Hello all!

I really apologize for the wait, but I promise that no matter what I will not stop updating until we reach the last chapter.

Good heavens I can't believe that I'm nearly seventy chapters into this story. *Sighs* oh well, however long it takes. I shall not give up.

If it feels as though things are getting sloppy, I can't tell you how sorry I am. I've been so busy lately.

As always read and please review.

Onwards my dears!


Sunakagure had never been so welcoming. It felt like months since she left the barren wasteland that she called home.

Hinata was actually relieved that she had returned before her father was sent over to face whatever punishments he was to receive. The idea of him getting here first didn't really sit well with her, at least with her back home she felt that little bit more prepared to face whatever outcome Gaara had in mind; she'd have to ask him more in depth what he was thinking. There wasn't that much she had to go on. Hinata had tried to get him to tell her what kinds of punishments he was planning for Hiashi, but Gaara hadn't said one word about it. One side of her was relived as she wasn't sure that she actually wanted to know. But of course humans can't suppress their curious nature for very long.

The bluenette felt so happy to have her children back in her arms when she was greeted by Temari. She had missed her little ones and thanked her sister-in-law for her efforts.

She knew for a fact she wasn't home free yet. Not even close she was a key player in making arrangements so it would be a hard road ahead.

It was only a day later that she had received word that her father had arrived in Suna. Hinata hadn't bothered to ask anything about him. There's wasn't any reason that she should. Hanabi however she expected to go full throttle. But it seems as though her younger sister was acting very differently.

Since their last encounter in Konoha, Hanabi had been trying to make a point to her older sister that she wanted to have some sort of connection with her that wasn't one of hatred or disapproval.

If Hinata was to be honest, she was still angry at Hanabi, but after seeing her behavior during the meeting most of that anger had evaporated. Hinata no longer felt like shunning Hanabi every chance she got but that wouldn't make up for all the shit. Hinata was willing to negotiate with Hanabi but they both knew that if Hanabi didn't watch her step very carefully they'd be right back to the nasty relationship they've had for a while now.

Kankuro had taken the task upon himself to see to it that Hiashi's punishments were carried out accordingly. He had been placed in a special part of the asylum that was off bounds for many. Well, considering the obvious of course this is what Hiashi totally deserved. Gaara had made Kankuro swear that he wouldn't reveal a word of any of Hiashi's torture to Hinata and Hanabi. This would be between them only; the last thing that Gaara wanted was for his wife to involve herself any further with the bastard.

Hinata had been forcing herself not to ponder on what may happen to him. It wasn't her problem anymore besides she already had enough problems to go around.

She was due back in Konoha again soon and she wasn't sure what to do about it. The bluenette couldn't keep leaving her little ones, especially now that she feared they were more in danger with their insane grandfather in the village even if he was locked away. She couldn't bring herself to ask Temari to babysit again as she had already done plenty. So the only other option that she could think of was to bring her children with her. Her daughters were much too young to be doing that kind of traveling; even if the times were peaceful for the most part. What to do indeed, she'd have to consult with Gaara on this.

XXX

"Gaara what did you want to talk to me about?"

The red head looked up from his paperwork when his older sister walked into his office. For some time now the Kazekage had been trying to come up with the best way to repay his siblings for all that they've done. Through thick and thin they had stuck with him and it was high time he repaid the favor. He was still thinking about what to do for his brother, but as least he had something in mind for his sister.

"Temari, I've given it some thought and I think that it's best that you go to Konoha".

The blonde looked confused "What for?"

When she didn't get an immediate response she raised an eyebrow "Gaara what reason should I go for I already-"

"Temari" his voice was a little more serious "Go to Konoha you deserve it".

She didn't quite understand what he was trying to say; it was quite all the while as she pondered on it for a few minutes until the realization hit her.

"Gaara…I don't know how to answer".

"You have already helped me in a multitude of ways. I simply want what's best for you and Shikamaru, that's why I want you go to Konoha. Consider it the start of a new life for you".

The wind mistress was at a loss, this was the first time that Gaara was asking something like this from her "But what about Hinata?"

"You know that she can take care of herself and she has me".

"Yes but the kids-"

"My children are well cared for as it is. Do not forget that I am their father".

"But what about Kankuro?"

"I discussed this with him. Believe me when I say that he thinks it's for the best".

She opened her mouth to protest but Gaara raised his hand cutting her off "I'm not trying to get rid of you. But think about it Temari, do you not think that it's time you finally had a chance to find peace? I really do appreciate everything that you have done and as your brother I am giving you an opportunity to have it. Please go to Konoha sister, you've earned it".

She stood there overwhelmed with mixed feelings. Yes, it was true that Temari had been secretly longing for a chance to slip away from all the problems that plagued her family; but as the older sister she still felt it was her duty to make sure that her brothers were taken care of. So the fact that her youngest brother was telling to her leave Suna for her own happiness was a little too much to take in. Temari felt really light all of a sudden, as if her troubles were suddenly behind her. Gaara did have a point after all. Perhaps it was time for her to let her brothers finally look after themselves and for her to direct her attention to her own family.

