I changed the schedule for the boarding school. It's Monday to Friday now, excluding Wednesday, which is break day.
Also, I'm sorry if the last chapters were short. This one is longer. (,"),P.S.: I'MDISCLAIMINGI'MDISCLAIMINGI'MDISCLAIMINGI'MDISCLAIMING!!
Not mine, not yours, but Masashi Kishimoto's.
I am Hinata Hyuuga
Act III - Party
Xxxxxx
Sasuke is 16 years old
Xxxxxx
I stared blindly at them for second, frozen. I could have sworn that Sasuke saw me in the corner of his eye, but that didn't matter.
I turned and fled.
Xxxxxx
Since today - Tuesday - was the first day, we were sent home early at 3:00 in the afternoon, not spending the night. "Besides," Tsunade had called out, "We still have to clean some of the rooms."
At 2:45, I was getting my book bag from the room. I decided to leave my toiletries in the bathroom, wrapped in a tight bundle with my hair-dye. I didn't need it - I had another bottle of dye at home.
I heard the key turn, and in stepped Sasuke.
Surprise flooded my senses; I'd forgotten there were two keys, one for each person.
He didn't say anything, usually taciturn as usual. But from the last encounter he'd be like a bomb, exploding at the last second.
It was true; as I walked past him his hand reached out and grabbed my wrist. I stared up at him, almost cringing. What's wrong with this guy?!
"I know, he whispered, and in the dark room I could feel my heart racing. What did he know? Did he know that...that I was a girl? "...that you're new. He paused. I couldn't see his expression. "But apparently most people...like you."
I breathed slowly, trying to collect it all. "Um...what - "
"Shut up!" he said tersely through clenched teeth, and then added, in a softer tone, "Let me continue."
I waited.
All of a sudden he sighed and let of of my wrist. His hand went to his hair much like mine always did.
"Look. It's - " His tone colored angrily, but it was self-frustration. "Never mind!" He dropped a piece of paper in my hands and walked further in to get his backpack. I didn't move.
After a few seconds I assumed he had nothing more to say. Clutching the paper tightly, I turned the door knob and opened the door.
"It's a party," he called lightly after me. I stopped. "And don't wear the uniform." At that he concluded, "You can go now."
I slung my backpack over my shoulder and walked out, studying the black, no-nonsense letters.
Party - Sasuke Uchiha
When: 7-11 today
Where: 152 Sharingan Street.
Take a left from the school.
Fifth house to the right.
Parent supervision.
Xxxxxx
At home I showed the note to Hanabi. She was at a public school and had no idea how lucky she was.
She glanced at my letter and positively beamed.
"Already?" she squealed. "You must be popular!"
"Popular indeed," I said tightly in a dry voice, trying to grab back the paper.
"You should go as a girl!"
"H-what?!" I stopped and stared at her. She was completely serious "N-no damn way! Are you serious?"
"No - listen!" She gave me a piercing look that made me uncomfortable. "Is this Sasuke guy popular?"
"I - uhm, yes...So?"
She handed me back the paper, grinning. "He won't find out then. There'll probably be lots of girls there! You'll mingle. Go as a girl, Hinata!" I glared at her. "No - I'm serious! You're going to amaze everyone! After all - don't look away, Hinata; it's a good idea - you have a fantastic wardrobe!"
Her eyes were shining breathlessly.
I turned away from her. "N. O."
"Oh, come on, Oneechan!" she insisted, pulling my arm. "What else are you going to wear, anyway?"
I halted to reconsider. "I'm going as a boy," I said slowly, ignoring her look. "And you're practically a tomboy..."
She understood, and gave me a disgusted look, letting go of my arm. "It's a freaking party! You've got to go as your gender!"
Hah. I am so not going a a girl. "Let me see your closet."
"Agh! No way."
"Hanabi...!"
After five more minutes of pointless arguing she finally relented. I stepped into her unbearably clean room and dove into her closet.
There were only five dresses (compared to my fifteen or so) and bunches of T-shirts and jeans.
"You're so lucky you get to go to a public school," I sighed.
"What?"
"Nothing." I chose a dark blue T-shirt and loose jeans. I knew that they'd make me look absolutely atrocious but it was better than wearing a tight dress.
Besides, being a boy was better - in terms of comfort.
