Sorry everyone, I forgot to post this yesterday, and this is a double update! After I write the next one, i'll publish it as soon as possible c: Anyways, I didn't really like the first chapter, I felt it jumped around too much and was really rushed and didn't flow right, so this one is slightly better. Lots, and I mean, lots of Hinata and sweet SasuHina fluffiness. For those who haven't noticed, I almost always post my chapters at like, 1-2 in the morning, this is normal. That is because I usually am up until about 3 or so, yeah. Anyways, stay chill, happy holidays.


Day 2: Blush

In which Hinata Hyuuga loves winter.

You seem quite nice for a girl with good looks

And I'm the kinda fellow that'll make you feel better when your life gets shook

So give it a chance according to your plans

I bet I'm not number one on your list to kiss, but please understand

You seem quite shy, but you're oh so cute

And I'm the kind of girl that would love to be yours if you asked me to

So just take a chance, try to hold my hand

I swear I'd never let go

Plug In Stereo: Oh, Darling

:~:

Whenever anyone had ever seen her, the ever present blush was always on her face.

From getting food from the market, to teaching the little ones or picking flowers in the meadow, she always had such a soft adorable blush adorning her cheeks. Many had commented on her, Naruto had even told her she should see a doctor for her condition, but Hinata couldn't help it. Her skin had always been very pale and fair as a child, and even as being a ninja, it never failed to still haunt her. Kiba liked to tease her, just to see her face go up in a flash of crimson, and Shino would knock the boy out as he caught Hinata from fainting. Of course, now that she was an adult, she didn't faint anymore.

Mostly.

Sometimes.

It actually still happened quite often, but everyone had gotten used to it.

So now, Hinata stood in the bathroom to her small apartment, hair pulled back in a messy bun on top of her head, and she gently slapped her red cheeks, wincing at the pain, pulling and prodding, trying to see if there was something wrong with her, because it was abnormal to blush to the extent she did, wasn't it? Beady and gorgeous lilac eyes stared back at her, skin as pale as ever, and her bangs were clipped back, having just been about to wash her face after waking up, only to be highly annoyed at the blush on her face. It was more than annoying at times, trying to stare down an enemy, or appear tough and fearless, the blush almost always crumbled her silent resolve. And when her face had gone beat red from blood rushing to her face one particular mission a few years ago, where she had been held and tortured, questions about her silent bedroom activities had arisen. After all, it wasn't normal to blush so heavily when a man was beating you.

Some dared say the Hyuuga heiress liked it, and that only caused her face to be engulfed by everlasting redness.

Still, sighing in defeat, Hinata washed her face before blindly looking for a towel, dabbing the sensitive skin dry before turning off the light and setting about for the day. She cooked herself breakfast, left milk outside her back door for the small stray kitten who adorned her, and she dressed herself in usual attire. Another thing that had gotten many people to talk was her choice of dress, because baggy and unflattering clothes to hide womanly curves, was for a reason right? She had to be hiding something under the two size-too big sweater and black pants. But Hinata simply zipped the jacket up over a long sleeved white shirt, a soft smile on her face. Nope, nothing to hide.

Sakura had learned that one hot summer day when Hinata had decided it was far too hot to wear a shirt under her jacket, and the pinkette had yanked the zipper down, unintentionally flashing her in the middle of the training grounds. Hinata had screamed, and fainted. She blamed the heat, but everyone knew it was because of the rush of blood to her head. Her shoes were comfortable, and the soft and mid winter air chilled the outdoors, the basket in the crook of her elbow. She was going to have her sister over for dinner, a normal Saturday, and the little one would no doubt gush over Konohamaru, since Hinata knew she liked him. She talked constantly about him, picking at her dinner, while she forced her big sister's mind off of the war. Losing Neji had hurt far more than Hinata had ever imagined, losing someone, someone close like that, it burned into your skin and made you scream and cry in pain.

The Hyuuga simply shook her head to rid of lingering thoughts, and set about the market. It was a kind day, her hands wrapped in her sleeves, and her nose was red, cheeks flushed. She wrapped her scarf tighter around herself, a small smile on her face while she set about meat and fresh fruit for her sister. She really ought to make a cake or something for the old lady she bought her fruits and vegetables from, it was hard to maintain a green house through the winter.

