Chapter 9

The staleness of the air alerted me of the fact that I was in a hospital before I even opened my eyes. I laid there with my eyes closed for a while, letting the memory of the events that led me to this hospital bed return. My head felt a little hazy and there was a dull ache thumping through it every few moments, probably a result of it being smacked against the linoleum not once, but twice.

Suigetsu was finally caught, and by big names as well. No one in their right mind would go against the likes of Tenten, Ino, and Sasuke in court. Just their names alone would be enough for the public to believe the truth. Not only that, but my phone has dozens of text messages from him, proving his harassment.

"How bad is it?" It was Tenten's voice, softer than I've ever heard it. She must've been under the impression I was still asleep.

To my surprise, Kakashi's raspy voice replied, "Her father's threatening legal action."

Utter shock had my eyes shooting open as I tried to sit up, "W-what!"

A flash of pink crossed my vision and I was suddenly thrown back against my pillow. Sakura tackled me into a tight hug and spoke as if she were close to tears, "Oh Hinata! I'm so happy you're alright!" I struggled to hug her back as my limbs felt heavier than usual, probably due to whatever medication the hospital had flowing through my IV.

Neji and Kakashi were both on their feet near the doorway of my room, while Tenten stood alert beside the chair Sakura had leapt out of. Once Sakura was satisfied she'd expressed her relief thoroughly, she unwrapped herself from me and sat back in her uncomfortable looking chair.

I recognized the wallpaper in the room and knew exactly where I was. The Inuzuka Hospital was owned by the prestigious Inuzuka family. They weren't business partners with my family, but the Hyuga's liked to keep good company. One of the current CEO's children, named Kiba, was a couple years older than me and the two of us were well acquainted. I'd never met an Inuzuka family member that wasn't going to school with a medical major or already graduated with one. They all seemed positively obsessed with health and evolution.

Anyway, I'd been sent here for years after my mother's death for testing. Father doesn't believe in things like anxiety and depression disorders and insisted the doctors find the cause of my "unfortunate condition". Looking back, that was probably a large factor in why I haven't been able to come out of my shell until now, since I've moved out of that stifling household.

They all looked at one another before Neji stepped forward. His eyes were weary, as if he was stressed, "How're you feeling, Hinata?" I sighed and moved to sit up more steadily in my bed.

After glancing around the room again, I felt slightly disappointed that Gaara and Sasuke weren't here. Of course we'd all just met only a few days ago, but I already considered the two young men to be my friends. As I frowned at the sting of rejection, I realized I maybe shouldn't have made assumptions. Both of them had come to my rescue and the uncharacteristic expression on Sasuke's face when he picked me made me jump to a conclusion too quickly. Perhaps they did it out of obligation.

I nodded to Neji, forcing a smile, "I'm alright, t-thank you. What was-" I looked over at Kakashi and trailed off nervously.

He gave me a sheepish smile before lightly patting the edge of my bed, "I apologize for my negligence, Hinata. No one was available to help you when you needed it and I take full responsibility for the lapse in our security. Your health and safety is of utmost importance."

I shook my head, "I-It's no one's fault but S-Suigetsu's."

The CEO gave me an understanding smile, "I appreciate your reassurance. However, there's another issue."

Tenten leaned over and interlaced her fingers with mine supportively, "Let me be the one to give you the details. Your father's threatening to sue us for the whole incident. Somehow, the security tapes of Suigetsu breaking in got released to the public and he feels like leaving you in our care will tarnish your name."

I couldn't stop myself from angrily bursting out, "He's never cared about my name before."

Tenten squeezed my hand and nodded, eyes sinking lower, as did her voice as she continued, "I think he meant your family name, unfortunately. He wants you to void your contract and return home."

My own father was giving me an ultimatum. Give up on this "fantasy dream" of mine or he'd make sure the agency loses all of its good credit. This was the absolute last straw. This time I'm going to stand up for myself, no matter what he says.

I felt my cheeks burn, but this time it wasn't with embarrassment. It was with one hundred percent rage. "Has he stopped by?" I was even surprised by the sturdiness of my voice.

Neji replied, "He should be arriving anytime."

I looked Kakashi in the eye. It was obvious he was at a crossroads. I knew he wanted what was best for me, which was helping me follow my own path. However, I also knew that he was worried to death that this would mean a lot of trouble for the agency he'd worked so hard to get to where it was now. The dark circles starting to form under his eyes were just the start of the indicators.

