Chapter 7: My Life, The Past and Present

" I know how it felt to be in a crowded room and feel alone. I also know how it feels to admire someone from afar. That was my life then; my life now is full of friends, so many new relationships I can make,so many people I can relate to. My life then is different from my life now. I'm me."- Quagomay

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"How the Hell did the Hyuuga's bitch end up in the slammer? Isn't she supposed to be the those type of Hyuuga wives that keep silent and shit like that?", exclaimed the albino as he looked through the rear-view mirror at the out-of-place girl in the backseat. She shifted uncomfortably and thought of what to say. Even though they were helping her out, she couldn't possible tell them about Tenten's personal problems.

With a shaky breath, Hinata responded.

"Just m-martial problems is a-all. And she was married into the c-clan so..." So she doesn't believe in being a meek wife.

A howling of laughter ran through the air like a pack of goofy hyenas. Hinata blushed and put down her head.

Deidara grinned at her shy behavior and started to blow smoke rings in her face. "Oh, come on. Can't you give us a little more than that?"

Hinata shook her head and curled to the other side of the car as the blonde leaned in closer with the cancer stick. The bluette looked up into the rear-view mirror at the sound of the boisterous driver.

"We offer to bail the bitch out and you can't even tell us more info than that?"

The blond rolled his eyes at Hidan's comment, but still kept his pointed gaze at the nervous bluette. "Why so nervous? We don't bite, un."

"Much.", muttered Hidan as he swivered around a corner, effectively throwing the girl into the blonde's figure.

Deep laughs rung through the car then, and Hinata silently prayed that it wouldn't wake up the sleepy redhead up front. She didn't want him on her case again; judging by how he insulted her at the meeting, she didn't want to get further on his bad side.

The terror zone was plain brown building with deadly wire laced around its gates. Large light's were in every corner of the prison and it seemed that prison guards lived in every square inch of the large war house. Even the windows were laced with wire and guarded. Hinata started to grow emotional at the thought of Tenten, a woman who always commended good behavior, doing something so bad that she ended up in this kind of prison made Hinata's churn.

Would she ever lose her mind like Tenten had?

"What kind of fucking prison in this? It looks like a piece of shit." Hidan parked the car and got out, disappointment on his structured features.

Deidara grinned and got out the car behind the albino, dropping his cigarette soon after. "It is a piece of shit. It's so fucking ugly - Maybe we could bomb the freaking place down, un. I think I've got enough C4 in the trunk for a bit of the corners, maybe a little more for the entrance though." The blonde pulled out the illegal weaponry equipment and his grin widened.

Hinata stayed put in the backseat, figuring that the light snoring of the temperamental redhead was better than discussing how to bomb a place. She had spoke, or thought to soon though.

Sasori stirred and opened his hazel eyes. His eyes were half-lidded like they always had been as far as Hinata could tell. "Where the fuck are we? I thought you said we were going to Cosco's.", muttered the intoxicated redhead as he climbed out the car and leaned against the passenger door for support.

Hinata quickly jumped out the car and stood behind the redhead in case he was in danger for a concussion against the rocks on the ground, which was the least she could do.

Hidan tried not to roll his eyes and glanced at Deidara, who was grinning widely at this point. "This is the last fucking time I'm going to tell you this, Pinocchio. We are not going to freaking Cosco's until ten. I'm not gonna risk your drunk-ass puking on my seats again."

Sasori whined. "But it's already part ten, dammit! I'm hungry, jackass!"

Hinata looked at the hazel-eyed man in confusion before looking at Hidan's face go red.

"What the fuck is a part ten, dumbass? I fed you already - so shut up with your whining. Shit, I shouldn't have gave you that drinkif I knew this would happen. No more fucking Tarzan nights for you."

Sasori had seemed to have stopped listening and was now making the ground his new home.

Hinata's eyes drifted from the tall men to the front doors. She was tired of waiting. Every minute counted. The rest of the group trailed after Hinata, with the exception of the sickly Sasori, through the white double doors, where the bright lights of the guards greeted them with sick humour.

Tenten lied on one of the prison's small, hard bunk beds in the jail cell. Her cell mate was gone for evaluation with her lawyer, so Tenten could enjoy the silence the cell came with.

She didn't feel anything, nothing at all. She was in a daze; a bad dream. The puzzled pieces to her perfect life were a jumbled mess now, all taken away by the very last person she would have never dreamed, her husband, Neji.

Tenten had fallen in love with him in high school, her sophomore year. He was in the popular click with Sasuke and Naruto, the captain and co-captain in football, soccer, basketball, and freaking archery. Neji was the president of the student council and one of the rich kids.

Tenten laughed bitterly.

