The Way Of The Hyuuga

Chapter 6

A/N I know its taken ages…but with the holidays and internet going bust, I'd say I had a good excuse xDD. Anyways, here it is; Chapter 6 n.n Enjoy…

Sorry for lack of NejiTen moments in this one, but I actually like how this chapter came out n.n hope you do too xD

OOOOOOOOOO

Even with beige coloured walls, the Hyuuga dojo was still dark and eerie, and the sunlight only seemed to highlight the dullness of the walls and the pristine varnished floors. Everything looked so immaculate here, but as Hiashi's cane thudded against the oak floorboards, Hinata was reminded that these floors were constantly tarnished and corrupt. And it was slowly beginning to feel more like home.

"Hinata, for your next task you will be needing a subject." Hiashi's eyes were stern and serious, but no longer did Hinata's legs buck when he looked at her like that.

"Please state who you have chosen."

Hinata's pale eyes traced the plain ceilings as if she didn't already know the answer. But of course she did, it was this Sunday morning that Tenten and Neji would be returning from their honeymoon, and thus, she stated her answer with a subtle confidence.

"Hyuuga Neji, Sir."

With a nod the older Hyuuga spoke. "Very well. Bring him here and we shall resume our training."

With a nod Hinata obediently bowed and left the dojo in search of her cousin. Usually she wasn't so eager to train with her father; he was harsh and cruel whenever she faltered. But this time she was really looking forward to it:

She'd only seen the curse seal being activated once. And that had been on none other than Hyuuga Hizashi…But the girl had only been three years old, she was too innocent and naive, and too young to remember.

She needed to re-fresh her memory.

---

The honeymoon was over before it had even begun, well; that's how it felt anyway. Tenten sighed whilst dumping her bags in her room. Their room she quickly reminded herself, feeling as if she needed to acknowledge that Neji was hers and no other woman's. Ever since she had found out about his incredibly short engagement to Hinata, Tenten could help feeling just a little over-protective, and it didn't help that the Heiress still gave off the smallest hints of wanting him…Nevertheless, Tenten would do her best to push these thoughts to the back of her mind, and act oblivious to them. They were only subtle hints anyway…but perhaps that's what the problem was…

They were too subtle, and Tenten was probably just over-reacting. Hinata still loved Naruto didn't she? What would she want with Neji? It didn't make sense, no…of course it wasn't true, it couldn't be-!

"Tenten!!"

"Eeeiee!!"

Neji sighed as the most nimble-footed kunoichi dropped one of her bags straight on her toe. The woman hopped about the room, yelping and clutching her foot as the pain settled in. Neji quickly pushed her on the bed before she could do anymore damage. He had expected her to fight back like the ninja she was, but Tenten only seemed to look surprised.

"You spaced out again. These things wont unpack themselves." He said as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Right…Uhh, sorry." She grinned sheepishly whilst sitting up beside him. "I just-"

Before Tenten could finish her sentence he caught her off guard again by snaking one hand around her waist and pulling her into a sensual kiss. It had her stunned for a moment, but she didn't complain until Neji pulled away.

"…What was that for?" She couldn't help asking, knowing it wasn't in Neji's nature to do such things.

"Because I know what you were going to say and I don't want to hear it."

Tenten's spirits dropped at Neji's answer, he could be such a jerk sometimes. She soon shrugged it off though; it was just another thing she'd have to get used to.

Just like she'd have to get used to the way Hanabi would always interrupt them at the worst moments.

"Tsk, tsk. Didn't you do enough of that on holiday, yeesh!" Hanabi sighed after sliding the door open and seeing her cousin holding Tenten closely on the bed. Yup, Hanabi's timing was truly awful as always.

This time however, it was clear to see that behind Hanabi's grouchy exterior was a distraught teen of whom was hiding the fact that she had been crying, considering the puffy eyes, and hiding the fact that she had come here to seek company from the only people who would understand her situation.

The two newlyweds exchanged forlorn glances, but before either could start a conversation with Hanabi she had already turned on her heel to leave, probably feeling as if she had interrupted their happiness…she didn't want to do that, knowing that they deserved their happiness for as long as it would last. Hanabi would just have to deal with her pain on her own.

Neji was the first to speak, already off the bed and making his way to the door.

"I'll go speak to her."

"But Neji-" It was too late and he was already out of the room, leaving Tenten with an empty, helpless feeling. She wished she could help, and that Neji would want her help…but he probably thought this was a family issue, and while Tenten had the second name to suit; she didn't possess the white eyes that would've allowed her to intervene. At times it saddened her that she couldn't feel closer to her own family, but she also knew that those eyes saw things they didn't want to, and they could bring great pain and misery on their beholders.

But in most cases, that pain was only saved for those of the branch house.

She knew there'd be no point in chasing after Neji and Hanabi, he'd only shoo her away. So with a sigh she returned to unpacking her things.

While the break had been nice and filled with all that privacy she was so used to, there had been a constant tinge of awkwardness, both knowing what and who they would have to return to.

