Hey peoples!

Hope that you all enjoy this new chapter, hopefully the plot will start to make more sense as it goes on.

Reviews are as always much appreciated.

Just a quick note, life is about to get real busy for me. So this might be my last update for a while. Never fear though I promise that I'll update when things settle down again. I am not going to leave this story unfinished!

Now onwards my dears!


Gaara had to take a moment to backtrack in order to figure out what had happened so far.

Three weeks ago, he put Baki in charge of trying to identify the person who had been stalking Hinata. Usually Baki would've been able to handle this without any problems, but so far he had come up empty handed and it was frustrating him. Whoever this individual was crafty he would give them that, but that was still no excuse for what they were doing. Despite all of it Gaara knew that Baki wouldn't disappoint. As if by sheer coincidence there had also recently been a rumor going around that one of the higher ranking officials of his personal assigned band of guards had taking a love interest in someone. When word had reached his ear Gaara had a suspicious feeling that it was concerning Hinata, but at the same time he could've been wrong. He didn't want to jump into anything just yet, if one of his officers was stalking his wife then he'd need more proof.

That was why he had trusted this task to Baki. He had a huge line of sources that never failed to let him down no matter what it was. Baki had proven countless times that he was nothing but loyal to the Kazekage and one way or another he'd figure it out.

But just in case it was true Gaara mentally listed off his officers. Currently there were six of them, each of them he had personally appointed except for one. Kazu as he was called had been around since his father was the Forth Kazekage. Gaara didn't know much about him. but he did know for a fact that he was ruthless. He had fought in two of the Great Ninja wars and his years of fighting had given him a rough and hard demeanor.

Running a hand through his hair Gaara could only sigh. Before appointing his officers he had run a background check on all of them for security measures. He knew that his men wouldn't betray him but there was always something about Kazu that gave him this uneasy feeling.

He would look more into Kazu's background later, he still had paperwork to do.

Gaara forced himself to concentrate as he reviewed the endless piles of documents and mission reports. What he really wanted was to go and be with his wife and daughter. Currently they were with Temari and Shikamaru probably talking over something. He had informed his siblings of Hinata's stalker and both had agreed to do what they could to help.

This still didn't settle well with him. Supposedly it could've been instinct that he wanted his family in his sight at all times, even though he knew that his brother and sister were more than capable of looking after Hinata and Hena.

So he continued to work constantly reminding himself that his wife and child were safe so long as one of his siblings was there. Even though Gaara was a master of self-control that didn't mean he could stop himself from everything when it came to his emotions, there was always bound to be the occasional slip up.

It would be a few hours later when his concentration would be interrupted with the appearance of his older brother. He had a scowl on his face. Kankuro had been helping Baki find out who the stalker was and like his former mentor was becoming increasingly frustrated that they weren't exactly getting anywhere with their investigation. Gaara tilted his head a little, he wasn't sure why his older brother was here. "Kankuro what is it?" All he got was what sounded like a low growl and he raised an invisible eyebrow. His older brother walked forward until he was standing in front of his desk. The scowl seemingly getting deeper. "This is all kinds of fucked up!" Ah, at last he had spoken. He had come here in need of someone to listen to his rant.

"It's been three damn weeks and still nothing! I've tried all I can think of, and I'm getting angry".

The puppet master gritted his teeth together, without the face paint that usually covered his face. His expressions were more clearer and Gaara was able to see the frustrations in his brother's eyes. Under normal circumstances it didn't take this long for Kankuro to figure out these kinds of things. At the most it usually took a few days, but this was proving to be more of a challenge then he thought it would be.

"One dead end after another, I've never had any setbacks before. Whoever this shithead is, is taunting me I know they are!"

Gaara shook his head a bit. Of course Kankuro would feel more than a little flustered; he usually was very successful when asked to do these kinds of dirty work. Years of training had placed him as one of the best. With him teamed up with Baki that made the pair unstoppable so to speak. Even though his older brother had told him that he and Baki could handle it. Gaara could see that they would inevitability need his help after all. He chuckled a bit at the irony of it all.

"Huh? What's so funny that your laughing all of a sudden".

He smirked "Oh nothing really, just had an idea that might help you is all".

Kankuro raised an eyebrow "Oh? Care to enlighten me?"

