CHAPTER 2:
SELF INVITATION
Author: Well, thnx everyone for reviewing my first chapter! im very happy. :D plz read and review this one! Thnx!
"If a child has only seen anger, will the result be that the child grows to become an angry person…?"
"I'm going to get you back into the Hyuugas." Neji repeated, his voice more stern. Hinata's eyes were slightly widened. It was an impossible action.
"H-How…?" she squeaked.
"Well, tomorrow at night, the Hyuugas are going to have a meeting concerning the new heiress of the Hyuugas. Hinata…" Neji looked deep into her eyes; his showing a tint of disappointment. "They say you've disgraced their clan. Hiashi-sama has disowned you and they don't want your name to be brought up because of your marriage with Naruto."
Hinata looked away from Neji. If her name wasn't supposed to be even brought up, then coming in contact with her would be worse. "Neji…perhaps you should just leave me be. This matter can become dangerous."
Neji stood still. "I will not leave you, Hinata. I may be foolish but…" his snow colored eyes allowed regret to take over. "I will never forgive myself." He muttered. "The Hyuugas don't want to admit it, but they need you Hinata. Hanabi is still to ignorant and I highly doubt she will make decisions for the better of the Hyuugas but for herself. Hiashi-sama is nearing his last breath and no one else can take the family name."
"You, Neji." Hinata mumbled. "You take the name."
Neji choked. His eyes enlarged for the moment. "What are you saying Hinata-sama?"
"I don't want to be the heiress." She covered her face with her hands. "I-I can't do it. I'm a disgrace, Neji and I'm still not over Naruto's death. How can I possibly take the name of the family that disowned me?"
Neji struggled with his words. He knew she wasn't ready but he was doing this for her sake. He didn't want her to struggle, financially or emotionally. If she somehow came back to the Hyuugas, then they would supply her all her needs and eventually they would find a good husband for her if she was the heiress again. The Hyuugas wouldn't take her in easily, but with desperation and the coming war along with the soon to come death of Hiashi, Hinata was the only one left. Neji closed his eyes and reflected a conversation he had once had with Hinata.
"If a child has only seen anger and pain, will the result be that the child grows to become an angry…?"
"It's possible, Neji-niisan, that he will grow to become the one thing he has only seen. But there's a possibility, that if he realizes that anger brings pain and suffering, he will do everything in his power to not become that state." Her eyes met his. The two creamy white colored eyes mixed together and Neji could feel his heart throb loudly as she spoke in a gentle voice. "Fate does not decide everything, niisan."
"I suppose…" Neji kicked his feet up and squirmed a bit at his nervousness. He looked away from Hinata and hoped she didn't see his crimson colored face.
"Naruto…" Hinata muttered. "Naruto-kun is like that. He's seen so much sadness brought by anger. That's why he hates it when he's in that state. He never lets sadness take over him. I believe that's why he's so strong…" a small shy giggle fell out of Hinata's lips. "And why I fell in love with him…"
We're different, Naruto and I. He fought the anger; I became what I saw. He understood what the consequences were of it; death, loneliness, the feeling of being left behind. I didn't. I knew nothing.
Hinata loved Naruto because of this.
And that meant she could never love me.
"You, too, are like that, Hinata-sama." Neji said out of the blue.
Hinata slowly dropped her hands. She was confused.
"You fight so that you do not become sad, or lonely. Or at least, I know you used to be that person. Right now, Hinata-sama, you are very lonely yet you do not fight it. You are engulfed in it right now. Perhaps…" Neji touched Hinata's rough hands. He remembered how soft they used to be. It pained Neji to see her like this. "Perhaps if you were to come back, you'd be much happier."
Hinata raised her eyes. Happier…? Her rough hands began to shake and she could feel voice becoming rough. "Happier, Neji-niisan? Y-You think I'll become happier going to the Hyuugas?" She took a deep breath. "I-I left the Hyuugas to become happy. I don't think going back will make me happy."
Neji sighed deeply. "Hinata-sama…I-I don't know what to do but, please at least consider coming to the meeting. I suppose I should go now then. If you want to talk more, tomorrow I took a day off from the ANBU for the meeting. I'll be in the Hyuuga compounds if you need anything." He got up and opened the door. He was surprised how fast night fell upon Konohagakure. "I'll see you tomorrow then, I hope." With that, he left Hinata to herself.
