Hello all my lovelies!
New chapter is finally up and ready to go. My workload has been killing me so I'm really happy that I get a bit of break.
Not much else to say as usual please read and leave me reviews!
If there are any spelling errors, I'm sorry for that.
As I've said before, onwards my dears!
Neji had wanted to visit Suna for some time now. With Shikamaru and Naruto persuading him to confront Hiashi. He now had a reason to do so.
The Hyuga male hadn't heard from his cousins in a while. That overprotective big brother side of him had acted up again recently constantly nagging him in the back of his head. When he heard from Naruto the reasons that Shikamaru was here and why they were asking for his help that only sent his nerves through the roof. It figured that Neji would go crazy after hearing what had been happening in Suna. Before he only knew so much from the occasional letter Hinata would send. She hadn't bothered to tell him all the current events going on. As much as Neji agreed with his friends that action needed to be taken, he was also aware that what the Hokage and the Nara were asking him was a little more than handle by himself. It was no secret that the main and branch families of the Hyuga had never really been on good terms with each other. Despite the small but subtle hints of wanting to change that; Neji had his doubts that the main family would change their minds instantly.
One does not simply erase years of leadership that has been passed down for generations. The idea sounded pleasant but it was anything but.
Tenten hadn't been too fond of what was happening. Yes, she was worried about Hinata and Hanabi but she hadn't hesitated to lash out at Neji when he told her what was being asked of him. She had to remind him that he was still a husband as well as a father to their young son. But it seemed as though Neji had made up his mind. Tenten didn't really have a say in the matter even if she wanted too. She was aware of the dangers that were occurring, but that still wouldn't change how she felt. Besides she did want to see a change for the Hyuga that way Neji wouldn't have to feel conflicted. Of course she made Neji promise to tell her every last detail; no way in hell was she going to be left out in the dark. She refused to be tossed aside even if the matter didn't concern her. Tenten wasn't about to let her husband wander around by himself, who knew what would happen if that played out.
While helping out Naruto and Shikamaru form a plan, Neji kept thinking about the safety of his cousins. Not so much Hanabi as it was Hinata. He knew that with Hinata heavily pregnant with her second child the stakes were a little bit higher than before. She had sugarcoated all her letters to him; trying to assure him that all was well. He knew that she was only making sure he kept his nose out of her business, but years of having to watch over her were not suddenly going to vanish just like that. It wasn't that Neji doubted Hinata's strength he already knew that she was strong, even if at times she didn't think so herself. He couldn't help himself was more of the problem. That's why he was in such a hurry to go and meet with Hinata.
As the saying went, old habits died hard.
"Shikamaru, I have to go and see my cousins".
The Nara had figured that Neji would ask him that soon. Knowing him, he'd have probably snuck out of the village by now he wasn't so good at keep self-control.
"I get it. But we need you here".
The Hyuga huffed a little "Yes, yes. But what if Hinata-sama is trouble? What if she needs help I can-".
"Neji don't forget that she has Gaara".
"Yes but-".
"I'm sure Gaara is more the capable of handling it. Don't start jumping to conclusions".
An irritated groan "Shikamaru please, I'm asking you as a friend".
"What about Tenten?"
"She may not show it. But I've already talked with her. She'll let me go".
Shikamaru clicked his tongue "Pff! So troublesome…whatever you may go. But don't expect things to be simple. We still need your help here after all".
Even though he kept a straight face, on the inside Neji was glad that Shikamaru was allowing him this chance. He didn't plan to stick around too long anyway. He knew that he had to help out in Konoha. But he needed to get a grip on that nagging side of himself once and for all. So three days later the Hyuga male found himself in Sunakagure. He hadn't bothered to rest he just ran all the way his annoying thoughts giving him the motivation to keep going. Course when he got to Suna he was expecting to find his cousin happy to see him. Boy, was he ever wrong.
"Neji-niisan why did you come here?!"
He hadn't expected that kind of a response from Hinata who looked very displeased. What the hell was he expecting to see? He must've been foolish to think that his cousin would start dancing in glee after seeing him again after so long. Especially since his fucking worries hadn't given him a moment's peace since he got pulled into this crazy mess.
