Author's Note: I'll admit this story is not progressing as quickly as I hoped. The next few chapters have been outlined but still need some minor tweaking. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this chapter as a small Halloween treat. As always, feel free to point out any errors or provide feedback. NaNoWriMo is starting up and I could use all the encouragement I can get!

Chapter Summary: She may not have a manor full of people at her disposal anymore, but Hinata was far from alone.

Prompt: #43 Gentle (50scenes)

Word Count: 250

Chapter Eleven:
An Unexpected Ally

Hinata winced in sympathy as Kurenai continued arguing with the water company technician. It had been going on for the better part of twenty minutes and still the earliest appointment they were willing to commit to would be Monday evening. Kurenai hung up the phone growling.

Hinata sat quietly sipping the tea Kurenai had brought with the food earlier. It was lukewarm now but she didn't mind. "No luck?"

"Not yet," Kurenai said redialing, "we're going to try a higher authority."

"A supervisor?"

"My father in law."

Hinata's head tilted quizzically.

"He's the mayor."

She blinked. "Oh."

It only took a few minutes for Kurenai to explain the story to him; he assured her he would handle it. Closing the phone with a satisfied snap, Kurenai joined Hinata on the couch.

"They'll be stopping by this afternoon. Anything else you need to get done today?"

"Um," Hinata said still slightly dazed. "I should probably get some groceries."

"Great. We can take my car," the older woman said, keys jingling.

"That's not necessary," Hinata protested immediately, setting her tea aside. She could feel Kurenai's stare as she struggled to find the right words to explain.

"You know," Kurenai said gently, "it's okay to accept help from others. No one is ever completely independent."

"But you've already done so much..." Hinata said blushing. The woman was practically a guardian angel. A warm hand clasped the fingers that restlessly twined themselves together.

"I want to help," Kurenai said softly, "will you let me?"