A/N: This pic is so freaking funny...

Gaara shook me awake from my little power nap and though I was still exhausted, I no longer felt like I would fall over if somebody blew on me. I said my goodbyes and Gaara promised to meet with Sasori sometime before Kankuro, Temari, and Baki come to escort him back to Suna. I leisurely made my way to training ground 7 where Naruto was supposed to be meeting with Kakashi. I was more nervous to meet up with Kakashi than anybody else, when we left he was against the idea of me leaving so there is no way he is pleased with me coming home with more than Itachi. Kakashi seems lax most of the time but he is also very strict and no-nonsense, he doesn't tolerate criminals so Zabuza was a miracle in itself but with everyone else, that is going to be tense and Kakashi might want to punch me in the face. I mean, there is no way in hell he doesn't know I brought some of the Akatsuki members home with me.

The closer I got to the training grounds the more my heart was beating erratic. I wrung my hands together, freaking out mildly. I trust Kakashi to not hate me, but getting scolded by someone who is like my idol just sounds awful. He is passive aggressive and extremely intimidating when he wants to be. I was less than a kilometer away from the training grounds and I could feel the white calm fury of Kakashi's electric chakra invading my senses. Man, it's been a while, something about his chakra was always so comforting, it made me feel safe and protected in a way nobody else's did. I made my way off the trail and up into the trees to make a grand entrance, not that I would be surprised if Kakashi had smelled my presence already. I stuffed my hands in my pocket and traveled forward until I was right above the edge of the grounds, Kakashi was sitting idly against the base of a tree reading his book but by the taught muscles in his back, he was ready for anything like usual. His hair was as silvery and spiky as always and damn, he was still a babe among babes. Not too far away Naruto was sitting meditating with Iruka-sensei. He looked happy as well, Iruka was always kind and like a big brother who always kept us on the right track.

I smiled, inhaled deeply, rolled my shoulder painfully against the stitching and dropped to the ground right in front of Kakashi. His slate gray eye flicked up from the book and he closed it, folding the page. His visible eye curved up into a crescent and I knew he was smiling. He easily pushed up to be standing tall and before I could hug him, he placed a hand on my head, ruffling my hair and holding me in place.

"Maa Maa, if it isn't my cute little rogue student." His grip on my head tightened and his smile was less kind and more like when he was ready to put Naruto, Sasuke, and I through hellish training. "I was wondering when you'd get back...There are some interesting rumors going around that you brought back a bunch of criminals wanting to kill your best friend home with you... but my intelligent little student would never be so idiotic... right?" There was a knowing glint in his eye and he spoke so passive and disbelieving but it was all completely sarcastic. I chuckled nervously, biting down on my lip sheepishly. Well, fuck me sideways.

"Eh haha about that...we all know I am stupid enough to do that." I cheesed at him and the tenseness was gone, replaced with a deep sigh of utter exhaustion. His hand slipped from my head and he ran his fingers through his silky silver locks.

"What am I going to do with you?" Kakashi was wholeheartedly wondering how he got stuck with the most troublesome team ever to exist and he couldn't help but feel like it was a punishment as much as it was a gift.

"Love me? " It came out as a question and I couldn't stop smiling. He rolled his eye and huffed out a laugh "and meet everyone before making any decisions...please?" I bat my eyes at him, trying to make them more puppy-dog like. When he pursed his lips, I knew I had him hook line and sinker. The puppy dog no jutsu was a specialty curtsey of Naruto Uzumaki himself.

"Fine fine, but just so you know, I will kill them without mercy if they so much as flinch wrong." His deceiving smile and borderline chipper tone was the opposite of his words but it didn't matter, they were all going to become buddies if I had to shove camaraderie down their throats. "Other than that, welcome back. You look a bit more grown, I feel old."

"I mean with that hair, you already look old." I snarked back and he just waved it off, letting nothing faze him as usual.

"Oh is that right?" He pat my head and finally let me hug him...well until he picked me up by my jacket and pulled me off of him, opening his book up and sliding back down the tree. I slid down beside him and he tilted the book to be just out of my view. "Do you need something?" Kakashi is sometimes the best conversationalist and other times he is the worst. I clasped my hands together and he raised a brow.

"Please summon your ninken! I promised them all treats when I got back." I pulled the bag of different sized treats from the small sealing scroll I was carrying around. He eyed them and once more rolled his eye.

"You spoil them too much." They are so cute and precious, they deserve all the love and treats I can carry. Especially Bull, he is like my giant pillow and whenever I was sad Kakashi would send bull to my house to cuddle with me. It's not just them though, I have a habit of summoning my lions and buying them whatever they ask me for. Muramasa has no problem taking advantage of that and gets me to let him have things I should probably not give him.

