I am SO SO SO SO sorry for not updating! I've had a lot on my plate lately and I haven't had enough time to even go on the computer really. Please forgive me! Well, I hope you like the chapter and sorry if it is short, but hey, better short that none at all, right?

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Chapter 5: Prove Your Worth

"Enter."

The rice paper door slid open, allowing a young man to step inside. The room was plain and had a sentimental feeling to it. The floor was polished wood as were the walls. Simple pictures hung around the room, adding to the oriental atmosphere. Near the wall farthest away from the door, was a desk that was occupied by a man with hard eyes.

Normally one would think such a room would have a pleasant atmosphere, but instead, it was cold and unwelcoming.

Kneeling in front of the desk, the young man bowed until his forehead touched the floor. The gesture was a sign of respect, but he held none for the cold man in front of him.

"Why have you come to meet with me, Neji?"

"I have come to ask something of you, Lord Hiashi," answered Neji.

"And what might that be?" Hiashi's voice was low and had a sharp edge to it.

Neji lifted his head so that he could look his uncle right in the eye. Both their gazes were unfeeling as they stared at each other. Fighting back his anxiety, Neji cleared his throat and began to say why he was there.

"First I wish to inform you that Hinata and I have had a relationship for the past few months now." Neji said this in a casual way, as if he were telling a friend instead of his callous uncle.

"As you know, Hinata will turn twenty in just four months and will thus be of marrying age." continued Neji.

Hiashi remained silent as his nephew went on.

"I've come to ask you for her hand." Neji had decided not to delay any longer and get straight to the point.

Silence followed after. After a moment or two, Hiashi stood and walked to the window near his desk. Looking out into the courtyard, Hiashi seemed to be in deep thought.

The silence stretched on for what seemed like forever. Neji was starting to worry that his uncle would not allow him and Hinata to marry. No! He would not let that happen! Neji clenched his fists, vowing to do whatever it took in order for him and his love to be together.

Finally, Hiashi broke the silence.

"That is a huge thing to ask for, Neji. Are you sure that is what you want?"

Neji was startled by the way Hiashi said this. His voice was warm, almost caring. He didn't even know his uncle was capable of such emotions.

"Yes, Lord Hiashi. Both Hinata and I want this very much," answered Neji.

Turning around to face his nephew, Hiashi looked him right in the eye.

"Stand up, Neji."

The sudden command startled Neji, but he obeyed it nonetheless. His Hyuuga robes rustled slightly as he faced his uncle.

"Normally I wouldn't even consider this and refuse your request, but you are my brother's son and I will make an exception. The road to marrying my daughter will be a long and treacherous one; made even more difficult because of the fact that you are a Branch member and she a Main member." Hiashi stated, his voice still in its uncharacteristic way.

"I know, but we are both willing to do whatever it takes." Neji answered.

"Hinata is a lot like her mother, Neji. Don't you agree?"

Hiashi's last comment both stunned and confused Neji. Why was he talking about Hinata's late mother at a time like this?

"Perhaps that is why I have been so cruel to Hinata these past years. When Hoshiko died, I pushed both my daughters away and treated them in an unsightly way. I am afraid that I have never been a true father to my children, let alone an uncle to you, Neji."

Reaching over, Hiashi placed a strong hand on his nephew's shoulder. Neji had never known this side of his uncle before. He had gone from a cold man to a caring one within one hour. Neji had never thought that Hiashi was sorry for they way he treated Hinata and Hanabi.

"Somehow I knew you and Hinata would fall in love one day, I just had hoped the clan would've changed before that day came."

"What do you mean, Hiashi?" Neji had never been more confused in his life.

"I mean, that in order to marry Hinata, you will need to prove your worth to the Hyuuga elders. You already proved to me that you were well suited for my daughter long ago, but the others, it will take much more to show them that you are worthy of a Main house bride." Hiashi said in a sad voice.

"What must I do?" Neji's voice was confident and strong as he asked his uncle.

Hiashi squeezed Neji's shoulder before removing his hand. His eyes were filled with sorrow as he began to explain the way Neji was to prove to the elders he was worthy enough.

"You and Hinata must be separated and have no contact for exactly one year."

"What!"

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A cliffy for my readers! Sorry to leave you hanging there, but to continue on would not make a good chapter. I had planned on some fluff to be in here, but I didn't work out. Next chapter though, I promise!

Notes

I know Hiashi is out of character, but I planned it that way

Hoshiko is Hinata's mother's name in this story, not in the series. Does she even have a name in the series?

This chapter is very short, as you can obviously tell.

Thank you for reading!

--TheUnknownDead