Innocently in Love – Remake

Chapter 2: To be a puppet of emotions


I'm done thinking that you could ever change
I know my heart will never be the same
but I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days, I get a little bit stronger


One week

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I made the right decision. I made the right decision. I made the rig—right?

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Three months

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Tears fall and I miss you even more. I can't handle it. I tell myself that I'll forget you tomorrow, that it's okay.

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Four hundred and fifty-seven days

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I don't want to care about someone like you. Please get out of my head.

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A year and a half.

That's how long it took for her to complete her mission. That's how long it took to pull herself together once more.

Chin up, shoulders back and confidence enshrouding her tiny frame, she took a step forward. Then two. And at the third, she stopped. With a deep breath and a blissful smile, Hinata rested her weight one leg and placed a hand on her jutted hip.

She was home.

Finally home.

Standing on top of the wall of the towering Main Gate, her perceptive Hyuuga eyes swept over her surroundings, taking note of all that had changed during her absence, appreciating the sight of some familiar buildings. But of course, a lot has changed.

All of the rubble was gone. In its place stood several houses, food stalls and boutiques. Even from this distance, she could see the Hokage tower standing firm—proud—next to the Hokage monument. Trees and other greenery surrounded the remaining area just as it used to before Pein's invasion; it wasn't called the Village of the Hidden Leaf for nothing, after all.

However, what completed the whole scenery and brought a familiar, long-craved warmth to Hinata's chest was the sight of the bustling, ever-cheerful civilians and shinobi alike. The lively chatter of the people, the incessant bargaining of vendors with customers, the contagious laughter of children as they played catch from street to street and the sight of shinobi travelling on rooftops—This, this was home, and she, Hyuuga Hinata, was back.

It would be quite awhile before she willingly leaves on a such a lengthy mission again, that's for sure. Maybe possibly never again. Once in a lifetime was more than enough, for she missed home too much. The mission she had undertaken in a spell of frazzled emotions had been neither comfortable nor relaxing (an understatement, indeed), but it gave her the breather she had desperately needed. It gave her the freedom to find herself and built up the strength and confidence that had seemed so out of her reach.

It was the best decision she had ever made in her entire nineteen years of life.

Now, standing at the beginning of a new chapter in her life, she stood tall for she had changed and matured in more ways than one.

Hinata's shinobi outfit no longer consisted of over-sized hooded jackets. No, now having gained confidence in herself, the Hyuuga Heiress traded them for a lavender sleeveless midriff top with a black, off-shoulder fishnet shirt beneath it, the hem of it ending just below her navel. She still wore the same blue pants which ended an inch or two below her knee, with her weapons pouch over the ornamental bandages wrapped around her thigh. Her shinobi sandals remained the same, too, and her black forehead protector still worn around her neck. Her hair, though, reached just past her waist, braided intricately with a fringe still framing her face.

It was different, yet she wouldn't have it any other way.

With a surge of chakra, she hopped off the wall, landing right in front of the guards' stand.

"Hinata-san?" The raven-haired girl swivelled towards where two familiar voices that called out to her had hailed from. Sitting in the guards' stand with her mouths gaping wide, staring incredulously at her, were Kotetsu and Genma.

"Ohayou-gozaimasu, Kotetsu-san, Genma-san! It's nice to see you both again," Hinata greeted chipperly, a genuine smile gracing her lips, "I see the two of you are still stuck with guard duty."

It did not escape her attention when their eyes bulged as they unabashedly scanned her from head to toe, trying to figure out if she was who they thought she was. Hinata had to admit their slack-jawed perusal was beyond her comfort zone, causing her to want to fidget, but she willed the temptation away. Instead, she raised an elegant brow quizzically and asked, "What is it?"

They blinked as if they were in sync and looked her straight in the eye. They paused for a moment, catching each other's gaze before Kotetsu replied. "You look…" he began, his brows scrunching as he searched for an appropriate word, "different?"

"Hot."

Kotetsu bonked Genma on the head with a fist. The man hissed in return, shooting him a heated glare. "What was that for?"

"Neji would have your tongue if he hears you."

"Well he's not here to hear me, isn't he?" Genma argued.

Kotetsu shot him a disbelieving look, "He's Neji! He has ears everywhere!"

That sobered Genma up, and he pouted, remembering a particular mission when the intense Jounin Captain lead their team. The specifics weren't necessary but needless to say, he vowed to never cross Neji ever again.

"He meant to say you look amazing, Hinata-san," Kotetsu rephrased his companion's rather rude statement.

