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Chapter XIII – Take your chances.
"You told who about what?" – He asked coldly.
"N-Naruto-kun….(sob) I t-told I l-loved h-h-him…" – she was hugging Hikaru so strongly that the poor boy started to cry. And to complete the drama, his cries woke up Hokuto, who started to cry too.
Neji held his daughter and moved to the nursery. He made a head signal to Hinata follow him. While they put the children to sleep, Hinata told Neji all the conversation between her and Naruto.
"And I I s-simply s-said t-that I l-loved h-him…." – tears were still falling.
"And he?" – Neji asked nonchalantly.
"Said t-that I w-was just a d-dear f-friend…he l-loves Sakura-san…" – she was whinnying sadly.
"Oh…At least you told him." – Neji said as he left the room.
Hinata followed him open mouthed. Both leaned on the corridor walls, facing each other.
"I I f-feel so s-stupid…So dirty…." – Hinata was embracing herself.
"Why?" – Harsh and cold was his question.
"I betrayed you, niisan! I t-told a-another m-man t-that I l-loved h-him!"
"So? It is not like I didn't know about your crush for Naruto! I married you knowing that! What is the big deal? Remember what I told you about this arranged marriage?" – He had an impatient tone and his eyebrows were raised.
"E-Even so…I f-feel like a…a…slut…" – Hinata made an expression of disgust.
"You are not a slut! You simply said him what you felt, what is so wrong?"
"H-He w-will n-never treat me the same again…"
"That is for some time. Naruto is shallow minded, he will forget soon." – Neji walked to the kitchen and said – "I'm starving. Going to make dinner."
"NO! ….I mean…let me make the dinner…." – Hinata passed trough him and started the preparations for the dinner. Meanwhile, Neji took a shower.
During the meal, both ate quietly, but Hinata was tapping her feet on the floor and sobbing time to time. Neji finished his meal and cleaned his dish. Hinata remained sat.
"I messed up again. Every time we are getting along well I screw up our relationship, ne Niisan"
"The only screwed up thing here is your head."
"But I told Naruto that I loved him! It doesn't make you angry?" – She was supplicating.
"I told you already! I don't care! Actually, I'm quite happy!" – He moved to sit in front of her again.
"H-happy?"
"Yes, because you dared, Hinata. You were not afraid to tell Naruto your feelings. You dared!"
"Dared?" – She was puzzled.
"Yes. And that was your biggest change in this one year we are married!"
"Niisan, I don't understand."
"Sweetheart, you said to me once that you wanted to change yourself. But to do that you need to dare, try, take your chances. Place the bets in life. You just did it today! Naruto doesn't love you, but he could have told the contrary, right?" – His arms were crossed over the table; his face was close to her.
"But he didn't…"
"That is not important, what matters is that you took the chances"
"What if he s-said h-he loved me back? W-What would you do?" – Hinata was afraid to look in his eyes as much as she was afraid to hear his answer.
"………..I would still keep my promise to help you change the Hyuga…and be your protector" – he said after a short silence. Deep inside, Neji was having a sensation of loss. Now he knew how his previous girlfriends felt when he broke with them. Hinata was too lost in her agony to notice his feelings.
"Niisan…but I feel awful. I cheated on you, and you mean so much to me.." – She touched his crossed arms with her cold hands.
"Hinata, if you want to change yourself, you need to forget about the past, move forward. You care too much regarding what others will think or say about you. Don't try to be invisible because you are not. Our actions will always reflect on others, no matter how much we try to avoid or hide". – He stood up and walked towards the door. But stopped behind her and placed a hand on her shoulders. Neji leaned close to her ears to say:
"Besides, I deserved that. We both know I deserved that, so don't feel guilty." – And after that, he walked to the bedroom, loosening his hair on the way. – "Goodnight"
Hinata stayed on the kitchen, staring her hands still placed where once his arms were.
"Dare to change myself. What if I'm afraid to change? Forget about the past. What if my behavior today was fear to loose something that meant a lot in the past? What if that something doesn't mean anymore? How do I feel? What is important to me right now? I'm so confused." – She wondered for some minutes and waved her head and cheerfully said – "Niisan is right. I need to move forward, and never look back!" – Hinata stood up and walked to the bedroom.
