Hello !
This story will be restarted. Decided to go over my chapters once more and edit them. So, New Life will be revamped (-ish) and there will be new stories on their way too.
Enjoy
Japan - Konoha
Twenty-two year old Hinata Hyuuga had had enough of her life. She dumped two large suitcases she recently purchased on her bed and began stuffing in her clothes and other items. As she did this, even in the almost robotic manner, Hinata could feel the tears stinging in her eyes. Hinata wasn't going to spend another day being prejudiced by her family. Always dictating on how her life should and not be, making her feel less like a person and not acknowledging how hard she worked to meet their so called "expectations".
When her father and the executive board members (consisting mainly of the Hyuuga elders) decided to give her sister -Hanabi- status of heiress to Hyuuga Corp, her resolve to work harder broke.
Hinata had been naive to believe that things had been working out for the better: from her father acknowledging her ideas for new business ventures to her position as a successful junior executive of the company. Her sleepless nights and busy days, her achievements, all that went down the drain. They didn't care about her. Hinata choked on her tears, recalling her father's blank face and cold words,
"You have disgraced the family far enough. No matter. It was always going to be Hanabi"
Was it because she didn't display the ice traits of her family? How long were they going to continue their judgemental streak?
Hinata reached for her desk, searching for other items to pack when she glanced at a docket. It was an old proposal she thought would change her family's view on life. Her boyfriend, Naruto, had given her the idea. Naruto had grown up an orphan, and had a difficult childhood growing up. Though that didn't put a dent on the person she'd grown to love, she felt someone could have done more. So Hinata wanted a full on support for orphans and scholarship programmes for those who could not afford to pay their fees. And when it was approved, she had been on top of the world. That is, until the dinner a week ago
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Flashback
The main family were seated in one of their lavish dining rooms, sharing a meal together. They had been discussing business as usual, but Hinata's mind was occupied. She was rather nervous because she wanted to find a way to tell her family about her relationship with Naruto Uzumaki. Hinata had been so caught up with her thoughts when her sister -Hanabi Hyuuga- asked,
"Onee-san, how's your little project coming along?"
"It's been going very well Imouto," Hinata replied softly, "Other companies informed me that they wish to follow our example. They wish to donate to our cause"
"Interesting," the teen said, twirling a lock of her hair in her fingers, "It's good you're improving the image of the Hyuuga. We may finally surpass the Uchiha"
"You misunderstand. The intention of this project was not about which empire had the better image"
"Onee-san," Hanabi cut in, "you do realise that the Hyuuga are losing funds by 'donating' to orphanages and 'sponsoring' those who cannot pay for themselves. If this wasn't for the image, then what was your intention?"
"Imouto, despite our successes as a company, we also have to contribute something to our community. You should also realize not everyone gets the same opportunity as you and I have. We have to help wherever we can for the less fortunate students to achieve their dreams"
"And why should it be us to do that, Hinata?" Kira Hyuuga –her aunt and an executive to Hyuuga Corp- asked. It was then that Hinata realized that all eyes were on her. She tried to calm her racing heart and answered honestly,
"I thought it would be a good idea for us to take the first step," Hinata replied, "Is there a reason why we shouldn't?"
"And where are all these notions coming from?" Hinata heard her father ask. Before she could speak, Hanabi beat her to it, mumbling,
"Probably from her Mayor-wannabe boyfriend"
"What boyfriend?" Hiashi demanded. Hinata inwardly gulped. How did Hanabi find out about her relationship with Naruto? This was going to get bad for her since she had kept her relationship a secret from her family.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Hinata answered quickly.
"Hanabi?" Kira Hyuuga pressed.
"She's been seeing the mayor candidate Naruto Uzumaki in secret. He's probably been feeding her with these silly notions," Hanabi answered, "Come to think of it, he's probably the reason why she won't consider the marriage proposals you had in mind, otou-sama"
Hinata could see a spark flash through Hanabi's eyes as the elders and even Hiashi shook their heads.
Flashback end
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Now that Hinata thought about it, it was all Hanabi's scheming that turned the family against her. She shook her head, and finished her packing. Hinata would no longer remain in a power hungry household, she was going to leave and do things her way. Closing the two large suitcases, she dragged them towards the front door. The maids, in a fit of panic, either begged for her to stop or offered to help, but one look from Hinata told them to back-off.