"Hinata-sama I had to see you. I was worried".
The bluenette pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head. "I didn't ask you to come here. I thought I made it clear that I didn't want your help unless I specifically asked".
"Yes, I know. But I couldn't help it".
Hinata didn't know whether to slap him or tell him to leave. For the time being she did not want to see her bothersome cousin. She hated how Neji always seemed to have to keep track of her no matter how many times she told him to buzz off.
"I apologize".
Hinata scoffed "Yeah well, you don't seem to think things through do you".
"I heard what happened from Naruto".
She raised an eyebrow "Pardon?"
"Naruto told me everything. I grew concerned so I came to check up on you".
"You said you heard from Naruto? How?"
Neji looked rather surprised "You don't know?"
Hinata looked annoyed "Know what?! What's going on?"
"Shikamaru and Naruto are trying to think of way to expose Hiashi. They are trying to help push for me to take over the Hyuga".
The bluenette stood there dumbfounded for a few moments. But once it finally clicked her face grew red from frustration. She felt like a moron since her genius husband hadn't bothered to tell her squat. The blunette was quick to walk down the many halls to Gaara's office not noticing that Neji was right behind her. She didn't bother to knock as she marched right in; the red head looked up from his documents looking surprised to see his fuming wife and her cousin behind her.
"Hinata what-"
"You have some explaining to do, why didn't you tell me that Shikamaru was helping to try and change the Hyuga?!"
"I would have but-".
"I upheld my end of our promise because I thought you'd do the right thing. But it seems as though you didn't bother to do so".
Gaara placed the document down keeping his face calm. "Hinata please settle down".
Oh hell to the no. "Gaara why didn't you tell me?! Had I known about this I would've done something to help. This is not something that just anyone can do. I was once the heir to the main house, chances are I'd have more of a say to make a chance for the better".
He stood up from his chair "Hinata please, I wasn't trying to keep the truth from you".
The bluenette wanted to throw a tantrum. But as grown woman she knew better then to do so. But she was just so angry right now. She was beginning to think that she never should have made that promise with him to begin with.
"Gaara you…you bastard! Why do I even listen to you".
She left as quickly as she came, slamming the door behind her. Gaara was in shock; did his wife seriously just call him that? He never knew that Hinata was capable of such language. He would've continued to be in that state had he not noticed Neji's presence still in the room. Well shit, what more could happen as of now? His wife was mad at him and her stupid cousin had to be a bigmouth didn't he.
"Hyuga Neji why are you here? What did you say to my wife?"
Neji actually felt a bit guilty that he might have potentially spilled the beans on something that he wasn't supposed too. He was tempted to ask what this promise was but he knew that would only get him into more trouble.
"I'm here because I was concerned for Hinata. Naruto and Shikamaru told me everything. I'm currently trying to assist them. But I couldn't stand not knowing what was happening to Hinata-sama".
Neji awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "I didn't think that she was left in the dark about this. I had assumed that she was aware of details".
Gaara closed his eyes for a moment. Oh, of course his wife's overprotective cousin just has to show up and throw things in turmoil. It wasn't like Gaara was going to keep this a secret for long. But the reason that he didn't tell her anything was because he knew that this was the kind of response that he was going to get. Hinata was the kind of person that always worried about others before she even considered worrying about herself. Now at nearly eight months pregnant this was not the kind of stress she needed. He breathed heavily through his nose, trying to ease his nerves. He could take his fury out on Neji but what good what that do.
First things first, he had to go and explain himself to his wife before anything else happened.
He could hear Neji following after him but all it took was a low growl and the footsteps ceased. He'd deal with him later. He needed find Hinata.
He found her on one of the balconies, cheeks still red but her eyes were closed. Gaara carefully approached her stopping at about an arm's length. He opened his mouth to say something. But she beat him too it.
"If you're here to lecture me then don't. I already know what you're going to say".
Tempting as that was. That wasn't why he was here.
"I'm sorry".
Hinata hadn't turned around to face him, but he knew that she was listening to him.
"I was going to tell you eventually. But I wasn't sure if what was going on was entirely accurate. I was planning on going to Konoha again to confirm it".
