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Blooming Moon
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"Uchiha, Sasuke."

Her pencil slides across her notebook page, a startled line, and she looks up at the desk across from hers, at the person who is sliding into it. Her heart races and beats like a drum against her ribs. Her large, white eyes fill with complete and utter incredulity. "W-what," is all she manages to stammer, as the image of a little boy, spiky-haired and chubby-cheeked and baby-faced, flashes across the surface of her mind. But most vivid of all, is the memory of everything she saw on that unforgettable, rainy morning, through her twinkling tears; his tiny hands pressed against a car window, breath misting up the glass as he mutely gazed back at her, bruises flowering in his coal-black eyes.

The indigo-haired girl takes a moment to gape at the boy who used to live with her as a child, and had once even been her closest friend in elementary school. Her silence is only because of bittersweet shock, but not because she needs a moment to recall who he actually is. There is no way she could ever forget. Hinata blinks several times, shaking her throbbing head somewhat as if eager to rectify a mistake, and correctly identify the dark-haired young man in front of her. It can't. It isn't.

But it is, it's him, a ghost from her past.

Uchiha, Sasuke.

He is sitting at a desk not too far from her, effortlessly slouched in his seat, his thick, spiky locks as unruly as ever. A frown tugs at narrow, thin lips, marring an otherwise smooth and unblemished facade. Uncanny ebony eyes glazed with laid-back confidence peer straight ahead at the chalkboard. One hand grips a ballpoint pen between its long, graceful fingers.

She has not seen or heard from Uchiha Sasuke in ten years, but suddenly here he is, sitting right across from her. Hinata remains perfectly still, barely breathing, as her mind struggles to catch up with her furiously pounding heart.

She doesn't know how long she stares at him like that, so when she feels her cell phone tremble within the confines of her bag, she jumps a little. Her lungs begin to function again. A guilty shade of pink flushes over her cheeks. Reaching down, the flustered girl pulls her cell phone out, flipping it open to stare at it blankly. The screen blinks with blue light. It only takes her three seconds to read it, but for Hinata it feels like a century. As the meaning of the words sink slowly in, her eyes grow as wide as saucers.

To: Hinata
From: TenTen
so, any hot guys? be honest!
none here. gawd I'm so bored. :(

Face erupting in a bright blush, Hinata quickly snaps her flip phone shut and pushes it back down into her bag. She redirects her line of sight elsewhere, biting the inside of her lip.

The rest of the class passes by in a blur, Hinata mostly trying in vain to pay attention while really thinking about Sasuke. Pushing her pencil across her notebook, she wonders about his eyes that look so solidly dark, so intense. A chilling thought comes to her — he has to be the new student all the girls in her homeroom were talking about. The thought alone makes Hinata doubly blush as she recalls their exact phrasing to describe him.

Oh-so dark, mysterious, and handsome . . .

…

…

The bell rings, signaling the end of first period. Packing up her books and pencils, Hinata stands up, and pauses for a second. She watches Sasuke rise to his feet, sling his book bag over his shoulder, and then automatically glance upwards. The moment he does she freezes up. The tips of her ears turn red. Does he recognize her? Does he want to come over and talk to her? No, of course not, she quickly tells herself, head lowering to let her cobalt tresses fall into her face. She doesn't wait to find out for certain either — instead deigning to all but flee into the hallway like a terrified bunny rabbit, her long hair fanning out behind her like sable ribbons intertwined with azure.

"Hey!" TenTen greets her a little too cheerfully, having just come out of the class right beside Hinata's. There is a glint apparent in her almond eyes. "Why didn't you text back? Was your lover boy in there?"

"No." Hinata shakes her head insistently. Then she is quick to add, "And Naruto isn't my . . . lover boy."

The brunette laughs, waving her hands. "I'm kidding! Besides, there's no way in hell Naruto is smart enough to be in an AP class. Not everyone is as smart as you, you know."

"But I'm not — "

"Oh, hush."

They walk to Pre-Calculus together, and it does not go too badly since she has her best friend there right beside her. Hinata is able to actually concentrate since Sasuke is not anywhere in sight, and relaxes. She feels lighter, as if a lead weight has been lifted from her shoulders. She answers practice problem after practice problem with general ease, stopping to give TenTen assist every once in a while. But when their teacher starts to drone on monotonously and scratches away at the chalkboard about proper technique, TenTen makes funny faces behind his back; Hinata cannot contain the mirthful giggles that fall away from her lips, struggling to muffle them behind an upraised hand.

