A/N: Okay another long chapter, this is so I can finish this story in three chapters, after which I will get the feed back about whether a sequel is wanted or not. Just to notify all of my readers, this chapter is made to make you upset and angry which will prep you for the ending so I can give you the full effect of what actually happens. So do not flame me for my work. I try hard and this story WILL have a happy ending.
Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto I wouldn't be writing this on a broken school computer.
Chapter: 49
Shino was sitting at his dinner table, slowly and quietly eating when there was a frantic knock on the door. The Aburame family all glanced at each other, the sunglasses discarded for such an intimate meal between the family members.
"It's either for Shibi or Shino." His mother piped in quietly. "They are the only two ninja's on call."
"That may be so." Spoke Shino's grandfather. "Demo, if it's an emergency it could be anyone of us."
The table fell silent again and another knock pierced the peaceful atmosphere. Shibi Aburame sighed in annoyance.
"Shino, go to the door and notify the guest that their excessive banging is disturbing us." He spoke, getting louder as the bugs around the room began to buzz in aggravation.
"Hai Otou-san." Shino said, before standing bowing and slipping on his sunglasses.
He opened the door and cocked an eyebrow at his out of breath teammate who stood winded on his doorstep.
"Kiba, what are you doing here so late?" he asked, genuine curiosity present in his voice. "You have disturbed my families meal time."
"Gomen!" he gasped out. "But…i-it's important."
"Important?" Shino asked again.
Kiba was about to answer when another voice cut him off.
"What was the cause of the disturbance Shino?" His father asked him in a bored tone.
"My teammate otou-san." Shino said turning to his father.
"Now is family time, it is important to build a bond with teammates but even more important to form a bond with family." Shibi said. "This interruption is unexcused, please fix this problem immediately and return to the dinner table."
"Otou-san he said it was important." Shino said, his tone sounding the same in yet different to his father, almost as if he was begging.
"What is so important that you have come to my house at such late an hour Inuzuka-san?" Shibi asked, instead of answering his son.
Kiba looked at the father and son before locking his eyes with Shino's sunglasses. Years of being teammates made it easy for Shino to read Kiba and by the looks of things Kiba was serious about what he was going to say.
"Hinata is on her way back to Konoha now." Kiba said.
"Are you certain?" Shino asked, his voice no longer monotonous.
"Hai, the Chunin guards spotted them ten minutes ago, they should be here in about five." Kiba said.
Shino turned expectantly to his father, who stood silent and motionless for a few minutes before nodding. Quickly Shino pulled on his sandals and ushered Kiba out the door before beginning their sprint down the street.
"Pfft your family is weird dude." Kiba said whistling for emphasis. "Late hour? It's only 6:00!"
"My family is very stern with their traditions Kiba I am lucky that I was able to go with you." Shino said, his bland tone back again.
It didn't take long for them to reach the gate, both boys slightly winded as the stared at the gate with intensity. The first to appear wasn't Hinata or any other of the young shinobi they were expecting. Instead Gai sensei tore through the open gates and instead of stopping when he reached the group of awaiting ninja's he kept on running. He ran straight past Shino and Kiba, heading towards the Hokage tower. The two members of team eight glanced at each other before they heard someone else approaching. They turned their heads and watched as Sakura Haruno slowly limped her way into the gates. Supporting the weight of not only her sensei but also a mysterious old woman. Apparently Gai's speed did not fail them as a group of medic ninja's with stretcher upon stretcher appeared before them. With a little help she was able to lift both bodies onto the stretchers before she looked up.
Everyone followed her gaze and a collective gasp was heard as a large bird, covered the group of people below it in shadow.
"Back up!" Sakura cried motioning for the people to take steps back. "Let them land!"
The bird alighted gently and everyone held their breath as they waited for who would disembark from the large winged creature.
"Land!" a loud voice cried as a girl with brown hair began to climb down the bird.
"Sora don't!" a deeper voice shouted but was too late.
As soon as the girl hit the ground her legs crumpled beneath her, a closer look revealed blood pooling around her as her body rocked in pain. Jugo, who had spoken earlier slowly slid down the bird, an unconscious Suigetsu thrown over his shoulder and an immobile Karen held by his side. Blood dripped down his bare arms and more blood stained his pants. The medics grabbed Karen from him and laid her gently on the stretcher while Jugo merely threw Suigetsu on top of one. He then leaned down to Sora and lifted her.
"You're such an idiot." He chuckled. "You tore your Achilles tendon. You're not going to be able to walk."
"No, YOU tore OUT my Achilles tendon." Sora specified. "There's a difference."
"Yeah, whatever." Jugo said speaking over the quiet medics who asked them to get on a stretcher.
Tenten then slid from the bird seconds before it disappeared in a puff of smoke. She smiled as the medics began to crowd around her.
"No, don't worry about us three," she said her voice light. "Demo." She continued her voice becoming grave. "You'll need all the help you can get when Naruto arrives."
With that the girl with two buns walked away, Temari over heard what the girl said and turned to her fiancé her face creased in a worried expression.
"Did you hear that?" she asked Shikamaru.
"Yeah," he replied, still facing forward.
"What do you think it means?" she asked again biting her lip.
Shikamaru glanced at her, giving her a small smile before grabbing her hand and squeezing it lightly.
"Lets hope it has nothing to do with Hinata or Kazekage-sama." Natsu said as she limped next to the couple.
They both nodded before directing their attention back to the gate as the large purple snake slithered it's way into Konoha.
"A-ano I-I could use some h-help!" a voice said desperately from behind the large head of the snake.