Gaara quickly gave Kankuro the rundown of what he had heard and how it might have something to do with one of his officers. This of course caused Kankuro to slap his forehead from stupidity, how he didn't catch on to the rumors sooner was a bit odd. At least this way he had a new piece of the puzzle to investigate with. "The hell?! Why didn't I consider it sooner it's starting to make a little more sense now". Gaara couldn't help himself as he laughed "Hmm yes why didn't it, losing your touch?" Kankuro glared at his brother for his teasing. "Pah! I'll be sure to tell Baki about this right away. I said that I would catch this little rat and I will soon as the bait is set I'll spring the trap and we'll have our rodent".

The red head nodded "I trust you on this". Kankuro leaned over and ruffled his younger brother's hair much to his dismay "Don't worry your egghead about anything I've got it all under control". Gaara muttered something under his breath as he attempted to fix his hair. "Hm whatever you say".

Hanabi on the other hand had a different view of Hinata's stalker. She had been unaware of this till she asked Gaara why Hinata seemed a bit jumpy and paranoid suddenly. When she had been told the news, the protective side of her kicked in to full gear. She wanted to find this creep and smash their face in for so much as looking at her older sister.

Despite Gaara's assurance that Kankuro and Baki had things under control Hanabi wasn't buying it. She had always been stubborn especially when it came to her sister. In truth she did want to help, but she wasn't sure how. Hanabi knew that Hinata would insist that she keep out of it for her own good. Her sister was just like that; but she couldn't just do nothing not when her older sister was being followed by some unknown person. Hanabi knew that she was essentially butting into Hinata's problems but she really couldn't help it. She loved her sister and that's what drove her on.

But then she had an idea. She may not know what to do but she knew someone that might.

Neji read the letter in his hands with great surprise with quickly turned to suspicion. Hanabi had sent it to him explaining all that she knew of the stalker. She was basically asking him to come to Suna and help out. The white-eyed male clicked his tongue in annoyance; Neji should've expected that Hanabi would do this, she had never been normal since a few years ago. At the same time it was understandable. It had been a while since he had visited Suna, but was that really a good idea? Neji remembered that Hinata had said that she didn't want his help unless asked; and while he respected her wishes this was Hanabi that was asking instead.

"You have that look again".

His attention turned to Tenten, she was standing in the doorway of their bedroom with a hand over her large belly. It would be another month till she had their first child and she knew that Neji was up to something from the look in his eyes.

"Tenten it's nothing".

She glared at him "Don't start that, there's always something".

Neji didn't know how or what to say. He knew that his wife needed him now more than ever, but Hanabi sounded desperate in her letter. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, there was no real solution to either.

"What did Hanabi want?"

How she knew, he didn't exactly know. Then again Tenten knew all there was to know about him. Of course she would've sensed that something was wrong from the start.

"I...Someone had been following Hinata-sama. Hanabi is worried and has asked me to come and offer assistance for Gaara".

Tenten scoffed as she folded her arms across her chest. "Of course, it's always you. Just once can't it be someone else what does it always happen to you. What did you ever do to deserve this, does no one take into consideration that perhaps I need you". Tenten's face was starting to become red from anger. Neji simply stared at her, he knew what she was thinking and he didn't blame her.

"Hanabi may really need my help I think-". "Just save it!" Tenten started to cry "Neji come to your senses, I'm your wife and I'm going to have a baby in a month, we agreed when we were married that you'd be considerate of my feelings. I practically had to force you to tell me what had been going with Hinata and Hanabi. I get that you still have a connection for the Hyuga but when are you going to live your own life!".

Neji mentally groaned he didn't need to have another argument with her "Tenten please-" "Shut up!" She was glaring hotly at him "You shut your damn mouth! I don't want to hear a word out of you. This is exactly what happened last time, you get so caught up in the drama you forget that others are here too. How do you think I felt the whole time?! I wanted to help you but you kept insisting that I didn't have a place. I've stuck by you since the very beginning and we've always been able to depend on each other. But it seems as though lately I'm tossed aside like an old rag, I'm not a threat Neji. I married you out of love, I'm having your child! But you need to take responsibility for once and put your foot down!". Tenten wiped her tear stained cheeks with the back of her hand.