Gaara ran a hand through his hair "It's my fault. Don't blame your cousin".
"I…I don't have anything to say to that".
The pair stood in silence for a few minutes. By the time Hinata turned around her cheeks were still red but it wasn't from anger. Going off the assumption that his wife was still in a bad mood, he chose to speak in hopes that it would help take her mind off it.
"Hinata I know that you wanted me to uphold my end of our promise. So many times I had wanted to confess but I didn't since I knew you would say otherwise. I am not angry for you feeling upset with me".
The red head took a step closer "There's no need to pity yourself for feeling this way. It's completely understandable. I do not blame you for wanting to lash out at me".
Her cheeks further reddened and she looked at him through shy eyes. "It…It's not that. I just feel really bad that I called you a bastard. It was very rude of me".
Gaara's eyes widened a little before he did something much unexpected he started to laugh. Was that really was she was fussing about, something that trivial? He was laughing so hard that he bent over holding his stomach. Hinata could only stare in bewilderment as her husband laughed his heart away. Okay this was definitely weird, she wasn't used to seeing Gaara so...so boyish like. What next? Was the sky going to turn purple? Or start raining kittens and chocolate?
Once he got a hold of his composure, Gaara looked very at ease. He was smiling away with amusement in his teal eyes.
"You never fail to surprise me Hinata. That's why I'm so happy to have you".
She remained silent. Words failed her, what was she supposed to say.
All joking aside the red head took her hand "But seriously, I don't want you to fuss. Our child is arriving soon and I do not want to see any kind of problem involving its health".
Hinata lowered her head in submission. "Gaara-dana I understand, but-".
He raised hand "No complaining, whatever happens now I'll deal with it. I know that you want to help me, but I would feel better if you didn't get involved until after you've given birth".
That sounded fair enough, he wasn't excluding her as she thought he would. At least Gaara had enough sense to realize that Hinata was somewhat important to this issue, but she wasn't able to do anything in her current condition. She could afford to wait a little while longer; just until the time was right. She could accept that.
"I'm sorry for what I said".
He gingerly tapped her nose "Forget about it. I'm not offended at all".
When the couple arrived back in his office, Hinata gave her stupid cousin a good scolding. Neji felt like a naughty boy who acted badly and he was embarrassed about the whole thing. Normally he'd be the one giving lectures; but the roles had been reversed and Neji didn't like being on the receiving end. Was this how Hinata felt every time? Perhaps he should try keeping his mouth shut next time. The young male was very relieved when Hinata finished lecturing him; he was really hoping that his embarrassment didn't show. How degrading that would've been.
"Hinata-sama how is Hanabi?"
Neji's sudden question caused her to tense slightly. Since her last encounter, she hadn't really bothered to even look at her sister. She didn't trust her intentions.
"Fine, fine nothing worth knowing about".
It was evident by her tone that Hinata was still somewhat resentful of Hanabi. Even though Neji was clueless about their unsteady relationship he knew that Hanabi had done something again. He turned to Gaara hoping for some kind of clue but the red head refused to meet his gaze. Whatever it was that Hinata was being salty about he'd have to figure it out for himself.
"It is possible that I can see her?"
Hinata's lavender eyes narrowed "Why? She won't listen. You should already know that".
"That's not what I meant".
Hinata shook her head "Let me be the first to say good luck. Even if you did somehow get that little brat to listen she's still going to cause trouble. Don't be fooled by the act Neji-niisan too many times have I fallen for it".
She left in a bit of a tiff leaving the two males alone once more. Gaara sighed a bit rubbing a hand over his tired face.
"Forgive me Gaara-sama. I have not meant to cause such trouble".
He waved it off. At this point it was too late to give a fuck.
"Hyuga-san I'd suggest you tread carefully around my wife. You saw her mood, as of now Hinata is not on good terms with Hanabi".
Gaara gave a warning glare "I will only say this once. Do not make things worse, or else you'll have me to deal with". With a flick of his wrist the Hyuga was dismissed and he quietly left the office. Now Neji really felt like an idiot. He really hadn't intended to cause mischief; all he wanted to do was see his cousin. He was just lucky that Gaara let him go with a simple warning; he didn't even want to think about what would happen if he got under the Kazekage's skin. The thought was almost enough to make his skin crawl with dread.
