Hinata's eyes cracked open. She blinked slowly, squinting at the sunlight that played across her face. She stayed that way for a while, the, she suddenly bolted up. The covers fell off to reveal her naked chest. Hinata's wide eyes blinked, and she instinctively pulled the covers to her chin and looked to her side. Neji was gone.

Hinata slowly crawled off the bed, pulled the covers with her. They slid off the bed behind her, then pooled on the floor.

"Neji?"

Her tiny voice echoed around the room. She remembered the whole thing…getting drunk, then…Neji took her to his place and they… At the time, it was absolute bliss.

Now, she found herself in her own room.

Cheep cheep!

Hinata looked at her window. Beside it, on a stand, Neji's falcon stood there. It seemed really healthy. Hinata smiled, then it faltered as she turned her gaze back to the bed. She knew the consequences. Everything in life did, whether it was good or bad. Hinata was afraid. For now, she'd keep quiet, for the sake of her clan.

Two weeks later…

Hinata pulled at the collar of her medical uniform. It was hot. She quickly dressed the wound of a young boy, then helped him out the door. Why was it so hot? Hinata didn't feel good. Her stomach felt queasy…she should get some rest; it was no fun being sick. Hinata brought a hand to her mouth, her eyes widening Then, she hurried to the restroom.


Hinata stared at her feet as she waited for the door to open. Worry was etched on every line of her face.

"Hinata?"

Hinata glanced up. "Konnichiwa, Shikamaru-san…anou…can I see Ino, please?"

Shikamaru eyed her before nodding and leading her down the hall to the small living room of his house. Ino knelt on the floor, cleaning her weapons.

Shikamaru turned and left, and Hinata closed the door behind her.

"So, you've finally come," Ino smiled.

Hinata blinked. "What?"

"I knew you would come," Ino said.

"How?"

"I'm the expert in these things," said Ino, befuddling Hinata. She patted the spot next to her, indicating for Hinata to sit down. Hinata obliged.

Ino finished polishing a shuriken, then she set it down and looked at Hinata.

"So? How was it?"

Hinata blushed. "How was what?"

"You know what I'm talking about, Hinata. How was it?"

Hinata blushed harder. "…Good, I guess."

Ino rolled her eyes. "Of course. He's the Hyuuga prodigy. He's good at everything."

Hinata's eyebrows almost met. "I know, Ino…anou, could you do me a favor?"

Ino, who was packing the weapons, widened her eyes. "You didn't use protection!" she whispered.

Hinata flushed. "No - how do you know these things anyway?"

Ino blinked, then smiled. "I told you, I'm the expert. And, I'm way ahead of you."

"You are?" Hinata said, confused.

"Yup." Ino said. She got up, then winked at Hinata. "I'll go get you one."

"Th-thanks," Hinata stuttered. Ino left, closing the door behind her.

Hinata looked around. Ino and Shikamaru sure had a nice place. Hinata got up and wandered to a bookshelf, where several scrolls and books were neatly stacked on the shelves. Who was the neat one?

Hinata's eyes widened at a book, and she blushed. The door behind her opened and Ino slipped in, holding two boxes. Hinata hurried back to her spot, and Ino tossed her the slightly bigger one. It was what she needed. And the other one?

Ino knelt down next to Hinata, and handed her the smaller box.

"Here," she grinned.

Hinata looked at it. "Ino!" she cried. "W-what-"

"Relax, Hinata, it's just for…just in case," Ino said, winking.

Hinata swallowed, then shoved both packages into her pack.

"You want to use it here?" Ino asked.

"What?"

"Nobody will bother you - I'll send Shikamaru out," Ino suggested.

"No, it's okay," Hinata smiled. "Thank you, Ino. I owe you."

"Yeah, you could tell me the details," Ino muttered. Hinata blushed and stood up. She hurried to the door, then paused.

"Ino?"

"Yeah?"

"Have you…?"

Ino grinned. "Yup."

Hinata gave an awkward smile, then hurried down the hall and out the door.


