This is a combination of two things I love. Naruto and LQLVMR but with my own twist. It is not going to be accurate with the anime since I will be adding my own version of characteristics, locations, and events. Hope you guys enjoy xx
Updates are every Saturday. Comments make me update faster. I just started this book so the more comments the more updates per week.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or LQLVMR.
The sun touched my skin as I stretched my arms. The sound of the creek flowing and birds chirping filled the air. Konoha was beautiful during the evening . It was the perfect time of day for relaxation but something kept preventing me from doing so. My thoughts wandered to the conversation my father and I had this morning but I shoved them away. Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around my waist. I gasped in surprise and turned around.
"Hinata." He whispered in my ear tightening his grip around me. The warmth of his breath sent shivers down my spine. I closed my eyes to enjoy the feeling as he kissed my cheek. These were the moments that I wouldn't trade for the world. Smiling I opened my eyes and turned to face him. His blue eyes gleamed in the sunlight.
"It took you long enough." I mumbled as I placed a small peck on his lips. A small blush spread across Naruto's cheeks as well as my own. The feeling was still foreign for me. About a month ago I shook off my nerves and confessed my feelings towards him. To my delight he was pleasantly surprised and decided to give us a try. The only downside is that we've been needing to keep it a secret. My family would not approve and I can not bring more shame to the Hyuga name. We mutually agreed we would not be affectionate in public and even made the river our own special meet up place. No one knows except for us and the animals around us. It was our little secret.
He pulled away and sighed. "I have to leave soon." A pain went through my heart. The only little moments we had together were nowhere near long enough. It was a few minutes at most. I wouldn't be surprised if he had to leave for a mission again. "Tsunade has me going to the village hidden in the rain. Lee and Tenten should be waiting for me at the the library. We're going to gather some information before we leave tonight."
My eyebrows drew together. "Is Neji not going with you?"
"Apparently he had some family business to take care of today." He said rubbing the back of his head. I frowned. My father reminded me this morning of a council meeting today we were supposed to be having with important people from different villages. I guess he got sucked into that as well. I shook my head at these thoughts. The only little time I had with Naruto should not be put to waste. "What are you doing today?" My shoulders stiffened. He noticed and began drawing circles on my arm.
"My father and the Hyuga clan have a council meeting today. I actually have to leave as well to get ready."
I wrapped him in a hug and lay my head against his shoulder feeling his warmth. "When will I see you again?" I asked. He kissed my forehead bringing his arms back around me pushing me closer. "If possible I would like to see you tonight before I leave."
I smiled. "Of course! What time?" I asked excitedly. Naruto pauses to think before answering. "Nine." With that being said he detached himself from me and stepped away giving me one last smile before leaving me alone in the woods. His blonde hair disappearing from view.
He left as quick as he came. It always took a while for him to arrive. I was usually the first one here. I sighed grabbing my items and made my way back home. My thoughts going back to the important meeting tonight.
xxx
"Where were you?!" My father asked as he slammed his palm down on his desk. I gulped and jumped startled by his anger. The glass of water was still shaking by the time I gathered my thoughts. "I was taking a morning walk." He didn't look convinced but let it be for now. "The meeting is in two hours. I need to speak with you about an important matter." I nodded for him to continue. It was better to reply to him after he was finished talking. "Remember how I told you not to be romantically involved with anybody?" I gulped nodding my head. Did someone see us?!
He clasped his hands together before continuing. "After much pondering the council and I have decided that you are not fit to lead the Hyuga clan. We have entrusted this job to your sister instead." My shoulders shrunk. Even when I knew it was coming it still didn't prepare me for the jab I felt in my heart.
"However the council and I have found another purpose for you. To prove your worth. Our alliances to other villages is something that we pride ourselves in. The more alliances we have the less likely we will have anyone challenge us. Not only that but it will secure our power and our name. Tonight I invited leaders from different villages that we have yet to form an alliance with." He paused then continued. "You will be the main focus of the night. This meeting was in fact made solely with you in mind."
My eyes widened. "What? Why me?"
"The type of alliance that we have in mind is a marriage alliance. The leaders coming will be potential suitors. Hinata, you have reached the appropriate age of 18 last week. I expect you to be dressed your best tonight. Hopefully the aspect of becoming allied with Konoha will help if you yourself can't catch the eyes of any."
Tears threatened to escape my eyes and my breathing was strained as I heard the last words. Was I that much of a faliure in his eyes? "What if I refuse?" I asked looking down refusing to meet his gaze. His hand slammed down again causing her to meet his angry gaze.