Hinata bit her lip and covered her face with her hands. It was too fast for her...too much. She didn't know if she could handle it all. I-I'm sorry, Neji-niisan…
The next morning, Hinata woke up very depressed. Her eyes were a light red from all the crying the night before. She staggered into the kitchen and got a cup of water. Slowly, she drank the cup until it was finished. Naruto-kun… Hinata closed her eyes and thought about her conversation with Neji. What should I do…?
Ding-Ding –Ding! Hinata turned her head towards the door. Someone was repeatedly ringing the doorbell outside. She tiredly went to open it and was surprised to see it was both Sakura and Ino. They had large smiles on their faces and were panting heavily.
"Hinata! Well, Ino and I were planning to go through the market and get some groceries. Wanna come with us?" Sakura asked. She wore a red ribbon on her head that tied up her hair.
"A-anou…I'm not sure…" Hinata looked away. There wasn't anyone to get groceries to get for anymore. She no longer needed to buy for two people.
"C'mon. I'm sure you need to go shopping for food, right?" Ino spoke up. "Plus, it'll give us some girl-to-girl talk."
Sakura winked. "Yeah, I mean, do you need to spill any delicious secrets?" she giggled. Ino nudged her in the ribs, causing Sakura to choke a bit. "I-I was joking! Actually, I meant to say that…well, since Naruto is gone, do you need company?"
Hinata grabbed her other arm and nervously looked to the ground. "I-I can't burden you guys with this…"
"Burden? Hinata, you're our friend. It'll never be a burden! Hey, you know what? I heard Temari's in town. We can get her to come and do our girl talk too! And let's ask Tenten! It'll be fun, Hinata. We can do an all girl's sleepover! Yeah!" Ino smiled warmly.
"T-That does sound fun." Hinata forced a smile. Anything to stop thinking about Naruto's death… she thought to herself. That means I'll miss the meeting though. W-Well, its not like...like I want to become the heiress again. Neji-niisan was just flattering me yesterday. The Hyuugas don't need me. "Okay. L-Let's do it then."
Sakura and Ino squealed happily. "I'm so glad you're moving on, Hinata." Ino laughed. Sakura smiled at Hinata. "Most people take time to move on. Well, we'll save the talking for later. Let's go to the market!"
Hinata nodded. "I-I'll get dressed…"
The three girls walked along the market of Konohagakure. Ino's and Sakura's bags were full while Hinata's wasn't as much.
"Let's find Tenten and Temari, neh?" Ino said, looking around for the two.
"I don't think they'll be in the market. Tenten is probably out training and Temari is probably on a date with Shikamaru-kun!" Sakura laughed. Hinata smiled lightly. It was hard having fun when you were just faking it.
"Oh that's right! Shikamaru did say he had something to do. Haha, the two are probably at Ichiraku Ramen! Shikamaru is a cheap guy. Let's go there first!" Ino yelled happily, making her way towards the ramen stand. Sakura and Hinata followed her.
Sakura waited until Ino was a bit farther then the two until she decided to start a conversation with Hinata. "Um…Hinata-san."
Hinata turned her head. "H-Hai?"
"I-I was wondering…." Sakura tensely fumbled with her fingers. "D-Do you get lonely with Naruto…gone?"
Hinata kept quiet. "Why do you ask?"
Sakura laughed nervously to herself. "N-Never mind. It's-It's a stupid question. I'm sorry, Hinata."
"It's okay, Sakura." Hinata smiled at her friend. "There's no need to be sorry."
"Actually…" Sakura's gaze fell towards the ground. "I feel bad…" Hinata confusingly looked at her. "Y-you see…I…well…." She looked at Hinata and then to the ground again.
"What is it, Sakura?" Hinata put her hands on Sakura's shoulders. "Is there something wrong?"
"W-Well…" Sakura shut her eyes tight. "You see, when we were in the same team, I knew Naruto had a crush on me but I-I always ignored it." She blurted.
"It's okay. We were all young back then and ignorant."
Sakura sighed. "I guess. I'm not a good friend, Hinata. I-I was never a good one. I should've been there for you when Naruto was gone. I think I was also traumatized at the matter so I ignored everyone around me. Now I feel bad because now I realize that I wasn't the only one suffering. You ¸Naruto's fiancée, was suffering just as much, weren't you Hinata?"
"What's taking you guys so long?" Ino yelled at the two. "Look, I see Shikamaru's big head! Let's go!"