Hinata paced back and forth in front of her bed. Under it, two unopened boxes lay.

She stopped, then looked at the larger one. Should she? She didn't want to know. But she had to. If…if it did happen, what would everyone's reaction be?

Hinata mentally kicked herself. She knelt on the floor, lifted the fabric, then grabbed the larger box. She held it lose to her chest, then hurried to the bathroom. Hands shaking, she read the instructions. She took out the test, and swallowed. It was now or never.


Hinata sat on the edge of her bathtub, eyebrows furrowed in anxiety. Her eyes constantly flicked to the bathroom clock. Time seemed to still. She could've sworn that the second hand was broken.

Tick…tick…tick…tick…

She checked the clock again, then slowly got up. The test seemed so far away…

Hinata's shaky hand reached out and she got it, holding her breath and closing her eyes before looking at the results. Her eyes peeked open, and a shaky sigh escaped her lips. The test clattered onto the floor noisily, and Hinata sank to her knees, head in hands.

"What am I going to do?" she whispered. Tears seeped out of her eyes and rolled down her pale cheeks. Hinata stared through her tears at the test that lay facedown on the cool linoleum flooring. It seemed like eternity had passed, and Hinata just sat there.

Finally, she wiped away her tears and stood, gathering the test and its packaging. She shoved them into her trashcan, and covered it with a mound of toilet paper.

Hinata hurried out f the restroom and to her small kitchen where her phone was. She picked up the receiver, then dialed Ino's number. The dial tone sounded three times before Ino's panting voice spoke.

"Well!"

Hinata blinked away the tears that threatened to spill. "Ino…What should I do?"

Ino gasped. "Nevermind that, Hinata. I'll come right over."

Hinata nodded numbly and hung up.


It seemed to be one minute before Ino arrived at her doorstep, panting. Hinata let her in, and led her to the kitchen table. They sat, Hinata in silence, and Ino trying to catch her breath.

Finally, Ino took a deep breath. "Aren't you happy?" she asked.

Hinata looked up. "I - I…to tell you the truth…I don't know…I…I guess, but…" Hinata looked at Ino desperately. "What will he think! What will my father say?"

Ino gazed off into space, deep in thought.

Hinata stared at her hands. "I'm so stupid," she whispered bitterly. "so stupid…"

"Tell him," Ino suddenly said.

"What? I can't do that," Hinata said.

"You have to. He'll find out anyway, Hinata," Ino said sternly.

"I know, but…" Hinata trailed off.

"Go, now," Ino advised.

"Demo…"

"Go! I'll keep watch on your house."

Hinata hesitated, then nodded and hurried out of the room.

The streets of Konoha were breezy and she had forgotten her coat. Goosebumps formed on her arms and she rubbed them as she hurried to Neji's apartment. She went straight to his door, but hesitated before knocking. She raised her hand, but the door opened and Neji stood in the doorway.

"Come in," he said quietly.

Hinata slipped in, her fingers twisting and fidgeting.

Neji frowned, then held her cold hands still.

"You should know better," he said softly. "It's chilly outside."

Hinata lowered her head, feeling ashamed. She was almost nineteen, and she still couldn't take care of herself.

Neji sat Hinata down at his table and poured her tea. He pushed it to her, but she shook her head agitatedly.

"No thank you," she mumbled.

Neji frowned slightly, and looked at the mug. "Naru hodo. I see."

Hinata's head jerked up.

Neji continued staring at the mug, then hesitated before speaking.

"Two weeks ago…that happened."

Hinata shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"Now, you've come to tell me something, correct?" His voice was unbelievably quiet.

Hinata nodded nervously.

"And, just now, you've refused tea…something troubling is on your mind."

Hinata twisted her fingers.

"So…am I correct?"

Hinata opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

Neji gazed at her. "You are bearing a child."

Hinata swallowed, and nodded hesitantly.

"My child," Neji murmured, mostly to himself.