"It is not an option though if you do then I will personally kick you out into the streets and disown you." He said through gritted teeth. "Now go get dressed." He waved me off ending the conversation. I bowed and left the room. My hand covered the sobs that were escaping my mouth. I walked past Neji on my way to the room but said nothing as he looked at me confused. I slammed the door and slid down on my knees.
Out of everything I was expecting I did not expect this. Why me? If I don't I'll be disowned. That was worse then dying in my opinion. What about Naruto. Oh Naruto! My chest ached more and the tears finally escaped my eyes. After all these years now that I finally have him I'm about to lose him.
A soft knock on the door broke me from my thoughts. I stood up and reached to open it when it swung open. My nanny and sister walked in.
"Hinata what's wrong?" Hanabi questioned with a frown on her face. "Why are you crying?" When she asked me that it broke me down even more and more tears came.
My nanny Eleanor took my face in her hands and rubbed away my tears. I could barely see her hazel eyes staring into my own. "My dear I just heard." She embraced me in a hug. "How about I make you a warm cup of tea?" I nodded and thanked her as she left the room. Hanabi looked at me for some sort of explanation. I sat carefully on my bed and and she joined me. My little sisters long black hair was pulled into a pony tail. It looks like she just got done from training since I noticed beads of sweat on her forehead. Her pale eyes that matched mine were filled with concern.
"The council wants me to marry one of the leaders we see tonight to form an ally with another village."
She shrieked and jumped off the bed slipping a bit of my lavender comforter out of place. Out of habit I neatly tucked it back into the corner. Eleanor came in the room with my cup of tea and handed it to me. This was a habit of mine. Whenever I would get nervous or scared I will drink a cup of tea to calm my nerves and concentrate. Immediately I felt my body warm and a sigh escaped my wet lips.
Setting the cup on my maple wood bedside table I turned to look at them.
"I can't believe Father is making you do this!" She exclaimed. Her eyes filled with hurt. "It isn't fair to you."
"Honey I know it might sound shocking but I think it's for the best." Eleanor stated. My sister and I looked at her. "You are always talking about how you don't have a purpose and how you wish to make the Hyuga proud. Now is your chance. Don't look at it like it's a bad thing. Focus on the positives instead of the negatives."
I gulped and avoided her gaze. She was right. I have been trying to please them. If I keep sulking they will know that something is amiss. They can't find out about Naruto. They can't. I will keep my composure until I meet with him tonight to break up with him. My heart shattered at the thought but I plastered a fake smile on my face.
"It's ok Hanabi. Good things will come from this. I can't wait to make Father proud."
My sister looked at me questionably but dropped the subject.
Eleanor smiled and grinned. She was in her early thirties but looked young. I considered her a part of the family and treated her like one. She was always by my side since I could barely walk. Her brown hair fell in cascades down her back and her hazel eyes danced with joy. "Shall we get started?"
I nodded my head as she walked to my closet and pulled out a handful of colorful dresses. Hanabi smiles shyly as she grabbed a brush on my dresser and began to brush my hair. Her delicate fingers working through my hair and pulling out twigs that got stuck that I got from my earlier adventure today.
"I wish you the best sister."
I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling. I wondered how tonight will go. Eleanor began applying a light blush to my cheeks trying to mask my tear stains.
Oh Naruto... I'm so sorry.
xxx
The walk had been an annoyance. Not that I was tired. I just felt like this whole trip is a waste of time. As we approached the gates I kept a scowl on my face. The gourd on my back slipped of my shoulder as I set it down on the grass. Our three day journey had finally came to an end. I didn't plan on staying here any longer then I had to. I honestly planned on leaving tonight after the meeting instead of the whole week the council had requested.
The guards at the gate looked at each other briefly before walking towards us. By us I meant my siblings and I. Temari stood to my right and Kankuro to my left. Both of their faces seemed relieved to have made it to their destination. I on the other hand was more then willing to go ahead and start our three day journey back.
"Kazekage." The jonin guard said. "Welcome to Konoha."
The gates parted and they started to walk. I quickly picked up my gourd and firmly placed it on my back. My thoughts drifted to the previous week.
A knock sounded on the door. I drilled holes at the door with my eyes as I've been interrupted from doing my work for the third time today.
"Enter." I growled.
A woman with short brown hair entered. She had a shy smile on her face.
My shoulders relaxed a little however the growl was still present on my face.
"Matsuri as you can see I'm busy." I returned my gaze back to the paperwork at hand.
"I-I'm sorry. The council has requested your presence immediately."
