Disclaimer: I do not own the anime/manga Naruto, or it's characters. Any other fictional character belongs to its rightful owner.
Summary: He planted a chaste kiss on the crook of her neck. "You smell different tonight, Sakura..." She rose an eyebrow, "S-Sasuke?" At that Sasuke blinked and looked up. Coal eyes staring into unrecognizable lilac ones. "Shit..." A.U Minor NaruHina SasuSaku
Hello Everyone! It's really inspiring to hear what everyone has to say in my reviews, so a major thank you and kisses to all. I really do appreciate it. There's a small hint of Sasuke x Hinata in this one. And this chapter might give you a hint of what is going on with Sasuke. But we'll see. The reader can use all the imagination they want :)
Chapter 2: Paprika.
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The petite female gave a short yawn and blinked, rubbing the sleep of her eyes. Mumbling some incoherent words under breath, she glanced at the watch on her wrist and smiled in content. Mentally she patted herself on the back as she was all too happy for how well she managed her time on breaks.
Shifting away from the sofa she stretched her arms up in the air. Okay, just fifteen more minutes and then back to the fray! She mentally spoke, her yelling a soft whisper even in the back of her mind. Lilac eyes caught strands of yellow hair passing by a corner away, and a smile found it's way onto her lips.
"Ino-san!"
The blonde stopped, turning back around the corner she burst into a bright smile and ran over to the Hyuga. "Hinata-chan! I didn't know you worked this shift." Her arms wrapping around her body in a sweet embrace.
"H-hai, Ino-san. This is my last week as a volunteer, th-then back to the baking board. I don't think I can ever repay Choji-san enough."
"Geez, Hinata. No reason to be so formal around us." Ino's hand went to her hip as she leaned all her weight on one leg. "You know Choji loves to have you around, it's thanks to you that people are starting to take notice of his restaurant." The grin on the blonde's face never residing.
Hinata could only chuckle as her finger tips covered her smile. "Would you like to join me to get a bite to eat?"
"Hmm..." She placed her index finger under her chin and closed her eyes, only to nod in agreement. "Hell yeah! I just got done with a photo shoot and I could really love to gain a pound or two." Hinata blinked in astonishment at the moment she heard the words.
"R-really?"
The woman nodded. "Yeah, Choji has been saying I've been over working myself too much lately. He doesn't like it when he can feel my ribs when he places his hand on my waist."
Hinata had to agree with Choji on that one, there were times when even she worried about Ino's health. The woman wasn't an anorexic person, she just had a very fast metabolism, and she worked out like crazy, well mentally at least. Not only that, but she was the representative of her modeling agency, Yamanaka Inc. It pretty much meant she did all the talking. Hinata had also heard once that people who spoke on stage, or news room were relatively thin, simply because of how many calories they spent on the simple actions of non stop talking. It seemed to be true if one looked at the beautiful model.
"I don't think he means it in a bad way, Ino-san. You know he's just looking out for your health." Hinata admitted, gently.
"Yeah yeah, but the feminist in me is all like, but that's my body and I do with it whatever I please, and then again I just know he does it because he cares." She crossed her arms over her chest, a pout forming on her lips. This just earned her another giggle from Hinata.
"Come on, Ino-san. Let's go. What are you in the mood to eat?"
Blue hues glanced over to the Hyuga's body and smiled. "Dessert. How about some pudding and your cinnamon rolls." Hinata practically tried to shy away from the woman the moment she said those words. A tease Ino always did ever since she once caught Hinata stuff an entire mini cinnamon roll in her mouth.
"Meanie..."
The could only laugh as they started to walk to the cafeteria.
"On a brighter note, how are things with you and Naruto? Is he back yet from hanging out with that perverted hermit?"
Hinata thought about it for a second, "Yes, we're doing pretty well, Ino. The engagement is going pretty well, and we're making o-our fourth year together now in a week." Her smile never wavered. "I'm happy to have met him, Ino. I really am, but as for Jiraiya-sama, I believe they should be back by Monday, at latest."
"Ah, well two days isn't so bad."
Arriving at the cafeteria they both made their orders and proceeded to take a seat.
"Ug." Ino grumbled and lazily propped her head on the palm of her hand.
"What's wrong Ino?"
"That bitch of a new assistant is here, Karin." Shivering she sighed and tore off the lid aggressively making Hinata only raise an eyebrow in confusion.
"The one that looks like she has a fetish for feet and bite marks." At that Hinata turned a deep tomato red, only being able to shove a mouthful of the delicious treat in her mouth.