"What's so funny?" Mr. Yakushi snaps, bespectacled eyes zooming around the full classroom.

His slate gray gaze lands on Hinata and TenTen, who sit perfectly poised at their desks. Their notebooks are open, their textbooks turned to the right page, and they are holding their writing utensils resolutely. They both smile sweetly, the picture perfect students; he continues veering his gaze, not once suspecting the two girls of a thing. It makes it harder not to laugh at his obliviousness, though Hinata feels the tiniest sliver of guilt creep into her chest, even if he is a bit on the creepy side.

When she informs TenTen of this, she actually coos and pinches a pinkening cheek. "Aw! You're so cute!"

Alas, their time together ends all too soon, with mathematical homework on the first day to boot. TenTen reaches over and pats Hinata comfortingly, offering a bright smile. She knows the girl all too well. "Don't stress yourself out too much, okay? I'll see you later. Today is going to be a great day!"

Hinata quickly smiles to hide her discomfort and hesitance, nodding. "Y-yeah."

…

…

AP European History and Spanish III pass by smoothly enough, to Hinata's overwhelming relief. So far she has had yet to see the brooding Uchiha again, and hopes that it will stay that way. Art, besides the unfavorable accident involving her foot and a paint can, also goes well. The eclectic Mr. Hatake, who insists on being called Sensei, arrives fifteen minutes late. When a student pipes up and demands to know where he was, the silver-haired man only smiles charmingly. His dark eye glints; with his penchant for wearing high-collared shirts that conceal the lower portion of his face, it is rumored around the school that not even he knows what his own face looks like. "Grasshopper," Mr. Hatake intones mysteriously, "I was lost on the road to life."

Despite his excessive tardiness, Mr. Hatake's excellent reputation precedes him — he allows his students' creativity to flourish without boundaries, giving everyone paint, pencils, paper, and simply saying, "Go for it; Do what you feel." Then he sinks down into his large, lounge chair in the front of the classroom, and starts flipping through a bright orange book.

Hinata has possessed a love for drawing ever since she can remember. As a child she used to indulge in it, but after Mikoto and Sasuke left, her father made it clear he didn't approve. Over the years, he maintained that it was a useless hobby with no benefit to someone as distinguished as a Hyuuga. With every word, his reproach imprinted itself in her mind with startling clarity.

So knowing she is in the safety of this colorful classroom, filled to the brim with truly stunning pieces of works of varying styles as far as the eye can see . . . the urge to draw makes her fingers twitch.

Before she knows it, the definite image of a picturesque image has formed around softened pencil strokes, and filled in with vivid colors. A boy's grinning face stares back at her, blue eyes filled with such life, capable of melting the coldest of hearts with just one look, one glance. Hinata feels a shy smile blossom onto her pink lips as she gazes at it fondly, imagining that that grin, that look, that glance is being directed at her. It sends her heart aflutter.

This sketch is as close as she will get to ever being with Naruto, and that is the reality. They did not even have any classes together this year; at least in freshman year they had shared Algebra, sophomore year lunch, and now, nothing.

"It's quite good," a bemused voice announces from behind her, making Hinata nearly jump out of her bones. She twirls to see Mr. Hatake observing her latest creation, nodding. If his mouth was visible, perhaps the faintest smile would have even tugged it upwards. "Who knew you had it in you?"

"T-thank you, S-Sensei," she squeaks, her cheeks blushing violently. Hinata's chin promptly brushes the top of her chest as she is unable to keep from bowing, flowing hair framing her ruddy face. Mr. Hatake chuckles and places a warm, steady hand on her slender shoulder, before spinning her back around to face the array of art mediums just waiting to be sampled.

"You can thank me by creating more."

