Hello :) Chapter 4 is up now so yay! I'm always a chapter ahead with my writing, so the good news is you guys will probably get updates every other day just like I've been doing. SasuHina is so fun to write...although I'm a big NaruHina girl at heart. I'm getting caught up with Shippuden and I really am not liking Sakura right now -_o Anywhoooooooo, thank you for the follows, reviews and favorites. They truly make me feel happy! And when I'm happy, I write more.
Sasuke was done with being stuck and cooped up at the hospital. His leg was healing up just fine, even though he still relied on the crutch. And since Tsunade was dragging her feet on releasing him, he figured he would do it for her. It's not like it was the first time he left without permission. The day after Hinata helped him back to his room, he decided it was time to get the hell out of there and away from Naruto. In the very early morning hours, Sasuke got dressed in a hooded jacket and a pair of pants that he found in the closet in his room. The only belongings he had was the box that Hinata had found so there wasn't much to take with him. Everything in the box was still untouched from the first day he got it, and he didn't have time to waste here. Sasuke needed to get out now and figure out his plan. With the crutch under his armpit and the box in his arm, Sasuke threw up the hood on his jacket and crept silently out of his room and down the hall. He waited behind a corner for a group of nurses to go by before he simply walked right out of the Konoha Hospital. Tch…that was easy.
The only place he knew he could go was his old home in the Uchiha district so that was his first destination. From there, he would decide where to go. Sasuke wandered down the streets of Konoha and was glad he left as early as he did. The sun was just beginning to rise and he was avoiding the morning crowd. Konoha was in much better shape than Tsunade led him on to believe. Of course…it had been nearly a month since the attack so repairs were nearing completion around the village. It was also very strange to be back 'home'. He resented this place so much that he had forgotten how much he kind of missed it. It was where he was born and raised after all. Sasuke followed the streets until he got closer to his district. Something seemed out of place, though. He could usually see the entrance gate at this point. His stomach dropped when he got closer. …what the hell?! He quickened his pace as much as he could with the crutch being more of a nuisance than anything. It finally hit him as he could see the crumbled buildings, rubble and the overall destruction of his district.
Sasuke just stood at the front entrance and stared at the rubble. The thought of his district being taken out never really crossed his mind and no one had really mentioned it to him. He also wasn't surprised that the Hokage-bitch wasn't even making efforts to clean—or better yet restore- his district. She was just fucking nosy making the Hyuuga go dig around. Sasuke wasn't sure if he was angry, surprised or sad. Nothing really seemed to make sense since he woke up and he half wondered if maybe he was stuck in some weird genjutsu. This was yet another reason to leave Konoha and forget everything that came along with it—especially Naruto.
The clouds began to dominate over the rising sun as Sasuke slowly walked through his old district. The one hope that he had was to return to living in his old home, but even then he couldn't do that. He didn't get his revenge. His district was gone. He was officially the last Uchiha left in the world. He had no one. Itachi was looking for Naruto and that was the reason he invaded Konoha. So it's Naruto's fault. But Sasuke knew deep down it was his fault. It was depressing and distracting. His foot got caught on a few bricks in his way, which sent him falling face first into the dirt. The box in his arm flew a few feet before it landed. A pain shot up his leg and he gritted his teeth. He attempted to get to his feet, but his crutch was nowhere to be found. Out of frustration, Sasuke formed chakra in his hand and activated his Chidori. He limped over towards a pile of rubble and blasted it to pieces. And he continued doing this until he couldn't take the pain in his leg anymore. He fell to the ground and gasped for air. Nothing seemed to satisfy his frustrations.
"AHHHH!" He screamed and pounded the ground with his fist. Sasuke felt weak, helpless, and alone. How does he pick up the pieces of his life when he had none to begin with? He laid there for what seemed like an hour as he enjoyed his pity party. Sasuke was tired of thinking about the past; he hated the present, and didn't even want to think of the future. It didn't look hopeful. Eventually, Sasuke managed to get up and he found his crutch lying underneath debris from his tantrum from earlier. With the crutch now firmly supporting him, he suddenly panicked. The box…shit! Sasuke frantically searched for where the box could have landed and he cursed himself for creating even more debris to look under. After a few minutes he found the old box underneath a few slabs of dry wall. Luckily it was fine. He picked it up and stared at it. He never did read the scrolls. With nothing else to do, Sasuke decided now would be a good time.