"Says the one who feeds them better food than what he feeds himself." The amount of times Hanabi has made me dinners to bring to my team and I've seen Kakashi give it to his dogs for no other reason than them 'needing nutrients' is unbelievable. They are like his little children that he spoils rotten.

"I don't give them treats every time I see them." Kakashi shot back smoothly, sounding slightly dismissive and slightly defensive about being seen as an actual caring person.

"I'm trying to buy their love so they leave you for me." It wasn't necessarily a lie but his dogs are completely loyal to Kakashi and it's adorable. But I really want them to finally accept me as their mother or cool aunt or something, though most if not all of them are older than me. He smirked beneath his mask, amused by my doting on his precious little pups.

"Unlikely."

"But not impossible." I grinned as Kakashi pricked his finger with a Kunai and slammed it into the ground, a small plume of smoke covered the area and when it dissipated I let out a squeal. Bull and his giant body bounded over to me and gave me a wet slobbery kiss up the side of my face before settling himself in my lap. He was damn heavy. I scratched behind his ear and he let out a pleased whine.

"Welcome back little pup." Pakkun's deep voice carried in the clearing and I grinned, exploding with happiness at all the canines around me.

"Come to me my perfect little children, I brought treats!" All of the dogs bound over to me, welcoming me home. Guruko, Ūhei, Akino, Bisuke, Shiba, Urushi, Bull, and Pakkun each got a treat specialized to their size and what I remembered them saying their favorite flavors were. Bull, my sweet baby had such a sweet tooth and I gave him a giant homemade molasses dog biscuit that I spent days making with Deidara. Everyone had their own homemade treats and gobbled them up happily, giving me endless kisses afterward. Pakkun even rolled over and let me touch the pads of his paws in gratitude. When they all piled on top of me I was lost in a fit of giggles. Kakashi's eyes flickered from the words of his book to watching me interact with his puppies; his eyes took on a soft look the more my happiness filled the air. He let out a relieved breath, even if I changed in the Akatsuki, I was still me, I was still one of his precious people.

I let out the softest sigh and another giggle pushed past my lips. This, this was exactly what I needed to de-stress and forget about the impending disaster that might happen tomorrow. My mind needed to be clear and I just needed to have a breath of fresh air and Kakashi provided that for my brief escape from the real world. I smelled slightly of dog but it was welcomed and I felt like I was floating on a cloud of dogs with all the soft fur sitting on and around me.

Finally, I sat myself back up, still petting Bull in my lap and Ūhei who took over my left hand.

"Hey Kakashi-sensei?"

"Hm?" His eyes briefly met mine before going back to roaming over the smutty book.

"I know you helped 'Tachi with his growth in the ANBU and well, he is really sick." That got his full attention. "I'm doing a surgery on him tomorrow and there is a slim chance he will make it. He's staying at Shisui's old house right now so before everything happens, I know he'd be happy to see you." This was the first time I had fully acknowledged that the surgery might fail and I want him to see everyone at least one more time. My eyes stung and Bull licked my cheek again to get me to feel better. I was terrified of tomorrow.

"Maa Maa, I don't need to do that." My eyes shot open in surprise and shock, was he crazy. I know Kaksahi doesn't like loss and he has experienced so much in his life but to not say goodbye or good luck just in case.

"Wha-wait why?" He sensed my plight and got satisfaction, Kakashi loved to troll people more than anything else in the world. He put on a smile, one that was comforting and full of faith in me. Bull got off my lap at a nod from his master. He placed his hands on my shoulders and stared me directly in my eyes.

"Because I have faith that he'll survive if he's in your hands." I wrapped my arms around his abdomen and tucked my head into his flack jacket. His chest rumbled with mirth and then we were tackled by his ninken and smooshed into nuzzles and kisses from them all. I was still tense with the pressure of failure but the support radiating from Kakashi and his words, the words of my sensei believing in me lightened that feeling even if just barely.

"That's enough guys, let us up." The weight of the dogs got off my back and Kakashi sat us both up and I let go of him. I stood up and dusted off the dog hair, crunched leaves, and dirt from my clothing.

"Well, thanks for that Kashi-sensei. I'll see you later, I have a dinner to get to. I wanna spar with you and see how I compare now...and I wanna see all the cool new Jutsu you've learned." I spun on my heel and gave him a wave.

"Bye my cute little kitten." I froze in my steps and spun around, jaw dropped and extremely confused. Kakashi was basically reveling in my shock and he was glowing with amusement.

"What the hell kinda name is that?" I almost felt like I was at a loss for words.

"Well none of you are my cute little soldiers anymore so since you always seem to play like a kitten..." He trailed off and I got the meaning, it was just a kitten?! "Perhaps my cute little lion is better? Naruto-kun already has cute little fox and Sasuke took my cute little duckbutt." He shrugged nonchalantly like these nicknames weren't created just for the amusement of embarrassing me and pissing off Naruto and Sasuke, though imagining Kakashi calling Sasuke his 'cute little duckbutt' is funny as hell and might be worth keeping the name kitten.

