I'M HERE AND I BRING THE GIFT OF AN UPDATE! Sadly, this chapter is slightly shorter than I'd like, but those to come should be a bit longer :D This chapter is the turning point where Hinata pretty much loses her stutter for good and things start moving! Thank you, as always, to my reviewers:

Splaaash-attack

FallenInDreams - I intend to have lots and lots of cute couple moments in the future. Please be patient and thank you for reviewing! :D

pinksakura271- First of all, I love the long reviews! Thank you for your honest opinions! Since you mentioned the Karaoke Bar being a nostalgic revisit for GaaSaku, I'm honestly considering squeezing that in. ALSO, I know how it sounds with the whole getting the girls drunk and leaving them with the boys, but I won't make it as bad as it sounds. I have a plan! Thank you again for the reviews and I hope that I keep your follow!

dzii00

jacpin2002- I am happy you mentioned you were worried Sakura would try and fall back on Gaara because she got rejected, but that's not EXACTLY how I plan on carrying everything out. Please stay tuned :D

I PLAN ON REPLYING TO INQUIRIES MADE THROUGH REVIEWS JUST IN CASE SOMEONE WAS THINKING A QUESTION AND DIDN'T ASK IT! THANKS AGAIN FOR READING/REVIEWING/FOLLOWING/FAVORITE-ING AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE UPDATE!


When I woke up, I felt uncomfortable. The staleness of the air alerted me of the fact that I was in a hospital before I even opened my eyes. I sat there with my eyes closed for a while, just thinking about all of the events that had played out as they came back to me out of my sleepy haze. Suigetsu had finally been caught, and by big names as well. Who in their right mind would dare argue against Tenten, Ino, AND Sasuke if they claimed they'd all witnessed a sexual assault? Especially since my phone held the text messages he'd sent me as proof of his harassment.

"How bad do you think it's going to be?" I suddenly heard Tenten's voice, softer than I'd ever heard it. She must've been under the impression I was still asleep. To my surprise, Kakashi's raspy voice replied, "Her father is threatening to sue for endangerment and defamation." The utter shock had my eyes shooting open and blurting out, "What!" A flash of pink crossed my vision and I was suddenly thrown back against my pillow. Sakura tackled me into a tight hug and spoke as if she were close to tears, "Oh Hinata! I'm so happy you're alright!"

I struggled to hug her back as my limbs felt heavier than usual, probably due to whatever medication the hospital had flowing through my IV. Neji and Kakashi were both on their feet in the doorway of my room, while Tenten stood alert beside the chair Sakura had leapt out of. Once Sakura was satisfied that she'd expressed her relief thoroughly, she unwrapped herself from me and sat back in her uncomfortable looking chair. I recognized the wallpaper in the room and knew exactly where I was. The Inuzuka Hospital was owned by the prestigious Inuzuka family. They weren't business partners with the Hyuuga, but the Hyuuga's liked to keep good company. I'd never met any Inuzuka family member that wasn't going to school with a medical major or already graduated with one. They all seemed positively obsessed with health and evolution.

Word was that they'd even developed vitamins that can boost the five senses. They were having trouble getting it off the ground because elders thought that boosting the physical/touch sense would be used solely for sexual reasons and didn't want the Inuzuka family to taint it's name by releasing such an enhancement. I could kind of see their point. Anyway, I'd been sent here for years after my mother died for testing. Father doesn't believe in things like anxiety and depression disorders and insisted the doctors find the cause to my "misfortunes". Looking back on it, that was probably a large factor to why I was just now coming out of my shell.

