Chapter 2
Hyuga Neji
I remember that day because the soft snow had turned into a violent storm—taking everything into its icy hold.
It had been three months since that faithful council meeting. Strain was starting to blanket my whole family. I had never thought of being married, let alone to a Head House member. But it was to become my personal duty. Yet, I, Hyuga Neji didn't feel it to be a burden.
Since that meeting, things seemed to change for the better. I had become the Branch Family leader, which had made many Branch members proud. They knew that a change was being made with the position being filled. To most, this meant relief. But for me, it filled my soul with gratification.
But even with all the good, some bad came right along with it. During the passing months I saw less and less of Hinata-sama—which almost didn't feel like a change, except when I did see her, she would vanish within seconds.
I knew that Hinata-sama had another choice in mind for her possible future husband. In the last few years, Naruto had become an honorable shinobi, but would it be enough? The thought always came racing through my mind. But no matter the out come, I made a promise to myself that I would protect Hinata with my life.
Hyuga Hinata
For days I had sat alone in my dark room, covered up in blankets. With each day passing, it became harder to leave the safety of my bedroom. Not because of cold weather, but from the cold stares of my family. Usually, they would ignore me and walk past me without even saying so much as a word. Now, all I hear are the whispers and receive horrible glares. Even with father's full agreement on the arrangement, the family has made me feel even more like an outcast. I will have to face the outside world one day, I know that, but today isn't going to be that day. I fell back onto my futon, curling up into a tight little ball.
I had always wondered what father would think of Naruto. While looking out my window, it seemed the weather was agreeing with my father. I knew his mood would match the darkened sky—or he might be ashamed. He would never accept Naruto and, besides, Naruto didn't even know I existed.
My whole body was shaking, and hot burning tears ran down my face. I pushed my face down into my tiny pillow, trying to muffle my cries.
I want to do the best I can for my family, yet, it just feels like they want nothing to do with me. I truly wish there was someone who I could...wait; Shino! He has always been understanding, and always listened. Pulling my face away from my pillow, I began to wipe the tears away onto my already wet sleeve.
From all the crying, my face had become swollen. My eyes were puffy and my cheeks were red. I thought it would be best to wait for the swelling to go down. As I rose to my feet, I felt my night kimono stick to my body.
I guessed a shower would be best. It has been a few days of just laying in bed that caused me to be in this state. I went to my closet to retrieve my bath bucket and suddenly it occurred to me—either way the wind blew, my future would no longer be alone.