"All of those are terrible." I deadpanned, feeling flustered at the same time, it was so...weird.

"Maa Maa, I think I like kitten best." He was basically talking to himself at this point and not wasting any more time, I jetted off yelling a quick hello to Iruka and Naruto. If I was late in getting properly ready for this dinner, Hanabi and Hiashi would have my head for not having proper attire and etiquette when having 'special' guests over. Knowing how long it has been since anything of the sort, it's going to take a while to be cleaned and done up appropriately. I rushed home and right when my chakra entered the threshold of my house Rukia grabbed my arm and began dragging me to the personal spa/bath house.

"Finally you are home Hinata-hime. Hanabi-hime and the other servants have been waiting for you so we can get you ready. It has been so long since we've gotten to dress you up, everyone is very excited especially with how beautiful you have become!" I was practically dragged through the doorway and hit by an intense steam that smelled of a minty hibiscus. Hanabi was already in the basin of specialized green tea spring water, getting her skin scrubbed raw. Before I had time to do anything, I was being stripped by multiple Hyuga branch women who were the ones to help me since I was just a baby. They were all still lovely even with the addition of wrinkles and graying hair, if not a bit basic looking like many others in my clan and once more I was reminded how much my hair stood out sometimes.

"Ahh just what I love, multiple women undressing me." I mumbled out and got a snort of a laugh from Rukia and Hanabi giggled into her hand.

"I see your humor has not changed my lady."

"Nee-chan, don't be so vulgar." I shrugged and let them dump me into the first stone basin to scrub all of the dirt and grime off of me from my journey and lack of self-care. I was scrubbed with a sponge and a sugar-scrub made with the essence of lavender. They took extra care to not rub too hard on my healing shoulder. Once they were positive all of my dry skin was rubbed off and my skin was once again clean, I was put into a fresh bath and had my hair shampooed and conditioned, man having somebody do that for me was amazing and probably what I missed most about getting pampered. Another two women worked together to shave hair from everywhere on my body. I did a relatively ok job shaving myself when I was gone but sometimes there just isn't time for that you know? Finally I was put into the tea bath and had one more scrub this time it was green and I had no idea what it was made of. It was cool against my skin and burned as it was washed off with the hot water. Hanabi was already getting dressed and she was helping Sanada put flowers in her hair.

I got out of the warm water and was patted dry with a towel before I was rubbed down in a smell-less moisturizer. Ahh nothing like a bunch of older women rubbing lotion all over my naked body, it totally isn't awkward for me. The first time I could remember this happening I freaked out and my whole face turned bright red, my escape attempt failed miserably. A bunch of women who can see through walls were bound to catch my naked and running body.

I had my bandages redone and a robe silk robe was slipped on my body. I was pushed into a chair to get my hair dried and pinned while somebody else worked on putting makeup on my face. They skipped the face powders and added a rose blush and a pink glossy lip paint slightly darker than my natural lip color. My eyes were lined softly in black and just the smallest sheen was added on my eyelids over top the soft brown in my crease. Mascara was added to my lashes softly and I'm so glad nobody stabbed out my eye.

"Nee-chan what color Kimono would you like to wear?" Hanabi called out sweetly, looking through mothers closet to find me something to wear. At this point there was no turning back and as sweet and soft as Hanabi is, she is no-nonsense and would tie me down if she had to. My nails were re-painted from the, the color I chose in the Akatsuki, to a soft barely noticeable pink.

"You pick your favorite for me Hime." Her pale eyes glanced back at me, taking in my makeup and partially done hair before going deeper into the closet for whatever she had her eye on. My hair was curled at the ends and there was a small french braid wrapping around from my right side to the left where my hair was pulled into a low, slightly loose side ponytail, a thick pink ribbon tied around the middle as well as at the end. My bangs were swooped to the side and you could just barely see the purple diamond seal on my forehead. I slid the robe off and put on my undergarments. Hanabi came out carrying a kimono the same color as my hair. She helped me put it on and tie the obi and chord around my waist properly, fixing my bow so it wasn't crooked. The kimono was heavy and slightly difficult to move in but the fabric was extremely soft and silky against my skin.

The kimono was a navy blue that faded into a purple shade at the bottom. Large White and yellow flowers were inked on the bottom and on the base of the sleeves before becoming more sparse the further up they went. There were green leaves and a few small pink flowers as color accents as well. It went down to my feet and left no room for any wild movements, I miss the short Kimonos I could fight in but wearing one of mothers made me feel good, happy. For the final touch I added Konan's butterfly to my hair and looked in the mirror. Damn, it's been a while since I looked so...regal?