Just as she reached the mahogany door, Hinata heard her name being called. She stopped hauling her bags and turned her sight to the top of the spiral staircase. There stood her sister Hanabi, all dressed in a yellow kimono, with an air of pride all around her. Hinata faced her sister with the same stoic face, but with fiery determination in her eyes.
"Where are you going, onee-san? You should be preparing for the celebration of my position as heiress"
"A title you stole from me"
"What ever do you mean?"
"At the dinner, you incited them by questioning my project and by telling them of my relationship"
"Our family has for generations had a successful empire, ruled with an iron fist. Your kindness was your destruction, nee-san, and the affiliation you had with that Uzumaki would bring shame to the Hyuuga. I do not want to see that great empire collapse because of you. All I had to do was make sure the problem was nipped in the bud"
"And you think you'll do better?"
"I know I'll do better. Better than you could even be," Hanabi smirked.
"I feel sorry for you, Imouto," Hinata said. She proceeded to haul her bags out the door and into her car. Hinata took one last look at the Hyuuga mansion, got in her car and left.
Hinata parked her white mini-cooper in the parking lot of Konoha Mall. Putting on dark shades and a navy blue beanie to conceal her hair, she made sure to hide her easily identifiable features. She was sure that by now the media knew about the announcement of the heiress to Hyuuga Corp and wasn't in the mood to entertain their insatiable hunger for gossip. The thought of it sent chills down her spine. Making sure she was somewhat unrecognizable, Hinata exited her vehicle.
Inside the building, Hinata weaved through the crowds to her destination, 'Red Dragon Antiques'. Opening the door, she stepped into the climate controlled shop (such conditions in place to preserve the goods inside). Hinata locked the door and turned the sign from 'open' to 'closed'. She then turned her head at the voice of the person she sought.
"Welcome to our...Hinata?" Ten-ten asked, surprised to see her friend as she removed her shades.
"Ten-ten," Hinata said softly, dropping the emotionless mask and finally breaking down.
Ten-ten rushed over and wrapped her arms around Hinata. She didn't say anything as she rubbed Hinata's back, trying to comfort her.
"Come on," Ten-ten said, "Let's head to the back"
Ten-ten lead Hinata into her office in one of the back rooms of the store. She seated Hinata to green leather couch and waited for her to calm down. Once the sobs slowed, Hinata croaked
"They gave Hanabi title as heiress. According to them I wasn't fit enough since I still displayed traits of being 'soft-hearted' and that I didn't have the best interests of the company. That I was best suited to being junior executive.
"You know what my father said? He said 'It was always going to be Hanabi'. They didn't even care when I pointed out how unethical it was to be disregarded like that"
Hinata chuckled sadly, removing the beanie from her head as she continued, "And it was all orchestrated by my sister. I don't know how, but she found out about my relationship with Naruto and used it against me. It's all a power hungry game to my family and it sickens me"
Ten-ten hugged Hinata, saying, "Look Hina, it's all over now. You don't have to be a part of that crazy old-ass world!"
"Maybe I overreacted. Father must have already prepared my punishment. Oh my, what was I thinking when I packed my bags and left like that. I'm so stu-"
"Hinata, don't start"
"What am I going to do?"
"Hinata! Calm down!" Ten-ten exclaimed, grabbing onto Hinata's shoulders, "Right now we are going for a drive and we're going to get all this sadness out of your system. Forget about the Hyuuga. You are a million times better than Hanabi and we both know your family are a complete bunch of stuck-ups. Well, except for my husband"
Hinata tried a small watery smile and a polite decline but Ten-ten was quick to give firm look of her own.
"Oh no no no no no, we're having none of that. You're going to wash that beautiful face of yours and we are going on that road trip. And we're totally using your car"
Once they left the mall in Ten-ten's red convertible (after much debate),, the young women hit the highway roads outside of Konoha, well, with Ten-ten taking the 'Need for Speed' a bit too seriously. Ten-ten had been singing along to a playlist of boy band songs and urged Hinata to join in, though the Hyuuga was reluctant to do so. They entered a small town, Rice town, and were cruising along the roads with no destination in mind.
