Hinata could feel herself coming back but when she saw nothing but darkness, she began panicking, thinking that her eyes were gone.
"Hinata, my daughter, please remain calm. You're safe," she heard her father say. Slowly, her heart rate returned to normal and she reached out for her father who surprisingly took her hand. Her mother was the more affectionate of the two and Hiashi was trying his best to change that as his daughters needed to know fatherly love.
"F-father, what happened?" She asked. Her voice was tired but other than a small headache, she couldn't feel any other injuries.
"You did well protecting yourself. We have the man in custody and the Uchiha are working on him to uncover his mission objective and who gave the order," he explained. He squeezed her hand gently.
"I… injured him enough?"
"You did. He had a stab wound in his shoulder and you managed to shut off the chakra in his knee. That was enough to slow him down."
Hinata smiled to herself. She felt proud. "How long have I…?"
"Just a few hours, but, Hinata, you must listen." Hiashi started, "last night…your mother passed on peacefully. I'm afraid with your sight gone, you will be unable to see her as we decided to have her cremated by tomorrow in case any Kumo nin find out and attempt to secure her body."
Hinata was silent and still, so much so that Hiashi wondered if she'd lost consciousness. When she turned her head towards him, he was assured that she was okay.
"A-and Hanabi?" Her voice wobbled as though she was about to cry, but Hiashi saw no tears. That was part of her leadership and ninja training. One must never show emotions, especially on the field. He couldn't tell if he was feeling more pride in her hold on her emotions or shame that they've had to teach their kids this way.
"She is well. Mitsuki is tending to her while we're here, but I will be going to check on her soon. I'm going to leave Ko here for your protection," he explained. Hinata nodded and went silent. Hiashi stayed there for a few more moments before squeezing her hand again and letting go.
It was time for a meeting with his brother and nephew. It looks like it was time for Neji to begin his duties as Hinata's protector.
"I will come back tomorrow. Rest up, Hinata." Then he left.
Hinata stayed frozen, the news about her mother slowly sinking in. She wanted to cry and curse the ninja who tried taking her, she wanted to curse her weak eyes, curse her father for training her so hard that she lost her sight, but she couldn't. Even in a time of relative peace, there was no guarantee that your family members or peers would be safe in everyday life.
"Hinata-sama," Ko said from the left corner of the room, near where her father exited the room. "You may cry for your mother if you need to." His voice was soft and understanding, just as Ko always had been towards her. Where her father trained her with an iron fist, he used encouraging words and held her hand every time they went out into the village together. He gave her the fatherly love Hiashi struggled to express.
She was thankful for the permission, but she couldn't. She shook her head and shut her eyes tighter beneath the gauze to prevent the gathered tears from falling.
Ko didn't speak another word and stared out the window at the morning sun shining off the snow-covered buildings.
"Itachi, what happened?" Sasuke asked when Itachi woke him up in the dead of the night.
"I'm leaving for a short mission. I wanted to let you know in case you woke up before I returned."
"How long are you gonna be gone?"
Itachi smiled at the sleepiness in his little brother's voice. "Not too long this time. It's around the village. I'm sure father will let you know, but someone tried to kidnap the Hyuuga Heiress," Itachi explained.
Sasuke blinked himself awake. "Hinata? Is she okay?" He asked. They'd only just become something like friends and he didn't mind her at all. He would be upset if someone hurt one of his only friends.
Itachi nodded and gently patted Sasuke's head. "She's okay, little brother. She's in the hospital resting. In the afternoon, even if I'm not back by then, mother and father will take you to see her and wish her well, okay?" Sasuke nodded feeling too sleepy again with Itachi's gentle hand patting him back to sleep.
Itachi pulled the blankets up higher on his brother and smiled at him warmly before disappearing with his Weasel Anbu mask in place.
Hinata Hyuuga was becoming somewhat of a friend to the older Uchiha and he'd be damned if he let someone bring harm to her. Especially within the village he loved so much. From the information given by the Hokage, Itachi learned that this man had used the signing of a peace treaty between Kumo and Konoha as a cover for stealing the byakugan from a little girl. What disgusted him the most was that they had probably been tailing her and possibly figured out that she was temporarily blind, giving them an even bigger advantage over Hinata.
Itachi smirked to himself as he remembered the Hokage pulling him aside, knowing of his engagement to the Hyuuga Heiress, and telling him that she had injured the man more than he had injured her. A blow to the head was troublesome but she wouldn't have any more than a headache when she woke up.