All of the adults looked at eachother before Neji stepped forward. His eyes were weary, as if he were stressed about something, "How're you feeling, Hinata?" I sighed and moved to sit up in my bed. After glancing around the room again, I felt slightly disappointed that Gaara and Sasuke were nowhere to be seen. Of course we'd all only just met a few days ago, but I already considered the two young men to be my friends. It must've been a mistake to assume they felt the same way. A frown fell onto my lips as the silent sting of rejection tore at the edges of the already thin protective layer around my heart. The way the two had helped come to my rescue had me fooled. Perhaps they were just doing it out of obligation. I nodded to Neji, forcing a smile, "I'm alright, t-thank you. What was-"

I looked over at Kakashi and trailed off nervously. He gave me a sheepish smile that still looked great on him before lightly patting the edge of my bed, "I apologize to be the reason the first thing you hear upon awakening is negative. Your health and safety is of utmost importance, Hinata." Tenten leaned over and interlaced her fingers with mine supportively, "Let me be the one to give you the details. Your father is threatening to sue us for the whole incident. Somehow, the security tapes of Suigetsu breaking in got released to the public and he feels that it hurts your family's name to have a main family member at such an unprotected place." I couldn't stop myself from angrily bursting out, "It's not unsafe!"

Tenten squeezed my hand and nodded, eyes sinking lower, as did her voice as she continued, "He wants you to void your contract and return home." I looked around in shock. My own father was giving me an ultimatum. Give up on this "fantasy dream" of mine or he'd make sure the agency loses all of it's good credit. This was the absolute last straw. I felt my cheeks burn, but this time it wasn't with embarrassment. It was with one hundred percent rage. "Has he stopped by?" Even I was surprised by the sturdiness of my voice. Neji replied, "He is to arrive within the next hour to see you."

I looked Kakashi in the eye. It was obvious that he was at a crossroads. I knew he wanted what was best for me, which was helping me follow my own path. However, I also knew that he was worried to death that this would be a lot of trouble for the agency he'd worked so hard to get to where it was now. The dark circles starting to form under his eyes were just the start of the indicators. "I'll handle my father, Mr. Hatake. Don't worry." Neji's eyebrows rose in surprise, but he didn't interrupt. Kakashi gave me a knowing smile before thanking me and respectfully excusing himself to try and handle some of the paparazzi uproar outside of the hospital. Tenten quietly kissed my forehead, making my face turn 50 shades of red, before pulling Neji out of the room so Sakura and I could talk.

Once it was just the two of us, I let my anxieties out on the poor pinkette, "Where is he?" Sakura stretched her arms above her head before falling lifelessly against the wall. It was nearly eight a.m. and it was obvious that she'd stayed up all night helping handle everything, "He's on house-arrest right now. An anonymous party, obviously the Uzumaki's, bailed him out." My deep dislike for Karin only got deeper. Forget that she was a total bitch, but why would she bail her boyfriend out when he tried to cheat on her? What self-respecting girl would do that? I felt a little relief that I wouldn't be running into Suigetsu anytime soon, though. It was an unspoken fact that I would be pressing charges and that there was no doubt he'd lose that court battle.

With that little bit of reassurance, I finally let the more disappointed feelings show in front of my friend, "Did Sasuke and G-Gaara not-" As if I'd summoned them by saying their names out loud, the two men in question suddenly entered my room carrying a few bags. Gaara's face lit up when I made eye contact with him, and he smiled the first full smile I'd seen on his face. My face heated up in an instant and I saw that Sakura's matched mine in my peripheral. He had the most appealing dimples and alluring smile, "It's nice to see you awake, Hinata. How are you?" I did my best to return his smile without tripping over my words, "I-I-I'm fine, thanks."

Relief flooded over me. They did come! My previously negative thoughts suddenly had me feeling guilty. Did I have no faith? His smile disappeared as quickly as it appeared and I was able to avert my gaze to the taller man on his left. Sasuke was glaring down at me as if I'd insulted him. I locked eyes with him for a few moments, waiting for him to speak, but that didn't happen so I quickly started the conversation, "Thank yo-"

He cut off my expression of gratitude for his help with a suddenly cocky smirk, tossing the bag he was holding onto my lap. It was soft and light, obviously holding clothes for me to change into. He mock-flirted with me as an obvious attempt to keep things normal between all of us, "I picked them out myself. You've got a nice collection of granny panties, Hyuuga." The heart monitor suddenly sped up in pace as heat rose to my cheeks.

