Chapter 9: We're Enemies…

Hyuga Compound, Main House Dining Hall, 7:00 pm

Takuya and Kisuke had been at the compound for a week.

Elders and other members of the Main House sat around the dining table, piled with food and more good things. Many of the Hyugans had already heard about Hinata's arranged marriage to the powerful Michimoe clan's elite Takuya. Some agreed that Hiashi had made the right decision. Others thought it was downright wrong him to force his daughter to marry someone she'd never met.

But his word was law…and they could not lift a single finger against him.

Most of the clan had also sensed a change in the atmosphere sense they had arrived. Maybe it was because Neji didn't like the fact he would have to give Hinata up…Neji had always had the possessive/ jealous streak.

It was confirmed at dinner that night as Takuya and Neji glared at each other from across the table. It was also obvious he didn't like the seating. Takuya was seated by Hinata on Hiashi's right and Kisuke on her right. Neji was seated on Hiashi's left, right across from Takuya.

A perfect glaring opportunity. Almost to perfect. Neji had always been the one sit by Hinata's side. It wasn't fair.

What am I saying? I sound like a spoiled, little child. I should have been seated at least on her opposite side. Damn Hiashi…he knows about my dislike for Takuya. He did this on purpose. Damn him…

The chatter and conversation stopped as Hiashi stood. Everyone stopped their activity and looked at him.

He glanced briefly at Hinata and Takuya. Then at Kisuke and Neji. No…he didn't glance at Neji. He glared as if in warning," If you mess this up, I will kill you" fleeting look. But it was not missed by the other guests.

"Today we are celebrating Hinata's 17th. Her coming into inheritance and her coming of age. The Michimoe clan has taken an interest in our little Hinata…" At his comment the occupants around the tables laughed. Hiashi grinned.

"Many of you know Michimoe Kisuke. He has been negotiating the plans of this memorable moment. Kisuke." Hiashi gestured towards him. Kisuke stood up.

"Marriage negotiations have gone well. I am proud to say that things are looking well. Hiashi-san, it is a privilege for us to have Hinata-sama as a part of the Michimoe clan."

He looked at Takuya.

"However, there are some difficulties." Neji let out a breath. Hopefully these "difficulties" were so horrible that they would just go home. But he doubted that fantasy.

"Takuya-sama. You have yet to ask the young woman for her hand!" Neji gasped. Surely he wasn't-?

Takuya stood from the table and leaned one knee. He took Hinata's shaking hands in his and held them there. He looked her straight in her eyes.

No! This can't be! Why are they making me do this? I don't want! I don't want to marry you!

"Hinata, will you marry me?"

--

Training Grounds, 7:30 pm

"Oi, Shino. Kiba." The pair turned around to face the voice that had called out to them.

Sasuke stood on the dusty street, looking annoyed.

"What is it, Sasuke?" Kiba asked.

"Have any of you seen Naruto? Sakura and I have been looking for him for over two hours!" Kiba shook his head.

"Last time I saw Naruto he was at the ramen stand. Maybe 15 minutes ago. He wasn't there when you looked?"

"No."

"He's been going around town all day." Shino offered. He pointed back towards the ramen stand.

"He should still be at the ramen stand." Sasuke nodded and left for that way. Damn, Naruto…

Ever since the night Hinata had been forcefully taken away, Naruto hadn't been the same. Of course he would smile and act like the usual dumbass, but he seemed to force himself to.

Honestly, Sasuke had never seen Naruto in this state before and truth be told it scared the hell out of him. Naruto seemed to be walking around in a self induced daze. Only a day after the fight Naruto had moved back into his own apartment. Sasuke had expected him to stay a little longer. But he was wrong.

Terribly wrong.

"Hey, Sasuke-teme." Naruto greeted. Sasuke looked at the empty countertop. Naruto had come to Ichiraku's but he hadn't ordered anything. Freakishly scary.

He sat down on the chair beside him. Neither one said anything, neither one moving.

"Naruto."