"Please just think for a moment. Why should you concern yourself with a problem that isn't even your own. It's not that I don't care for Hinata or Hanabi, all I'm saying that let's matters be handled by those who can help it, please Neji if you can't do it for me at the very least do it for yourself".

The Hyuga male remained silent for a long time. Tenten was right, this wasn't his business but that didn't mean he was worried. That protective big brother side of him was in full battle gear. He knew that everything his sobbing wife had said had been correct, he really should stay out of it. But Neji had always had a bad habit of jumping into situations head first without considering all of his options for the greater good. The tension in the room only got thicker the more the silence stayed; sooner or later one of them was going to have to speak up. Neji was in thought for the moment trying to weigh down his decision of if he should travel to Suna or not. Tenten wouldn't like it if he did but then what would Hanabi do? He chewed his lower lip in frustration what was the answer to this dilemma.

"I won't tell you not to go".

"What?"

"You heard me, if you want to go to Suna then go. Leave your pregnant wife alone in this house it's not like my needs matter to you anyway. I think you've made your choice. It's obvious that I am a third wheel in this family of yours so why should I stop you".

Neji narrowed his eyes "Tenten you better stop that!". She was not about to guilt trip him.

She glared right back at him "What?! I told you the truth I know when I'm not wanted, I refuse to keep playing second fiddle in everything. I've had about all I can take with this shit!".

Neji gritted his teeth "Knock it off! I'm not going to argue with you again about this. I'm tired Tenten I don't want to have this go on. I want to have a normal life with my wife and future child but you're not making this any easier".

"Oh so now it's my fault?! Damn it Neji will you get your head out of the clouds and back in reality. Stop treating me like the bad guy. Your suppose to by my husband not someone's personal miracle worker. Get it through your head already!".

"I never said that you were!".

Tenten had to laugh "Really now? Oh that hilarious you always do this to me whenever it concerns your family. Don't try to deny it you know it yourself. So answer me this Neji if you did go what do you think will happen?! Will you be the big hero that everyone pats on the back. Or will you have made a fool of yourself and disappointed Hinata? Go ahead and answer me that. If you're so confident that you know what to do then tell me, tell me if I'm wrong I'm waiting".

Neji opened his mouth a few times but he couldn't find the words. Once again he stood corrected by his wife, she was right on the money as usual.

There was another wave of silence that felt like eons. Tenten waited for his answer wondering what he would do. She knew that he knew she was right but what he did next would determine everything that determined their relationship. Tenten swore that if Neji pulled this stunt one more time she would file for divorce she refused to be cast aside again.

There was more silence once again until Neji finally came to a conclusion; he looked his angry wife in the eye before speaking.

"I won't go".

Tenten was a bit taken back by his answer she hadn't expected that "Wh-what?"

Neji walked towards her placing his hands on her shoulders "I said I won't go. Your right about everything. I can't help myself when it comes to Hinata-sama and Hanabi-san I've been with them since we were all small and I care for them like they were my sisters". Tenten could understand that after everything Neji had been through with them it would be hard to break apart the bond they had painstakingly mended over the years. "But I haven't learned yet that some things are simply out of my control so that's why I want to make a deal with you". Tenten raised an eyebrow "What kind of deal?" Neji cupped her face "I promise you that I'll remain here but please don't let me stop worrying for them. I do care for them but I love you Tenten we're about to become parents and I wouldn't miss that for anything. Perhaps this time it's best that I stay out of it. I did promise Hinata I'd stay out of her problems unless she asked for me".

Tenten started to cry again for a different reason. Throwing herself to Neji she sobbed into his shoulder while he simply held her. "Thank you" she murmured before crying again. The Hyuga male smiled a little "I'm here Tenten I always will be".

Hinata had learned fairly quickly that Hanabi had sent word to Konoha asking Neji to come and she was pissed. She should've known that her little sister would do this. It wasn't like she could keep Hanabi in the dark for long she would've learned sooner or later.

But that still didn't excuse the actions her sister had done. She didn't need Neji fussing over her; she was not going to allow Neji to devote his energy on her when he had his own plans for the future to worry about. Hinata wouldn't stand for it, she was confident that Kankuro and Baki would handle everything. Gaara had assured her they would do all they could. Hinata huffed in annoyance as she walked to her sister's room. She needed to say something before Hanabi did another foolish act. Not bothering to knock she all but stormed into Hanabi's room surprising her as she was brushing her hair. "Nee-chan what did-" "Why did you call forth Neji-niisan?! You know he's got to worry about Tenten".