Tears formed in Hinata's eyes as they sat in an awkward silence. She wished that she was anywhere but there.

Silence rang in Hinata's ears as she stared at the table, not daring to look into Neji's face.

"We won't tell your father," Neji said suddenly after a while, reading Hinata's mind.

Hinata looked up. "…But he'll find out…"

"Let him find out, but we won't tell him."

Hinata nodded uncertainly.

"And," Neji said quietly, "If he finds out, and if he…tries anything…I'll be there, for you."

Hinata felt a warm tear roll down her face. She blinked, then hastily wiped it away. Neji got up and knelt next to Hinata.

"Don't be afraid," he whispered, brushing aside the strands of hair on her face. "I…I got you into this, and I'm helping you out."

Hinata looked at him and nodded, tears flowing. Neji wrapped his arms around Hinata.

She turned slightly and hugged Neji back, letting her damp eyes rest on his shoulder. She took another deep breath, and let it out. Pine…

Neji stroked her hair. "You want to move here?" he asked softly. "You won't be alone." Hinata shook her head.

"My father will grow suspicious. Come to my place," she murmured.

Neji nodded, and Hinata let go.

"I'll get packing, then. Wait here." he said softly.

Hinata nodded, and wiped her eyes.

After fifteen minutes, Neji had thrown everything he needed into his bag and they were out the door. Hinata led Neji up her front steps, then unlocked the door and stepped in.

Ino greeted Hinata with a worried expression, then brightened when she say Neji and his bag.

"So it's alright then," Ino said lowly to Hinata. "See? I told you. And by the way," Ino whispered, "Shikamaru knows. He figured it out when he noticed the pregnancy test was missing."

Hinata nodded.

"I hope it's okay," Ino said worriedly.

"It's alright, but please, Ino, don't tell anybody, alright? My father mustn't know of this…"

Ino grinned and gave a thumbs-up. "Got it. I'll be leaving now - your dinner is in the oven!" she waved.

Hinata smiled and bowed. Neji nodded before Ino closed the door.

"So they're the only ones who know?" Neji asked over his shoulder as he unpacked his belongings.

"Yes," Hinata said. She twiddled with her fingers before entering the kitchen and opening the oven. Black smoke billowed out, and Hinata coughed, hastily shutting the door.

""What is that?" Neji asked, coming into the kitchen.

"Dinner," Hinata replied, her eyes watering from the smoke.

Neji smirked. "Poor Shikamaru."


The next three months passed by exceptionally well. Neji and Hinata went about their usual business: Neji going on missions, and Hinata working for Tsunade. But after a while, Hinata worried that their child would be noticed.

Every week, her stomach seemed to grow, and Hinata finally decided to confront Neji about it.

She edged into the office of their small home timidly. Neji looked up from a scroll he was studying.

"Hinata?"

"A…Anou…I think…people will…" Hinata trailed off.

Neji ran a hand through his damp hair. It seemed as if he had long, tedious missions everyday, leaving him almost no time for Hinata. His tired eyes looked Hinata over, wondering how anyone could look so precious to him as she did.

"I think we should tell Tsunade-sama," Hinata said as Neji got out of his seat. He reached her, and slid a reassuring hand down her back. "I'll go tell Tsunade-sama, then. I don't think we can afford you going out anymore…people will notice and start talking."

Hinata nodded.

"Alright…" Neji said, kissing Hinata on the lips. "I'll…"

Hinata pushed deeper, her lips teasing Neji's as they sucked lightly on his. His lips never leaving hers, Neji gave a few small, fluttery kisses to Hinata, then pulled away.

"Explain…Tsunade-sama…"he breathed, slightly dazed.

Overcome at the moment, he grabbed a coat and left.


Hinata was just scooping rice into two bowls and spooning chopped vegetables on top as the door opened. She looked up as Neji slipped in and took off his ninja vest.

"Hokage-sama says she understands," Neji said. "She said she'll give you a break as soon as it becomes more noticeable, but, for now, she gave you a bigger uniform." Neji placed a crisp white outfit on the counter. "She says she cant afford to loose you for that long," Neji smiled.