Neji was sleeping facing the wall. Hinata laid behind him, climbed his shoulders to give a sweet goodnight kiss on his cheek and move away a strand of his fallen hair out of his face. Leaning on his back, Hinata wrapped her arms around his waist and slept. She never noticed that Neji was awake the whole time, thinking about their conversation.
Hinata woke up the following morning with noises in the living room. Neji was up already, as always. She was not going to leave the bed yet but hearing the door knob made her stand up and rush to the living room.
"Niisan, are you leaving?" – She was embracing herself because the cold breeze coming trough the window.
"I have a new assignment." – He answered without looking at her.
"T-That is bad…You h-have just returned…" – she gave a hesitant step in his direction. Neji opened the door and said:
"It can't be helped. Give a kiss on the children for me. Bye." – And he left the apartment wondering if Hinata would still be there when he returns.
"May the Gods follow you all the way, my dear…." – she said to the autumn wind, the only thing making some noise in that apartment.
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Hinata was training with Kurenai and her teammates three weeks after Neji's departure. She took the babies to the training field and was breastfeeding Hikaru while Kurenai was playing with Hokuto.
"So…you finally told Naruto..." – the crimson eyed sensei said, making funny faces to Hokuto.
"I did, but I don't feel good about that." – Hinata was watching Shino and Kiba spar, while caressing her boy's dark brown hair.
"And Neji? How he reacted to this?"
"He tried to act cool and said everything was OK, but when he left for his mission he was strange, away….angry."
"Hum….It is a difficult situation. You two didn't marry for love, it was duty. But now with the children…" – Kurenai was thinking how confused the situation was – "Hinata, answer me, sincerely, who do you love?"
The question was straight and Hinata was not expecting that. She had made herself the same question during three weeks, but hearing from someone else made it sound like a decision had to be taken. She thought about Neji's words: dare, take your bets in life, move forward, searching for a secret formula to solve her doubts.
"I…don't know…I do know I care about Naruto as much as I care about Neji. And I made a promise to Neji: to be a good wife to him. I don't want to break this promise, even though he said it was Ok. But I still can't answer this question, sensei…" – and tears were falling from her eyes, wetting Hikaru's forehead.
Kurenai stretched her free arm to place a hand on Hinata's shoulder. Hokuto, who was chewing Mr. Sunflower's yellow petals, stared at her mom and said:
"Mama…?"
Hinata and Kurenai looked at the baby girl and giggled.
"It is her first word, sensei!" – Hinata said, still crying, but joyful tears. – "I whish Neji was here to hear this! Oh he will be so happy when I tell him that Hokuto spoke her first word"
"I think I know the answer to your question…" – Kurenai whispered to herself.
'What you said, sensei?" – Hinata moved her attention from her daughter to her sensei.
"Nothing. Let's call the boys to take care of the babies and spar."
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Six weeks after Neji's departure.
Hiashi was training his daughters in the dojo.
"Hanabi! Pay attention to your back! You are forgetting to protect the blind spot!"
"Hinata! Move faster! You are too slow! Oh, stop you two!"
The girls obeyed their father, panting heavily.
"Hinata you need to train your stamina. I know you are rusty due your motherhood obligations, but the next Jounin Exams will be in nine months! There is no time to waste!"
"Yes, Father" – answered promptly.
Hideo was watching the training and said:
"Has your consort returned, Hinata?" – He had a pleasant voice, but his eyes were glowing with an eerie look.
"No, Grandfather. He hasn't."
"Humgf. Hiashi, do you think it is appropriate for the Heiress to be alone with two children in an apartment and receiving visits from other men while her consort is away?"
"They are my friends! They help me with the babies!" – Hinata protested.
"Your grandfather is right. Hinata, move yours and the babies' things to the Manor tonight."
"Father! I will not leave my home! Neji will be back soon!"
"Hinata it is an order. You are both dismissed." – Hiashi and Hideo left the dojo.
"Sis…" – Hanabi said while she hugged Hinata – "Why don't you ask the Hokage about Neji's whereabouts?"
"I…I'll do this…." – Hinata said rocking Hanabi's hair – "Little sister, can you watch over Hikaru and Hokuto for me?"
"Sure!" – Hanabi opened a wide smile.