The Hyuuga Heiress' cheeks flushed slightly at the random compliment but laughed melodiously before she thanked them both. Then Genma—such a shameless flirt—playfully asked her out on a date. Hinata being Hinata, played along and politely declined before heading towards the Hokage Tower without another word. Her priority at the moment was to debrief Lady Tsunade about her solo mission.

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Her knuckles softly rapped on the wooden door. She waited for a huff and a muffled "come in" to reach her ears before she turned the knob and stepped inside the Hokage's office. What she expected to see was Tsunade-sama working 'diligently', maybe even Shizune-san and Tonton keeping her company. Who she did not expect in the least was a blond, spiky-haired, electric-blue-eyed boy clad in orange and black. No, that wasn't right. He was no longer a boy. But that was beside the point.

He was the last person she had wanted to see when she came back. In other words, Hinata had planned to avoid him at all cost.

It took but a moment, however, for that plan to be thrown out the metaphorical window.

He has changed a lot. Naruto still wore the same pants, but his top was a black uniform jacket with an orange zipper. The sleeves were folded up, showing off muscled forearms, his hands buried in his pants' pockets. His hitai-ate remained the same, but his hair was cropped short, distinguishing him from the late Yondaime, even though they looked so much alike.

The old Hinata would have blushed uncontrollably, greet him in a stuttering mess, then—most likely—faint unceremoniously. Hinata inwardly cringed at how pathetic she used to be. She was just glad that that Hinata has been tucked safely in the far recesses of her heart and mind, no longer taking control of her actions.

This time around, Hinata disregarded his existence after a brief glimpse and acknowledged the Godaime instead.

"I just got back, Tsunade-sama. I'm here for the mission debriefing." Hinata explained, hoping she would dismiss the other occupant of the room. But she didn't, simply gesturing for her to go on.

And so, the Hyuuga heiress let herself get lost in describing the mission details. Of course, the Hokage was already aware of most of it, since it was required of her to send a mission every couple of months. This was all just formality. So, as much as Hinata did not want to pay heed to his presence, she found herself losing focus every now and then, struggling to keep her head facing Lady Tsunade.

Unbeknownst to her, the elated smile that had graced Naruto's features upon her rival now sank into oblivion. He had been surprised, caught off-guard by her sudden arrival and with how different she looked, but that was soon replaced with an unbelievable excitement. And relief. Relief that she was alive and well and finally here.

As he watched her interaction with Tsunade, a weird feeling blanketed him. Her name slipped from his lips in a confused, quiet whisper.

"You've done an excellent job Hinata.I am sure your father would be as proud of you as I am," the Godaime beamed heartwarmingly at her, but Hinata did not miss the side glance she threw at Naruto. "Speaking of your father, I'm certain you would want to meet him now as well the rest of your family and friend. You headed straight here upon arrival if I'm not mistaken."

"Hai, Tsunade-sama."

"Very well then, you're free to go. Remember, you won't be assigned to any mission for at least a month unless it is inevitable. Rest well, Hinata, you deserve it."

She replied with a smile, bowing respectfully then swiftly turned on her heel, hastening to get away from the suffocating office. She felt his lingering gaze on her the entire time. It was awkward and frayed on her easily agitated nerves. It was a miracle she kept herself outwardly composed. She needed to get out of there and fast.

Hinata never once looked back.


You don't know me but I know who you are
Mind if I sit down? Do I look familiar?
If I don't well, I should
I'm sure you've seen me around
I know you've probably heard my name
I'm the fool in love with the fool


Hinata had been successfully avoiding him for two straight weeks—really it was not as difficult as it seemed—and to her, Life was perfectly fine this way. It was convenient, stress-free and peaceful.

Too bad every peace needs to be disturbed at one point or another.

Once she had gotten away from the troublesome predicament with Naruto, Hinata headed directly to the Hyuuga compound. Her father had indeed been pleased with the outcome of her mission though she could not say the same about her choice of attire. It was not because he deemed it inappropriate, but rather because it shocked him. After all, it was the first time he had seen his eldest daughter don such revealing clothing. Hanabi merely giggled at their father's hysterics, causing a chain reaction of Neji smirking next and Hinata rolling her eyes. In the end, however, the four of them had a good laugh.

A contented smile tugged at the corners of her lips as the fond memory of her father hugging her for the first time in years ran through her mind. It seems her father, too, had gone through some changes in her time away.

Following that little event, she had met up with her teammates. She remembers Akamaru tackling her to the ground and Kiba crushing her in a hug she was unable to return since her hands were imprisoned at her sides. Shino, as rare as it could be, graced her with a smirk and informed her they had missed her dearly. She assured them she had missed them as well.