Isn't that a story to tell...She had despised him until he confessed his feelings to her. He was so awkward and stuttery. He wasn't like Sasuke and Naruto.She sighed and turned on her side and stared at the dusty floorboards.

I gave him everything. I gave him my hand in marriage junior year and gave him a child senior year. I even dropped out of school when I was so close to graduation. She glared.Now he's giving his all to a porn-star.

"…break his dick off, then give him an uppercut to his throat…slap the other bitch since she's pregnant. I don't want to end up back in here for child endangerment."

The cell door slid open and Tenten briskly got up from her position on the bed. A burly brunette woman smiled lightly at her.

"Your bail was paid. You can grab your things on the way out." Tenten stood still for a minute before grinning. HINATA!

"I knew I could count on my girl!"

Hinata shook with happiness as Hidan took the stack of money out of pocket, which made the woman at the front desk drop her mouth.

Hidan slowly counted the money aloud. "$1,000...$3,000...$5,000.. you know what, just take the whole fucking thing!" He threw the money on the desk and pulled out his ID. The woman glared at Hidan before grabbing the money greedily and throwing it under the desk.

The woman suddenly looked up in Hidan and Deidara's direction, her face twisting in shock.

"...You're Hidan and Deidara Suoh! Oh my God!"

Hidan waved the woman off and headed towards the exit with Deidara in tow, who waved Hinata goodbye.

"Bye Hyuuga-san!"

The bluette waved back and sat down on one of the many benches, ignoring the squealing woman as she ran out of the building and towards the men.

She smiled. So much had happened today. She had went and almost asked her husband for money, but then ended up pouring her heart out to him in front of his family and friends and practically crashed his engagement party then was picked up by some of Japan's most eligible bachelors, who offered to help give her bail-money.

What a crazy day. She wasn't upset though. This day would be marked as one of the best days she's had since Sasuke's cheating way's were brought to the media.

Hinata giggled and waited. It was silent in the lobby; the only noise present was the ticking of the clock on the wall opposite to the girl. The girl's eyes softened as bitter memories resurfaced.

I remember how that sound felt...

The clock ticked twelve that night. Hinata sat here in her wedding dress, waiting for husband to come back from his sudden meeting with Uchiha Corporation. The reception had ended at seven; she waited five hours.

Her suitcase remained untouched. Her hair, that had once been pressed and perfect, was now a mass of thick curls that came from the heat of the fireplace. She sighed and stood up, gripping the white silk and lace of the gown before walking into the bedroom.

She walked past the cherry blossom covered bed and into the bathroom. She didn't want to think about that. She was nervous and, slightly, afraid. Would it hurt the first time? Would it be enjoyable? Would he want to?

Hinata looked at the clock in the bathroom; 1:00 a.m. Six hours. Her eyes met her reflection in the mirror. She looked fragile and like a child. I knew I should have worn makeup. But could it make her face look older than fifteen? She glared at her reflection in the long mirror and looked down at my body. She was seventeen, but the age showed nothing. Nothing; puberty was not even there.

Is that why he left? Am I too young? Is he bothered that I'm not experienced?

The girl unzipped her dress from the side and watched it fall down to her ankles. Her body was too young and undeveloped; her chest was too small, her hips too small. Not enough to satisfy a man like Sasuke.

Sasuke..

The front door opened and she found herself quickly stepping out of the dress and into the lily bathrobe on the rack before walking into the bedroom. His footsteps sounded down the hall. Each step made her heart speed up. She quickly ran a hand through her hair in an attempt to make herself presentable, only for it to get tangled in the mass of indigo. His footsteps ceased once the doorknob twisted. Hinata tightened her bathrobe and waited for him to come in.

The door opened and revealed Sasuke in all of his glory. He didn't have on his tuxedo; a black hoodie and dark jeans replaced the formal attire. His dark eyes glanced around the room before meeting her white orbs. She started to shiver as his eyes roamed her figure, critiquing every flaw.

"W-Welcome home, S-Sasuke." He continued to stare at her before turning away and sitting on the bed.

"I can't."

She looked at him in confusion. "W-What? Sasuke - "

He sighed tiredly as if she had asked him this question many times. He started to remove his hoodie but hesitated before doing so. She gasped at the sight of hickies all over his neck.

"I have flaws. Everyone does.", he looked over his shoulder at her.

Hinata's vision started to get blurry. She started to shake with sobs soon at his revelation.

"I love you, Hinata. No one can change that." Liar. Liar liar liar. He doesn't love me. If he did, he wouldn't have done what he did. He stood and walked towards her; she tried to step back, but he gripped her shoulders in place.

"Look at me Hinata.", he begged, causing her to slowly meet his gaze. His obsidian eyes smothered her.