He barely knew Hinata, but she seemed to understand him. She praised his gentleness whereas his father scolded him for it, and he appreciated that about her. He was glad she was okay and planned to stop by her hospital room afterward once the mission was complete.
For the sake of everyone, he hoped Kumogakure and Konohagakure's war could end. Of course, he wished for justice for Hinata but he wanted the war to end even more so.
"Hyuuga-san, hello. We're here to see Hinata." Mikoto stood in front of Hinata's room with a bouquet, a bento box, and Sasuke by her side. Fugaku was still working on the Kumo ninja while Itachi was still guarding the village, but she wanted to come here as soon as she could. Itachi informed her that he would visit later.
"Thank you for coming to see her. She's awake and doing well," Hiashi replied. "Unfortunately, I must inform you that my wife passed away last night. I've already told Hinata, but I'd like to ask you to refrain from bringing her up for now."
Mikoto's hand went to her mouth. She'd grown up with the Hyuuga Matriarch and she was deeply saddened by the loss of an old friend she'd been looking forward to getting reacquainted with.
Sasuke, upon hearing this news, turned to look at his mother, his chest aching at the thought of losing her. He glanced back at Hinata's hospital door and dreaded seeing her all of a sudden. He can only imagine how much of a wreck she was. He knew he'd be ruined if he lost his mother.
"Yes, I understand. Sasuke?" Mikoto asked.
Sasuke nodded. "I understand, Hyuuga-sama."
He nodded in thanks and opened Hinata's hospital door, leading them inside. "Hinata, Mikoto and Sasuke Uchiha are here to see you," Hiashi said.
Hinata lay on the bed facing the ceiling. Her eyes were wrapped in gauze and, to Sasuke's surprise, it was dry. It didn't appear as though she was crying or had cried recently. Hiashi picked up the head of her bed so she could rest comfortably while her visitors stayed.
"Thank you for coming, Uchiha-sama, Uchiha-san," Hinata said, bowing her head politely. "I hope… it wasn't any trouble."
Mikoto waved a hand dismissively as though Hinata could see. "It was no trouble at all, Hinata. We're just happy you're healthy and safe. We brought you flowers and a bento box. Would you like to have some?" Ko stepped forward and held a hand out for the box which Mikoto gave to him.
"I hope you understand, Uchiha-san, with all that's going on, that we must be extra cautious," Hiashi explained as Ko opened it and tasted every bit of food in there.
"Of course! I would expect nothing different during a time like this," she said. She took the seat next to Hinata's bed and held the girl's hand tightly to comfort her as a mother would. Mikoto hadn't even been aware that she couldn't see during this time, which made her nauseous at the fact that the enemy more than likely exploited that handicap. It was despicable.
"Thank you. I'm very grateful," Hinata said, giving the woman a small smile. Her heart ached for the little girl sitting in the bed. She wished she could gather her up into her arms and hold her tight.
Ko set the box down on the tray table and pulled it in front of Hinata. "Here you go, Hinata-sama," Ko said, putting the chopsticks in her hand. She smiled at him and brought the box closer to her face to ensure she didn't drop anything.
"I wasn't sure what you liked, but I hope everything is to your liking."
Hinata nodded and swallowed her food. "I am happy to be able to eat your food, Uchiha-sama. There's nothing… I don't like," she said.
"You're so sweet," Mikoto said. "Itachi wanted me to tell you that he will be by later to visit, once his mission is over. I hope you don't mind him being so late."
"The village must always come first," Hinata said. "I am…very fortunate to have a fiancé who gives his best to protect the village from harm."
Mikoto reached forward and patted Hinata's hair, fixing a few strands that were sticking up from laying down. "We're very fortunate to have you as well, Hinata. Don't forget that."
Hinata, who was chewing, paused and seemed to shake a little at those words. It seemed like she was doing her best to keep it together.
"I—" her voice cracked and she cleared her throat. "I'm very happy to hear you think so." And just like that, she was a shinobi-in-training and clan heiress. Mikoto felt for these poor children who had all these responsibilities dumped on them from so young an age.
Sasuke stood by his mother's side and watched as his mother comforted Hinata in her own way. He was surprised that she did not cry no matter how much it seemed she wanted to. He didn't know whether to be impressed or just disgusted by that fact. Her mother was dead and she wasn't shedding a single tear. He wouldn't care about ninja or clan duties, he'd sob to his heart's content if something happened to his mother
But, he thought, maybe that's what it's like when you're the oldest.