Altogether, they visited their sensei and her three-year-old daughter, Sarutobi Mirai. The name, meaning "future", suited her perfectly. How Hinata wishes for Asuma-sensei to be have been there with his family. Deep down, though, she believes he will forever live on in their memories, protecting them from above simply because he loves them both.

Love…

Hinata's brow furrowed. Just the thought of the word left a sour taste in her mouth. She thought she loved Naruto—no, scratch that. There was no need for denial. She knew she loved him. Truth be told, she still does, and there was this unacceptable awareness that she forever would. All that time she spent away from him did nothing but worsen her feelings. Along with the positive changes she had undergone, she had also erected an invisible wall between them. She could not bring herself to forget because, at the end of the day, he was still her idol, her friend and most of all, her first love.

And first loves were the hardest to let go.

"Hinata dear, are you alright?" Kurenai-sensei questioned her. Mirai was peacefully asleep in her arms, so innocent and completely oblivious to how cruel the world can be. The tip of Hinata's lips quirked slightly.

"I am Sensei, I am. No worries."

It seemed Hinata was reassuring herself more than her Sensei. Kurenai did not believe her. Hinata could tell from the way she raised a knowing brow. She could only be grateful Kurenai chose to not pursue the topic any further.

Conveniently, Shikamaru appeared out of thin air and apologised for his sudden intrusion. He had come to visit as well. From the enthusiastic way they conversed, Hinata understood that both her Sensei and Shikamaru had gotten closer.

Not a few minutes later, Choji arrived along with Ino. Instantly, Kiba was by her side, planting a chaste kiss on her forehead. Unfortunately for lover boy, Ino ignored him once she caught sight of her long lost—Ino's words, not hers—Hinata and embraced the living daylights out of her.

That was how Hinata found herself sitting at Ichiraku's around ten in the evening, surrounded by the rest of the infamous Konoha twelve. Yamanaka Ino had dragged her here, flushed with false anger while yelling about how Hinata had a lot of explaining to do. The blonde refused to listen to her protests.

They had been at the ramen stand for a while now, and all Hinata has heard were complaints about her sudden disappearance and questions on why she had not contacted them for nearly two years. There were also reluctant compliments about the way she looked and carried herself. They all said it was a better her, her real self; all except a single boy whose name she could not mention out loud without wincing.

She pretended it did not sting.

Even Sasuke was present, and he too changed a great deal for the better. From what Hinta gather from the conversations, Sakura and Sasuke began dating around the time she left Konoha and it was Sakura who helped Sasuke overcome his demons by resolutely sticking by him. Sasuke behaved similarly to the way he was in their genin days, bickering with a certain blonde and making sarcastic jabs.

Hinata stubbornly neglected Naruto, not speaking to him unless it was unavoidable. Even then she kept the discussion brief. Her indifference towards him went unnoticed. Or so she thought…

After farewells and goodnights had been exchanged, Hinata walked away from the ramen stand with Neji and Tenten just a little ahead of her. She glanced at them, taking note of their intertwined hands and the serenity that encompassed them as they spoke in hushed tones. Sakura and Sasuke may be the facet of a fated love, Ino and Kiba a symbol of the perfect romance, and Shikamaru and Temari a figure of unconditional love, but her cousin Neji's and Tenten's relationship had always appeared unique to her, passionate and blessed. Strangers would mistake them for being just friends. Out of all of them, they were the ones whose dislike for one another had fuelled their rivalry. But that dislike slowly evolved into respect, kindling the friendship that eventually turned into what they had now; a healthy relationship.

I, on the other hand, Hinata mused, only experience unrequited love. It hurt, yes, but she couldn't bring herself to regret it. She never would.

A bittersweet smile blossomed, and before Hinata could comprehend, she blurted out, "Tenten nee-chan."

The two of them halted, immediately swivelling around to face her. Their widened eyes and Tenten's slacked-jaw amused her. Hinata raised both her brows, feigning confusion, "What?"

"You—you just called me—" Tenten stuttered.

Hinata waved a hand dismissively at her, cutting her sentence short. She grinned mischievously at them. "Please, we all know you will end up marrying Neji Nii-san. So there's nothing wrong with calling you nee-chan. It is the appropriate title, don't you agree?"

"Hinata-sama!"

Seeing her older cousin's mortifyingly embarrassed faced was a one-in-a-million experience. Might as well savour it, Hinata decided cheekily. So she continued with her teasing. "You're both in your twenties Nii-san. In another year you would be engaged, then you would get married and the next thing you know there will be a chibi Neji and Tenten running around and turning the Hyuuga compound up-side-down."