Xxxxxx
I timidly stepped out of the car, my arms carrying a large box of Swedish chocolates. "Hope they like the gift," Karu said, grinning, before pulling away. I smiled and waved, though my heart was beating three times the average rate, and climbed the intimidating steps to the huge white stucco house.
The paper had said... "Parent Supervision." So...
I'd had about thirty to fifty parties a year. They were all very mild, colleagues of my mom, and we didn't discuss much. Very proper of course...hors de'voures and champagne, but only enough to satisfy half of my hunger.
With parents, the party would be a lot safer. I wondered...
The door opened and I was blasted with confetti in my face. The box was wrenched out of my grasp and I nearly fell off the stairs.
"Wha - what?!"
A bunch of girls stood in the foyer dressed in clothes that seemed to have jumped off a fashion magazine. "Sorry!" apologized one of the girls. She had multiple piercings on her ears. "Um...we thought you were Naruto...or someone..."
"I - "
I was pulled in by a blonde. I vaguely recognized her from boarding school. She shut the door firmly behind me. "What did you bring, Neji?" she asked in a coy tone.
"Um...chocolates..."
"Really?!" She eagerly opened the box. Her eyes almost bugged out. "Swedish? You brought Swedish chocolates? Dang, you're rich!" She popped one in her mouth, smiling. My throat felt dry.
The door opened behind me and a dark haired, tall guy that looked about eighteen stepped in. "Hey, honey," he murmured to one of the girls. They embraced.
I looked away, feeling that my stomach had been left far, far away. "Um...where is...?"
"...Sasuke?" inquired the blonde, standing up. She pointed down the hall. "Somewhere. Making out, probably."
I paused, confused, a very bad feeling in my chest. "Wasn't he...Sakura...?"
"Nah. They broke up today." She grinned and pulled closer.
"I'd better..." Hurriedly I rushed off. Somehow I felt like crying. I didn't want to be here. I didn't think...I didn't know. I wanted out of here. Maybe I could explain to Sasuke...wasn't he the host?
I saw him. He was sitting at a table on the deck chatting to other people. There were bottles, opened bottles, on the table.
My breath left me as I stepped out onto the deck. My senses swirled.
I had never been in any situation like this before. I'd always been pampered, yes, but also with safety...I'd never, I'd never -
"Neji?" It was his voice. with difficulty I wrenched my eyes up to his. My voice quavered.
"Um..."
"What's wrong?" asked a girl. It was Sakura. The wind was blowing softly through her hair. "Need a drink?"
"I - n-no - "
"Come on." She stood up and grabbed a bottle of beer from the carton. Sasuke's gaze left mine and he continued to talk with his friends.
I'd never felt so helpless before.
"N-no."
"Don't joke around. One sip won't hurt." Sakura smiled up at me. "Besides, afterward, we'll swim it off. See?" she pointed to a large, beautiful pool that connected with the deck. "We'll go swimming...together."
With difficulty I shook my head again. "No. I d-don't want to."
"Drink!" she ordered, pulling my hand to the edge of the deck. "You know you want to..."
Sasuke glanced over at me for an instant, and there was worry etched in his eyes. Then he saw Sakura and turned away.
"I - "
"Neji..." Her voice was almost seductive.
I pushed her away. "I don't want to!" I cried, taking a step back.
My foot met nothing. Suddenly I was twisting backwards, my foot slipping. Darkness engulfed my eyes, ears...I drew a long breath but found only water. I choked and choked until I couldn't stand it anymore.
Everything disappeared in an instant and I passed out.
Xxxxxx
" - and he won't be -
" - another half an hour, maybe. But there's nothing wrong."
"Fatigued. I wonder what happened?"
"..." I opened my eyes and timidly drew a breath. To my relief it was air, not water. My body ached and my head hurt very, very badly.
The first thing I saw was black. Then it gradually became colorful figures - Sasuke. Naruto...Chouji. Shikamaru...
I coughed.
"Don't move!" ordered Naruto, his eyes brimming with excitement. "You're fine."
A nurse hurried out, carrying a large clipboard. "I hope it doesn't hurt too much," she murmured kindly. "You're fine now. You fainted because of lack of oxygen."
"I - where a-am I?" I stammered. I felt like crying. I needed Karu and Hanabi for comfort.
"Konoha boarding school," said a clipped tone - Tsunade. "We've phoned your family so they know." Her eyes were gentle as she looked own at me. Then she turned to the boys, "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?! A PARTY WITH NO PARENT SUPERVISION AND A POOL?! IT'S A WONDER ONLY ONE PERSON GOT HURT!"