"Sasuke, I have to take your father his lunch. Would you like to stay here with Hinata?" She asked. "If Hyuuga-san allows it."
"Yes, that would be fine," Hiashi replied. "I'll walk you to the door as I have a meeting to attend."
"Yes, mother. I'll stay," Sasuke said. Goodbyes were said and Mikoto and Hiashi left together. Ko stayed in the corner of the room but didn't seem to be paying attention to the children as to give them privacy.
Sasuke took the seat his mother had been sitting in. Hinata continued eating the bento box and they sat in silence.
"Are you okay?" Sasuke asked.
Hinata nodded jerkily and continued eating. Her hands were slightly shaking but stopped after she took a deep breath and let it go. Sasuke was now more impressed.
"I'm…sorry about your mom," he said. He told Hiashi he wouldn't bring it up, but he couldn't just sit here and not address it.
"Uchiha-sama," Ko said sharply. Sasuke glanced back at him and bowed his head in acknowledgment. He understood, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be talked about at all. Hinata should be able to cry if she needed to, but he figured that she couldn't with anyone in the room, including her own family.
Hinata put the finished bento box down and wiped her mouth with a napkin. "It's okay, Ko-san. Thank you, Uchiha-san, for your condolences."
Sasuke nodded even though she couldn't see him and they continued in silence. It was comfortable despite all that had happened. He couldn't begin to understand what it was like to lose his mother or almost be kidnapped, but he felt he understood her need to prove herself even if it was to prove herself to herself. She wanted to be stronger, better, and someone that her family could be proud of. He felt the same way.
He leaned back in his chair and relaxed. Sasuke, most of all, was grateful that she didn't feel the need to fill the silence like other girls or Naruto. He realized then that she and Itachi were the same in that aspect. They enjoyed observing and listening to nature rather than speaking.
When he would observe Itachi sitting with him in silence on the deck at the lake near their house, he would stare out at nothing, but it seemed like he was seeing something beautiful. He should ask Hinata about it soon; she may be able to tell him what Itachi was looking at.
"Hokage-sama, there are no enemies within 100 miles of the village. It seems the Kumo nin either worked alone or was abandoned by his squad when he failed to show," Weasel explained, bowing politely to their village leader as he gave the report.
Lord Third hummed, taking a drag from his pipe. "I see. Thank you, Weasel-san. Fugaku Uchiha has yet to break the ninja in custody but it is only a matter of time. You are all dismissed for now," he said. "Thank you."
The squad of mask-covered elite ninjas disappeared without a trace, aside from the Weasel.
"What is it?" The Hokage asked.
"Lord Third, I understand it isn't my place to say or ask, but I am afraid this will nullify the newly signed peace treaty and launch our villages back into war. Is that a possibility?"
"Despite the information we're bound to receive and what Kumogakure says, I will not seek to restart the war with them. What happened to the Hyuuga Heiress is most unfortunate, but ending the war takes precedence," he answered.
"The Hyuuga Clan will accept that?" Itachi took off his mask, now speaking as the Uchiha Heir and the most powerful ninja to come out of the academy in a very long time.
"They will have no other choice, Itachi-san."
Itachi doubted that Hiashi would accept it without a fight, but he knew the man would ultimately conclude that it is for the best. It could make the relationship between the Hyuuga and the village shaky, but it was a risk to take. For the good of the village.
"I see. Thank you, Hokage-sama. I will take my leave now," Itachi replied.
"Please give Hinata-chan my regards." Itachi turned to leave. "Itachi-san. I have only told you this because you're to play an important role in village politics as the Uchiha heir. I trust this information to not leave this room."
Itachi nodded and was off. He was scheduled to train with his older cousin Shisui today but would need to cancel to visit Hinata. When he landed on the training grounds they used in the Uchiha compound, Shisui was sitting and having a cup of tea.
"I didn't think you'd show up today," Shisui said.
"You've heard about what happened?" Itachi asked.
"I know everything, little cousin." Itachi rolled his eyes. "I'm three years older. Just accept it."
"I didn't say anything."
"And I could hear your thoughts from over here. So are we training today or what?"
Itachi shook his head. "Not today, I'm afraid. I'm going to go see the Hyuuga Heiress, and I have plans to spend the New Year with her and Sasuke," he explained.
"Isn't she a little too young for you to be officially courting her?" Shisui teased.
There was a silence as Itachi grimaced. "You're better than a joke like that."
