Chapter 1: Two Hyugas.
-Hinata POV-
Look, the years passed in the villages. Things have changed. The face of the fifth Hokage Tsunade is engraved on the stone cliff. Under her command, our village worked with the village of the Sand to destroy Akatsuki. It was a very long operation, but it succeed. Akatsuki was destroyed and its members are all almost dead now. Orochimaru was killed too , and his organization was dismantled. Our village is strong under the direction of the fifth Hokage.
I am 18 years old now and I am Chuunin. I know, it isn't brilliant for the heiress of Hyuga to be only Chuunin. My cousin Neji is already Jounin. I train often with my father and my small sister Hanabi. They are are exceptional fighter, but not me. I see well that my father would have preferred to have Neji as son, rather than me as girl.
And then, actually, to progress in fight doesn't really interest me, I prefer take care of my medicinal herbs and my healing creams. I like the odor of my small room, full with flowers and sheets. I have a quiet life between the missions with my team, the daily drive and my herbalist preparations . However I feels like a vacuum in my heart.
-Neji POV-
With a short breath, my uncle and I make a pause to our training session
in the court of the Hyuga manor. I'm learning a new technique, rather difficult
. My cousin Hinata see us stop and left in kitchen to seek us tea. She's
back quickly, with three hot cups. The scented tea slackens us after such
an amount of effort. Hinata naturally didn't join to our training session.
However my uncle had proposed her to teach her this technique, but she
refused the offer. He didn't insist. He gave up trying to teach to Hinata
the higher techniques of Hyugas.
he teaches them to me, Neji, member of the secondary branch.
It's normal, I'm currently the most powerful of my generation in the family. Hanabi is skilled, but she's still too young for mastering our fighting style. Our team, with Tenten and Lee is one of the best in the village, and I start to be famous in the other ninja villages too. I succeeded almost all the missions which are entrusted to me, and I even undoubtedly will become Anbus.
After having drunk her tea with us, Hinata sets out again towards his
room and I decide to return at home too. I move towards the door. With
great surprise, I see the black and blue kimono of Hinata leave by
the large door. After some fast steps, I leave the manor too and I catch
up Hinata in the street.
Neji: "Hinata-sama!"
She turns over and smiles to me.
Neji: "Where do you go?"
Hinata: "I in the forest to gather plants, I need some for a potion."
I briefly look at her, she wears only her Kimono and a basket. Some
Kunais are dissimulated in her handles, but it's all.
Neji: "It isn't careful to leave like that. What if you were attacked........""
Hinata: "I can defend myself."
Neji: "Ask some guards to accompany you when you leave the village."
Hinata answers nothing and carries on her road. I glance, without knowing
what to do. She obviously doesn't intend to ask for an escort... What an
obstinated girl! I should however know that she's like that. Understood....
Neji: "I come with you."
Hinata: "You don't need to, Neji Nii-san."
I follow her nevertheless. I can be obstinated too.
Slowly, Hinata advances in the forest, examining with attention the
surrounding ground and trees. Sometimes she picks some sheets, or a piece
of bark, without seeming to find what she seeks. I must say that I haven't
any idea about the use of the plants which accumulate in her basket.
Hinata: "There isn't anymore here, this is bothering..."
She undoubtedly spoke more for herself than for me. Then she continues to move away in the depths wood. My glance sweeps the neighbourhoods continuously, seeking the least sign of danger, but anybody in sight. Even the wild beasts aren't disturbed by our quiet steps. I throw a glance in direction of the village to evaluate the distance, but I see only the green trees. I understand suddenly.... Genjutsu!!
I draw Hinata by the arm to make her raise, seeking any trace of chakra which would indicate to me the origin of the jutsu. Hinata too seeks the danger with her white eyes. A short flash on the left, I have just the time to push Hinata out of the trajectory of the ball of fire. Enemy found.
He doesn't hide anymore, he knows that now my glance is hung, I won't release him anymore. Black hair, black clothing, red eyes, the last survivor of Akatsuki, who had escaped my uncle when we were attacking their den, returned to the village.
Itachi Uchiwa
Chapter 2: Two Hyugas,Uchiwa.
Hinata and I are in guard, a little distant one from the other, but
his red eyes don't look at Hinata. It's not an interesting adversary, too
weak. On the other hand...
Itachi: "It seems that you're the new rising star of the village, Hyuga
Neji. Let's see what you're worth."
I really thought I became stronger. But vis-a-vis with the fulgurating
speed of Itachi's movements, vis-a-vis with his control of all ninja arts...
I realize how much I'm still weak. I don't have any chance....
Neji: "Hinata! Run! launch alarm at the village!"
She leaves while I launch an attack on my enemy. I would have at least
succeeded in protecting my cousin.... before dying. Genjutsu was
always my weak point, and I'm now captive of one of these illusions which
paralyse the nerves, without any hope of freeing me.
Itachi: "Combat without any interest... Let's see if the other Hyuga
make the weight vis-a-vis with me."
He will kill me, the black blade of his kunai shines in his hand.
Neji: "What you do have against Hyugas!?"
He advances until being vis-a-vis with me.
Itachi: "Nothing. I seek just powerful adversaries."
he moves back abruptly to avoid a few metal darts. In the space between
Itachi and me, a black and blue kimono lands in defensive position.
Hinata: "I wouldn't let to you harm any members of my family!"
Itachi: "Move, you're a bother."
Hinata: "No! You saw well that you're the strongest here! let him leave!
You're undoubtedly stronger than anybody of my clan, then you don't bother
about us."
The kunai of Itachi disappears in his hand. His inexpressive face suddenly seems to show a little interest. No!! Does he want to fight with her?! She would be killed in one moment! I try to shout in Hinata to flee, but no sound leaves my paralysed throat. I'm not able to free me either, nothing I can do.
Under the glance of Itachi, Hinata is disturbed and tightens her guard,
ready to block any attack. But Itachi stays there, distant of a few meters,
and details her.
