It's Just Training

By: matou and meow

Chapter 7

Confrontment

Normal POV

An evenly tanned arm erupted from beneath a mound of thick wool blankets. Following the arm popped out a yawning blonde with frazzled hair and whisker like scratches on both cheeks. Rubbing his eyes slowly he allowed another yawn to surpass his lips as he drowsily looked around his surroundings. At first, all that clouded his vision was pure white light. Shocked, the boy jumped up out of bed thinking that he had died and gone to heaven when a soft voice pulled him back from his delusion.

"Naruto-kun?"

The boy blinked subconsciously, and looked around at the environment he was placed in. He hadn't died, quite the contrary, he had only been rescued. Plopping back down onto his feathery pillow he laid there soaking in everything that had happened. Turning his head to the sound of the voice Naruto was bemused to see Hinata in a similar condition. Only hers appeared to be much more severe.

Blind to the fact that he too was injured, Naruto leapt out of bed at the speed of sound shouting frantically, "Hinata!" The moment his bandaged ankle supported his weight a surge of pain erected through this entire leg, spreading to his brain within seconds in which receptors of pain shoot out. This throbbing feeling was more puzzling then pain, for Naruto found himself sprawled on the floor wondering how he ended up there in the first place. Pushing himself upwards Naruto looked down at the source of the pain, and frowned as he surveyed his nicely bandaged ankle.

Shrugging, he decided that Hinata's condition was more important then his own, and he forced himself into half standing half kneeling position. All the while Hinata was practically on pins and needles straining her neck over the edge to see if Naruto was hurt in anyway shape or form. "What happened?" Naruto asked puzzled as he was now only a foot away from her bed. Unlike Naruto's eyes which were focused on Hinata's face, Hinata's was focused on Naruto's lower body. The blonde was only wearing silky boxers and the mere sight of Naruto practically nude sent electric zlotys up and down Hinata's body, paralyzing her in embarrassment.

Blood rose to the surface of Hinata's face, unable to contain herself any longer she fainted. Thinking something horribly wrong occurred Naruto started to shake Hinata shouting, "HELP…SOMEBODY PLEASE!"

Sasuke's POV

We had to wait three long and grueling days for that Naruto-obsessed Hinata girl to heal. Tsunade took pleasure in assigning each team one tent; two depending on if that team had both sexes. Much to my dismay I had to share a tent with the infamous Neji. We weren't allowed to leave our tents unless for food or to, heh…'relieve ourselves.' Kakashi explained that it was to keep sabotaging and cheating to a minimum; which didn't really settle the butterflies in my stomach telling me that it felt like everything was one big conspiracy. Sequences from my dream and images of kissing Naruto's soft lips kept plaguing my mind. I had no idea why I did such a thing, and that thought nagged at me until I felt my sanity slip through my flingers like a string to a balloon.

The first day and a half, Naruto was still in the medical tent healing from his sprained ankle. The medical ninja's wouldn't allow anybody besides Tsunade into the tent. Not even Kakashi was allowed. Even if I wanted to sneak in I couldn't. Every time I think of that stupid-dobe I get queasy like I want to vomit continuously. I wanted to visit Naruto, and I wanted to see what really happened to Hinata. For the reason Tsunade gave was quick, simple, and left too many holes in the explanation.

However; it seemed that whenever I left my tent for any reason Sakura or Ino would pop out of nowhere and attempt conversation with me. I couldn't go anywhere without one or the other tagging along; I swear they had Sasuke radar or something. Knowing those two they probably invited the very machine and were selling it on the black market. This put a smile on my face…but then I became paranoid.

The time spent in the tent was torturous. I had to much free time, which resulted in my mind roaming, which was a very dangerous and hazardous to my health. I could be thinking about something simple like bread and next thing I know I am envisioning myself with Naruto. I felt myself getting sicker and sicker. But every time I felt my head or looked at myself I looked normal; and I wasn't running a temperature. Why am I feeling this way? I wanted to puke! I wanted to empty my insides, purge myself of these tainted feelings! This is wrong…it's sick and it's twisted! This isn't love! Above all it's immoral! He would never return these tainted feelings. What am I saying? I have no feelings for him.

Uzamaki Naruto you sicken me! I hate your clothes, I hate your hair and yet I hate the way you make me feel! If I had feelings…which I don't. But the worst part was that Neji knew- undoubtedly, he knew all about the feelings, I harbored towards Naruto, if I had any, and his accusing glances always made me feel even stranger; even sicker. Whenever he looked at me his facial features filled with mockery as if deep inside he was judging and laughing at me.

I couldn't stand it any longer; I needed to clear my head. I left the tent without excusing myself and started walking toward the pile of ashes where the bonfire was to be; since it was early morning nobody was up and about yet. I wanted to see Naruto, no I had to see him, but before I could get to were he resided something I hadn't estimated happened.

Shino stepped right in front of me. His eyes hidden behind black shades and his coat collar covering his mouth; his facial expression never changed.

"Sasuke?"

I quirked an eyebrow; I don't remember ever passing more than a handful of words with this guy. I just stood there, glaring, hoping that my demeanor would run him off… it didn't, I died a little inside, and then he continued in a hoarse whisper,

"Hinata didn't just fall."

I blinked. I knew that already. Tell me something I don't already know!

"Shikamaru stuck out his hand, and Hinata lunged toward it, for the ground beneath her was cracking and falling. At the last second Shikamaru pulled away."

He stopped talking, waiting for me to reply. After a moment of complete and utter silence I cleared the phlegm in my throat and demanded recklessly,

"Why are you telling me this? Why not tell Gai, or Tsunade?"

Shino, his voice continuing in that dull plays-by-the rules voice,

"If I did…I would have no proof. Hinata would never confess. We both know that, and even if I stand up and tell them the real story; Shikamaru would say he tried to reach her but couldn't reach. Besides I know that Shikamaru is planning something, but I just don't know what."

I brushed my fingers through my hair. I had enough problems of my own to start dealing with more. I then spat out,

"This has nothing to do with me!"

Okay I admit I am selfless. I refuse to meddle in things that don't concern me. The only person that I would meddle with is…Naruto. Shino turned around and started walking away saying loudly for all to hear,

"But it has everything to do with Gaara…and Naruto. Think about it."

A/N: Sorry it took so long…my computer ate all the chapters I was originally going to out up…so now I must start from scratch…:gonk:

Footnotes:

Chinkyaku: Welcome visitors

Kami: God

Kawaii: Cute

Dobe: Loser

Nani: What/Huh

Baka: Fool/Stupid/Idiot etc

Hitai-ate: Headband