His older cousin grinned sheepishly and blushed with embarrassment. "Yeah, you're right. It seemed like my need to tease you was too great. Either way, I'm glad you're getting along with your future wife."
Itachi nodded. "Me, too." He took a seat next to Shisui and accepted the cup of tea he was offered. "You know she called me gentle?"
"She did?" Itachi nodded. "How did that make you feel?"
He thought for a moment before smiling to himself. "Understood."
Shisui smiled at him and turned back to stare out at the forest in front of them. "I told you someone like that would come along."
"You sure did. Although you were referring to a love interest," Itachi reminded him.
"Is she not going to be your wife?"
Itachi rolled his eyes. "Sure, and we'll probably have a large family but I don't think either of us will ever romantically love one another."
"What makes you so sure that she won't fall for you in time? You're a great dude. If I wasn't your cousin, I'd be the president of your fan club."
Itachi raised a brow, smirking. "As a man?"
Shisui shrugged. "Don't judge me." Itachi chuckled. "But seriously. What makes you think you won't love her?"
"Honestly, I could but I don't see it happening. I can't explain it to you any other way. And I get the same impression from her. We're both tied by our duties as the heirs to our clans and we have much in common from that alone, but I'm much older than her and we're already fields apart in terms of skill," he explained.
"So why not train her yourself?"
"What?" Itachi blinked.
"Well, she's gonna be your wife, cousin. You'll want her to be able to protect herself and your children should you be away for any reason, don't you? Although, from what I heard, she can protect herself pretty efficiently already."
Itachi hummed in thought. "I suppose you're right. I should do that, but with how busy I already am, I barely have time to train with you." He sighed then. "And don't even get me started on Sasuke."
Shisui patted his shoulder. "I suppose I can graciously step aside." Itachi grinned as Shishui sighed dramatically.
"And they say chivalry is dead."
Shisui laughed and they finished the rest of their tea in silence.
Before he left, Itachi turned to his cousin with a tired look. "Lately, Izumi-san has appeared before me multiple times to argue about my engagement," he admitted. "I know you're not as close with her, but perhaps you can keep an eye on her and possibly discourage her from continuing those habits. I'd like her to at least accept my future marriage, if she cannot respect it."
Shisui hummed. "I figured it was a matter of time before she went to you again. Those few years, she would often come to me and beg me to persuade you to reconsider. I'm sorry you have to deal with that."
"Thanks," Itachi sighed. "I really cherished her as a friend, but this whole thing has done nothing but leave a bad taste in my mouth. Did you know she referred to Hyuuga-san as a child bride?"
"Ah, I told her not to say that around you, that you wouldn't like that," his cousin replied. "I'm sure she'll come around one day…maybe." Itachi raised a brow, clearly wondering what gave Shisui that idea.
"Perhaps," was his only reply.
After saying goodbye to his cousin, he made his way to the hospital and stopped at a bakery and the Yamanaka Flower Shop. He wasn't sure what kind of sweets she liked so he got her a small personal strawberry cake with a single strawberry on top and a jelly-filled pastry similar to the one she had the evening before.
When he got to her room, he could hear Sasuke talking about a time he was training with his classmate Naruto. He smiled and knocked on the door before going inside.
"Brother? You're done with your mission already?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes." He walked closer to Hinata. "How are you doing, Hyuuga-san?" He asked.
She smiled up at him. "I'm well, thank you for asking. The mission was a success?"
"It was." She smiled and nodded.
Itachi turned to Sasuke and patted his brother's head. "Have you been here long?"
Sasuke shook his head. "Only since lunchtime," he said. "Speaking of, I'm hungry."
"Why don't you go get something to eat? I'll stay with Hyuuga-san," he suggested. "But come back as we're going to be spending the New Year here. I hear there's still a great view of the fireworks from this wing of the hospital."
Sasuke's eyes lit up. "That'll be awesome!"
"You…don't want to spend it at home?" Hinata asked shyly.
"I made a promise to you, Hyuuga-san. And I'm sure with your family's annual New Year celebration, you'll get lonely here by yourself," he said.
Hinata bit her lip and lowered her head. "...Thank you."
Sasuke pulled on Itachi's arm. "Brother, walk me out," he asked but it sounded a bit like he was whining. Itachi decided not to scold him since he was just a young child and there was no Clan Head around.
"Sure. Hyuuga-san, I brought you some sweets. I'll set them right in front of you. It is a personal cake and those jelly-filled breads," he explained. As soon as he left, he knew the Hyuuga clan member in the corner would taste the food before letting her have it so he brought extra utensils.