Sakura giggled. "Ino being herself as always! Let's go, Hinata!" she said cheerfully as she grabbed her friend's hand and ran up to Ino. Ino was already barging in on Shikamaru's date.
"What the hell! What're you doing, Ino?" Shikamaru said, nervously looking at Temari who seemed dumbfounded at Ino's sudden appearance. "G-Gomen ne, Temari."
"Ha ha, it's okay, Shikamaru." Temari laughed, making Shikamaru blush madly. "What's up, Ino?"
"You know, you shouldn't hang out with Shikamaru so much. His laziness can rub off you. Hinata, me, and Sakura are gonna have a sleepover where we can talk about "girl" stuff. Wanna join us?"
"Sure." Temari smiled. She looked at Shikamaru who had an annoyed look on his face. "B-But…well, Shikamaru offered for me to spend the night at his place, you know with his parents. I don't wanna-"
"It's okay." Shikamaru scratched his head. "Go. Besides…" two pink circles formed around his cheeks. "Y-You can meet my parents later, I guess. And Ino would probably kill me later if I didn't let you go."
"Well, we're heading to Hinata's place right now, if that's okay with you, Hinata." Ino turned her head to look at Hinata. Hinata nodded in agreement.
"Yes. My place would probably fit the four of us since I don't have…um, anyone else living there."
"Okay. Yeah, so, sorry to interrupt your guy's date but wanna come and find Tenten with us, Temari?" Ino asked.
"Um, sure." Temari got up and pushed her bowl of ramen aside. "It was a…nice date, Shikamaru-kun. Mind if we continue another day?"
"Sure, that'd be cool." Shikamaru leaned towards Temari and glanced at the three girls who watched intently. He kissed her on the cheek and turned crimson red. "See you later then, Temari." He said, getting up out of his chair. He paid the chef and got out, leaving the four girls to themselves.
"Ooh, Shikamaru kissed you, Temari!" Ino teased. "He must really like you. You know the usual him, always criticizing girls and all. But I guess he can tolerate you. Maybe he just likes older girls." She said, laughing.
Temari rested her hand on the cheek that Shikamaru kissed. Her face was bright red. "L-Lets just go and find Tenten already!"
Hinata giggled to herself. Temari seems in love… Her eyes fell as she started to feel a small bit of sadness. She remembered how Naruto would always kiss her on the cheek before he left towards his mission after he became an ANBU. Naruto-kun…
"So, Hinata-chan. How's it been? I haven't talked to you in ages." Temari patted Hinata's back. "What happened to your hands? They're all rough and dry."
"I-I was cleaning…the whole house." Hinata mumbled.
"Yeah! You went overload! Good thing Ino and I stopped you. Temari, you should've seen her, I swear. She practically turned the whole house all over and cleaned it through and through until every speck of dirt was gone!" Sakura said amazingly.
"I-It was only three times…" Hinata muttered embarrassingly.
"Omigod. Hinata, that's a lot! You better not work so hard! Hey, how has your work in the hospital been going?"
"Tsunade-sama allowed Hinata to rest this month after…his death. Usually that's rare since we have a war with Sound but she was also close with Naruto and understood the emotional pain that Hinata was going through since they were…going to get married." answered Sakura.
"Yeah, I'm really sorry about Naruto. I couldn't get to speak to you after his funeral. Really sorry." Temari said sadly. "Gaara wanted to go back to Sunagakure so bad after the ceremony. Kankurou and I didn't really understand why until we caught him crying to himself in his office. It's odd really to see him cry, but I guess Naruto really understood him and was his first friend."
"Whoa. Even Gaara cried. See, Hinata, you're not alone." Ino comforted.
Hinata forced a smile. "Thanks…" Inside though, Hinata didn't really want to talk about his death. The reason she came was not to think about it.
"Oh yeah. I heard Tenten was out training with Lee. You think there's a romantic relationship going on between them?" Temari asked.
"T-Temari…!" Ino lightly punched Temari in the shoulder.
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
"Don't you know?" Ino glanced at Sakura. She silently whispered into Temari's ear. "Sakura and Lee just broke up! After…you know who died, Lee decided to give Sakura some space, you know to recover."
"You mean, after Naruto died?"
"No…Sasuke-kun."
"Oh, sorry. I didn't know that. Hey, it's hard hearing the latest stuff when I'm all the way in Sunagakure." Temari defended herself. "But, yeah. That's where Tenten is."