Sasuke started laughing at my obvious offense, but that didn't distract me from Sakura's awkward face as Gaara handed her a bag that no-doubt held her own change of clothes. They didn't waste any time leaving the room to go look for snacks, being growing boys and all. Sakura spoke as soon as she knew they were out of earshot, "Sasuke rejected me." She didn't sound that broken-hearted about it, but I still reached over to touch her arm comfortingly, "Are you a-alright?" She stared at me for a moment as if thinking about saying something, but shook her head dismissively, "Yeah, I'm alright. I DID get to kiss him though! Oh my god, Hinata!" Her face was as red as an apple and I felt honestly curious, whispering frantically, "Was i-it good?"

She gave a perverted smile, nodding quickly with that same bright face, "Oh yes!" We both laughed in whispers so those out in the hall wouldn't hear. After a moment, she leaned in even closer and spoke barely loud enough for me to hear, "I want to find someone at the club on Saturday. Will you help me?" I felt a little awkward. She seemed so eager to lose her virginity that it had me worried as to why. She was one of the most respectable people I'd ever met, definitely not one to sleep around with someone she doesn't know. So, why did she want to sleep with a stranger? I tried to find the right words, "Y-Yes, but why?"

She looked shaken at first, but quickly tried to play it cool, "What do you mean?" I touched her hand, telepathically trying to send her courage to tell me what was really going on. The trying to sleep with Sasuke thing wasn't as bad as requesting help with sleeping with a stranger. At least if it was Sasuke, he wouldn't try anything stupid because he would be stuck seeing her for at least two years. This person could do whatever they wanted because they wouldn't have to ever see her again if they didn't want to and I wasn't comfortable with that. I was desperate to be there for Sakura when she obviously needed someone to confide in, but looking at her stubborn face proved that she wouldn't be an easy one to crack.

That just made me even more worried. It must be a big secret if she wouldn't spill. I shook my head dismissively. There was no need to push a subject I knew she wouldn't respond well to, "Never mind. Just...be careful, Sakura." There was a small cough from the doorway and we turned to see Gaara and Sasuke standing awkwardly with arm-fulls of snacks from the snack machine down the hall. Sakura shot to her feet. It was obvious they'd heard the last part of our conversation. "Hey guys! Did you get any of those chocolate bite things? I love those!"

The two boys visibly relaxed as Sakura forced the conversation away from what they'd just overheard and pulled chairs up next to my bed, laying out their findings for us all to pick from. I had the blood pressure reader clamped onto my finger and found it hard to open any packaging with it, so Sasuke broke off part of his granola bar and handed it to me without looking me in the eye. I gave him a thankful smile even if he didn't see it. We sat and talked about anything except the serious events that had happened the previous night. Gaara was noticeably more comfortable around us, actually joining in the conversation when Sakura brought up her song writing. It was as if we struck a good nerve and his eyes had lit up.

Sasuke also seemed to lighten up to us. I had a feeling he was a nicer guy than he let on, but didn't feel like he'd look as cool if he acted so. Little did he know, there were moments when his true personality shined through, and those were the moments that he was the most likable. I watched as the three laughed at something Sakura had said and suddenly felt emotional, tears welling up before I could control them. These three had been there when I needed them most, without me even having to ask. There had never been more loyal friends in my life and I'd known them all less than a week, not counting Sakura.

I tried to discreetly wipe my tears away, but Sasuke noticed them and held my gaze for a moment before the other two noticed. Sakura lay a hand on my leg with a worried look, but I sniffled and croaked out, "T-Thank you guys.." They had a variety of reactions to my lack of self-control. Sasuke let that facade of his drop for just a single moment, but it was enough to see how his dark eyes softened and the corner of his lips curved up ever so slightly. His face quickly became stoic and cocky, if not a bit panicked that I may have glimpsed his real reaction. Gaara gave a small smile and shook his head as if it wasn't a big deal. Sakura lightly smacked my arm with a bittersweet laugh as she quickly went to wipe at her eyes with her other hand, "Stop, Hinata! You'll make me cry, too!" I joined her in laughing and continued to rub at my eyes.

"Hinata."