She bowed her head, a bright smile on her face and she decided as she headed to the indoor market, that yes, she was definitely going to make her a cake. Nothing too sweet, maybe a Green Tea cake, that seemed nice. Hinata had always been kind and soft by nature, she had gained it from her mother as a child before Hanabi had been born. Still, the snow covered the ground, and she wished she had worn a heavier jacket, seeing her breath swirl into the air above her, the sky a gorgeous shade of grey. She moved off to the side of the street, looking up and watching the snowflakes fall, this time of year was nice, she liked the snow. Yes, it was cold, and she got sick far too often for her liking, but there was something comforting about the silence and solace in winter, that not many people understood.

And in those moments, she let her vulnerable mind think a slightly morbid explanation: maybe it was that everything died in winter. The year had spent so much energy and time, creating new things, just to have them barren and dead by the first snow. Maybe it was because Hinata knew, that following death, was life, and she knew that more than anyone. She had lost her mother in childbirth, when Hanabi was born, and she grew up emotionally stunned by her father. Hanabi had hated and detested her big sister for the longest of times, and so had Neji. Everyone in the world had been against Hinata at one point in time, but she had braved a smile and found the good in people. Maybe that was why she was able to find the good in people, even the most distant and introverted of them, she knew true loss, and true suffering.

And with a soft sigh, she closed her eyes, and a small smile graced blushing red cheeks. The world was kind to her, it taught her that despite suffering and loss, she was able to excel and smile through the hardest parts of her life. Maybe that was because of Naruto's inspiration to her life, he had inspired her to be a better person, to never give up, and above all else, believe in herself. A small chuckle escaped her lips, and she breathed in, heading towards the market. She loved Naruto, yes, of course she did, just not in the way he wanted to be loved. Her love for him way more along the lines of adoration, unlike Sakura, who loved Naruto with the whole intensity of her heart. Hinata was alright with that as well, because Sakura was one of her best friends and Hinata liked being alone. It wasn't as depressing as many people made it out to be, she had a lot of time to do things she liked, that no one else did. She could make balms and lotions, she could eat whatever she wanted, and no one could judge her for stuffing her face with peppermint cookies that only seemed to appear during the holiday season.

The thought made a small smile rise to her face, and maybe she'd make some sweets for Sakura and the girls, Ino, Tenten, and of course, her little sister. That put a jump in her step, despite the shaking of her bones, and she rushed into the warmth of the store, breathing in and out. She grabbed one of the store bags, holding it on the crook of her arm, and went straight to the meat section, trying to find something affordable and that she could make delicious for Hanabi. She found some beef down at the end, and deciding it was the right size for four servings (she would put half away for a later date) she hummed, and nodded to herself. Straightening her back, she rubbed her cold cheeks, spreading the redness around, darkening the blush, and many laughed and smiled at her. She waved back, long inky blue hair draping over her shoulders, as if trying to keep her warm from the cold. It was fairly cold, and she would be twenty-two within the next few weeks, so that was a bonus as well.

After paying, she grabbed all of her bags, and headed back to her apartment. The building was nestled in the back of Konoha, far enough for her own privacy, but still close enough to home. The walk was uneventful, a few young boys teasing her and she had flushed so hard she nearly lost her grip on the bags, and with a relieved sigh, the large building came into view. But the girl stopped in her tracks, the snow adorning her hair, sticking heavy to full eyelashes, as the man walked down the road, heading towards her. She had not seen Sasuke very much, he kept much to himself these days, never bothering anyone, and it was a rare sight, seeing him out and about. Hinata rarely felt pity on people, and especially on Sasuke, since he aided the war that took Neji from her. But there was something so sad about the way he walked alone, shoulders hunched and eyes ready for an attack. He was alone this holiday season, and Hinata bowed her head and began walking. Maybe he wouldn't see her, he had never noticed or acknowledged her before, the only time he had even looked at her was Naruto and Sakura's engagement party.

She had left early, feigning being sick from the food.

"Hyuuga." His voice was cold and cool, and it felt much closer to her than it actually was. She snapped her head up, locking eyes with him as she blinked, lavender eyes huge as they stared into black. Why was he here? Stumbling across her one safe haven, on accident? Or had he been on a walk, simply taking the path that she took as well? She didn't get her answer, because she was still staring at him in shock, her feet moving, and the pole was right in front of her.

