Stress from the preceding days eventually caught up with Hinata when she awoke Monday morning with a fever. Neji forced her to spend the week resting but by Friday, home was the last place she wanted to be.
"You really need to take it easy," Neji urged. "You've been through a lot."
Hinata ran a brush through her tangled hair. "I-I'll be fine."
True, she did still feel sick and her emotional state was questionable, but being cooped up in her room half the week only proved to make her feel worse. She was worried about Naruto after hearing he was admitted to the hospital with a concussion. Along with that, she was getting behind with her school work and she still had obligations to help decorate for the school's upcoming Halloween dance. There was just too much going on for her to miss anymore school.
Hinata smiled at her cousin through her dresser mirror. For Neji's sake she was prepared to at least pretend she was alright. Whether it was through guilt or desire he put off any plans he had for the week to stay home and take care of her. Hinata didn't want him to feel obligated though she new that wasn't necessarily the case. All the same she was ready to start moving forward.
"Fine," he said with defeat. "But if you start to feel bad at all don't hesitate to go home."
"I w-will."
Neji excused himself to let her finish getting ready While gathering her books Gaara's jacket caught her attention; she gently touched the brown fabric. They hadn't talked since the weekend and she still wondered what happened with him that night. Neji did say it was none of her business, but she couldn't help the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. Gaara was a mystery to her. She knew nothing of his life before he moved. Was it possible there was a side of him that he was trying to keep hidden? And what of Neji? He was allowed to know but she was made to be left in the dark. . .
"Sister," Hanabi called from the hallway. "we're going to be late."
"I-I'm coming," That settled it. She wasn't going to make the same mistake she made with Naruto. Next time she got the chance she wanted to tell Gaara what was on her mind.
"W-Why is everyone s-staring at m-me?" Hinata's eyes darted from side to side as she walked with Kiba down the school's hall.
"Do you really have to ask?" Kiba laughed. "You've missed a week of school, Naruto's in the hospital and Sakura has been a sobbing mess for days."
Hinata's face reddened. She pressed her books tighter to her chest. Maybe coming today wasn't such a good idea after all...
Kiba grinned and poked her cheek. "This is high school. You didn't honestly think anybody wouldn't find out did you?"
Hinata shrugged helplessly and pulled her English book from her locker. This was going to be a bad day.
"Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Kiba put his hand to her forehead. "You feel warm."
She batted his hand away. "I'm f-fine."
Kiba shot her a doubting glance. "Don't push yourself too hard; a lot has happened to you."
Hinata huffed. "W-Why does everyone k-keep saying that? W-Whether I'm at h-home or school, n-nothing is going to ch-change."
Kiba raised his hands in defense. "Jeez, sorry."
She dropped her eyes to the floor feeling embarrassed. "I-I'm sorry, Kiba. I didn't m-mean to snap at y-you. It's j-just," she hesitated, "all t-the staring, and whispering . . . It's h-harder than I e-expected."
"Hey don't worry about it." Kiba patted her softly. "I've got your back."
She smiled faintly to her friend. The bell rang signaling the start of class.
"Let's go." Keba instructed. I can't afford to be tardy again."
"Hinata," Kakashi greeted when the two teens rushed through the door. "Good to see you well again. Come see me after class so I can catch you up on missing assignments."
"Yes, Mr. Kakashi," Hinata slunk to her desk. She wondered if even the teachers had heard what happened. . .
By the time lunch finally arrived Hinata had endured countless whispers and sympathetic stares, even receiving a few evil glares from Sakura's clique. But as luck would have it, Hinata hadn't seen Sakura any. Unfortunately, it would seem Gaara wasn't there either.
"H-Has anyone heard from G-Gaara?" Hinata asked as she added an apple to her lunch tray.
"Gaara?" Kiba thought for a moment. "He was here Monday, but I haven't seen him since."
Hinata frowned.
Kiba shrugged. "Sorry, you and Neji are really the only ones who have anything to do with him. If you haven't noticed, Gaara isn't exactly the most popular guy here."
She hated to admit it, but Kiba was right. Very few students wanted anything to do with him. Some even went out of their way to avoid him.
"He's really not that bad of a guy," Neji chimed in.
"Speaking of popular guys," Tenten pointed out as everyone settled around their table. "That new guy is really ranking up."
Neji lost interest in his pizza. "What new guy?"
"Ah, right, you've been home with Hinata all week so you've not had the chance to meet him, his name is Sasuke, he's –
Neji's eyes narrowed. "Sasuke? What's his last name?"
"Uchiha," Kiba spoke with a mouth full of corn.
His expression changed from curiosity to dark. The shift in atmosphere went unnoticed by everyone but Hinata and Tenten. It was unusual for him to break composure.
Tenten put her hand on his shoulder. "Do you know him?"
"Come to think of it," Kiba started before Neji could reply. "He moved from the same town as you. Did you go to school with him?"
"No," Neji replied curtly. "Excuse me, I just remembered something I have to do."
"Neji, wait," Tenten exclaimed but he was already tossing his lunch in the trash and walking away.
The group turned to Hinata. She only shrugged, just as confused as the rest.
Kiba was about to talk but the bell stopped him. Hinata jumped up and quickly said her goodbyes. She wanted to catch up with Neji before heading to gym.
"Alright everyone, listen up!" the teacher shouted as the last remaining students came from the locker room.
Hinata's head throbbed with pain when he blew his whistle. She never did find Neji. . .
"Today we'll be going outside to run on the track!"
All the students groaned in protest. "Mr. Guy, can't we play dodge ball instead?" one student pleaded.