"Thank you very much, Uchiha-san. S-Sasuke-san, please travel safely and eat well," she said, bowing her head politely.
"I'll be back soon," Sasuke assured her.
Itachi led his little brother out of the room and towards the entrance of the hospital. "Is there something you wanted to tell me?" He asked.
"Her mom died last night," Sasuke said. Itachi's eyes widened. He hadn't heard this bit of news yet, not even from Shisui. "I'm impressed that she hasn't cried."
"She's the eldest. I don't imagine she will do so in the company of others," Itachi explained.
Sasuke nodded to himself. "That's what I thought it was. She's sad, but I managed to get her to smile and laugh a little."
Itachi patted Sasuke's head as they reached the front of the hospital. "You're a good boy, Sasuke. Now, get some food and come back here, okay? I already told mother and father that we'd be with Hyuuga-san the whole night, so you don't need to worry." He handed him some money.
"Okay, brother!" Sasuke said as he ran off after pocketing the bills Itachi gave him.
He took a steady breath before entering her room again. "Hyuuga-san," he said, addressing the man in the corner.
"What is it, Uchiha-sama?"
"I'd like to speak with her alone, so I'd like to ask if you can wait outside the door for now," Itachi said. "I assure you she'll be in good hands as I am a capable ninja."
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Uchiha-sama. My orders are to not leave this room," he said unapologetically.
Itachi sighed softly. "I'm afraid I have to speak with her on Clan Matters, Hyuuga-san. I cannot allow you to be in the room." The man tensed. Itachi hated pulling that card, but it was necessary. He needed to talk with her alone.
"I see. I will be right outside the door, Uchiha-sama, but I assure you that Hiashi-sama will be hearing about this," Ko said as curtly as he could get away with.
Itachi nodded. "I understand. Thank you," he replied. He took the seat next to Hinata's bed and waited until the door closed behind the Hyuuga's back. He knew the man had his byakugan activated and would continue to have it on until he was back in the room.
"Uchiha-san?" Hinata said, her head tilted curiously.
"My apologies, Hyuuga-san, but I needed to say that… I'm very sorry to hear about your mother," he said softly. He watched as she tensed and swallowed what he knew to be a lump in her throat.
"Th…Thank you for your condolences," she said, bowing her head. He slowly reached out and was pleasantly surprised when she caught his hand even though there was no malice behind it like she was exhausted. He squeezed her hand gently, carefully.
"It's okay," he continued. "I know. You are the oldest and you must grin and bear it. I understand. But, now, it is just the two of us in this room." He wanted to assure her that it was okay to cry. Despite being the oldest, she was still just a child who lost her mother.
"...I c-can't," she murmured. "I can't do it."
He squeezed her hand again. "You can. It's just me here. You're still just a young girl, Hyuuga-san, and you've lost your mother." She shook her head rapidly. "It's okay."
"I can't… let anyone know," she finally said. Itachi understood immediately and pulled his hand out of her grasp and then closed the curtains so there was almost no light coming into the room. He reached for her face and helped her remove the gauze.
"Just keep your eyes closed. It's not completely dark in here," Itachi explained. When she gripped his hand again, he let her. He wanted her to know that she could trust him, that she could bare her soul to him and he would accept it. As her future husband, he knew it was the least he could do since he could never romantically love her.
It took a few moments but eventually, the tears fell. Her eyes were shut and when she shut them tighter, her lashes began sticking together from her tears. He watched as she silently sobbed into her hand. Her face went red and she began to sweat with the force of the wails she couldn't let out without the risk of anyone hearing, even him. He barely heard whimpers leave her throat and he was truly impressed with her control before he heartbrokenly realized that it was because she secretly cried often.
Slowly, she hunched over nearly in half and he moved forward, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. She whined softly and reached a hand out to grip his shirt as if to ground herself.
They stayed like that for a while before he pulled her up and grabbed a napkin to wipe the tears and mucus from under her nose as best as he could. She let him do this, trembling still with the need to cry. When he was wiping her face, she slowly began lifting her eyelids to see if she could see the room and perhaps see her mother, but Itachi covered her eyes with his hand.
"Don't force it," he said softly, breaking the silence in the room.
"I-I want to… be able to see my mother before she's cremated," she whimpered, her voice nasally from all the crying.