"Naruto."

"Naruto…" Sasuke bonked him on the head with the butt of his kunai.

"OWWW!" Naruto turned his now angry gaze to his best friend. Holding his aching skull.

"What the hell was that for, Sasuke-teme?! You could've killed me!"

"It was only a hit. You'll live, you loser, you."

"Hm, whatever…"

"I know you're worried about Hinata, Naruto." Naruto gazed him in the eye. He looked down at the countertop, drawing imaginary swirls on the wood.

"I am. But there's nothing I can do about it now…she's getting married to someone else."

"Yea, so what are you going to do about it? Just let her?"

"I don't have a choice, Sasuke." Sasuke got up to leave, but not before turning to Naruto. Putting his hand on his shoulder.

"You always have a choice Naruto. Always."

--

The night was cool as the Hyuga members filed out on the open porch walkway. Ever since dinner had ended, Takuya had never left Hinata's side. Or his hand around her waist.

In Neji's mind, he was more comfortable with Naruto touching his cousin like that. Naruto was an honest guy, and good one at that. Neji believed that if Hinata should be with anyone, it should be Naruto.

Currently, Neji was sulking under an old oak tree observing the clamor from a distance. Hiashi had made it clear to him earlier he DID NOT want him tailing Hinata everywhere she went. This meant he couldn't keep an eye on Takuya.

Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn it all.

His gaze wondered over to Hinata's petite form. Talking to various officials and playing the part. She had on her fake rhinestone smile that Neji so dearly disliked.

"Alone, are you?" Takuya smirked. He walked over to Neji and leaned on the opposite side of the oak. He sighed.

"I just don't see why you dislike me so much, Neji." Neji glared at him.

"Please refrain from discarding my honorifics. I don't remember being that close to you." Neji snapped.

"I can do whatever I want to, Branch member. Or have you forgotten your place?" Neji only continued to glare at him. Takuya laughed.

"Seriously, Neji! What have I done to you? Is it because I'll be marrying your cousin that your hatred for me has become so welded? I simply don't understand you."

"I don't trust you." Takuya's eyes narrowed.

"Don't trust me? With Hinata you mean? I couldn't blame you…I am pretty fast in bed-ACK!" Neji rammed Takuya against the tree with so much force that it splinted.

"If you hurt her, I swear I will kill you! If you lay one finger on her!" Neji said with fierceness. Takuya's hands enclosed around Neji's.

"Hinata is going to be my wife! And you can't do anything about it! She'll bear my children, she'll be mine! And I'll be the leader of two clans! And you, heh, you'll fade into the darkness."

"Don't fuck with me!" Neji moved to punch him, but Takuya slipped out Neji's grasp and stood ready.

Neji raised an eyebrow.

"You wish to fight me? How absurd."

"You shouldn't underestimate your opponent, Neji."

--

Hinata moved between numbers of officials and Main House members. She had spent half the evening hearing congratulations, and saying 'thank yous'. And Takuya hadn't left her side until a moment ago. She had searched for Neji, but he had disappeared after dinner.

Hinata felt like she was a puppet. Being used and controlled for the purpose of others. She never wanted to feel this way again…but she knew that to be a farse.

She walked out to the large deck where the crowd was less. She leaned on the railing, thinking about all the things that had taken place.

Naruto…

"Oh, Naruto…"


Hey, loyal readers! LOL Since Christmas is coming up and everything in like three days or something I've decided to give you two whole chapters today! Aren't I a great author? Not making you wait until next week! LOL Thanks to you all from my sis who just had her baby, she says thank you even though she doesn't know any of you, haha. My other sister (theres three of us) also says what's up just now...yea random.

Any Merry Christmas to you all and a appy Nwe Year!

P.S. For those of you who are waiting for "Training the Heart" please be patiecent. I'm still working on chapter 8. Thank you all! Reveiw, review and review please!

P.P.S. Haha, did anyone else think that Takuya saying Neji's name wrong was funny? Please tell me if you laughed at that part!