Dreamcatcher
By Airyo
The Last Supper - 5
Quietly, Hinata snuck into the Hyuuga pantry. She pressed a hand to her stomach, urging it to stop growling so rudely.
She'd been so nervous the Dinner that she hadn't eaten all day beforehand, and then during, she only managed a few bites. Her appetite only returned with the rush of relief after she'd closed the gate behind her, signifying the end of a very confusing dinner (or date? Was that even considered a date if it was only one-sided?) She was only beginning to regain her original state of calm, and the day's stress was sure to reflect in her dreams.
Between the protests of her thoughts and stomach, Hinata found only insomnia.
Light fingers and toes found her path in the darkness. For all the power of the Byakugan, night vision was not one of the Hyuuga's skills.
"Hinata-san?"
Hinata toppled over with a sharp squeak. There was click of a switch, and light filled the kitchen. Hikaru stared at her quizzically from the doorway.
"Are you alright?" Hinata knew the other girl wasn't inquiring about her throbbing knee, but about the nightmares that made her night-time wanderings a common occurrence.
"Yes, I just didn't get much to eat today."
"At the Uchiha's," Hikaru filled in for her. The other girl approached her, expression solemn. "There is talk, you know," Hikaru whispered. "The ones outside of Hyuuga. It's okay if the target can defend herself, but you…" she trailed off, though they both were painfully aware of Hinata's failed ninja status. She was so weak she was to be pitied.
For brief moment, she felt the burn of anger in her chest. Just because she wasn't ninja didn't mean she should be looked down upon. Itachi, at least, regarded her as equal as the others. Not that it mattered, when everyone seemed weak compared to him.
Then, Hinata wondered just how terrible these conversations Hikaru heard really were, and how they would compare to the cruel thoughts she directed at herself.
"Thank you for telling me. I'll be more careful."
Hikaru smiled wistfully. "I guess the blood can't lie," she muttered.
"What do you mean by that?"
Hikaru blushed, but Hinata gestured for her to explain. "Even though you look Branch and act Branch…you are still a member of the Main Family after all. Who else could be invited to dinner with the family of Uchiha Itachi?"
Hinata felt cold. Is her correspondence with Itachi making her stand out so much? Did she fail at even becoming a proper Branch member?
"I am Branch," she murmured, more to herself. "It is all I am." She absently touched the seal on her forehead. "The rest is in the past."
"Of course," Hikaru acquiesced automatically. They both winced, and quickly parted ways.
Hikaru's comment shook her. Because just who was she to think she could stand next to Itachi? No wonder more worthy girls are whispering. Such gossip was usually harmless, but if word percolated back to the Main House...