Now that someone mentioned it. Hinata's age could make some difficulties doing scenes in the story, I haven't thought much about it but please bear with me ... I've got some plan going on so don't worry Okay...

Oh yeah Sasuke and the other are a bit older than Hinata.

And thank you for the reviews and comments

now on with Chapter 3!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its Characters.

Chapter 3

Thoughts and Dreams

She was dead tried; her feet would ache in each straggling step she took, and her eye lids were beginning to close. She had a rough day, a mind-boggling eventful night to be exact and her long journey back home was a total nerve racking one. It wasn't everyday that you accidentally find someone in a dark alley, all bloody and beaten and then the next thing you know you're bringing a stranger to your apartment.

"Just a few more blocks." She muttered, assuring herself more than the black haired man she's carrying - half dragging - , who now is barely hanging onto consciousness, and emitting a weak groan every now and then, which told her he was still alive.

Alerting her senses to any human noises or possible cars that would pass by, she took advantage of the night, to take cover within the darkness of it. All the way home she had to avoid walking into any living soul and luckily it was pass midnight, meaning most the people in this part of town are peacefully sleeping.

She felt like a criminal sneaking in the middle of the night after a break-in robbery while dragging an injured comrade. Her nerves in turbulent was really the only thing keeping her awake. Her head would occasionally snap from any stray animal making a sound, or anthing she hears along the way. Somtimes maybe even paranoia was getting to her. But thinking now she didn't regret anything, she was proud that she is able to save someone by her own will. She would always remember this day, the day that she met a stranger in an odd circumstance, the stranger with the name of Uchiha Sasuke. An inexplicable person, she couldn't help but think what kind of person he is, besides being suspicious, if they met in a normal way, like normal people do, but… assuming that life is very unpredictable, this happened. Or perhaps it's what Neji would say, faith. Are they destine to meet like this? She shook her head, she was giving too much thinking into this, maybe Neji's philosophic talk was getting to her.

Hinata glanced at Sasuke, his eyes were close and his breathing was ragged. His last name sounded familiar, but she couldn't really recall were she had heard it before. Maybe from a magazine, or evem the television. Though she was sure that 'Uchiha' isn't a common family name. She quickly skimmed a plan in her head for when she gets home. First she would address Sasuke's wounds, after cleaning him up then settling him down, she would take a bath, then go straight to bed. The last part sounded fantastic and just imagining her comfy bed was making her dreamy.

She squinted her eyes when she saw the familiar structure of her apartment and sighed deeply with relief, Home sweet home at last. This one night felt like a whole week of stress, she didn't think her life of freedom would go all jumble in just a few hours.

The apartment building is simple and clean, with its kind neighbors and a sweet old lady for the land lord. Her apartment was flat-out located in the first floor, she couldn't be more grateful than that, this ment she didn't have to tire herself even more walking up the stairs.

With a quick scan from left to right - to make sure no body saw her dragging an almost lifeless man in an apartment building - , she made her way to the door. Now in front of the door she swiftly fished the keys inside her bag, while doing her best not to drop Sasuke. With a click from the door, rushing inside almost tripping over her own two legs in the process she closed the door.

Hinata heaved in exhaustion and with the weight of worry in mind she tried to screen her brain of how to proceed. Now looking at Sasuke - whose now laying in her bed because she was sure that the couch in the small living room wouldn't be comfortable for an injured person - , she didn't know what to do. Setting her mind, she went to her dresser where she kept the first aid kit and put it at the side table of the bed. Next, she went to the bathroom to get some warm water in a basin and a towel to clean his wounds and check to be certain of no infections. She was grateful her father made sure that they were given practical lessons during childhood on how to use a first aid kit, and how to tend simple cuts and even serious wounds. Not to mention they were given outdoor lessons for survival skills in the forest.

She shivered at the memory when she got lost during one of those outdoor lessons in the wild, crying in the dark. Good thing that Ko, her care taker found her quickly, but not without her father's scolding about her weaknesses. They were tought in the art of fighting also. That was were Neji and Hanabi excelled greatly, which left her behind because she wasn't fit for combat.