"Isn't that a bit harsh, Ino? She seems... nice?" Hinata didn't really know her, so she couldn't say 100 percent.
"Hm, nope." Ino plopped the spoon in her mouth. "She's crazy. When you've volunteer here as much as I have, you can tell who are the whack jobs." The Hyuga gave a small smile and toke a few more bites as they ate for the remainder of their time in silence.
"By the way Ino, did you have anything to do when I called out for you?" Ino stopped breathing for a split second and gasped, horror grasping every inch of her body. "Oh snap! I had completely forgotten about that." She clenched her head in her hands, a worried look on her face as she abruptly stood up and Hinata watched her movements. "I had to head to the Neurology department to tell them some recent information, Tsunade-sama had asked for."
Hinata stood up and swiftly cleaned the table, throwing everything away and smiling.
"Then you better hurry, Ino-san. I'm sure they won't be too mad."
The blonde woman nodded and sped off, giving off a wave good bye, shouting something along the lines of catching up with Hinata some time soon.
Hearing the sound of a foot tapping against the floor, she slowly turned around to see Tsunade glancing at her with a bored look on her face, arms crossed over her voluptuous chest.
"Hyuga."
"T-Tsunade-sama..." Hinata meekly replied.
"You're late by five minutes. I found it unusual for you to ever be late for anything so I went to look for you. But seeing how you were with Yamanaka-san, I can clearly see what was holding you back." The older woman sighed and turned around to start walking away.
"Let's go. You're heading to the Cardiology department with me today." Hinata just nodded and fallowed the woman, a queasy feeling in her stomach starting to set in. Maybe it was the cinnamon roll she ate.
"I don't think you'll mind the work too- what is that?"
Both females stopped as they each looked at each other to see a giant fireball in the sky. Heading towards the Hospital. Towards the middle of the Neurology department, Urgent care, and Medical records department. Before anyone could even register exactly what was going on, Tsunade quickly ran past Hinata and pulled the emergency trigger.
Even though the sound of alarms blasted through the hospital, everyone stayed deadly silent as they watched the impact occur. Hinata and Tsunade were a ways off from East wing and thought they would be at a safe distance, but they were sadly mistaken at that. In a split second bodies hit the floor and everyone was quiet. At least to Hinata. If one would look around workers were shouting frantic calls, patients were yelling and there was a distinct odor in the air, one the female wasn't use to, but Tsunade was. For a split second the head of the hospital was awe struck, snapping out of it she yelled at Hinata, grabbing her by her forearm and yanking her up. The Hyuga just stared up at her simply confused.
And then it all click together.
An object crashed into the hospital.
The explosion was larger than expected.
She was probably deaf for a few more minutes because of her sensitive ears and the proximity to the explosion.
Bodies were crushed.
Flesh was burning.
And only one more thought ran through her mind, Ino!
Panic rushed over her as she pressed back her bangs, shoving Tsunade away, to the older woman's disbelief.
There was still hope the young model could have entertained herself on the way there and never made it, or she got the errand quickly done. But Ino was a fast walker.
Maybe she is safe somewhere, yeah. Ino can be alive!
Hinata couldn't be negative, not in moments like this. She could tell Tsunade was screaming at her, but her body just turned around and started running the opposite way, the head of the hospital not fallowing after her. Tsunade was responsible for everyone's safety, but at the moment there were still a large number of patients in area she was by. At least the Cardiologist didn't start their operations, if not it would have been nasty.
Hinata simply rushed against the crowd of people that pushed her the opposite direction she was heading. The moment sound enlightened her, she wasn't sure how she about it. Happy, yes she could hear again. But really annoyed of all the yelling and blaring alarms in the air. Soft features twisted in worry as she skidded to a stop, no idea how she would get through the burning flames that decorated the hall.
Nibbling on her bottom lip, she took in a deep breath and started to run past it, knowing her hair was already being cut short by the fire's grasp.
Why hasn't the sprinkler system start-
Her thought was caught off as she was laying on the ground again, but this time hearing th explosion on the West wing of the hospital.
Another aircraft shot down, broken fuse, or gas leak?
The longer she kept on thinking the more excuses she came up in her head about what could have happened, yet still hoping it wouldn't be the worst of them: terrorist attack, or bombs.
Taking a step forward she instantly regretted it. The sigh of blood on the floor made her queasy, there was no way a human could have so much blood. Ah, but of course. It was a mixture of dozens of nurses, workers, and patients. Gulping she dared take another step forward, but not look down. There were too many human body parts all over the floor, screams coming from inside locked rooms, and she actually ignored them.