Hanabi was dressed as elegant if not more than I am. Her hair was pin straight and her bangs were pinned back with just one piece falling down, there were soft white carnations braided in the parts that were pinned up as well as a few crystal clips here and there. Her makeup was effortless and made her look that much more adorable, not that she needed it. Her lips were glossy pink and her cheeks extra rosy hued with her usual blush underneath the powder. Her skin was glowing and soft and her eyes were lined with a soft brown on the top and a purple on the waterline. Her lashes were long without the need of mascara and had the softest tan-pink eyeshadow on her lids with a tan only a few shades darker than her skin to add depth. Combining that with her soft, completely adorable shy smile she was truly the epitome of a (warrior) princess.

Her kimono was black based a very silky and shiny material that draped perfectly on her. It had pink and white Sakura flowers with a petals strewn about the fabric and the Hyuga clan proudly displayed on the back like mine. The sleeves were long and just barely left room for her fingertips to peak out. She had on classic sandals and her eyes were shining bright as she looked in the mirror. Her bow was tied perfectly and I smiled softly at the sight. She is so adorable oh my gosh.

"You look beautiful Hime."

"Ah, t-thank you. So do you Nee-chan!" A-fricking-dorable. Rukia smiled at the both of us.

"You both look lovely, now. It is about ready for your guests to arrive so please head to the front to escort your guests to dinner, Hyuga-sama is waiting." I held out my hand for Hanabi and she eagerly grabbed it, I gave her hand a squeeze and she gave one back.

"Remember. Hidan is loud and an asshole but don't let him intimidate you, he's kind of an idiot sometimes. Kakuzu looks scary...actually he is kind of scary." I chuckled and tried to envision what each of them were going to wear, maybe Itachi provided them clothes or at least Hidan hopefully bought a shirt and not another leather and fur coat that made him look like a pimp. No way in hell did Kakuzu buy anything but hopefully he has something that isn't his normal Akatsuki garb. Oh well, I guess I'll find out soon.

"I remember!" We made it to the entrance to wait and dad was dressed in his formal Tan and white Hyuga head Yukuta, his hair was brushed and down long and soft, his scar was worn proudly and his shoulders were back and broad. His face was stern but not unkind. He looked like a leader. He looked over to Hanabi and I, nodded in approval.

"You both look well my daughters." Hanabi and I both bowed our heads slightly, smiling. He softened at that.

"Thanks papa/otousan." We replied giddily. "Is Nii-san coming to dinner?" I questioned, hoping I would get to see Neji finally since he was training when I got back.

"Yes, he is heading to us as we speak."

"Hell yeah." I punched my hand into the air in excitement and Hanabi giggled, father letting out a huff of a laugh as well.

"I should have assumed your mouth didn't mature on your mission." A deep, proper voice spoke from the hallway and then Neji popped out with a small smile on his face. He was dressed similar to dad but somehow he looked more princely. There was a white cloth around his forehead to hide the seal but it only seemed to make him look more regal. Whoever marries my big bro is going to be a lucky girl. "It is good to see you Hinata-hime. Hello Hanabi-chan, you both look very lovely."

"Hello Neji-nii, you look good as well." I let go of Hanabi and ran (well moved as fast as I could in the formal attire) and hugged him tightly.

"Nii-san!" He placed a hand on my head carefully as to not mess up my hair. Man, he even smelled like a prince. I grinned up at him and he gave me a composed, kind smile back.

"I am glad to see you are unharmed and have returned home safe." I higged him tightly once more before letting go, Neji wasn't one for too much physical contact and on a team with people like Lee and Gai, he probably gets enough unsolicited hugs.

"Honestly, did you expect anything else from me?" I questioned teasingly, patting his head slightly in a fake condescend manner.

"I have learned to not expect anything if you are involved." Neji shook his head, his long strands of hair swaying with the movements. Even with his tone laced with mirth, he was still dead serious about his statement. He's not wrong though, as much as I try to plan things out, I'm impulse and change things whether or not for the better is TBA.

"Smart choice, I don't know what to expect from myself either." My lips curled into a devious smirk as I thought of Neji newfound high ranking position in the clan. "So... did the elders lose their shit when they realized I was gone?" Neji's eyes flashed with amusement in remembrance of when the elders found out I had gone 'rogue'. I'm hoping it was a giant cluster fuck to deal with for those arrogant assholes.

"Ah, yes it was quite the dramatic scene and to top it off, leaving a branch member in charge...unthinkable. They were enraged, I presume your meeting with them later on is going to be...interesting to say the least." I shuddered at the thought of meeting with the elders...oh fuck. I'm majorly screwed and in for the most elegant yet demeaning tongue lashing of my life. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll keel over before they summon me.