I focused on my cursive writing until I got annoyed.
"Is that all?"
The tips of her ears turned pink as she nodded.
"Tell then I'll be there shortly."
"Of course Gaara." With that she turned on her heal and left. The smell of Vanilla remaining.
My nose wrinkled. I hated vanilla. One of my least favorite scents. Matsuri was one of the three people I actually allowed to call me by my name. My siblings being the other two.
I put my pen down and rose. I made my way to the meeting room slowly. Dreading it. I already knew what was so urgent. They wanted to get me married. The past 7 women that I was to choose from didn't appeal my taste at all. If I was to spend the rest of my life with someone I might as well be picky.
I have never touched anyone and nobody has touched me unless in a battle. I wasn't looking forward to getting a wife and if it were my choice I would never marry let alone see someone in a romantic way.
Once I was outside the room I opened the doors and walked inside. My posture was perfect as I made my way to my seat. My white robes swished at the sides with every movement. Everyone in the room quickly bowed at my presence. The headgear making it hard to see my expression except for eyes which I made sure showed no trace of emotion.
"Kazekage welcome." A council member named Ron said.
"Get to the point." I muttered with a wave of my hand. He blinked clearly not expecting that. When Shukaku was removed from me it made me not be blood thirsty anymore. That didn't mean it would make my attitude better. I loved my people don't get me wrong. What I hated was them. I continued glaring at the council members.
"We have a new offer in Konoha. She also happens to be part of the Hyuga clan which the council can use to our advantage. Her clan is setting up a meeting next week where plenty of suitors can go and make offers."
I stared blankly at them. "Need I remind you that you need an heir?" He added as he realized I wasn't going to respond.
Of course he was right. "You need to find a wife that will bear your child. Not only will you receive an alliance with a marriage but you will also secure your title of Kazekage with an heir.
I gave them a nod.
"You will leave in four days."
With that I roughly left the room. There was no way I can keep avoiding this. This would make her the 8th woman whose peaked the council's interest. Hopefully someone else will claim her so as to not give the council the impression that I was disobeying. The council has the final word after all.
We followed the guards to the fifth Hokage's office. Temari and Kankuro were both silent. They always tend to be whenever I'm around. No one talks to me unless they absolutely have too. The guards knocked and I briefly heard an "enter" before we walked in.
Lady Tsunade was bent over her desk with her manicured hands clasped together. Her blonde hair resting in two loose ponytails. She glanced up at us.
"I'm assuming you're here for the Hyuga meeting as well?" She asked the sand shinobi.
Everyone turned waiting for me to speak. I nodded. Tsunade smiles briefly. "You're the fifth village to show up today. It will be an honor for Konoha to form a permanent alliance with Suna." She said genuinely.
Shizune looked taken aback. Her short black hair shaking as she moved. She was standing behind Tsunade. The only other people in the room were the guards, my siblings, and a jonin with his blank hair in a high ponytail that pokes out in the ends. Her reaction made it seemed like that was the first time she's said that. That made me ponder in thought. An alliance with Konoha would not be to bad. His friend Naruto lives here as well.
"Shikamaru here will show you where you will be staying for the week. I hope you guys enjoy your visit here in Konoha."
The guy with the ponytail nodded. His face was clear from any expression. To my right Temari went rigid. I wonder what's gotten into her.
Without another word we followed him. The warm sun was felt on my skin. The weather here was nothing compared to Suna. It was much hotter over there.
People roamed the busy streets of Konoha. Jonins were walking towards missions. Commoners were running errands. The simplicity of every day life made Gaara happy. He wasn't getting any stares like he was used too back in Suna. He actually felt like a normal person here. Some people did occasionally bow their heads but kept on with their day.
Shikamaru stopped in front of a complex.
"This is where your rooms will be. If you need anything let me know. There are lots of food vendors on this street." He glanced at each of us as he said this. He stared at Temari a little while longer before walking away. A light blush spread across her cheeks and her composure loosed up after he left. I'll have to make a note to ask her about that later.
With the meeting only being in two hours I walked away from them and shut myself into my room without a word uttered to my siblings.
xxx
I glanced in the mirror one last time before heading out the door. My dark black hair was wavy cascading down my back. The dress that Eleanor picked out was a light blue color with short sleeves. It showed my curves beautifully. My lips were a light pink and my mascara made my eyelashes look a lot longer. It also made my pale eyes pop. Minimum makeup. Just the way I like it. I put on my 3 inch nude heels before walking out.