Hinata walked inside the Hokage's tower, looking for Tsunade's office. Finding the door, she knocked and waited until the Hokage gave permission to enter.
"Oh! Hyuga Hinata! What brings you here?" – Tsunade said, dismissing two ANBUs with a wave of her hand.
"H-Hokage-sama…I wonder….I w-want to k-know a-about Nii…I m-mean, Neji's mission….It is b-been a w-while…." – she was staring the floor and rubbing her feet on it.
"Hum….Quite some time heh…." – the Godaime turned her back to look trough the window – "Don't worry. His mission was in a far away land, that is why is taking so long. He will be back soon."
"A-Are you s-sure?"
Tsunade gazed the young woman from over her shoulder, showing an annoyed look. Hinata stiffened, bowed and left the office.
On the corridor, she heard some giggles on a nearby corner. Hinata walked slowly and silently to find the source of the noise. She gasped when saw Naruto and Sakura kissing each other. Naruto had his arms around the girl's waist, pressing her body against the wall; her legs were wrapped in his outer thighs and her hands on his shoulders.
Both froze when noticed they had an audience. Hinata became red and started to poke her fingers and tremble:
"I I I I'm s-s-s-s-sorry! I I I…"
"Hi, Hinata! Don't worry!" – Sakura said smiling at Naruto.
Naruto had a concerned face and said nothing.
"I will leave now! Don't worry, I-I w-won't t-tell a-anyone…" – Hinata spoke turning her back.
"Hinata-chan!" – Naruto called. She turned ho hear him – "Ano...You….I…." – he was embarrassed.
"Naruto-kun, d-don't be e-embarrassed! I'm a married lady; I know how these things are!" – And she gave a cheerful smile and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"What she meant?" – Sakura told, puzzled by Hinata's outgoing attitude.
"She surely has changed…." – Naruto smiled, remembering that shy weird girl who was always lurking in the shadows of others.
---------------------------------------------------
Hinata didn't move her things to the Manor as ordered. That apartment seemed so empty and lifeless. The TV had nothing interesting; she had already talked on the phone with almost all her friends, for hours! Dinning alone was also sad.
But nothing was more depressing than sleep in an empty double bed. She was caressing the sheets of his side of the bed; took his pillow and placed next to her face to feel his scent. It was still there. She kissed the pillow and wrapping her arms and legs around, she embraced it.
Sleep never came, and Hinata decided to light one of Neji's incenses, hoping that would calm her down. How much she desired to know how to meditate, to free her mind from that agony.
A small cry came from the nursery and Hinata thanked the Gods for that little distraction.
After breastfeeding Hokuto, changing Hikaru's diapers, she sat at the glider and placed both her babies on her chest. Hugging them, she couldn't avoid the tears:
"My Hikaru you are becoming your dad's spite image! My prayers were listened. You know, when mommy was expecting you two, she always asked the Gods to give you your father's talent and pretty hair…I don't know about the talent, yet, but the hair is his!"
She tightened her embrace and placed each child on the respective crib. Hinata walked inside her bedroom again and saw the empty bed. Staring it she remembered their first night together. The promises they made.
Hinata grabbed the old futon from the dresser and placed it in the nursery floor, between the babies' cribs. And there, she could sleep a little.
She was called early in the morning to her father's office. Hinata knew what to expect.
"Haven't I told you to move to the Manor with my grandchildren?" – He was studding some papers and didn't look at her, but his tone was angry.
"Yes, Father"
"And why didn't you?"
"Neji might come back and he would be worried to find our apartment empty"
"He would be informed by the gate sentinels about your whereabouts."
"I f-forgot, Father"
"This kind of insubordination won't be tolerated again, Hinata. You are the heir and also a mother, you must give a good example." – He was looking at her now, very coldly – "You shall move your things to the Manor today".
"But Father" – she gave a step forward, in his direction, but Hiashi's gaze froze her.
"If your belongings and my grandchildren are not in this House by four o'clock this afternoon, I'll ask a servant to bring them here, by force if necessary. Understood?"
"(sigh)….Understood, sir"
"Good. You may leave now." – And he continued his paper's study.
Hinata walked to her garden and sat on the dirty ground. Placing her elbows on her knees and resting her tired head on her hands, she cried. Her worst fear was coming true: bring Hikaru and Hokuto to the Manor would endanger the 'twin rescue plan'. Not only that, but also Main Family's rude behavior towards Branch Family members could influence the children.