"Well, shit." I muttered dejectedly and got a pointed look from Hiashi on my choice in words...I wanted to say fuck so I went with a compromise that was less vulgar. Oh man, his uptight rules with cursing are going to be put to the test tonight. I smoothed out the fabric of my kimono and the door was opened by a branch member a few years younger than me, Han, who had escorted Hidan and Kakuzu through the compound to our manor. Han gave a quick bow and scurried away before I could thank him or say hello. Hidan strutted through the doorway, Kakuzu following closely behind. I was completely baffled with the both of them. Hidan wasn't dressed traditionally like we were, instead he was wearing dress pants and a deep red button up that was untucked and undone maybe one button too many but he was dressed much more fancy than I was expecting. (A/N trying to impress the family now are we Hidan???) Kakuzu was dressed similarly but with a green shirt that matched his eyes. He even took his mask off and traded it for one more similar to Kakashi's.

"Hey hot bitch, the family of hot bitch." Hidan winked with a grin and then was hit in the head by Kakuzu. Neji narrowed his eyes towards the Jashinist. "What the hell you old geezer." Hanabi looked at them in shock before turning away to giggle into her palm. Neji and dad were both stone faced as they looked over our guests. Dad's eye twitched at the nickname, I guess calling his baby girl a hot bitch is a no-no, Kakuzu understood that much at least.

"Show some semblance of respect damn fool." The eldest of the Zombie combo husked out lowly. "Your home is adequate, as expected of a noble clan ." It sounded odd for Kakuzu to thank anybody but I guess growing up the way he did, he still has some manners even if they are rarely (never) put to use. That and he was going to be paid by me today so he was in a good mood. He liked money and luxurious things he doesn't have to pay for so this is his opinion on a good night. Hanabi moved from hiding slightly behind Neji and I to stand in front of both men who practically dwarfed her small form. Hidan looked down at her with a brow raised and then Hanabi bowed to them.

"H-Hello Hidan-Sama, Kakuzu-sama. W-welcome to our home, I would like to t-thank you for bringing father home to us." Her cheeks were flushed as Hidan grinned down to her. It wasn't malicious, actually he looked amused if anything. Kakuzu gave her a nod of his head in return.

"It was a mutually beneficial transaction." Leave it to him to think of it as a bank transaction...actually it was. I totally bribed him.

"O-oh, Nee-chan was right when she m-mentioned you really like money."

"Yes well money is the universal language, it makes the world work." Hidan looked ready to intervene and give Kakuzu a piece of his mind for his unholy views but one look from me and he stopped. I was not having him tell Hanabi all the joys of pain and chaos. Hanabi was intrigued by Kakuzu's notion and gave him a soft smile for the knowledge.

"I d-didn't know that. Thank you for y-your wisdom." Kakuzu seemed to approve of Hanabi, he liked her more than me when we met that's for sure. I guess being smart as well as calling his opinions of money wise is a good start to getting him to like you.

"This polite little kid is your sister! What the fuck happened to you?" Hidan was chuckling in amusement. Kakuzu took a look between Hanabi and I, silently agreeing with Hidan's question. Hanabi let out a laugh, she thought Hidan-despite his language-was really funny and by the way I wasn't annoyed with him, she knew we were good friends.

"Dunno." I shrugged noncommittally with a small smirk. "I too question how I ended up so fucked every time I realize that we are friends." I shoved Hidan with my palm just enough to get him to move from the pressure. That damn cocky shit eating grin was still on his face and he swing an arm over my shoulder, magenta eyes taking in more of the house with an impressed glance.

"This place is massive."

"Hinata." Dad's voice was slightly warning, and I stopped messing around. "Escort our guests to the dining room, I will join you shortly." He turned to Hidan and Kakuzu, gave both of them the smallest and most stiff bows I've ever witnessed. "Welcome to the Hyuga compound, if you need anything do not hesitate to ask my children." With a swift turn, he stalked off and I was extremely confused on what he was doing.

"Dude's a stiff but he's god one kick ass scar."

"It does look pretty badass doesn't it?" I commented, as much as I was sad bout how he got the scar, Hidan is right. It makes him look like a complete and utter badass.

"I have to agree, Hyuga-sama's scar is very impressive in look and meaning." Neji finally spoke up since they had arrived, his pale eyes were taking everything in since Hidan and Kakuzu arrived and he was neutral with Kakuzu, he disliked Hidan almost immediately. However, he was willing to put that aside and be cordial because he was one of the two responsible for saving his uncle, my father.

"Ey hot bitch, who the fuck is this pansy." Even with Hidan's superior size, Neji's hard glare was unwavering towards the Jashinist. Hidan just has this miraculous talent of pissing off majority of the people he meets for the first time, Neji not excluded from this list of people.

"My name is Neji Hyuga, partial leader of the Hyuga clan and cousin to Hinata-hime and Hanabi-chan. Since you are a guest, it would do you well to not call the clan heiress something as demeaning and disrespectful as 'Hot Bitch'."

"Fat chance. This godless fucker is your brother... Are you sure you weren't adopted?"

