Chapter 2 – Acceptance and confinement

Disclaimer: Not a Naruto owner...sadly

AN: Thanks for so much wonderful reviews. If I'm happy with this chap, then I might update sooner than I intend! This was 12 pages! OMG my longest chapter yet! hope you're content with this :P

OK and I get alot of questions like: where's the fluff? please people calm down. Authors have to do something called plot build-up before reaching the icing and sprinkles...and I'll get there. eventually. with your support.

Summary: No one told Hinata that Neji was such a playboy, but luckily she found out. It's rare to lose a cousin one day and find a friend, soul-mate and lover on the same day. When Sasuke asks her to move in with him, will she accept? Who can she trust?

Pairings: Sasuke/Hinata, slight Hinata/Neji here...I was trying not to barf xD

Rated: T

R & R

PART 1: ACCEPTANCE

Eight years later…

Hinata Hyuga: (8 years old in chap.1 is now 16) After strict training with kurenai-sensei, Hinata specializes in ANBU spy missions and has special privileges granted by Hokage. She's mentally and physically strong, though not one hundred percent healed from her past with Neji. She currently lives in the Hyuga mansion…though things are about to change.

Neji Hyuga: (9 years old in chap.1 is now 17) Intelligent, arrogant, and still a playboy, he is able to fully convince his uncle (Hinata's father) that he deserves the Hyuga family inheritance. His current goal: dating Hinata Hyuga for his own purposes… in which you'll find out.

Sasuke Uchiha: (8 years old in chap.1 is now 16) Prince, lord, his majesty, THE UCHIHA, he lurks both outside and inside Konoha. A current ANBU spy, but also Orchimaru's man: he is willing to do anything for his brother's revenge and leans toward helping Orochimaru than being a spy – in which he lacks interest in. His current goal from Orochimaru: assassinate Hinata Hyuga. Status: never failed a mission, test of any kind, and is confident in this mission though it might just cost all his relations in Konoha.

Hinata glanced futively behind the bushes outside the Hyuga Mansion at her father's ritual training session with Neji. But this one was different, more sullen to some degree; the only sound was the soft cling of kunais now and then.

She couldn't explain the emptiness at the bottom of her stomach nor the bitterness she felt toward Neji. Even after convincing herself that it was Neji's last day here at the compound, Hinata could not bring herself back together in front of him, to gaze back at his eyes and wait for the smile she knew only too well…There was no way she was going to talk to him…

She watched timidly as her father threw a handful of shurikens at her cousin, watching him swerving to the left so they landed centimeters from where his legs were seconds ago. His gaze shifted slightly and retaliated with a mild brush of his palm. It had looked so easy.

For what seemed like the first time in days, Hiashi gave a complacent smile that signaled the end to their training.

"I'm impressed, Neji. Your skills far exceed my own." Hyuga-sama looked breathless for once, his smile fading as he looked back at him. Neji said nothing as he played with the shuriken in his hand, twirling it on his fingertips. He had always been the hero in her eyes. The Academy days had seemed so hard to her back then, and knowing someone that she would look up to meant so much.

"I'll get Hinabi to help you with the packing," She heard her father murmur turning his back on Neji. It almost seemed that was angry in a way. "Best of luck to you in the future, your father would have been very proud."

"Arigato." He offered a bow and moved briskly towards the stairs.

Alarmed, Hinata stood up heading in the opposite direction and was sure he had caught a glimpse of her a moment ago. So this was it…a silent good-bye to her. Or at least what she imagined it to be.

If was she was faster then maybe he wouldn't have noticed. But she had to face the facts that he did. And he was now moving in her direction instead of the stairs.

Run…

It seemed to take her an unbearably long time to do this. To force her legs to a slow sprint, so she could avoid any conversation with him. There was, after all, no point. His hand were already placed firm on her shoulders, clenching so hard that that she shuddered.

"Hinata-san," she heard her voice and turned around wearily to face him. Whatever he had to say, they were of no interest to her.