Hanabi knew she had been caught, lying wouldn't save her now. "Let me explain-" "Hanabi I told you last time, stop brining our poor cousin into my problems. I'm tired of having Neji be dragged down with me. He's done nothing to deserve this. Why can't you ever think before you act!".

Hanabi narrowed her eyes "Well excuse me for trying to help. I only asked for Neji to come because I thought that he might be able to do something".

Hinata groaned loudly pinching the bridge of her nose "There's nothing that he could've done. He's not going to make things any better for me. I have faith that Kankuro-san will take of things. You know how he is, he won't stop until he's found his culprit". It was Hanabi's turn to groan "Nee-chan I only did it because I'm worried you can't just brush off the fact that someone is stalking you. That's something you never ignore. What do you think happens when you let your guard down, something is bound to happen".

The bluenette resisted the urge to scream as she threw her hands in the air "For God's sake Hanabi I know already! I'm not a child! I know everything you think that I'm stupid?! I've done my share of investigating, but I came to a dead end Kankuro is simply picking up where I left off. Believe me when I say that I'm just as worried as you. I'm a grown woman, I think I know what to expect from all of this. I didn't ask for any of it, so please for my sake don't do anything else. I don't want you getting hurt from a careless mistake. Go ahead and call me selfish but I'm doing this for both our sakes". Hanabi clicked her tongue in irritation, she knew deep down that Hinata did have a point but as she hadn't learned from her past mistakes Hanabi was bound to screw up somehow; there was nothing to stop her from trying.

"Don't you dare try to take this into your own hands! I won't allow that!".

Hanabi gritted her teeth "Nee-chan what makes you think I'd do that?! Do I look like a fool!". Hinata smirked "From my perspective yes, you do and a major one to boot. You don't really seem to get it do you. I wouldn't expect that from a child after all".

Pearl eyes widened before they glared daggers. Hanabi's cheeks grew warm from embarrassment "That's despicable of you Nee-chan" she growled. Hinata flipped some of her hair back "Not really, what I find despicable is that you don't seem to consider others before yourself. Remember what happened last time Hanabi, only reason your here now is because of me, doesn't that make you a bit of a pushover?" she asked in a bittersweet tone. Hanabi clenched her fists till her knuckles turned white. "Don't test me Nee-chan!" Hinata narrowed her eyes "Or what?! Sorry Hanabi but you're not the only one that can protect herself when needed. You want to fight me, go on then I can take it. You won't win your not skilled enough to take me down!".

"I could take you down with one arm tied behind my back!".

Hinata shook her head a little "Maybe at one point you could have. But that was then, this is now Hanabi I'm not the person I once was. So let's try this again, do you honestly want to fight me? What would you get out of it?!".

Hanabi muttered something under her breath that Hinata didn't catch before she made a weird sound at the back of her throat in frustration. In all honestly Hanabi did not want to fight Hinata she knew she wouldn't win, in more ways than one.

"Hanabi please don't try anything you have no control over". Hinata's voice took a softer edge "I don't know why this happened or what this means but I'll keep trying". She placed a hand on her younger sister's shoulder "I don't want a repeat of what happens when we don't see the consequences ahead of time. I will only say it once Hanabi stay out of it. This has nothing to do with you, I want you to keep Neji-niisan out of it also. I'm warning you don't do it, whatever your thinking now get rid of it. I will handle my own problems".

The pearl-eyed girl knew that it was best to obey, the last thing she wanted was for Hinata not to trust her. "Fine...I'll mind my own business. Nee-chan are you sure that you can do this?". Hinata sighed "I better be able too, I have to take control of my own issues". Hanabi nodded "You think that you'll find out soon?" Hinata shrugged "Maybe, maybe not all I can do now is wait and see".

That will be all for now.

I'm almost forty chapters into this story and that surprises me.

I have no idea how long it will be but I guess I'll know when I reach the conclusion which at this rate won't be for a while.

Please give me some reviews! I like to have positive responses, and if you have any ideas that might make the story better I'm always up for them.

So until next time!

Have a nice day everyone!