"Hanabi?" Shino questioned, not really believing his father. Surely, this must be a cruel joke.

"You've met her, haven't you, Hinatas little sister?" Shibi replies, "Word got out that I was searching for a potential bride for my son. Hiashi must have heard the news because he invited me out for supper last night. Hence my absence. We got to talking and came to the conclusion that a Hyuuga-Aburame marriage would greatly benefit both of us. Our clans may have a peace treaty and remain civil, but some people still shy away from us. This could be our way to show a united front against the other clans. If the Hyuugas are on board, people may ease up on their hatred of our 'creepy clan'. The Hyuugas would in turn receive our full support. Something had to be done, and you certainly weren't making any effort."

"I understand, father." Shino did not bother to hide his obvious disappointment.

"I'm sorry, Shino. I realize Hanabi is… a little rough around the edges, but she was a logical choice. Hiashi intends to remove Hinata's status as heiress and give her place to Hanabi. Once she marries, it will be sealed." Shibi started to feel the guilt set in but, he was left with no other options.

Shino sat still at the table, absorbing the information. 'So, Hinata is being stripped of her title?' The thought infuriated him. Hinata pushed herself constantly, often surpassing her limits and overworking herself. Hanabi does not deserve the title of heiress. She was selfish and often uncaring. Those were not desirable qualities in a leader. He would be betraying Hinata just by marrying her sister, helping to push her out of the way. He couldn't. This was messed up.

"Father, with all due respect, this is bullshit." Shino ground out, quoting Kiba. Kiba. He will be pissed to say the least. He may even try to kill Hiashi himself. Kami, why?

Shibi sighed, inwardly proud of his brat for speaking out. "I know, Shino. Believe me, I know. Which is why it's a good thing I'm just kidding. Kami, could you imagine really marrying Hanabi?" He shuddered to add emphasis.

Shino's jaw slacked as he stared at his father in disbelief. Anger washing over him, he slammed his fist onto the table. "Damn it! That's not funny!"

Shibi's laughter said otherwise, he could barely keep himself together. "Oh, Shino, the look on your face! I can't breath."

"Who, then?" Shino spat, irritated by his immature father.

Shibi blinked, as if it was totally obvious. "Hinata, of course. Sometimes you can be so dense."

"I see." Shino didn't like this either. Hinata was his best friend, his teammate. Yes, he would take care of her to the very best of his abilities, but marriage? Shino had accepted long ago that he may never find love. Hinata, on the other hand, she deserved better. She deserved a chance. She could never love him in that way, could she? He supposed it wouldn't even matter. Arranged marriages were the norm, especially among the nobles. Still, he couldn't stop the guilt from forming in his chest.

"It's settled then." Shibi declared, a grin spreading across his face as he sealed his sons fate. "No help me clear this table. We have a meeting with Hiashi."

/

Hinata entered her father's quarters and took a seat across from him, beside Hanabi. She had been told the matter was urgent, but she had no clue what it was about.

"Now that you're both here, I'll just get straight to the point," Hiashi started, "I had a meeting with Shibi Aburame yesterday. Gossip spread that he was looking to find a mate for his son. A marriage between our clans could benefit us both. Forming a stronger alliance between our clans is excellent opportunity. Shibi agreed, of course." He paused, gauging their reactions as he spoke, "Hinata will marry the Aburame heir and lead along his side. Hanabi will given the chance to prove herself as heiress of the Hyuuga clan. Hanabi will be given 30 days to choose a husband after receiving her title, otherwise one will be chosen for her." As he finished, he placed his hands on his lap and looked between his daughters. "Are there any questions?"

Hinata's face drained of all color as she took in that information. She was losing her title to her sister, and she was being forced into a marriage. It wasn't that it was unexpected, Hiashi had always been disappointed in her, but now, it was finally happening. It felt like a punch to gut, having her fears confirmed. At the same time though, she knew that her sister would make an strong leader. Hanabi excelled where Hinata failed, but she would not hold that against her sister. Unlike others, she did not hold onto hatred. Perhaps it should be a relief, no longer having to compete for the title.

The marriage, however… That was a surprise. True, it was common, but why her? Did she not deserve to at least choose her own husband, on her own terms? Although, it could be a lot worse. Some people were forced into marrying people they didn't know at all, or even hated. Shino was her best friend, someone she could trust and depend on, who would fight by her side and respect her. She didn't doubt that he would be good to her. She was lucky. But could she love him as a wife does? Could he love her?

She chanced a glance to Hanabi, expecting to see her beaming with pride, finally having gotten what she wanted. However, Hanabi looked… perplexed by the situation. Was she surprised, confused? Worried about Hinata? Worried about her own looming marriage?

Hanabi was the first to speak, always one to please, "No, Oto-san." Finished, bowed her head.

Hinata copied her sister, "No, Oto-san."

Hiashi looked pleased with the responses, "Very well, Hanabi, you may leave. Hinata, stay."

Obeying her father, Hanabi stood and left the room silently, leaving Hinata and Hiashi alone.

"We have a meeting with Shibi and his son, Shino, they should be arriving shortly. I will get us some tea while we wait."

"Hai." Hinata's stomach swarmed with butterflies at the thought.