"I'll handle my father. D-don't worry." Neji's eyebrows rose in surprise, but he didn't interrupt.

Kakashi gave me a knowing smile before respectfully excusing himself to try and handle some of the paparazzi uproar outside the hospital. Tenten quietly kissed my forehead, making my face turn fifty shades of red, before pulling Neji out of the room so Sakura and I could talk.

Once it was just the two of us, I let my brave facade slightly fade away, "Where is he?"

Sakura stretched her arms above her head before falling lifelessly against the wall. It was nearly eight a.m. and she'd clearly stayed up all night helping handle everything, "He's on house-arrest right now. An anonymous party, obviously the Uzumaki's, bailed him out."

My deep dislike for Karin only got deeper. Forget that she was a total bitch, but why would she bail her boyfriend out when he tried to cheat on her? I felt a little relief that I wouldn't be running into Suigetsu anytime soon, though. It was an unspoken fact that I would be pressing charges and that there was no doubt he'd lose that court battle.

With that little bit of reassurance, I finally let the more disappointed feelings show in front of my friend. I tried to keep my voice from wavering with hurt, "Did Sasuke and G-Gaara-" As if I'd summoned them by saying their names out loud, the two men in question suddenly entered my room carrying a few bags.

Gaara's face lit up when I made eye contact with him and he smiled the first full smile any of us had seen since meeting. My face heated up in an instant and I saw that Sakura's color matched mine in my peripheral vision. He had the cutest dimples and a sincere looking smile, "I was so worried, Hinata. How do you feel?"

I did my best to return his smile without tripping over my words, "I-I-I'm fine, thanks."

Relief flooded over me. They had come, after all. My previously negative thoughts suddenly made me feel guilty. Did I have no faith? His smile disappeared as quickly as it appeared and I was able to avert my gaze to the taller man on his left.

Sasuke was looking down at me like he'd seen a ghost. After a moment of waiting for him to say something, I tried to distract myself so the room wouldn't get awkward, "I-I'll never be able to t-thank you guys enough for helping me."

The Uchiha seemed to snap out of whatever deep thought he'd been in and quickly threw a smirk on his lips before tossing the backpack he was holding onto the foot of the bed. It was light and soft, obviously holding a change of clothes. He spoke in a teasing-flirty voice that surprised me. Up until this point, he's addressed us all with clear annoyance. "You've got a nice collection of granny panties, Hyuga." The heart monitor sped up in pace as a blush rose to my face. I looked down at my fidgeting hands in my lap while he snickered, noticing Sakura's pink face as Gaara handed her a similar bag.

After settling in for a few moments, the two boys left to search for a vending machine. Sakura spoke as soon as she was sure they were out of earshot, "Sasuke rejected me."

She didn't seem heart-broken in the slightest, but I still reached over to squeeze her hand comfortingly, "Are you a-alright?"

She looked at me as if something occurred to her, but quickly shook her head dismissively, "Yeah, I'm alright. I did get to kiss him, at least, and let me tell you-"

Her face was as red as an apple and I whispered in a curious voice, "W-was it good?"

Her lips turned up into a guilty grin as she nodded, "Oh yes!" We laughed quietly so no one in the hall would hear.

After a moment, she leaned in closer and spoke in a barely distinguishable voice, "I think I want to find someone to hook up with on Saturday, instead. Wanna help me?" A wave of discomfort came over me and I started to feel a little unsure.

Sakura's such a respectable girl and is undoubtedly capable of finding a nice boyfriend, so why's she so eager to get rid of virginity that she'd rather offer it to a stranger than wait? I was worried, but wasn't sure how to approach the topic, "Y-Yes, but why?"

She looked shaken at first, but quickly tried to play it cool, "What do you mean?" I squeezed her hand again, telepathically trying to send her the courage to tell me what was really going on.

Trying to sleep with Sasuke wasn't as bad as requesting help with sleeping with a stranger. At least if it was Sasuke, he wouldn't try anything stupid because he'd be stuck seeing her for at least two years. This person could do whatever they wanted because they wouldn't have to ever see her again if they didn't want to and that's a very dangerous thing.

I was desperate to be there for Sakura when she obviously needed someone to confide in, but one look at her stubborn face told me she wasn't going to be easy to crack. That just made me even more worried. It must be a big secret if she wouldn't spill. I shook my head dismissively. There's no need to push a subject I knew she wouldn't respond well to, "Never mind. Just...be c-careful, Sakura."

