Um… hello. So, this is my very first story that I'm putting up on fanfiction. In fact, it's really my very first fanfiction that I have ever done. I hope you enjoy reading it. I wanted to put up something new as compared to what I have been reading on this couple. I thought… hm… I wonder… And then, words just magically appeared! :D

…well, not really… but here they are! Um, also… please forgive me if my English is bad. It's not my native tongue. But I did try my best to overlook mistakes. Reviews would be nice… and advice too! :]

Summary: In everyone's eyes, Hinata has remained the same, even after so many years have gone by. She's still the same innocent, gentle, caring young woman. Even when the news of Naruto and Sakura hitting it off, the village felt incredibly sorry for the girl who had been in love for so long. But to Hinata, that was just what she had wanted everyone to see. Deep down, concealed behind her mask, Hinata is a completely different person. And only one person has been able to see behind the lies… and now he's more than determined to reveal the truth.

Pairing: Sasuke and Hinata

Rating: M to be safe.

With Eyes That See the Bigger Picture

Episode 01

It's not that she disliked him, rather than she did not care for him the same way. Love. This word had always seemed to haunt Hinata ever since she had laid her eyes on Naruto. Her constant words of encouragement where the only reason as to why she had continued to chase after the boy like a small baby chick, and yet, not once did he notice her before. When the news of Naruto and Sakura's dating first reached her ears, Hinata had panicked. Had she not been more than enough? What was it that Sakura had that Hinata did not?

Sakura was, by many standards, a very graceful and independent woman. Over the years since their time as simple students, Sakura had matured and become an eye for affection among many young men in the village. She had always been with Naruto ever since they were first assigned teams. She had been there when he sought help and aid. And Naruto, for the longest time, had been madly in love with her in return.

It was only natural that within the amount of time, Sakura would too formulate feelings for the boy. It was only natural that they would begin to see each other. It was only natural that in his eyes, Hinata was no more than a simple friend.

And frankly, she had had enough.

This feeling… love. It was nothing more than a sticky, ugly, parasitic emotion that Hinata had grown to hate more and more. Over the years, despite what her heart may have believed, Hinata's mind made it clear to her that this emotion was simply a passing one; something that she would have to get over eventually. She was ready. Ready for the pain that would come when it would be announced that Naruto would be seeing someone else. She was ready to throw it all away. The final blow. She welcomed the news with bitter gratitude because she knew that the best way to get over someone is to be hurt to a point of no return.

And thus, these thoughts only came to one conclusion.

Even if the heart may seek and find love in someone else, Hinata would never allow it to control her actions. She would allow the heart to fall for another boy and swoon over him for as long as it needed. But when the time would come to move on again, her mind would forcefully detach the heart from the emotion. She did not need this feeling... this love.

She did not want this feeling any longer. All it did was bring her more suffering. Hinata was determined that when she was to "fall in love" again, her mind would be ready for the harsh reality. She wouldn't find herself hoping. She wouldn't find herself thinking of a brighter future, rather only of a future where she is content with being alone. She did not want anybody else in her life. They would only cause her more pain instead.

And thus, these thoughts came to another conclusion. She couldn't stand people.

Always lying. Always covering the truth with deception. Always hurting those around them. Always laughing at her. Hinata did not want that. She did not want to feel the pain any more than necessary. She was determined to keep those near her as far away from her as possible.

A mask – that was what she called it. Over the years, Hinata had formed a very deceiving and manipulative mask. On the outside, Hinata would pretend to be shy, quiet, kind, and gentle. She would do anything to please those around her, avoiding the pain. On the inside, Hinata was herself - withdrawn, stubborn, cold, and indifferent. She did not care for others. No one could know of this. No one was ever allowed to lift her mask and reveal her true nature. And so, she kept her mask on tightly; even now, as she stood in front of this young man, smiling gently with eyes that showed much sorrow.

"I-I am v-very sorry," she rather mumbled beneath her breath, "What you t-t-told me just now was very k-kind of you. B-b-but… I'm afraid that I d-do not feel the same way about you."

The young man in front of her looked down to the ground, "It's still Naruto, isn't it? Even though… even though he's finally seeing Miss Haruno?"

Hinata stiffened. It's alright, play long Hinata. Let him believe that you still have feelings for Naruto. Fool him and the rest of the village that you're still in love.

"I-I'm sorry. I j-just… don't feel that I should b-be seeing anyone for n-n-now."

The young man looked back up at her to see small tears form at her eyes. He began to panic, "I-I understand! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound harsh!"

Reaching out towards Hinata, the young man brushed a few fallen droplets off her cheeks. Hinata backed away a little, stumbling on her feet. Her hand reached up to the place where he had touched.

"I… Thank you. P-please forgive me," she chocked before turning around and running in the opposite direction. He didn't follow her. That's good.

Hinata's pace slowed as she made her way closer to the forest on the outskirts of town. Taking in a deep breath, Hinata lowered herself on the deep grass below and stretched her legs forward. The strands tickled her open ankles gently as the sun warmed her face. Closing her eyes, Hinata let out the breath. It was rare moments like these that Hinata was able to freely take off her mask without anyone noticing. When alone, she felt at peace. She did not have to worry about others around her. She did not have to worry about keeping her guard up with others. She was alone and happy to be alone. The outside world did not matter. There was never any pain whenever she was here. Hinata felt absolute bliss, a feeling that would only be described as something heaven-like.