A group of medics came quickly and surrounded the snake, the only thing the people around the gate could see was a bag, stained with blood being lifted off the snake. Temari gasped and put a hand to her mouth to stifle a scream. Shikamaru squeezed her hand reassuringly, just as a pale black haired girl appeared, gripping one end of the bag tightly. Tears poured down her cheeks but she was silent. A red headed girl slid off after her and attempted to go after her dark haired friend but was stopped by the medics who looked her over. Finally an identical brown haired girl from earlier slid off the snake, acting as a crutch for Sasuke Uchiha as he limped towards the stretchers.
"Where's Naruto?" Tsunade's loud voice boomed in everyone's ears.
"He should be coming soon." Sakura said, glancing at her teacher. "Demo, Tsunade-sama, there's a slight problem."
But the pink haired girl was cut off from explaining as a loud shriek cut through the air. All eyes then turned to the giant toad that loomed over the gates. Naruto was on top of it's head, he looked as if he was pulling something that was refusing to budge. More shrieks came from the thing a top the toad. Tears filled Temari's eyes as her hands came up to clasp her ears at the terrible screams. Shikamaru covered her hands that were still on her ears with his own, hoping she hadn't recognized the feminine voice yet. After a particular ear-piercing scream Naruto was knocked off the toad. His faithful summon caught him with his long slimy tongue and placed him gently on the ground.
"Do you want me to get her to?" the toad boomed out, making a few people step back.
"That would be nice." Naruto said. "I'll grab her when she gets down here."
The long tongue then went back up to the top of the head before wrapping tightly around something and bringing it down to the ground. As soon as the figure was released it began to try and climb back up the toad.
"NO!! NO! NO!" The screams reached an all time high as Naruto dove for the person's legs. "LET ME GO! LET ME GO YOU DEVIL FOX!"
Tsunade stood frozen for a second before glancing at Sakura, her honey eyes widened in utter disbelief. Sakura only nodded sadly. Neji and Lee who were still on top of the toad were slowly making their way down the toad carrying another large black bag. The Hyuuga genius stopped for a minute to glance down. Naruto had his arms wrapped tightly around the hysterical struggling figure slightly choking on the long navy blue hair as the person thrashed against him.
"I need some sedatives quick!" Tsunade cried before rushing over to aid Naruto.
"More like freaking tranquilizer!" Naruto said through clenched teeth as he struggled to hold the person still.
"Hinata Hyuuga listen to me!" Tsunade said grabbing her face in her hands.
"Hinata!" Natsu gasped, and was about to limp over to when Shikamaru shot her a sharp look.
Neji and Lee finally made it to the ground with the black bag and Hinata thrashed even more.
"Hinata stop! OW!" Naruto cried as she sunk her teeth into his arm.
She was released and she began to race at the two other ninja carrying the bag. Both boys dropped it in surprise and tried to derail the frantic Kunoichi, however both boys were smacked hard. Hinata used a powerful but not fatal juken strike on Lee and she punched Neji in the gut. Both boys fell away from the bag and Hinata crawled on her hands and knees, before she tried to forcefully open the bag. Just as she opened it, Naruto recovered and tackled her to the ground; he struggled with holding down her arms and legs. Shino and Kiba quickly came to his aid in order to restrain their berserk teammate.
"AHHHH! AH! AHHHH!" She continually screamed, trying to throw off the three boys.
"Alright we got the sedatives, get her on her feet." Tsunade called over to them.
"Easier said then done oba-chan." Naruto shouted back. "Alright on the count of three, one…two…three!"
Naruto wrapped his arms around her torso while Kiba kept her arms pinned behind her back. Shino formed shackles around her ankles with his bugs. However Hinata never let them be, she continued to struggle no matter how tight they held her. Neji and Lee soon helped restrain her when it became clear that they wouldn't be able to hold her back by themselves anymore. Tsunade took a large syringe from one of the stand by medics.
"Bring her closer." Tsunade said.
The boys dragged the screaming Hinata towards Tsunade; she motioned for them to turn her around. Temari pulled away from Shikamaru and stepped foreword Hinata's head swung around viciously as she bared her teeth at the men around her.
"Hinata." Temari said softly, fear of her best friend in her eyes.
Hinata fixed her eyes on Temari who gasped; her milky orbs were tainted red and fierce. However when the Hyuuga saw the fear in her friend's eyes her face softened and her eyes returned to their soft milky color. Quickly Tsunade shoved the large needle at the base of Hinata's spine. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head and her body became limp. Naruto picked her up and began to walk her towards the hospital, while Lee and Neji went back to the bag and Shino and Kiba walked slowly after Naruto.
"Why was she acting like that?" Temari asked glancing at Shikamaru.
He shook his head as Temari turned back as Neji and Lee walked by them, Hinata had ripped open the bag and Temari got a glance of the body inside. Her eyes filled with tears as Shikamaru pulled her close again.
"NO!" she screamed.
--Page Break--
Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.
Hinata sat up slowly; she held a hand to her head as a massive headache washed over her. She looked around before sighing deeply.
"I need to stop waking up in the hospital." She muttered. "I should just move in."
She touched the corners of her mouth; it had caused her a lot of pain when she spoke. Her fingers brushed over something wiry and she realized she had stitches. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed she prepared to venture out and find a nurse who could explain what happened, she couldn't remember anything, and she could use a painkiller to. Her feet touched the cool ground and she had to grasp the table beside the bed to keep herself from falling. Both of her legs shook as she put more weight on them, but slowly she was able to regain enough strength to walk albeit slowly. She opened her door and glanced down the hall. No one was there so she decided to make her way to the closest nurse's station. As she walked she heard voices. She came to a stop and hid behind a wall so she could hear what they were saying.
"So the person at the gate the other day that was causing a scene was Hinata Hyuuga?" a young nurse asked her superior.
"Yes," the elder nurse said, latching onto the piece of gossip. "Do you know what caused the ruckus?"
"No I have no idea, from what I've hear usually miss Hyuuga is very well behaved and mannered." The younger nurse said.
"Oh she is!" the older nurse said. "I should know she's been in the hospital so many times. The girl ought to move in here."