Hinata blushed, and carried the two bowls to the table, where they sat down and ate. As she chewed, Hinata pictured Neji squirming as he told Godaime about the situation he and Hinata were in. She lowered her head to prevent Neji from seeing her smile.

Hinata was just carrying the empty bowls of rice and plates of leftover meat, vegetables, and sauce to the sink when a knock came on the door.

Neji looked at Hinata, who grabbed a sweater and put it on. He opened the door.

"Good evening, Hin-" the young Hyuuga's eyes widened as he saw the person standing in the doorway, "Neji-s-san, err…can I see Hinata-sama? I have a message from her father."

Neji nodded, and looked at the kid; he was no older than twelve. "I was just about to leave," he said tonelessly. He turned to Hinata. "Thank you for the medicine, Hinata-sama."

Hinata bowed. "It - it was n-nothing," she said, stuttering perfectly.

Neji left, and the young Hyuuga walked in.

"Hinata-sama, I am Hayate. Hiashi-sama has asked me to give you this note-" he handed Hinata an official-looking folded paper with the Hyuuga crest stamped on it.

"Thank you, Hayate-kun," Hinata bowed and took the letter.

"Good night, Hinata-sama," Hayate bowed.

"Oyasumi," Hinata replied. She closed the door and slid to the ground, clutching the message.

"That was a close one," said Neji quietly. He appeared by Hinata and helped her to her feet.

"Yes," Hinata agreed softly. She unfolded the note. "Such formality toward his own daughter," Hinata said, with a trace of bitterness in her voice.

My daughter Hinata,

Please meet me tonight in the tearoom. Kindly bring Neji-kun with you."

Best wishes, Father.

Hinata tossed the letter onto the table.

"Let's go," she said quietly.


Hinata clutched Neji's hand nervously as they walked to the Head Hyuuga's house. The estate was huge, and easily to be lost in.

Hiashi looked up and set down his mug of steaming tea. "Hinata, Neji-kun," he said, nodding once to each. They knelt before him.

"You sent for us, father?" Hinata asked in a small voice.

Hiashi nodded. "I wanted to know something," he said.

Hinata and Neji avoided looking at each other.

"What is going on between you two?" he said, straight to the point.

Hinata kept quiet, as planed.

"Nothing is going on, Hiashi-sama," Neji said politely, his voice slightly monotone.

"Something tells me that you've rehearsed this," Hiashi said. Hinata adverted her eyes to look at the slightly trembling hands clenched in her lap. "My eyes see many things," Hiashi said, his voice dangerously quiet.

"Father, we are no different from before," Hinata said shakily.

"Yes?" Hiashi asked incredulously. "I can see your child, Hinata!"

Both Hinata and Neji flinched in front of the Head of Hyuuga.

"Don't think I don't notice these things," Hiashi said. "Even if you don't live here, Hinata, I still keep an eye on you!"

Hinata flinched again.

"Please, Hiashi-sama, let me explain," Neji pleaded.

"There is nothing to explain," Hiashi snapped, "Do you know what you two have done? Hinata, you are carrying the child of the lower branch family member!" he said, not caring if Neji was there on not. "If the rest of the family finds out about this - the clan will fall into chaos!"

Hinata looked up desperately. "You can change the rules, Otou-san," she said, tears forming in her lavender-tinged eyes.

"You know I can't do that, Hinata. And you too, Neji! I thought you knew better!"

Neji kept his head lowered, though his fists were clenched tightly. Silence lapsed.

"Nobody can know of this," Hiashi said after a while, his voice suddenly calm.

Hinata couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her dad was really…letting her go through with it?

"You'll have to abort the child, Hinata." Hiashi said.

"What!" Neji and Hinata cried in unison.

"We can't do that!" Neji said.

"That's murder, Otou-san!" Hinata pleaded.

