A/N: I hope being late for an update doesn't become my habit... Sorry, I was having an autor's block... And the past weeks at school have been hell. It continues though, but I managed to find some time and muse. Hope this chapter turned out well :P Oh, yeah, I keep forgetting- I would like to thank MYK-ON for all the reviews, they are always so motivating.

Truth be told...

Her chest was hurting, her feet- wobbly from the running. But she stopped only in front the information desk in the hospital.
- H-Hyuuga Hiashi, I am his daughter.
And again she took off. The nurses told her not to run in the hospital's hallway, but all her ears could hear was the pumping blood. All was forgotten- the thing that happened the other day, the happening in the gym between Naruto and Sakura, the laws of mannerism to behave like a lady, not to run, to keep calm. She stormed into the hospital room, out of breath, and saw her father lying peacefully in the bed. Next to him was Neji, looking calm, he did a better job than Hinata in hiding his concern.
- Daddy! - screamed the girl and jumped on her father's neck. She started weeping and sniffing, squeezing tightly her only parent. The two males watched her paralyzed, after some seconds Hiashi made Neji a sign to leave the room. He then wrapped his hands around his daughter and held her, petting her head. In a while she had collected herself and was stroking her father's hand observing him.
- It was nothing serious, I collapsed because of simple overworking. - but the way he held Hinata told her otherwise. He was scared. Scared, because what brought him to the hospital wasn't a simple exhaustion, because this had happened before and was going to happen again. She knew, Hinata knew about his condition, because despite her father's attempt to keep her away from his life, she was observing him, making sure he was healthy, safe, happy. She didn't fail to notice through the years the stiffness, the impaired balance, the anxiety and the depressions he was having from time to time. Although having the Parkinson's disease so young wasn't common it was still possible. And for her father it was already a fact.
- Father, I think it is finally time to look for help. This can not go on like this, soon it will affect every aspect of your live. You ought to look for help. Please, do it for me and Hanabi. - by the mention of his youngest, Hiashi's eyes widened and he looked down, thinking. He was surprised enough by Hinata's behavior, that she knew, it was only natural for Hanabi to know too. As a matter of fact she could be at home now worrying sick.
- I will call my sister, to let her know you are alright. Then we will talk. I believe it is finally time for us to have a conversation.

And she went out of the room, leaving her father starring behind her. Was she this grown up the last time he saw her? After a while Hinata came back in the room with a small smile on fer face.
- Hanabi was very angry with you, father and said she will "serve a revenge you will never forget". - Hiashi became nervous all of a sudden and felt sweat sliding down his forehead. His younger daughter could be scary at times. She was headstrong, strong-willed and surprisingly independent. She was quiet and a bit of a prankster, or an avenger was the better word for what she was doing. You never know when you did something wrong, what was on her mind and just like the calm before the storm it would come unpredictable. Hinata could already guess what was going on in her father's head and giggled. This time she sat down on the chair and looked into her father's eyes. She saw eyes full of understanding and on his side he saw determination.
- Father, I wanted to talk to you of something that has been bothering myself for a while now. As you know I am at this age, where girls are usually interested in boys, hairdos and clothes. All of my female classmates are taking well care of themselves, laughing and having no worry in the world. Living the life of a teenager to its fullest. Whereas myself's days are filled with grown-up activities, thoughts of honor are haunting my head instead of ones of boys, my life is being devoid of joy. My childhood was taken away from myself at the same time as my mother, dear friend and loving father. Until this moment your daughter has been bearing and suffering the life, that is too early to be hers. She is tired, father, and is begging you for understanding, for she wants change. It is not that I ask of your permission, I want you to understand. - while talking her voice never trembled. Hinata was observing her father calmly, ready to defend her position till the end. Hiashi, on the other side, for the first time in his life after his wife's death was never more sober-minded. What has he done to his eldest? Was he so blinded by the sorrow and grief, that he never noticed his daughter's suffering. Of course he was. He treated her like she was never good enough for the family, like she never did alright on every aspect of her life, like she was some trash. Not the unperfect being every human was, not the girl, who needed encouragement, not the daughter, that was dying for his love and approval.
- Oh, Hinata, I'm so sorry... I'm sorry! - he covered his face in shame. Hiashi was waiting for the wave of anger, that his daughter surely has been botling up, the frustration, anything. Instead she hugged him.
- I forgive you, father. - she petted his head, he hugged her tightly. After a while he pulled back and looked in Hinata's eyes.
- You deserve change, Hinata, if all you needed was understanding, than I do, I do understand you now. I already know, that you are strong enough to face the world head on. And I am sorry for not being there for you when you needed me to. I... I... - at this Hinata smiled sadly.
- Father, stop. I comprehend what is it you are trying to say. But it is alright, don't push yourself. I will be fine... - she got quiet for a while, thinking, than smiled cheerfully - my friends will protect me and make sure I am happy. I am already in great debt to Sakura-chan, Ino-chan, Uchiha-san and Na-naruto-kun. - "Hm, so the little brat is doing what I asked him to do" Hiashi smirked.
- I'm glad to hear you have loyal friends, Hinata. - she smiled once again and looked at her lap, playing with her finders. Her smile vanished all of a sudden. "How am I going to look at Naruto-kun and Sakura-chan tomorrow? Oh, no, I was supposed go to the dojo! What to do, Kakashi-sensei will surely...". Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Hiashi called the visitor in. He and his daughter were taken aback by the sight of Naruto. He was carrying a small bouquet and a box of chocolate bonbons. On his face was no trace of a smile, he was observing the elderly man with unrest. The teenager got closer, squatted next to the bed and observed the man, as if trying to find out if the elder was alright. Than he smiled sheepishly once again and opened his mouth.
- Don't scare us like that uncle, jeez. Hinata even came without changing. Here, Hinata, your bag and uniform. Aaah, I'm late for practice and soon must go to work. I hope you're happy, old man, because of you tomorrow Kakashi-sensei will punish me and Hinata! Argh, what ever, I'm going! Think on what you did and hurry and get better, so that I can kick your ass for worrying us. - and began ride off while waving.
Hinata and Hiashi exchanged glances, Neji was peeking in the room with a puzzled expression. "That was random" thought the males. "Naruto-kun" smiled warmly Hinata. And Naruto, as soon as he turned the corner tumbled on the wall and began crying. " That stupid old man, I was so afraid!" After a while he collested himself got up and made his way towards his home, later to work. Hinata and Neji were finally hurried to go home by the nurse. On their way back, Hinata called Ino. After an ear-piercing squeack the blond announced that early tomorrow morning they will execute the plan. Hinata shuddered after hearing the evil laugh of her friend, not sure all of a sudden if she was ready for the morning.