Suddenly, she heard steps behind her. Someone stopped near and a deep voice spoke:
"ANBU missions were never that long. Probably the procreator is dead by now. At least he fulfilled his purpose".
"Grandfather…Neji is your grandchild as much as I am! Don't talk about him like this!" – She didn't bother to look the old man.
"I have no Branch House grandchild. Even if Hiashi says that your marriage had other noble purposes, the main reason was bring the boy's gifted blood into the Main Family again. That is why the council approved the matching of the Heiress with a low ranked Hyuga". – He was not ironic or sarcastic. Hideo truly believed in those words.
"Neji is not low ranked. He is not a procreator. HE IS MY HUSBAND!" – In a flash she was in upright position, facing Hideo. A deep menacing flame could be seen in her white eyes. – "I will not tolerate anymore your insults against Neji nor I will accept any Main House member educating my children!"
"You misunderstood this marriage, Hinata. You developed affection for Neji. The same happened to your father and Hizashi. Forget this feeling, child. The boy was only necessary to impregnate you. He accomplished magnificently his task. Hyuga Neji will die with honor and all the respect from the Hyuga clan, for providing two candidates for heir."
Hinata felt a volcano rise on her insides; a blind rage; a strong killing intent. She gathered chakra on her palms and stroke her grandfather's chest, placing all that dark fiery feeling on her attack.
Hideo flew meters away, gasping and spilling blood from his mouth.
Several servants saw Hinata's attitude and rushed to help the Hyuga patriarch.
Hinata came closer, slowly. All servants never saw her that way: threatening. Her angel face was more like an Angel of Death. She kneeled next to a still gasping Hideo and said:
"Feel all the honor and respect of the Hyuga clan. The only family that feels pleasure in hurt its own blood." – Hinata raised and moved away from the place. It was only that moment she truly understood Neji's feelings on their first Chunnin Exam.
Obviously, Hiashi punished rigorously Hinata for her action. Since she had no Caged Bird Seal to be activated, she received a hundred lashes on her back, and remained imprisoned on a cell for two weeks without water or food. And without see her children, the worst torture.
It was on a cold December night that a messager from the Hokage arrived at the Hyuga Manor.
Hinata and Hanabi were on the large living room playing with the babies; Hiashi was watching his family, happily. A servant called him on the door frame and delivered the Hokage's message. Hiashi read the paper and told the servant:
"Send it to Natsume-san."
He turned to see his daughters and found Hinata already up and staring him.
"You said Natsume-san's name, Father. Is it something about Neji?" – she was trembling but her face and words came firm.
"Hinata, Hokage's sent a backup to rescue Neji's team…." – he was avoiding look her directly in the eyes, choosing carefully the words – "A battle against the Akatsuki took place. Many perished, but the wounded and alive were brought to Konoha's hospital…"
Hinata did not wait for her father to finish the sentence, she dashed to the hospital, gathering all her chakra on her feet. Jumping trough rooftops and tree branches, the Hyuga heiress reached the Hospital in seconds. Knowing that place like her hand's palm, Hinata ran to the E.R sector.
There she found a wounded Hatake Kakashi, Haruno Sakura equally hurt and a not so damaged Uchiha Sasuke. The last one was screaming at the other two:
"WHY? Why that dope did that? After all I've done, why he had to sacrifice himself?"
"Sasuke…calm down…" – Kakashi felt pain even to speak.
"Calm down? CALM DOWN? Have you no heart? He is dying! Why he let that fucking kyuubi out? HE IS DYING!" – and Sasuke collapsed in the bench. Sakura embraced his shoulders and cried.
Kakashi noticed Hinata watching the scene.
"Hinata…."
"Where is he? Where is Neji?" – she had a cold expression and was still trembling.
The members of Team 7 stared each other, concerned, afraid to say something to her. Hinata felt their apprehension and her mind started to picture nightmare scenario.
"Where is my husband? What are you hiding from me?" – tears were falling and her hands were fisted so tight that her nails were hurting her pale skin, blood running from the scratches.
Kakashi sighed. – "I will tell you what happened".