He stepped over piles of debris and could see the remaining police headquarters ahead of him. It was still somewhat intact and from the looks of the clouds in the sky, it might rain. Sasuke made it to shelter just in time for the first rain drop to hit the ground. The pitter patter of the rain made for a nice break in the silence as Sasuke leaned up against an old wall and slid to the floor. He remembered Hinata telling him it emitted a chakra and he wasn't sure why. Sasuke unlatched the box and picked up one of three scrolls. The seal was an old Uchiha seal for important documents and he held up his hands to break it immediately. The paper was very old and brittle so he had to be careful as he opened it up.
Dear Sasuke,
Happy 16th birthday! I write this as you're only a small little boy, but I knew from the moment I held you in my arms that you would become someone great. Your brother certainly talks non-stop on how much he loves the Academy. Of course you still have a few years until you're able to attend, but both of you are so gifted and talented. Your father and I decided to keep with the Uchiha tradition of writing you your 16th birthday wishes early. As you read this, I know you're a great ninja. You should have graduated from the academy already and are pursuing many goals! Please continue to make us proud, not only as our youngest son but as an Uchiha.
Love, Mother
Sasuke read the scroll over and over again until he almost had it memorized. He had no idea that this was ever written or that it was intended to be a birthday present for him. A small smile spread across his lips. There was no one around to hide that smile from or pretend to act tough in front of. He carefully rolled the scroll back up, and grabbed another one that was in the box. With the seal broken, Sasuke held his breath as he opened the next one.
Sasuke,
It is tradition in the Uchiha family to leave behind letters of the past for the future- especially for your 16th birthday. It means now you are a man and hopefully by now a Jonin. Continue to pursue big goals just like your brother Itachi. The name of the Uchiha is only for those who achieve greatness so keep that in mind with every mission.
Father
His father was always a man of few words. And when those words did come out they were blunt and to the point. He suddenly felt like he resembled his father now even at the age of 17. Sasuke frowned. But did he maintain the greatness his father always pushed him for? He never did get the approval or acknowledgement he needed from his family. A crack of thunder boomed in the distance as the rain continued outside. After a few minutes, Sasuke grabbed the final scroll and exhaled when he opened it. It was full of words of encouragement from fellow Uchiha like his aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors. The last scribbles of ink on the scroll were from his brother, wishing him luck. The scroll was beginning to get blurry as his eyes filled with years. He blinked them away, but it seemed out of his control. For the first time in three years, Sasuke allowed himself to cry freely.
Here he was damning himself and everyone around him. But the words of those lost were there to encourage him even though there was nothing left. He didn't feel so alone anymore. Sasuke felt a sob erupt from his throat and it echoed in the building as he let it all out. Father…mother…everyone… I won't let you down. I will not fail. He hugged the scroll close to him and felt the anger in his heart subside. He wouldn't let the name Uchiha disappear. He wouldn't settle for anything but greatness.
"Tch… Shizune! I need another damn bucket in here." Tsunade yelled as rain was leaking into her office. Things were getting replaced, but the roof was currently being worked on. All her papers were getting dripped on from over her desk.
"Hai!" She heard the voice from outside her office. Tsunade looked across the room adorned with buckets and the constant drip was driving her insane. Shizune appeared with a bowl.
"Umm we're out of buckets." She smiled apologetically and she placed the bowl on Tsunade's desk. Tsunade scowled a bit and set the bowl to the left of her desk, lining it up with the water leaking from above. Her room looked stupid and all she had to do was laugh to herself.
"I suppose it could always be worse." Tsunade said under her breath, and Ton-Ton wiggled in her lap. Shizune smiled brightly.
"Did you hear the news? Naruto-kun is awake."
"Mmm… it's about time." Tsunade said and even she couldn't hide her relief. There were a lot of things weighing on the Fifth Hokage's mind and this was one thing she was able to not worry about anymore. "It seems he is just fine…a little sore but he should be able to leave within a week or so."
"And Uchiha Sasuke?" Shizune asked cautiously. Tsunade folded her hands on her desk and rolled her eyes.
"Well, he's gone. But I know for a fact he is still in the village. I'm keeping a close eye on him." She said watching the rain drops fall into the buckets scattered across the room. Suddenly there was a loud knock on the door and before anyone could say anything, Sasuke barged in.
"Ch!" Tsunade said as he slammed the door shut behind him. "You've got some damn nerve, Uchiha!"
"When were you going to tell me my district was gone?" He asked sharply leaning on his crutch. The thunder rumbled in the distance as Tsunade leaned back in her chair.