"My apologies," muttered Sasuke. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have - "
"I'll tell your parents for this!" blew up Tsunade, but she was slightly calmer. "Imagine the dangers! He could have gotten killed, he could have gotten stitches! You were lucky this time." She breathed. "And don't think I'm not going to tell you parents."
She walked out the room, muttering something dark.
"At least she didn't find out about the drinking?" suggested Naruto. Sasuke gave him a glare.
"I - " At once all eyes were fixed on me. I blushed, much to my horror. "A-ano...what t-time is it?"
"It's twelve o'clock," answered Shikamaru, running a hand through his hair worriedly. "I've got to go home soon."
"Same," chorused Naruto and Chouji. They stood up.
"A-as long as you're fine, Neji," Naruto said, his enthusiasm gone. He looked at me with anxiety. "It was scary...you looked...well, dead. Sorry for not helping you out."
"T-there was nothing you could do," I replied simply. I still couldn't believe what had happened.
They left, and I was left with Sasuke.
He stood up, but he didn't leave
"First of all, I'm sorry."
In my heart he was forgiven but I still remembered, in my minds' eye, the look of indifference at the party. He didn't help me. He could have.
"It's stupid." He sighed and sat down again, stiffly. Silence ensued until he spoke up again, "It's just so stupid, you know? I'm screwed up. Underage drinking, having girlfriends who I don't even like, holding a party while my parents are away...I'm messed up."
He was speaking almost to himself, holding his head in his hands.
"The truth is...I...I don't hate you," he muttered. "You were the new boy. You were prim and proper and I was jealous. You had a family who cared. At least...you had that..."
"I..." I was shocked.
"Never mind." He stood up again, a new look on his face. I could describe it as determination. "I'm going to sleep at the school today. I hate sleeping in an empty house." he paused, shook his head slowly. "Feel welcome to take a shower in the nurses' room. You're the new guy, so..." There wasn't a smile on his face and his eyes weren't very friendly but I still felt gratitude.
He walked out before a word could escape my shivering lips.
I didn't move. "Sasuke..." I whispered through the blankets. I felt a stirring in my heart that I'd never felt before.
Then I realized that the covers were slightly wet.
"What?!" I was only wearing boxers and a T-shirt that revealed too much. Somehow the cloth over my chest had been weakened and now it hung limply. I smelled of a wet, dripping dog, wet still from the pool.
This wouldn't do.
Where was the shower? I wondered, forcing myself to pull the wet covers off. I couldn't believe this.
Grabbing a large towel from the stack and a T-shirt and clean long pajama pants that I assumed could be used, I stepped out, shivering, and wrapped the towel around me. Where was the shower? I turned around to look - it was large and white, with an opaque door.
I breathed a sigh of relief, exhausted.
The shower was easy to manipulate. It had two knobs - for hot and cold water. I quickly turned the hot water, and it came.
That felt soooooo good. My back felt extremely sore and I washed my hair, too, my good measure.
When I was done, dry, and warm, I slipped on the T-shirt and the pants, squeezing water out of my hair. I pulled the now-dry covers over my shoulders and smiled softly. This day didn't end too badly.
I just hoped that something like that would never happen ever again.
The digital clock read 5:35 when I woke up. There was a flash of realization, clear and horrible. My hair was still wet. My hair - my undyed hair - I reached up frantically and switched on the light.
Crap!
My hair was its usually serene, black color. It was long, but it wasn't the problem - I'd left my dye in my room!
I couldn't chance this! I couldn't. Another realization hit me.
My makeup wasn't on for tomorrow. That wasn't too bad - I resembled Neji anyway in facial structure, but his eyebrows were plainly lower than mine, and his eyes, deeper set.
I had to grab this chance to sneak in to my room.
Cursing inwardly, I left the comfort of the warm bed and tiptoed out the nurse's door. My room, my room - where was it? I found it in the next hallway. To my utmost relief Sasuke hadn't locked it. I exhaled slowly, afraid but knowing I needed to do this.
Where was it? In the darkness I saw the night light that was in the bathroom. I'd left it there.
It's going to be okay, I thought, and sneaked in, spotting the bundle of toiletries by the sink. Hopefully -
The light snapped on and I felt something sharp next to my neck.
"Don't move," whispered Sasuke's voice, and my knees felt like buckling.
Edit 3/23/08.