"Did you have a nice trip?" Asked a voice coming from the hallway as Hinata leaned against the doorframe of Neji and Tenten's room. Tenten quickly felt a cold shiver run down her spine, and that was only due to the fact Hinata had miraculously lost her stutter.

The brunette tried to hide her eyes narrowing ever so slightly, but Hinata's whole new persona was giving her the creeps. No-one could change so drastically in the space of one week…unless of course, they had never been that old self in the beginning and it was merely a pretence.

"Fine thank you, Hinata." She grudgingly replied, though her high voice was showing no signs of disdain. Nevertheless, Hinata knew they were there.

The blue haired girl was looking around the sparse room as if she had lost something here, and it was irking Tenten considering this room was hers and Neji's alone. Then again, this was more Hinata'a house then hers, she had no right to be aggravated, it wasn't even in her nature to be like this, and to hate. But Hinata was slowly bringing out the worst in Tenten, and it scared her.

"Where's Neji?" Hinata asked ever so innocently, which also annoyed Tenten; the fact this girl could act so sweet when the weapon's mistress knew she was anything but. Tenten had tried to be nice to Hinata on so many occasions, tried to shove her insecurities to the back of her mind…but ever since the day of the wedding, ever since she had noticed Neji's pain when Hinata's reign was declared (and a miraculously healed once busted lip)…Tenten knew not all was well in the Hyuuga household.

"Hmm? Oh, He's," Neji probably wouldn't want an interruption, but Tenten couldn't really lie could she? "He's with Hanabi. I'm not sure where they went though."

"Ah, Ok then." Tenten had expected her to walk out of the room in search of Neji then, since she was hardly in the mood to chat with the Heiress. But Hinata only ended up walking further into the room.

"My, my…You're looking rather unkempt Tenten-san."

Did she just hear right….Was Hinata…Insulting her!?

Tenten quickly turned her face with anger brimming in her eyes. So what if she wasn't looking her best?! Travelling was a tiresome thing, of course she wouldn't be looking the way Hinata did right now, with a face delicately covered in power and long traditional robes elegantly flowing over her figure. If this was the true Hinata it sickened Tenten, and she was about to snap until Hinata pinched one of her cheeks.

"You should get some rest." Hinata advised her calmly, whilst Tenten clenched her teeth.

"What's with all of this!?" Tenten dared to ask, as Hinata brushed the back of her hand over Tenten's face. A smile began to form onto Hinata's lips.

"All of what?" Hinata queried as if she had just been born. "I'm only concerned about your appearance, you've got a good catch there you know." Hinata's palm gently tapped the side of Tenten's face, and she would've slapped it away in an instant if she wasn't so shocked by this new Hinata. "Wouldn't want to ruin all that, when there are plenty more…exotic fish in the sea."

Before Tenten was given the chance to move, and to most likely attack this Hyuuga lady, she had cleverly moved her hand away, and was beaming an eerie smile towards the weapon's mistress.

"Well, I should be going now." She spoke politely as if nothing had even happened. And just that was enough to make Tenten snap.

Gone were any reasons to be polite to Hinata, this time she had pushed it too far, and no longer would Tenten be oblivious to her plans…even if she wasn't quite sure of what they were.

"You really are a bitch." Said Tenten with a tone that was almost like Neji's cold-hearted one…it was times like these when she was glad to have married such a lone-wolf. But Hinata only seemed to giggle.

"Such language doesn't suit you Tenten."

If someone didn't interrupt this would probably become a blood-infested cat fight.

"I didn't think being so heartless suited you Hinata…But I was obviously fooled."

The smile widened.

"Everyone was."

With that Hinata had left, and once Tenten was sure she was very far away, the woman simply fell back on her bed and cried. She sobbed into her hands until it ached in her chest. Barely back from their honeymoon and already Tenten didn't think she could stand living with the Hyuugas.

---

The skies were quickly becoming dull, and it quite rightly reflected the mood of the manor that day. Tenten was alone crying in her room, and here Neji was trying to comfort his younger cousin who was also weeping her heart out…Neji was not only feeling a little bewildered, but awkward too; he'd never been good at dealing with people crying… especially girls; and especially ones as strong and as feisty as Hanabi, to see them cry was almost scary.

"I…I shouldn't be sad…I should be happy, for her."

He had no idea of what to say, or what to do. He just decided it would be best to hold her in a loose embrace and let her cry.

"I- I'm being so..so selfish!" She wept, and Neji's hold grew a little tighter.

"Don't say that Hanabi, you have every right to be upset. And besides, I don't think its Hinata's leadership that's making you sad…" Without warning, Neji moved Hanaibi's fringe out of the way, revealing her bare forehead. Her sobbing stopped and she fell silent…It was true, Hanabi was far more worried about what would come after Hinata was declared leader, she was afraid of that mark, the same one that scarred her cousin's forehead.

"I'm scared niisan…"

"I know…" Stepping out of his grip Hanabi looked up to her cousin, a questioning looked played upon her face.