"Okay. Let's go then. But hey, what about Neji-kun? Shouldn't he be with them training?" Ino asked.
Hinata paused a bit. N-Neji-niisan…
"No, isn't he in the ANBU? He's probably doing an important mission right now." Sakura answered.
"Iie…he's not." Hinata answered. "H-He said…he said he was in the Hyuuga compounds today."
"Wonder why he's not in a mission. Especially with this war going on."
"Well, there are other ANBU members too." Sakura pointed out.
"Hey there's Tenten!" Ino yelled. "Wow, I sure am sharp today!"
Tenten was smiling at Lee and laughed a bit. Lee also smiled back, touching her shoulder lightly. It was easy to see from Lee's lips that he was talking about her improvement. Sakura looked away from the two.
"Hey Tenten! Over here!" shouted Ino.
Tenten turned her head. "Ah…! Hey what are you guys doing? Having a reunion and not inviting me, eh?" she laughed. Lee caught a glimpse of Sakura and looked away.
"That's the point! Wanna join us for a sleepover?" Ino asked, no longer yelling as she neared Tenten and Lee.
"Sure. That'll be awesome." Tenten looked at Lee and smiled. "Well, see you Lee."
"Hai. You too Tenten." He awkwardly walked away but it was easily obvious that he had something on his mind. Finally he turned around and forced a smile. "A-Anou…ohayou, Sakura-san."
Sakura turned a light pink. She glanced at Tenten and Lee. Maybe they're dating each other… "O-Ohayou, Lee-san."
Lee's face lighted up a bit and scratched his head. A real smile rested on his lips now and two rather large pink circles formed on both his cheeks. "Oh, and Hinata, say hello to Neji-kun for me."
"Hai."
"Eh, Tenten….are you and Lee…an item?" Ino whispered along with Temari.
"Ahaha, no…never. We're just teammates." Tenten chuckled at the thought of them being an item.
"Anyways, Sakura and I will head off to our place to put back our groceries. You guys can tag a long with Hinata to her house." Ino explained. "See you guys there, okay?"
"Sure." The three girls yelled. They began to make their way towards Hinata's house.
"Hinata, you live really far." Temari commented as she wiped a sweat off her face. "How come?"
"W-Well…the Hyuugas don't want me near them." She answered.
"Why is-" Temari winced as Tenten pinched her arm. Tenten shook her head at Temari, pretending to smile in front of Hinata. Temari gasped slightly and coughed. "N-Nevermind."
It wasn't long until the three girls came across the Hyuuga compound.
"Neji-kun must be in there. Let's say hi." Tenten suggested. Hinata bit her lip and shook her head.
"Actually, they're having a meeting right now."
"Oh…oh yeah that's right. Ha ha, stupid me. I forgot. Neji told us that earlier." Tenten playfully hit her head.
"Well, shouldn't you be in there, Hinata? You're still a Hyuuga." Temari said. "They can't just kick you out and pretend you're dead."
Hinata gulped. Should…I…? She looked above where the sun was now setting. "A-anou…Temari, Tenten. Actually…I have some business in the Hyuugas to take care of. Tenten, you know where my place is. C-Can you two go ahead? I'll catch up."
"Sure, Hinata." Tenten answered, catching the key to the house thrown by Hinata.
Hinata watched her friends walk a few feet away from her until she actually ran into the Hyuuga meeting room. I-I'll only stop by for Neji-niisan. Yes, that's right. As she approached the room, she could hear a familiar voice arguing against the council.
"Iie. I will not step down until I get what I want. I understand I am being selfish, but this is for the sake of the Hyuugas too, Hiashi-sama."
Neji-niisan..! Hinata widened her eyes and gasped lightly. She hesitated to open the slide door.
"Neji! You are an honorable member of the Hyuugas but please, do not act so childish. Hinata chose on her own to leave the Hyuugas. We did our part to disown her."
Hinata winced. Chichue…
It wasn't long until a bickering among the present Hyuuga members started.
"She's a disgrace! Why let her back in?"
"She chose that man over her own clan! What did she think she could gain?"
Neji suddenly snapped back at the harsh voices. "I do no ask much of the Hyuugas. It's rare that I will ever raise my voice against the clan…but…but this is intolerable. All of you must understand that she was once your heiress."