"What do you want?" She jerked free of his grasp, and glared irritably back at him for the first time. "Aren't you moving out? Why don't you do that now instead of standing here wasting your time with me?"

"Hinata I'm sorry. I know how you feel, if you want to hate me after today, I'm not going to stop you. "

Once again she turned on her heels to leave making about two meters across the floor when she felt him arms wrapping around her waist. And as much as Hinata tried to break free this time, there was no use. His iron biceps caged her in and after one last struggle she panted defeated in his arms.

"Let go of me," Her voice firm with resentment.

"No," He whispered softly as he caressed her cheeks. "I have a favor to ask of you."

Hinata shuddered at his touch and felt she might as well listen to what he had to say…whatever it took to leave her alone.

"what." She said through clenched teeth.

"Move out with me," he said flatly ignoring her attitude.

"And what makes you think I don't want to stay here forever?"

"Hinata." He smirked. "Anyone would want to move out with me."

Hinata said nothing. When he had Ino, why would he care if she existed or not? After what seemed like hours, he released her.

"Suit yourself," Neji reached into his pockets, pulling out a peculiar envelope and carefully let it land on the floor, kissing her on the forehead and leaned a little too close for her comfort. "When you do decide, call the number in the envelope." He was gone in a poof.

Perhaps it was a relief that Neji was gone now, but she had another window of fear to overcome – whether she was going to leave with him. Rejecting would be a piece of cake, but along with that comes another problem – Anyone that said no to Neji in the past, was not living in contentment now. But what other choice did she have? 1.) to reject him, consequences? Putting herself at risk. 2.) to accept...that would be a living nightmare.

There was no telling what he could do...

Her quivering hands reached for the envelope on the floor, handwritten with beautiful cursive letter was her name – Hinata Hyuga. She couldn't imagine what on earth Neji could have written, especially when they had so little to say to each other now. Carefully she ripped open the envelope, her heart beating faster by every second that passed. Maybe this was what contained all her answers…reaching gingerly she pulled out the single fragment of paper…

Dear Hinata-san

I was mildly surprised at how easily uncle concurred to my request of moving out of our beloved mansion. If you have just heard of this news, then I apologize on my behalf of not mentioning this earlier. I must admit how hard it is for me to admit this news to you. The Hyuuga compound has always been a sanctuary, but at the same time a barrier from the truth of the outside world.

Tonight I want to give you my farewell, but more than that, I want to offer you some advice. I gather that you are still troubled over last night with Ino, in which I undoubtedly understand. Please note that I would never choose such an impulsive girl to be my date. You're the only one, in which I can really depend on to share my true feelings with. And thus I'm offering you an opportunity that I have shared with no other and that of course is to join me in facing the real world. What good will it do to reside among the Hyuga crowd, never to be able to push your limits and be free of these barriers? We both know better. And I hope that, like me, you will soon come to the realization of a better future.

Please think over what I have said. I will be waiting for your reply in seven days.

Yours truly, (so he still has the guts to say that)

Neji Hyuga

Daylight had barely began to filter through the dusty windows of Hinata's window when the commotion began.

"Is it true? She got accepted?"

"That's what I heard…I'm so telling Hiashi-sama about this when he wakes up!"

The slaves were up early every everyday, but never on any occasion this absurdly loud – it was almost as they wanted her to hear their petty gossip…first Neji, now this – she must admit, they've got some nerve!

Hinata grabbed her jacket and changed out of her PJ's, still heavy from the overwhelming comments Neji made in his Farwell speech. One thing's for sure – he had made his point clear, for her to join him down his pathetic route of lies, hate and betrayal. The fact tormented her so much she was willing to do anything, even deny their blood relation to have her revenge.

"THAT..." Reaching for the letter, she ripped the parchment in two...

"SON OF A..." -she ripped them into quarters...

"...BITCH..." - She ripped them into eighths

At least for now, she would be satisfied.

She gave the window planes a shove, and looked down for where all the commotion was coming from. And sure enough, there was a gather of maybe 10, no more like 20 people about her age, all huddled by the sidewalk chatting animatedly.

