Chapter 8: The First Meeting
Hyuga Compound, Main House: 5: 45pm
"Hinata-sama! Oh, my you're so pretty!"
"Yes! You're skin is so soft and you're hair is so long and wavy! And you're kimono is so lovely!" Hinata smiled. Today was the day she met Takuya. Takuya Michimoe. She wasn't happy, not in the least. Inside Hinata wanted to cry.
She wanted to crawl into a corner and ball her eyes out, but she knew she couldn't, not yet at least.
I have to be strong! I have to be strong for Naruto-kun, Sakura-chan, Sasuke-kun and Neji-niisan! I have to be strong for them! I can't let this get to me…if-if I am to be vigorous, then I must get through this. And maybe things will be better. They-they will…get better…they have to…
"Hinata-sama…are you ok? You look sad." One of the girls asked. She looked concerned as she maneuvered Hinata's shoes on her tiny feet.
"I'm fine, Nanami…I-I'm just nervous." Nanami smiled.
"I know you'll do your best Hinata-sama! Isn't Neji-senpai supposed to escort you?" Hinata frowned.
"He's been sent off."
At the last minute Neji had been sent on an errand for the Hokage. He'd been gone for a week.
Nanami looked down. Great, she had made Hinata-sama even more upset. They looked up to see the door open. An elderly lady stepped in and gave Hinata the once over. She sniffed.
"I suppose that will be suitable. But," She crossed the room to Hinata.
"You neeeed to show more skin, dear! How will you ever expect to catch respectable young men when you dress like an old granny!"
She tugged the kimono top lower. The girls in the room giggled.
"HINATA-NEESAN!" Hinata smiled…she knew that small voice all too well. Hanabi ran into the room skidding to a stop before her older sister. Hinata placed both hands on Hanabi's shoulders.
"What is it, Hanabi? It's very un-lady like to yell and run like that." Hanabi smiled.
"Well…I wanted to see you before you went out…and well…Onee-sama?"
"Yes?"
"I know you'll do the right thing!" Hanabi kissed her cheek and stepped back.
Hinata patted her head.
"I will, imouto. Don't be worried, ok?"
"Ok, Hinata-neesan."
--
Hiashi looked Hinata over. That damn Sumi…he would have to talk her. She was beautiful, yes…but being the father he was, he wasn't too keen on showing off the chest. Oh, well, nothing he could do about it now.
I could have the women come out and fix it…I don't like the fact Hinata has so much bust…but I don't have control over that do I? She did get much, if not all of it from her mother...
Her kimono was exquisite. It was a silvery-gray and lavender kimono with a black waist wraps and cloud design. Her hair was in a large bun, with her sideburns hung down in curls.
"Hiashi-sama. They're here."
"Have them come meet us in the outside parlor."
"Yes."
--
"So, Hinata-san. I hear that you're a very accomplished med-nin?" Takuya tried to incite conversation with the white-eye beauty. He would have never guessed that she was this beautiful in person.
Hinata smiled. She poured more tea into his cup before answering.
"You don't have to use honorifics…please. In light of the circumstances after all." Hinata blushed. Hiashi nodded approvingly. Hinata was taking this considerably well.
"Ok, then Hinata. I've heard around the village that you're very skilled med-nin. What do you think of you abilities? No need to be shy."
"I guess I consider them acceptable. I've never really taken the time to actually weigh them…but their nothing like Neji-niisan's."
Kisuke frowned.
"Neji? Isn't that your cousin?"
"Yes. He really is a genius and he's already Anbu skilled! And he's a wonderful ninja! He taught me how to accomplish the Kage Bunshin perfectly!" Hinata smiled as she thought of the time when Neji began to teach her how to perfect the technique. It had been hard, but with Neji's patience she had gotten it down.
Takuya sipped his tea. He had heard that Hinata adored Neji. Just like an older brother and that she frequently spoke of him. He inwardly sighed. She was going to be a piece of work.
"You look very beautiful, Hinata-sama." Kisuke stated. Hinata looked at him in surprise and blush crimson. She was used to only Naruto commenting her like that.
"T-thank you!" A servant came up to Hiashi and whispered in his ear. Hiashi nodded.
"Neji has returned from his mission. Do you mind if he joins us? He is, after all Hinata's guardian." Takuya nodded.
"I don't see the harm in letting him come join us. Do you Kisuke?"
Actually Takuya did see something wrong with it. A lot wrong. He hadn't planned on Neji coming back so soon…or so his resources had said. Having Neji there would wreck the whole thing. He didn't need Hinata focusing on Neji instead of him. But in order to gain Hinata's trust…
"Of course not, Takuya-sama."
"Good. Go get him." The young man nodded and left.
"Well, Hinata? Do you have a favorite food? Favorite color? Animal?"
Hinata laughed lightly.
"W-hy all the questions?" Takuya smirked.
"If we are to be married, then should I not know more about the woman I am to spend the rest of my life with?"
Hinata gasped. Un-knowing to her, she had covered her mouth from shock. She couldn't help but be impressed. He was slick…very slick. If he left her speechless like this…she would have to be careful.
"Hinata-sama!"
"Neji-niisan?!" Hinata stood up. She smiled so brightly. Neji crossed the courtyard in one flash and hugged Hinata, raising her off the floor.
"Ne-Neji-niisan! R-r-really!" Hinata blushed, all though she was thoroughly delighted to see him. Takuya frowned. He knew he didn't like Neji when he first heard about him. Now he knew for sure. The way he held her…firmly, yet, gently…protectively.
How could he ever get close to Hinata if Neji was with her all the time?
"I got word from some of the other Branch members that you had such a meeting today. I wanted to catch you before you left, but-"
"Neji." Hiashi stated sharply. Neji turned to his uncle, his brows furrowed.
"You have not greeted our guests. Do so." Hiashi commanded. Neji's expression fell. He turned to acknowledge them-
"First, release Hinata. My God, boy…" Hinata blushed at her father's remark. Neji set her down gently and turned to greet Takuya and Kisuke.
"I apologize for my rudeness." He bowed. Kisuke smirked. So…this is how different the Branch was from the Main House.
Takuya narrowed his eyes. He would use Neji's position for his advantage. Branch…
"Don't let it happen again." Neji rose. Takuya looked for some emotion. Some expression to betray his thoughts. Nothing…his face was absolutely blank. Like a white page.
How absolutely boring…so he's one of "those" type. Oh, well…maybe I can tweak his buttons a little.
Sorry about this chapter. I know its a little short, the next one should ber longer! Thank you all for reading and reviewing my stories! Please review more and tell me what you think I could do better. Oh, about my sister (for those of you who are dying to know) she has had her baby! It's a girl and we're both happy!
P.S. Does anyone know any good beta readers? I think I could maybe use one...thank you all!