"Ah Neji Hyuga, you were a recent entry into the Bingo Book, your bounty is low as of now but with your position of power you are surely to grow into a cash cow." Ahh, how much I love hearing that my brother is going to be a high bounty for somebody to try to cash in, thanks Kakuzu. Hanabi seemed completely enthralled with Kakuzu, everything he said and did interested her so much and when she asked to hold his hand to see his stitching, instead of shoving her away and calling her a brat, he held his hand out to her. He kind of has that gruff fatherly vibe about him I think and it's great. Hanabi has never opened up to somebody so quickly and it being a dude as big and intimidating as Kakuzu is amazing.

"Ok so instead of doing..." I gestured between the three males, "whatever the hell this is, lets eat. Follow me." I walked forward, my sandals clicking on the wooden flooring. When Neji moved to pass by me, I grabbed his sleeve and got his attention. "Look I know Hidan is...well he's Hidan and the nickname isn't the best, coming from him it's the nicest thing he can come up with so just play nice and don't punch him in the face no matter how bad you want to." He sighed and nodded, pressing a hand to my back to get us to speed up a bit.

"Only fate will decide." I rolled my eyes at the small smile adorning his face, that was as good of a yes as I was going to get. And him adding in fate was just his way of messing around, Zabuza had taunted that mindset out of Neji years ago. We entered the dining room, it was done up immaculately to impress company. Though everything was in shades of white and tan with lavender strewn in, it was simple and elegant. I slid off my shoes, and went to my place at the right end table, kneeling on the pillow with my hands in my lap. Hanabi took her place across from me, dragging Kakuzu to sit beside her. Hidan took the spot at my side and Neji took a spot at one end of the table, the other being saved for dad. As soon as everyone was seated, maids rushed in with plates of traditional foods like Sashimi, Yakitori, a steaming pot of homemade miso soup, a heaping bowl of steamed vegetables (curtsey of health freak Neji), and Sukiyaki. I specifically requested them to make Hidan spare ribs and Kakuzu monkfish liver. They also set a pot of the Hyuga secret blend of green tea as well as my own little pot of iced, bitter berry citrus tea. I felt so much love knowing that my clansmen remembered my favorite drink. Kakuzu let out a low whistle at the sight of the perfectly cooked food that had to have been prepared since this morning.

"Holy fuck, this is the cushy life you were living as a clan heiress! Damn, I could get used to meals like this." I agreed, one of the perks of being a clan child so high on the food chain was the food. I leaned over to Hidan, Neji's eyes watching me without my knowledge.

"So uh thanks for you know dressing so nice... you look good. I didn't think you had it in you, honestly. I expected you and Kakuzu to show up in sweats, but I know my father was pleased at the sign of respect." He smiled, showing of all of his teeth in it and his chest puffed out in pride.

"Gotta make a good fuckin' impression on my future family." He grinned and eyed me up and down quickly. "Besides, when you look so damn hot, I gotta pull my weight too." I rolled my eyes but smiled nonetheless. Hidan has noticeably been on his best behavior and it's surprising. When he isn't so hostile around people he want's to slice up, he's pretty ok at being around a lot of people. Before any of us could begin to eat, father opened the door and Hanabi, Neji, and I stood up until he was seated so that we could take our place once again at the table. His eyes moved over the food in approval, seeing as everything was cooked and presented properly.

"Before we begin to eat, as a representation for my gratitude of returning me to my family the Hyuga clan would like to offer our aid for as long as you are seeking solace in the village. Alongside that, take these gifts as thanks." He handed Kakuzu and Hidan each a sealing scroll. They looked at it and then back to my father, Kakuzu's eyes were gleaming that gleam when he gets money. I leaned over to take a peak at Hidan's scroll and my jaw dropped, he didn't open it but it had writing on it saying it was a new more high tech three pronged scythe that had chains that were almost unbreakable. Hidan was grinning dangerously excited. I can't believe after me telling them brief details about both of them, dad had such perfect gifts made in less than 8 hours.

"I thought you were a stuck up prick but I like ya. Jashin-sama will be very pleased with this new weapon." Hell yeah he would, the sketch of the Scythe was rolled up in the scroll and one look, it was kick ass. It looked to be the same size of Hidan's old one but the red blades were now a deep silver and curved in a more menacing manner. The handle was black with what looked like bloody symbols of Jashin down it as well as a deep, bloody red handle with a black chain with a band to attach it to his hand.

"I accept your gift, it is extremely pleasing. Thank you Hyuga-san." Kakuzu bowed his head and father gave him the same in return.

"Now let us eat, I presume everything is to your liking?" Kakuzu and Hidan both grunted a yes. I put my hands together in prayer and bowed my head in thanks for the food and then we all got to dig in. I plated my food with a bit of everything...except the steamed cauliflower because that stuff is just not good. Hidan piled up on the spare ribs and various other meat while Kakuzu seemed pleased to get a healthy amount of his liver based dishes. Neither were keen on vegetables so they put noodle based dishes and rice instead. Hanabi poured tea for Kakuzu and herself, I poured it for Father and Hidan, and Neji poured for himself.

