Thanks for all the reviews! I'm surprised at the outcome of people following and leaving reviews, I really appreciate it! :) I'd be happy for anyone to suggest what should happen next or how they view Hinata and it may or may not happen. This is actually just first drafts every time I post a chapter, and I'm making it up as I go just to test myself. And I just love simple love stories, so there will not be too much adventure in this one- but if you ask for it I'll be sure to give in! I think I'm also going to keep this entirely from Hinata's point of view, so the only things she knows, are what you know.

Thank you!

Slow-Footed

Chapter Three

The Understanding

Feet pounded against the roads though, the plodding sound cutting through her thoughts with each step, as if each time her foot peeled from the ground, it left behind some of her troubles. This could not be happening, could it? Was it a joke? A scam? Had someone been trying to test her loyalties to the village? What was this? How could it possibly happen? Even with the run aiding to clear her mind, it was still muddled and strange and painful, the tips of her ears just barely over the water that was coming in close to consuming her entirely.

She continued to run, dodging people when they appeared with a fluid ability, grace and dexterity that one could only achieve with a gallon of adrenaline coursing through their veins. Beads of cold sweat dripped from her body, but she felt so hot, and everything felt a little hazy as her reflexes did most of the work for her all the way to her apartment. It was only when she arrived, blew through the door, and ran down her single hallway to the end and met the wall did she stop. The walls seemed to swirl and shift in front of her, adding to the severe daze she was being subjected to. Even the act of breathing seemed to intensive right now, too much.

It was all too much, she was too desperate just to try and believe this situation wasn't real. And after a couple more labored and deep breaths of air, she sank down, seeming to be overcome by it all, and fell till her hands caught her and her head bowed. Even then her arms buckled and she lay still, sweaty and tired and her mind still full with too many thoughts. It was too much for her, she knew, right now. Slumber took over her quickly in her tiny apartment that was only a couple minutes walk from the job, the children, that fueled her and kept her motivated.

Children had been her motivation, and their innocence and selfless love had been what made her stronger. She was good at what she did, and well respected. Thought it was all because of them, she drew strength so she knew that they would be protected. Life had been cruel to her, but she refused to budge when it came to them, she refused to let their problems overtake them or hurt them. But now, it was her duties that ended up pushing her from them, and they would lose a wall of defense. She was weeping even in her sleep.

"Hinata."

She awoke.

"Hinata, get up."

She was being shaken.

"Hinata, Naruto told me everything."

The hands were cold on her arm, the rest of her hot.

His fingers left white prints on her arm, where his cold skin had cooled off her heated and flushed flesh. Sorrowful eyes stared at her and she knew it. Pity was emanating from him, and she relished in the concern for her well being, but admonished herself for drawing such a selfish pleasure, she should be stronger than this. Even with her admonishing, she did feel mollified and drew herself up, her hands stroking across the tatami mats, as her spine carried her weight upwards, head still bowed in humility.

"I'm sorry, Neji-nii-san." she murmured.

"It's not your fault." he muttered.

Craning her head upwards, she faced him. The corners of her mouth made an effort, their best, to push upwards but it came out so unconvincing that she let it drop again.

"I don't understand why this is happening. It is, i-isn't it?" which he responded to with a simple and slight incline of his head, pale looking into pale. Hinata was trying to be strong, doing her very best, but now that another person was agreeing, she was struck once again with how real it all was, but forced herself not to budge. Imagining shackles around her arms and legs made her feel worse, but forced her into humility. The idea that she was of worth had begun to wrap her up, but this event forced her to realize she was just as disposable as ever, from her clan's point of view. She could see their faces, adorned with permanent scowls and delegating over lives as though they played a game of chess.

It was obvious that Neji was at a loss, he was only a branch member, and felt sorrow for her, but that was all he could do, empathize and allow her to wallow a bit in both of their sorrow for a few more seconds. A long, pregnant pause extended past its due date though, both of them not wanting to break the comfortable silence, until Neji finally spoke up.

"Gaara-sama is not the worst man, in fact he is a hero to many." he stated, but his eyes cast down and to the left before, "Not to me of course." with a bitterness snaking its way into his voice. "But he called on you specifically, Hinata. The council wants to strengthen bonds, gain a very powerful ally, and Gaara wants someone who is good with children, he wants you to help around the village but..." he trailed off at this point. Neji was a man of few words, but he lost his pride for Hinata's sake.

"He also wants me to give him children..." Hinata whispered. It struck a great deal of dread into her, the idea that she would break the chastity she had managed to uphold all her life. She was in her 20s, but had never come close to being with a man, let alone kissing one. As she let go of Naruto, others took notice, and she had been asked out a few times, by Kiba, and she knew Shino had thought about it, but didn't act. Never did it give her pride, though, she was not one to require or vie for passionate affection. The love from a few of her family members, and the love from the children was enough love for her.

"Yes." was all that Neji said in response.