I'm so sorry for the looong wait. I know I have been neglecting this story. It's because I lost my device aaand school was really annoying. I guess excuses won't work, but here is the long awaited chapter a little earlier than I said. ;)

"Wait, what?" Naruto stood up, almost knocking over the table. His blue eyes were wide open, a complete look of shock over his face. No one spoke in the room. Probably because of the fact that Hinata had just declared she wanted to marry Haru. Even the elders sat frozen in shock. Hinata stared hard at the ground, not daring herself to look at anyone else. The elders quickly got over their shock.

"The decision has been made by Hinata-sama. The marriage will take place in about a month. Until then, any discussion about this topic is over. That is all, you are all dismissed."

"Didn't anyone hear me?! What the hell Hinata? Tell them you 're lying!" Naruto looked frantically towards her but Hinata's gaze was firmly on the ground.

A slight smile was on Haru's face. "It is what she said, Naruto-san. Please do not try to change her mind. It's already been made."

Neji narrowed his eyes, something is going on…

Hiashi was baffled. He fully expected his daughter to choose that delinquent, but he never expected this.

People started getting up, but Naruto was not done yet. He stumbled over to the other side of the room, desperate to grab Hinata. He was stopped in the middle by Neji.

"Stop it. You can't do anything by storming up to her. Let me handle this." He whispered quietly in Naruto's ear. The blond haired man snarled at Neji.

"I don't care! I need to know what the hell she is thinking!"

"Naru-"

He wrestled out of Neji's grasp and raced after Hinata who had already left.

Hinata scurried down the various hallways trying to quickly go away. It was pretty hard, considering she was running with a crutch in her hand. It had been done. She'd announced it. Why Naruto was so shocked, she had no idea, nor did she care. Thinking no one would go after her she slumped against a wall, putting her wooden leg out. Tears were threatening to come out. She could still remember the conversation she had with Haru just before he had escorted her home that day.

Hinata walked like a zombie. She had just seen Naruto and Sakura kiss. Shock poured over her like a waterfall. Haru, who had been quiet for some time spoke up.

"Hime, Marry Me."

"W-what?" At this point, she was amazed he had the nerve to ask her something like that.

"Listen to me carefully. Naruto has no love for you. He only went in this competition because he felt sympathetic for you. If you were to go away with some suitor, it would trouble people like Neji, Shino and Kiba. He loves Sakura in reality. You saw how they kissed. Don't you want him to be happy? Besides, if you marry me, I'll take care of you. I'll love you properly unlike him. You can even stay in the village if you like!"

His words washed over Hinata, making her even number.

"…I'll do it. But I want you to take me away from this village." Hinata had no wish to stay in the village. Naruto had taken that away from. To think that all that time when they shared any sort of affection, he had simply been acting on sympathy. Who did he think she was? But no matter how hard Hinata tried, anger wouldn't come. It was her fault. She led herself into this mess. She shouldn't have involved Naruto to begin with. If he loved Sakura more, there was nothing she could do. Hinata would accept Haru. After all, he was willing to take care of her, to love her.

Haru smiled kindly, of course Hime." He leaned down and pressed his lips passionately onto hers.

"With this, you'll be mine Hime."

It was just as Haru had said, she was his. There was nothing else to it. She wanted no part of Haru, but she would go with him. She knew how it felt to have your heart broken into bits. She wouldn't do the same with him. Hinata got up slowly reaching for her crutch, ready to head to her room but a strong hand grabbed her roughly from behind. She was turned around to fast, losing grasp of the metal stick. She stumbled back and fell… with someone right on top of her.

Hinata found herself staring at those azure eyes she so much adored. Naruto was on top of her, just inches away from her. He was too close.

Hinata blushed wildly and shifted her gaze away from Naruto.

"M-move."

"I won't."

"Please."

"Not until you tell why you chose that bastard over me."

Hinata looked at him, dumbfounded. Was it not obvious enough? But in those eyes, there was clear desperation. Panic built up inside Hinata. Why was he like this?

"Get away from me." Tears slid down from her doe eyes. She hated it, but she let them spill. She had to get away from him. From that scent, from those eyes.

Shock built up in Naruto's heart as Hinata's tears spilled out. He never meant to make her feel scared. Yet she was crying silently, her gaze averted. Bitterness filled Naruto. He got up quickly. His body was quivering with anger. He just didn't know who it was for. Haru… or Hinata? He quickly walked away, leaving her still lying on the floor.

The next day was a mess. The news had spread like wild fire. Her friends were pestering her over and over about her choice. Hinata needed time to herself. She was not ready to face anyone, including Neji. She ignored him throughout the day and he did the smart thing, not bothering her about the topic. But it was inevitable. She was due for a check-up with Lady Tsunade the next morning. Hinata paced around the room thinking of anything that would let her cancel the check-up. Her leg had adapted very well. It almost felt like she actually had a real leg. Almost. Nothing came to her mind. Frustrated, she sat down and held her head in her hands. She would have to face them one way or another. But if she went, to the hospital, Sakura might be there…

Neji sat quietly and sipped tea while he watched the sun go down slowly. Hinata had avoided her for about a day now. He contemplated on whether to confront her or to leave it when she came up behind him and timidly sat down next to him. Neji said nothing but quietly poured some tea in another cup and held it out. She accepted it and sipped slowly calming her nerves.

"N-nii-san… I need to go to the hospital tomorrow for a check-up. Will you…take me?"

After a moment of silence, Neji smiled. "Of course I will, Hinata. No need to ask."

Relief spread over Hinata. At least Neji wasn't angry with her. She thanked him and left.

Tomorrow…I'll answer all the questions.

Gosh, it's been some time since I uploaded… Anyways, enjoy this! There are a lot of surprises coming up. ;)

~TheJollyHyuga