Itachi: "Youre the Hyuga's heiress, without mistake. You should on
the contrary defend the honor of your clan."
Hinata: "The honor of the clan is useless if there's nobody anymore
to bear the name. If you kill all my family, the Ninja'll end up forgetting
our name, as now the name of Uchiwa is disappearing... But it's not what
is important. A name is only a name. What counts for me is the members
of my family. Then to protect them, I'm ready to everything! "
Itachi: " even to die?"
Hinata: "Yes, if it's needed... but do you need really my death? Can't
I offer somethinother to you than my life so that you don't kill my family?"
Only silence answers her. Hinata didn't notice it, but when she spoke about the disappearance of the name Uchiwa, Itachi blinks. Slightly. What a fool, it's like asking for death.... Uchiwas are very proud, and for a long time are rival of Hyugas.
Silence lasts for ever, Hinata doesn't move under the piercing glance
of Itachi, and on the contrary doesn't hesitate to hang his eyes with her
large white eyes. And suddenly, the tension unties. Hinata reddens and
lowers her eyes, disturbed. Itachi has a small smile.
Itachi: "I agree. I make a deal with you, heiress of Hyugas. I don't
attack your familly, and in exchange... you become my wife and the mother
of my children."
Hinata: "I..I... I agree."
Itachi: "I would return to see you and seal the agreement."
And he disappears. The illusion which hold me captive dissipates and
I can shake Hinata violently.
Neji: "You become insane, Hinata?? "
She looks at me curiously. She seems.. very calm.
Hinata: "You drop the -sama, now, Neji Nii-san?"
Neji: "I.... I apologize, Hinata-sama.."
Hinata: "It suits me. It's better. We are like brothers and sisters,
after all. And I don't become insane."
Neji: "But to make a pact with such a dangerous criminal..."
Hinata: "it will.. protect our family, at least for a moment. You think
that we have any chances of survival against him?"
Neji: "..no."
Hinata: "Then it's alright. Can you promise me to keep all that secret,
Neji? I wouldn't like... that my parents know it. They would be likely
to want attacks Itachi... "
I feel ashamed. I was unable to stand against this man, unable to protect
our clans, unable to protect my own cousin... She has to be sacrificed
to defend me. I now have an enormous debt towards her. She didn't only
protect her family, But mine too.
Neji: "I promises. I wouldn't say anything."
Hinata: " well, Let's go home, now."
She quietly recovers her basket and her weapons driven in the trees, then we set out towards the village. How can she smile like that in our situation?
-Hinata POV-
Neji accompanied me back to the door, and I returned home without more problem. I sit in front of my plants to think. What a strange meeting... when I saw Neji in danger, I return to help him without thinking twice. And my words left alone. It's because of this red glance... calm, maitrized and considered... So much Ninja have a glance thirsty of blood and violence, but not him. Strange for such a dreaded criminal. He is thirsty for another thing, but I couldn't say what...
I don't know what he saw in me but he liked it. It's surprising, it's the first time that somebody seems satisfied of what he finds in me. I was happy.
I believe that today, my life has just rocked. I don't realize yet very well... but I believe that nothing will be as before anymore.
Chapter 3: Hyuga, Uchiwa.
Nothing changed for me seemingly. The life go on. But I have the feeling to be different, the impression to discover for the first time that I am worth something. I would lie by saying that I am not afraid. What really await Itachi of me? What will happen when he recontact me?
Hey, I don't need to be explained, I know. I know how the children are made., thanks ... it will be my first time. I am a little afraid. But I promised, and I'll hold my word. Hyuga never reconsiders their word, we"re women of honour. Will he want that I leave with him? or will I stay at the village? Ha, so much questions! And why this feeling of impatience, why this waiting full with hope and fear?
- POV exterieur-
A new mission starts, and Hinata still doesn't have any news of
her "promised in marriage" .... As long as she's at the village,
Neji doesn't let her be alone anymore now. His worry for her make Hinata
smile, but she worry about what Neji could do the day when Itachi will
come to see her. Fortunately, when Hinata leaves on mission with
Kiba and Shino, he can't follow them.
The three chuunins walk all the day to deliver a message at the Fire
castle, and they're rather tired. They will remain this evening in an inn
at the capital to set out tomorrow morning. Hinata is sitting on her bed,
whereas Kiba, always healthy takes along Akamaru to run a little, and Shino
go buy something to eat. She stays alone in the room. One strikes at the
door, she concentrates her Byakugan to look at who it's through the wall...
and jumps of the bed to open to him.
Hinata: "Itachi!"
He puts a finger on her lips to intimate silence to her. With low voice, he gives her an appointment for this evening, then disappears quickly in the corridor, just before Kiba go up on the floor. Shino also returns, but neither one nor the other suspects the visit which has just received Hinata.
Hinata goes out discreetly a little later, finding a good excuse that the both boy listen with a distracted ear, occupied by their card deck. She leaves and moves towards the point of appointment, a little nervous. But a large black coat appears in the street and discreetly makes her sign before disappearing in a lane. She follows him. She suspected that he won't wait at the point of appointment, too dangerous. At a distance, she goes behind him, her eyes in Byakugan fixed on his face. So beautiful.
Itachi stops and waits her in front of a rather decayed building. It's
the registry office of the district east. Always without a word, he makes
the girl enter in the building while quickly forming signs with his
hands. This silence doesn't frighten Hinata, and comforts her on the contrary.
If he had spoken to her, she wouldn't have know what to answer. The few
employees present at this evening are grab by the Genjustsu without realizing
it. In their eyes, it's a banal couple which has just enter in the town
office. Itachi takes the hand of Hinata to draw her in front of the Reception
Officier.
Itachi: "Marry us now"
Employee of the town hall: "You must fill the requested formula before
and...."
Itachi put two scroll on the desk.
Itachi "I already did it."