The girl hit her head ungracefully, falling to the floor in the snow, and she let out a small whimper as her butt hit the cold and hard floor, head slightly throbbing in pain. Hinata pouted like a small child, her bags beside her, and she tentatively reached up to rub her temple, where a soft brush and bump was beginning to form. "Ow." She whispered, closing her eyes and flooding the area with healing chakra. It wasn't that bad, but it would get rid of the headache she was going to get no doubt.

Sasuke scoffed, walking over to where she was, and towering over her with endless black eyes. She didn't like when he was staring at her, she didn't like when anyone was staring at her, it made her uncomfortable. She felt like a hypocrite, since she spent how many years staring at Naruto, but that was different, she watched with distance so that was different. He was too oblivious, and he never seemed to care, so it wasn't like she was harming him. Unlike the Uchiha, who was trying to get her to look at him, but her eyes were focused solely on her knees, wide with panic. She was sure he could see the steam coming off of her face from how hot it was, she was embarrassed, but he simply bent down and shifted her things back into her bag, resting them gently against the pole, and left without a single word.

Strange man.

:~:

The evening of Naruto and Sakura's wedding, Hinata walked quietly through the seemingly empty village alone. She had left later to avoid the crowds of people that would be there, the Future Hokage getting married to the Godaime student, it was a legendary wedding. Her steps were slow, legs slightly cold due to the snow still on the ground, but her sandals kept her from stepping in it. She was dressed in a gorgeous violet kimono, embroidered with silver flowers that seemed to cover her entire body, the teal and yellow obi around her waist complimented the paleness of her skin, and the dress overall made her eyes pop. Her hair was thrown up messily, falling in straight locks around her face, and her shaking hands held the gift for Naruto and Sakura, and she wondered if they would like it. She was happy for them, and for some strange reason, she felt nothing but relief. The smile was so bright on her face, and she was rushing, because she was late, and Sakura would never forgive her if her bridesmaid was late.

So willing up the courage from somewhere deep inside of herself, Hinata picked up the kimono with her free hand, and took to the rooftops, chakra infused feet keeping her from slipping on the ice. The cold air felt good on her skin, and when she plopped down, rather ungracefully in front of the large banquet hall, she received more than a few strange looks. She giggled behind the sleeve of her dark silk dress, and shifted onto one foot, having gotten snow in her sandals. Ino came rushing to get her, pulling her while she herself wore such gorgeous shades of blue and green, they were pretty against her pale eyes. Long hair was curled and pinned up, and Tenten was waiting for them, bouncing as she herself wore shades of pink and red, and underlying of chocolate brown to accent the eyes and her pretty hair.

They all but yanked Hinata into the room, and for one of the first times in her life, Hinata fainted for a good reason.

Sakura looked so beautiful, dressed in white.

When Hinata had come around, she woke with a jolt, having been resting silently against the wall. She hadn't been out for very long, maybe a few minutes, and Sakura was gushing, making sure she was okay. Hinata simply laughed, shrugging it off, and placing the bag with the present off to the side, getting to her feet slowly, legs jelly. Apparently, the girls were going to be walking down the aisle with an accompanying grooms men, and as Kiba knocked on the floor, he whistled as he walked in, seeing the girl dressed in pretty white. Thank goodness, that meant that Hinata was going to walk with Kiba. "You girls look gorgeous, ready to go Tenten?" She nodded, fixing herself and she bustled about the room.

Hinata was so confused, seeing Shikamaru enter and take Ino away, and Kiba walked over, placing a soft kiss to his best friend's head, and she blushed as she blinked at him. "A-Ano, Kiba-kun, you don't be walking with me?" Her voice was laced with fear, and he gave her a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his messy hair.

"No, I tried, I tried very hard Hina-chan, but Ino backed out at the last moment..." She was already gone! Damn her!

But that didn't sit well with Hinata, and she swallowed hard. "So w-who will be escorting me?"

The door opened again, and it took Hinata all of her might to look anywhere but the Uchiha man. He walked over to Sakura, nodding solidly to her, seeing her face alight with a gorgeous smile. "You look, pretty." The words were genuine, maybe a bit forced, but they were all Sakura needed to hear. She threw herself at him, and he awkwardly pat her back, trying not to let her curls attach themselves to him, or leave pink hair behind on his black robes.

She pulled back at once, her father coming and whisking her away, and that left Hinata Hyuuga and Sasuke Uchiha in a very awkward position.