Hinata's cheeks flushed in embarrassment, the nurse had the same thoughts she did. But before the Hyuuga could wonder anymore on the topic the nurse spoke again.
"Had a crush on Hokage-sama ever since they were kids…"
Wait…WHAT!? How long had she been in this hospital? Hinata got to her feet and was about to speak but stopped when she heard the two women quiet their voices.
"But now she's in love with the Kazekage." The nurse whispered.
"Wow she really goes for the guys with the power." The young nurse replied thoughtfully.
"What would you expect? She is a Hyuuga after all, and the heiress at that." The nurse said matter of factly.
"But I thought she was disowned?" the other nurse asked.
"No, SHE abandoned her clan, anyway we're getting off topic." The 'wiser' nurse said.
"What I've heard is she went all crazy because the Kazekage died."
"No!" the younger nurse gasped scandalized.
"Yes." The elder nurse nodded satisfied with the reaction she got from her audience. "She attacked, Hokage-sama, bit him in the arm. And punched her cousin in the gut! Not to mention what she did to poor Rock Lee!" she said her voice getting louder.
"SHHH!" the younger nurse hushed as she looked around anxiously. "Someone might hear you."
Hinata felt guilt rise in her chest and she pressed a hand to her mouth in shock. Did she really do all that?
"But if the Kazekage's dead why is he in room 303?" the younger nurse asked utterly puzzled.
"Because there was a mysterious old lady, Chiyo, if I recall correctly. She used some mysterious chakra thing to bring him back to life." The nurse said, waving it off. "Poor woman gave up her life for him so he could be with Hinata."
"Aww that's so sweet and sad." The nurse said. "Wait I remember that day, I was on this floor and all of the heart monitors jumped and then everything went back to normal."
"Yeah Chakra is a strange form of mojo. I don't trust it if you ask me." The nurse rambled on but Hinata stopped listening.
Gaara was in room 303. Instead of talking to the nurses she slowly headed to the room. It took her a few minutes to find it. She had to sneak past the nurse's station on hands and knees. Taking a deep breath she slowly pushed the door open. Tears gathered in her eyes as she saw the Kazekage lying in the bed breathing steadily. She couldn't help the tears that ran down her cheeks and she couldn't contain her happiness she ran to the bed and grasped his hand before dropping it back to his side and touching her hands to his cheeks. Feeling every line and feature on his face she let a tear fall onto his cheek. He stirred and she immediately backed away, afraid she would break him to pieces if he saw her. Another small movement and he was still once more. Without thinking much she slowly lifted the blanket. Being careful not to wake him she slid into the bed next to him and wrapped her arms around his waist she rested her head gently on his chest. Finally comforted she drifted off to sleep. When she awoke again she was immobile, she opened her eyes and saw Gaara's arm wrapped around her she sighed before looking up, only to be met with two sharp aqua eyes.
"Eep!" she squeaked as her face turned red.
A small smile formed on the Kazekage's lips and he squeezed her a little tighter.
"Your awake." He said.
"Your alive." She smiled.
They stared at each other for a while and slowly their heads began to come together, they were only a breath apart when the door slammed open. They're shot up and away from each other as they stared at the two sand siblings and Matsuri entering the room.
"Oh!" Temari cried coyly. "Are we interrupting something? If we are we could come back later."
"No it's fine." Gaara said releasing Hinata as the Hyuuga attempted to climb out of the bed.
"I'll be going back to my room now, Ja ne everyone!" Hinata cried cheerfully, locking eyes with Gaara before disappearing out the door.
"Wait Hinata-chan!" Matsuri cried from behind the Hyuuga also exiting.
Making sure the door was shut Temari turned on Gaara as Kankurou took a seat next to the bed.
"So when are you going to ask her?" Temari asked anxiously.
"Ask who what?" The Kazekage asked puzzled.
"Oh you know who what!" Temari said stubbornly.
"Obviously I don't." Gaara said, they may have extracted the demon but he was still as stoic as ever.
"You love Hinata-chan right?" Temari asked.
Gaara gave her a curt nod afraid of where this was going. He hoped to God his sister didn't bring up…
"Well when are you going to ask her to marry you?"
Never mind… His eyes became glazed and he let his gaze drift to the window where the blue sky offered him an escape.
"Hello!" Temari said offended because he was ignoring her. "Well when are you going to snap into action?"
Gaara didn't answer his sister, he merely shrugged. The blonde sighed before walking to the door.
"I'll be right back, I'm going to go get Naru…Hokage-sama." Temari grimaced at the title before leaving the room.
Kankurou leaned forward a grin on his face. Gaara immediately looked up, feeling a little fear at the mischievous glint in his brother's eyes.
"Get this," he said. "I met the most amazing girl ever!"
Gaara only stared an imaginary eyebrow raised, waiting for his pervert brother to continue. Catching the drift Kankurou continued.
"Her name is Rikku and I was waiting to tell you…" he said, before glancing around the room as if to make sure he was alone before leaning in and whispering. "I'm serious about her."
The Kazekage looked away from his brother and back out the window. Seemingly ignoring the 'dramatic' announcement.
"Hey are you ignoring me?" Kankurou asked, his voice slightly angry.
The red head let his eyes flick to his brothers and all the anger and happiness drained from the older boys face. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly as he let his brother focus his attention outside, even though he knew he was still listening.
"So…when are you going to tell her?" Kankurou asked quietly.
Flash back
"Hyuuga Hinata."
The council was silent for a minute before looking at each other making Gaara suspicious. He opened his mouth to speak when an elder interrupted him.
"I'm sorry Gaara-sama but you can not marry Hinata Hyuuga."
Gaara almost lost his cool. Gaara NEVER lost his cool. Nor did he ever come close to loosing his cool. Okay that was an exaggeration, Gaara lost his cool many many times, but not since his fight with Naruto, and right now he wanted to loose his cool all over the elders.