Hinata is surprised to see that there're two marriage contracts, perfectly written and in the rules, with her name and Itachi's. She reads the clauses quickly, and agree with a light sign of head. The employee is surprised, but always influenced by Genjutsu, he accepts finally. Hinata signs with Itachi at the bottom of the scroll and the employee pronounces the usual sentences before declaring: "You're husband and wife now." Then toward Itachi: "You can kiss the bride."
Hinata is surprised by a hand which raises her chin gently and his the
lips briefly posed on hers. She reddens. Itachi takes one of the scroll
and gives the second to Hinata.
Itachi: "Put it in the village's files, and make a copy for your
clan."
Still red, she shakes her head and put the scroll in her satchel. Then
she follows him towards the exit. The illusion dissipate without clashes
when they leave, and the employees present don't understand that they married
the heirs of the two greater families of Konoha.
They now go side by side in the streets, without touching, to not obstruct
their freedom of movement and to be able to flee at any sign of danger.
An hotel, they enter. Itachi takes the key of a room from a receptionist
under genjustsu, (receptionist indifferent to the couples which enter and
leave his hotel). Now, Hinata is afraid, but tries to hide it as well as
possible.
Itachi: "don't shake like that, it will go. Strip and lie down. I'll
practise a justu on you "
Submissively, Hinata strip herself and li down, hiding all that she can with her hands, closing her eyes like to protect herself. He makes her uncross her hands and put them flat at each side. Hinata would almost cry. She starts when the hot fingers of Itachi begin tracing some signs on her belly.
Then, gradually, she calms down. The fingers run on her skin with softness and the ambient silence cheers her. She can even open her eyes and look at him, working. He's naked too, his red eyes concentrated on the jutsu he's writing. But from time to time, they turn to other parts of Hinata's body, briefly, before returning to his work. Hinata could almost believe that they become animated by looking at her. Their glances end up crossing and Hinata feel his cheeks stupidly redden. He gives her a flick on the nose, covering it with red, with a short smile. She laughs. There is surely a little Genjutsu in the air, because Hinata feels now perfectly good.
The layout is finished, and Itachi put his palm of hand on Hinata's
belly to activate the jutsu. A kind of intense heat runs through
the veins of the girl who groans. Lastly, every stops, leaving Hinata
panting. The hand on her belly don't leave and slips towards
her chest.
Hinata: "I..Itachi..."
Her voice sounds curiously begging and faint to Hinata's ears. A second hand caresses her waist, lips come gently to bite her neck, making her sigh. Hinata hugs with her white arms the hot body on her. Desire, desire of Hinata for Itachi, desire of Itachi for Hinata. She sees it on his face. She's happy.
Yes, every goes well. Very well, even. Itachi gets dressed the first
and caresses Hinata's belly gently, as Hinata is always lying and don't
want to rise.
Itachi: "I'll come to see you."
And he leaves. She leaves the hotel a little later and returns to her team,'s hotel where the two boys are always playing. They play still a long time in the night.
After going home, Hinata makes a copy of the contract and simply slips it into the cupboard of family document. It's very seldom open. Hinata doesn't want to say it to her family. There's no clause of silence in the contract, but she wants to hide that to her family, for reasons which aren't clear even for her. Then, same thing for the village files. The deposit employee takes the scroll and arranges it in the files without asking questions. His work requires discretion and confidentiality.
Chapter 4: Two Hyugas, a teacher, Hokage
-Neji POV-
When Hinata said to me that she and Itachi was married and that she was pregnant, I believe that I stayed at least 5 minutes the mouth wide open without anything to say. Then I made her repeat. And yet I knew that she had promised this contract.... but she said me this important news so quietly, as like could speak about her new pair of sandals... It struck me a little. I ask her where, when, why, how...? not how, no need to tell me! She answers all, with a small smile..... of pride. Yes, it's pride and joy which I reads on her face.
Neji: "What make you so happy, Hinata? It's Itachi?"
Oups, it's an awkward question and I redden slightly. But I can't compete
with the color of her cheeks. With a scandalized voice, she scolds
me: "..N-N-Neji!"
Neji: "It's not that what I wanted to say! I want to know why you seem
so brighten up."
Hinata: "I don't know too ... But I'm really happy of what I did."
Neji: "And now, what will you do? You spoke about it to your
parents?"
Hinata: "... No.... and I won't say anything to them. I don't want....
I.... I don't want..... I don't want that my child lives... like I lived,
neither like you, nor like Hanabi..... I don't want to raise my child like
an alive weapon. Then I must leave, I must hide, as much as I can."
Neji: "Moreover, you will grow bigger. How will you do the missions?"
Hinata:" I'll stop the mission and perhaps work, for example in a pharmacy..."
Neji: "You don't need it, Hinata. Our family will give you all the
money you'll ask, if we're able to convince them. You underwent all the
nuisances without complaining, now take the benefice of your heiress title,
Hinata."
I must leave, my team-members are waiting me already... I must report
later all that I want to say to Hinata. But at least....
Neji: "Ask your father that he assigns me as bodyguard, it'll reassure
him if I am there to protect you"
Hinata makes a small sign of head as an answer, and she leaves. She
must warn other people in the village.
- POV exterieur-
After Neji, Hinata goes at Kurenai's apartment . Fortunately her teacher
is a woman. If not, Hinata could never speak about such a personal problem
to a man. Sitting on the settee, Hinata twists a little and plays
with her fingers, wondering how to start. Near her, Kurenai waits patiently.
Hinata wants surely say something very important. That's here, she takes
a long breath and she speaks.
Hinata: "Kurenai-sensei... I'm pregnant."
Ninja never shows emotions, it's the golden rule, and Kurenai stays imperturbable. She rises, takes in the cupboard a whisky bottle, fill a glass and drink it. Afterwards, she can finally speak: "Ah."
Great silence, stopped by Hinata: "I... here.... my parents must not
know it... and I can't continue the missions and...."
