No, you're not dreaming! It is an update. After so many, many months…
AN at the bottom
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Warning: Naruto being really stupid (and mildly drunk).
4
Kiba and Shino, her ever worried friends, were waiting for her in her garden. When they spotted her trying to sneak out of the compound, they walked to her, hurriedly.
"Hinata!"
Kiba gave her a bone-crushing hug, as he went on asking about how her mission went, the attack, and how she was at the moment. Hinata tried her best to answer his anxious questions, but couldn't. She was too nervous. To complete the perfect scenario, her sister appeared, her young face worried and relieved at the same time.
"Onee-sama! I was so worried! Thank Kami you are all right"
Hanabi and Kiba (along with a usually quiet Shino) dragged her into the house again, and continued fussing over her. By the time they left, it was already getting dark.
X
"You're not doing that." Hiashi was stunned by the Kazekage's audacious behavior. He might be a Kage, but Hinata was definitely off limits to him. She belonged in Konoha, with the Hyuuga Clan. No one would take her away.
"Hiashi-sama, you don't seem to understand me." the boy responded coolly. "I intend to take her to Suna for three reasons, and I'm sure you'll agree to at least two of that." he made a pensive pause "The other one...I think Hinata is supposed to give her opinion on it."
"Then state your reasons to take my daughter away from her home."
Gaara knew Hiashi Hyuuga was a difficult man to deal with. But, by what he'd listened about him, he was not known to be an over caring father. It seemed the man had changed.
"I think Hinata will be attacked again. This assault seemed very tentative; they were certainly unprepared for a battle. Whoever is doing this must be really intent of taking her." Gaara's eyes were fixed on the older man, trying to look more intimidating. He knew Hiashi was strong and powerful; he just needed to convince the man that he was more.
"I believe that she'll be better hidden at Suna. This way you can focus on protect your younger daughter, in case this is an attempt to get the Byakugan. Also, I intend to train her. She has an amazing chakra control, and that could be very useful in many ways." Hiashi raised a skeptic brow at that. Hinata could very well train in the Hyuga clan. "I want to train her myself. I think she has a chance to learn my father's signature jutsu".
Now Hiashi was interested. Yondaime Kazekage was known to have the power to control Shukaku. If Hinata could learn that...the possibilities were amazing.
Gaara was pleased that Hiashi was getting attracted to his ideas. Yes, he could try to teach Hinata if she wanted to, and if it was not a danger to her health.
But there was more... and that would be his final, best movement.
"Also, if she shows favorable to the idea..." he started, again getting all of Hiashi's attention.
"I intend to propose her marriage."
X
"Damn it, Gaara!... Ouch! Temari, why did you hit me?"
"You fool! We're spying! Can't you keep quiet? How did you even get jounin?"
"'Mari, our brother is going crazy in there and you want us to be quiet about it? Are you sure?"
Temari didn't answer. She knew Gaara well enough to trust him and his judgment. He wouldn't do anything stupid, that she was if this was a little shocking , she would trust him.
"Shut up, Kankuro. Let's listen. We can discuss that later."
X
Hiashi looked at the young man in front of him, a little shocked. The Kazekage seemed serious, and if he really was, the ramifications of such an alliance could be great. Strengthen the ties between villages, expand the influence of the Hyuga clan... many things could happen of this.
However, this alone was not enough for him to just agree with Gaara's proposals. He needed to discuss it with Hinata first. He couldn't just send her away, without any consideration of her opinion. Also, many important things relied on the fact that she would be the next Hyuga leader, such as her influence with the current Hokage, Naruto.
He told the younger leader that, and both agreed to talk about this over dinner that night He was not sure of what Hinata's opinion on that matter would be, but he would find out.
As they exited the room, he asked a servant to go for his daughter.
X
Being Hokage was stressful, but was very rewarding. The afternoon incident solved, he went back to his office, only to find Gaara there, ready to talk with him.
Gaara had been strange, more than he usually was. He seemed to be hiding something, and at the same he looked angry with him for something he didn't know. And, also, he had received a very gentle letter from Hiashi Hyuuga telling him how good a Hokage he was, letting his heiress go to a mission alone, without telling anyone.
He would have to make an appointment with the Hyuuga to go over this.
Feeling stressed,Naruto went, along with other shinobi, to a small stall and had some drinks. Of course that was not a good thing to do often (his memory of what happened last time he did so still fresh in his mind), today he felt like he needed something to relax.
After a cup or two - or maybe a bottle or two, he couldn't tell - the blond went back to his office, just to check if someone still needed him and after that go back to his bed. It'd been such an exhausting day; all he wanted was to eat a good portion ramen and sleep.
But it seemed he had another visitor.
X
In Hinata's mind, there was still hope. Naruto would, of course, apologize for what happened between them, say how precious a person she is to him and tell her he wanted to start over. Then she would tell him, and he would be surprised, but accepting. And the he'd say that they would make things worked, and everything would be fine.
So much for wishful thinking.