"Why not." He stated, gripping the sides of his chair tightly.
"With accordance to a law signed by your great grandfather and the kage's of all the other villages." The elder said, pulling said document out of nowhere.
Gaara grabbed the document from the elder's hands letting his eyes scan over the old sheet of paper.
"It says." Another elder piped in. "That pacts are ideal, so only one member of the Kage family may marry someone from a particular village. So an example would be if Kankurou-san married someone from the rain village, neither you or Temari-san would be able to marry someone from that same village."
"But it also says this law can be revoked by the council." Gaara said through gritted teeth.
"Then I think another vote is called for." The head elder replied. "Those in favor of revoking the law?"
Five hands rose defiantly and Gaara couldn't help but feel gratitude towards the five members.
"All for keeping the law the same."
Five more hands rose into the air, a few council members were too afraid to vote, and Chiyo hadn't voted at all.
'They should be afraid, how dare they deny us!' Shukaku rumbled.
Gaara ignored his demon and fixed the head council member with his eyes for the elder man was about to speak.
"Usually I would not vote during one of these situations." He spoke. "But for this situation I must stand firm, we will not change the law."
The arms of the chair Gaara was sitting in splintered. Some of the council members cringed but the head did not, instead he fixed Gaara with a hard stare.
"However, I am prepared to make a deal. We will revoke the bill and you will be able to marry Hyuuga-san, but Temari-san will have to call off her wedding with Shikamaru Nara."
They watched the look of horror pass over their Kazekage's face before quickly fading.
"Don't worry, you and Matsuri-san will be very happy together."
End Flash back
Gaara had told Kankurou of his predicament, but he couldn't call off Temari's wedding. Not after everyone's combined effort to make such a joyous occasion happen, worst of all he wouldn't even be able to pick his own Suna bride. He HAD to marry Matsuri. Kankurou watched his little brother, concerned. He hadn't answered his question; he was about to say something when Gaara looked at him again.
"I'm not."
Kankurou stood from his chair and left the room, allowing his brother to sit in his silent regret.
--Page Break--
"Hinata-chan I have great news!" Matsuri said excited.
"What is it Matsuri?" she asked politely.
"I'm getting married!" She exclaimed.
"Aww that's great!" she said hugging the smaller girl. "Who is it?"
Matsuri blushed and opened her mouth to speak but was cut off as a blonde young man bounded into the room followed by a red head.
"Hinata-chan! You're finally awake." Naruto exclaimed hugging the girl tightly.
"Yeah Hinata-chan, that's great!" Kasumi said smiling happily at her friend.
"It's nice to see you guys." The Hyuuga said, bowing and smiling at her two friends. "Especially you…Hokage-sama."
Naruto blushed and smiled even wider before wrapping an arm around both Hinata and Kasumi.
"Yup it's official!" The blonde shouted. "And this is my official secretary!"
he ruffled Kasumi's hair with a large hand.
"So is being Hokage as great as you always imagined it would be?" Hinata asked.
"And more!" he smiled wider before his face got serious. "But they keep pressuring me to get married." At this point he stared intently at Hinata.
"Really?" she said softly not noticing his stare. "That's a little unfortunate."
Naruto gave Kasumi a meaningful glance and the red head caught on immediately. She was about to leave when she noticed the small Suna girl standing awkwardly in the corner.
"Hey." She said pointing to said girl. "Come on, let's go get something from the cafeteria, I need a friend right now."
"Oh that reminds me!" Hinata said. "How's Yuki?"
Kasumi's face turned sad and looked at Hinata before quietly whispering her reply.
"She buried Akihiko yesterday." Kasumi said. "All by herself."
Hinata nodded, "I'll visit her later."
Kasumi smiled again before nodding. "I'm sure she'll like that."
With that the girls disappeared, and Naruto turned back to Hinata, he opened his mouth to speak, his cheeks slightly red. But before the new Hokage could speak the door to Hinata's hospital room opened again. This time Neji walked in and looked sadly at his cousin. Hinata being the good soul she was, was at his side in moments.
"Ni-san, what's wrong?" Hinata said tenderly resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Hanabi sent me to get you," Neji said softly. "To go see Hiashi-sama."
"Otou-san?" Hinata asked. "What's wrong with Otou-san?"
"He has a brain tumor Hinata." Neji said. "He doesn't have much time left."
Her opal eyes widened, as the conversation she had with the leader echoed in her head.
"Your father has a brain tumor and will leave the Hyuuga clan virtually heirless."
"What!?" Hinata cried. "You're lying!"
"I wish I was." He said before holding out a paper butterfly. "Konan-san has been observing your village for a long time."
Hinata nodded slowly, still in her stupefied state as she let Neji lead her out of the room, Naruto stood there speechless.
--Page Break--
"Shikamaru," Temari said softly as she leaned against her fiancé's shoulder.
"Hmm?" he asked tiredly as he stretched a little on the grass underneath the tree.
"Our wedding's gonna be great right?" Temari asked.
"Of course, Hinata's helping." Shikamaru said smiling down at her. "Everything that girl touches is perfect."
"Well if you like her so much why aren't you marrying her?" Temari asked grumpily.
"She's to pretty." Shikamaru said earning a smack as Temari stood and was about to stalk away from him.
"Hey!" he said catching her in an embrace. "I was only kidding! Besides who wants perfection all the time? It's boring." He said glumly resting his head on Temari's shoulder.
The blonde giggled and looked into his brown eyes.
"Perfection is good at times, which is why I trust her completely with our wedding." Temari said.
"Yeah me to." Shikamaru agreed.
"No you're just to lazy!" Temari teased, pulling away from him. "Besides." Another giggle escaped her. "If you thought Gaara would kill you for marrying me, imagine what he would do if you were going to marry Hinata!"