I... I have to do this.
Was the only thing she could think. Hinata had been through her house burning down to a crisp when she was a child, a servant died in the process and she remembered it was because they were locked in from the inside.
Hissing her breath, she kept her gaze steady and tried not to inhale too much.
Is this what Tsunade-sama had seen at war?
Kneeling down for a second, eyes frantically glanced up at the roof, her mind giving silent prayers to a God she hoped exist.
I've managed this far, I can do it. Naruto wouldn't give up!
Getting back up on her two feet, she walked over a dead body and was surprised by a person that slammed her into the wall. "Get the fuck out of my way, un!" Blond locks swayed in the air as that was the only thing Hinata managed to register. Unconsciously watching him run away, he reminded her of Ino. Same stance, same length of hair, same run. Awing for a second, she glanced down.
"I-Ino..."
Muttering her friend's name, she felt like passing out and dieing with her even though she knew Naruto could have been home waiting for her. But why do that, a scream of agonizing pain snapped her out of the silly trance she was in. Her body started to run in the general direction, playing hop scotch over dead bodies and loose limbs.
"Ino... Ino! Ino!"
Hinata's voice stumbled against the sound of roaring fire and glass cracking.
Her body practically gave up on her as she saw the jumble her friend was entangled in, but she was alive. A tray of syringes was scattered over the floor, Ino's body not too far from it, and piece of the ceiling on top of her mid section. Scurrying over, Hinata analyzed the situation and instantly tried her hardest, nervousness starting to take over.
The first time it didn't budge, second time either.
By the third time she could feel her muscles getting a work out, her entire body covered in a heavy sheen of sweat. Finally managing to pull it off the woman, she coughed and gave a light smile, some more tears threatening to spill out.
Lilac hues glanced over Ino's body, and the Hyuga was just more than content her friend was in one piece, not a phalangy missing from her. Kneeling down, her hand placed over Ino's chest, in the heart area.
Ino gasped, her breath ragged as her vision was hazy, an arm outstretched in front of her reaching for a non existent person.
"E-everyone..." Her hand was caught mid air as it fell down by a warmer one. The person had about shoulder length hair, with random long strands of indigo hair, and a surprised look on their face.
"Ah, Hinata. That's a nice look for you." Ino spoke softly, a weary smile as she felt more than safe around the young woman, allowing her to drift off into unconsciousness. She could feel Hinata's hand examining her body, looking for anything that could have hurt her besides the hit to her head, and inhaling too much smoke.
"Ino... I-Ino!" Hinata could feel her vision blurry with tears as her hand gripped tightly her friend's hand. Smearing her face on her shoulder, she managed to whip away the tears. Pulling the young woman on her back she stared at the length she had to walk back to. It had occurred to her that she could have walked outside and burst through a window, but what happens if it was one that is reinforced and not easily breakable. Precious time had just been wasted on a silly attempt.
Well it couldn't have been too silly if Kiba just busted through the near by window with an ax, a worried look on his face. A wave of relief washed over Hinata as she screamed over to Kiba, her body shaking from fear and hope. Hope that he had heard her weak and strained voice. Too much adrenaline in her body.
"Hinata?! How did-" He stopped mid way and noticed who she had on her back. Mumbling some curse words under his breath he instantly ran over to both woman, asking them to duck.
"I'm not sure how long the lower levels of the hospital support system will hold the weight of the upper floors. Be careful, this can all come crashing down at any second." He admitted as Hinata gave him a weary smile and handed him Ino.
"Wh-what are you doing here, Kiba-kun?" The male grinned and started to head back as quickly as possible. "I'm volunteering as an officer for the K - 9 Unit. Ya' know. Getting my feet wet before I get everything sorted out and start working as a real officer." He admitted to her, guiding her through the tattered window. "Hinata be careful." Was all he whispered as his form was stopped by the grasp of her gentle hand.
"Where are you taking her?"
"Suna Hospital. God knows what else can happen to her here. Hinata... please stay safe, we don't what we're dealing with here yet." Kiba confessed, a frown emitting through his features.
Hinata gave a curt nod and proceeded to leave, but this time stopped by Kiba's questions.
"And where are you going?"
"To get Sakura. She doesn't work tonight, but we need her here." Saying her last hurray, she left a surprised Kiba with an unconscious Ino in his arms.
"Good luck with that, I tried calling her and nothing." He knew she couldn't hear his words, her form retreating into the mob of people and security guards.