Kurenai: "Minute, minute, minute! How did it happen? with who?"
Hinata: "I won't say it. For certain reasons,I must keep it secret."
To protect her child. To protect Itachi, too.
Kurenai makes a rapid evaluation of the possibility. In the village, she sees either Naruto, or Kiba ( think of questioning him tomorrow about this subject)... though there're some others older chunins who like Hinata.... and maybe Kakashi? Lately, there were Sand Ninjas at the village too.....!!
Hinata: "You won't find who, Kurenai-sensei. Can you promise to keep
the secrecy? If ever my family learns it... "
Kurenai: "It'll be the apocalypse, I imagine.... You're an Hyuga, one
of the main pawn of our village. You must speak about it to the Hokage,
in priority. She'll be able to decide what will be best for you and for
the village. I accompany you, immediately."
The two women quickly cross the city to go to Hokage Tsunade's office. Kurenai chooses carefully her route so that Hinata don't have jumps to do. She must pay attention to shocks, especially at the beginning.
To Tsunade, Hinata says the same thing than Kurenai, nothing more. In her diary, Tsunade notes to send an Anbu make an investigation, then she makes a short medical examination to Hinata and evaluates the date of the childbirth. Before the birth, Hinata must be protected.
In the evening, Hokage calls Hyuga's chief of clan to announce to him that a threat weighs on her older daughter. It seems that Ninjas of another village want to kidnap her. For this reason, she'll be placed in protected residence and won't go on mission anymore until the Village gets rid of the threat.
Tsunade refuses the proposal to keep her at Hyuga'manor, it's the first place where she'll be sought. She'll be placed under close protection of Jounins in a place known bye the Hokage only. Hiashi remember Tsunade that Neji is Jounin, and that he's a very good defender.
Seeing that an area of agreement is possible, Tsunade and Hiashi Hyuga seal the agreement. Everyone gains something. Tsunade obtained the guard of Hinata and Hiashi can keep an eye on her thanks to Neji. A message is sent immediately to Neji and Hiashi returns to warn her daughter to make her luggage. He'll send her regularly an important amount of money for her daily expenses and the rent. It's out of question that a Hyuga lives thanks to Konoha's charity.
Chapter 5: Two Hyugas, Uchiwa, Haruno. Harmonize
Neji and Hinata lives now in an apartment located in a small anonymous building of Konoha. Theyre very well installed. Neji go on missions as usual and Hinata works in the apartment. The day of her departure, the Hyuga grandmother gave her a pile of scrolls and books about Hyugas techniques while saying to her: "You must improve your defensive force. These techniques are old and no more used by our family currently. But in the situation where you are, they will be useful for you. Try to master at least one."
At the beginning, Hinata put the scroll at the bottom of a wall cupboard.
But Neji after studying them give her cousin one scroll.
Neji: "Look at this. There are techniques used by the Hyugas women
to protect themselves and protect their children, at the time where only
the men were ninja. There are some who are adapted to pregnant women and
young mother."
This is enough to divert Hinata from her medicinal herb plantations on the balcony. Protect her child is part of her duties. She begin to train on her balcony.
Hinata rarely goes out of the appartement, only when Neji can accompagny her, and covered with a thick kimono and a large obi to hide her belly which starts to grow. Its a peaceful and studious life, in a small apartment decorated carefully. She learn how to cook too, a real cooking, not the rations of ninja survival cooked quickly on a fire.
How did he find them? Mystery.
But Itachi came to see her several times... without worrying about
Nejis presence. Theres an agreement between Hinata and him, Neji isnt
allowed to intervene. He never stays a long time, just the time to take
pleasure with his wife, to inform about the situation and the child. Sometimes
he eat with her, under the white eye of Neji which stay only for not leting
them alone. Always, Itachi gives her various package. Once, there was rare
scroll of techniques, for the child. Another time, Uchiwas documents...
Hinata: "Neji.... this document says that..... I am the owner of the
quarter of the Uchiwa properties, and my child of another quarter.... that..."
Neji: "A lot. At this rate, Hinata, youll be able to make career in
the building."
She has a small laughter.
Hinata: "Or doing many children to fill the empty houses."
Itachi swallows his piece of fish with rice and answers: "Why not ?"
She still laughs by serving again rice to him. Neji feels hes a bother
between them. He finishes his meal quickly and leaves in his room. How
can she do that? How can she speak so quietly, laugh so peacefully
in the presence of the largest criminal of the village?
He asks her the question one day, whereas he accompanies her to the
market. Hinata examines a melon and answers him with lowvoice: "Hes an
human like the others, Neji. And hes my husband."
Neji: "Take a bigger melon. You call that a marriage? Its a simple
contract. Hes here only from time to time and... "
Hinata: "I prefer that rather than lives all my life with a husband
that Father would have chosen for me in a few years. Ah, this melon will
be perfect for this evening. At least,I chose my husband, and he lets me
live as I want."
Neji: "I really dont understand"
In the greengrocer, they meet a young woman with pink hair carrying
a basket full of carrots.
Sakura: "Oh, the Hyuga cousins! What a surprise to see you there!"
Hinata: "Hello Sakura! Its the first time that I see you here too."
Sakura: "However I often come. I dont live very far and I buy my food
here. what do you do here?"
Neji: "The same things. We live in a colocation in the district...
"
Hinata started to examin vegetables to make her choice, and Sakura looks
her strangely. She tightens her hand like to take a leek and touch the
Hinatas hand. Immediately, surprise invades the face of Sakura. But before
she even has time to open her mouth, Neji takes her wrist and the drag
her outside while shouting in Hinata to finish alone. With fast step, he
drag Sakura in a lonely street and stops to speak.
Neji: "Dont say anything!"
Sakura howls: "Let me go, Neji! "
he releases her wrist. She begins to speak.
Sakura: "About Hinata..."
Neji: "Wait, not here. Lets go to the apartment to discuss! Therere
things which shouldnt fall into all ears."