The younger Hyuuga's voice rose by a pitch as she dreamily, and quite exaggeratedly clasped her hands together and swooned. She doesn't know if it was a trick of the light or lack thereof, but she believes she just witnessed Neji's cheeks tinge pink while Tenten turned a complete crimson.

Tenten cleared her throat in an attempt to seem composed. With a slight shake of her head, the older kunoichi made a show of mock disappointment, " Tch, I do not know if I should be glad or troubled that you are able to speak so freely now, Imouto."

It made Hinata giggle, but the sound of faltering steps behind her instantly halted her. She stiffened when heard his voice murmur her name. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. This was not good. Not good at all.

The raven-haired girl schooled her composure before regarding her with a monotonous reply, making it a point not to face him. "Naruto."

She forced herself to walk past her cousin and his girlfriend, ignoring the knowing look they exchanged. Steadily, she continued towards the Hyuuga compound, silently praying he would take the hint and let her go. Unfortunately for her, he had approached her with a motive, and he won't be leaving until he gets the answers he sought.

Since her back was turned towards them, Hinata failed to see the pleading look Naruto shot Neji. With an acknowledging nod, Neji grabbed Tenten's hands and rushed off to who-knows-where, muttering about how misses the sweeter, shy Hinata and that a 'sadistic' spirit had taken over his favourite cousin's lithe body.

Despite her predicament, Hinata found herself chuckling at Neji's uncharacteristically childish retorts. For a moment, she forgot Naruto's presence. For a moment she wished he went away. For a moment, she prayed to get away unscathed.

"Are you mad at me?" Naruto asked bluntly as he fell into step beside her. She did not dare look. He'll unravel the effort she put into maintaining an eerily calm façade with one look. Instead, she averted her focus towards the night sky. A lot of stars were out tonight, she thought wryly, making it seem like they were secret lovers in books meeting in secret. She took her time gathering her thoughts to formulate a proper response. "No, Naruto. I am not. Is there a reason for me to be?"

It was a simple truth. She was not mad at him. What right did she have to be mad in the first place? It wasn't his fault he did not reciprocate her feelings. It's just the life. Sometimes, you get what you want, sometimes you don't.

It seemed Naruto did not like her answer for his face soured. She noticed it from the corner of her eyes, because in spite of the desperate way she evaded him, she was still in love with him. Somewhere in the dark recesses of her heart where she buried everything that had to do with him, she knew she still craved, like a starved wild animal, for him to finally take notice of her.

His frown confused her, though. Shouldn't he be glad she was not angry? But then again, maybe he wanted her to be? She doesn't know anymore.

"You're shunning me, Hinata." It was a statement, not a question. Hinata's breath hitched.

He had noticed. How… Why?! She cried out internally. He had never paid attention before, so why now?

"No, Naruto," She denied with feigned bewilderment. Hinata noticed his frown deepen, but she disregarded it, quickening her pace. It was pointless. He matched her step for step."I'm not shunning you, Naruto. What makes you think that way?"

Hinata's voice sounded so innocent, so sure of her answer. It perplexed him. He halted, opening his mouth to express his disbelief, but something in him made him shut it again. He watched as she too stopped in her tracks, and finally turned on her heels to look at him directly.

They locked eyes; turmoiled ocean clashed with lavender. She had almost forgotten how beautiful his eyes were, how captivating. She could spend hours losing herself in their depths, discerning every flicker of emotion, every subtle change of colour. His eyes had always been a reflection of his contagiously buoyant personality. This time, however, was an exception. They stared at her, lifeless and dull; the very things they should never be.

Unwillingly, tears began to cloud her vision at the sight of Naruto's heavyhearted features. She couldn't handle this anymore.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go, " Hinata hastily excused herself, continuing on her way home, leaving him alone in the empty streets. The last thing she heard was him whispering under his breath. She doubted he meant for the words he uttered to reach her ears, but it did and it unwittingly pierced her hollow.

"You just proved my point."

He sounded so remorseful. Too remorseful for the young heiress' liking. It was unlike Naruto and she could not understand why he was so down. Was it because of her? She doubted it. There must be something else.


The feelings got lost in my lungs
They're burning, I'd rather be numb
And there's no one else to blame
So scared I take off and I run
I'm flying too close to the sun
And I burst into flames.


AN:- Well, I finished this chapter much faster than I expected. But I guess it's because this chapter only needed editing. Oh well, it's positive news for you :D The only problem now is getting started on that third and final chapter. Sigh, wish me luck. I hope I'll really get it done before the beginning of May.

As of 03/06/2016, Chapter 2 has been completed! Boo-yeah!