We all looked towards the door to see the pristine Hiashi Hyuuga standing tall in the doorway. Sasuke quickly excused himself from the room, bowing respectfully to my father before turning into the hall. Gaara and Sakura quickly grabbed the remainder of the snacks and followed Sasuke's lead. All the while, Father's eyes remained glued coldly on my own. Once we were alone, he stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. I smoothed out the blanket that lay over my legs anxiously, trying to cope with how uncomfortable I was in my own parent's presence. "What have you done, Hinata?" It was more of a statement of disappointment than a question, so I didn't reply.

It was hard enough for me to hold the more abrasive man's gaze without wavering. Silence swept through the room for a few moments before Father finally continued, "You will schedule for your belongings to be collected before the day ends." He turned as if his word was final and he was going to leave already, but I felt that anger from earlier surface and opposed his wishes, "No, I-I will not."

The Hyuuga elder turned back to face me slowly, as if he couldn't believe his ears, "Excuse me?" I swallowed nervously before repeating myself, "I will not be leaving the agency, F-Father." I even managed to hold my glare on him, so proud of myself. "Hinata Hyuuga, I am your father and I demand that you obey my wishes. Besides, this agency has already landed you in the hospital in less than a week." My blood began to boil as he tried to find any way to rationalize his actions and I quickly climbed out of my bed. I was slightly dizzy at first, but quickly steadied myself with a hand on the foot of the bed, standing just in front of my father, "Don't pretend that you care for my safety, Father. You only care about the company's image." He glared down at me silently, so I repeated, like a mantra, "I will not be leaving the agency."

He finally bursted out, more angry than I'd seen him in a long time, "Hinata, I will bring that company to the ground if you disobey me!" I couldn't control my anger and yelled back, "If you do that, I will go public about how the great Hiashi Hyuuga really treats his children! Hanabi and I will both be gone!" He knew that there would be plenty of evidance of my hospital visits and medication records to back up whatever secrets I decided to spill. It was sad that it took threatening to remove Hanabi to knock some sense into him. How bittersweet it was that he wouldn't react the same way if it were me. There was a sharp sting across my cheek that had my whole head thrown to the side, my body following slightly.

It took a moment of me seeing stars to realize that he'd actually slapped me. My voice cracked as I hollered at him, "Why do you hate me so much!" By now I noticed a small crowd of my guests crowding around the door through the small window, but chose to ignore them since this conversation needed to take place. The man was silent for so long that I was unsure he'd ever answer, but he eventually seethed out, "Your mother would be so disappointed in you."

The door opened then and Neji stood there with discomfort clear on his features, "Uncle, the Inuzuka's would like to speak with you alone. Forgive the intrusion." Hiashi's angry gaze lay idle on me for one moment more before he ended our conversation as if he were arranging a deal of sorts, "Keep your cards. I won't have anyone thinking I abandoned you. Don't come home until you've realized your mistakes and intend to atone for them." His word was as final as the first ones he'd said when he'd entered. I knew that he wouldn't try to hurt Kakashi's company, for now at least.

Despite my small triumph of standing up to him, I couldn't help but feel the stinging ache of despair pull at my heartstrings. How could he dare bring up my mother? He swiftly turned on his heel and walked out of the room, standing tall and confident. The group outside the room waited for him to be a good distance away before coming in. My hand was still idle on my cheek where he'd slapped me, even if it just tingled now. I was more hurt that he'd actually committed the act than by the act itself. Sasuke, Tenten, and Gaara all found seats in silence, while Sakura pulled my hand away from my face and gently rubbed the red area beneath, "It'll be okay, Hinata. We'll be your family now."

I could feel everyone staring at me, but didn't care for once. I'm sure my eyes were wide and blank, pretty acurately reflecting the shock I was feeling. There was a ton of relief rolling through my veins, but for every ounce of relief there was a cup of rejection, a pint of self-loathing, and a pound of sadness. I quiety smiled at her before lightly removing my hand from hers and climbing back into my bed. It was tense in the room and I rolled over onto my side with my back to the majority of my guests. I wanted to be alone, but didn't want to be rude and ask them to leave. Tears welled up in my eyes and I just let them fall. I could only see Sasuke looking at me in my peripheal and there was no mask on his face. For once, he looked honestly and completely concerned. That alone had me worried about me, too.


THANKS FOR READING!