Once installed in front of a tea cup at Neji and Hinatas appartment,
Sakura tackles the subject directly.
Sakura:"5 months of pregnancy, Am I right?"
Neji: "yes... how?"
Sakura: "Dont underestimate a medical specialist. Explain me."
She seems very tense, as if she were concerned with the Hinatas problem
from a personal point of view.
Neji: "thats not your problem."
Sakura: "I know already too much. Tell me "
Neji: "Hokage is well informed, and she covers Hinata. Im here to
protect her."
Sakura: "And the father?"
Neji: "Hinata doesnt want to speak about him.."
Sakura become white, and asked a perturbing question to Neji.
Sakura: ".... she... was raped....?"
Neji doesnt know what to answer and hes disturbed a little.
Neji: "No, I dont think...."
She agree for this contract because of the situation, but by choice
too. And about her close relations with Itachi... they seem rather good...
Sakura: "You dont think?"
Neji: "To tell the true, the situation is a little complicated... but
Hinata and her man are... rather well together. She seems always happy
to see him. I would see immediately if she were maltreated... "
Sakura: "It may be not seen... it may be.. .. more subtle pressures..."
Neji: "Listen
, ask her directly. but I can ensure you that Hinata
chose to have this child. She even speaks about have other!"
The image of Hinata surrounded by children seems to slacken Sakura
who does a small contracted smile.
Sakura: "I see her very well as a mother. It reassure me, if you say
that. If Hinata is happy... "
Neji: " If you want to speak to her..."
will sakura: "I must go home, I have work to do before tomorrow. But
I will come again to see her. Goodbye, Neji."
Perplexed, Neji accompanies back Sakura to the door. Why does she interress
in Hinata?
Sakura come to visit Hinata several times. Since the meeting at the market, Hinata doesnt leave home anymore. Her state is seen too much. Then, Sakuras visits please her. They speak much about medicine, Hinata knowing about pharmacy and Sakura about the medical practice. Sitting besides the two girls, Neji doesnt understand the largest part of the subject. He arranged with Sakura so that they do their market at the same time. Hinatas lists are sometimes like a coded language for Neji, language that Sakura understand without problem. She makes fun of him on this subject. Neji answer her that to go to market isnt a mans thing, which made Sakura laughs more.
Chapter 6: Two Hyugas, Uchiwa, Haruno. Dissonance.
Hinata wants strawberries. Now .
Whereas he went to market yesterday and that he bought full of other
fruits, today she wants strawberries. Absolutely.
Neji sighs and leaves the apartment. Lets buy her strawberries, even
without Sakura, he should success.
On the way towards the usual fruit shop, Neji locates further a pink
hair in the crowd. ah, Sakura is here too? Just beside her, Sasuke,
who just came back of a rather long mission with Naruto. They move towards
another district. Neji greets them when he crosses them. Sasuke answers
by a short sign of head, hes as friendly as always... Sakura makes a small
nervous smile...., then they carry on their road.
By crossing her glance, Neji felt... like a dumb call for help. He doesnt understand. While both move away, Neji put his Byakugan on Sakuras face. She dont seem at ease.
Forgotten about strawberries, Neji decides to follow them and to observe them with attention. Sasuke goes in front, Sakura is a little after him, but she follows him. Why does she seem so anxious? She shakes a little. They arrive in the bottom of a building, its here that Sasuke lives.
But at the time to pass the door, Sakura has a movement of sudden retreat. Sasuke turn over and catches her by the wrist. She try to free herself, but blocking her other wrist, he pushes her the back against the wall. He speaks to her with low voice, incisive and aggressive, his face very close to hers. Now the face of Sakura is almost begging, she seems without force, not able to get free.
Neji doesnt understand what happen, but it dont seem good. He must interfere ;. Jumping of the roof, he lands not far and calls: "Sakura!"
Sasuke turn over with a furious face and releases the girl. Neji advances
towards them quickly:
Neji: "Sakura! Hinata feel not well! You must come to see her!"
Sakura: "Hinata? I come."
As Sasuke want to prevent her for leaving, she shouts: "Its a medical
urgency!!"
Neji and Sakura leave immediatly, and Sasuke dont seem to follow them.
The young medical specialist ask from Neji more precision about Hinatas
state while running.
Neji: "Shes well, it was a lie. It's you who dont seem well."
The surprise would have make her stop if Neji hadnt pushed her to
advance.
neji: "We go to the house nevertheless."
Hinata is very surprised to see Neji returning with Sakura and no strawberries
cutters, then she rises very anxious.
Hinata: "What happened, Sakura? You dont seem well! Sit down, I bring
a cup of tea to you "
Sakura sit down on the settee. When Hinata returns with a hot cup,
she breaks in tear.
Hinata: "Sakura, what happened?"
But she doesnt answer, she seems to close herself, she tries
to plaster her tears.
Neji insists: "Its because of Sasuke?"
Two pairs of white eyes read the answer on her face without she needs
to open her mouth. Yes, its Sasukes fault, and Shes too shameful to
speak about it. It's not an argument... its more serious.
Hinata: "What did he do to you, Sakura?"
She tries to hide her face in her hands to escape the pitiless examination
from these large white eyes. Neji suddenly remembers the strange conversation
that he had had with her, at this same place...
He asks the question without prccaution, scandalizing Hinata who tries
to operate more delicately.
Neji: "He... raped you?"
Sakura: "no! No!"
But all her body shouts "yes" thanks to Hyugas eyes. Hinata sit next to Sakura and take her gently in her arms. They have understood, Sakura feels it, but she tries to minimize: "Its not that..... I... I had promised to him that.... I will help him, always. and he needs to his clan. then ... he asked me..."
But Neji has already better understood the situation: "He didnt ask
anything. He drag you at his home as he did a few moments ago? When you
understood what he wanted, you wanted to flee. He then remember you this
old teenager promise . And you felt guilty to give up him. Then you let
it do... "
Sakura: "SHUT UP!! SHUT up!! I dont want to speak about it!!!"
