Author's Note: Hi everybody! I have decided to make shout-outs to my reviewers at the end of each chappie lol. So that if I like what I hear I can respond xD. Anyway I'm thinking of writing an AU…and I like my crack-ish pairings so….SakuDei it is! Anywayz I am coming up with tons of cute moments for Hina and Juugo, *squee* and one pairing is done in my head already. Yay! EEEEEWWW I RECENTLY DISCOVERED KARIN IS NASTIER THAN I THOUGHT!! SHE PLANNED ON DRUGGING MY SUI-KUN AND JUUGO-KUN SO THAT SHE COULD RAPE SASUKE'S WOUNDED UNCONSCIOUS BODY!!! AAAAAAHHHH!!!!!! Ewewewewew…oooooh she's gonna get it now.

Disclaimer: I don't own it! I don't own it! Make it stop! L

Chapter Ten: The good the bad and the infirmed

"Juugo-kun…I've decided that while Sakura-chan is hospitalized I'm going to teach you some meditation methods that might help to keep you under control in the meantime." Hinata stated professionally. He nodded wordlessly. It was a beautiful day. Birds were twittering more than usual. Hinata briefly wondered if it was due to the gentle giant's presence in the garden today. They seemed to like him being around. "Sit in front of me." she patted the ground under a tree. He complied with a silent nod. "Here give me your hands." she held out her small hands for his. Juugo was hesitant. He did not mind holding Hinata's hands…they just seemed so fragile compared to his large ones. It was as if they would break if he wasn't completely 100% careful.

She gave a warm smile of encouragement when he paused. The beserker seemed to be nervous over something. 'Perhaps since Sasuke-san isn't here he's afraid of losing it again.' she thought to herself. "You're okay." she smiled with a nod. He smiled back ever so slightly. He opened his hands and slowly gripped her hands. They were softer than he had anticipated. Her hands did have the traditional calluses that all ninja had on their fingers and palms however…they were smoothed and buffed and provided no scratchy textures. He nearly jumped in surprise when she interlinked their fingers. Even her touch was thoughtful, gentle, and soft. Just like her. Briefly he noted the soft lilac scent that he would now remember to associate with her. He stared unwavering at their hands. Her's were a bit pale compared to his. He smiled a little before trying to concentrate.

His hands were large, and warm. They seemed to just overwhelm Hinata's with ease. His strong but gentle fingers cautiously gripped her hands trustingly, his touch making her heart pound in her ears. She cleared her throat softly before interlocking their fingers professionally. Or at least she had hoped it was professionally. Behaving like a timid little child was not exactly at the top of her list right now. His skin was slightly hardened from the life of a shinobi. He held a very silent and gentle strength, despite his instability. His skin was well-tanned compared to hers. His hands relaxed in her grasp and she looked up feeling an odd feeling in her gut as she noticed the way he was watching their hands. As if contemplating something puzzling. His handsome features softened into another of his melting smiles and he closed his eyes. Hinata bit her lip.

"Okay Juugo-kun. I want you to clear your mind of your surroundings." she told him calmly. Giving her voice an inviting, even tone. He liked her voice. Although sometimes she spoke very quietly…but he always heard and responded every time she told him something. He nodded to her. "Forget everything. All situations, everything. They don't exist now." she added. He pursed his lips a bit. He could do that. He concentrated on clearing his head. Soon enough he was left with an odd feeling, not caring about anything very much. Except the feel of Hinata's hands. A small smile took over his feelings. "Try thinking of something or somewhere that makes you happy." her voice called to him. He tried not to chuckle. He had his own methods for meditation…they did not always help but….this one was interesting. Perhaps it was because of her.

……….

"I hate that thing." a certain captive mist-nin grumbled staring at the offending piece of fabric in the blonde girl's hand. She just smirked maliciously. "I know, that's why I chose it." she chuckled. "I don't mind wearing a stupid 'apron' but why does it have to be pink?" he demanded. "Because I'm evil, and you suck." she flat-lined as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I suck? Oh you'd like that wouldn't you." he scoffed. Ino twitched. "You know what fine. You don't have to wear the pink apron." she stated calmly and smiled. If Hozuki Suigetsu had known anything about Yamanaka Ino, he would know that this was a very bad sign. "Really?" he raised a hopeful brow.

"Nope! You can wear this one." she dug in a box behind the counter. Suigetsu frowned slightly, leaning over to look over her shoulder. She stood up swiftly nearly hitting him in the nose with her shoulder if he had not been as fast as he was. "Here it is!" she cheered. Suigetsu looked at it and sweat dropped. It was a lilac apron with dark purple letter's in script that read out "Princess!", and lace ran along the seams. He backed away practically hissing like a vampire. "Oh….hell no." he pointed at it like it were the most loathsome thing in the world. "What? It's not pink." she giggled manically. "No! This is ANBU brutality! I have rights still!" he backed away and leapt onto the counter defensively. "Keep it up, and I'll have you deliver flowers to Sasuke in it." she warned. "Fine damn it! I'll wear the pink one!" he bellowed.