There was a small cough from the doorway and we turned to see Gaara and Sasuke standing awkwardly with arm-fulls of snacks. Sakura shot to her feet. It was obvious they'd heard at least the last part of our conversation. "Hey guys! Did you get any of those chocolate bite things? I love those!"

The two boys visibly relaxed as Sakura forced the conversation away from what they'd just overheard and pulled chairs up next to my bed, laying out their findings for us all to pick from.

I had the blood pressure reader clamped onto my finger and found it hard to open any packaging with it, so Sasuke took my hand and shook some of his m&ms into it without looking me in the eye. I gave him a thankful smile even if he didn't see it.

We sat and talked about anything except the serious events that had happened the previous night. Gaara was noticeably more comfortable around us, actually joining in the conversation when Sakura brought up her song writing. It seemed to be something he was passionate about and he was eager to talk to someone about it.

Sasuke also seemed to lighten up. I had a feeling he was a nicer guy than he let on, but didn't feel like he'd look as cool if he acted like it. Little did he know, there were moments when his true personality shined through, and those were the moments that I actually liked him.

I watched as the three laughed at something Sakura said and suddenly felt emotional, tears welling up before I could control them. These three had been there when I needed them most, without me even having to ask. There'd never been more loyal friends in my life and I'd known them all less than a week, not counting Sakura. Growing up, I didn't even have family members who'd do something like that for me out of anything but obligation.

I tried to discreetly wipe my tears away, but Sasuke noticed them and tensed up, causing the others to look. Sakura lay a hand on my leg with a worried look, but I sniffled and croaked out, "T-Thank you guys.."

They had a variety of reactions to my lack of self-control. Sasuke let that facade of his drop for just a single moment, but it was enough to see how his dark eyes softened and the corner of his lips curved up ever so slightly. His face quickly became stoic and cocky, if not a bit panicked that I may have glimpsed his real reaction. Gaara gave a small smile and shook his head as if it wasn't a big deal. Sakura lightly smacked my arm with a bittersweet laugh as she quickly went to wipe at her eyes with her other hand, "Stop, Hinata! You'll make me cry, too!" I laughed lightly and continued to rub at my eyes.

"Hinata."

We all looked toward the door to see the pristine Hiashi Hyuga standing tall in the doorway. Sasuke quickly excused himself from the room, bowing respectfully to my father before turning into the hall. His reaction confused me a bit because it seemed like he'd met my father before, but that notion would have to wait for another time. Gaara and Sakura quickly grabbed the remainder of the snacks and followed Sasuke's lead. All the while, Father's eyes remained glued coldly on my own.

Once we were alone, he stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. I smoothed out the blanket that lay over my legs anxiously, trying to cope with how uncomfortable I was in my own parent's presence.

"What have you done?" It was more of a statement of disappointment than a question, so I didn't reply. It was hard enough for me to hold the more abrasive man's gaze without wavering.

Silence swept through the room for a few moments before Father finally continued, "You will schedule for your belongings to be collected before the day ends."

He turned as if his word was final and he was going to leave already, but I felt that anger from earlier surface, "No, I-I will not."

The Hyuga elder turned back to face me slowly, as if he couldn't believe his ears, "Excuse me?" This was the first time I've vocally opposed him so blatantly.

I swallowed nervously before repeating myself, "I will not be leaving the agency, F-Father." I even managed to hold my glare on him, so proud of myself.

"Hinata Hyuga, I am your father and I demand that you obey my wishes. Besides, this agency has already landed you in the hospital in less than a week."

My blood began to boil as he tried to find a way to rationalize his actions and I struggled out of the bed. I was slightly dizzy at first, but quickly steadied myself with a hand on the foot of the bed, standing just in front of my father, "Don't pretend that you care for my safety, Father. You only care about the company's image." He glared down at me silently, so I repeated, like a mantra, "I will not be leaving the agency."

He raised his voice, more angry than I'd seen him in a long time, "I will bring that company to the ground if you disobey me."

I bit back, fed up with his bravado, "If you do that, I'll go public about how the great Hiashi Hyuga raised his firstborn! All it would take is my medical records. Then Hanabi will leave you, too!" It was sad that it took threatening to remove Hanabi to knock some sense into him. The fact that he wouldn't react the same way for my sake was bittersweet.