"You'll be alright without me?"

He nodded "Yes".

"A-are you sure?"

"You have a family of your own Temari. It's high time you thought about them instead".

Gaara was confused when he saw his sister start to cry a bit but she was smiling away. "Temari?" the red head was even more confused when she walked over to him and kneeled down to hug him.

"Gaara…thank you".

It took a beat for him to understand but when he did, he simply smiled as he returned her hug.

XXX

Despite how Hanabi was itching to know what kinds of punishments Hiashi was getting, she had learned the hard way that getting herself involved in business like this was definitely not going to end well for her or anyone else. She hadn't even asked Hinata about it; mainly because Hanabi knew that her older sister was also trying to suppress her own thoughts when it came to the man they called father. Hanabi couldn't say for sure what Hinata's feelings to Hiashi were but even she knew that at this point Hinata probably couldn't bring herself to give a damn.

Hanabi had considered asking Kankuro since she figured that he was working closely with Gaara. But something told her that would be a very bad idea.

The only reason that Hanabi was having a hard time with this was because she was still full of bitterness. She wasn't ready just yet to let it all go. In the back of her head Hanabi wanted her own personal justice towards Hiashi; for everything that he had done to her and Hinata.

"Hanabi you better not be scheming again".

She jumped about a mile in the air hearing her sister's voice so unexpectedly. Hanabi tried to hide her embarrassment to no avail as she turned her to face Hinata. "Nee-chan you startled me".

Hinata didn't pay it any mind "Hanabi I know you. You are troubled".

"Nee-chan…I'm sorry but…" she wasn't able to finish and Hinata sighed quietly "Hanabi do not bother yourself with this. Trust me I know where you are coming from".

Hanabi was well aware that even if she wanted too she'd get it from Hinata. There bond as sisters may have been in the process of mending, but there were still some things that obviously needed to be kept in check.

"Listen to me Hanabi, I am willing to give you a chance but you mustn't forget what the past has done for both of us".

Hinata didn't miss how her little sister chewed her lip in frustration. Hinata could practically read Hanabi's mind. She knew that she wanted to say something but was refraining otherwise to earn her approval.

"Don't even think about going to Kankuro-san he won't tell you anything". Hanabi blushed in embarrassment as she looked away. Hinata really did know her and her intentions quite well.

"Have you done so already?"

Hinata averted her eyes "No…I have not". She wasn't about to tell Hanabi that she had tried and failed.

The bluenette took a few steps closer and gave her sister's shoulder a squeeze "Forget about it Hanabi for your sake as well as mine. Neither of us are going to get what we want even if we did know regardless".

Hinata could've given her a much harsher warning. But since Hanabi was trying she had promised herself that she would be fair and try too. For sure as hell it was easier said than done. But if she was keeping her cool at this pace then maybe the idea that the two would be close again like they were before wasn't that far-fetched.

Hinata wasn't given that much time to make an effort to work things out with Hanabi, because only a week later was she preparing to head out to Konoha again. Yes, she knew what was expected but was a little room to breathe too much to ask.

She was almost tempted to make up some excuse as to why she shouldn't go. She was however a little grateful that Hanabi was coming with her again as her sister had asked to help her out. Hinata would allow it since both of them had belonged to the main family at one point. It was going to be hard to start referring the Hyuga as one family now. But even though her father was in prison Hinata didn't feel completely at ease yet. There was no way in hell she was leaving her children behind not when a mad man was in the same village as they were. She didn't want to hear any of her husbands's coaxing to find a different method. Against Gaara's better judgment he ended up giving up. If taking their two daughters with them would settle Hinata then he didn't have much of a choice. They'd figure out what to do with them once they reached Konoha anyway.

"Hinata?"

"Yes?"

"Are you still scared?"

"No why would I be".

"You've been kinda jumpy lately".

She scoffed a bit "Nonsense I'm perfectly fine".

"Is it because your father is here now?"

"Gaara will you please drop the matter".

He knew right away that was the answer. But his wife was choosing not to give in. Naturally the Kazekage figured that Hinata would act this way. It would take a while for her to settle her nerves completely. He'd have to help her let down her guard.

He was about to say something when Hinata gave him a 'don't you dare' look. She wasn't in the mood for this.

Gaara tried several more times to get his wife to talk to him to no avail. Hinata wasn't budging on the subject and she had just about had it with him when they reached Konoha after to her what felt like an eternity.

For Hena and Imari the new sights of a foreign village were a lot to take in. Hena was eager to explore but her mother wasn't giving her children the chance. When her cousin greeted her, Hinata had insisted that her daughters be looked after by Tenten seeing as how she didn't trust them in the same building as the Hyuga for the time being. She had made up a pretty lame excuse too, seeing as how Hena and Imari had never met Neji's son before; she'd explain it all to Tenten later. So with that settled Hinata had to force herself to walk back the shit hole that held the Hyuga name.