"I can't believe I actually made it, I heard the selection process was such a killer."

Of course! Today was the results to the entire selection process at the Hiruzen Academy for the gifted...She too had heard of its marvels and whatever rumour the nerds there had to offer. Everyone who was accepted went there for its prestige. She couldn't care less of what school she attended this year, there were more important things to get done...And on top of that, where's Sasuke when I need him? He's certainly not in Konoha lately.

The two of them had become acquainted to each other after the eventful day with Neji. She couldn't say for certain they were close, but he had been someone she could at least open her mouth to without having to endure through a sporadic chain of questions…

Hinata reached for the doorknob, imagining how the day would be like without catching sight of Neji around.

Well I'll still have Hina – WHAM! The mass of at least three people caved in on her. For a moment she thought the door had gave in.

"WHA-?"

And not just any three people, it was the slaves from this morning…wait until she get her hands on them…

The scrambled from the ground, discomfit at the sight of running in on their Master – who was obviously not in the best mood. One of them gave ginger wave followed by an awry smile that waned at the sight of Hinata's expression.

Now, how should I deal with these morons? 200 pushups? Or maybe a good whipping…ah yes that sounded fitting.

"We're sorry Hinata-sama, we just couldn-" a chubbier slave elbowed the first and they all stopped looking pale.

"Yes, that's right explain yourselves."

"Well, we t-thought, you might want to hear about your application from err Hiruzen…"

His voice trailed off and so did Hinata's mind…

Could it be? I got accepted…but wait. That made no sense, I didn't even APPLY in the first place. This has got to be a mistake…there was no –

"Sorry, but we really couldn't contain our excitement, after all, you were selected by the Tsunade herself with only 8 others from our whole village."

The chubbier slave reached into his pocket and managed to pull out what seemed like an embroidered invitation on an elaborately carved maple scroll.

Carefully, she unlocked the fasteners and delicately unfurled it's contents. A letter, addressed to her in curved bold letters. And sure enough, signed with none other than the Hokage herself. Although Hinata was pretty much lost amidst the whole confusion, she could've sworn her insides did a double high flip concurrently.

Just imagine the endless possibilities, so she wouldn't have to live at the compound after all, nor with Neji. AND on top of all that, she would be proving to father that she wasn't a total failure. She was the pride.

"Thanks Arubi, Taya, Miyuzaki, I appreciate your concern for me, but next time I'd rather you not all line up at my door. If you need to come in, just ask."

The three gave a nod of relief at the sign of being dismissed and retreated with a bow.

Hinata, meanwhile, would've loved to have done one of her happy dances at the moment; it was just such a great recovery from Neji's departure and all the turmoil that arose in the past few days. She was, as a matter a fact, so buoyant that it was past noon that she remembered she had punishments assigned to the intruding slaves...

PART II - CONFINEMENT

He was late. Very late…three minutes until the gates close and then he'd really be trapped out in the Konoha wilderness for the night. Not that it haven't happened before, but he had tasks to finish…aside from his punctual nature…

Sasuke hastily tore off his mask, and robe, so that at least, they wouldn't be able to tell what he had to go through - Orochimaru's torture training. He had enough. Burning him live at the stake was alright, but having his henchmen browbeat him with a bat while he sat aside and laughed?

"Sasuke, this is good training for you…once you go through your whole dating game, this is what girls can do to you. You need to be 'prepared'." Oh yes, that was what they were going to do to him. Fat chance he was EVER going to meet a girl like that…what a pointless handful of crap for training.

one minute left…

He could see the enormous wooden gate, if only his legs could give some more effort to keep up with his body.

20 Seconds….

Almost…almost…

YES! He made it on time, the handsome, blue-haired, punctual Uchiha made it on time.

Wait a sec. Wait one sec…

He glanced up at the gate posts. There were no one there…he glanced to watch house…No one there either.

Maybe something happened while he was gone? Could Akatsuki have been here? No. He thought, immediately dismissing the idea. They wouldn't pull a stunt like that…besides Orochimaru would've heard the news first anyway.