Neji: "You want that he continues then?!"
Hinata: "Neji! Dont be so hard!"
Neji leaves in his room with anger. Stupid girls! But he can nevertheless
hear very well what they do in the living room. Hinata succeeded thanks
to patience to calm Sakura. Little by little, Sakura entrusts to Hinata,
who lets her speak at her rhythm, without stopping fer, nor pressing
her. Its very awkward. Especially for the man who listens them.
When, to calm Sakuras scruples about the Uchiwa clan, Hinata reveals
to her who is the father of her child, Neji leaps and opens the door brutally.
Neji: "Hinata! Why do you say her that?!"
Hinata: "Ah? you listened?"
Neji: "The appartement isnt sound-proof. Hinata...."
Hinata: "I trust Sakura, she wont say anything."
Neji isnt sure. He turns toward the pink haired girl and asks her:
"Youll keep the secrecy? Even if hes the sworn enemy of Sasuke? "
Sakura: "I promises to you. You can trust me."
Now calmed, she rises and want to leave: "Neji, thank you very much,
but I dont want to disturb you more... "
But Neji doesnt wnat to let her leave, especially since he saw Sasuke
not far from Sakuras appartement.
Neji "If you could stay this evening here, that would fit me. I lend
you my room, I must left one moment."
Sakura: "But I..."
Neji: "I dont want to leave Hinata alone after so many emotions, but
I have strawberries to find. And most of the stores are closed now."
Sakura has initially a small laughter: "straw....strawberries??" and
when Neji leaves, shes full laughing .
Chapter 7: Hyuga, Uchiwa, Haruno, a Fox, a teacher
Neji walk in the street of Sakuras appartement. Sasuke was in the corner
a few moments ago. Hes here... Seeing Neji advancing towards him, he stand
with an hostile face.
Sasuke: "What you do want, Hyuga?"
Neji: "Inform you. Dont approaches Sakura anymore."
Sasuke: "It's not your business"
Neji: "It's mine."
Sasukes expression becomes more threatening, briefly Neji wonders :Sasuke is ready to go how far to achieve his goal ? Until murder, undoubtedly.... He hasnt the single trace of moral sense like his brother. Lets hope that Hinata will educate her kid better... Neji could easily escape from Sasuke, but he fears that Sasuke attacks Sakura and Hinata, then he prepares to fight. But before the tension explodes, blonde hair appears in Nejis field of vision in a near street. Neji has a small smile, there is somebody whom hell be able to use to his advantage.
Surprising Sasuke, Neji moves back and jumpi above the near roofs. By
reflexes, Sasuke follows him and lands... right in front of Naruto.
Naruto: "Wah, Neji and Sasuke? What happens?"
Neji announces: "Sasuke maltreated Sakura."
Before Sasuke understand what Neji said, he takes a fist in the face.
Neji didnt say all the truth, and he wont say it to not betray Sakura.
Naruto holds Sasuke by the collar 20 cm above ground-level while howling
to him: "You bastard! Dont dare to make Sakura suffer!!!! ", before
beginning to strike him.
Sasuke is quite busy fighting with Naruto and Neji can leave quietly
towards his appartement. Now that Naruto is warned, Sakura doesnt have
anything to fear. Suddenly feeling a presence behind him, Neji starts
and turn over to run up against Kakashi. This one asks him coolly: "Sakura
found a good excuse to not leave on mission with us the last time, that
had surprised me from her... what you said a few moments ago is true? "
Neji: ".. its actually more serious."
Kakashi: "... understood "
And he disappears in a cloud.Neji is now completely reassured. After having been scold by Sakura for not bringging back srawberries, Neji lie on the settee to sleep.
In the middle of the night, the feeling of a presence makes he rise
in a jump, but its only Kakashi.
Kakashi: "Sasuke and me leave on mission immediately and very far.
Ill have long explanations with him. Dont say it to Sakura, but
I wont let him return in Konoha as long as he present a threat for her,
or any other woman. If she wants to speak about it, send her to Tsunade,
she is well-informed."
"Kakashi-sensei...." Sakuras voice makes the two men start, who didnt
hear when she had opened the door.
Sakura: "I heard..."
Kakashi: "Sakura, trust me. Youll team with Naruto alone a few times,
hell take care of you. Keep confidence in you. I occupy of Sasuke.
"
After Kakashis departure, Sakura turns to Neji.
Sakura: "What did you make? you told it to everyone?!"
Neji: "Not, I didnt say anything. He had already guessed, and I think
that he was supervising Sasuke."
Sakura doesnt have happy: "Thanks for wanting to help me. But Ill
regulate this probleme alone. Youre not concerned."
Neji answers nothing and each oneget back to sleep. Sakura go home
the following day, and life go on as always.
Chapter 8: Two Hyugas, Haruno, two fellow-members.
This evening, at the end of their mission, Tenten decided very unilaterally
that their team will drink a glass together. Neji and Lee are thus are
draged at a table where soon three glasses are aligned. After having drunk
a little, Tenten put her glass brutally and turns towards Neji an annoyed
glance.
Tenten: "Neji! I ask for explanations! What is this attitude? I find
that ugly! You made to Lee an bad blow... "
Neji: "Hey, wait a minute! I made what to Lee?"
Lee: "Tenten, its OK, let it go.... Dont angry for that."
Neji: "If you have something to reproach me, Lee, tell me. Its always
like that between us, no?"
Lee: "I reproaches nothing..."
Tenten strike her fist on the table: "You are too nice, Lee!
I reproaches him!!"
Neji: "You reproaches me what?"
Tenten: "You know well the feelings of Lee for Sakura! Then why you
go out with her, without saying anything to us!"
Neji: "I dont go out with Sakura!"
In spite of his flat denial, Neji feels a little uneasy. After twice
thinking, its not very honest towards Lee, indeed.
