carry a spare just in case of emergencies like this!”

At that instant any kind of relief Neji felt dissipated and his eyes widened to the size of saucers before he smacked his head against the edge of the trough. Maybe it’d be better to just tell his teammates what happened. That way at least there might be some sympathy when they saw what he’d be wearing.

X

Gift art for one of my great friends She's had a lot going on recently and has been exceedingly strong and amazing through it all, and a wonderful sister and friend. So this is just something that I hope makes her smile some more as well. She really likes Guy and Neji father son moments and once this idea hit me, it just wouldn't leave me alone. I hope you like it.

The picture itself was fun to draw, both because of the expressions, setting and the more I play with backgrounds the less intimidating they are. Same with shading and highlighting. Though I wish the drabble had a better ending. Felt like it just kinda cut off, but I hope you guys at least still get a laugh.

Hope you guys like it. ^^

Naruto (C) Kishimoto