"Don't even joke about that." Shikamaru shivered.
"What? Now I can't tell a joke?" Temari asked, hurt. "You jerk!" and with that the blonde Suna ninja stalked off.
"What the?" Shikamaru asked confused. "Women." He muttered, planning to visit Hinata in the hospital so they could discuss his upcoming wedding.
--Page Break--
Kankurou wasn't a brooder. Anyone who had ever met him would say so. He was always happy or serious about something or other. Rikku who had known him for a few weeks now knew that he never brooded. So when she saw him walking down the street hands shoved in his pockets and head down she couldn't help but approach him.
"Kanky-kun?" she said, using a nickname he only overlooked around her.
The boy looked up at the title and smiled softly at the brown haired girl that was approaching him.
"Yeah? What's wrong Rikku-koi?" he asked smiling a little wider at her red cheeks.
"I-I should be asking you that question." She said calming herself.
"What do you mean? There's nothing wrong with me." He said. "I'm perfect!" but his narcissistic statement was lacking his usual attitude.
"There's something wrong Kanky and I'm not letting it go." She said, giving him a playful tug on his cat ears.
"Am I really that transparent?" he asked.
"Like a window." She answered.
Kankurou explained the situation to Rikku and her eyes filled with tears. He wrapped his arms around her and cooed in her ear.
"Everything will be okay." He said. "I will find a way to fix this."
She turned to face him, her eyes giving him hope and determination to reach his goal.
"But where will you look?" she asked.
"In the old record room in Suna." He said. "There has to be something there."
"I want to help." She said suddenly.
"But the libraries in Suna." Kankurou said.
"Then it looks like I'm going to Suna with you." Rikku said defiantly.
Kankurou looked at her shocked for a minute before landing a kiss on her lips as he smiled and grabbed her hand.
"Then I guess we should pack you up, we're leaving tomorrow." Kankurou smiled.
--Page Break--
Yuki kneeled in front of her brother's grave, more tears flowing freely down her face as she prayed. She hadn't moved in hours the graveyards soil was familiar to her; she hadn't left since she buried him. She had no money to afford a gravestone or a coffin so she made her own. It paled in comparison to the large marble slab next to his but she didn't care she continued to sit, pray, and cry. Due to her previous training as a bodyguard she heard the footsteps that approached her, however she didn't care. Sasuke saw the girl sitting at the grave and knelt beside her.
"Yuki," he said softly, but she didn't react to him. "Yuki." He said again, placing a hand on her shoulder making the girl flinch. "You need to eat, Akihiko wouldn't want you to live like this."
She looked at him with harsh eyes, which were sunken deep into her head, her cheeks were extremely bony and it saddened Sasuke to see her like this.
"How would you know what he wanted?" she asked. "You weren't with him."
"But someone was." Sasuke said. "I'll take you to go see her."
Yuki looked away from him but slowly nodded and Sasuke helped her to her feet. They walked slowly out of the graveyard, Yuki sparing one last look at her brothers grave.
"Sasuke?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
"Yeah." He answered her.
"Do you think he knew how much I loved him?" Yuki asked.
"Did you cry for him?" Sasuke asked.
"…Yeah…" she said looking at him weird her dark eyes puffy and tear marks staining her cheeks.
"Then of course he did."
--Page Break--
When Hinata entered her father's hospital room, she saw Hanabi sitting by his side silently. The blinds were down and the curtains drawn, in the plain white bed Hiashi sat. His once long hair was now nothing but wispy tufts on the crown of his head. Both of his eyes were dark; his skin was translucent and flaky. Hinata let a few tears slide down her cheeks as she pressed a hand to her mouth in shock. Without another moment she was at her fathers side, grasping his hand tightly.
"Otou-san, daijobu?" she asked softly.
His white eyes rolled and focused on her with a little difficulty, before he turned his head back to Hanabi.
"I told you not to allow her in." He slurred.
"I know Otou-san, demo." Hanabi began but was cut off.
"I don't want her in here!" he cried pulling his hand from her grip.
"Otou-san, you don't know what you're saying." Hinata said reaching for his hand again.
"I do!" he said. "I don't want you here! Get out!"
"Otou…" but Hinata was cut off.
"Your useless and weak!" he snapped at her. "I don't want you to be the last thing I see!"
"No I…" Hinata tried again.
"GET OUT!" Hiashi cried.
She ran out of the room not being able to stop her tears, she continued to run and run until she made it to the apartment her and Natsu shared. Jumping into her bed she fell into a troubled sleep.
--Page Break--
Neji glared at his uncle who merely stared up at the ceiling again.
"How could you Hiashi-sama!?" Neji cried. "She is your eldest daughter, and she cares about you, in yet you refuse to let her stay with you while your dying?"
"That's exactly it Neji." Hiashi said, his voice becoming weaker. "My daughter is a strong kind and loving person, I regret all that I've done to her. I am unworthy of her, and I refuse to cause her anymore pain by letting her watch me die."
Neji paused again before his face took on another look of anger.
"She loves you." Neji said. "Despite all that you have done to her she still loves you!"
"I know, that's why I want you to give her this." He said handing Neji a small package. "And I want you my nephew to take care of the Hyuuga clan. Change it for the better I know you can. So that there are no more problems. So that…" he turned towards his younger daughter and placed a hand on her cheek. "There are no more cursed seals."
There was a long pause in the room as the two younger Hyuuga's processed everything he has said.
"I love you Neji, like my own son. I love you Hanabi and more often have I favored you over your sister, but if you ever felt unloved." Hiashi said, piercing her soul with his all-seeing eyes. "Do not hold it against Hinata."
Hanabi nodded allowing her self a few tears as her father's body became limp. He focused his eyes on Neji one more time before speaking.
"Tell Hinata I love her, and that…I was always proud of her. Always."