He was staring at her, and if Hinata disliked anything, ever, it was being stared at. Why did he have to stare her from head to toe, and his nose was curled up in disgust? She wanted to flick it, but that would be mean, so she stopped herself from doing it. "Are you upset that Naruto is running off with another bride?" Her jaw dropped open, flabbergasted, and her eyes went wide. "You love him, don't you?"

"Not like that!" Her voice was loud, much louder than she had intended it to be, and she bit her lips and backed away, as if her words would knock him down. "Gomenasai, I didn't mean to shout."

"Whatever." He clicked his tongue, and reached out to gently grab her elbow. She jerked at the contact, and he realised she was upset he had said that.

She wouldn't look at him, her eyes on the room around them, and she huffed, pulling slightly at her obi before speaking. "Sakura-chan is one of my very best friends, and it means the world to me to be here, to be up there with her. Naruto-kun, I don't...I don't love him in the way she does, it's...admiration." Her brows furrowed, and he realised he was being insensitive. He honestly just wanted to know if she would be awkward standing up there, watching a boy she once sacrificed her life for marry another girl.

"I was genuinely asking, are you going to be crying up there? You're not, right?" His voice was low, and smooth, and she blinked those full eyes at him.

The words clicked in her head, he wasn't teasing her. "Oh. No." Her words were hushed then, and she allowed herself to be lead from the room.

:~:

The ceremony, was deathly boring to Sasuke, who stood firm by Naruto's side, his best man. He didn't realize it, but Hinata was in fact, not Sakura's maid of honour, only a normal bridesmaid. Ino had backed out, of walking down the aisle with Sasuke at the last minute, and she had said something about wanting to walk down with Shikamaru. Well, Sasuke couldn't really blame her because he was part of the Akatsuki in the past, and they took her sensei, so her hate was justified.

Tenten wouldn't walk with him either, leery of the man, and so that left Hinata. Not that Sasuke had anything against the girl, she was a small and obedient woman, like that an heiress should be. But he also justified, she had lost her older cousin to the war he helped start, so why didn't she hate him too? By the end of the ceremony, Hinata had tears in her eyes, they were just of joy, and she hugged Sakura close, giving Naruto a dazzling smile.

And then it was over, and they all passed drinks and food around.

She was seated beside him, never speaking unless spoken too, which most of the time she was spent talking to Kiba or refilling his sake cup. She seemed indifferent to the presence of the Uchiha beside her, sitting no more than two seats away from the boy she used to love. No, not boy, Naruto was kind of a man now. Sasuke believed only semi-man because the dobe was still immature as all hell, and couldn't do things on his own, but then again, he was getting married and had future plans with Sakura, so half-man.

But she excused herself, face flushed from the drinking and heat around her, but Sasuke never failed to notice that she had yet to drink herself. She was fanning her face with her hand as she rushed to the doors, and she disappeared behind them. Sasuke was not one for following over-emotional girls, but he sighed anyway and stood from his seat, slipping out unnoticed.

She was leaning on the side of the building, eyes closed and a hand over her heart, which was probably going to pop from how hard it was pounding. She hadn't heard the door open, or close for that matter, and sure didn't notice Sasuke's presence as he stared at her. The sun was long down, and her breath swirled into the air above her, eyes closed and she looked beautiful under the street lights.

She jumped then, snapping her head to him, and her eyes were wide. "What?" Her voice was worried, slightly scared, and Sasuke raised an eyebrow.

"What?" He asked back, and her jaw dropped open, the furious blush dusting her cheeks, and she seemed to have problems looking at him. "What?"

"What did...you just say?" Her voice was small, and Sasuke was highly confused. When the pieces clicked in his mind, his eyes widened, and he forced the embarrassed blush down, that wouldn't do well for his pride.

"Did...I say that out loud?" She nodded, the trinkets in her hair clinging together, and there was snow on her eyelash.

He stepped closer to her, the girl looking anywhere but at him, and in the snow that winter night, Sasuke Uchiha let his hand wrap around one of the free locks of inky hair, and smiled. It was a small smile, but the first Hinata had ever seen on his face. She could feel the heat from his body, no more than a breath away from her, and those eyes stared into her own, and he was thrown back to the night not too long ago, where she ran into the pole. It made him laugh, a hearty sound as her eyes were twice as wide. She looked like a deer in headlights, pupiless eyes wide, and he swore they were the lightest shade of lilac, they were beautiful.

"Well, Hinata, I wasn't lying."

He rather liked making her blush.

22/12/14

15/02/15