"No! Everyone is going to run two miles around the football field and love it! And just to make things more interesting." Mr. Guy grinned. "I'll be running right along with you. Anyone who actually manages to keep up with me gets to choose next week's activity!"
The little glimmer of hope was all the encouragement the class needed as they went outside to stretch.
"Hinata," Tenten extended her arms behind her back. "I know everyone's been asking, but are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm f-fine." Hinata said. Her patience wearing thin.
"I don't just mean just your health . . ." her brow furrowed with concern. "I know how bad you must be hurting right now, a week is hardly enough time to get over a break-up. If you need anything at all don't hesitate to ask, we can have a girls night or something."
Hinata agreed, touched by Tenten's offer but she didn't think it would be necessary. After that night Hinata felt oddly detached from her feelings. She took some pride and comfort in it, hoping that just maybe she could pull through this without breaking down.
"Ahh . . ." Tenten said. A knowing smile spread from her lips.
Hinata came up from stretching her legs. "W-What is it?"
"It looks like the new guy is taking an interest in you." Tenten gestured behind her.
"Huh?" Hinata blinked in confusion and turned around instantly locking eyes, a few yards away, with an unfamiliar face.
"That's Sasuke," Tenten reminded her. "The one we were talking about during lunch."
"Everyone done warming up? Let's line up!" Mr. Guy shouted before Hinata could speak.
Slowly Hinata took her place with the other students. Some leant forward as they waiting permission to start, others shifted their feet in anticipation against the dark cement track.
Hinata took a steady breath as she mentally prepared herself. It didn't matter to her if she kept up with the teacher. She knew she wasn't that well in shape, she only wanted to survive the two miles.
"READY! GO!"
Hinata took off, not caring as students quickly passed by; it was better to pace herself then waste energy for short quick bursts.
The sun's rays shined bright against the field, but it did nothing to warm the air causing each breath to burn in her lungs.
"How . . . " Tenten panted "Are you doing?"
Hinata gave her an assuring nod. "Go on," she puffed, "ahead." She knew Tenten was holding herself back for her sake, but there really wasn't a need.
Tenten gave her a quick look over before dashing on.
Pressing on, her feet hit harder, heart racing faster as she made it through her second lap.
She was nearly done with the third lap when suddenly her vision faltered. She slowed her run to a jog and placed a hand to her head.
"Are you alright?" A guy said from beside her.
Hinata looked over, surprised to see Sasuke. "Y-Yes," she struggled to say, but her next step proved futile as she tripped over her own foot.
"Whoa," Sasuke caught her before she could hit the ground.
"I'm s-sorry." Hinata said breathlessly. She tried to stand back up only to stumble back down.
"Take it easy," Sasuke placed a hand on her back.
"S-Sorry, I j-just," she gulped air. "Got a l-little dizzy."
"Come on," Sasuke said as he helped lift her up. "Let's get off the track and out of everyone's way."
Sasuke led her over to the grass where he gently placed her back down.
"Oh no," Tenten said once she spotted the two. "I knew you weren't feeling well enough for this."
"Hinata!" Mr. Guy stopped on the track but continued to run in place. "If you were still sick you should have said something."
Hinata's face burned with embarrassment. She had done so well all day too. "I'm f-fine, really, j-just a little tired."
"Sasuke, good man! Even though you were wining you didn't let competition get in the way of helping a fellow student, that's a team player! I know you're new but you should know were the nurses office is. Will you guide Hinata there?"
"Yes sir."
Mr. Guy gave a thumbs up and continued running.
"Come on, let's go," Sasuke tried to compel.
Hinata got the feeling she was being commanded, she didn't care much for it either.
"I c-can go by myself," She didn't sound as firm as she wanted.
Sasuke grabbed her shoulder, catching Hinata off guard. "The teacher made you my responsibility. If anything happens to you it will be on me."
"Hey Sasuke," Tenten said, just as shocked by the forcefulness . "Actually, I need to go there myself. Period cramps and all that, you know how it is. I'll make sure Hinata gets there safely."
Sasuke's grip on Hinata's shoulder got tighter before he released her. "See that she does." he walked away without another word.
The two girls were both resting comfortably in the nurse's office "What in the world was that about?"
"I d-don't know," Hinata admitted. "He was sort of creepy."
"Just a little bit," Tenten joked. "I'm beginning to wonder what all the girls see in him. I guess in high school being hot over rides being an asshole."
"How are you girls feeling?" It was the school's nurse coming to check on them.
"M-Much better, thank you," Hinata smilled.
The nurse gave a kind nod. "You have to learn to pace yourself when you've been sick. If you don't properly rest you could get sick again, only worse."
"I u-understand," Hinata felt silly. She really didn't think she was all that ill.
The nurse checked Hinata's temperature one more time. "School will be over shortly. You two just take it easy until then."
"Hinata," Tenten spoke when the nurse walked out. "would you mind if I came home with you after school? I'm a little worried about Neji. I really want to know what was wrong."
Hinata debated for a moment. Truth be told, she wanted to be alone, but Tenten seemed so concerned. "O-Of course, I d-don't mind. I'm w-worried about him m-myself."
Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion
And all those things I didn't say
Wrecking balls inside my brain
I will scream them loud tonight
'Can you hear my voice this time
This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I'm alright song
My power's turned on
Starting right now I'll be strong
I'll play my fight song
And I don't really care if nobody else believes
'Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me
A/N Yay another chapter down XD I'm feeling pretty accomplished. I'll be periodically updating this story along with my newest one, "It's Your Love" I've really been in the mood to work on both. Anywho...Hope everyone enjoyed this one, I'd like opinions :D.
Lastly, the song at the end is fight song by rachel platten, I do not own :)