As children of the Hyuuga family, one of the oldest in Konoha, each children are nurtured to be strong physical and mentally. Hinata was the Hyuuga heiress to the whole family and was to take over the Hyuuga Corporation in the future. But that was before she willingly separated from the family. Besides, she knew it wouldn't be long before her father would denounce her heresy and pass it onto Hanabi. She knew this was for the best. She wasn't fit to do her birth right.

Anyways, right now she had to deal with a wounded Uchiha.

Her eyes snapped open, abruptly sitting up with dwelling panic taking over her being. Hinata's precious sleep was disturbed by a wired sound not far from her or something besides her; scratch that, someone with her, in her bed. She didn't realize she fell asleep just at the foot of the bed after addressing Sasuke's wounds. The said person at this moment was thrashing against the bed, messing her bed sheet up - not that she minded, though. His breathing was ragged, he kept taking huge gasp of air in a rhythmic way.

Hinata quickly crawled to his side and felt his forehead, a fever is what she concluded with. Seems she was too late in cleaning his wounds which was already infected. She grimaced at herself, feeling of slightly guilty. Immediately she was standing up - which caused her to wobble in her after sleep effect. She ignored the minor headache she gained and picked the discarded basin and filled it with cold water once again. Then, she went to the kitchen for some ice. Once back in the bedroom, she went where her patient was. After putting the ice bag to his forehead, she drenched the small towel, only to wipe his face and arms of excess sweat while being careful not to touch his bandaged wounds.

She looked at the widow covered blinds, which kept the room darkly dim with the lamp shade on as there light. She swiveled her head to the wall clock in the room. Nine O'clock already, morning time, but she was still sleepy. Looking back at her patient, she noticed he had stopped his moving, which made her sigh in relief. But the high fever was still there. His breathing was now less ragged but he kept muttering something under his breath, she leaned forward to understand better.

"Oka-san…. ka….." He gasps repeatedly in a desperate manner, ghostly in the air.

She assumed this was the situation were people get delirious and disoriented dreams during a high fever. They say when people are at the verge of dying, (though hopefully she wished he wasn't, in view that she did her best to save him) they dream of the person special to them. Or there docile disorganize of memories during vulnerability state of the mind.

Perhaps he was missing his mother; she could empathize with that, for she missed hers all the time. She took his big hand to hers and gave it a good squeeze of comfort. She saw him calm a bit at that. Hinata smiled at this, she could recall her mother doing the same during her fever - when she was alive.

She suddenly felt guilty at leaving Hanabi, she was suppose to stand as her mother.

But her little sister was strong compared to her and can always standup for herself. While she needed toughening to prove her worth without always leaning to others, she did and close to her goal, a bit slowly yes, but she was learning. By just looking at him she knew saving him was the right thing to do and she was proud of what she did. Her mother would be proud of her; she was sure. She smiled at her thoughts while still looking at Sasuke.

Now really giving time to properly take a good look, he was breathtakingly beautiful - and calling a man beautiful was saying something. Black hair and pale skin. Which contrast together gave him a mystified aura - even injured and not in his top shape. How was that possible? Was he even human? More Godly, she thought.

Lowering her gaze, she tried not to stare at the view. He sure is muscled and lean even with bandages, which she didn't notice earlier since her mind was too occupied fixing him. In Ino's language, if she remembered correctly, he'd be the definition of tall, dark and handsome. He was a lot taller than her, recalling how he towered over her during there way home, not even standing in full height. And of course he was handsome without a question and he did have the dark effect down-right, with so much anonymity. His appearance alone was enthralling.

Slowly but surely she could feel heat rising up her face. Feeling embarrassed. She mentally scolded herself for ogling at a time like this, no better at a man in his unconscious state.

Shifting from her place, Hinata pulled a white blanket to cover him and replace the ice bag with another dump cloth still not letting go of his hand.

She gave him a critical look and lay besides him; hoping he'll wake up soon.

She did what she could. It'll now be up to him, to heal himself.

The only thing left to do was wait, she thought as she closed her eyes.

After the full sleep she got, Hinata started some school work, taking advantage of the last day of the weekend. School will be exciting starting tomorrow, with the school festival coming its way. She wondered what kind of event her class would do this year.