It had been an enjoyable afternoon and Hinata's mood was slightly more elated. She had been gazing out the window, taking in the view of the small town and people when Ten-ten turned down the volume of the radio and voiced, "Feel any better?"
"Yes, at least better than I was a few hours ago"
"Are you better better, or are you saying that to assure me?"
"I don't know how I feel. I feel guilt, shame, betrayal and there's this weird feeling I can't describe"
"It might just be relief"
"What?"
"What you're going through is the same way Neji felt. Sure he felt guilty for leaving, betrayal that his family could never change, and relief that he had the guts to leave the Hyuuga. Knowing he won't have be subjected to the Hyuuga way of life anymore"
Hinata sighed deeply, to which Ten-ten drove into an empty parking lot and turned off the engine. She turned to Hinata and continued,
"Hina, take this as an opportunity to be yourself and not the person your family wanted you to be. Your family has had you under their thumb since the day you were born and dictated how your life should be when it shouldn't even be like that. Just be Hinata, not a Hyuuga. The Hyuuga are too stuck up with their blinded pride for their own good, and I bet Hanabi couldn't stand that you're the better person. Don't confine yourself to that world anymore. Alright?"
"I guess"
"Not I guess. You will. I know right now you're mind is in a haze and you have no idea what to do. Hinata, you have the will of fire burning inside you that won't allow you to be trampled on by what happened. Am I making sense?"
"You may have missed your calling as a guidance counsellor"
"Neji says so too. But you understand right? "
"Yeah. Thank you, Ten-ten. No one else could have made me feel better like that"
"You are very welcome, and after all, family sticks together," Ten-ten said, hugging Hinata tightly. She pulled away and wiped Hinata's tear stained rose cheeks.
"We go?" Ten-ten asked. Hinata nodded. Ten-ten started up the car, and left the car park, entering the main road. As she turned up the volume, she heard Hinata ask,
"How's Neji? "
"Oh you know, busy as always. I hate that we're far from each other and the different time zones doesn't help the situation. But he's actually happy you know," Ten-ten sighed dramatically, "Oh dear, I miss my hubby so much"
"I'm glad he's doing well"
"Actually, I've been making arrangements to spend time with him. So while he's on business, I'll be marketing my own products and maybe even buy a few antiques. Want to come with? "
"It's been a long day. I'll have to think about it"
"Alright. So, I guess we're going to my place?"
"Um, I was hoping you could drop me off at Naruto's" Hinata said, blushing.
"I see you're missing your man like I am," Ten-ten wiggled her eyebrows.
"Please stop. We're not teenagers anymore"
"I'm only teasing. Oh, looks like we're low on fuel. Let's just fill up at the gas station and then you can be reunited with your Romeo my little Juliet"
When they got to the gas station, Hinata exited the car and went to a nearby store to buy food. Returning from the store, Hinata was surprised to find Ten-ten with an annoyed scowl on her face.
"Everything alright?" Hinata questioned.
"Nope. Shikamaru called. The guys were having a get-together to celebrate Lee moving back to Konoha and getting a job here. I completely forgot that the get-together in tonight"
"Oh... I wouldn't want you to be late or anything. You can drop me back at the mall so I can get my car and..."
"You're not thinking of ditching me are? Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure Naruto will be there"
"Then we should hurry before things get out of hand," Hinata concluded. Ten-ten grinned as they got in the car.
Hinata and Ten-ten arrived at the Leaf Bar and went inside, searching for their friends. It was not hard to spot them. But as it would seem, they found commotion in progress. Their friends were trying to subdue a drunken Lee by sitting on him. Well, Kiba and Choji were trying to subdue Lee while Shino, Shikamaru and Ino were speaking to man who seemed to be the manager. Lee was happily giving shouts of youth while attempting to perform his special martial art. And finally, Sai was seated in a nearby booth, capturing the scene in his sketch book.
Kiba was first to spot the two women and shouted, "It's about time you showed up, Ten-ten. Help!"
