Patience Chapter 13: Intruding Guest

Now, just so people know, I don't like creating OCs but i have to for this fiction. Also, huge thanks to everyone who reviewed and read my story!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Might as well make it clear.

Lighting and Thunder awoke Hinata from her sleep. She yawned widely and looked at the clock beside her bed. It was about 8:00. For a moment, all seemed normal. Just as the peace came, it went with the thunder. Another boom jostled the doe eyed girl wide awake, reminding her of the events occurring that day. Ah, it's the formal gathering. She slowly slid out of the bed, slipped into her crutches and shuffled to the bathroom. After washing up and changing, she stepped out and went towards the door. Hinata left her room and went towards the deeper areas of the compound. She arrived at a wide entrance and carefully stepped inside. Hyuga Hiashi was sitting quietly, pouring over a scroll. He noticed her presence and gestured for her to sit. Obeying, Hinata carefully sat down and fidgeted with the hem of her clothing. After a few moments, she spoke.

"The formal gathering today, h-how m-many... S-suitors are a-attending?"

Hiashi was silent for a moment.

"There will be 9 suitors attending. You need to be obedient and respectful."

Hinata nodded timidly and bowed. She opened her mouth to speak, but stopped herself. Getting up, Hinata bowed once more and exited.

Naruto kept turning a small piece of wood in his hands, dazedly thinking about the 'plan'. What Neji and Sakura had planned was simple, and required a lot of help from him. He was, of course willing to give it. However, he just wasn't sure how Hinata would react to it. She might not even agree. But it was the only chance on getting Hinata out of this whole mess, no matter how crazy. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around to see the woman of his thoughts staring at him quizzically.

"Ah! Hinata-chan! How are you?" He asked nervously while laughing. She smiled at him slightly before asking,

"Naruto-kun, are you alright? You looked weird just right now."
Naruto waved his hand frantically.

"Ah! I was just thinking! Anyways, where are you going? Can I tag along?"

Hinata smiled and nodded.

"Please do. I was just taking a walk."

Naruto grinned and walked beside her. This time however, he stayed quiet. Hinata noticed the unusual silence of her companion, but didn't let on. They walked in contended silence, observing the quite streets ahead. Finally, Naruto spoke.

"I...i don't want to say this, but this whole marriage thing is better than the seal, right?"

Hinata stayed silent for a while, but nodded. Naruto took the signal and kept his mouth shut.

"A-are you going to a-attend the party?" Hinata asked shyly.

Naruto fiddled with the zipper of his jacket nervously.

"I have a mission...so no."

Silence followed.

"I...i see. Well, Naruto-kun, i need to get going and get ready, goodbye." With a hasty smile, Hinata stumbled away. Once she was gone, Naruto sighed heavily and hurried in the other direction.

"Oh Hinata-sama! You look so beautiful!" The maid helping the shy woman with her clothing gushed. Hinata smiled back shyly.

"R-really?"

She was dressed in a beautiful traditional kimono the colour of lavender. Black flower patterns were stitched on the silk cloth. Her hair was tied up into an elegant bun, decorated with various pins and decorations. The maid looked brightly at Hinata, nitpicking here and there. After finishing, Hinata looked down at herself and smiled. Even though this was not an occasion she wanted to look forward to, she had to be polite for this woman who helped her so kindly. Hinata dismissed the woman and looked at herself in the mirror. She felt no happiness as she gazed upon her own reflection. A knock sounded at the door, making her look back.

"Hai?"

"Hinata-sama, the elders are now asking for your presence."

The small smile left Hinata's face,

"Alright."

People chattered here and there, filling the silent room with noise. Neji looked at the various men standing here and there. It annoyed that so many bastards were here just so that they could gain some honour by marrying the Hyuga heiress. He kept his facial expression blank but seethed on the inside. The elders were all gathered in a corner, silently discussing some matter. Neji tilted his head to the entrance. Soon...she will be out of the mess.
Among the several people, one stood out the most. A female Hyuga from the side branch entered and bowed formally.

"Hinata-sama is here." She said formally.

The shy woman stepped into the room, turning several heads and making most of the men in that room gawk.
Hinata looked around with wide eyes, searching for any familiar face at all. Feeling a tap on her shoulder, the heiress turned around to see Neji smiling at her.

"You look beautiful Hinata-sama."

Hinata blushed brightly.

"T-thank You."

She took Neji's arm and walked with him to the back of the room. Hinata was extremely thankful that Neji was with her. There were so many people staring at her, making her uncomfortable. Neji equally glared back at each stupid suitor. The main elder, Yumi stepped forward.

"Would all the suitors step forward please?"

One by one, different heirs from minor clans formed a line. There were a total of ten men standing before Hinata.

Ten?

She looked at each of their faces carefully, until her eyes rested upon the last one. Cerulean eyes peaked out from a shock of blonde hair. Hinata's eyes widened to the size of saucers. Neji smirked.

"N-Naruto-kun..."

Tada! Now I'm aware this is an extremely short chapter. Because of that, next week, there will be two chapters. Look forward to it and review please! Reviews motivate me to write faster, thus earlier posts!

~TheJollyHyuga