Tenten: "And you deny! We saw you with her, street of Ueno... "
Neji: "Ah! at the market! We do our market at the same place, she lives
in the same district.
Tenten doesnt seem convinced , and to say the true, Neji either.
Tenten : " I see her going out of your appartement sometimes."
Neji: "I ensure you that theres nothing between Sakura and me....
they are just neighbor relations... As shes friend with Hinata, she often
come to see her."
Lee: "Its true?"
Neji feels likebetray his friends in a way, without knowing why. After
all, he doesnt have any feeling for Sakura.
Neji: "If I says you! "
Lee: "Then I believe you, Neji."
Tenten: "to make you forgive, Neji, organize an appointment between
Lee and Sakura!"
Neji: "to make me forgive what?"
Tenten: "you have wounded the poor small heart of Lee!"
Neji throws a glance toward his teammate: "You want that I try to speak
in Sakura for you, Lee? really?"
Lee: "You would do that for me? Youre a friend, Neji!"
Tenten: "Youhou! the team is reconciled!! another glass to celebrate
that!!"
With his basket and his food list, Neji is rather annoyed. He wouldnt
make such a promise to Lee. Sakura will refuse it, because she undoubtedly
is fixed on Sasuke, she already forgave him and theyll finish together
when he returns. But he promised. After having filled their respective
basket, Sakura and Neji sit on a bench of the place to rest.
Neji: "Sakura. You remember that Lee is in my team?"
sakura: "Yes, why?"
Neji is very awkward, but he continues
Neji: "He loves you much, and he would like to have an appointment
with you, just once."
Sakura looks him with surprise: "and he asked you to be an intermediary?"
Neji: "Its Tentens idea."
Sakura lets her legs balance while thinking and ends up to say: "and
well. after all, why not. Lee is a good boy. Hes frank and courageous,
and very nice. I agree"
Definitely, Neji think, I doesnt understand nothing at woman.
Sakura accepted and Lee is insane of joy.
On the other hand Neji feel unconfortable, but he doesnt know for
what reason! Lee wont harm Sakura. Hinata raises her nose of her preparation
to ask Neji: "What happen, Neji? Youre agitated."
Neji: "Nothing."
Hinata: "Its because of the Appointment between Lee and Sakura?"
What a bother, this Byakugan. Nothing escapes to it.
Neji: "No."
Hinata: "If you were a little honest with yourself, Neji...."
-Neji POV-
I don't care. Yes, absolutely. She has the right to do what she wants,
this girl. Whereas shes supposedly entirely devoted to Sasuke, she agrees
togo outwith Lee, it s her problem. Yes, after what she lived, she must
hate Sasuke. But is it a reason to leap immediately on the first guy who
passes??
-end Neji POV-
Hinata: "The feelings change, you know, Neji. We grows. Some few time before, I would have sworn only by Naruto... and I admire him always as much. But since I met Itachi, my life changed, my feelings changed. Sakura grows too. Its a good thing for her to open her heart to an other boy and to take a new departure in love."
Far from comforting Neji, the judicious words of Hinata do nothing but
turn over the knife in his heart. Why with Lee..... and not with... him?
Hinata: "Neji.. say her.. .. "
that you love her
Neji: "... toward Lee, it would be betraying him. I cant."
Chapter 9: Three Hyugas, Haruno.
It's Saturday afternoon. Sakura and Lee must be somewhere together now. Neji as usual went at Hyugas manor to train with in his uncle entrainer and to report that Hinata was well and practised the defensive techniques of the Hyuga women.... with brilliance. With a wonderful mastering even. These techniques are made for her.
Neji has the head elsewhere while he fights against his uncle, and bites
dust before long.
Hiashi: " Neji, are you sleeping today?"
The Hyuga grandmother while passing in the garden evaluates the problem
with single glance: "Theres a girl who disturb him. It remeber me a certain
person , at about the same age."
Hiashi throws a side glance to her: "mother....."
the grandmother continues: "you didnt like to spend the afternoon
to train here whereas you want to go out with your girlfriend. Its not
true, Hiashi?"
Hiashi has a small laughter: "Its true, I remember it very well. You
retained me here so much that she leave me finally...."
The grandmother: "But you found nevertheless a charming wife thereafter."
Hiashi: "Yes... dontt force yourself to come here if you have other
thing to do, Neji."
The conversation add more confusion to Nejis chaotic thoughts.
He apologize to his uncle and goes out; making Hanabi angry. She would
have liked to practise with him this afternoon.
Let me quiet, at the end. In any case, she goes out with Lee.
Well, in theory...
whereas why is she all alone on this bench of the Ueno street, beautiful
with a dark green dress and seeming pensive?
No sign of Lee in the neighbourhoods, Neji approachs her. Did
something occur? When she see Neji, Sakura raises the head and beckons
him to come to sit down. Now beside her, Neji feels even more stupid.
Neji: "ah... hum... and Lee?"
Sakura: "We went to see a film together, but... It dont stick between
us. I said him, and I apologized. I believe that he understood."
Neji: "Ah."
Sakura turns to Neji who notes what beautiful green eyes she has. In
fact theyre all the time like that, but today, he looks at them differently.
sakura: "Now that the situation is clear with Lee... Neji. Could we
try... together?"
They smile, turned one towards the other.
these last months, how much time did they sat on this bench, their basket to the hand, speaking sometimes until the stores close? How much time did Sakura come to say hello in the small apartment? They hadnt even noticed all the time that they had passed together, so much it slipped quickly. Now, they can be aware of the happiness they have to be one together.
In this calm end of afternoon, the heart is light, they spoke without
reserve and in confidence. Too much in confidence......
Sakura: " Hinatas baby is for soon, We must take care that she don't
stay alone too long."