Her heart skipped a beat.

"It was a mistake. It won't never happen again."

She couldn't help herself. She wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him. She was sad, she wanted to scream. But she didn't, she just stood there. The girl soon blacked out, but not before hearing his phone ring.

The next morning when she woke up, the bed was empty and cold beside her.

She would feel this pain of loneliness many times after that night.

"Hinata!", screeched the brunette, which knocked Hinata out of her horrible daze. Before Hinata could respond, Tenten was squeezing the girl in a bear hug.

The girls cried, laughed, and cried some more. There lives were changing drastically for each of them, yet they tried to stay strong.

The janitor that night smiled gently at the scene before him. Hinata felt eyes on her and when she turned his way, he disappeared.

One Month Later…

"That's a little far-fetched, little brother.", said the elder Uchiha brother as he gracefully put down the thick contract.

Sasuke leaned back in the big, cushion office chair and eyed his older brother. Just by looking into his eyes, Itachi knew that Sasuke was pissed, but about what though?

Uchiha had reached its peak in the last thirteen years, passing major companies such as Fujioka Enterprises and Mohoka Helberts. It was now one of the top thirteen companies in the world, tying in the 13th place with Sabaku. Right at this moment, Sasuke was now the 25th richest man in the world, right under Itachi, and the 4th richest young man in the world. Why would he want more?

"I need all shares in order to have full access to the company. The members of the royal Uchiha family have already given me theirs except you, and we both know that you hate to be the center of attention, especially in clan ordeals."

Itachi smirked at his dark humor. "To be honest, I quite favor being the one to stand out."

Sasuke looked back down at his desk and started documenting other shares that he had while being attentive to the conversation. "I notice. That commoner Hana Inuzuka seems to make the notion complete. Tell me again, big brother, why you would choose to be with someone so beneath you? She's a peasant. I'm surprised you stooped so low."

Itachi's once mocking eyes turned cold at his little brother's gesture. "Unlike you, little brother, I find personality and morals to be much more satisfying than physical appearances and statuses, which is why my past and current relationships have lasted much longer than any of yours have and ever will."

Sasuke's eye twitched as Itachi stared.

"In conclusion, my personal life is none of your concern."

Sasuke glared at the other Uchiha in resentment.

Itachi looked back, his eyes holding mockery once again. "Is there something on your mind?"

"What the hell was that Hyuuga doing at Sabaku-Akatsuki Design meeting last month?"

Itachi smirked at his childishness.

Even though the Uchiha corporation was in the lead, they could easily be knocked down by the Sabaku's. With the Infamous Akatsuki teaming up with the Sabaku's, they could prove to be unbeatable.

The younger Uchiha clenched his teeth. With that damn Akatsuki, who knows.

"My business outside of Uchiha - also not of your concern."

Sasuke slammed his hands on his mahogany desk. He was fed up. "When you're working under my establishment, it is Itachi."

Itachi then stood and faced him. "What are you going to do, Sasuke? Fire me?", he smirked in fascination. " If anything, I should be the one making the ultimatums around here since...you know..."

Silence enveloped the room for a slight moment. Sasuke soon sat down in his seat and swirled the chair around; Itachi sighed once again at the amount of childishness that Sasuke had succumbed to. This wasn't the first time Sasuke acted out; it had been on several occasions that he and Sasuke had been together when his little fits happened.

Sasuke rolled his eyes."Whatever. Why the hell did I even ask you?"

"Because I have an investment with Akatsuki, Sabaku and Uchiha, which could prove to be beneficial in certain plans that you may have. Do you really think I should tell you about projects that I'm working on with Sabaku?"

" You're my brother. Any normal headed person would, but that just can't be the case for you. You always have your fucking hand in everything." Sasuke glared at Itachi. " You can't be in the middle, Itachi. One day you'll have to choose, Uchiha or Sabaku."

Itachi sighed and shook his head, glaring at the contract on the desk. "This was never a problem before. I am assuming that this questioning of my loyalty to whomever has to do with your current obsession in finding out about your soon to be ex-wife Hinata Hyuuga's whereabouts? If it is, don't bother asking me where she is."

Sasuke turned around at this point and pulled up to his desk. "If I wanted to find out about Hinata I would have done so a month ago. I'm more concerned about what Gaara plans on doing with her."

Itachi raised his eyebrow in question. "As if any of that is your concern, little brother. You've done enough damage to her already. You need to stop this."

"Stop what, big brother?"

"You've already gotten what you wanted out of her. Hyuuga Corporation is now under Neji, her inheritance is gone, and she no longer is relevant in media." Itachi gave Sasuke a blank look before speaking his last words. "It's as if she doesn't exist anymore."