When he entered the room, he was surprised for seeing her there. Naruto looked tired, his eyes were a little red. He looked at her with eyes clouded by alcohol, and she knew that that was not a good thing.
This talk was so important, and even so, she was afraid to say something. But she needed to.
He looked intensely at her for some time. He seemed very sober, even with the evidence of his drinking. Was it a habit? Or was it just something he did to relax? To forget his problems?
"You are very nervous." He said before she could utter a word.
Understatement. She was terrified.
"Listen, Hinata...", Naruto started, turning around to look over the window at the village below him. "I am sorry. The way I acted, it was... really bad. You didn't deserve it."
He turned to her.
"I'm sorry."
Hinata could see he meant it. And it, of course, broke her heart, because the little hope she had that he might one day fall for her was all lost now. And she still needed to tell him the truth and she was afraid.
"N-naruto-kun, I n-need to tell you something..."
"Hinata, whatever you have to say, I want to say something first." He interrupted her. "I regret that night very much, but I don't want things to change. You are my friend, and I want it to stay that way."
Then he took a bottle out of his table and drank. He saw his face contort as the alcohol burned his throat. His eyes seemed a little unfocused too. She had to tell him, before he got drunk.
"I don't want things to change, because we're good as friends.
He sat on his chair, and let out a long, heavy sigh. Hinata knew that that was her chance.
"N-naruto-kun, I'm... I'm pregnant." She said finally, with a horrible feeling in her chest.
Naruto stayed silent for a long time. His eyes seemed distant and a little confused. He looked surprised, but not so much. But he definitely did not look happy.
And in these tense moments, she already knew what he was going to say.
"Hinata... I... I can't... I don't understand... this... this can't happen. I can't deal with this. I can't. I'm sorry."
He didn't want her. He didn't want her baby.
X
Hinata left Naruto's office, going straight to her home. She needed to find Gaara and tell him she was going with him, and she needed to pack for the trip. She also needed to talk to her father.
The moment she set foot on the compound, a servant came to her, informing her that Hiashi needed to speak to her before dinner.
She was well aware that it was an important conversation, but she couldn't help the need to postpone this. Too bad her father was already waiting for her.
"Father." She greeted.
"Hinata, I guess your talk with the Hokage went well."
"Yes, father."
"Good. Let's get in. There is something I need to discuss with you."
She nodded, and trailed silently behind him. She had thought about what she would do now that Naruto rejected her. She would accept Gaara's offer.
"Hinata,"Hiashi said as he sat, "I'm sending you to Sunagakure."
Her eyes widened a little at the statement. She knew Gaara had been talking to her father, but she didn't know what they would be talking about. Seeing her confusion, her father clarified.
"The Kazekage was kind enough to offer you protection in his village. We discussed about it, and I think that is a good way to keep your safety while the attack you suffer is investigated. Also, he said that he can train you in some powerful techniques and I think that that would be very good for you. He seems to be a nice man, Hinata, and I think this is a good opportunity for you."
Hinata frowned at the oddity of her father's words. Hiashi never praised anyone. He would never praise a stranger, although it was natural for him to think about her safety (and the Byakugan's). If her father was fine with the idea of her leaving with Gaara, then so be it.
She'd go.
X
Hinata was acting weird.
Not only that, but she felt weird too. Something about her chakra had changed, very, very slightly, but Hanabi couldn't sense exactly what.
Also, her sister looked depressed. She always had that somewhat melancholy, that with her demure personality and low self steem. Of course, Hinata had improved greatly in the last years, becoming a strong and confident kunoichi and Hanabi was very proud of her.
Hinata had been deemed a disgrace. Now she was an example to the clan.
And Hanabi didn't want anything to change his sister into what she was before. Hinata had become an amazing person. Strong, determinate, wise and so gentle and understanding. She would be the greatest leader of the Hyuga clan; the one that would change it into something better.
So, when Hinata arrived for dinner, she was glad to see that the haunted look on her sister's face had gone. She seemed determinate.
Hanabi wondered what was happening.
Hinata sat on her usual spot (at their father's right) and Hanabi was instructed to be seated next to her sister. That meant that they had visitors.
Soon enough the Kazekage appeared, together with his siblings. Very important visitors.
They rapidly took their seats (Gaara in front of Hinata, Temari right across from her and Kankuro by her side, and they waited for Hiashi to arrive. Meanwhile, Hanabi was bound to observe them.
Kankuro and Temari talked about themselves, about Suna dealings she couldn't understand. But that was not exactly the most interesting thing happening.
She couldn't not notice that the Kazekage was staring at her sister.
What she could do, however, was understand why he was staring at Hinata so intensely.
Hanabi had always been jealous of her sister's beauty and grace. The heiress was stunning. She was wearing a beautiful, purple colored kimono with blue and pink floral patterns, and that made her look like a fairy or something. She had her hair up in a high bun, secured with a beautiful hairpiece. Her bangs were parted to the side, something that made her look very attractive. As usual, she wore no makeup, but she had naturally pink lips and long, thick eyelashes, so she didn't need it.