His heart leapt faster as he caught sight of a newly posted note on the side gates.

[Due to the deluge of requests, from today (August 22nd) the gate will be closed 2 minutes earlier than usual. We apologize for any inconveniences.]

-Order of Hokage

His heart sank. This was it! The bastard who KNEW he was always exactly on time, no earlier, no later, this was the Uchiha style after all. This is ridiculous! She purposed pulled off something like this, so she could shut him off for the night. To torture him some more for running off oh-so-disobediently to Orochimaru. Sasuke knew she'd have loved that…as if he didn't have enough tortures already. When would the woman understand?

This isn't the time to start loosing it. Keep your cool. Am I going to be stuck out here for the night?

He looked around and found some more reasons for losing his chill.

Ok Sasuke…it's alright even if you stay here for the night, you shouldn't be making such a big fuss, you're an Uchiha. Be proud. Be strong.

Now there were a few things that he could do as long he didn't mind. A.) bang your fists on the gate and scream (like a man). He could only think of this as a last option. B.) Attempt to "walk" up the wall using chakra (in which he's depleted of at the moment). This was not worth trying because, of course, it would result in failure. And C.) Sit and act cool, and wait for a miracle.

He was practically out of luck before he spotted curved silhouette learning against the red gate posts. Unmistakingly familiar to him...Greeaaat, now she shows up. She's already wasted – he turned to check his watch – 5 minutes of his precious time. Did the woman know what that even meant?

"Well well Sasuke, so you showed up after all. I was starting to think you're too occupied to worry about us."

Sasuke rolled his eyes, "I'm a very busy man…"

"SO, now that you're back. I have some news for you," She continued taking no notice of his reply. "You're going to be heading off to the Hiruzen Academy. Congrats to being selected by none other than moi." She indicated to herself with a inverted thumbs-up sign.

She faked a clap. Sasuke glared at her, "says who…?"

"ME! I'm the leader around here, I make the plans." Her enthusiasm vanished, in place was a dull stare returned by Sasuke's indifference.

"I don't like you plan, it sucks," Sasuke smirked giving no sign of her boiling anger. Now that was for ...

"I guess that's too bad for you. Who asked for your opinion?"

"I don't give a –

"AS I said before," She mimicked his smirk, which turned more into be a feminised snigger. "You-WILL-be-staying-at-the-Academy. I will have my own people on the lookout for you. Therefore, one move out of place, and I mean that literally, and your dreams-to-becoming-a-shinobi are over!"

Sasuke gave a bored yawn and faked a clap as well. "Well said. Well said." He paused then asked, "So who's in charge of me if I move 'out of place'?"

"Ibiki will, we'll be offering you as many tortures as possible until you learn your lesson…"

There was a long silence. Only the breeze shuffling through the leaves gave a slight disturbance to the dead of the night.

It was amusing, now it was Sasuke's turn to vent his fume. "Why Ibiki? Is it that none of you can understand what tortures I've already endured?" He clenched his fists. The leaf village was pathetic. Not to mention giving him a break, they were giving him another dose of ill-will he knew only too well. Aside from that, all this from the Hiruzen Academy will only waste his time for pursuing revenge. He couldn't afford that. Why couldn't they just leave him alone? Do as he please, then at least he'd be back to visit...harnessing him didn't work. He knew that, She knew that. Everyone knew that.

"Look, Orochimaru's training are not what you think they are. I've learned everything through sweat and blood," He raised his right arm to show the burn marks. "Just let me be, you'll at least have my word for visits."

"I'm sorry Sasuke," She said simply. "We don't have a choice in a time like this. We need your loyalty, not your visits."

Sasuke wanted to scream, to attack the woman in front of him, but knew he couldn't, he was out of chakra. Perhaps if he turned and ran…NO, THAT would mean his mission in Konoha equals a failure. Not yet…once he finishes his business here, then he can go for his freedom. For now, the mission was his top priority: The mission to assassinate Hinata Hyuga.