That was the last word he spoke before Hiashi Hyuuga died.
--Page Break-- (A/N: This is about a month later.)
Hinata stood from her fathers grave, only Hanabi, Neji and herself knew of where his body truly lay while there was a large elaborate grave in his memory somewhere else. Bowing one last time she sprinted down the large Hokage monument and rushed to Ino's flower shop where Shikamaru would meet her.
"Your late." He said bored.
"Gomen!" she gasped, trying to regain her breath.
"Ino wont even let me in." Shikamaru said crossing his arms. "Looks like it's all up to you." He said.
Hinata took a deep breath and walked inside the shop, greeted with a friendly smiling blonde.
"Ohayo Hinata-chan." Ino said.
"Ohayo Ino-chan." Hinata replied back before leaning against the counter. "Ne Ino-chan, you know why I'm here right?"
"Of course I do!" the peppy blonde said. "And I'll tell you the same thing I told Shikamaru-teme. No way in hell!"
Hinata blanched; shocked Ino was able to keep such a cheery attitude even though she was obviously angry.
"Onegai Ino!" Hinata begged putting on her best pouty face.
"Why should I?" she said, and Hinata smiled knowing she would be able to get what she wanted from Ino.
"Because, I'm your friend and Shikamaru was your best friend." Hinata said fairly.
"So!" Ino said.
"So you should show your friends some love and help!" Hinata said. "And don't think I don't see that guy that's comes to see you every. Single. Day."
Ino blushed before she grinned and nodded her head making Hinata smile in triumph.
"Alright Hinata." Ino said. "I'll be the florist for Shikamaru and Temari's wedding."
"So we can expect the flowers at the wedding in three days?" Hinata asked.
"Hai." Ino nodded.
"And you have the right order?" Hinata asked again.
"Of course!" Ino answered arranging a few flowers.
"Arigotou Ino-chan!" Hinata said giving the blonde a big hug. "You're the best!" She cried as she exited the flower shop.
"Yeah! Yeah!" Ino said.
Hinata walked out the door and was faced with an anxious Shikamaru. He looked at her expectantly and waited for anything.
"Well!" He finally asked impatient.
"You've got your flowers!" Hinata said smiling.
"Ah thanks Hinata." Shikamaru said relieved. "Temari's coming this afternoon and…"
"I know Shikamaru, I have to go for a fitting today." Hinata said smiling at the Nara's nervousness.
--Page Break--
Rikku just got out of the shower and was drying her hair when she stepped into the room she now shared with Kankurou. He was sitting at his desk pouring over stacks and stacks of books. He sighed frustrated and collapsed on their bed. Rikku walked over to him and poked his stomach gently.
"What's wrong? She asked.
"I can't find ANYTHING!" he said. "I've looked and I've looked but I can't find anything."
"Do you have a copy of the law?" Rikku asked.
"Yeah it's on the desk." He muttered, rolling over.
Rikku read it and an idea struck her, she quickly picked up another book before a huge smile spread across her face.
"Kanky!" she said excited.
"What is it?" he asked, depressed.
"Well the law clearly states that the council can veto the law." Rikku said. "Chiyo-san is dead God rest her soul, and one just retired."
"So?" Kankurou asked, waiting for her to elaborate.
"Well now there's an even number, so they are obviously looking for a new council member." Rikku said, but Kankurou still gave a confused look. "You can become a council member!"
"Are you sure?" He asked, astounded.
"Yeah!" She said handing him a book before lying down on the bed and falling asleep.
--Page Break--
"Hinata-chan! What are you doing here?" Kasumi asked looking up from the large stacks of papers she was organizing.
"Ano Hokage-sama asked me to come here." Hinata said.
"Oh, well he should be in his office." Kasumi said, smiling.
Hinata nodded before walking into the Hokage office. Naruto was pacing the floor when she entered. He whipped around and looked at her, his cheeks flushing and he began wringing his hands.
"Uh hello, Hokage-sama." Hinata said.
"Oh!" he said, surprised by her voice. "T-take a seat."
Hinata nodded and sat, trying to give him a reassuring smile in which he gave her a smile back. His hand went to his pocket and once again he looked nervous before he decided to speak.
"Hinata, we've known each other for a long time." Naruto said.
"Yes of course." Hinata said.
"And um I just wanted you to know that. I-I love you!" he said dropping to one knee blue eyes shining.
Hinata sat there stunned but she was even more stunned at the next thing he presented before her. He pulled a velvet box out and opened it, a silver ring sat in the middle with a sapphire sitting on top.
"Will you marry me?" he asked hopefully.
"N-n-naruto." Hinata said softly.
The blonde looked hopefully up at her, but when he looked into her white eyes he saw confusion.
"Can you give me an hour to think it over?" Hinata asked.
"O-of course!" he said.
Hinata rocketed from her seat and dashed out the door. Naruto blinked kneeling on the floor. The door opened and Kasumi peaked in.
"So how'd it go?" she asked.
"Um she said she'd be back in an hour." He said. "Is that good?"
"That's…great!" Kasumi said before ushering Naruto to his desk. "But until then why don't you do some paperwork."
Naruto nodded and began to sign the papers as Kasumi left.
'Let her say yes!' Kasumi prayed before going back to her desk.
--Page Break--
Hinata raced towards the gate to Konoha, Shikamaru stood waiting for her and his fiancé to arrive. When he saw Hinata he waved but she was so dazed that her eyes just gazed over him before they focused on the opening gate. Temari was the first one through the gate and she tackled Shikamaru in a hug. Hinata stepped foreword through the throng of Jounin to where the Kazekage stood with Matsuri by his side. They stared at each other for a minute, finally Hinata smiled.
"Gaara-kun, Matsuri-chan." The Hyuuga said, disappointed that she didn't get the same warm reception from the Kazekage.
"Hi Hinata-chan!" Matsuri said hugging the pale-eyed girl.