"And?" she placed her hand on her…generous hips. He let out a long sigh. "And I wont slack off." he promised. "And?" she pressed now tapping her foot. "And I'll stop complaining okay?" he grumbled snatching up the pink fabric from the floor. "Good boy, now get to work mister merman." she patted his head. He grimaced. She began to walk away. He sure was glad that she was smoking hot otherwise he'd have killed himself by now. "HOZUKI SUIGETSU ARE YOU STARING AT MY ASS AGAIN!" she screeched suddenly, making him jump. "No ma'am!" he called back. 'Sheesh.' he thought to himself. 'Someone is in serious need of some cranberry juice.' He picked up the crates of white daffodils and began sorting them and moving them about the shop.

Ino huffed as she moved to take care of an old lady who was looking for orchids. The customers were reluctant to ask her 'subject' for any assistance. After all he was an S-ranked missing-nin on probation. He was a bit eccentric to be honest…and completely perverted. She couldn't even count how many times he had made some innuendo that made her flush in embarrassment so far. He did not stop either. She had already hit him a million times but he seemed immuned…and maybe even encouraged by it. The blonde pushed the thought aside for now.

She helped the woman…albeit a bit absently and sorted compulsively through the mail on top of the counter. Among the envelope was an invitation that kept drawing her back to the stack. Shikamaru had left earlier today to celebrate his engagement to Temari in Suna. She gritted her teeth and sighed miserably. It was an invitation to his wedding. She was sure that Chouji got one too. Yes, because he was his team-mate too just like her. 'Team-mates.' she scoffed bitterly. 'Yeah. Only team-mates, that's all.' she was not sure she even wanted to go…but she knew that if she didn't Shikamaru would be crushed, and him being the perceptive genius that he is would never fall for any half-baked excuses she might think up. He would ask her, she just knew it.

"Oh Shika." she shook her head in frustration. She could go just to make him happy, but she just knew that she would just be a damper on the whole celebration. She was never a good faker. It was kind of hard to put a smile on when she had to watch the man she loved cozy up to another girl...no matter how much you respect that girl. Then he would notice and ask what the problem was anyway. It would be like sticking her head in a bonfire. "Everything with you is so complicated." She pulled at her soft blonde locks slightly.

"Everything with who?" the mist-nin appeared out of nowhere.

"Eep!" Ino jumped with a start, placing a hand over her chest. How could she have missed him coming? Reckless! Stupid of her! Yeah she made a real awesome ANBU. "It's none of your business Flipper." she snapped coldly, gathering the envelopes into one neat pile and putting them away. "Meh, it probably isn't but that doesn't stop me from asking does it?" he grinned at her. Baby blue eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Didn't I tell you to get to work?" she inquired. "I'm done sorting out the crates Yamanaka-hime." he bowed low in mock-gallantry. "Are there any other… needs you would like me to satisfy?" he winked suggestively. "Right now I have the need to.... BITCH SLAP YOU DOES THAT COUNT!?" she raised a fist, shaking it threateningly at him, eyes completely white and her face red. "Kinky. I might be open to it." he teased. She threw a kunai at his face. He backed off laughing.

"I like your attitude…Ino." he nodded with his never leaving smug expression. "Yeah well…urgh! Take care of the fertilizer in the back! Now!" she pointed to the back in frustration. He chuckled, saluting her and walking off. As much as he hated the smell of that nasty compost crap…he kind of liked it here. With this girl anyway. He smiled slightly to himself.

…………

"Okay Juugo-kun, laugh all you want but it isn't funny." Hinata stated as the two of them walked back to the hospital. People did not dare to openly stare anymore, but that did not stop them from whispering amongst themselves. Juugo beamed, looking straight ahead as if he didn't notice. In reality he did but he cared little especially with Hinata here with him. Hinata was annoyed but ignored them. "I am deeply sorry." he chuckled. "So you scaled the garden hedge, got stuck and just hung there as Neji-san tried to get you loose?" he inquired. "Yes." Hinata was blushing beet red at this point. "And then…you're father showed up and you fainted? Landing on top of Neji-san and knocking him off the fence to the ground." he grinned widely.

"I was truly frightened of my father back in those days Juugo-kun, and he caught me! I was over-whelmed that is all." she sighed. He nodded in understanding. "You never told me about your father.." he trailed. "I mean of course…it isn't really my business but…I'm curious. What is it like with you two?" he inquired. Hinata cast her eyes down. She wished she could tell him that things were just fine. Like a normal father-daughter relationship. "Honestly Juugo, at a young age…he decided that he officially had no use for me and placed me on a Genin team." she said bluntly. Juugo frowned. "So how did you make it to the position you're in now?" he asked. "That's a long story, but somehow I don't think it really changed his opinion of me. He always said I was useless, a disgrace." she recalled. Juugo gave her a puzzled look.

