A/N: Erm, right, it's been about two weeks, no? Sorry it's been so long, but I just haven't had the "inspiration" to continue. But I am, I am! Rereading what I had written, I realized how I turned Hanabi and Neji into the people I needed them to be andeveryone else...-blushes- I can only hope no one hates me terribly for that. Well, I will be wrapping up everything in the chapter or two. And then! ...it'll be finished. This might happen sometime within the next 2-3 weeks. -smiles-

Give this some love and review!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Hinata, or any other character.

This time, This place

Misused, Mistakes

Too long, too late

Chapter 14

All the pieces had fallen into place and, now, everything was going to end just how she had dreamed, planned. She was sure of it. There was no doubt in her mind that Hyuga Hinata was going to be her way to obtain all she ever wanted.

She would be there to demand, albeit gently and subtly, that the wretch give her husband an equal share of power.

And no one would be able to deny her. She was an Elder and held incomprehensible power over all of them. Hiashi would be pressured to agree, would understand –she hoped- and would not cause a scene protecting his 'precious' daughter.

Blood red lips curved up in a smile.

The idiot that was the heiress' future husband was already wrapped around her finger, blinded with empty promises of a rich life and trivial things. He would be told of her wishes and would push Hinata to concede with them and unknowingly the girl would. She had no choice. The power, the will, was shared after all.

Slender fingers wrapped around the warm porcelain of her tea cup. Slowly, the cup was lifted and tilted, amber liquid spilling onto the table with a small splash. It spread, coming dangerously close to staining her ruby kimono, but it stopped.

The Hyuga would move as she wanted them to move. They would act as she wanted them to act.

Revenge was sweet. She could almost taste it.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"I hate this."

"Yes, they are ni—what?" Sakura whirled around, her attention no longer on the silk blue ribbons she held in her hands. She threw them back into the box, frowning. "What, Naruto?"

"I hate this."

The pink-haired kunoichi raised an eyebrow. "You hate the ribbons?"

"No," he sighed. He gestured wildly, almost knocking over a display. "It's the whole situation,"

"What situation?"

"Sakura-chan!"

She sighed heavily, closing her eyes. "Haven't we talked about this already?"

"Yeah, but…"

An uncomfortable silence fell between them, leaving both at a loss of what to say. Naruto shook his head, turning away from the small stand. "I'm going home."

A pained look flittered over her face and she reach out to him, holding him back by the sleeve of his jacket. "Naruto, look, I—" she gave another one of her regret-filled sighs. "I'm really sorry."

He stiffened, a scowl appearing on his face. "I don't want your pity," he growled. "I don't need it."

She looked taken aback for a moment before steeling her face into an expressionless look. "Well, I'm sorry for trying to be understanding." she said, the merest bit of hurt seeping into her tone of voice.

Naruto scoffed, shaking off her hand. "You've never really understood," he whispered. "You've always had someone who cared for you."

"Naruto!" She was standing in front of him now, peering at him with wide sea-green eyes. "You know that's—"

He laughed bitterly. "That it's not true?" He gazed at her, yet his eyes were not focused on her. He was remembering times not so long ago, his depths filling with pain. "Because I have the Kyuubi sealed in me, you know it's hard to find someone willing to even talk to me."

"But I—"

"You know, yeah, but you accepted it after being told most of the gory details," he said. "But the others, Hinata…she doesn't know. Being with her made me see how much I was missing and I want to keep on feeling like that."

She opened her mouth, tried to say something, but he wouldn't let her. "And now, you all want me to just give her up, smile, and skip away to continue with my life?" his azure eyes flashed darkly, anger barely kept in check. "Well, have I got some news for you!"

Eyes locked with hers, he said, "I will not give up. Never. 'Cause that is my ninja way and I never go back on my word."

"But you know what Neji said! He specifically told you –us- not to get involved now." she protested, hands placed on her hips in a defiant stance. "Why are you rebelling now?"

"That's because Neji is still bound, although he might not seem it, by the damn Hyuga rules!" he said loudly. "But we aren't!"

All words were lost then. It was the truth and they both knew it. They knew they could do something, but…what was stopping them?

A hand came down on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "I'm sorry," murmured Sakura.

"For what now, Sakura-chan?"

"If I hadn't asked you that question, she wouldn't have gotten mad and you'd both spend some time together now…" she said.

"But why would Hinata-chan get mad at that?" he asked, confused.

Sakura shook her head, smiling slightly. "Oh, Naruto, didn't you notice?"

"Notice what?"

"She wanted to hear you say you loved her."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Her long dark hair was elegantly twisted and tied up, purposefully loose strands framing her powdered cheeks. Lips colored in a light pink were pursed as she glared a hole into the wall, twisting and, almost, ripping a piece of cloth in her hands.

Hinata was nervous, angry, afraid, and a million other feelings that she could not name. Her father had brilliantly arranged a dinner with Hiroki's parents and her parent, sister, and cousin, announcing it only at the last minute, not even giving Hinata a chance to protest. She let out a sound of discontent.

As if she would have protested anyways.

