Just realised I haven't specified the ages for the characters. The Akatsuki's ages are roughly 3 years older than Shippuden e.g. Hinata is 18.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS.

Chapter 10 – Aftermath

It's been a week since the fight against Seiji Hyuga. After the battle the Akatsuki decided it was time to leave Venice. They were now back in Japan. They were currently in a secret location, a luxurious Japanese style mansion with multiple rooms with a huge Japanese style garden; the complete opposite kind of hideout people would expect of the Akatsuki. To the outside world, it was a simple home owned by a rich couple; Pein and Konan.

Sasori managed to recover without any problems. Time of recovery: 3 days. Luckily he had a spare puppet body for himself. Although at first he felt embarrassed that a man of his calibre was rescued by an 18-year-old girl. But after some time, Sasori swallowed his pride and approached Hinata to properly thank her.

He bowed his head to her; scowling a little bit.

Can't believe I'm doing this…

"Thank you" He said "If you weren't there, I probably would have died… I guess…"

Hinata stayed sat on her cushion on the tatami mat. Of all things to happen while with the Akatsuki, being thanked by one was something she never expected.

"O-oh n-no it's ok, you don't need to thank me" She replied "I'm just glad you're alive." She smiled.

Sasori looked up and blushed, but still scowling. He then looked at Hidan lying in the futon.

Hidan's recovery was taking longer than anticipated. Time of recovery: 7 days+. Hidan's scythe had cut into his heart, so Kakuzu had to give him a new one (much to his dismay). It was going to take a while for Hidan's body to get used to the new heart, even with his regeneration ablility and Immortality. Sadly, due to the mission and no killing recently, his immortality had weakened. No one knew if he would have survived without anyone's help, but they didn't want to take the risk.

Hinata had been by Hidan's side ever since they returned to Japan. Although at first she volunteered to keep an eye on him in case his condition changed, but the others knew the real reason, so they left her to it.

Sasori turned to leave the room, not before saying "Y-yeah well, just make sure that idiot wakes up soon".

Hinata turned back and faced Hidan. He looked so peaceful sleeping, it was hard to believe he was a criminal. As she watched him sleep, her mind wondered over the last week, the mission, Seji, her moments with Hidan…

So much has happened. I can't believe someone from my own clan was involved. There's definitely something going on with my family…something I don't know.

She shook her head,

No, that doesn't matter right now

She leaned forward to grab the small wet towel and dab Hidan's forehead. She noticed the gel in his hair had washed out from the battle, so it was dry and some of it was covering his forehead, it actually looked pretty good.

What matters is making sure Hidan gets better. I hope he wakes up soon…. wait, why am I so worried about him… oh no, have I? …

Meanwhile in another room…

Itachi was sat quietly while Pein was reading through a scroll. Konan was sat behind. Pein put down the scroll; signalling he had finished.

Pein: Good job Itachi. This is good intel. We have a clearer picture on things now.

Itachi bowed his head. "Thank you, sir". Pein noticed there was something else to talk about.

Pein: Is something on your mind?

Itachi: …I'm sorry sir, but with everything that's happened recently, and now after this Seiji Hyuga incident, I'm wondering if now is the time to bring Hinata out of the dark about what's happening. She will find out eventually.

Pein closed his eyes for a moment and then spoke.

Pein: I am aware of that. However, I'm also aware once she finds out she may not be able to stay with the Akatsuki. it's possible Seiji made contact with the Hyuga clan about Hinata's whereabouts to them during the mission, so It's only a matter of time.

Konan: She's still with Hidan.

Pein: What's his condition?

Konan: Still the same. He hasn't woken up for nearly 8 days now. Hinata's been sleeping and eating in his room the whole time. She hasn't left his side.

Pein: hmmmmmmm…

Meanwhile, back in Hidan's room…

Hinata continued dabbing Hidan's face as she gazed at him. The more she looked at him, the more guilty she felt about her feelings. Her hand eventually stopped dabbing his face and she started drawing her hand down away from him.

Suddenly, she felt a grip on her wrist…

"Why did you stop?"

Her eyes widened, at looked back up. Hidan slowly opened his eyes, but only a little. He loosened his grip on her wrist but didn't let go. Hinata, still in shock that after several days Hidan had finally woken up, subconsciously threw all common sense out the window. Tears started welling up in her eyes, then she threw herself on his chest. This made Hidan jump a little, but then simply placed his hand on her head as she cried.

"Sorry kid, must of scared ya back there" He said quietly; still exhausted and weak. To Hinata, it was so strange to see a man who was so strong and violent to be bed ridden and tired and weak. She has never heard him speak so gently. She slowly lifted her head up, snuffling while wiping the tears away.

She groaned "sniff I'm just glad you're finally awake, sniff you've been asleep for days, and I…I thought you…", tears started welling up again. "I thought you'd never wake up again!"

She felt his hand, which was on her wrist, now on her hand and gripping it tightly. She looked at him and saw he was gazing at her. He then smiled and laughed under his breath.