Ten-ten shook her head, walked over to Lee and hit his neck. Almost immediately, he was out like a light. Everyone sighed in relief, but that was short lived when they all met Ten-ten's death like gaze.
"I'm going to ask this once and I expect answers," Ten-ten began, "Which idiot gave Lee alcohol?"
"We don't know," Kiba quickly answered.
"Why do I feel like you are the culprit?"
"Seriously," Kiba pleaded, "I didn't do it. We were all here, wanted to congratulate Lee on the new apartment, had our drinks delivered and next thing we know, he's going all drunken master on us"
"Anyway, Shikamaru is looking into it," Sai cut in.
That didn't simmer Ten-ten's anger by a scratch. While the intense interrogation went on, Hinata excused herself to the lady's room, of course not forgetting to greet her friends. She had stopped to ask a waitress for directions and quickly located her destination. Hinata had slightly opened the door when she heard strange noises from the other side. Debating on whether she should enter, Hinata caught part of a conversation
"Do you think the diversion will work?"
"Of course it will. I'm smart for a reason. What about her?"
"She doesn't matter. All that matters is you and me"
Hinata further debated if she should keep listening to this intimate conversation; that is until a muffled whimper emerged. Thinking someone was in danger, Hinata rushed in. But what she saw scarred her more than what her family had ever done to her.
Inside were Naruto and Sakura, with barely any clothes on, were in an all too intimate position.
Hinata clutched the fabric around her racing heart as she uttered, "N-naruto?"
The two in the room had halted their actions when they realized they had an audience. The blonde's eyes widened as he quickly let go of the bubble-gum haired woman and began to straighten out his clothes. The bubblegum-haired woman followed his example, taking her shirt from the floor, her face flush with shame and guilt.
"Naruto," Hinata repeated again.
"Hinata," Naruto said quickly, "it's not what it looks like"
"It's not what it looks like?" Hinata asked, "What is finding my boyfriend with my half-naked 'friend' swapping saliva like there's no tomorrow, entangled in what I can guess is a lover's embrace clearly about screw their brains out, supposed to look like?"
"Look, babe…," Naruto began but was cut off when Hinata raised her hand. Hinata could feel the familiar sting of tears but she wouldn't allow herself to cry.
"Don't. Just don't," Hinata said flatly as she left the room, slamming the door behind her. She walked a few paces when she heard the door burst open. Not bothering to look back, Hinata picked up her pace when a familiar pair of arms wrapped around her shoulders. Once upon a time, she would blush and melt into these very arms. Now, battling to keep her emotions tucked away, she wanted nothing more than to get out of them. Hinata heard Naruto whisper in her ears,
"Hinata, let's talk about this"
"Let go of me" Hinata whispered. But being the stubborn man she knew he was, Naruto wouldn't budge.
"Hinata, it was only a kiss. Listen to me, we can fix this. I...I don't want to lose you"
"Do you have any idea what kind of a crappy day I've had? My family humiliated me and because of that I left thinking we could finally be together. But the moment I wanted solace, the moment I need you the most, Naruto, you do this to me?"
"What?"
"How long?"
"Hinata-?"
"How long has this been happening, Naruto!?" Hinata demanded in an authoritative voice Naruto was definitely not used to. Said blonde remained quiet, but a new voice answered, "Six months"
"Sakura," Naruto said, "Not now"
"Hinata," Sakura called out, "At first we didn't mean for this to happen, but gradually it turned into something more for both of us. We meant to end it today because we were considering your feelings. You shouldn't put the fault on Naruto, it's all mine. I was just feeling lonely and that I ..."
"Lonely?" Hinata laughed dryly, "Don't make me laugh. Am I supposed to believe that this 'thing' you've had with Naruto, behind my back, for 'six months' is supposed to make me feel better because you were lonely"
"Hinata, you have to understand...," Naruto uttered.
"Forget it Naruto, if you think you can lie to me again then forget it. I can see your heart is with her as it has always been for years. Since this has been a thing for half a year, I don't intend to be the other woman anymore. Now let me-"
"I won't let go. Why are you being so unreasonable? This is not you," Naruto declared, holding on tightly. Hinata was so fed up she gripped Naruto's arms with her hands and flipped him over her shoulder. Sakura shrieked out Naruto's name and rushed to his side. Hinata watched as Sakura cradled Naruto's head onto her lap and could feel her heart shatter. Why today, Hinata thought, why now?