When the night finally came. She stood in front of the mirror, assessing herself before going to her part time job. Lavender sweater; check, navy Capri and a pair of comfortable sandals; check. She gave herself an encouraging smile and slipped out of the bathroom to her bedroom.

Hinata went to the desk to get her bag and slung it over her shoulder, with her coat and scarf in place. She dragged her attention to the person sleeping in her bed, he still hasn't awoken. His fever finally broke; that made her glad and sge kind of wanted to stay home, just in case he wakes up, but she knew she couldn't. Money doesn't just grow from the ground or rain from the sky; she reprimanded herself. As much as she wanted to stay home, she has to go to work.

She surveyed Sasuke's form one more time to assure herself. He will be fine, she said to herself. With one last look she slipped out of the room and locked the front door, only then did she make her way to her destination.

The loud music was banging against her ears, with more people coming in as she and Ino were trying to bring in orders with tray in hand and apron tied on their waist. Anko, as usual, was busy with serving drinks behind the counter.

"Yes!" Ino dived straight to the couch that was located inside the back room where employees kept their belongings, also served as their break room after their first shift.

Ino lay on her back facing Hinata, who sat besides her leaning against the couch, the blond assessed her friend's face with an analytic look.

Hinata, who noticing this immediately, asked, "Is there something wrong Ino-chan?" Her head was tilted to the side, showing her confusion.

"No, there's just something different about you today." Before Hinata could reply anything, Ino continued. "Something changed as I observed you a while ago. Your movements where sure, not the usual hesitation and you didn't stutter much." The blond smiled at her observation. "As if something change in you, in just one day since I last saw you. Did something happened Hina?"

Hinata inwardly gulp, Ino was a good observer and very bright, one of the top in their class, like her. If anyone else, it's Ino who would know her better other than Hanabi, just like an older sister would always look out for the younger. Though it amaze her how Ino can read her intuitively. She thought of the previous night she found Sasuke, the very reason to her change in general view. The night she made a resolve, a hard decision that her demure and had a hard time to handle.

But she couldn't tell Ino about it, she didn't want to trouble her and she knew her friend would hysteria if she knew that there is a stranger unconscious in her apartment, and a male at that. The blond always filled her with talks in avoiding suspicious/perverted males and evade them as much as possible.

"Nothing Ino, I…. I just realize that there are things exceedingly important and grave in this world, that fearing my own family or father precisely was a minor thing. That I have to be brave if I want to change myself, so to decide for my own in any deem situation would be." She smiled at her answer, her statement wasn't exactly specific but it wasn't a lie either. After seconds of silence, Hinata at that time realize how she had actual change within one night, the night she saved him and how it altered herself in a vast manner. "I thought when I finally had my freedom I would be in control of my life, but the shadow of always proving myself to my father was still there and I will fail if I set it as my goal. No, I wanted to change for my self not because of others. "

The blond looked at her in admiration and quivered as big tears at the corner of her eyes fell, which sent Hinata into a worried fit.

"What wrong Ino-chan?" Before Hinata could blink she was embraced by the blond in a warm affection.

"My Hina is growing up and it wouldn't be long before you beautifully grow and leave my nest," she said through the embrace while she rubbed her cheeks to the blushing Hyuuga. Hinata giggled in respond, she was grateful for Ino's motherly affection.

She couldn't ask more for a great friend.

He pulled on his usual mask of emotionless, ability he had since childhood.

Unlike Madara, who preferred to put on a real mask, was conserve for absolute control. A thing he can accomplish in just a mere second.

True strength is when you never show emotions, unnecessary feelings will lead only to weakness, his father used to say, a simple phrase but with a profound meaning. Something his father drilled down his juvenile mind, as young as he was at that time, he understood better than most.

He used it to his advantage until now, to a cruel world where he and his little brother needed for self preservation after their mother's death.

But emotions weren't weaknesses; Their mother once said to him, contradicting father's word and he also agreed. He was grateful Sasuke still had his, while he as the eldest discarded them long ago for their sake. To play with a faceless mask for many years, now he couldn't feel anything from the inside. When he let go of his emotions, he didn't realize that getting used to it will leave you empty within, the feeling of numb with nothing at all.