Eleanor, Hanabi, and Neji all stood outside the door waiting for me. The two ladies smiled in delight while Neji just stared in silence. This was honestly the first time I have ever dressed up like this.
They began to walk and my legs trembled slightly thinking about what was coming. Before I knew it we stood outside the dark wooden doors. I could hear faint talking and my heart skipped a beat. Without further waiting Neji took my arm in his as the doors parted.
My mouth gaped open. I honestly didn't expect but one or two leaders to show up. There were five. All eyes were on me as I slowly made my way to the front of the room. There were a total of fourteen chairs in the front with six on either side and two in the center as well as a tall black podium in the middle. The whole setup was on a tiny stage. There were five rows of chairs that made up the audience with five chairs in each row. We almost had a full house.
Neji led me up the stage before sitting on the left side of the podium. That's when I realized the branch family was on the left and main family on the right. I took a seat in the middle next to my father.
"How many villages did you invite?" I whispered to my father. I only saw five villages present.
My father stared out at the audience not meeting my gaze. "Five." He whispered. I was shocked. All the villages he invited were here.
"May I have your attention." My father said as he rose. The audience quickly stopped their chattering. I quickly glanced to the guests and my cheeks blushed as I realized that instead of looking at my Father all the leaders were looking at me. My heart dropped as I noticed two of the leaders were double my age.
"Thank you for coming here today. The Hyuga clan is honored to offer at least one of you with an alliance treaty. What better way to bring two villages together then matrimony. As a clan the Hyuga has so much to offer. Not only are we the best clan in the village of Konoha but we also have very useful skills that can be of great use in your villages. With our Byakugun, fighting skills, loyalty, no enemies that you might have will be a match for us and the village of Konoha who offers an expertise in medical advancements."
"My daughter Hinata, a Hyuga Heiress, is of marrying age. We invited only the purest and esteemed villages to our meeting today. You should consider yourself honored. I may answer any questions that you may have."
Suddenly a lot of hands went up.
"Our village is in desperate need of medical ninjas. We would like to go ahead and confirm our interest." The leader of the village hidden in the sea said. He was one of the younger leaders. He had short brown hair and a tan complexion. He was definitely attractive. My heart sank. Oh Naruto. I saw him in every person I looked at.
Everyone except one red head that just caught my attention. Gaara was sitting there with a scowl on his face. My palms got sweaty so I clamped them together to keep from fidgeting. Out of all the leaders in the room please don't place me with him I silently prayed. He had his Kazekage head piece on which is why I didn't notice him at first. But now his red hair that was going in every direction was drawing my attention.
I gulped. My eyes widened. Gaara from the chunin exams was a Gaara that I never wanted to see. As I continued looking at him all I could think about was the sky raining blood. I noticed his eyes shift from my father to a girl that was seated in his row. Temari if I remembered correctly.
"Can the Byakugun see through sand storms?" She asked. My father and the rest of the clan laughed at her being unknowing.
"The Byakugun can see anything in any condition for miles away." He replied. She seemed satisfied with her answer as well as the man sitting on the other side of Gaara.
Gaara still seemed to hold no interest. With that the meeting concluded. I was told to retire to my bedroom as only the leaders and the council had to stay. The council was going to be speaking with the leaders that were interested to see what they themselves can offer to Konoha or more so to the clan.
I winced as I saw two of the leaders leaving the room. Only three had their interest peaked. Gaara was one of the ones who left. He didn't even even glance at me as he left. Temari gave me a small smile as she left. Disappointement was in her eyes. Of course she would be. This arrangement could probably have gotten her closer to Shikamaru.
My eyes found the clock on the wall and I darted to my room as I had somewhere I needed to be.
xxx
Gaara pondered in thought as he made his way through the woods.
I had strayed from my siblings as I needed some alone time to think. Honestly I would have been interested in this treaty. That was until he saw that girl start to shake. I pretended not to notice yet noticed her from the corner of my eye. Everywhere I went it was the same. All of my potential arrangements were discarded by me when I notice their fear. I have already came to terms with this. I was unlovable. Who would ever want to be with a monster like me. Most people won't touch me let alone look me in the eyes. Even leaders refused to shake my hand. My siblings still looked at me with fear.
I heard the sound of a river and stopped when I was right by it. The night has gotten so dark I couldn't even see it that good. I rubbed my temples thinking about the trip home we were going to take tomorrow.
All of a sudden small arms wrapped around my waste and pulled me into them. I froze. The smell of lavender filled my nostrils and the air around me. But the most shocking thing about all of this was... I kinda liked the feeling of what some might call a hug.