Neji's ANBU team was sent to assassinate three members from Akatsuki that, wounded from previous battles, were recovering in an abandoned town near the Tea Country border. The Team successfully accomplished the task, but other Akatsuki members found them and a long bloody battle took place.
Another ANBU team was sent as reinforcement. But the enemy was far more strong and numerous. Without other options, Tsunade called Danzou and asked help from Root. Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke were having lunch with Sai when he received the summoning. Unaware of the consequences, Sai told Team 7 about the mission, and when Sasuke heard about it, rushed to kick Itachi's ass. Naruto rushed after him, Sakura rushed after both and Sai warned Kakashi, who rushed after his Team.
Sasuke faced Itachi in the battle field. Even after all his training with Orochimaru, Itachi was still slightly superior and managed to catch Sasuke in his Magenkyou Sharingan illusion.
Seeing his best friend being wiped out, Naruto couldn't control the kyuubi's power, unleashing it all at once. Itachi was unable to defeat that kind of power alone and asked for his companions' help. In a few minutes both Akatsuki and Team 7 were fighting the same enemy: Kyuubi. This little distraction gave the ANBU and their Root helpers the necessary time to regroup and make a massive attack against Akatsuki. They managed to kill several members of the organization, including Tobi and Hidan.
Sasuke and Itachi were still dealing with the kyuubi. But Kakashi was wounded and Sakura was healing him. Kisame took the opportunity to kill both. Before his sword could slice Sakura and Kakashi with a single blow, Neji's Kaiten avoided the impact, sending Kisame some meters away.
The Hyuga prodigy and the blue skinned swordsman engaged a violent battle. And as all the combatants were focused in its adversaries, Deidara threw at Neji several explosives from above. Sakura tried to warn him; and even managing to avoid almost all the explosives with his byakugan, Neji was tired, with low chakra to try another Kaiten; and attempted a suicidal action: used Kisame as his shield.
Deidara never felt much sympathy for his comrade and launched more explosives from above and also from below. All exploded at the same time, killing Kisame and shredding Neji's body. Sakura performed a healing jutsu, managing to keep him alive.
Fortunately, Team 10 arrived on the right time, making the remaining Akatsuki members flee.
Sasuke calmed Naruto down, entering his mind with the Sharingan, bashing Kyuubi to the darkest spot of Naruto's conscience. But Naruto was too wounded and his chakra was all consumed by the monster, beyond any recovery.
Almost dead Naruto, Neji and other ANBU and Root members were taken to Konoha.
"…so that is what happened. Naruto is on the surgery room right now. His condition is pretty bad. As for Neji…." – Kakashi stopped when saw a presence behind Hinata.
The Hyuga girl felt a hand be placed on her shoulders and turned to see Shizune; and she had a tired expression.
"I'll take you to Neji, Hinata".
Both walked trough the Hospital corridors, until Shizune stopped in front of a room. Hinata recognized that part of the Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, and thought that was bad sign. Shizune opened the door and stepped aside so Hinata could enter.
Nothing in the world could prevent her from the vision of her husband all bandaged, with an endotracheal tube, feeding tubes, a web of intravenous lines, drains, and several equipments monitoring his body functions.
Hinata walked slowly close to his bed, hearing all the time the blip-blip from the equipments. Being a medic nin apprentice, she read the medic report of his condition hanged on the bed. As Hinata turned the pages of the report, her whole body was shaking, her stomach ached, her mind raced: his condition was critical. Neji was dying.
"I'm sorry Hinata. I did everything that was possible…" – Shizune was sad, feeling defeated.
Hinata dropped the report and walked close to him. Neji had a peaceful expression despite the paleness; his lips were slightly purple, some bruises marked his cheeks and neck. Hinata touched his face: so cold, as if death was already claiming his soul.
It was too much, and Hinata was crying convulsively in despair.
"Niisan!"
Shizune held the younger girl's shoulders as she was losing her control.
"He can't die yet, Shizune-san! I have to tell him that Hokuto spoke her first word!"
"I have to tell him that Hikaru has chakra gathering around his eyes – he is developing his byakugan!"
"I have to ask him if he is still mad at me!"
"He can't die hating me! Please! He can't die hating me!"
Shizune was embracing Hinata as she collapsed in tears, fisting the medic's chest in her pain.