XXX

"That's not fair! You're not listening to me".

The entire time she was negotiating she was trying her hardest not to scream bloody murder. Hinata seriously hated how there was so much work that just seemed to pile up. Once one conclusion was made a least ten more questions were asked and they were all right back where they started. She couldn't help but wonder if this was how Gaara felt whenever he had to deal with his council. No wonder he always seemed like he wanted to murder something or someone whenever he interacted with them.

Speaking of which Gaara was reaching his limit as well. As a Kage he was kind of expected to help seeing as how this fucked up matter concerned him. But still it was quite exasperating.

Surprisingly Hanabi had been a great help to her sister and brother-in-law. She had taken on the roll to act as the voice of reason for her sister's decisions and it was oddly working. Hanabi was proving herself to be a changed person even if it was not in the way that Hinata had expected but it was definitely helping.

Three more long hours passed and little progress had been made. Hinata was certain that she was going to snap, they had been at this ever since she arrived to Konoha hours ago. Gaara sensed that his wife needed a break so a recess was called until everyone had calmed down enough to think a little more rationally.

Once far away enough to be alone Gaara placed a hand over his tired eyes. It wasn't helping that his wife had decided to rant about how much she despised this family of hers.

"Hinata please be quite".

She ignored him "I don't know how much more of this I can take; we've barely even started and already were too deep in a hole".

The pissed off bluenette noticed out of the corner of her eye that Gaara was leaning against the wall. His facial expression told that he wished he was anywhere else but here. Hinata forced herself to stop talking and shook her head in frustration. If were up to her she would preferred that Gaara stay in Suna but Naruto needed him for several reasons to benefit to the two villages.

"Gaara-dana?"

"What?" he hadn't meant to sound rude, but he was tired.

"Are you alright?" she placed a hand on his cheek.

He chose not to answer which was understandable. Hinata exhaled loudly through her nose and lightly brushed some of his hair out of his face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get caught up with my yelling".

Hinata mentally cringed at the thought that in five minutes they'd have to go back to the meeting room. Nobody was looking forward to it.

"Let's try to wrap it for the day as quickly as possible".

"Hn".

"Gaara-dana I'm sorry that you had to get forced into coming. It wasn't my decision".

"You're doing it again".

She looked confused "Nani? What am I doing?"

Gaara opened his eyes "You're apologizing again".

"Oh…I'm sor-". She quickly shut her mouth when she realized what he meant. Instead she cleared her throat in an awkward manner.

"Come on, let's head back". Hinata took her husband's hand and walked back with him feeling embarrassed.

It was not until way into the night did the council finally decide to agree to most of the new conditions that Hinata and Hanabi had proposed. That wasn't even the tip of the ice berg, there were still so many things that needed to be carefully looked at and discussed.

"Hinata-sama you are doing fine".

"Neji-niisan I should be the one telling you that".

Her overprotective cousin had pulled her to side to check up on her, normally Hinata would tell him off but just for this issue she would let it slide.

"I know that it is not easy, but we still-"

"Nii-san please don't". Hinata placed a hand on his shoulder "You know just as well as I do that we are not done yet and you still have plenty of preparations that you must take care of. You know that you have it harder than I do".

"I think that becoming the clan leader is not as important as trying to reform the entire name of the Hyuga in general. You've already had to leave your home more time than ever".

Hinata chuckled darkly "You don't know the half of it".

"Please do not fret over Hena and Imari, I promise you that they will be taken care of".

"I know Tenten is going to let me have it when I tell her why".

"I'll handle it, she'll understand once I explain. She may not accept right away but at the very least she'll be reasonable in time she'll come to terms with it".

She appreciated that "Thank you Neji-nissan I shall see you tomorrow".

"Yes…till then Hinata-sama".

Hinata had never felt so relieved when she was free from the Hyuga compound, she'd be back in that same room with the exact same people the next day but she didn't even want to think about that now.

She did take notice that Gaara had decided to lean against her. She truly did feel bad for him, but there wasn't anything she could do. He was just going to have to put up with it until this pain the ass was resolved.

"Hinata-"

"Gaara-dana please do not speak".

"Why not?"

"You can tell me whatever you have to say later, I want you to rest".

He gave a short smile at his wife's curtsy, he knew that this was her way of trying to make up for earlier; she'll never change "Very well".

Neither of them said anything more as they walked through the dark streets eager to get back to their children; one thing was clear both were going to have one hell of a time for their stay in Konoha. Only thing they could do was trust that things would run smoothly for once.

My goodness this chapter is finally done! It took me some to decide how to end it, but I've already thought ahead for the next one.

Please give me some reviews if you can. I know that it's been a while, but maybe the next chapter will come a bit sooner if fate is kind to me.

So until next time everyone, please take care!