Well, it seems that school is more troublesome than I expected it to be. (Shikamaru syndrome xD) Sorry. I AM trying my hardest to get chapters up, and I think it'll be easier once I get my grades up first D: To make up for it though, this chapter is pretty long and even has some fluff.
Oh, and uh, warning. This chapter kind of has bad language and violence, so yeah. Can't say I didn't warn you.
"Hinata, sing louder. I can barely hear you over the guitar." Shikamaru instructed. Hinata sighed and swallowed, preparing to start the song over.
How many times do I have to do this before I get it right? I'm so useless. We've been practicing for over an hour now. Why can't I get this right?!
Hinata looked over at the other band members. Well, mostly at Naruto. He was on the other side of the room, cleaning his drum set. Hinata had noticed how chipper he had been for the past few days. He looked particularly happy today, and even winked at Hinata when he caught her looking at him.
Blushing, Hinata finally heard the start of the song, and gathering up as much air as she could, belted out a note. Or, at least, she was louder than before.
With another practice session done with, Hinata mentally tallied up how many she had been to.
Three. We've already practiced three times, and I still can't get my voice louder than the guitar. What is wrong with me?!!
She scolded herself silently, not noticing the curious pair of black eyes in the limo watching her. Frustrated tears formed in her own eyes, and she tried uselessly to hold them back.
Sasuke, on the other hand, was looking over to his fiancé with distaste.
Couldn't she act normal for at least a second? Currently Hinata was gripping the leather seat as if it were a life support, and she looked like she was about to cry. Sasuke almost felt sorry for her.
Well, almost.
It's not like a bad practice was anything to cry about anyway.
"Hey, Hinata, do you want to go to the new karaoke place with us?"
Hinata shook her head at Sakura. "Sure, but I have practice after school so I might be coming late."
Sakura just sighed and went back to picking at her salad. Ino however, eyed Hinata. She sat like that for awhile, just staring at the Hyuuga. Finally, Hinata just couldn't stand it anymore.
"What is it? Do I have something on my face?"
"No, it's just that…you didn't stutter. Before you used to do it all the time, but now…"
Sakura raised her head in realization. "Oh! So that's why she sounded so weird. Come to think of it, you haven't stuttered for the past few days."
Hinata tucked her head down in embarrassment.
"I only do it when I feel uncomfortable with somebody."
"Hey! Does that mean you were uncomfortable with us!?" Ino exclaimed.
"No, it's just that you guys were still new to me." Hinata replied, her voice even. Ino and Sakura just smiled, satisfied with her answer.
"You know, I've been wondering for awhile now…"
"What is it Hinata?"
"What divisions are you guys in?"
Ino gave Hinata a wink and a huge smile. "I'm in Theatre and Vocal. Billboard-Brow here," and at this she pointed to a fuming Sakura, "is in Academics and Instrumental."
"Shut up Ino-Pig!"
"Oh that's it, now you're gonna get it!"
Hinata decided to intervene before they started an all out cat fight in the cafeteria, suggesting that they get to class early. Grumbling, the other girls agreed, but called Hinata too much of a "goody goody" Hinata just smiled, not minding her nick name one bit.
Is it that bad to want to be as far from those nasty tuna salads as possible? I don't care if they're "gourmet" and imported from a five star restaurant in Europe. It still tastes like garbage to me.
Arriving to Advanced History early had its perks. The classroom was empty and unlocked, so Hinata sat herself down in her seat, and enjoyed the company of her favorite book. After about ten minutes, a steady trickle of students found their way into the classroom. One black-haired girl in particular even caught Hinata's eye, and smirked as she brushed past. However, the girl lost balance and landed right next to Hinata. She used the desk as support to lift herself up, and scurried to the back of the classroom.
For the first time in a while, Hinata paid full attention in class. She had gotten a good night's sleep, and had even taken a nap in the limo that morning. Sasuke had claimed he was sick, and therefore unfit to go to school. Hinata didn't miss the chance to have the whole limo to her self, and had stretched out on the seats for a half hour nap.
Hinata was so absorbed in her studies, that when class ended, she found a note on her desk that she didn't recognize as having been there before. She wondered when someone had even put it on her desk.
Maybe it wasn't meant for me. I hope I wasn't supposed to send this to anyone during class.
Since there was no name on it to give an indication of who to send it to, Hinata just assumed that it was in fact meant for her.
The crisp white paper was neatly folded, as if the person who had handed it to her didn't want anyone to get a good look at it. After arriving at her locker, Hinata opened the little piece of paper.
Dear Hyuuga,
Meet me on the old building's roof at 6'o clock. I have something important to tell you.
Sincerely, Concerned.
Hinata read the letter again, just in case there was some kind of hidden meaning that she had missed. What was going on? What kind of information could someone possibly have to tell her about?
The wind was pleasant on Hinata's neck. She had somehow figured out which staircase led to the roof of the old building, and was waiting for the sender of the letter. It was already 6:10, and there was no sign of anybody.