"If only the world were to end right now…"

A mischievous breeze danced by, scurrying her bangs to the side.

"You'd be satisfied?"

Hinata's eyes darted open as she climbed back to her feet in alarm. Someone was here, someone had overheard her rambling. Anger began to slither up her body. Someone was watching her. Show yourself, already! Is what she wanted to say, but she knew that it would be out of her character to do so.

Instead, quickly assembling her mask, she stuttered, "Wh-who's there?"

A figure slid down a nearby tree. Uchiha. Her mind began to race. Uchiha had returned not long ago to the village with Naruto when it was announced that his brother was dead. The village had assumed two positions on his return. Half was for accepting the boy, while the other was still paranoid of him. Hinata began to search her brain for a kind of reaction was she supposed to have to him? It's not like Hinata had been very friendly with him prior to his leave. They never really spoke before. Should she be afraid of him? Should she try to make it look like she wasn't bothered that it was only him? Instead, a plan began to formulate.

"O-oh… I-I didn't know y-you were h-here… Uchiha," her face began to redden, "Is… is there something y-you need?"

Sasuke's eyes began to follow slowly as Hinata took small steps back. Act innocent and cowardly. You're still uneasy being around males, remember? Sasuke isn't any different. Pretend that you're shy.

The silence continued.

Damn, at least say something. What did all of those girls see in you? The way you act so rude?

"I-If nothing t-t-then…"

A smirk formed on his face. Turning on his heels, Sasuke began to make his way towards the village roads. Hinata too began to inch forward from her spot, wanting to leave from the boy's presence as soon as possible. Even if she really didn't feel all that pressured in his company, leaving somewhere where she could relax more was the better plan than risking of more exposure. Continue with the innocent act, pretend that you are humiliated.

Speeding past him, Hinata felt something jerk her body back as her hand was practically ripped off. Her heart almost fell to her feet as she turned to face Sasuke's emotionless face. His grip tightened around her wrist harshly as Hinata took in a sharp breath. Let go!

She was losing her composure.

Her free hand jolted to the strained one and tried to pull free from the clutch. "U-Uchiha… p-p-please let go of my hand," she whimpered trying hard not to resurface her fury. Sasuke's hand clenched harder as a devious smirk began to skid from cheek to cheek. Lowering his head forward, Sasuke's lips barely touched the tip of her ear, "Who are you trying to fool here, Hinata?"

Hinata's face turned stone white. He knows? No, there's no way he knows. He's just bluffing, relax. He knows nothing of me, he doesn't. He's grasping at straws!

The grip eased but Sasuke refused to let go completely. His head remained the same.

"U-Uchiha, p-please… I'm not following you..!"

You're doing well. Keep at it; make him think that you don't understand.

"M-My wrist is… p-please, Uchiha...!"

Try crying a little; make him see that you're the victim. Make him feel bad for what he's done.

Hinata's eyes began to water; her voice was breaking along the process, "P-pleas-!" Suddenly, she found herself on the ground. Her bottom ached from the fall and tears spilled completely. Trembling, Hinata looked back up to catch the stone cold gaze. His eyes were penetrating, dark and distant. She couldn't tell… she couldn't tell what was going on his mind. With so many others, Hinata had learned to read the emotions of those around her through their eyes. The eyes never lied, no matter how hard the person had tried to conceal the lie. But this person was different; their eyes didn't tell a story. They were empty.

Rising to her feet, wobbling, Hinata took her distance from Sasuke. Nothing was getting through to him. Not even as she tried to make it seem that she was hurt from his push. His stare was cut off as he looked in a different direction. Stepping forward, the boy made way past Hinata, only to pause for a moment.

"Stop pretending," his voice sounding almost like a hiss. Scoffing at her response (which was a meek gasp), Sasuke left swiftly into the village without a trace behind.

Hinata stood frozen in her spot, her hands shaking, her lips trembling. Lies, lies, they're all lies. Simple, blatant, worthless lies. He's just messing around. He just wants to scare me. He…

Are you sure?

Hinata's eyes widened. Yes! Yes, I'm sure. There's no doubt in my mind. He's just bored at the moment and has nothing to do… so he's toying with me. He's just doing this out of mere pleasure. He just wants to amuse himself. And I just so happened to be in his sight.

And what if he really has found out? What if he knows of your secret?

Stepping back towards the village, Hinata allowed her face to screw before returning to her usual complexion. Clenching her fists underneath the oversized sleeves, she began to walk towards the bustling roads.

Then I'll just have to play along. To confuse him to a point where there will be no doubt in his mind that I am a simple, naïve girl. I'll become the victim in his game, and then I'll make him take the blame for everything. He will not win. He must not win. I will once again rein victorious.

…and the curtains lift as Hinata's secret is on the verge of exposure. Will she be able to keep up with this lie? :D

Yes? No? Review? Advice?

Thank you for reading this.