Ch8- one more time

"Hinata" Kakashi's voice woke me up.

I yawned and looked up at him through my dark lashes "Hm?' I mused.

Then I realized Naruto wasn't next to me anymore and leapt up "where is he" Kakashi rushed his arms around my slender body restraining me when I moved.

"Hinata clam down"

"No" I screeched "if he's gone after him he'll get hurt" I struggled to free myself but all my attempts to move my sensei were failed.

He laid a finger down on my lips "Hinata, he has gone after Sasuke, he's taken Shikamaru, Choji, Neji and Kiba with him. I'm sure he'll be fine."

I shook my head pushing his hand away "why couldn't I go then?"

"You're running a high fever, that's why"

I whispered "This is really happening isn't it….he's gone"

Kakashi nodded "were gonna get him back"

I shook my head "no….if I've learned anything about Sasuke in these past few years, it's that he comes on his own terms. We won't get him back unless he wants to come back"

"You know Hinata; it seems you know both Naruto and Sasuke very well"

I nodded "and I know you to sensei"

"How so?"

"I've heard you talking in your sleep. When you're lying near me during missions when were all sleeping outside. I've heard you talking about Rin and Obuto. You must miss them"

He nodded "all the time. Losing a team mate is like losing a family member. You know Sasuke's alive, Obuto wasn't…." his voice trailed off.

"Obuto Uchiha" I whispered "is that where you got your eye?"

He seemed to have bitten his lip "y..Yes" he was becoming emotional. I'd never seen him look so sad. It was then that I realized he was crying.

"Sensei" I whispered inching closer to him and wrapping my arms around his neck. "s'okay" I whispered running my fingers through his silvery hair "s'okay" he threw his large hands up on my back and pulled me closer. At that moment I could feel his warmth. I could hear his heart. But most importantly I could hear him crying and all I wanted in the world was to dry his tears.

I rushed into the hospital about three days later. It would seem that everyone was injured. Shikamaru had the least of it. A broken finger. Naruto…Choji….Neji…Kiba…..they were all in critical condition. I ran down the hall to Naruto's hospital room. He was staring out the window, all wrapped up in bandages from head to toe.

"Hey" I smiled sitting down on the ledge of his bed.

"He's gone" was all he said.

"You did your best"

The door creaked open and a certain pink haired girl walked in "am I interrupting something?"

I shook my head "n-no" and then I got up and left.

The next two years were long and dragged out Naruto was gone a lot and then it came to a point where he just didn't come back. Id focused mostly on my training. I had no real intention of going after Sasuke. I knew even if I did he wouldn't come back. I didn't see the point. Still I never blamed Naruto because I knew how much he cared.

"well hey there" a familiar voice forced me to turn away from the tree I was abusing with gentle fist.

"Naruto" I chirped throwing my arms around his neck.

He chuckled picking me up and spinning me around "Look at you"

I laughed and smiled as he put me down "I'm glad your back"

He took my hands in his "we can go after him Hinata"

I shook my head "Naruto I'm sorry but I gave up on him a long time ago, it's been two years"

The blond grasped my shoulders "please Hinata"

The pleading look in his blue eyes forced a sigh to escape from my lips "Once more? And then were done and we forget about it?"

He smiled "just one more go at trying to find him and bring him back"

I almost couldn't believe id agreed to it.