He was human but he didn't show much.

Unless it pertains with Sasuke, he swore on their mother's grave to protect Sasuke and he for eternity will keep his word.

His little brother, the reason why he abandoned his emotions, was also his link to what ever humanity he had left inside of him.

Itachi crossed the hall with a blank face. The smell of bleach and disinfectant coagulate within the air, with white walls and tiles of the Hospital sent waves of nostalgic effect that dwelled for seconds then shrugged in a blink.

He passed a few doctors and some nurses that gave him second takes, but didn't care what so ever. He had more important things to attend to. He peered ahead alerting two of his men, where they guard a room at the end of the corridor, his destination why he was here. He kept his normal pace while they gave a formal bow and opened the door of which he entered.

Inside he was greeted by an orange haired man sitting on the hospital bed cross legged meditating.

"Juugo, I presume you're healing well?"

Juugo opened his eyes, scanned the man in front of him, who greatly resembles the person who he served - older brother of the man who saved him from damnation.

He nodded in respect, "I am by all means in perfect health Itachi-sama."

"Is there any news of Suigetsu and Sasuke's where about?" he asked, wanting to know of his teammate and team leader's situation.

Itachi could see the concern in the way his hand would twitch. He was good at reading people. Even with Juugo's face remain calmed, his excess movement gave him away.

Itach shook his head indicating his answer as Juugo closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Of all of Sasuke's men, Juugo was the only one he could really tolerate, though he didn't show. Always calm and reserve with loyalty to his brother, not that the other two were not loyal. No, Karin was loyal in a way to please Sasuke, she was also bit annoying and would always argue with Suigetsu. That one is a sadist, always ready for a good fight. Earned him respect within the ranks and constantly bashing crude words with Hidan.

Sasuke made a mischief but a strong little team of his own, Itachi thought.

"Karin is still injured and still needs to recover while Suiguetsu and Sasuke are still missing." Juugo stated, with his eyes still closed.

Silence came next. He waited until Juugo opened his eyes.

Determine brown eyes met his and Itachi knew his next words.

"I'm coming with you to find Sasuke as well as Suigetsu." Juugo's words held in finalization.

"Suit yourself, I'll inform you after I assemble everything in place." Itachi said, nodded his head in agreement as he continued.

"Then we'll leave for Konoha."

"Shh…. Go back to sleep."

The little boy blinked trying to fight sleepiness but gave into the softness of the voice. With a small smile of happiness knowing that his lovely mother was there all the time, going back to sleep where childish dreams took his mind in different adventures beyond reality.

He woke up in an instant when a loud crash disturbed him from his peaceful slumber. Found himself in a tight embrace of his mother's arms, protecting him from whatever shook there car with an extreme force.

"Oka-san… oka-san?"

He looked up and asked with a trembling voice wondering what happened and saw the horror look in his mother, tears streaming across her cheeks with blood seeping down from the head and clothes.

There car fell off a cliff that trembled the ground from the impact, its wind-shields crack to tiny pieces, disfiguring the vehicle like a scrap of metal. Smoke started to accumulate from the engine signaling for its near destruction.

"H-honey… are you hurt?" Her motherly voice set in worry while scanning her son for any injuries.

"I'm fine oka-san but ….. you're bleeding."

"I'll be fine, h-hurry you have to get out."

His mother, speaking in a rush tone confusing his young mind still disoriented from the crash.

"What.. no! we have to get out t-together-" That's when he saw her mother's condition, sat in the driver sit, her legs trapped when they hit the ground, blood continuously oozing from her pale legs in a painful way.

"N-no..no Oka-san! I'm not leaving you…." His body quick in realization and tighten his hold to her, not letting go, not leaving her like this.

Blooded fragile hands took his little face to level their eyes, sorrow and begging, there in her eyes pleading him to do as said.

"Look at me…I'm going to be fine… I need you to get help o-okay.. ….. do you understand?" Softening her voice as she spoke to her terrified child, too innocent to understand the gravity of the situation.

He nodded his head while controlling his tears that now overwhelms him. He'll save his Oka-san no matter what.

"Now quickly…. Get out…. Run as fast as you can." Her fierce crying pained his heart but complied.