Could this be some kind of joke? Did someone set me up?
Just as Hinata was about to leave, she heard the door behind her open. She faced the door, and was surprised to see a somewhat familiar face.
It was the girl from her Advanced History class. Her black hair was messy on one side, and smooth in the other. The girl's stylish glasses gleamed red; an effect caused by the reflection of the setting sun in front of her. Behind the girl were two others; a brunette with long brown hair tied in a ribbon at the end, and a redhead who was wearing a beanie hat and holding a flute case.
All three of the girls were looking anything but friendly at the moment, though Hinata had no idea why.
Finally, the black-haired girl spoke.
"So what do you have to say for yourself you fucking slut?"
Hinata just backed off a little, shocked by her words. She didn't even know this girl!
"Oh, so ya just gonna keep quiet huh? Gonna pretend nuthin' happened right?" The flute carrier sneered.
"I-I-I h-have no i-idea w-w-what-"
"Oh just stop with the act already! We all know you just acted like that to get in his pants!" The brown haired girl spoke up, raising a fist in the air as she said it.
"Yeah, we'll even give you a chance to apologize for doin' it! How's that sound? Huh? I can't hear ya?" The flute carrier yelled.
Hinata just stared in confusion. Were they talking to her? What did they mean by "in his pants"?
"She ain't sayin' nothin' Karin. What do ya want me to do?" the flute carrier addressed the girl in glasses.
"Well, if she's not apologizing, then we'll just have to make her, now won't we Tayuya?" Tayuya smiled like a kid on Christmas morning. She had been waiting to beat up this bitch for fucking ever.
The brown haired girl also stepped forward, but Karin held her back. "Stay here for now Kin. You don't want blood on your shirt do you?" Shaking her head, Kin let herself be pulled back.
Hinata shivered under Tayuya's glare. What was wrong with these girls? She hadn't even done anything to them.
Suddenly, Tayuya's hand lashed out and Hinata felt a sharp pain on her cheek. Then another one this time on her forehead, which effectively threw Hinata off balance. She reached with her hand to her cheek, only to find blood on her fingers. A blow to the back of her head sent Hinata face first into the concrete floor.
Hinata tried desperately to get up and run, but a boot to the back of her neck kept her in place. Laughter, and then Karin's voice covered Hinata's labored breathing.
"Not so proud now bitch. What happened? Can't you even defend yourself? Fucking weakling."
Hinata stayed silent, trying to focus only on an escape plan. She tried to calm herself down and think, but how could she? She was being beaten up in an isolated location, and God knows when anyone would find her.
A rough kick to the side sent Hinata facing her tormentors. All three of them were smiling, clearly enjoying the sight before them. Hinata tried to find a bit of mercy in their eyes, but found none.
"Ha! Look at her bloody face!"
"That really suits her!"
"Ya, being on the floor suits a slut like her!"
A boot found it's way to Hinata's face, and Hinata cried out in pain.
What have I done to deserve this! What could I have possibly done to them!
Hinata swallowed another scream that threatened to come out as she received a punch to the face. It felt like her whole head was on fire. Struggling, she tried pulling herself up. Surprisingly the other girls gave her room to stand. Hinata tried to make a run for the door, but it was locked. Rin pulled Hinata back by the hair. Her foot twisted abnormally, and this time Hinata didn't even try to stop the scream that erupted from her lungs.
"Do ya really think we'd letcha' go?" Tayuya asked while smiling sweetly.
Karin walked over to Hinata with a smile on her face that was similar to Tayuya's. She motioned to Tayuya and Kin to hold Hinata down, and her hand reached into her pocket. Hinata saw a flash of metal emerge from Karin's pocket, and thrashed out violently.
Oh God! They're gonna kill me! They're gonna kill me! It can't end like this! I CAN'T DIE LIKE THIS!
Hinata managed to wriggle out of Rin's grip for a split second, but Kin caught her arm again with inhuman speed.
"Ssshhhh," Karin motioned with a finger to her lips, "Be quiet, or I'll mess up that pretty face of yours."
Hinata gulped as she felt something cold on her neck. She stopped moving, and tried to stop the tears in her eyes from falling out.
"That a girl," Karin crooned, "You know, you're quite an obedient little girl. Yes, quite obedient. It's a pity that you are Sasuke's fiancée. Yes, such a pity."
Hinata shrunk back, surprised.
I are together!? IS STHAT'S why she's been beating me! Because she thinks me Sasuke are together?! IS SHE ON MEDS?!!
Hinata gathered up the last of her remaining courage.
"Y-You can have Sasuke. I don't l-like him at all! Please, just stop this!"
That wasn't the answer Karin was looking for. Her eyes narrowed even more than before, and a crazed look appeared in her black eyes.
"I was thinking of letting you off easy, Hyuuga. But now look what you've done. Not only do you say that you don't like Sasuke, you are suggesting that you never even wanted to be with him. For that, I can't forgive you."