Seeing a few registered nurses, they gasped at the sight of someone they knew injured and put her on a stretcher. But now came the serious problem, whether to send her by ambulance with a good thirty five minute drive, or five minutes by helicopter. Considering one had just crashed into their hospital.
Hinata took a deep breath, her body was still shaking. Now is when she was starting to feel he consequences of her brave actions, if that's what she wanted to consider them. Hinata had entered the fray without a second thought, living her body with first and second degree burns. Nothing that two weeks of relaxation for the area couldn't heal.
It's okay Hinata, you can do it. Stay sane, just a little more.
Hinata did such and exhaled softly, it had been about ten minutes sense all the chaos and the street this late at night were starting to get packed. Putting on her seat belt she glanced at the ashy skin and sighed.
A shower would seem nice.
Pushing the thought away she drove away to Sakura's house. It was about a ten minute drive this late at night.
As seconds ticked by to minutes, the Hyuga arrived at Sakura's home and knocked at the door, to only be greeted by Sakura's mother, a warm smile suddenly turned to worry as she opened the door, "Hinata... my dear, are you alright?" She mused and open the door fully to let her in, but she kindly declined.
"H-hai... I'm fine, but we need Sakura. There was an explosion at our hospital and we need as many employees as we can get. I k-know she doesn't work today, but is she in there?" The older woman shook her head in disagreement, it's not that she didn't want her child to leave into such a dangerous place, but just because she didn't know.
"I'm sorry Hinata. She left with Sasuke not too long ago. Maybe you can try Sasuke's apartment, its just a few minutes from here."
Hinata nodded her head softly, listening to the instructions carefully.
"Th-thank you Haruno-san." Giving a curt bow, she started to leave as the older woman gave a warm smile. Getting back into the vehicle she could only hope that Sasuke and Sakura wouldn't mind her presence, or she wasn't interrupting anything.
The moment she started to drive, the Hyuga practically had to step on her breaks, feeling as if her eminent all seeing eyes had tricked her.
Was... was that Sasuke-san?
She thought in amazement and parked the car, only to look back in the same direction and see no one there. For a second the Hyuga questioned her sanity. If it was Sasuke, it looked like him, just an older half naked version. Calming herself she slapped her cheeks with her hands.
"This is ridiculous." She muttered under her breath.
Calming her shot nervous, again, she managed to get to the apartment complex and park the car in one peace. Deciding to run up a large number of flight of stairs she made it to Sasuke's room and abruptly knocked on the door to only have a disheveled Sakura open the door.
"S-Sakura... are you alright?"
"I've... I've been better Hinata." The pinkette paused and took a step back, not even caring what she was wearing. "How did you know I was here?"
"I went to your apartment first, but your m-mom said you might be with Uchiha-san and told me to check if you were here... and well." Her hand fell to her side, "You were." voice now starting to get raspy. Sakura stared over at her attire and rose an eyebrow, her fingers gently pulling away some strands from Hinata's sweaty face. "Come in, what happened?" And opened the door fully for her.
Hinata graciously stepped in and stared at the empty house.
"Something crashed into the hospital."
"A helicopter." Sakura corrected her as Hinata's eyes widened.
"Y-you saw it?" Sakura gave a short nod, her body moving in shaky manner as she carried a pitcher of water and some cups. Hinata fallowed the young woman up a flight of stairs. "And Uchiha-san?"
Sakura stopped and opened the door to his room, seeing him laying there unconsciously, vomit on the side of his bed.
"I think he had a seizure, but after seeing the crash I decided against it." Hinata analyzed the scene in front of her, her hand gently resting on Sakura's shoulder. "We c-can send someone to pick him and take him to Suna hospital. I'm sure they'll know what to do with him, Sakura."
The pinkette shook her head in disagreement, holding tightly onto his hand. "No! I can't leave him alone."
"Sakura, you know he won't be alone. He's mom and dad will be there, keeping him here might only worsen the situation." She bit her lip and hated to say such things. "Imagine what he would want you to do." At that Sakura winced and closed her eyes with holding back a sob.
"We need you th-there, Sakura. You are Tsunade's apprentice, if something happens to her, w-we need someone who c-can tell us what to k-kinda' do." Hinata managed to say, her arm instantly reaching for the phone, noticing she had called 911 before, but the line went down. "I brought my car. Go change, please." She motioned softly, probably realizing why no one came over, especially after the explosion that occurred in the hospital.