Sasuke leaned back in his seat, a calculated look in his eye.. "You never know though. She's like a rash that just keeps coming up. And with that sneaky Deidara Suoh and Gaara around her, she'll pop up more quickly than expected."

Itachi stood up, not wanting to be bothered by his stubborn little brother anymore. "If you haven't noticed by now, the underdogs always win. You've put yourself in a position that I'm afraid I can't save you from this time. Don't bother me anymore this week if it's about this inconsequent proposition of yours."

Itachi pointed at the portrait before taking his leave.

Sasuke let his eyes wander over to the man in the picture. His father's stern face was there alongside his mother. He sighed before almost rolling his eyes. How dare Itachi treat me like a child. I should have made everyone vote against his ass. His eyes softened in disappointment.

Not as if that would have made a difference though…

"Che, whatever.", he scoffed.

The door to the office opened unexpectedly. The prodigy had finally come over after his long day of casing a prisoner.

Shikamaru looked over his shoulder before jutting his thumb out in the older Uchiha's desolate place. "I guess that the joyus environment in the building isn't enough to stop the Uchihas from steaming up another problem."

Sasuke shrugged and motioned for the Nara to sit down. "Any news from Naruto yet?" Shikamaru sighed and grabbed a chair.

"Negative. He says that he'll need another week in France to trace her down, but he says that he won't exceed that one week deadline."

Sasuke nodded. "Any ideas for the case?"

Shikamaru leaned back in the chair and rubbed his forehead. "I have a plan, but it's 'iffy' and I need your consent before passing it on-"

"I trust that you have my best interest in mind, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru looked off for a moment in deep thought, his once comfortable posture turning straight and rigid. His lawyer self was present now. "Ino's going to make the Hyuuga testify against you for infidelity for sure. Here's the part I've been contemplating on."

Sasuke sat back in his seat waiting for the Nara's answer.

"Ino might place you under domestic violence as well. It's easy to hide infidelity from the media by saying that the two of you simply didn't work out..." Shikamaru looked skeptically at Sasuke before resuming. "But you can't cover domestic violence - it's a very sensitive topic out there. It could ruin your entire career. So with that said.", Shikamaru pulled out his tape recorder and notebook.

"Have you ever hit and/or beat Hinata Hyuuga-Uchiha during your two years of marriage?"

The hot summer air was apparent around the city. Everyone had their sunglasses and tanning lotions in their bags, and some planned out trips for the summer. Hinata sighed and turned up the radio station. Her white eyes looked up at a passing billboard; the beautiful Sakura Haruno was plastered in a bikini on the board under the big name, Fire Phoenix Swimwear. Hinata quickly looked down and stared at her lap. The Uchiha line for sure.

"Ha! Fire Phoenix, what a lame name! Am I right?", laughed the blonde in uncertainty as she eyed the majestic billboard in silent fascination.

"Ino."

The blonde turned her head slightly towards the bluette. Hinata remained looking down. "Do y-you think I could compete with S-Sakura in anything ?"

Ino gawked at the girl. "Of course you could, Hinata! Sure, there would be some that she would exceed in, but I'm pretty sure that you would win overall."

"So I can't beat her in the husband department, can I?"

Ino became silent with those crushing words. The topic suddenly switched from clothes to relationships. A rhetorical question that didn't need an answer.

Sakura had won. Ino snorted. Category for best man-stealing definitely goes to Sakura Haruno.

Ino stopped the car and looked at Hinata with a bit of uncertainty at the girl's actions. It was six o'clock in the morning and Hinata was starting her first day of work at the little diner that she had been interviewed at. Fortunately, many people did not know who she was, so right now she could work without being attacked by paparazzi all the time. Ino thought otherwise though.

"Are you sure you want to work?", said that blonde as she frowned at the entrance of the dirty little diner. " You don't have too. I have more than enough to take care of the both of us."

Hinata shook her head before straightening out her uniform; a white blouse with a pink apron dress. So plain. So me.. "I-I have to fend for myself, Ino. I can't a-always depend on people to help me."

Ino sighed before looking at the nervous girl. "Is this about what happened last month, Hinata? Konan told you before, Akatsuki are pleasant people. You're not a bother to me or them. Well, maybe Sasori, but everyone's a bother to him."

The bluette once again shook her head and met Ino's gaze. "If it w-wasn't for them, Tenten would still be in jail. Don't y-you understand, Ino? Everyone helps me out and takes care of me, but I can't even help out a friend who has been by my side always. I-I'm a hindrance."

The blonde was silent.

"T-That is why I'm taking this job. I want m-my independence back." Hinata got out of the car and waved Ino goodbye before running into the building.

Ino remained for a while and suddenly smiled. "She's growing up so fast.