"I'll be back and bring help….. O-kay?" He let go and swiftly scooted out of the passenger seat's door, then straight for a run not hearing her final words, barely a whisper to the wind.

"I love you, Sasuke." She closed her eyes as she watch her son's small figure run away, knowing her life was already set in stones, sending him away to save his innocent soul.

He ran as fast as his small feet can go, ignoring fear that lingered inside him. He needed to get help, to save his mother and will not let her down he repeatedly said to himself.

The next thing happened; he was blown away by strong explosion from behind, sprawled in the dirt ground that shook the land furiously. His mind was spinning, but swiftly to sit up and turn around.

His eyes widen with wild tears in dread and disbelief of what he was seeing, black clouds reaching up the sky, pieces of metal scattered around. In the middle was a huge fire, where there vehicle should be, now on fire, where his beloved mother suppose to be waiting until he finds help.

Now gone.

Eye lids opened reveling pair of black orbs gazing straight to the white ceiling, but seeing nothing at all. Eyes shadowed and steady, not even blinking from lack of moisture, like black gems of an endless pit within darkness.

It's been years since he dreamed of the past, an event that embed deep within his mind that he wished to forget, but not to at the same time. That day he lost an important person in his life, he would never fail to remember the bitterness and guilt that lingered in his chest for every second he recalled his mother. It was always there, nurturing the guilt; the anger that feeds his impure soul. To forever put a face of impassiveness just like his brother.

The memories was always there, always will be but the fact that he dreamed of it was uncommon. Was it because he was back in Konoha, the place where it all started? So many years had pasted since they left Konoha for a new home, years that changed him and his brother to toughen themselves against the cruel world that they live in.

The day he came back to Konoha had been a mistake, a decision he took, a chance just to escape his pursuers. Now, Itachi doesn't even know where he is, but he didn't need his help to escape this mess. He just has to get out of Konoha as soon as possible, though his aching body begged to differ.

His eyes blink for the first time after his wake; he almost forgot what happened before he succumbed to darkness the last time he awoke. Previous event flashed through his mind retelling the scene during his exhaustion and weakness state.

A soft creature, he remembered. An innocent face of a child with huge pale eyes he recalls. He blinked again, pale eyes? Pale eyes which only be possessed by a Hyuuga. The Hyuuga, one of the oldest families in Konoha, if his memories served him right. They withdraw their connections from there faction to stay neutral years ago. Something that confused many division, a powerful clan for many years, and then they just cut ties from the Mafia world. It can only be seen nothing but cowardly, a prominent family turned cowards was laughable.

But they may be civilians for years until now, but that doesn't mean they are not dangerous.

With his mind now clear of alertness and with the evident of there encounter un-blurred sent awareness down his spine. He clenched his fist in frustration, but quickly unclenched it when he felt softness of a small hand in his instead his own calloused palm. His eyes widen.

Sasuke quickly roll his head to his right. He felt the soft pillow beneath his head and the comfy bed that now registered in his buzzing mind. But nothing surprised him than the innocent face that he came face to face with. The face encrypted deep in his mind, the face that he will never forget the night he thought death would come to him. The face of an angel that gave him a second chance, the weird creature that saved him, helped him knowing he was a complete stranger, and could be a criminal and a murderer but she still aided him.

His body and mind instantly relaxed as her mere sleeping presence, calming every nerve of his body. As if his very soul knew he was safe from harms way. Any sign of the single Hyuuga to be dangerous swiftly vanished in an instant, giving comfort from her close proximity and her soft hand clamped to his.

For a second there, he thought he was in heaven.

To say he was a bit confused was uncommon from him. To assure himself that he wasn't dreaming or up in heaven, he gave a small squeeze. Gentle enough not hurt or wake her. Savoring the peaceful moment, a picture she present. She lay at her side facing him with closed eyes, but he didn't need them open to know the soft and pureness it held when awake.

He observed her rhythmic breathing, the rise of her chest. To capture every detail of her sleeping face and throwing any awful scenario in back of his mind like when she'd wake, she would freak out finding someone obsessively watching her during sleep.

He'll just take his time.

He can wait for eternity until she wakes up.

Thank you for reading!

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