"Alright. You have my word."

He couldn't believe he was doing this. Uchiha Sasuke the great. Agreeing to some silly high school invitation. It was such a disgrace. I've never been humiliated this much in my life.

It was midnight and he didn't like the feeling of walking home without one proper meal for the day.

But it was midnight. And the lights have dimmed on all the food stalls (including ramen). GROWL. His stomach churned inside out and he felt queasy at the overwhelming taste of stomach acid. He felt worse than he had felt after being repeated tortured to death by Orochimaru. Yes, torture was one thing, but starvation was another…

He began heading in the direction of the Uchiha compound and suddenly it his neurons clicked into place.

That's right I still have Sakura, Ino, Tenten or any of those brainwashed girls to feed me. That should be enough. But then it came to him.

Sakura was seeing Naruto, Ino was dating Shikamaru or Neji and Tenten was preoccupied with Neji. (Notice how Neji's name came up twice)

He couldn't believe this. Wait…there's still one girl I haven't…

He was nailed to the ground. But immediately swung the other way toward the Hyuga Compound.

There's no way she's reject me after all I've done for her.

It was true all the lights had been dimmed, but he knew the exact location of Hinata's bedroom and the direction of the window as well as how many bodyguards hired to guard the entrance to her room. Besides it wasn't too difficult for him with Tsukyomi and genjutsu to outwit even the keenest Hyugas. It was too easy.

A little overconfident he landed sonorously on the slippery, pine tiles but managed to keep his balance reaching for Hinata's window. Before he did so, he peered stealthily into a hole in the Japanese paper window planes and was in awe of what he saw.

Hinata was alone snuggled in a tight fetal position with red puffy eyes. She looked pretty even with her swollen eyes. But aside from that fact, he felt his heart pound faster.

Would my appearance be too much for her? I know this is a bad time, but…

Without forethought his fingers pried open the paper windows and carefully made his entrance. A little less magnificent than what he intended.

With one hand shuffling his bird-nest hair and the other in his pocket he addressed her with a husky voice, "Hinata."

Hinata gave a quiet yelp, but Sasuke was faster and he leaned forward to cover her lips. Her eyes widened. Was it fear? Or surprise? He couldn't tell. But liked the expression.

"Shhh. Look, I know appearing like this is strange, but I was on a long mission today." He paused to see her reaction – she gave none.

"Do you think you can sneak some food for the two of us? I couldn't find a stall open at this hour so I came here, but don't worry I'll leave as soon as you hand me my dinner."

He smirked and eased her palm on her lips.

She just nodded. Didn't ask him questions, didn't hug him like Sakura or Ino, didn't hurry to respond. She just looked into his eyes. Indeed. She was different.

After a moment or two, she was back with three manju steam buns in one hand and a glass of water in another. Sasuke stared at the buns ravenously.

"If that's not enough, I can get-"

"No. That's enough. With you here – it's enough."

Hinata didn't respond. Why is he telling me all this? It made her feel uneasy. But if he does anything stupid, I wouldn't have to worry right? The guards were just outside the door.

"I heard the results are in for Hiruzen Academy," Sasuke began after a long draught of water.

"Yea…are you going there too Sasuke?"

Sasuke couldn't contain his boiling anger. OK, so now even Hinata knows. It was such a disgrace for him…he should be training with Orochimaru so his revenge could be fulfilled. Not like this, attending some "gifted" high school for Konoha's morons.

"Well, I did apply. But it wasn't like I wanted to go there," he scoffed. Realizing Hinata's hurt look, he added. "Why? Don't tell me your going there too."

"I...was invited."

Sasuke stared from her to the glass of water and back. How could someone like this gullible, innocent, naïve weakling be invited if not rejected by Tsunade herself. He felt angry, but worse yet…weak. Was this some sort of a joke?

"Well, ignore what I said earlier. It's great news for you."

"Thanks." Hinata's cheeks grew warm.