Hiashi lowered his head. "Hinata…Neji…I want the child to be born as much as you do," he said quietly. "But it will cause turmoil within the clan. As the Head, I cannot let that happen. It is my duty. Please, understand, Hinata, Neji. You know people will notice something no matter how good you hide it. Onegai…do it for the clan."

His shoulders shook.

Hinata's eyes showed pain. "Otou-san…"

"what if we hide it? Neji said quietly. "What if we go into hiding?"

Hiashi shook his head sadly. "That won't work," he murmured. The Hyuuga clan is big; we are everywhere."

"Couldn't we at least try?" Hinata pleaded. "I promise, Otou-san, nobody will find out.

Neji studied the head's lined face. He made no reply - he was thinking hard.

"Please…Otou-chan?" Hinata whispered.

Hiashi closed his eyes.

Neji stiffened. Hiashi's chakra roamed the whole room; he was checking for something, Neji was sure of.

Hiashi rubbed his temples wearily and sighed. "Alright, Hinata." His old face suddenly broke into a tired smile. "I'll give you and your child a chance," Hiashi said. "You…you may leave."

Hinata and Neji stood and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Otou-chan," Hinata whispered.

They walked silently out of the room, Hinata in front.

"Neji," Hiashi said, and Neji stopped at the door. He paused, then said, "Take good care of Hinata…and…congratulations."

Neji bowed respectfully. "Arigato."


After that incident, Hinata and Neji were thankful for Hiashi's support. But as a result, Hinata was not allowed to go out often; Neji insisted that she stayed at home and took care of herself.

Hinata set down a scroll of chakra stitching as Neji came in the door from work, taking off his ANBU mask. She got up with a little difficulty, and kissed him on the cheek.

"Tough mission?" Hinata guessed. Neji scowled. Rescue mission gone wrong; girl faked own death…a big waste of time…then Naruto had to…"

Hinata laughed softly. "Well…" she brought Neji to her and squeezed him in a hug. "Missed you," she said.

Neji hugged her back. "Sorry, Hinata." he said, soothing her back in large, slow circles.

Hinata tiptoed, then pressed her lips, licking them, until she opened her mouth to let it in. Their tongues danced for a while, then they pulled away.

"Dinner's on the table," Hinata said breathlessly.

They ate together, silently, until Neji spoke.

"Hokage-sama has assigned me and a few others a mission," Neji said.

Hinata paused in eating. "Rank A?"

"…Yes."

Hinata sighed, poking at her rice with her chopsticks. "Those always take forever," she pouted. "I want you home with me…How long will it take?"

Neji stared at his food. "…About a month."

Hinata's brows furrowed, but she said nothing.


Neji's eyes were troubled as he lay in his room at night. He'd probably miss the birth of their child…what if he really did, when Hinata really needed him? The Fifth understood his situation, but explained why he had to go. She promised that Hinata was in good hands. Still…

Neji cursed the situation.

He felt his bed sink down a little. "Hinata?" he murmured.

"Yeah," came her soft reply. She crawled into bed with him.

"You should get some sleep," Neji said, "you need to stay healthy."

"I couldn't," Hinata mumbled.

Neji turned onto his side to face Hinata.

"A month is a long time without you," Hinata whispered. "I wish you didn't have to go…"

Neji could see the pain in her eyes. "I know, I don't want to go…"

He pulled Hinata closer and hugged her to him. He felt her large, soft stomach press against his own.

"Hinata…"

"Mmm?"

"I'll come back in time," he said.

Hinata smiled. "I know you will," she murmured.

Neji gazed at their unborn child. It must be such a trouble to carry a burden like that around everyday…yet he had never heard Hinata complain about it. He saw how painful it was for her to walk sometimes, yet she kept quiet. Neji slipped his hands under her shirt and rubbed her back, then her warm stomach.

"That feels good," Hinata mumbled sleepily.

Neji continued stroking her warm skin. "Hinata?"

"Mmm?"

"Ai shiteru."

"Watashi mo."