"I know, Hyuuga-san—"
"I think you can call me by my first name after witnessing what just happened," she said. She meant to say it with a joking tone but it came out deadpanned.
"Hinata-san, I know you wish to see your mother but you will damage your eyes if you try to use them before they've recovered," he said.
Hinata softly sighed but didn't argue. "...Yes," she said. "Thank you." He cleaned her face as best as he could before rewrapping her eyes in the gauze and pulling the curtains open.
"I will be here for you as much as I can be," he replied easily. "But I'm afraid the village—"
"Will always come first," she finished, smiling up at him softly. "I understand and don't expect you to put me or anyone else over the village."
He returned her smile. "Will you continue to understand as we grow older and eventually start our relationship?" He inquired.
"Yes," she said without hesitation. "Absolutely. You are a shinobi of Konoha and I am in training to be one. It is our duty and honor to protect this village that holds our friends and family."
Itachi was surprised by her answer and immediately knew that he and Hinata were going to be great friends; they already had much in common. He surprised himself when he patted her head fondly.
"That's right. Thank you for understanding, Hinata-san." Hinata gave him a grin. "I wanted to talk to you about one more thing."
"What is it?"
"I want to start guiding you in your training along with Sasuke," he said. "You did exceptionally well for someone your age, whose eyesight was gone, against a jonin. I want to help you hone your skills. Unfortunately, I will not be able to actually train with you both often as I am extremely busy with missions, but I will be there anytime I can."
"That… That would be amazing, Uchiha-san!" Hinata exclaimed.
Itachi chuckled. "You can call me Itachi." She nodded. "I will talk to your father about it. We will not use our doujutsu but I will help you with your ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu," he explained. "I will not go easy on you."
"I do not want you to go easy on me as that will only hinder my abilities. I will not disappoint you…Itachi-san," she vowed.
Itachi smiled warmly. "Very well. I suppose I should call your clan member back in," he mused.
"I find it frustrating that I have no alone time, but I understand why there's a need for it," she sighed. "Do I look as though I've…cried?"
"No, and it's easier with your eyes covered," he replied. "I'll let him back in now." He looked up towards the door and gestured with his hand that the man could come back in. Almost immediately, Ko was sliding the door open and slightly glaring at Itachi.
"Uchiha-sama, I need to remind you that you cannot initiate intimate contact with Hinata-sama until she graduates from the academy when your engagement will be announced," Ko explained. Hinata went bright red and Itachi refrained from sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Hyuuga-san, I can assure you that there was no such thing happening as Hinata-san is still very much a child and we are very new friends," Itachi answered. "I cannot tell you what we discussed, but there was nothing inappropriate about it."
"...Ko-san," Hinata said softly. Ko's eyes immediately softened when he looked at the little girl.
"Yes, Hinata-sama?"
"Itachi-san simply comforted me as I lost my control and…cried for my mother," she admitted. Itachi looked over at her in wonder as he'd been prepared to take any kind of blame or accusation to keep that a secret. "I trust that you will not tell my father…out of respect for me." Hinata lowered her head and Ko was instantly at her side.
"I would never betray your trust," he told her. "I will need to tell him that Uchiha-sama sent me away, but I will not tell him of your emotions."
Hinata nodded in thanks and Ko returned to his post in the corner of the room while the clan heirs sat in silence.
"The sun will be going down soon, yes?" Hinata asked.
"Yes," Itachi replied. "Before any restaurants close, I will buy us food to have for tonight."
"Hinata-sama, I have sent a message to the Hyuuga Compound and they will be sending refreshments once the celebration has started," Ko said. "I hope they will be to your liking, Uchiha-sama."
"Yes, that's perfect. Thank you, Hyuuga-san."
"Hey, Sasuke!" Sasuke groaned internally and let out a long sigh before turning around to face one of his only friends, Naruto. "What are you doing for New Years?" Naruto ran up to him and stopped just before crashing into him.
"Do you have any plans?" Sasuke redirected.
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Yeah! Me and my parents are gonna go watch the fireworks in the village and eat awesome food that they're serving, you know!" Sasuke winced at how loud his friend was being but he couldn't help but feel happy for him. "So what are you doing tonight? Do you wanna come with?"
Sasuke shook his head. "No, thanks. I'm spending it with my brother and Hinata," he said. He instantly regretted it when Naruto's eyes bulged.
"Hinata, too?!"
Sasuke sighed. "Yeah. Our families are friends so we occasionally spend time together. Clan stuff, I guess," he explained.
