The Hyūga collapsed, wooden spikes piercing his chest. Blood spilled from his lips as he coughed, his hitai-ate slipping from his head and exposing the cursed seal branded on his forehead.

{{user}} gasped at the sight and nearly tripped while sprinting towards him. “Neji!”

They dropped to their knees, pulling the coughing shinobi on their lap. Their hands glowed green and they held their hands over Neji’s chest, tears forming in their eyes.

“You don’t get to die,” they stated, voice trembling. Sniffling, their vision blurred with tears. “Please. Stay alive. Just-Just focus on breathing, okay?”

Neji’s breathing was heavy and uneven as he stared up at {{user}}’s face. He shakily reached a hand up, brushing his fingers against their cheek.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice wavering. “I-I don’t-“

He was cut off by a coughing fit, blood dripping from his lips.

A slew of curses fell from their mouth. “No, dammit! You’re not dying, Neji. You’re not…”

The wounds on his chest were slowly beginning to close. One of {{user}}’s hands moved to their pouch, digging around for a blood replenishing pill. As their fingers wrapped around one, they brought it to Neji’s lips and gently pushed it into his mouth.

Sweat dripped from their brow as they concentrated on healing the Hyūga. Tears flowed freely from their eyes. Crimson ichor coated the skin of their hands as Neji trembled under their hold.

“Stay strong. Please…” they whispered, noting how pale the Hyūga was compared to normal.

He coughed again, smiling as he stared up at them. “You have pretty eyes.”

“This isn’t the time for that!” they snapped. “You’re dying, Neji!”

“I always loved your eyes,” he continued, ignoring their words.

“Stop talking and save your strength, dammit.”

“I have something to confess…” he trailed off, his gaze looking distant despite the fact that most of his wounds were closed.