There was a sharp sting across my cheek that had my whole head thrown to the side, my body following slightly. It took a moment of me seeing stars to realize that he'd actually slapped me.

My voice cracked as I lost control of my emotions, "What is your problem with me?"

By now I noticed a small crowd of my guests crowding around the door through the small window, but chose to ignore them since this conversation needed to take place. One of my hands cupped the side of my face he'd hit.

"You're weak."

He raised his hand again and I flinched. The man froze in that position when the door opened and Sakura crossed the room to put herself in between us with a clear look of anger on her pretty face, "Stop it! Your daughter's literally in the hospital, what's wrong with you? Look at her!"

My chin quivered as I stubbornly held his gaze, but I didn't cry. The man let his hand drop to his side before collecting himself, straightening out his shoulders before locking his hard stare back on me, "I've never been so disappointed in you."

His silver eyes fell onto my pink-haired friend before Neji distracted us all by stepping into the room. Discomfort read heavy on his body language, "Uncle, the Inuzuka's would like to speak with you immediately. Please forgive my intrusion."

My father looked back at me with a look of disgust, "Keep your cards. I won't have anyone thinking I abandoned you, but you are not welcome in my house from this day forward." His words held a finality as strong as the first words he'd spoken upon entering my hospital room.

I knew he wouldn't try to hurt Kakashi's company now. Not after I threatened him with Hanabi.

The man turned and strode calmly out of the room with Neji in tow, confidently passing the small group of people outside the door as though they hadn't just witnessed him hitting his already injured daughter.

Despite feeling triumphant about finally standing my ground, I couldn't help but feel a sting on my heartstrings at his insults. Sakura turned to face me as the two boys slowly approached. She moved my hand away from my face and ran her thumb over the red skin there, "Are you okay? Lay back down."

It just tingled now. The fact that he'd committed the act hurt more than the slap itself.

Tenten stood by the door with an enraged look on her features. I could tell she was upset with Neji for leaving with my father instead of standing up for me. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from losing my composure as I slid back under the covers.

Sakura returned to her spot to my right and Gaara sat next to her. Sasuke sat at the foot of the bed on my left. I could feel everyone trying not to stare, but didn't care for once.

We looked up when we heard quick footsteps and soon Kakashi arrived, looking a bit breathless like he'd run here. "Are you alright, Hinata? Your cousin sent me up here, but didn't explain." My eyes watered when I realized he'd been worried something bad happened.

My voice cracked as I raised my hands to my eyes to try and stop the tears from falling only to fail, "My father w-won't bother us anymore." The silver-haired man looked at Tenten with wide eyes and she grabbed his arm to lead him into the hall, undoubtedly to explain what'd happened.

I felt Sakura put a hand on my back and rub it comfortingly as I tried to get control of myself. Eventually, I did and laid back down to rest while waiting to be released from the hospital. I really wanted to be alone, but didn't want to be rude and ask them to leave, especially when they went through the trouble of staying up all night for my sake.

Sakura fell asleep before even I could and if I wasn't feeling so terrible, I would've smiled at how cute Gaara's face was when she leaned over to rest her head on his shoulder while she slept. The redhead fell asleep soon after and then it was just me and Sasuke.

I wanted to cover my face and scream in embarrassment that all three of them had seen me in such a terrible state. My nerves were too shaken to sleep in the uncomfortable bed so I stared at the ceiling in a daze. Once in a while, a stray tear would fall and I'd frantically reach up to wipe it away before it could fall down into my hair on the pillow.

After a bit, Sasuke spoke in a quiet voice so he wouldn't wake our bandmates, "I know how you feel. My father's just like yours."

I looked over at him in surprise. His head was resting on his fist as he stared at me, his mouth in an empathetic frown. My mouth opened and closed as I tried to come up with a response, but he shook his head, "Shut up." It clamped shut and my face warmed slightly as I tried to figure out what was going through his head.

It seemed uncharacteristic of him to try and be empathetic, but I'd never want to discourage him from showing me kindness. His eyes studied my face and he seemed more unguarded than before, but seemed like he wanted me to not mention it so I stayed silent and let him wordlessly comfort me from where he sat near the foot of the bed. After realizing that he wasn't sitting there judging me, I felt more relaxed and found it much easier to fall asleep.