Chapter 23: Step into the Past, Part 2

Hyuga Main Infirmary,

"How is she?!" Chihiro ran up to Hiroshi, her eyes full of tears. Hiroshi embraced her, holding her tight.

"She's in stable condition. She will be fine."

Chihiro loosened her grip, and sighed. They stood outside the special infirmary waiting for more news about her condition.

Chihiro had rushed over from the middle of a meeting soon has she heard what had happened. She was worried to say the least. But mostly for Hiroshi. She knew that he loved his little sister dearly, and that his heart must have been breaking when he saw the horrendous scene.

"Chihiro-sama, Hiroshi-sama…please come over this way. I'm sure you both must be tired." A young woman with a small child led them to small room and presented them to their seats.

"I will be back with tea presently."

"Thank you, Misa-san, and little Kuri-kun too." Chihiro grinned when the boy smiled and waved. She turned to Hiroshi whose face looked as if he'd seen a ghost. She laid her hand on his squeezing gently. She tried to give a reassuring smile, but could see that he wasn't interested in reassurance. Something else was bothering him.

"Hiroshi…"

"Fujiko is pregnant." Chihiro felt as if she hit a wall. Fujiko was what?

"She is five months pregnant…the height of the fall and the books falling on her contributed to her early labor." Hiroshi slammed his fist on the kotatsu, creating a small crack in the side. Chihiro jumped slightly.

"She was pregnant and I didn't even know."

--

Hiroshi sat next to his sister holding her hand tenderly. He brushed the sweat off her brow with the back of his hand. She had been sleeping for four days. The amount of blood she lost almost killed her and the baby. Chihiro had graciously permitted him to stay at her side, explaining the situation to the Hogake and the elders.

"Fujiko…I'm…I'm sorry." Hiroshi brushed the tears forming at the corner of his eyes. How could he not have noticed? Why didn't he spend more time with her instead of ranting about his own problems? Why?

He knew he had the answers. He just didn't want to recognize them for what they were. He had been so caught up in his own problems that he didn't even know how she was feeling. The changes in her body and attitude.

"Niichan...how long have you been here?" Fujiko smiled. Her hand wandered to her stomach.

"I guess they told you…"

"Why didn't you tell me?! How could you have kept this a secret?"

"I'm sorry, niichan-"The door opened to reveal a young man carrying a load of flowers. He walked awkwardly into the room and set the flowers down on a desk. He jumped back when he saw there was another person in the room.

"Ah. I'm sorry, Hiroshi-san. I just came to visit Fujiko." Hiashi bowed slightly.

"Niichan…can you leave us alone for a bit?" Fujiko pulled on her brother's sleeve.

"I'll be back tomorrow." Hiroshi kissed her forehead. He walked past Hiashi without saying a word or barely looking at him. He closed the door and stood outside it.

"I suppose sorry won't suffice, Fujiko."

"No…I guess it won't." Hiroshi heard footsteps and a small creaking noise. He gathered that Hiashi had sat down.

"Are…are we going to get married soon then?" Fujiko's small voice asked.

"I…I can't marry you, Fujiko." Hiroshi resisted the urge to burst into the room and demand why. But the answer was already on the tip of his tongue.

"Fujiko, I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I-I love-"

--

Hiroshi sat in the library, idly flipping through the pages of a book. He was waiting for someone. Someone who had hurt him dearly. He looked at the clock…ah the liar should be here soon.

He couldn't contain his anger…he couldn't hold in his rage.

Hiashi stepped into the abandoned room looking nervous. He seemed in a hurry.

"Hiroshi-san. Why are you here this time of night?" Hiroshi stood up from his chair.

"I could ask you the same thing, Hiashi-kun."

--

"Hyuga Hiroshi. We herby sentence you to exile for crimes against the Hyuga and attempted murder of advisor Hyuga Hiashi. You are never to show your face among the Hyuga again under death upon sight. Do you have anything to say in your defense?" The room was cold…cold with even colder faces hiding behind masks and tall seats. Hiroshi stood in the middle of the coldness…a white light illuminating the mostly dark room with an eerie glow.

"I would like an audience with Chihiro-sama."

"Denied."

"Why?"

"Your actions have deeply discombobulated our leader."

"Is that why she is not present today?"

"That is none of your business."

"I see."

Guards stepped up to Hiroshi and began leading him out the room.

"You are also never to contact Fujiko-sama as well. If you communicate with her in any way she will instantly be lowered in status to the Branch House."

--

Wasabi Compound, 11:43 pm

Naruto wrapped himself further in his blanket. His mind trying wonder off to happier places. The night sky appeared to watch him lying on the roof reminiscing on beautiful girl with light lavender eyes a bright smile and dark indigo hair.

Usually he wasn't one to think alone…he laughed.

Haha. I guess I picked this habit up from Gaara while we stayed in Suna. But it's nice…being able to be alone and just think. But it's so cold!

"I wonder…what Hinata's doing now."

"Sleeping."

"Like you should be doing, dobe." Naruto turned to see Shino and Sasuke walking towards him. When they reached him Sasuke sat beside him and Shino stood. Naruto smiled.

"It sure is nice out tonight isn't it?"

"The moon is beautiful." Shino commented.

"Yea."

"We know you're worried sick idiot." Sasuke smirked. Naruto nodded. He had been acting differently. This meant he got irritated a lot more easily and did things he wouldn't usually do. He leaned back on the wooden tiles resting his head in his hands.

"Do you guys think that Hinata will be alright? Tsunade-baachan said she would do everything she could…but she can only do so much right?"

"Hinata is stronger than you make her out to be, Naruto. Her body may not be that vigorous, but her will and determination make up for that." Shino said. Sasuke nodded.

"Sakura said she's more than on par with her during their training. You should have more confidence in her, dobe."

"I know! I know! But I just can't help it! Every time I think about what that Takuya guy tried to do to her…I get so angry! I don't anyone else to touch her; I don't anyone else to kiss her. Just me. But…soon…I won't be the only one who will touch her."

"You're a coward." Shino grinned. He removed his goggles. Naruto and Sasuke looked at him in awe. Shino had never removed his glasses before.

"I don't believe you really love her-"

"Of course I love Hinata!" Naruto stood up, grabbing Shino's collar.

"I love Hinata with my whole heart! I love everything about her! I don't want her to be with anyone else but me! I'll kill to be with her! I'd go to the ends of the earth for her and back!"

"Then don't accept defeat! Stop rejecting what you know is true!" Shino pushed Naruto off him.

"Even though she's promised to another…are you really going to just let her be taken, Uzumaki? You love her don't you? And she loves you. That's not the Uzumaki Naruto I know." Naruto stared into Shino's brown orbs. Shino grinned. Determination etching Naruto's eyes.

"She's mine. I won't let some jerk take her away from me!"

You can scream if you want to. Hahaa, surprising right? Three chapters in one day?! LOL....actually kudos goes to my friend Max who helped me with "Step into the Past". I guess you could sorta say we co-wrote it. His ideas and motivation comes faster than mine, haha. Umm...does Shino seem out of character a little? Sorry...

GO NARUTO! GO NARUTO! Oh, Wrath of the Wrathful...yes...Barbie must die! lol Thank you all again! Review please and email me if you have advice or constructive critism!