"See," Hinata spoke, the words coming out on their own, "he matters to you. Don't stop on my account"
Hinata walked away from the two, not really caring where she was going. She could feel the urge to cry was strong, but fought to keep it down. Hinata barely noticed the on-coming body until she made full impact.
"Ow…Oh Hinata!" Ino exclaimed, grabbing a hold of the woman's shoulders.
"I'm sorry for bumping into you, Ino"
"It's alright. You seen forehead around? Ever since the Lee incident I didn't realize she disappeared on me"
"She's in that corridor with her boyfriend. Excuse me," Hinata said flatly, pointing in the direction she came from. Hinata missed the puzzled look on Ino's face and was about to keep moving when she heard Naruto shout her name once more.
"Hinata!"
Hinata didn't look back.
"I'm sorry, Hinata"
She would never look back.
"No Naruto," Hinata replied, not facing him, "I am, for believing you would love me as I love, no...loved you"
With that, she walked away. Hinata walked out of the bar and to Ten-ten's car. Folding her arms, Hinata leaned onto the vehicle, hiding her face in her folded arms. It wasn't until twenty minutes later that she heard Ten-ten's voice.
"Hina!" Ten-ten called out, nearing the bluenette. Hinata lifted her head from the car to see Ten-ten, Kiba and Shino surround her. Ten-ten embraced Hinata, whispering, "Everything's going to be okay"
"It's not. I'm not sure it ever will be"
Ten-ten's apartment
A week had passed since Hinata both left the Hyuuga and dumped Naruto. She had spent the week in Ten-ten's apartment and her days consisted of crying, watching operas, and eating tubs of ice-cream and cinnamon buns. It had been quite the depressive week for Hinata, ignoring phone calls from her family, friends and most especially Naruto. Not to mention her fear of the rowdy reporters that had been out for her –according to Ten-ten- since the announcement of the 'new' Hyuuga heiress.
To sum it all up, it had been an emotional roller-coaster for Hinata.
Ten-ten had done her best to support Hinata in whatever way she could, including punching Naruto and lecturing Sakura (of which she declined from telling Hinata). It made her sad to see the strong Hinata she knew so broken. Having spoken to Neji about the turn of events, both Ten-ten and her husband hitched a plan that would hopefully take Hinata's mind of the life-changing events. And so, Ten-ten presented the idea one evening.
"I can't," Hinata replied.
"Yes you can, Hinata. It's a once in a lifetime adventure and Neji will be there too," Ten-ten countered.
"I've hardly bothered myself with stepping outside this house for even a ray of sunshine and you want me to go for vacation? What's the point?"
"Look, this whole routine you set up for yourself this past week is not healthy, especially with all that you went through. Taking all that into consideration, you have every right to go on this trip"
After a few minutes passed, and realizing she would not be getting any response, she pressed on, "Where's the strong girl I know and love? She would never back down from a challenge and would always press on even when things seem wrong"
"She's not around," Hinata mumbled, wrapping the baby-blue blanket around her body tighter and hiding her head in her knees.
"I think she's still there. Hina, now's the perfect opportunity for you to get out there and rediscover you who are. You owe yourself that much," Ten-ten sighed, walking over to the door, "I'll give you a moment to think about it"
Hinata heard the door to her room close and sighed deeply. What am I afraid of? Hinata asked herself. She shifted her body so she was lying on her side, still curled up in her blanket. She slipped out her phone from beneath her pillow and turned it on. Fear gripped Hinata's heart as she braved the online news. As it would seem, the Hyuuga were quick to announce Hanabi as the heiress to the world. Scrolling down the feeds, everyone seemed to believe that Hinata's disappearance was the reason for Hanabi's newly acquainted position.
Dropping her phone onto the bed, Hinata shut her eyes. Why had things been forced in her so suddenly? Was she going to forget it all one day? Hinata squeezed the blanket tighter. Maybe the vacation will help, Hinata thought, I just want to forget it all…