"Once, Neji." Said one woman with a sly grin. Her lips were dark red from her lipstick. Her name was Haya, a lady who lived almost as long as Hiashi-sama and who was quite clever. "And it's ironic that you are talking upon that woman's name. You, the boy, who almost killed her in those exams."
"You are correct but back then I was a boy." He answered back.
"Why do you want to bring her back so much, eh, Neji?"
"Why should we listen to you! You are still of the branch house!"
Hinata couldn't take it anymore. Hearing those awful words against her only caring relative. She slid open the door as her hand trembled awfully.
Everyone turned their heads. Neji took a breath and looked at Hinata's eyes. A sense of relief came over him. So she did come… he thought happily to himself. "Hinata…sama…"
"What are you doing here!" Haya asked, her voice sharper then usual.
Hiashi-sama stared at his daughter. It had been months since he had seen her. A part of him wanted to run up to her and show his affection for she was his daughter. But another part wanted to scold her and yell at her. "Hinata…what are you doing here?" he asked coldly.
She shut her eyes tight and opened her mouth, only to say nothing. Her voice froze. She was scared and she would admit it to anyone. "A-Anou…"
Neji turned towards the council. He fell on his knees and rested his forehead on the floor, his hands out. "I…I beg of you. Please…please allow Hinata-sama back into the council. She will help them. I know she will. I say this with all of my heart. I will even step down from my position in the clan so that she will go back in. Please…" he voice begged sternly.
Hinata horridly watched as her cousin belittled himself. He didn't need to this. He was worth more then this. "Ne-"
"Neji-san." Hiashi whispered. He looked at his daughter and at his nephew. Hiashi disappointedly looked at Hinata. "There is no need for you to do this." He finally spoke.
The council shifted their heads to look at Hiashi.
"It's true the Hyuugas need a successor. I will let Hinata back in but you needn't give up your position. Unlike Hinata, you bare an important role in this clan. If you believe that much that Hinata will help the clan then I will allow her in on one condition."
Neji looked up at his uncle. He was ready to take on any consequences.
"She is your responsibility. I'm not saying she is immediately the heiress again. If the council and I find her…still useful then perhaps we will consider it. But if she does anything to disgrace the clan again…" his voice choked a bit. "Both you and Hinata will be disowned."
"H-Hiashi-sama." Neji sat up. "Arigatou."
"But-" the Hyuuga members began.
"That is all." He announced. He coughed slightly and made his way out of the meeting room.
Everyone followed him out, glaring viciously at Hinata. "Tch. This is an outrage." It wasn't long until it was just Neji and Hinata alone together.
"Neji-niisan…I didn't ask to come back…"
"Then why did you come?" Neji asked, getting up. He stood in front of Hinata.
"I-I…" She looked at her feet.
"I'm glad that they let you back in. We need you." Neji remarked. And I need you…
"Neji-niisan…!"
Neji placed his finger over her lips. "Don't worry. I'll be here with you. Where you stand, I will stand. I will protect you. When people murmur about you, I will be there to stop them. I'll be with you…" he reassured.
Hinata didn't understand a lot of things. She always wondered why birds would sing even when they were caged. She wondered why the rain would continue pouring upon the earth continuously until it felt relieved. She wondered about many things. But right now, she wondered why her cousin would do this for her. She felt two arms embrace her and she could hear her cousin's heart beat furiously. "Neji…I have to get back." She said, pushing him away.
"Hai…"
With that she ran back to her home, her face flushed red. Why was she so harsh…? Why was she so scared?
"Hinata! You're late!" Sakura yelled as Hinata entered her home. Hinata pressed her back against her door and took a breath.
"G-Gomenasai…"
"What's the matter? You're all red." Sakura asked, touching Hinata's cheek.
"I…I don't know." She answered. I don't know at all… Hinata took a breath. "W-Well, I'm sorry for being late. Hey, where's Ino-chan?"
"She said she suddenly felt ill." Sakura answered. "What a party-pooper. Oh well, we can still hang out without her."
"Yeah, I guess." Hinata mumbled. She went over to the kitchen where she saw Temari and Tenten opening some snacks. "Temari, what's wrong?"
The blonde smiled weakly at Hinata. "Oh this…?" she pointed to her cheek which was a pinkish red. "Just a rash."
Hinata nodded but was in disbelief.
Funny, rashes didn't look like bruises at all.
Author: Hey there. Hope this chappie wasn't too…boring. Eek. Well plz review and tell me what you think okays? Hehe, well see you in the next chapter:D