Hinata hugged her back but her eyes were focused on the red head that looked on with a steely face.
"Matsuri come here!" Temari commanded.
The brown haired girl nodded and rushed over to her soon to be sister in law as Hinata stepped towards the Kazekage. They stood for a moment in an awkward silence and Gaara went to pass her but Hinata stopped him. He looked at her with cold eyes making Hinata release his arm. He began to walk away a few of Suna Jounin following him.
"Gaara!" Hinata cried in alarm.
He turned towards her with a bored expression, her face was concerned, why was he acting so cold, so indifferent.
"Naruto…" Hinata said. "Naruto…he proposed to me."
Gaara looked at her, the same bored expression on his face making Hinata angry.
"I thought you would care!" Hinata cried.
"Why?" Gaara asked.
"Because…you said…I thought" she stammered.
"You thought what?" he asked.
"I thought you loved me…" Hinata said.
"Well I don't." he said simply, making a few tears fall down the Hyuuga's face. "Hinata-san I would like you to say hello to my fiancé. Matsuri say hello to Hinata-san."
Matsuri only smiled blushing and beaming at the cold-hearted Kage. Hinata blinked surprised for a minute before a grin spread across her face.
"You're kidding me right?" Hinata said. "Please tell me you're joking."
"I'm not." Gaara said beginning to walk away but turning his head one last time. "I don't love you."
Hinata fell to her knees and sobbed, her head touching the ground, not caring that her fair complexion was marred with dirt.
--Page Break--
Kankurou closed the book, Rikku had given him and he sighed. He placed a hand on the sleeping girls face. He leaned down gently and placed a soft kiss on her cheek before getting up and leaving the room. Walking down the hall he made his way to the elder's room and banged hard on the door.
"Kankurou Sabuku do you know what time it is?" the elder said viciously.
"Um I don't care what I want is a request." Kankurou said.
"What's so important you must disturb me at 11:30 at night?" the elder asked impatiently.
"I want to be a council member."
--Page Break-- (A/N: the next day)
The red head awoke from his sleep feeling the pang in his heart as he glanced at a photo of him and Hinata he had placed on his nightstand. After slowly getting dressed and skipping his breakfast he headed to the Kage tower where Naruto waited to see him. Gaara walked into the Hokage's office and flinched at the brightness of the blonde mans smile, his own face was still stoic even though he wanted to die on the inside.
"There you are Gaara!" Naruto said cheerfully. "I was waiting forever for you!"
"Gomen." He apologized, averting his eyes from the other mans happy face.
"I wanted to ask something." Naruto said grinning wider.
Gaara looked up into his bright blue eyes and waited for him to speak when suddenly the door opened and a woman with long indigo hair came in. Naruto had his arms wrapped around her waist in a second.
"Naruto!" Hinata yelped in surprise.
"Anyway Gaara," Naruto said. "I was going to say we should have our weddings together."
Gaara looked at him for a moment before glancing at Hinata's hand where the silver ring with the large blue stone rested. He looked into her eyes and she looked back, her eyes steely and unsympathetic. Her Hyuuga eyes said to him what he had spoken in words the day before. 'I don't love you.' Gaara's face saddened before he looked down and she left the office after handing something to Naruto.
"Well what do you say Gaara?" Naruto asked excitedly.
Gaara only nodded before standing and left the tower glancing once at Hinata.
--Page Break--
Hinata was shuffling through Tsunade's old papers with Kasumi, her eyes gazing over a few papers.
"Thanks again Hinata." Kasumi said.
"No problem." Hinata answered with a smile.
One paper however caught her attention, it was yellowed and old. She briefly glanced over it before stopping and reading everything on the paper she pressed a hand to her lips and began to cry.
"Oh gomen Gaara." Hinata said her voice cracking.
--Page Break--(A/N: Day of Temari and Shikamaru's wedding.)
"How do I look?" Temari said.
"Gorgeous," Hinata reassured for the thousandth time that morning.
"Are you sure?" Temari asked nervously.
Hinata sighed as she finished pinning up Temari's hair.
"I'm sure." Hinata said showing Temari a mirror.
The sand ninja gasped and grabbed the pale girls cheeks never taking her eyes off the mirror.
"Shikamaru was right." Temari said in awe.
"What do you mean?" Hinata asked, twirling a few pieces of loose golden hair so that they hung down in small ringlets around her friends face.
"He said that everything you touch becomes perfect." Temari said smiling at her friend's reflection.
Hinata blinked a few times before laughing out loud, Temari soon joined in until there was a knock on the door. For a minute Temari's face looked excited and she was about to get up when Hinata shook her head and walked over to the door. Opening it a slight crack she peeked out.
"Hey Hinata." Ino said from behind the door, dressed in a peach colored kimono. "The flowers have been fixed, but unfortunately," she said glancing at the fumbling boy who carried a large vase and hiding her smile. "I have to stay to make sure someone!" she shouted at the boy, making him blush. "Doesn't mess with the arrangements ok?"
"Yes of course!" Hinata said. "Arigotou Ino-chan!"
She closed the door and turned back to Temari, who sat facing her, excitement shining from her eyes. Hinata frowned and shook her head, watching, as her friend's eyes turn dull.
"I doubt he'll even come." Temari pouted.
"Gaara's a little rough around the edges, demo, he loves you and he'll come to your wedding." Hinata reassured.
"He needs a woman that will smooth those edges." Temari said waggling her eyebrows at Hinata.
The pale-eyed girl quickly turned and let a few tears slide down her cheeks. Temari was unnerved at the silence and spoke.
"Hinata are you ok?" she asked as the Hyuuga took her engagement ring from her pocket.
After a few more minutes she turned to Temari with a smile, all evidence of tears gone and the ring clenched in her fist behind her back.