"But I still don't understand…why it upsets you niisan, has she…done something to upset you?" Hanabi couldn't help asking, causing Neji to flinch. Upset him? Her mind games were upsetting, the way she'd be sweet to him one moment, and glaring at him the next…Neji knew she had something malevolent in store, he just didn't know what…That was upsetting…

Before he could answer a meek voice was heard mumbling nearby, both turned to see Hinata poking her fingers and looking at the floor.

"N-neji-san, fa-father would li-like you t-to come to the, the do-dojo, if y-you w-wouldn't mind…"

Yup, he was utterly, utterly confused as to why she was being coy now…perhaps it was Hanaibi's presence. Either way, he'd save that question for later when he was alone with Hinata…not that he'd want to be mind you.

"Not at all." He replied solemnly (and perhaps grudgingly) with a bow of his head. He said goodbye to Hanabi before following Hinata to the dojo; and having no idea of what was in store.

OOOOOOOOOO

Apparently it was Tenten's turn to comfort Hanabi as they sat together in the garden. The jounin didn't dare tell Hanabi of what Hinata had said beforehand, she could barely get over it herself…how could she tell this girl that her sister was a malevolent and very selfish piece of work? No, no way could Tenten do that!!

There was a very, very long silence between the two, until Hanabi finally spoke.

"I don't know why Neji still hates her so much…"

Tenten's hands fisted in her lap as she bit her tongue, Tenten knew exactly why Neji hated her…but she could tell Hanabi that, it wasn't fair…

"I don't think he understands what's wrong with Hinata…"

Tenten shot her surprised expression around to face Hanabi. "What do you mean? Is something wrong with Hinata?" Tenten asked, trying to sound sincere…but it was failing miserably.

The younger Hyuuga let out a cynical sounding laugh before answering.

"Heh, you mean you don't already know?"

OOOOOOOOOO

He screamed. A shill scream that bounced off the walls, and echoed through the hallways of the Main house. Neji was crouched on the floor, gripping his head and tugging the ends of his hair from time to time, wishing it would ease the agony that felt like it was burning his skull. It came to no avail however, and would not do so if Hinata's hands persisted in taking that formation, the one that activated his caged bird seal.

His vision was gradually getting blurry, but he could see her hands trembling from the amount of force they applied, he knew it would be over soon and yet soon didn't seem good enough. He needed this to be over now.

However, he had not seen the small smile painted on her lips. And while Hiashi assumed this was out of pride in her own strength, Hinata knew her smile was conjured for other reasons.

"Stop." Hiashi demanded, and quickly Hinata let her small hands fall to her sides. No matter how fun it had been, Hinata found herself become weary and was glad of the break. She panted a little, unlike Neji who was taking deep, shallow breaths.

"You've done well Hinata."

She panted slightly, before answering, in a voice that seemed a little strained. "T-thank you, f-fa-father…"

He nodded before leaving the room, and Hinata watched his every footstep until he was out of the door, and she watched the door until his steps could be heard no more.

"Neji-san!" She cried abruptly before running to his side, now knowing that no-one else was there to see her or hear her. She fell onto her knees by his side and held his limp body closely as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"I-I'm so-so sorry I h-had to, p-put you th-through that. S-so sorry..Ne-neji-san…"

He coughed and spluttered as a cold chill ran down his spine, with the little strength he had left the older Hyuuga moved away from her cold embrace. His voice rasped through the room.

"Why, why are you doing this Hinata?" He asked as she wiped away the tears.

"F-father, h-he m-ma-"

"No, not this. I mean…these mind games."

Although her shocked expression was fake, it seemed to do the trick. "W-what do you m-mean?"

He coughed some more, his eyes narrowed in anger. "You glare at me and smirk, and now…now what are you doing, why do you cry for me like this?"

"No…Neji-san…its not what you think…"

"Then what is it?" He dared to ask, "What kind of stunt are you trying to pull?"

Biting on her lip the Hyuuga woman turned away, her eyes were now puffy from crying. "I…I only pushed you away before, b-be…because…I couldn't stand loving you."

His eyes widened, and instantly Neji had sat up, no matter how much it pained his head. His eyes beckoned her to continue, and she did:

"I wish I could move on Neji-san, forget you, and our friendship…I tried, tried so hard, I wanted you to hate me…But…I can't keep it up anymore!" She sobbed into the sleeves of her jacket. "I can't change the way I feel, and it hurts so much!! Knowing that I love you, and knowing I can't have you!"

Hinata waited for what he had to say to her confession, hiding her puffy eyes behind the sleeves of her kimono. She wondered if he would actually believe she didn't mean to harm him. Mentally she laughed to herself, this was all working out perfectly, and if she could fool Neji, she'd be able to fool anyone! And if he thought a mere activation of his seal would be the most pain she'd inflict upon him…

He thought wrong…

Dead wrong.

OOOOOENDOOOOO

Uh oh, Tenten had better get her skates on ne? So-o, what's wrong with Hinata? And what exactly does she have planned…and will Neji be fooled by her? Find out next chappie /endcheesycomentary.

So yeah, remember to R&R aaaand, ja ne for now!!