"What?" She asked.

He turned and looked at the ceiling, still holding her hand.

"Just remembering something…"

She blinked and couldn't help having her curiosity get the better of her.

"What is it?"

He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them to look at her; his face stilling facing the ceiling.

"The first time you 'nursed' me"

Hinata thought for a moment and then, like a lightbulb, she remembered, and blushed.

"Ah! I-It wasn't like that!" She yelled; getting redder as she spoke. "I-I-I wasn't nursing you! I was j-just wiping the blood off of you! Be-besides, Kakuzu was the one who saved you!"

Hidan simply watched as she babbled on about how Kakuzu saved him, and that all she did was keep him company while he was asleep. As he heard that, he suddenly felt that strange feeling again from his heart, even though the one he had now was new.

Hinata noticed his attention was on his chest. His hand was on his chest, and it concerned her.

"What is it? Is it your new heart?"

Oh no! Kakuzu said his body might reject the new heart! But wait! He said that would happen within a day or 2, It's been over a week! But what if it has? I need to get Kakuzu!

She suddenly stood up, her hand leaving his, which left Hidan feeling somehow empty.

"I'll go get someone!" Just before she opened the door, she heard Hidan yell "STOP!". She turned around to see Hidan sitting up but still with his hand on his chest.

At this point, Hidan got to see Hinata's attire. She was wearing a pink kimono with purple flowers on. The sleeves were long enough to cover her hands. Even in her flustered state, she looked so elegant and beautiful. Hidan couldn't help but gaze with his mouth open, but then collected himself. He brought his hand out to reach her.

"I'm ok Hina-chan, just come here" He called out. Hinata stopped just as she reached the door and turned around. They both then noticed their faces were red from the sudden new nickname.

"Uh…Sorry, it just came out!" He explained as he was fidgeting, and scratching the back of his head. Hinata smiled at his blushing and behaviour, and she made her way back to his side and sit back on the floor.

The room was then silent for a moment.

Hinata slowly looked up at Hidan, to then realise he had been gazing at her. She quickly averted her eyes away, but then told herself to be brave, and she looked back at him.

"W-what is it?" She asked.

Hidan just smiled. "Do you remember the things I said to you when you were 'my lil nurse'?".

Hinata then blushed even more; recalling his words. She couldn't help but close her eyes while her face got warmer, but trying to keep her composure.

"Y-yes H-Hidan I remember everything y-you said that day" She said with a smile on her face and laughing a bit. Hidan smiled more and laughed through his nose.

Be brave…just tell him…

"I-I also remember the things we both said the night I was drugged".

The laughing stopped. Hidan's smiled disappeared; expecting her to look sad or maybe cry like last time. But no, this time she was looking at him. She wasn't smiling either, but she was still blushing. Hidan started to blush too. He could feel his new heart beating strangely again.

So that's what this feeling is. Damn Uchiha was right…

It was Hidan's turn to avert his eyes.

Hidan: …You…you shouldn't be feeling like this, especially with someone like me.

Hinata: …I know.

Hidan: Guess it was my own fucking fault hehe teasing you like that.

Hidan looked back up to see Hinata looking down. He looked back down and continued.

Hidan: You should forget about me. I'm sure there's someone from your village you like. Hey! What about that guy you lost your virginity to …

Hinata suddenly jolted and looked up.

Hidan: Unless you lost it for a seduction mission. Well the first is always the hardest. Hehehe I remember my first seduction mission, Jashin was I a fucking mess…

He looked up again as his spoke; trying to change the subject, but then stopped as he saw Hinata crying.

"UH! Hey! Ahhhh! Fuck sake! My fucking big mouth! Listen don't – "

Hinata wiped her tears.

"It's ok….to be honest I've never been on a seduction mission…"

Seriously? Fuck! She'd be fucking amazing if it weren't for her shyness, man I wouldn't mind if she had to seduce me on a mission –

Hidan shook his and head and continued listening to her.

Guess I should tell him... Strange… I don't feel nervous about telling him…

Hinata took a deep breath.

"I was 16 and I had just started dating someone. His name was Naruto-kun. I had always admired him and after so long he finally noticed me and asked me out. We had been going out for a few months when we decided to take the next step in our relationship. Of course, both of us were nervous, but agreed we wouldn't force each other. She took another deep breath w-when we started kissing and to-touching, Naruto-kun started acting strange; like he was still holding back. I didn't want him to hold back, so I told him not to. But then…that's when it happened. Suddenly he th-threw me on my back on the bed and when I looked into his eyes…They were red…and his pupils were thin…like an animal. I lost consciousness, and when I woke up the next morning my body was in so much pain...I even had some bruises and scratches deep enough to become scars. When I looked around the room I saw Naruto-kun at the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. His fingertips were bloody. He said…

I'm sorry Hinata…I didn't mean…I'm so sorry…

After that he kept his distance from me. We obviously broke up and we just seemed to carry on as if nothing happened…"

Hinata shed one last tear. The room stayed quiet; neither not knowing what to say from there. After what felt like an eternity, Hinata decided since she was being honest…

"I… I don't care if the way I feel about you is wrong. I don't care if that makes me a criminal or a traitor. Hidan! I think I've fa– "

Before she could finish, Hidan's lips were on hers. The kiss was gentle at first but then became passionate and heated. Hidan placed a hand on the side of her face and drew Hinata closer to him. She leaned more into him and moved a knee forward. They broke the kiss and gazed at one another.