The spy sent by Hiashi to search about Nejis girlfriend identity immediately
transmits this information to the clan chief. Whereas Neji and Sakura discuss
still quietly, Hiashi runs towards the Hinatas apartment . He had ended
up guessing the localization, but respecting the instruction of Hokage,
had never approached it, nor looked at what happen there. What could do
her older daughter over there isnt important, in fact. But now....
Suddenly, Neji sees: "My Uncle... is on the way towards the apartment!!"
Chapter 10: Three Hyugas, Haruno, Hokage.
Hinata is quietly sitting on the settee with a book when the door opens
on her furious father. Pregnant, without any possible doubt.
Hiashi: "Unworthy Girl!! Shameful daughter!!"
He wants to strike her daughter. But she makes the blow deviate and avoids it. Shes always sitting on the settee, but her hands are now in position of parade. A womans guard , without fail. The HyuJo technique, entirely devoted to defense. Hiashi strikes down Hinata with his glance: "You are definitely a subject of shame for me, and all the clan!"
Hinata doesnt stumble. Her glance supports his fathers without trace neither of anger, nor of fear. Just the determination of somebody who chose the way that she feels right. This resistance revives the rage of Hiashi who tries to break the guard in front of him. But another hand blocks his, Neji has just leaped between them. He pushes back his uncle behind and stand in front of Hinata to protect her.
Hiashi: "Neji... you hid me that all this time..."
It wounds it more than the treason of Hinata.
Hinata: "I required him to keep silent."
But Neji rectifies: "I wanted to protect Hinata. Its my mission. And
I would protect her, even against the members of my own family "
Hiashi: "you dare... you dare to disobey me?"
Neji turns pale as he see the hands of his uncle forming a seal, and
immediately he breaks down howling with pain, his hands contracted on his
face. The pain releases him as brutally as it had come. Panting, he tries
to raise.
Hiashi: "move from there, Neji."
Its madness, without any doubt but...
Neji: "No."
Hinata: "Neji! stop!! you dont need, I can defend myself."
But he raise nevertheless, again between Hiashi and Hinata. The seal
activates again and he falls down under the pain. Suddenly, a feeling of
freshness bathes him and the pain reduces, almost until being erased.
He can open the eyes, and see Sakura leaning on him, a medical spell filtering
out of her palms posed on his face, blocking the action of the seal. Trough
the door and the windows appear Tsunade and a squad of Anbus.
Sakura: " I brought back the hokage with me, Neji. Thank you
to have held until."
Tsunade order to Hiashi: " Stop your spell "
He obey and ask her for explanation.
Tsunade: " You wont have any. Hinata asked for protection, I gave
her. "
Hiashi: "Hinata is a Hyuga member. She must obey the clans rule and
his father.You dont have the right to interfer in our family problem."
Tsunade: " If Hinatas life and her child is in danger, Konohas future
is in danger too."
Hiashi: " I promise that their lives arent under thread."
Now Hiashi is calmed, he understands clearly what to do : bring back Hinata at home, raise the child as Hyugas heir. But Hinata reads it in his eyes and stand up with furor. This abrupt movement make everybody turn toward her, and the furious face of Hinata make everyone shut up. Nebody have ever seen her angry .
With her voice full of anger, Hinata says :
" I dont care about Hyugas old and inhuman rules. They always caused
more bad that good.
Hyuga should have the same laws as all Konoha.
But It doesnt concerne me anymore.
Im adult.
I have an husband.
Im not under your order anymore.
Im not Hyuga anymore.
Im Uchiwa.
Im Itachis wife."
Each word sounds like a bomb in the deep silence. Nobody know what
to do anymore. With her eyes right in her fathers eyes, Hinata concludes
: "Mind your own business and Hanabi, like you always did. Now go out.
I dont want to see you anymore.."
Chapter 11: Hyuga, Uchiwa, Haruno, an Hokage.
The new Uchiwas chief of clan has spoken. Hyugas chief of clan leaves in silence.
Hinata would have be a great Hyugas chief, he discovers it today. But its too late, now the Uchiwa clan will reborn under her commands, and the Hyuga clan will decline if nothing change. Maybe is she right. The old and oppressive rules prevent them for growing stronger ?
Sakura helped Neji to lie on his bed and put her hand on his face to complete the healing. They dont bother about what happen in the living room now.
Tsunade : " Hinata, dont be angry, its bad for the baby."
Hinata sit down and caress her belly with her hands.
Hinata: " Im fine. Now Im fine."
Tsunade: " Just one question, Hinata.. about Itachi..."
Hinata: " Its true, our marriage contract is at the Villages Files.
"
Tsunade tells the Anbus to leave et go to call the Ancients Council. With a new Uchiwa generation, the things will change and they must prepare for it..
Hinata smiles and takes again her book when she hears :"you were wonderful,
Hinata."
Hinata turns his white glance toward the voice direction and sees an
Anbu who leaves by the window .Under his cats mask, she sees Itachis
face, whos smilling. Hes proud of her. Shes proud too.
In the future, he comes more and more often to see her. They have other children. And someday, he stays. He stays with her at Konoha, always wearing and anbus mask to not beeing found. Thanks to an ultra secret agreement with the Hokage, he promised that I wont attacks the village and Konohas Ninja. In exchange, hes allowed to freely live in Konoha, masked. I even helps on some misisons, but He doesnt return as Ninja. Being a criminal or being a Ninja, its the same for him. It bound his freedom.
Epilogue -Sakura POV--
Sasuke never come bock at Konoha. Hokage gave him long missions in a far land. He even made a son there and send him to Konoha, asking that we find a family for him. Hinata adopted him and love him like hers. He will be happy with all his "brothers" and "sisters". I heard that Naruto is there too, with Sasuke.
I married with Neji. We have a girl. She wont be sealed like my husband,
because the difference between main branch and secondary branch doesnt
exists anymore. Huyga clan changed.
Hyugas chief and Uchiwas chief are now in good relations and Hiashi
is allowed to visit his daughter, his son-in-law and his grandchildren.
Hes so proud of his daughter now !