"He can't leave me alone…." – and Hinata embraced Shizune, still shedding tears on the other woman's shoulders.
Tsunade walked inside the room, and both girls stared the Hokage's tired face.
"And Naruto?" – Shizune asked. Hinata was oblivious to that matter, gazing Neji's motionless form in the hospital bed.
"He will survive" – The Hokage said, and staring Hinata she called the Hyuga's attention – "Hinata, there is something I have to talk to you, please follow me to my office"
"But, I want to stay with…"
"It is important, obey me"
And walking hesitantly out of the room, Hinata followed the Hokage to the office. Tsunade sat on her chair and poured some sake on the cup.
"Maybe you should take a sip before we…"
"No, Thanks" – Hinata only wanted to end the conversation and return to Neji's side.
"I already talked to your father…"
"Father was here?"
"He arrived some minutes after you…"
"And where is he now?"
"Back to the Hyuga compound I think. He has to take care of Neji's fu… I mean…business….I mean…."
"Hokage-sama, I read the medic reports. Is really that bad?" – Hinata was expecting that was some sort of overreaction, or maybe the Hokage would find a solution like she did for Lee.
"….Hinata, I won't lie to you, as I didn't to your father. His condition is terrible…probably he won't survive the next 48 hours. That is why I talked to your father first, so he could take the necessary steps regarding Neji's loss" – Hinata re-started to cry again, convulsively.
Tsunade stood up and gave a cup of sake to the girl, while applying a relaxing jutsu on Hinata's nape. When the Hyuga calmed down, Tsunade said:
"I know what his death means to you and your children…" – Hinata felt another despair wave when the babies were mentioned. The poor things would grow without their father – "Hinata, pay attention to me. I'm still on your side and nothing will happen to Hokuto. After the children's birth, Neji gave me a scroll to be delivered to you and you only, in case something happens to him."
Tsunade walked to a chest in one corner of the office and opened it. Several scrolls were there. Testaments from her Shinobis. She found what wanted and placed the scroll in Hinata's hands.
"Open" – she said, while taking a seat next to the girl.
Hinata didn't want to open that scroll because that would mean that Neji was dead. But the Hokage intensive gaze made her untie the blue strip and unfold the paper.
"To Hyuga Hinata
I won't write any sad words or goodbyes.
In Konoha Bank you will find a saving account book in your name. That is for your and the children's comfort, so you won't need to depend on the Clan's finances.
In my mother's house basement there are some photograph albums, scrolls and personal belongings that you and my mother may share as you see fit. Just don't fight because of it. In case it happens, give all to the children.
Don't keep my clothes and other stuff just as a memento. Move forward and dispose of all the inutilities.
Raise the children as your heart says to. Don't accept help from Main or Branch House. Our kids are beyond this shit. Make sure they follow their dreams. Hikaru has the strongest personality, he will be the next leader. He also has a lot of talent in his blood. Train him yourself. You can do that. Hokuto, my hime-chan, is sweet and has better eyes than all of us. Protect her, Hinata. Don't ever let they place the Cursed Seal on our daughter. That will be the only thing I will ask of you.
Sorry I couldn't keep my promises to protect you and help to change the Hyuga. But I believe in you, Hinata. You are wise, good willed, and have the purest heart I know. Under your command, Hyuga will be the strongest clan of the Fire Country, and also be healed from all the angst and hatred between the Families. You are more than capable to do it.
I still think you are too pacific to be a shinobi, but since you can change yourself, maybe in the future years you will prove me wrong. I just wanted to see it.
Find your 'freedom of heart'; find love, have lots of boyfriends, marry someone else, enjoy life.
Make sure the children do that too.
I'll be happy – in heaven or hell – if you three are happy too.
And, forgive me for that fight in the Chunnin Exams. Forgive me for that stupid kiss on Tenten. Forgive all my coldness, rudeness and impatience towards you.
Most of all, forgive me for being such a coward and never telling you how much you mean to me.
Hyuga Neji"
Hinata covered her face with the paper, crying. Tsunade had a hand on her shoulder. The old woman saw that scene so many times and couldn't get used to it. Always was sad when someone receives its loved one's last whishes.
Hinata recovered and asked Tsunade:
"What can I do, now?"
"Pray"
"Is there any hope?"
"Where life is there is always hope."