"Well, hey, maybe I can hang out with you guys?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke thought for a moment. No one told him that Hinata being in the hospital was a secret, but he knew that if she had been nearly kidnapped that people knowing her location might put her in danger again. And it wasn't that he didn't trust Naruto, he was just loud.
"Sorry, Naruto. But I can't allow that for today," he said. He truly felt bad about turning Naruto down because the boy looked so excited. He expected Naruto to whine and fight him on it but was pleasantly surprised when Naruto sighed and gave him an understanding smile.
"I get it. Clan stuff, right? Maybe we can all hang out together next time though!" He exclaimed.
Sasuke smiled. "Hinata said you were planning on training together. I'm thinking about joining, if you don't mind," he spoke.
"That'll be awesome! I can't wait!" Naruto shouted. Sasuke couldn't find it in himself to be annoyed. "Well, I better get going. My parents are gonna be wondering where I am. I'll see 'ya at school!"
"Yeah, see you." Sasuke waved and continued on his way to the hospital.
When he made it back to Hinata's room, he could hear Hinata giggling through the shut door but what really surprised him was Itachi chuckling along with her. Sasuke didn't waste another moment rushing into the room to see what was so funny that his big brother was laughing so freely. Only Sasuke had ever made him laugh like that.
"Oh, hey, little brother. Did you get enough to eat?" Itachi asked while Hinata waved cheerfully at him.
"Uh, yeah. What are you both laughing about?" He inquired.
"Hinata-san was trying to draw a bunny from memory and it wasn't exactly working out," he laughed. "It just looks like a poor circle with an obnoxious three next to it."
Hinata giggled, "H-hey, I'm doing my best!"
Sasuke was at a loss, but seeing that she was more lively than when he left…he couldn't bring himself to be upset about how close they were. He took the other seat next to Hinata's bed, across from Itachi, and joined in the bickering they were currently doing about who can draw a better bunny. Sasuke was concerned that he was trying to force himself into the conversation but discarded that feeling when they accepted him into it easily.
The sun was already setting when Hinata's head began drooping just a bit. Itachi noticed immediately and spoke up.
"Hinata-san, would you like to take a small nap before the food gets here?" He asked.
Hinata straightened herself up. "No, I'm okay. It'd be rude of me to sleep."
Sasuke nudged her leg through the hospital blanket. "You should get some sleep. Me and Itachi have to go get a few things anyways," he said, giving his brother a look. Itachi was confused but his facial expression remained neutral and he took Sasuke's lie in stride.
"Yes, we have to go see our parents for a bit. We'll come back in a couple of hours," he said.
Hinata, aware enough to catch that they would be leaving for a bit, nodded sleepily and let Itachi adjust her bed until she was flat. She snuggled into her blankets and was out before anyone could say anything else.
Sasuke couldn't help but laugh as she fell asleep so easily. He and Itachi said goodbye to Ko and left the hospital.
"You're surprisingly considerate," Itachi told him as they weaved through different villagers.
"Well, what would you have done?" Sasuke huffed, a light blush on his cheeks.
"You did well, Sasuke," Itachi said as he patted his head. "I'm proud of you."
Hiashi sat in his office with his twin brother and nephew, Hizashi and Neji. The two bore the clan's Curse Mark on their foreheads, worn reluctantly as members of the branch house, but sitting tall and proud as a Hyuuga should.
"Brother, you've heard what happened to Hinata, yes?" Hizashi nodded. "Then I must inform you that it is time for Neji to begin his protector training. Hinata did well to defend herself, but I know Neji is…very talented and I hope he can also guide and train her."
"Yes, I was thinking the same thing. Neji, you remember your cousin Hinata whom I told you about?"
"Yes, father. Will I meet her today?" He asked.
"Not today," Hiashi said. "Once she's released from the hospital and is allowed to come home, I would like you to be waiting to greet her."
"Yes, Hiashi-sama. It would be my honor," Neji said with a bright smile on his face. Often, his father talked about Neji's duty to protect Hinata and the main family no matter the cost. He was told he should be proud to lay down his life for a member of the main family and that he was a proud Hyuuga. Neji took all of this in stride despite the hardened look in his father's eyes. Before, he wasn't allowed to even glimpse Hinata at his father's request. Neji didn't understand it because he was proud to protect his family, but his father simply became sad when he mentioned it.
"Neji, are you ready?" His father asked. Neji nodded and bowed his head. "From now on, you shall train with the Hiashi-sama to prepare yourself." His father place his hand on Neji's head and smiled proudly at him. "Do your best, my son."
