Hinata hated councils. More specifically, she hated the Hyuga council. This was a new council, and it was going to be her job to deal with them, so she better start strong. The entire room became stiff and quiet as they entered. She followed her fiancé to make sure she was close enough that it didn't look like she was cowering behind him. She just didn't know where they were to stand. The air stalled as they took their place, a good start.

Hinata could feel Gaara's tenseness beside her. He was unsure how she would take this. She was more concerned about how this council would see her. He had expressed he didn't care what his council thought.

No one spoke for a full minute. Hinata glanced over to where she saw Temari. She glared at the head of the council, who was still sitting. Hinata hated to do what she was about to do, but it would make a lasting impression at least.

Hinata abruptly bowed respectfully. Not a full bow. Tactical, giving a full bow would be submission. A half-bow showed her place and power. "I'm Hinata Hyuga. Pleased to meet you."

The silence made her voice echo over the room. All eyes went from him to her. The room stiffened, and the air grew cold, perfect. She stood back up perfectly straight. Hinata stared expectantly at the head, with a calm peak to the corners of her mouth, putting him on the spot to introduce himself and the group, whether he wanted to or not. His face was already turning red.

"Hyuga-sama." The speaker greeted her. He introduced himself and the council as a whole through clenched teeth and a strained smile. "Welcome." Hinata ignored his discomfort. She would turn into her father yet. "We were surprised by your engagement, Kazekage-sama. You've declined any attempt to have you marry in the past." There was a hidden 'Why this woman and not the women we picked out for you' there.

Hinata wasn't letting him get away from her. "My clan thought a closer bond with Suna would be more easily achieved this way. Peace is something we like to keep."

The speaker's smile tightened. "Of course, we are just confused about why we weren't addressed."

"Well, from what we understand, you wanted Gaara-sama to marry politically. Since he was not partnered, and Konoha is your closest ally, your agreement on the matter seemed clear." He reopened his mouth to speak. She continued with. "Besides, the Hyuga council was not addressed either, Gaara-sama personally proposed."

The room squirmed, and hushed whispers were made.

Hinata now saw why her father liked this ruthless tactic so much. It made you feel powerful. Temari clamped over her mouth to keep herself from laughing. Hinata felt sudden pride in all those years of ridiculous training. They might be useful to her yet.

"Kazekage-sama." The speaker avoided even accidental eye contact with her. "You did not inform us you wanted to marry." He was losing footing.

"I wasn't aware I was required to." Gaara's face was a hard mask.

The speaker grits his teeth, trying to keep a scowl off his face. "It's very sudden."

"We can hold off the wedding until agreements with the Hyuga and Konoha council are settled." Most political weddings didn't have weddings unless it was in an attempt to show off or show power and wealth. Hinata could let them swim with the idea it was a show of power or that it was their decision. She had already planted the idea that their marriage wasn't strictly political.

"Of course." He paused, seething in the polite, proper tone she set for the conversation. "Thank you." He said out of obligation.

"Thank you for your lovely welcome. I look forward to working with you." It was at that moment the entire room realized that they would be working with her. It was hard to breathe in it. However, Hinata was breathing just fine for once in her life. She had, without a doubt, won. She was going to write a long thank you to her father and the council tonight. Hanabi and Neji would be proud.

Temari was overrun with joy. She clutched onto Hinata's shoulders, and Hinata was outwardly giggling at the woman's excitement.

"That was the funniest thing I have ever seen!" Temari grinned. "He looked like he would explode! I want to continue to work with you when you take over. I have to see more of that!"

"I would be happy to have you," Hinata assured.

Gaara might get something done if she kept it up. The strength and humility Hinata showed were attractive.

"Gaara." Gaara realized he was being spoken to. Hinata was now red under her healing sunburn. Hinata didn't like being stared at. It made her embarrassed, he remembered.

Gaara moved his eyes to his sister. "Yes?"

"How do you think she did?" Temari made a pointed face toward Hinata. What? Was she trying to tell him something?

"She handled them better than you do," Gaara commented. Temari rolled her eyes. Not the answer she was looking for, then what did she want?

"Thank you, Gaara-sama," Hinata played with her ring, staring at it intently.

"As my fiancée, you are allowed to call me informally." It was uncomfortable to hear it that way. She was his fiancée, not a subordinate.

"Okay," Hinata mumbled.

Temari got a big grin. Gaara did not understand her mood today. If she kept up the odd behavior, he would have her check in for an early mental evaluation.

"Really?" Kankuro asked in disbelief.

"I wish you were there. You wouldn't have been able to stop yourself from laughing. Hinata had him digging his own grave." Temari laughed outwardly, telling the story of the day's early events.

"Who knew such a cute little woman has such a sharp tongue." Kankuro sighed when the story was told. Hinata blushed.

Temari smacked his arm. "Hey. She's Gaara's bride."

"Missed my chance, huh?" Kankuro joked.

Hinata looked up at the time. "I'm going to make Gaara's dinner. Please excuse me."

"Make?" Temari asked.

"I found that he doesn't take the initiative to eat." Hinata hoped they didn't see it as a sign of disrespect that she was forcing him to have meals.

"I was wondering why you didn't show up for breakfast or lunch." Kankuro sat back with an uncertain expression. "Is he eating?"

"Yes."

"Well, at least he likes you enough to let you make him eat. We've been trying to get him to eat normal meals for years." Temari looked surprised.

Hinata was glad they weren't angry. "I was just trying to make sure he was healthy."

"No, no, Hinata. That's perfectly fine. It's impressive. Go ahead, force the brat to take better care of himself. It might improve his attitude." Kankuro assured her with a laugh.

"Maybe she can get him to sleep as well." Temari joined him.

Hinata excused herself before she could embarrass herself further.