The scissors that Karin had been holding appeared again, and Hinata closed her eyes in anticipation of the upcoming pain. She heard something being cut, but did not feel anything. Hesitantly, she opened her eyes to quite a peculiar sight. Karin was holding a blue cloth in her hand.
Wait.. Not blue cloth…
Hair.
Karin had cut Hinata's hair.
The same hair that Hinata had been growing out since she was a little girl. A sign of nobility and pride in the Hyuuga family.
This girl had cut it.
Hinata was, for the first time in her life, giving off a deadly intention. She acted fast, like an unleashed beast. Freeing herself from her captors grasp by biting their fingers, she lashed out at an unsuspecting Karin. Her arms swung wildly, acting on pure animal instinct alone. Hinata felt her nails dig into sensitive skin, and blood was on her fingertips.
She felt Kin and Tayuya trying to get her off of Karin, and they finally succeeded. Karin staggered to her feet, still holding the scissors in hand.
"No one touches my face! DIE YOU FUCKING BITCH!" The scissors came down on Hinata. It went slowly, oh so slowly. Hinata again closed her eyes, waiting for the end.
It never came.
She stayed like that for what felt like an hour, but could only be about a minute or so. In that minute she heard a strange arrangement.
A door opening. A thud. Three voices begging and sobbing. One deeper voice straining to control itself. Two voices, further away, whispering and worried.
She dared not open her eyes; dare not hope that Karin hadn't killed her. That is, until she heard a voice she never expected to be glad to hear.
"Open your eyes Hyuuga."
Hinata shook her head. No. She would not. What if this was some kind of strange mirage? What if she really was dead, and this was all some kind of sick joke someone was playing on her?
Then again, the pain in her neck told her that no, she wasn't dreaming and no, she wasn't dead. For now. Hinata wondered absentmindedly about how much pain a human body could take before not being able to function properly.
The voice knocked Hinata out of her musings. "Open your eyes, Hyuuga." It wasn't asking her, it was commanding. With painstaking slowness, Hinata opened her eyes to reality.
Sasuke's black eyes were clouded and unreadable. He was bending over to where Hinata was sitting, surveying her injuries, looking for signs of danger. When he found no life threatening damage, he asked her slowly.
"Can you stand?"
Hinata was surprised by the… was that concern in his voice? Surely she can't look that bad. Instinctly she reached for the back of her head, only to be met with air. She was about to cry, but saw the pity in Sasuke's eyes.
To prove to him, and her self, that she was fine, Hinata began to pull herself up. She was taken off guard by the sharp pain that attacked her foot.
She landed into his arms with a thud. Hinata struggled to get up again, but the Uchiha kept her in place.
A pair of gasps emerged from the corner, and Hinata turned to see Ino and Sakura. They hurried over to where Hinata lay in Sasuke's arms.
"How…" Hinata managed to force out, and for the first time she was aware of a pain in her throat.
"We, we were worried when you didn't come to the karaoke place, so we called Sasuke and he told us you didn't come to practice."
"Are you okay?!! Do you need us to call an ambulance?" They were both on the verge of tears.
"She's fine. She just needs some rest. She sprained her ankle." Sasuke's voice interrupted Sakura. He stood, and Hinata almost threw up. The world was spinning, and she didn't like the feeling of his arms around her.
"Just bear with this for the time being."
"P-Put m-me down. I-I'll walk m-m-myself." Sasuke looked down and glared at her while gritting his teeth.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?!" Hinata winced at the sound of his voice. It was quite loud, and she felt like throwing up again.
"N-no?"
He sighed and began moving. Sakura and Ino followed behind. Suddenly, something struck Hinata.
"W-where a-a-are the o-other g-girls?" She received no answer.
Sasuke ended up carrying Hinata to the limo, and he even carried her into the house. All the while, Hinata tried not to cry out in pain every time his steps jolted her. She suspected that he was doing it on purpose, but with no proof it was futile to confront him. Instead, she busied herself with counting the number of paintings they passed.
After some time, he arrived outside of her door. Only, there was one tiny little problem.
He couldn't open it.
Both of his hands were currently occupied with holding Hinata's petite frame. No matter how light she felt, he doubted he could support her with only one hand.
Sasuke rattled around in his head for a solution, and finally found one. With a hard kick, he knocked Hinata's door down. She just watched in horror as the only thing that had ever given her some privacy was torn down. Sasuke seemed unfazed though, and dropped Hinata unceremoniously onto the bed.
He went into her bathroom, and came back a few moments later with a first aid kit. Sasuke grabbed her foot too roughly though, and Hinata bit into the pillow to stop herself from screaming. He wound the bandage around her slowly swelling foot, and put an icepack onto it. Hinata was too tired to push him away. When he was done, he looked up into Hinata's face.
"Karin had quite a few cuts on her. Good job. You fought well." She dreamily let herself be tucked in, like some sort of child.
Hinata fell into a deep and dreamless sleep, but not before asking herself one question.
Why couldn't he have just called a maid to dress my wounds?