"She shows no promise," they would murmur when her body hit the floor after a spar.
It wasn't a lie, Hinata was well aware of the fact.
And yet there was always someone who would extend a hand to help her up. In the back of mind, she wondered why they bothered but in the end she could never fully articulate the thought. Why question it? She was happy and they were happy. It was a win-win in her books.
A small smile reached her face. "Thank you, Natsu-san."
The older girl returned the smile and tugged her hand. "Come, we have prepared something for you. It has been a long day, no?"
"I can't complain, it could've been worse."
Natsu laughed quietly as she gently pushed Hinata to the kitchen. "We need to work on your venting, this can't be healthy."
When Natsu left her on a stool by the island counter she allowed herself to rest her forehead against the cool surface. It was long past lunch and the people working in the kitchen would surely disinfect it again for dinner, regardless of her presence or not. She closed her eyes behind the safety of her bangs and counted her breaths. In four, hold seven, out eight.
That day she didn't train with her father. While the fact that he was having a meeting with outsider guests soothed the stab of rejection, her exclusion from such meetings did not leave positive thoughts in her mind. If she remembered properly, he was talking to the head of the Uchiha clan. He probably did bring his sons along as an educational field trip of sorts.
Sasuke was her classmate, not a stranger and while his older brother was more of a stranger, it couldn't have been too bad. He seemed rather nice the few times they spoke. She might've done a good job as a host had she been allowed to take on the job.
After months of ceding several duties to Hanabi, this would be the price she must pay. It was a less painful realization when she took into account Habai's bare forehead. It was worth the price of being cast aside by their father, she repeated to herself. It's not like the council would seal Hinata herself immediately either; as the firstborn, they had several reservations with the subject.
Eventually the clank of porcelain against the countertop caught her attention and she raised her head to find Natsu setting down a bowl with soup and a glass of water before her. Hinata's eyes lit up as she took the offered silverware. "Thank you, Natsu-san. It looks amazing."
Natsu patted her head gently. "The girls and I wanted to do something special for you."
"That was unnecessary, but I do appreciate it."
"It's not unnecessary, Hinata-sama." Natsu's countenance darkened and Hinata averted her gaze. "You protecting us is no small thing."
She shrugged stiffly. "It's basic human decency, the council member's son had no business terrorizing all of you. Someone should've done something sooner."
Natsu only offered a half-hearted smile this time. "It looks like we also need to work on accepting compliments."
Hinata only nodded as to avoid talking with food in her mouth. There was no use in arguing with Natsu once she set a goal, anyway.
After a couple of minutes an apron wearing girl entered the kitchen with hurried steps. "It's time to serve Hiashi-sama's guests, we— oh, forgive me Hinata-sama!" She offered a bow before scanning the countertop. "Hasn't Natsu prepared your gift yet?"
"Isn't a nice, warm meal gift enough?" Hinata questioned kindly. "I truly appreciate that you took the time to make it even when it's far past lunchtime."
"Her gift is still in the oven," Natsu huffed with faux indignation. "As if I would forget the main dish."
The other girl nodded her approval. "We're going to serve the guests and we'll be right back to prepare your dessert. Don't you dare move from here without it."
Hinata laughed, lifting a hand to cover her smile. "Of course."