"Well I wasn't expecting you to let release yourself from the hospital." She closed her eyes, and sighed heavily. He was as annoying as when Orochimaru used to pull that shit with her. "Needless to say, I've got a lot of other more important things to tend to, thanks to you."
"I don't care." Sasuke said. The pitter-patter of the rain was all that could be heard as they sat in silence. Tsunade slammed her hands on her desk, making the bowl of water almost shatter. Ton-Ton squealed out of fear and jumped down from Tsunade's lap.
"Damnit, Sasuke. Now you listen to m-"
"And you have the Hyuuga girl snooping around without even bothering to ask me." Sasuke sneered at her. Tsunade had to count to ten to calm herself down. The repairmen already had enough to work on—they didn't need another wall blown out.
"It was my decision, not yours. She came to me afterward and you should really thank her." Sasuke rolled his eyes. "I originally wasn't going to let you have that box. But she pleaded with me."
"I want supplies to rebuild the Uchiha district." He said, changing the subject to the reason he was there.
"Excuse me?"
"I want supplies to rebuild the Uchiha district." Sasuke repeated bitterly. "I don't need your help; I just need the tools to do it." Tsunade was silent for a moment and she rubbed her temples. I need a drink. Shizune bit her lip and stared down at her feet. He was truly testing the patience of the Fifth Hokage.
"Fine," She murmured. That meant that Sasuke was staying in the village and she would still need to keep an eye on him. "But you're in my village so you'll follow my rules. You're not allowed to do as you please like you were with Orochimaru. Got that?" Sasuke smirked and bowed mockingly.
"Yes ma'am…"
"Shizune. Provide Uchiha Sasuke with a loft for tonight, some clothes and spending money."
"Don't bother. I'll stay in my district tonight." He said.
"Whatever. You'll need a sleeping bag and other sorts. Take them or I'll forcibly send you back to the hospital for tonight." Sasuke shrugged and he turned to hobble out.
"By the way, Naruto is awake." She added, curious to see his response. He acted like he didn't hear her and slammed the door shut behind him. Shizune, who had been holding her breath, exhaled.
Hinata struggled to open her eyes, and when she did she found herself in her own hospital room. She sat up but immediately regretted it. Her head had a dull ache and when she brought her hand to rub her forehead, she felt a bandage.
"Hinata-san," She looked over to see Neji sitting in a chair next to her bed with his arms crossed firmly on his chest. Hinata suddenly felt very embarrassed. She wondered if he knew all the details.
"…N-Neji-san?" Hinata laid back down on the bed as she thought back to yesterday. She was about to visit Naruto that morning when she accidentally overheard the conversation between him and Sakura. She was a bit ashamed, since it was a very personal exchange between the two. Of course Hinata always knew deep down that Naruto had feelings for Sakura. He always had, and even though Hinata tried her best to gain Naruto's approval…she never received it. She suddenly felt silly, fainting because of hearing Naruto's confession to Sakura.
"What happened?" Neji interrupted her thoughts. His tone seemed more disappointed than it did sympathetic. Hinata felt hot tears welling up in her eyes. He always made her feel like a child.
"I felt a bit whoozy y-yesterday and must have fainted." She said quietly. Neji smirked gently and bowed his head a bit.
"I was worried when Sakura came by yesterday. But it's good that it wasn't serious." Hinata turned her head so he wouldn't see her struggle emotionally. He was never good with that sort of thing and she wouldn't show any more weakness than she needed to in front of him.
"Hinata, how are you feeling?" Sakura asked as she walked into the room. She nodded a greeting towards Neji, and walked next to the bed.
"I'm fine." Hinata said quietly while Sakura removed the bandages from her forehead. Neji frowned when he saw the gash.
"One moment…" Sakura said as she rested her hand over the wound and applied healing chakra. "Is the pain any better?"
"H-Hai."
"Well, you're free to go. Just come back in a few days so I can make sure it isn't infected." Hinata nodded and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Sakura smiled brightly.
"I meant to tell you…Naruto is finally awake if you want to visit him. I told him you were a big help when it came to changing his bandages. I'm sure he'd want to say thanks." Neji raised his eyebrow at this. He knew that she was visiting him every day because she would be absent during his training with Hanabi. Hiashi also took note of her increasing absence since the attack on Konoha.
"Oh…that's great. But I think I'm just ready to go home." She said quietly and got up. Sakura frowned a bit but nodded while Hinata walked towards the door. Neji also stood up and followed her to the door. They walked silently down the hallway.