"Yes, father!" He chirped happily. Hizashi smiled back but it was sad and held a sense of pity in it. His son was genuinely happy to give his life protecting a higher-ranked girl who was much weaker than him. He knows that it is Neji who should be the Heir to the clan, but destiny decided to send his brother out of the womb first by only a few minutes.
Hiashi watched the exchange and sighed inwardly. He loved his brother dearly and would've been more than happy to watch his brother lead but it wasn't to be. He was hoping, that once Itachi and Hinata took over, they can break down the wall between the Main and Branch families. Hiashi missed his brother and the close relationship they had when they were kids and not yet Clan Head and Branch member.
"Hinata should be released in a couple of days. Neji, we will start training tomorrow afternoon. Please, tonight, you both enjoy the feast and fireworks," Hiashi said.
"Neji, please return without me. There is something I must discuss with Hiashi-sama," Hizashi said. Neji bowed to Hiashi, smiled at his father, and quietly left the room.
"What can I help you with?"
Hizashi finally looked into his brother's eyes. "How are you?" He asked. Hiashi was silent for a moment before sighing and letting his shoulders slump.
"I know I must look weak but you are my brother and I wish to be able to share these things with you. Hinata lost her sight the night before her attempted abduction and she will not be able to see her mother's body before we cremate her; I feel saddened by this. And by the loss of my wife," he said. His eyes were hard and his face was stoic, but the tone of his voice held a hint of regret and sadness.
Hizashi felt for his brother as he had lost his own wife when Neji was two, but he felt awkward. Since Hiashi had been deemed the Huyga Heir, he didn't know how to be as he once was with his older brother.
"My brother, Hinata will persevere. I heard of her defending herself, but I am even more amazed to hear that she was blind when she did it. You are raising a strong woman; she will get through this. As will you, Hiashi," he replied.
"I thank you for your continued support. I've heard Neji is very strong, a prodigy, and I promise to train him properly."
"Will he be learning moves known only to the Main Family?"
Hiashi paused. "I'd like him to, but that is not fully up to me. But I will fight for him to the Elders," he assured his brother.
Hizashi bowed his head to his brother. "Thank you," he said and then took his leave.
When Hiashi was positive he was alone, he let out a long sigh. He may be putting too much on Hinata's shoulders, but he was hoping she could do what he's been unable to. He wanted her to achieve all the things he was not strong enough to do. Hiashi desperately hoped he could be on good terms with his brother once again, once he was retired and passed on the title to his daughter.
Hinata awoke to a silent room and slowly sat up and stretched. "How…long have I been asleep?"
"Nearly two hours, Hinata-sama. Shall I help you wash up before the Uchiha Brothers return?" Ko asked. Hinata held her arms open to be carried as she still felt too sleepy to walk. Ko was the only person she'd allow to do this and it didn't happen very often.
When she was finished, Ko sat her back in bed and she waited patiently for her new friends to return so they could experience the New Year together.
She hoped more than anything that this year would bring about only good things, but she knew better than to wait for a miracle.
That night, when the Uchiha brothers returned, she laughed and giggled at their silly stories about Naruto and their cousin Shisui—who she expressed an eagerness to meet—as they ate the food the Hyuuga Clan dropped off.
When midnight approached, Hinata was allowed to sit on the window sill with Sasuke, Ko and Itachi at their backs. Despite the countdown, she still jumped when the fireworks began popping due to her sensitive hearing. She was even more surprised when she felt a hand on top of hers.
Sasuke was trying to comfort her and she couldn't help but smile gratefully. She knew he was uncomfortable around girls and interacting with them, but she was thankful that he was kind to her. She didn't know him before but now she could positively say that Sasuke was a good person.
Itachi watched Sasuke with a smug grin on his face for a brief moment before returning to the fireworks. How awkward is it going to be marrying the only girl his little brother has expressed an interest in? Sure, it was years away, but when Uchiha men fell…they fell hard.
Hi, all! We hope you've all enjoyed this chapter! Please excuse any mistakes you may find. I've read this document over and over but you can't catch everything. Please review and let me know what you think! And thank you to those who have followed/favorited this story :) It means a lot to us, especially with Team Harmony being our first published story. I hope you enjoy the development between everyone's friendships with each other! Any and all romantic development will be in the future, so I hope y'all don't mind the wait. I think it'll be worth it!
-hina
