Neji watched curiously as Sasuke walked past him on the path, approaching the main building of the Hyuga Compound. He turned on his heels in time to see the lone Uchiha sullenly climb the stairs before him. Neji changed course, following the intruder. Sasuke knocked heavily on the door.
"Lord Hiashi won't allow your visit." Neji noted, as he joined the boy in front of the grand door. "He isn't fond of Hinata hanging out with the likes of you."
"I'm actually here to speak with Lord Hiashi." Sasuke admitted, cutting his dark eyes at the Hyuga. "Ask for assistance with an issue I have." Neji cocked his head to the side, a little surprised by the purpose of this visit.
Sasuke walked up the stone path towards the central building of the main Hyuga branch. He passed a curious Neji on his way, keeping his focus on the task at hand. If he stopped to ponder the onlookers, he might lose his nerve. He climbed the steps to the daunting wooden door before knocking. Neji stepped up beside him, though Sasuke kept his gaze forward.
"Lord Hiashi won't allow you to visit her." The Hyuga stated. "He is not fond of Hinata hanging out with the likes of you."
"I'm here to speak with Lord Hiashi." Sasuke admitted, cutting his eyes at the boy to his left. "I am looking for assistance with a problem of mine. I believe you're familiar." Neji cocked his head to the side, surprised by the purpose of the impromptu visit. He had spoken to Hinata not even an hour earlier. Sasuke and Hinata had a fight, and she didn't expect him to turn to the Hyuga clan for assistance.
"After this meeting I suggest you speak with Hinata." Neji offered. "She's rather upset."
"That was my intention." Sasuke assured. "You think poorly of me, I understand that, but I am glad you were there for her."
"I will always stand by her." Neji stated. "I'll take you to Lord Hiashi, he is observing as Hinata and Hanabi spar."
"Lead the way." Sasuke gestured. Neji nodded and turned on his heels, leading the Uchiha begrudgingly through the compound to the training ground. The trip was silent and quick as the tension built between the two boys. The two moved through an archway that opened into a courtyard. Hiashi stood on the edge of the bordered training area, hands tucked away in his oversized sleeves. Hinata and Hanabi were at the center, trading blows though neither could successfully break the others guard. Hinata's long hair was pulled back into a precise bun, her bangs the only thing framing her gentle face. Hanabi's hair was short and choppy. Her demeanor more rugged than that of her older sister. Hiashi stiffened as he caught sight his nephew and the Uchiha intruder. Hinata follow her father's gaze, noticing the change in his posture. Her pale eyes widened as she found Sasuke, approaching her father. Hanabi attempted to use the distraction to her advantage, dropping down to perform a sweep kick. Hinata pushed off her legs, guiding her body back to complete a one-handed backflip.
"Very good Hinata." Hiashi praised. "Take a break." Hanabi nodded, walking off without another word. She was disappointed that Hiashi had acknowledged Hinata alone. Hinata clasped her hands behind her back and moved towards Hiashi and Sasuke. The men were face to face now. Neji stepped between her and the others, resting his hand on her shoulder.
"It took a lot for him to come here, let him do this for himself." He whispered, urging his cousin to stay out of it.
"Father hates him." Hinata announced. "I should-"
"No, you shouldn't." Neji interrupted. "Walk away Hinata. Sasuke feels betrayed. He compromised a lot to follow you here, you need to let him find his own way."
"I just want to be there for him." She frowned, looking past him to her lover and her father; both seemed tense but displayed no malicious intent. "I want him to know things are different."
"He knows." Neji walked past her, dropping his hand to his side. "Walk with me, cousin."
…
Sasuke walked towards the Hyuga compound, Hiashi's words playing on repeat mercilessly. He had not been given the chance to see Hinata before being escorted from the compound the day prior. Their fight was still unsettled and that bothered him more than he cared for.
Hiashi looked down at Sasuke, the disgust he harbored for the boy clear on his aging face. Sasuke met his gaze without hesitation. He would not cower for anyone, especially not for this man who caused Hinata such heartache.
"I have one request." Hiashi announced, his mouth tight. "Leave my daughter alone. You've caused enough trouble for her."
"All due respect." Sasuke started. "I cannot agree to this."
"I'll give you the evening to think about it." The elder smirked. This boy had come for his help, it might take time but eventually he would agree to the terms.
Sasuke shook his head, a knot forming in his stomach as he grew closer. The truth was he hadn't thought about the offer, and he wouldn't. Hinata was not a bartering chip to be used for manipulation. She was an amazing woman who did what she felt was right no matter the personal cost. He was still angry, still hurt, that she'd gone behind his back, but he did understand. Sasuke wouldn't trade Hinata for anything, not even the restoration of his brother's honor. When he reached the Hyuga compound he found Hiashi and his daughters in the same courtyard from the day before. There was no sparring, instead the three seemed to be enjoying a stroll along the perimeter of their home. No doubt Hiashi was giving some long-winded lecture on responsibility.
"Uchiha." Hiashi greeted, his tone hard and his displeasure prominent. Sasuke did not address the man, instead he strode up to Hinata. Sasuke held either side of her face and claimed her mouth with his. Hinata grabbed his biceps, her cheeks flushed red as she was all too aware of her father's gaze.
"I love you." He whispered, breaking the kiss. "I no longer require your assistance, Lord Hiashi." Sasuke announced, looking to the elder. "It was misguided to ask anymore from this clan."
"You've made a grave error, boy." Hiashi stated. "You are no longer welcome here. I suggest you leave willingly."
"I never really was." Sasuke nodded, stepping backwards. Hinata reached out clutching his hand to halt his retreat.
"I'll walk you out." She offered.
"Absolutely not." Hiashi snapped.
"Father please." Hinata sighed. "I'm headed into the village now anyways."
"You can go on your own."
"Don't be ridiculous." She offered a kind smile. "I'll be home in time, I promise."
"I expect you to keep your word." The threat in her father's words was thinly veiled.