"I'm sorry I made you worry." Hinata glanced over at him and he offered her a reassuring smile.
"It's quite all right. It is my duty to make sure you're safe." She wondered if he only looked out for her specifically because it was his duty or because he actually cared for her. They reached the doors of the hospital to leave and Hinata frowned.
"Oh… it's raining."
"Mm. It's been raining all morning." Neji said opening the door for her.
"Oyyyyy, Neji!" Tenten was running up the walkway to the hospital while wiping rain water from her face. "Gai-sensei wants us to do some quick training before he leaves for a mission." Neji suddenly looked irritated. Gai would want to train in the rain. If it wasn't a sunset, it was some other strange extreme. Lee would be pleased.
"Mission? Is the Fifth Hokage allowing missions to resume again?" Tenten nodded.
"It's got to be an emergency though. And someone of high rank needs to be escorted." Neji sighed lightly and looked to Hinata. She smiled.
"I-I'll be fine. I can walk home on my own."
"I won't be long. Make sure you go straight home." She nodded, and said her goodbyes to Tenten. Hinata hesitated for a moment before she walked into the rain, and it felt cold on her skin. It caused a shiver to go down her spine. Even though she promised Neji she'd go straight home, it was the last place she wanted to be. After finding out that Naruto was awake, she was very happy. However she had a hard time dismissing the thoughts of his confession with Sakura. She tried very hard for the attention of Naruto and yet he only seemed to look past her. Hinata wondered if all the hard work of training and getting stronger was worth anything. While she did enjoy her team and going on the missions, she always felt that being a ninja was more of her father's wish than hers. She was the heir to the Hyuuga. The wind howled and blew back her bangs while the rain pelted on her gash. Hinata brought a small hand up to trace a finger on it. It did feel better with Sakura's first aid, but it would take a few days to go away completely.
Hinata took her time walking in the rain while she playfully splashed in the puddles on the streets. She didn't even notice someone walking slowly behind her.
"Watch it, Hyuuga." The cold words made her freeze in her steps as she turned around.
"O-Oh I'm so sorry." She said, and realized the only person who called her 'Hyuuga' was Uchiha Sasuke. The rain was picking up and he almost didn't hear her over the loud pitter-patters on the streets. Sasuke limped passed her with the crutch helping him down the street. He was slow but as long as he was getting to where he had to go it was fine. Hinata followed behind him and felt embarrassed. Was he watching her the entire time? She noticed he had a backpack and then it hit her—he was out of the hospital. Where was he staying? It had been years since he lived in Konoha and she knew more than anyone that his district was almost completely gone.
"Sasuke-kun," Hinata tried to get his attention but he either didn't hear her or he ignored her. "Do y-you have anywhere to stay tonight?"
"Why are you following me?" He simply asked and stopped to rest his leg. Sasuke would never show it, but the pain was excruciating. Leaving the hospital this early was probably not the best idea he ever had. She opened her mouth to say something, but his question surprised her so nothing came out. He snorted at her.
"I'm not. The Hyuuga D-District is this way." She tried to defend herself because it was true. The rain pelted down on them as they stood there in silence. The rain dripped off his hair and down his cheeks. Hinata blushed and looked away—she was staring again. Maybe the reason why all the girls in this village melted at his every word was because he was the tall-dark-and-handsome type. It wasn't her type at all, but there was something about him that she couldn't predict. Sasuke smirked when he saw the color on her cheeks and he turned around to continue on his way home.
"W-Wait, do you need somewhere to stay?" She asked him again while she followed after him.
"No."
"Oh," She was a few steps behind him, and Hinata had to walk even slower since he was relying on his crutch. The only other place she could think that he was going was the Uchiha district which was on the outskirts of the village. Hinata frowned. He couldn't possibly be going there. She watched the water squish out of her shoes as she walked and the rain began to lighten, much to Sasuke's relief. He kept moving his eyes to look back at her. She was much different than the other girls around here. She didn't try to get his approval but she also didn't stand up for herself. The Hyuuga mansion was coming in view and Hinata chewed on her lower lip. She was sure her father would be disappointed that she spent the night in the hospital because of a faint. Hinata brushed her wet bangs to cover up the gash and when she reached the gate, she stopped. Sasuke continued to limp forward. She smiled slightly. He had more pride than Neji did. And with that final note, Hinata took a deep breath and entered the Hyuuga mansion.