Hinata stood up and walked back to Neji's room. As a medic nin, she activated her byakugan and scanned all his body. Several tenketsus were closed, chakra coils interrupted flow. Carefully, she opened each of the closed points. It was like a surgery, too much chakra could collapse his weak health.
All that night and the following morning she stayed by his side, opening tenketsu and controlling the chakra flow. When Hinata felt her own chakra fail, she sat on a nearby chair, resting her head next to his outer thighs. Hinata didn't want to close her eyes, afraid that he could die while she was sleeping. She fought, but sleep won the battle and Hinata slept holding his left hand.
Despite her father's requests, Hinata remained in the Hospital. She only asked for a change of clothes, ate in the Hospital cafeteria, and talked to her children by the public phone.
Natsume and Sanae arrived in twilight, finding Hinata occupied with the tenketsu surgery again.
"Hinata-sama, you should rest. Don't overstress yourself!" – Natsume said.
"I won't. I cannot accept this." – she continued to control the chakra of his body.
"So, let me help." – Sanae lifted her sleeves and helped Hinata.
"Mother! You will get tired! You heard the medics! There is no help! My son is dying! I can't lose another relative! Stop mother!" – Natsume cried, losing the mask of indifference and coldness, so similar to Neji's.
"Silly daughter! Have you forgotten that I was a Medic nin once?" – Sanae said – "My precious little boy won't die. Let's try everything we can, ne Hinata-chan!"
"Right" – and watching the old lady's cheerful smile, for the first time in 24 hours, Hinata felt some hope.
"S-Sanae-sensei! What are you doing here?" – asked the Hokage's voice from the door.
"Oh-ho! Tsunade-hime! Long time no see! How are you doing? Still falling for Jiraya?" – the old lady said without stop her work.
"A A…Jiraya? CUT THAT OUT! I hate that perverted old jerk!"
"Good, still a healthy girl!"
"Sensei, what are you doing?"
"Oh! Hinata-chan and I are cleaning my grandson's chakra system. This might help his body recover fast, avoiding death or permanent damage! I taught you that, Tsunade-chan!" – Sanae had a mocking tone, but her chakra concentration was amazing. No wonder that she was Tsunade's teacher.
"I'm afraid this can stress his body, accelerating his death. He is too weak, sensei. Let him die in peace." – Tsunade was considering the situation, analyzing Neji's medic reports.
"My boy can endure this! You should know that!" – Sanae was truly a Hyuga: stubborn.
But Hinata's and Sanae's persistence made Neji survive more than 48 hours. Actually, he managed to survive trough the week. Ten days after his arrival at the Hospital, several drains and tubes could be removed and he was breathing on his own.
Sanae couldn't handle the chakra expenses and fell weak some days after that. But Hinata endured the long process, and all that time she never left the Hospital. Hanabi and Natsume were taking care of the children. Every day, at noon time, they would bring Hikaru and Hokuto to see their parents.
Kurenai, Shino, Kiba, Gai, Lee and Tenten came everyday. They shifted who would stay with Hinata all day long. Never failing in their schedule, Gai Team supported Neji the way they could: sharing youth, joy and especially hope. Naruto also recovered and, helped by Sasuke and Sakura, he visited Neji's room. While he played with the twins, Sakura was applying a recovery jutsu on Hinata, to prevent a breakdown. Both girls did it every day. Sakura said it was her way to return Neji for saving hers and Kakashi's lives.
That day, after all visitors left the room, Hinata was taking some rest, waiting for Tenten to bring their dinner.
Placing her head next to his legs, and holding his hand, she felt sleepy; but Hinata was not afraid to sleep anymore, she had confidence in Neji's recovery.
When she was almost in the dream land, the hand she was holding moved a bit. Hinata thought it was just her imagination and started to doze off again, but that hand was trying to break free from her grip.
Hinata lifted her head up and saw Neji's eyelids tremble, and finally he opened his eyes. White eyes staring her own. He moved his head slowly and placed his gaze on Hinata (who was shedding tears already), recognized her and gave a weak smile:
"Hi" – his voice came low and feeble.
"Hi" – her voice was tremble from emotion. – "I missed you, niisan"
"I…missed..you..too" – and he closed his eyes, tired. But the feeble smile remained in his lips.