To say Hinata was relieved he'd been made the heir apparent was an understatement. She was lighter these days; slower to blush and stammer, quicker to smile. She'd actually thrown herself into alternate shinobi skills, now that she was no longer required to learn the Hyuuga clan taijutsu.

Neji was happy for her. However, he thought, as he fell over to the accompaniment of Kiba and Akamaru's surprised noises, did she HAVE to take to poisoning? Dropping the spiked tea cup from his paralyzed hand, Neji continued his slow tumble towards the porch. His uncle was heading for the ground beneath the porch.

Third goddamn time this week.