"Neji-niisan you've come to see me".
He nearly jumped a mile in the air at the sound of Hanabi's voice. Where the hell had she come from?! He hadn't heard her approaching. Clearing his throat to try and cover up his surprise the Hyuga male put on a straight face. Today was just not being a good day for him.
"Hanabi…you look fine". What kind of a response was that? Was he really that nervous?
Pearl eyes drifted off "Gomen, I wasn't aware that you'd be coming. I would've done something to welcome you".
"It's been a while, but I wanted to pay a visit".
"Oh, that's nice".
Seeing as how it had been months since he last had a conversation with Hanabi, Neji was having a hard time trying to figure out what to say. He still wasn't sure what kind of person his younger cousin was. The last time he saw her Hanabi had been bent on about killing Hiashi; now in her rather innocent state it was hard to figure her out. Did she really change that much since the time he last had contact with her?
"You must've already greeted Nee-chan".
"Yes I have".
Hanabi bit her lower lip "Is she alright? I haven't really spoken to her yet".
"What happened between you?"
"Let's just say that she doesn't trust me".
He groaned "Hanabi what did you do this time?"
"I pushed her too far".
He really wanted to roll his eyes. Hanabi could be such a dunce. It didn't take rocket science for anyone else to get it. How she managed to get where she was now was anyone's guess.
"Hanabi I don't know what happened between you. But I do know this much, you won't win her respect simply be playing nice".
Neji wanted to let that big brother side of him say something more. But he sensed that would be a bad idea. Gaara's warning came back into his mind; he wasn't about to accidently slip up and make a mistake. As much as he wanted to get involved this wasn't his business. If Hinata chose to make up with Hanabi that needed to be her decision; he had no say whatsoever.
"Neji I don't know how. Nee-chan won't even spare a passing glance. I fear as though if I try I'll only end up making her hate me even more".
"You have no one to blame but yourself".
Hanabi hadn't liked the way he said that. Even if it was totally true. The shit she had put her sister through was more than enough to have Hinata feel feelings of betrayal for her. If she wasn't such a fucking moron perhaps she could've gotten the signs ahead of time thus preventing all the sorrow. Too late to turn back the clock; she'd have to think of a way to redeem herself to Hinata.
"Neji-niisan would you help me?"
Under normal circumstances, Neji would've said yes. However in this particular case he wasn't going to lift a finger. The fact that Hanabi had the guts to ask him for assistance only proved that she was an even bigger fool than previously thought. Why should he have to go out of his way to help his dumb cousin make amends with her older sister. No way was Hanabi dumping her problems on him; he already had enough on his plate already. Neji had to remind himself to keep his distance from Hanabi; if she was ever going to learn from her mistakes she had to do it by herself. Even if he did care, he wasn't a damn miracle worker.
"I think you already know the answer Hanabi. I am not here to play the peace maker. Consider the opposing viewpoints before you even think about your own".
Without a backwards glance he left Hanabi to ponder about what he said.
Neji did not stay in Suna for too long. He had left two days later, after being reassured that Hinata would be well. Promising to inform Gaara about keeping tabs in Konoha he had returned to his village picking up where he left off with helping Shikamaru and Naruto. Hinata had been relived when her cousin left; having him around only made her uneasy. Neji would always be like that with her, nothing she could do about it but it was ever so annoying. Still, at least now she knew that she could count on him for help. Sooner or later she was going to have to step in, but until that day came all she could do was wait.
Her husband had told her that he planned on going to Konoha to offer his support. Hinata wouldn't have any problems with this if memories from his last visit to Konoha had not resurfaced. Walking away was not an option though. All that could be done was to have faith in him and hope that all went well when Gaara visited Konoha.
Remembering to keep her chin up, all Hinata could do now was think positive as the days went by. After all no one could say what would happen next.
I think we're going in the right direction for now.
Next chapter will come in a little while. I'm suspecting that all will be wrapped up in time. Gotta keep thinking though.
Review please!
See ya.