Dinner was never that lively in the compound but Hidan and I talked and soon everyone joined in, Kakuzu taking the time to answer every question Hanabi had as well as teaching her the proper 'rules' of money.

"And this one time after a spar between the old geezer and I..." I put my hand over Hidan's mouth to stop him from telling the story. Somehow, Neji had asked a question and it turned into them making fun of things I've done.

"Don't you dare." I hissed out, I'd already had Neji tell about my stupid fear of birds when I was younger and don't need any more things embarrassing to be known.

"I would like to hear the rest Hinata-hime."

"M-me as well Nee-chan." Hanabi smiled at me with a slight hint of mirth.

"Ah, even I would like to hear this my daughter." I could feel his smirk against my palm and with the pleading eyes of Hanabi, I relented, hanging my head low. Who thought this dinner was a good idea again?

"Right ok so I fucking smashed Kakuzu into the ground and broke a hole into the lower floor and no way in hell was I fixing it so we left the hole. Hot bitch was reading some dumb book and walking when I, being the amazing person I am, tried to warn her but she didn't fucking listen like a hardheaded idiot and fell through, breaking her hand. She let out the fucking girliest scream I'd ever heard. One second she was there and the next she was gone through the floor." I cringed at the memory, Hidan, Kakuzu and Suigetsu laughed at me for days. As funny as it was, it was completely and utterly embarrassing to eat shit like than and oh god the noise that came out of my mouth was the highest squeal I'd ever made.

"At least I'm not the one who cut their own finger off trying to play a stupid game."

"Shut the fuck up about that. Jashin-sama you're annoying sometimes." Hidan's language made my father twitch, he said nothing against it though I'm guessing he isn't the biggest fan of the bloodthirsty Jashinist. Neji still stared tensely at Hidan. He knew he was dangerous, Hidan radiated danger but seeing that Hidan was just an asshole and not an actual threat (well not at the moment) he was able to enjoy the stories of my time in the Akatsuki. Though, a few times they but heads and we had to change the topic before things got too out of hand. Neji was being surprisingly protective.

"K-Kakuzu-sama what did you think of Nee-chan w-when you met her?" Kakuzu pursed his unmasked lips for a second before replying.

"I thought your sister was a reckless idiot who would die early." Yeah, he told me I was going to die within a day of meeting one another. "She is still a reckless idiot as well as a brat, but she is intelligent and a strong Kunoichi who plays to her strengths well. You have a good role model, though you seem to be more mature than her already." I grinned at Kakuzu and Hanabi gave him a wide-eyed look of awe when he spoke.

"Nee-chan is cool. Kakuzu-sama you are cool too. You are very scary, greedy, and a bad guy b-but you are smart and I l-like you!" Hanabi's cheeks flushed as she shouted louder than usual at Kakuzu. He looked down at her and placed a hand on her head, avoiding the flowers as he pat her. She squirmed happily at his actions.

"Ha, greedy old bastard, I can't believe you got a cute fuckin' little squirt to not run away in terror. Jashin-sama would like your soul before you go so damn soft." Hidan smirked at Kakuzu, taunting his friend to retaliate.

"Shut your mouth or I'll kill you." Kakuzu growled, slowly letting his KI out and directing it to Hidan.

"Try it old man!" Hidan gripped a small knife in his hand and pointed it at Kakuzu. Neither could kill the other so Hanabi giggled in amusement at their odd show of affection for one another.

"Kakuzu-san would you like an aid?" Neji offered easily, standing up and preparing his chakra to ready an attack. The atmosphere just got a bit more tense...this was more how I expected the night to go.

"I'll sacrifice you too pretentious asshole." Hidan pointed the knife at Neji as well, gritting his teeth and glaring. This was more likely to end up in a fight that had no good outcomes.

"Oh my god, you guys are like toddlers." I finally stood up as well and glared between the testosterone filled boys, First Kiba then Sasuke and now Neji, ugh guys are so difficult in their stupid pissing matches that seem to happen for no damn reason.

"Neji-san stand down." Hiashi ordered and Neji stopped his actions entirely, nodding in acceptance.

"Yes Hiashi-sama." He took a seat and Kakuzu and Hidan both did as well, neither of them really wanting to fight each other at least not inside my home.

"Hinata-chan, it is time for our guests to leave, please accompany them on their way out. Hanabi-chan, say your goodbyes, you have training early." I drank down one more sip of tea before standing up and bowing quickly, dad gave me a small smile and I returned it.

"Got it Otousan." I moved to slide my shoes back on, the two large men following suit.