Sakura nodded as she watched Hinata pull Sasuke over her shoulder and start walking down a flight of stairs.
Hinata managed to get him in the elevator with her. The moment the doors closed in front of her she blinked as she felt a pair of lips plant themselves on her neck. She paused and gasped in surprise, too shocked to move. "U-Uchiha-san?"
"Hm? What is it, my lily?" He spoke softly, lips still against her skin, hands massaging her body in a deep embrace.
"Uchiha-san!"
She shrieked in surprise, her arms letting go of his body as he dropped to the elevator floor with a small thud, and an annoyed look on his face.
"Hinata, where are we?" A bored expression adorned his face as he stared intently at her, making him tilt his head at what he saw: a shorter haired, tired and younger looking version of his Hinata. That was strange, the last time he checked they were on a bed, not a damn elevator.
"That's no way to treat your fiance."
Poor Hinata was having a heart attack mixed with a panic attack. She barely had spoken no more than two words to the child until his words hit her. He had to be joking, right? But unlike her, his eyes changed to a crimson hue and his Sharingan activated, seeming to be quite annoyed with the situation.
But his annoyance was a grave mistake as he started to scream, a look of displeasure running through his features, Hinata could only stare in horror as she watched the man twist and turn, his body now convulsing.
Snapping out of it, blaming his unskillful use of words on the seizure, and probably any brain problem that might have occurred, she picked him up again once he calmed down and sighed. It was too long of a night for the Hyuga heiress. Mumbling some tiresome words, she made it to her tiny car and placed him in the back seat. Right as she switched over to the drivers seat, and was about to honk, Sakura appeared through the double doors of the apartment complex, a determined look on her face.
"Suna Hospital! Right?"
Hinata nodded and waited for her to put on her seat belt, deciding to stay quiet about the small incident with Sasuke in the elevator. "H-Hai. It's about 25 minutes away, I'm sure we can get there a bit sooner."
Hinata wasn't one to disregard parking rules and driving regulations, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
"Did he have another attack, Hinata? His body seems tense again.." Sakura dully noted as emerald hues kept staring at the body. Hinata could only nod in response, too scared she might let it slip past her lips. Even though there was no reason to keep anything hidden from the young beauty, she didn't think it was right at the moment.
"S-Sakura-san, can you please call Neji-nii-sama for me, p-please. And tell him I am with you. He's probably watching this happen and is worried sick." Sakura nodded in response, doing as she was told. She had seen the Hyuga cousin every now and again, and as much of an asshole as he was for treating her and Sasuke like crap, he adored Hinata with every being of his life, meaning there was still some hope for him.
Pushing the thought away, she heard an annoyed voice answer, with a simple, "How did you get my number?"
Sakura just rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Sorry Hinata, he's all yours." and dialed a button on her phone and the call went to speaker.
"N-Neji?"
She began softly as a gasp was heard through his side of the phone. "Hinata-sama! Is that you? I heard what happened, are you alright?" It was a rocket fire question.
"Y-Yes, Neji-san, thank you. I was in the other side of the hospital when it happened, I'm with Sakura right now to take Uchiha-san to the near by hospital." This only made Neji tsk in annoyance. He gave credit where credit was due, but the Uchiha just never seemed to win him over.
"I hope you're not taking him to Suna Hospital." His voice took a grim turn as Hinata stopped at a red light, Sakura rose an eyebrow and didn't dare give a question. Silent filled the air for a few second as Neji continued.
"They have found over 33 bombs in the hospital Hinata-sama five minutes ago, all home made, and no one knows how they got there. Some have speculated that they've been planted there from years to even a few days old." Both females gasped in surprise. Who's to say there couldn't be any still active around the area.
"Shit...Hinata-sama, I must leave you. There are certain things I need to attend to, stay safe." and he abruptly hung up. Sakura and Hinata made eye contact for a moment, a look of worry filling their faces.
"Ino w-was sent there." Sakura tried to keep her composure hearing those words and bit her lip, to only look at the mirror and see Sasuke's body laying there. "How was she." Hinata took a deep breath. "In one piece. I think it was the after shock of it all. She does have a thin body." Sakura agreed and gulped, eyes moving from Sasuke's body to Hinata's.
"What do we do?"
Ah man, this one took me for a spin. I wasn't sure how I felt about this chapter. I feel like I could have done better, but I'm content with it, I hope you guys are as well.
By the way, I don't think I mentioned this, but characters will die. :)
So no, no one is safe, except well Hinata and Sasuke lol.
Please review, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you! Have a good night.