Despite his shame, Sasuke couldn't believe his luck. He was one step closer to fulfilling his and Orochimaru's goal. It was the perfect opportunity to earn Hinata's trust and discovering secrets and finally accomplishing the mission: assassinating Hinata Hyuga.

"I noticed the Hyuga Compound is quite a way from Hiruzen. How are you planning to get there?" Sasuke inquired with a curious expression masking his nefarious thoughts.

"Oh…I haven't thought about that yet. I might be able to rent a res nearby."

"There's no need for that."

Hinata lifted his gaze and looked askance into Sasuke's navy blue eyes.

"I mean. It's not only dangerous for a girl to be living alone, but it's secluded." Sasuke sighed remember his childhood.

"Look, I know what living in solitude feels like and no one should live that way," Sasuke murmured with a forced sigh.

"You can live at the Uchiha Compound with me if you'd like. It's a while away from Hiruzen, but I can drive both of us there."

Hinata's eyes widened. Did that mean he wanted her to LIVE with him? Why would he, out of all people do such a thing for her? Was there a reason for doing so?

"Why would you go that far for me?" Her voice breathy and soft contrasted with Sasuke's sonorous and firm voice.

Sasuke sighed, playing with wisps of his fair blue hair. "Hinata, you shouldn't have to ask that." He finished the last of the manju bun and reached for Hinata's hand lying loosely on the tatami floor.

"It's because we're friends." He picked up Hinata's hand and observed it carefully. It was flexibly long and pearly like her eyes.

"You did something for me," He indicated the empty dish on the floor. "The least I can do is return that favor."

The manju bun was one thing, but living at his house was a favor that wasn't as easy to accept for Hinata. Her thoughts were still swimming in Neji's last words, "Come live with me. You don't have to be caged up." Somehow they seemed similar, but Sasuke's did seem more sincere.

She removed her hand from Sasuke's palm and replied, "It's too much trouble. Besides, father wouldn't allow it."

"That's not a problem. I can easily ask him and he wouldn't refuse because he still owes me a distant favor."

Hinata was running out of excuses. She knew she still needed a res, but there weren't any vacancies. She knew she still needed a friend, but was in fear and paranoia. She knew she didn't want to live alone with a guy, but Sasuke was different. Even so, she would refuse his offer – no matter how sincere it sounded because she was still hurt from her love for Neji. She refused to appear weak and suffer another frightful memory.

"I'm sorry Sasuke, it's just that I don't want to burden you," She looked out the window. "I won't ever be able to return the favor."

You're return the favor with your life. Sasuke thought almost at the verge of grinning, but fought to control himself. Calm Sasuke, you can do it.

"No Hinata. If we're friends we won't need to. As long as I see you smile –it's enough."

All the sweet talk, and Hinata still didn't accept. Was he wasting his breath? After all, he's never had to give so much effort in a girl. They usually come to him, sweet talk was usually reserved. Not like this…in one night, no in 10 minutes, he sweet talked more than he had in a year. It wasn't like him…but he needed to settle this. Rejection was unforgivable.

He moved an inch closer to her, "Think of it as returning my favor that night at the ramen stand. I need someone to break my solitude."

Ick. Sasuke thought. All the sweet talk was getting on his nerves. It was too washy for his style.

He pushed himself up, "Well, that's a shame. I guess you'll have to walk ther-"

"Sasuke, I'll do it."

The corner of Sasuke's lips curled into a grin. And just like that, he convinced Hinata of walking into her own grave. But his job wasn't done yet and he needed to conceal his excitement.

"I knew you'd say that." Hinata gave a timid smile, and Sasuke smirked.

"Sayonara Hinata. I'll see you at school."

…in hell. He thought.

AN: Sasuke reveals how much of a player he is. Because of his charm, he can enchant anyone, but would Hinata be as easy?

Hehehe I know this chapter was sort of low-key, but seriously living at the UCHIHA MANSION is next! Dun dun dun. Don't go away :)

Still I'm in need of inspirations; your comments are always welcome. If I'm happy with reviews, maybe I'll update sooner.

So review?