"I-I don't think all of this is necessary, it's just a meeting with the other villages, I-I've never needed this dressed up before." Hinata tried to convince the females from the branch house tugging at her hair and coloring her pale face.
"You are of marrying age soon, you should be thinking about finding a good husband." One whispered to her to explain.
She blinked at the mirror, had the council decided that she would be finding a husband at this event without her, no one had even mentioned the meeting in that way. She turned to the woman who told her and bowed her head in thanks.
"I-I wasn't aware, please make sure I have enough time to speak to my father before we leave and th-thank you for taking care of me." She resigned herself to stare in the mirror, she noticed the surprise that flashed between the women. She sometimes forgot how little they were treated as family or even as people by the main house. She never made a point to be nicer to them, she just couldn't treat them as non-family. She may not have been allowed to treat them as such or get to know them well, but she refused to treat them like 'help'.
"You look lovely Hinata-sama." Another one said softly signaling they were done, she hazarded a light touch of her hands over Hinata shoulders, Hinata brought her hand up to lightly touch her own fingers to the family she wasn't allowed to have and smiled.
"Th-thank you." She didn't like all the makeup, she never had, it was all too much for her. She didn't understand how it worked, she knew it looked great on Sakura, but she could do it to herself. When someone else did it looked nice, but it didn't really look like her anymore. Today it was okay, the three woman that danced around her had seemed to enjoy their work, she was happy she spent time with them. She bowed her head then let them dress her.
This she didn't agree with as much, but nothing was hanging out or showing that she wasn't comfortable with of course. They weren't going to dress her like a common whore, no, but she still didn't like to be this dressed up. She was dressed for her status, soft colors of course. Blouse and skirt made to look like an eligible high-class woman while accenting her wide hips, birthing hips. She mentally cringed. She wished she could thank them for having her chest comfortably covered, but the ruffles in the blouse didn't help with the uncomfortable size.
"Quite beautiful Hinata-sama." She was told as they fiddled with the ends of the fabric.
"M-May I go see my father please?" She asked.
"Of course, Hinata-sama." The door was opened for her, she thanked them with a deeper bow and a verbal praise of their work. She turned to her father's office knocking lightly to announce herself.
"Enter." The harsh tone of her father made her flinch on the inside, yet he wasn't even mad yet.
"F-Father." She entered bowing deeply feeling the strands that framed her face fall past her cheeks.
"You're ready for our meeting." He noted as she stood up straight, just as she thought, he wasn't even surprised that she was dressed up, he knew about this.
"W-was there something about a presenting me to suitors at this meeting I was not told about?" She asked softly. It was a bit bold, but it was a safe question. He likely knew it would get to her sooner or later, she was honestly surprised he hadn't made her spend time taking classes on being a good wife.
He didn't seem off put by the question if anything he was a little impressed. No, he wasn't impressed he was never impressed. "Yes and no, we have no suitors in mind to present to you, however, you should start thinking about presenting yourself to potential husbands of high status." He looked down at his paperwork like he hadn't been talking about marrying his eldest daughter off to the highest bidder.
"H-Hanabi-chan..." She started but quickly quieted by his answer.
"You will continue to train your sister until you step down, I have agreed to your terms on her behalf, I will not step out of them as long as you comply." Hinata let out a breath of relief, that's what worried her the most.
She had made a deal with the council, she would train Hanabi to be the perfect heir and lady, Hanabi would be able to marry a man of her choosing, not forced into a political or arranged marriage, and when she became head, Hinata would keep the main house status unbranded, and have some power in the council as main house. Her sister was the better choice, her sister excelled in areas the council wanted and could learn the lady mannerisms that Hinata possessed to make the perfect head.
Hinata had talked in length with her sister before presenting the idea to council, they had debated amongst themselves but it was too good an offer for them to turn down. They were handed the heir they wanted, and the heir the didn't would step down with no backlash from the village since she had done so willingly.
There was no clause, that Hinata would be able to marry who she liked, she knew that would be asking far too much. She had given up her childhood crush for the sake of her sister's and clan's well-being. She knew she would always hold a bit of admiration for him in her heart, but she had to let him go, the council would never let her marry him even if he did become the Hokage. He was too free willed they would have a hard enough time dealing with him politically let alone accepting him to be part of the clan.
She would marry who the council wanted her to, she would put up no fight.
She bowed her head. "I-I understand, I just would have liked to know so I could better prepare." Her father gave a single nod and dismissed her.
The meeting had a much larger turnout than she had expected, public and political figures alike had come to Konoha for the week to debate on important issues. Her trained eyes could see hidden security everywhere. Hanabi held her hand other the table, she was dressed up as well, but not nearly as much. Hinata was still currently heir and was the one they were auctioning off for marriage.
She whispered to her sister what she should be looking for when knowing who was truly in charge, tips on knowing who was the best to talk to, how to get information without offending. She was a high-class lady and people would forget she was a Hyuuga heiress or lead because of her a sweet smile and warm tone. She knew it was dirty, but she wouldn't let her clan be crossed when she could use her naturally kind trustable traits to protect them.