"Fine Temari-chan." Hinata said. "Now come on we have to get you into your Kimono." She spoke again gently pulling on Temari's yakuta sleeve.
--Page Break--
"Shikamaru hurry up!" Chouji called behind him, a little impatient with his best friend,
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Shikamaru said walking behind his best friend, however he stopped when he saw a familiar red head though a window in an inn.
"Shikamaru!" Chouji cried.
"You go on, I'll be there in a minute." Shikamaru said distracted.
"You're going to be late." Chouji sighed.
"No I wont," Shikamaru said. "I promise."
With that the Nara disappeared into the building that the Kazekage was staying in.
"What ever." Chouji grumbled before continuing to the church.
After getting the room number from the receptionist Shikamaru raced up the stairs and knocked on the door. He waited patiently for the door to open, and after about five minutes he was faced with a bleary looking red head.
"What do you want Nara?" Gaara said sleepily.
"I want to know why you aren't at my wedding." Shikamaru answered his tone testy.
"Pfft!" Gaara rolled his eyes. "Like I care about you're wedding."
"You should." Shikamaru said before pushing his way into the apartment. "I'm getting married to your sister."
"Then go get married!" Gaara moped. "Just get married so I can move on. I don't get my happy ending so I don't want to see anyone else's"
"This is your sister's wedding!" Shikamaru insisted. "Don't you care, at least a little bit?"
The Kazekage stared then blinked a few times before locking eyes with Shikamaru and becoming angry.
"No!" he snapped.
"Listen to me you over emotional freak! I know you have some issues and emotional baggage that you need to work out. But this is Temari's wedding and I don't care if I have to drag you to the chapel dressed as is, you ARE going to this wedding."
Gaara didn't say anything he just stood there and blinked, this went on for five minutes before Shikamaru had enough. He walked into the kitchen grabbed a glass of water and through it on the red headed young man. The sand ninja spluttered and coughed for a minute before looking up, a glare fixed at Shikamaru.
"Fine I'll go." He ground out.
"Good." Shikamaru smiled before grabbing the kimono Temari had left out for her brother. "Hurry up or we'll be late."
"Shikamaru?" Gaara asked.
"Hmmm?" the groom asked, picking up the pace as they headed for the church.
"I thought you were the lazy one." Gaara said watching him closely.
Shikamaru paused before laughing, and Gaara couldn't help the small smile that formed on his lips.
"See what your sister does to me? What a drag."
--Page break--
"WHERE THE HELL IS HE!" Temari screamed as she broke the mirror in the bride's dressing room.
Hinata ducked behind the chair Temari had been sitting all day, trying to avoid the small pieces of glass that scattered everywhere.
"AHHH!" Temari cried punching a large hole through the wall. "HOW COULD HE BE LATE? HOW COULD HE BE LATE?" This time she picked up the chair Hinata was using as a shield and splintered it with her bare hands.
Then Temari did something Hinata had never seen her do, she dropped to her knees and cried, at first it started off as soft sobs but soon it reached hysterics.
"Temari-chan?" Hinata asked quietly. "If you cry you'll ruin your makeup."
"I don't care if I ruin my God dammed makeup!" she sobbed.
Hinata wrapped her arms around her best friend who latched onto her and cried for a long ten minutes. Soon Temari pulled away from her best friend and looked at the bride's maid gown.
"I got snot, tears and make up all over." She said smiling wistfully. "Gomen ne, it looks terrible."
"If it's Temari-chan's tears, snot, and make up." She began placing a hand on the blondes shoulder. "Then I will wear the dress with pride."
Silence fell between the two friends and Hinata took this as her cue to start cleaning up, as Temari sat on her knees hands folded in her lap and head down.
"He's not going to marry me, is he?" Temari asked her friend quietly.
The Hyuuga paused, thinking of what to say in such a situation. Luckily she was spared the discomfort of answering when Chouji opened the door and peeked in.
"He's uh…" Chouji began nervously, taking in all the damage done to the room.
Both girls hearts almost beat out of their chests as they waited silently for what Chouji would say.
"He's here." And with that the young man quickly ducked out the door.
Relief passed over both of the girls faces but soon Temari's face turned enraged and she stood. Not even waiting for the wedding march to begin she stomped out the door. Hinata rushed out after her, afraid of what her blonde friend was going to do. Everyone in the church looked on in shock as the woman stomped down the aisle.
"You dirty." She began, yanking off a high heel and throwing it, accidentally striking Naruto in the head. "Rotten." She continued, hurling her other shoe that landed in Kiba's lap. "Bastard!" she huffed tossing the bouquet behind her, which Hinata luckily caught.
"Gome…" Shikamaru began but was cut off as Temari yanked him by the front of his kimono.
"You!...You were late!" she accused, her voice rising a few octaves. "You were late for…for our wedding!"
Hinata stood next to Chouji and both of them looked on in awe as the situation progressed. That's when Hinata caught a glimpse of red and saw Gaara sitting, being the only person on Temari's side of the church. However the furious blonde failed to notice.
"Of all the things to be late to!" Temari cried. "Our WEDDING!"
"I have a good reason." Shikamaru said.
"Oh you do, do you!?" Temari shrieked making a few people wince. "Well enlighten us oh so smart one!"
"I was late to our wedding," he began slowly. "Because I had to pick up a special guest."
"A special guest? This is supposed to be my day and you went to get a special guest?" Temari shouted in disbelief. "Alright! Where's this 'special' guest?"
Shikamaru pointed to the very front pew and Temari gasped as she saw her little brother sitting there waving slightly and smiling. Temari felt tears prickle her eyes and she looked back at Shikamaru who only nodded. Without a moments hesitation she pulled on the collar of his Kimono again and pressed her lips firmly to his.
"I love you, you dumb ass."
A/N: I know this is late but my internet wasn't working and now we have it fixed. Two more chapters and that's…it. Sob. Anyway review!