…

…

When lunch time comes around Hinata and TenTen meet up at her locker, and then the two of them make a beeline for the cafeteria. After waiting in line for TenTen's food, Hinata having packed her own like always, the two teenaged girls head outside. Both have always preferred the zen of the outdoors versus the crowded, claustrophobic feel of an enclosed space teeming with unpleasant smells, not to mention the loud din of rowdy teenagers. They eventually make it to the edge of the courtyard and sit at their usual spot — underneath the largest tree in the entire school. When Hinata sits down on stone bench beneath it, she notices that it is extra cool to the touch, no doubt attributed to the noticeable drop in temperature. The indigo-haired girl shivers from the damp chill.

"Do you want to head back inside?" TenTen instantly implores, her cinnamon brows pinching together with concern. "Because I don't mind."

"N-no, it's fine," Hinata reassures her. She glances at TenTen's casual attire: Capri pants, a pastel pink t-shirt, and tennis shoes. "But . . . what about you?"

"I'm just peachy. A lot tougher than you," the brunette teases, playfully elbowing her in the side. "How is it you're cold though? You're always wearing that same damned hoodie." TenTen eyes the offensive muted jade green top in question. Nothing but sheer hilarity shines in her russet orbs however, belying her words.

She smiles affectionately, shaking her head. TenTen always teases her about her choice of clothes on a daily basis, but the indigo-haired girl knows it is simply that — lighthearted teasing. If such comments were to come from someone else, they would more than likely be meant to strike a nerve. With TenTen though, there is no unkindness or spite present in her airy tone. It is just her way of showing affection, pure and simple. She has had time to get used to it and even come to enjoy it since their early years in middle school.

For some time, they sit in compatible silence as they dine on their separate lunches. TenTen finishes her apple rather quickly, washing it down with her chocolate milk in a quick series of gulps, before moving onto her pizza; Hinata meanwhile takes small, dainty bites out of her onigiri. The way they both eat are discernible throwbacks to their home lives; while TenTen lives with two loving, doting parents who allow her to eat as much as her insatiable appetite pleases, Hinata has lived a life where proper etiquette and manners are everything.

Hinata takes a sip of her bottle of iced tea, looking up at the sky. Earlier, the sun had been shining. It had peeked sheepishly through the clouds, still mostly hidden by its delicate, white refuge. Now the sun is nowhere in sight, and the former high blue has taken on a somber, leaden color. It looks like it may rain.

"Your dad still picking you up?" TenTen inquires, reading her thoughts almost immediately. Hinata sighs, picking at her food silently, biting her lip.

"He said he would. He promised . . ."

Her friend releases a very unladylike snort in response. "He says a lot of things, doesn't he?" she retorts, uncharacteristic disdain dripping from her words. The beginnings of a frown curve TenTen's mouth downward. "Honestly, Hinata, he needs to start treating you better."

"TenTen," she begins to reason with her usual feathery tone.

"All right, all right," the brunette says, issuing forth a soft sigh. "Just know that if you change your mind, you can always catch the bus home with me. Mom complains you don't come around enough." She then takes a bite of her pepperoni pizza, chewing thoughtfully. Then, it looks like a switch has been flipped, an effervescent light bulb turning on that makes Hinata feel nervous almost straightaway. "Oh! So, who's the hot guy in your first period? Hm?"

Hinata's opal eyes widen dramatically in her pale face; "W-What guy?"

"The one who distracted you so much you couldn't bother texting back." TenTen grins at the uneasy expression that crawls across her delicate features. She takes the opportunity to reach over for one of Hinata's sweet rice balls, before popping into her mouth. "Mmm! So, who is it?"

Luckily for Hinata, right at that very second, the lunch bell dings; she is so pleased to hear it, she practically wilts with relief. TenTen notices this in turn and stares at her friend meaningfully. "You got lucky, missy — rest assured you will be telling me about your first period hottie later!"

…

…

When Hinata arrives in her last period of the day, the room is already full. Mortified, she scans the students to see if she recognizes anyone. There is a familiar head of bright, rose-pink hair — Sakura, who is sitting in the very last row. A girl by the name of Karin, with ruby hair and even more brilliant red eyes behind black-framed glasses, sits in a desk beside her. Shino is in the middle, perfectly silent and unreadable. Seeing him puts her heart at ease; he has always been nothing but polite to her in the past, and that means they can possibly work together if given the option. Then in the front row . . .

Hinata blanches.