"Hinata-sama?" Neji's calm and collected voice broke through her thoughts.

"Yes, Neji-nii-san?" she said, turning to face him.

He reached out and gently took the cloth from her hands –what was left of it- and placed it on the table. "Anymore of that fidgeting and I might start doing the same." he said.

She looked at him, eyes wide. Somehow, it was beyond difficult for her to imagine Neji fidgeting or being nervous. And unexpectedly, the whole situation became quite amusing. A high-pitched giggle tumbled from her lips and she bit her lip, shaking with silent laughter.

"I think I'm going to have to fire the servants that made your tea," he said dryly, eyeing her with a raised eyebrow. "It seems they slipped in something."

She shook her head and barely managed to gasp out, "Not necessary."

The shoji door suddenly slid open, slamming into place with a loud noise. Hanabi stomped in, dressed just as finely as her sister. But the image seemed to be ruined by the scowl on her face and the murderous intent rolling off of her.

"That stupid idiot!" she growled.

"What happened, Hanabi-chan?" she asked, standing.

"Hiroki was born, that's what happened!" she exclaimed.

"Let me guess," said Neji flatly. "He unwittingly offended with one of his comments.

"Yes!" The girl spun around to face her sister and cousin. "He is a complete and total idiot."

Hinata was looking frantically around the room, examining the surrounding area with her Byakugan, making sure no one was listening in.

"I believe we established that fact long ago." Neji said.

"Neji-nii-san!" hissed Hinata.

"What did he say to you, Hanabi-sama?"

"Well, I walked into the room and bowed and did all the respectful stuff," she waved her hand around. "And smiled. Then otou-san introduced me to his parents, who are utter stiffs, by the way."

"Hanabi-chan!"

She shot her sister a sheepish grin. "Hai, hai, sorry,"

"Continue."

"And they asked me about how my training at the Academy is going, never mind the fact that I graduated almost a year ago!" she shook her head. "And I somehow politely managed to answer, 'I graduated already and I am part of Konoha's ninja society.' And they looked at me with these faces as if they had no idea what I was talking about. Then your fiancée oh-so-magnificently said, 'Ah, little girl, you are so cute. I'm sure you'll be a ninja like your sister someday.' I almost blew his head off then and there!"

Neji had a grim look on his face. "Oh." was all he was able to say.

Hinata was looking at her sister, mouth slightly open in shock. "He-he said that?" she asked.

"Uh, yeah, he did."

Hinata groaned softly and sat down, burrowing her face in her arms. "I-I won't make it through dinner; it's impossible!"

Arms encircled her, drawing her up. "Don't worry, nee-san, we'll be there to back you up!" Hanabi cheerfully reassured her.

"Hanabi-sama, I doubt you'll be able to restrain yourself if he makes another comment like the previous," said Neji.

A low growl escaped Hanabi. "Damn right, I won't."

"Hanabi-chan!" Hinata shook her head at her sister. "Please—for me, don't stir things up, please?"

"I won't," she glanced at Neji. "We won't," she added, smirking.

He merely rolled his eyes. "By all means, blame it on me."

"I'll gladly take you up on that offer."

"Let's go," he sighed, heading to the door. "Might as well get this over with already."

Hinata and Hanabi nodded, although Hinata's was a little hesitant. If it was up to her, she would stay in the room, happily listening to her cousin and sister good-naturedly hurl subtle insults and biting comments back and forth.

This was the dinner. The one where all the pre-wedding details would be discussed subtly and judgments would be made. And gifts and forced smiles would be exchanged. And Hiroki with his immense ignorance of her life would grin and joke about the situation. And Hanabi and Neji – her support, her family – would grimace, and seethe inwardly.

And, worst of all, she would be officially given the title of future head of the Hyuga clan.

There would be no going back after this. Her future was going to be sealed, stamped, and handed to her by Fate with a sardonic smile.

Joy.

She took a deep breath to quash the whirlwind of torment going on inside of her and followed her sister inside, taking small comfort in Neji's presence right behind her.

The required introductions were said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," her voice was not shaky, she did not stutter. So she allowed herself a brief moment of pride. "I am Hyuga Hinata and I am honored to have you here tonight."

If their overly bright remarks were anything to go by, they were nothing less than ecstatic.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"Should I tell her then?"

"I would say yes, but wouldn't this be making it worse?"

"I love her…?" The questioning tone did not go unnoticed.

"I know you do."

"Right…"

"Do you think she'd be okay with it and…?"

"What are you now, my psychologist, Sakura-chan?"

"Naruto, I'm serious!"

"Well, erm, I hope she is."

"Well, then go for it."

"You sure?"

"Are you Uzumaki Naruto or not?"

"I am!"

"Then go. I'll see what I can do."

"Yosh! Oh, and Sakura-chan?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks."

"Go, you big sap."

The conversation quickly ended.

Who was I to make you wait

Just one chance

Just one breath

Just in case there's just one left

Cause you know,

You know, you know…

That I love you.

Lyrics at the beginning & end: Far Away by Nickelback