So, yes, she totally understood why Gaara was staring at Hinata like that.
And by the looks of it, Hinata had also noticed, because a faint blush started to grow on her cheeks, making her look even more beautiful.
Hiaashi chose that moment to enter the room, pulling Hanabi of her thoughts. He was cool and collected as usual, but something about him was a little bit different. It looked like he was very content about something, like he had achieved a great decision, a very good one.
"Good evening" He said as he sat.
The servants appeared then, bringing the fist dish. Before they started eating, the Hyuga lead started.
"I would like to thank the Kazekage and his sibling for coming to support Hinata in this episode. I'm sure my daughter feels the same way."
Gaara and his siblings nodded their acceptances, and they started to eat. It was a very traditional, elegant meal, the kind they usually had at special celebrations. This also meant that Hiashi had more announcements to make.
But Hanabi was worried about her sister, and, of course, her very handsome, very powerful admirer.
Gaara barely ate. He took a piece of everthing, very absent minded, but had only eyes for Hinata. He looked at her constantly, even when talking to Hiashi, and the Hyuga leader apparently did not mind all this staring.
But what really surprised Hanabi was the fact that Hinata didn't mind it either. She was blushing (like she did everytime she got too much attention), but there was a faint smile on her lips and a sweet look in her eyes.
How interesting. How odd.
Just after the dessert came (and, as usual, the servants retreated to the kitchen) Hiashi spoke again.
"Hinata, could you see if there is anyone around?"
"Yes, father." She responded and actvated her Byakugan. "Nobody in hearing distance."
"Good." He turned his eyes to Gaara again. "The Kazekage has offered to take Hinata under his protection in Sunagakure. I discussed this with my daughter first and she agreed. No one outside this room is to know she is being sent there."
Hiashi turned to Hanabi.
"You are to help your sister prepare to the parting, that is going to happen tomorrow morning. I'll personally inform the Hokage of this decision, however, he's not to know where Hinata is gone. You all have a good night."
And then he left.
X
Hinata and Gaara set the departure time to 5 in the morning, which left little time for packing and sleeping.
Hanabi was being incredible helpful, packing her thing with great care and speed. But what bugged Hinata the most were the funny glances the younger girl kept shooting her with.
"What's wrong, Hanabi?" She asked after more weird glances.
She takes a moment to answer.
"He's taking you away, and I'm afraid that you'll never come back."
Hinata looked at her baby sister fondly. They were so different, in many ways. They didn't even look the same. Hanabi had the stronger features of her father, the classical Hyuga traits (she looked a lot like Neji, she noticed with a pang of sadness in her heart). Hinata had the softer features of her mother, her indigo hair and delicate traits. Hanabi, now at 14, looked almost like an adult, while Hinata, at almost 20, still looked a lot like her teen self.
But over the years their relationship had progressed immensely, and they had become very good friends. She didn't want to part from her, but it was absolutely necessary. If she had had other options...
Hinata pushed the thought aside; it was no time for that. Now, she had to assure her sister that things would be ok, and that they'd see each other soon.
Hinata left three small notes with Hanabi, for her teammates and sensei, and hoped that they received the letters soon. Hinata hated leaving like this, without even saying goodbye.
But she was sure her friends would understand. She hoped they could see each other soon, too.
A few minutes before five, she left, accompanied of her father and her back pack.
They met Gaara and his siblings at the gates. Hinata, who had been anxious since she woke up, felt very calm and at peace at the sight of her red haired friend. He greeted her father politely, and smiled at her.
"I trust you, Kazekage, with the life of my daughter," Hiashi said, solemn. "I need to stress that she is not only precious to me, but for the Hyuga clan as well. Please keep that in mind."
"I will." Gaara responded.
"Hinata, my daughter." He turned to her. "Be safe."
"Yes, Father."
Temari and Kankuro took their positions at the side, and, like a move made many, many times, Gaara walked to the center. But this time, he wasn't the one being protected. Hinata was.
Despite her complicated situation, she had a very good feeling about this.
AN: So, here it is. After so many time, I could finally find my mojo, and could write again. The only problem is: I have very little time to write, so once again I count on you being patient. But I think I can deal with a monthly update (I have other fics, remember that please). This story is supposed to have 8 to 10 chapters. It won't take long.
This, again, we have Naruto being stupid. I really LOVE Naruto, but sometimes he can be so frustrating! I hate that he simply lacks the ability to be considerate of Hinata's feelings for him. REAALLY NARUTOOOO! WAKE UP AND LOOK AT THIS MAJESTIC BEAUTY WITH PEARLY EYEEES!
OK, but again to the story, Naruto drunk state is inspired by my cousin. She has this weird black outs, when she doesn't remember a thing she does when she drinks, and then the memories come back to her and she says "OMG HOW COULD I DO THAT!". So, I'm not ( totally) inventing this part.
Well, that's it for now. Please, leave me a review, or, if you prefer, message me on my tumblr (starrkdani).
Love,
Dani!
(Review, please?)