Sitting down, Sasuke's chin is resting on interlaced fingers hovering above an opened binder, propped up by his elbows on the desk. A bored expression is etched across his chiseled profile.

"Just find your name and have a seat, miss," the teacher tells her, a friendly smile adorning her rosette lips. She is on the younger side, with earthy green eyes and brown hair in a simple yet elegant plait. Unlike the other teachers, she looks warm and inviting, donning a modest pink dress that highlights a womanly figure — Ms. Hanae, also known as the most desired teacher in all of Konoha High, not only for her natural beauty but her eagerness to help her students. She is smart, kind, while always maintaining a firm hand in the classroom. It is hard not to respect a woman like that.

Ms. Hanae gestures to a few of the empty desks in the front row, and sure enough there is Hinata's name written neatly in fine print.

"Um, t-thank you," she says meekly. Hinata winces inwardly at how much her voice quivers. Blood rushing to her face, she bows slightly, and hurries to take her seat. Her fellow students exchange amused glances and chuckle lowly, at her stuttering or overly politeness, she is not sure. Hinata sinks down in her seat, trying to appear as least visible as possible. She sneaks a glance out of the corner of her eyes at Sasuke in fear of him noticing her bumbling awkwardness, and sure enough his piercing gaze is fixed on her.

The teacher begins speaking, commanding everyone's attention with her melodic voice.

"Now that everyone has found their seats, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Ms. Hanae and I will be instructing you all year . . ."

Class time officially begins, and Hinata is thankful. She needs every ounce of distraction she can get. When the English teacher has completed her introduction, she starts to distribute packets detailing the curriculum that will be covered in the upcoming year. Everyone is instructed to underline and circle important sections as dictated, which is a simple enough task; Hinata goes about doing this wholeheartedly, concentrating exclusively on listening to the sweet yet stern voice of her teacher.

"Now that we have all of that out of the way, I say we do something more fun and worthwhile!" Ms. Hanae exclaims, cheerfully clapping her hands together in appeasement.

The rice balls she had for lunch earlier curdles in Hinata's stomach, as she drags her gaze away from her opened notebook.

"It's time to get to know one another. It's always a good idea to start off the new year by introducing one's self, wouldn't you all agree? Though," she pauses, glancing at the ticking hands of a rounded clock hanging on the wall; "Looks like we're nearly out of time already. Just try to brainstorm at least seven questions for the person you will be paired up with tomorrow!"

A perfectly manicured hand shoots up enthusiastically into the air, waving back and forth.

"Yes?"

"Ms. Hanae, can we pick our partners?" Karin asks.

"Yes, can we?" Sakura adds sweetly, which is odd considering neither girl is known for typically getting along with the other one. Then she realizes both girls are looking at Sasuke. In fact, every young person of the female persuasion present has bubbly hearts sparkling in their eyes as they leer at the dark-haired Uchiha.

"Maybe, maybe not." There is a metallic jangle, and Ms. Hanae smiles. "Class is dismissed. I'll see you all tomorrow!"

Hinata strains with practically every muscle in her body to not look over at Sasuke, whose desk is merely three seats to her left. But she does anyway, hugging her books against the front of her body, pulse drowning out every other sound.

He already has a crowd of girls encircling him, animatedly chattering away about tomorrow's assignment. At this point, Sasuke's expression is unreadable. Realizing just how different they are, Hinata looks away embarrassedly and bites the inside of her cheek. While she is an awkward and gracelesss individual, no more noticeable than a small, insignificant violet amongst a garden of sterling roses, Sasuke is the exact opposite.

He will have no problem finding a willing partner amongst their peers.

A/N: So that was the second chapter for ya! I know they haven't gotten a chance to talk yet, but in the next chapter I can definitely promise they do! One on one. Alone. Ooh yeaaah. ;D Haha. It was my favorite one to write if that is any consolation! Before I forget, I gotta give a shout out to my awesome bestie jumun aka Brittany, who was so gracious as to provide me with her beta'ing services as always! Ooh and I know Halloween is coming up, so I just wanted to say that I hope all of my readers have fun, eat lots of candy, and more importantly, stay safe. :)

P.S. Did anyone notice Ms. Hanae's uncanny similarity to any particular character? ;D I'll give you a hint, she's from the KH/FF universe~!

E› tifa .