To Hinata; Hidan looked so devilishly handsome. His robe was a bit more open which showed more of his muscled chest. His scent was so…what's the word, it was a very manly scent which somehow even seduced her senses. The dim lighted room seemed to bring out his violet eyes, also making them look like they're glowing. Some of his hair wasn't combed back and was on his forehead, looking messy but sexy. All of that, including his smile…

To Hidan; Hinata looked stunning in her kimono. It had opened up a bit, showing some cleavage and her knee which was closer to him had managed to sneaked out of it. She looked so tempting. Her hair was down, but was all on one side. Her eyes were beautiful and half open. Her red cheeks felt warm against his hand. He found her cheeks were a little chubby but they were very cute. All of that, including her smile…

it was a smile that would light up the world and lift the heart. It was almost intoxicating.

They pressed their foreheads together and breathed heavily, still trying to hold back. Hidan pecked her on the lips. Hinata then did the same. The pecking began to last longer until…

Knock Knock Knock

"Hinata?" Said Konan, "Pein wishes to see you".

The kissing stopped. They once again gazed at each other as Konan spoke.

"Ok, I'll be right there" Hinata answered, with a melancholy expression as she spoke. She stood up and made her way to the door again. Suddenly she felt a pair of arms wrapped around her with a hard body pressed against her back. She could then feel a warm breath on her neck.

"You better come back soon, I want us to continue where we fucking left off" He whispered; making Hinata's heart skip a beat once again. And with that Hinata left the room. Hidan turned around and collapsed on his futon; holding his stomach in pain.

"Fuck" He cringed "Shouldn't of fucking done that"

In Pein's room…

Hinata sat down, seeing Pein facing her, Itachi on one side of the room, and Konan sitting near her.

What's going on? This seems serious. Have I done something wrong? Or is this about Seji?

Pein took a deep breath and then commenced the discussion.

Pein: Hinata, you've been with the Akatsuki for about 3 months now, not knowing the reason. After what happened in the last mission, I believe now is the time to tell you the truth.

Hinata swallowed and simply nodded.

Hinata: I-Itachi told me that my father asked you to look after me…is that true?

Pein looked at Itachi. Itachi nodded to him. They both looked back to Hinata.

Pein: Yes, it's true. A few months ago your father came to us, asking us to have his eldest daughter under the Akatsuki care, but to make it look like a kidnapping. He was very precise on how he wanted it done. At first we declined his offer, but after we managed to get intel on the reason, we took it.

The room stayed silent. Hinata didn't dare to say anything.

Itachi: We believed the Hyuuga clan was up to something. The only intel we got from your father was that you had to be hidden until the time was right and everything had to be in place for you to return.

Hinata: Was that why we went on the last mission for intel?

Pein: There were other reasons, however any intel about the Hyuuga clan would have been a bonus. And we succeeded thanks to Itachi's genjutsu on Seiji Hyuuga. We were able to find out the truth…

Hinata took in a deep breath; not aware that she was trembling, and leaning forward a bit.

Itachi: The Hyuuga clan is planning a coup 'de tat.

Hinata went pale.

Itachi: They have managed to capture Naruto Uzumaki the nine tails jinjuriki. The drug you and Konan were under was a test to use on him. Apparently jinjurikis are very weak against aphrodisiac like drugs. It makes them extremely tired and weak. Naruto did put up a fight, but with the drug and multiple Byakugan users he lost the battle.

Pein: They plan to make you leader of the leaf village. Well, a leader image to everyone, the Hyuuga clan would make the rules of course. You'd be like their doll, even if you are the heiress to the clan.

Itachi: You should also be aware that they plan on using your feelings for Naruto to make sure you do as they say. If you disobey them, Naruto will be the one who will be punished. He wouldn't only be there to take your punishments; he would be the Hyuuga clans weapon of mass destruction. They want to show how much stronger the Hyuuga clan is compared to the Uchiha. They want power.

The room stayed silent. Everyone looked at Hinata for a reaction. She kept her head down; her fringe covering her eyes.

"Hinata?" Konan asked as leaned forward to touch her shoulder.

She collapsed. Everyone stood up and ran to her.

"HINATA!"

Wow! This chapter was hard to write! I'm starting to get ideas for other fanfics, but they'll have to wait. I will be taking a break on writing for a while as I'm going to Japan for 2 weeks for a holiday (which I really need hahaha) anyway I hope you guys liked this newest chapter and look forward to the next one. It's going to be a bit difficult now to write this story and see where it takes us. Let's see how the land of the rising sun will inspire me. See you soon!