"Yes Papa." Hanabi replied before getting to her feet. Father stood up and bowed.

"Thank you once again; however, Hidan-san, my patience can only go so far and if you refer to my daughter in such crude ways you will lose more than a finger." Neji smirked at the statement and I let out a small nervous chuckle.

"Yeah yeah." Ahh no yelling or blow up, thank Jashin. "Thanks for the food and scythe Hyuga."

"I-It was nice to meet you Hidan-sama." Hanabi bowed and smiled shyly at him. "You are very funny Hidan-sama even if you talk worse than Nee-chan."

"You too kid."

"Thank you for the hospitality Hyuga-san." Kakuzu was ready to leave when Hanabi wrapped her hands around him, her head barely reaching his waist. "Hanabi-chan I enjoyed meeting you as well." He pat her head again and she smiled brightly up at him.

"Goodbye Kakuzu S-sempai, I will c-come visit you soon." He raised a brow at the new honorific but accepted it anyways. I feel like I should be worried Hanabi wants to learn from a greedy killer but I guess it could be worse and he isn't going to hurt her. Plus if he gets that happy of a smile from her, I can't say no to her talking to him.

"Very well." He nodded gruffly and removed her from him, slid up his mask, and held the door open for me to walk out of before following behind me. Hidan was waiting for us and we left to weave through the maze of a compound to get to the gate.

"Hime really likes you, I've never seen her open to somebody so fast." I commented and Kakuzu grunted but wasn't annoyed in the slightest. I think they have some odd unspoken friendship bond thing that makes no sense but it's adorable. Leave it to Hanabi to befriend the grumpy miser who kills people who annoys him and get him to actually not hate her.

"She knows greatness when she sees it. Hanabi-san is a bright kid."

"Yeah, she is." We made it to the front gates. "Thanks for coming over even if you pissed off my dad and brother...Hidan. I'll talk to Tsunade later about getting you cleared for missions fully. Hidan, go to T&I tomorrow and they will give you someone to Sacrifice after getting information out of him." As much as I don't agree with the way of Jashin fully, I wouldn't want to hinder Hidan from his religion and if he's doing it in a 'better' way then I will do what I can to help. I slid my scroll out of my sleeve and Handed it to Kakuzu. "This is all the money I promised." He took a look at it before handing it back to me.

"Keep it. Your father gave me more than what you had promised so you are no longer indebted to me. Save it for when you decide to bribe me again."

"I..uh..the fuck..ok. I guess I'll see you later then? If your not going to take it, at least know this... if need money in a pinch, gamble against Lady Tsunade." I totally sold her out, but she needs to learn never to fucking gamble again and hopefully having Kakuzu take all her shit, she'll stop or you know I'll get a good laugh at her pissy attitude towards people the next day and how they reek with fear.

"Hm." Kakuzu left through the gate leaving Hidan and I alone. He looked just as confused as I did with the misers actions.

"What the fuck was that?" I questioned.

"Like hell if I know." Hidan rounded on me, grinning devilishly. Last time he looked like that, he promised to make me love him so I was a bit wary of what he was going to say. I just...ugh...I can't think about romance like this right now. Maybe one day I can really see how I feel about people but for now, I just need to do what I was possibly sent here to do. "Your family is fucking wild." I snickered, that is very true. He stepped closer to me and I moved back just bit. "You look fuckin hot in that shit, though I think when you are covered in blood it's even better." He backed me into the wall and used his finger to lift my face to meet his. "Don't forget hot bitch, one day you're going to fall helplessly for me and our chaotic love."

"How could I forget that?" I was entranced as his magenta eyes burned into mine, they were glittering in the moonlight. One of his hands deftly played with the Jashin symbol he put on my necklace and the other was pressed right against my head. He was buzzing with some type of energy and I felt the air temperature raise around me. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against my ear, I could feel his breath against the shell. His tongue shot out of his mouth and licked the curve of my ear before pulling away cackling out a laugh.

"Bye Hot Bitch, you're fucking adorable. Ahh thank god for Jashin-sama's soon to be approval cuz next time you look at me like that, I'm kissing you for real." Hidan left the compound at top speed, still laughing as he left. I was stunned for a second before heading back to my room to change, my breathing was very strained and my ear tingled. Fuck me, what did I get myself into in this life.

A/N: BET YA THOUGHT HE WAS GONNA KISS HER! I hope you liked the dinner, I think Hanabi looking up to Kakuzu is super cute for some reason. Ok so this chapter is really long because I didn't want to split it into two parts. The next chapter will either be short or super long depending on if I fuse two together or write them separate. Idk yet, we'll see when I write them. I'm super pumped for what I have planned because Deidara apology and If he stays or not and also Itachi's surgery and how all that will go down. I'm super excited for his surgery chapter cuz It will hopefully be cool, emotional, and fun at the same time.  Thanks for reading lovely people!