Hanabi took it all in with a much more serious face than Hinata did, she looked so much like their father. Maybe intimidation was better tact for her, but father could teach her that, today she was a lady.
Hanabi's thumb slid across the back of Hinata's hand the whole opening meeting. Hinata could tell when she was getting nervous when the pressure increased on the pace got faster. She gave little sister's hand a gentle squeeze and slipped her hand out when she was expected to stand and present herself, her clan, her father, sister, and cousin in attendance. She used a firm tone that was of her status but included her natural stutter and soft voice. It would be seen as weak to some, an easy place to infiltrate, then they would meet her father. It was something her father, despite his complaints toward her speech impediment and nature, used to his advantage. Her sister could be the best of both, inviting and venomous.
She sat back down taking her sister's hand again giving her a gentle smile, Hanabi gave a nod indicating she took note of the tone. Her sister was such a fast learner, she envied the understanding she gained so quickly, but it would make her a good leader, much better then she felt she could be.
Her fathers gave her a solid gave, not disapproval, good. Everything was going well. She skimmed those in attendance, faces she recognized, political figures she had seen in other meetings, people she had taken exams with coming into power as the last generation retired.
A particularly young man caught her eye. Red hair, pale skin despite his companions heavy tans, and piercing green eyes that looked like they had never seen a good night rest. He wore Kage robes that were much too large for his height he was practically swimming in them, Suna? He couldn't have been much older than her. His non-eyebrows were in a constant scowl as he glared at the current speaker.
To either side of him were a man and a woman, clearly Suna, tan taller than their leader. They shared facial structure and features, were they family? They sat decently far from him, they didn't seem to have much familiarity. Maybe personal distance was a Suna custom, she didn't know much about their social norms.
She took note of him and his companions and continued. She whispered notes to her sister of who to avoid, underlings with leering eyes, people who had tried to cross them or underhand them in the past. People to befriend, helpful, fair individuals. When it came time for their first break after the introduction Hanabi tugged her off to the refreshments by her sleeve.
"I-I think you will do well in this environment." Hinata praised her sister taking a sip of what she handed her.
"You think so?" Hanabi beamed.
She nodded with a gentle smile. "F-Father will be proud."
Hinata caught sight of the man in question, he gave her a flick of his eye to order her to come to him. She shifted under his gaze. Hanabi followed her as she made her way to her father.
"Many potential suitors." Her father signaled her to look around at the men in the room.
"Suitors?" Hanabi asked is a low whisper.
"Y-Yes, I must think of who I will marry, in interest to the clan." Hinata whispered back.
Hanabi gave a nod betrayed by the worried eyes she can her sister with.
"There is a new Kazekage." Her father noted.
Hinata scanned the room for red hair, he stood at a wall with a good meter between him and everyone else, no one dared come near him. His entire demeanor said 'stay away'.
"The guy who looks like a killer child in the uniform," Hanabi whispered.
Hinata light batted at her sister's hand for the comment. "N-not nice, Hanabi-nee-chan" She scolded. "Th-though he does seem awfully young for such a position, doesn't he?"
Her father gave a single nodded. "Your age Hinata." She knew what he meant, a man of power, the perfect age.
"S-Suna alliance." She added, knowingly.
"But he looks like an..." Hinata batted at her sister again and Hanabi giggled.
"L-Lady like, please." Hinata scolded. She sighed looking again at the short man, he would be only a few inches taller than herself. He looked angry at the world, a complete opposite of herself. He didn't seem like he was husband material, but it seemed he was at the top of her father's current list.
"Speak to his companions if the opportunity presents itself, Hinata." Her father ordered.
She nodded. "Y-Yes father."
Looking at the two that had sat on either side of him, they didn't seem nearly as off-putting. They both definitely showed Suna tendencies, very strong and stern, but they at least look approachable.
***TheUnstableLiz***
**PLEASE READ BEFORE REVIEWING**
**There has been some confusion on why Hinata calls Hanabi, nee-chan. I have many questions and people telling me that it's older sister. I didn't want to say this here because I don't like to point out people are wrong, however the questions are get out of hand.
*Onee-chan is older sister, nee-chan is sister or rather sister with respect or sister as an equal.
*I've actually been to Japan as an student ambassador learned honorifics from a translator, we wanted to be sure we weren't insulting anyone as American ambassador.
*Imouto-chan IS little sister, however tends to only be used informally or as an insult if you speak formally so wouldn't be used in a higher class family and Hinata wouldn't use it.
*Hinata has always been formal with her honorifics, I want to reflect that the 'nee-chan' is deliberate.
This story is secondary on my to do list. This will only be updated after my other story Lavender Clouds has.
I appreciate CONSTRUCTIVE comments and reviews.
I can not answer questions of guests. I don't want this section a mile long and bloating the word count too much.
If you have a question please log in and PM me. I will answer any and all questions!
I will also point out that anyone who is out of character by a lot is the fault of me not knowing the character well enough and I apologize for that.
I apologize for spelling and grammar, I am a computer scientist, not a writer.