Hinata? A disgrace? What exactly was this "Hyugga Hiashi" looking for? "I don't know why I'm d-dumping all of this on y-…urgh…on you. You must be feeling really…a-awkward." she felt her stomach twist in humiliation. She hated stuttering. Especially when there was nothing to be afraid of. "Not at all." Juugo shrugged. "I did ask after all. You know, if it counts…I can't really see you as a disgrace." he smiled at her. Eyes shutting enthusiastically. It was just so contagious that the Hyugga leader smiled back. "Thank you Juugo-kun." she patted his arm, blushing mildly and pulling away when she felt the hardness of said limb. Well after all he was a shinobi…being fit was sort of in the job description. Luckily he did not really notice her reaction.

The cool hospital air felt like a bitter-sweet relief. It was a bit hot out so it was good to get into the air conditioning… but Juugo did not really feel like going back to his cell. Spending the morning just him and Hinata was very nice. He had learned many things about her personality that just seemed to make them get along that much better.

People greeted Hinata as they walked down the halls toward the restricted wing of the hospital. She nodded politely back.

When they reached his cell they stopped. An awkward silence soon followed. "So did you have a nice day today Juugo-kun?" she asked softly. 'What the hell kind of question is that?' she yelled at herself. You can't blame the poor girl…she was simply at a loss for words. "Um…yes very much. Thank you Hinata-chan." he nodded with a polite bow. "So I will see you later, um….yes well…goodbye." he moved into his cell feeling incredibly embarrassed at his lack of articulate speech. Hinata stared. 'I must have made him a little uncomfortable.' she reasoned with herself.

She thought that perhaps she should visit Sakura. The pinkette medic would probably appreciate that very much. With a sigh she went to find her room. The walk was uneventful and the silence was starting to get to her when she finally reached the proper hall. She activated her Byakuggan to alleviate some boredom. As she neared Sakura's room she felt two agitated chakra signatures. Zeroing in on them, she allowed curiosity to get the best of her. Just then the door to Sakura's room swung open loudly, slamming against the wall, and a familiar pink-haired girl staggered out gripping the door stubbornly to hold herself up. Sasuke was behind her in an instant, glaring all the while and telling her something that she was obviously refusing to listen to. She was still wearing a hospital gown. Hinata could make out a faint " I can do it!" from her green-eyed friend. Why was she wobbling so much? Her arms trembled as she leaned against the wall. Teeth clenched. Sweat beaded on her pale face, contorted in stubborn concentration.

They hadn't noticed the Hyugga girl watching them from a distance so she backed away, hiding her presence behind a corner and still keeping an eye on this puzzling situation with the air of her handy bloodline limit . There was a long moment of silence as the Haruno medic made her valiant effort. Suddenly with a cry Sakura's legs gave way beneath her and she nearly slammed into the ground if the young Uchiha had not caught her around the waist with his arm in one smooth motion. He murmured something harshly as she began to crumble, leaning back against him. Her face contorted pitifully and both hands were soon covering it. He let out a pitiful sigh before he softened and with a tenderness that went against the ethics of any Uchiha the raven-haired shinobi gathered her into his arms bridle style, sobs now openly wracking her body. He was shaking his head and whispering something to her as he carried her back into her room. The door shut behind them soundlessly. Only the crack in the door where the knob had hit the wall counted as evidence of the short interlude that the Hyugga heiress had witnessed.

Hinata peaked around the corner with her normal eyes. What had that been all about? Something was going on with Sakura that she didn't know about…yet. She would find out what was hurting her friend. Sasuke must know, but a visit did not look wise right now. She deemed it best to leave the two team-mates alone for now. They had something to sort out together it seemed anyway. She had to find Neji. A good spar was in order to sort out her thoughts today. This week had been so chaotic. What a nightmare. Some unknown enemy was stalking them, research was being delayed, she hardly had time for her team-mates, and now Sakura was still in the hospital worrying her to death. Her team-mates. After a moment she re-thought her resolve. 'On second thought…I'll go spar with Kiba and Shino instead.' she resolved readily. With that in mind she took off.

……………

That bitch! That sneaky conniving pink-haired little bitch! He nearly had his head chewed off because of her little decoy stunt! Now the damned samples were probably in the lab by now. His boss was royally pissed when he saw the warm green….absolutely useless chakra in the tubes. Ooh but she would regret crossing him. He had made sure of it…if all goes well that is. Now as for the Hyugga girl…what would be done about her? She was smart that was for sure. If she became a nuisance like the other girl he'd have to get rid of her. The Haruno medic wouldn't be so much of a problem anymore. However at the moment he was not in his boss's good graces. He was expected to infiltrate a high security facility in KONOHA!? 'Figure it out.' his boss had said when he protested over the task.

This was borderline suicide. An idea popped into his head suddenly. An idea that made him grin widely. If he hung back for a while and let them do their research…. half the work would be done for them already. He could steal the files and records along with the samples. The boss would certainly love that. In the meantime what would he do though? Hmmm. He had some thinking to do it seemed. No matter, at least the Haruno girl wouldn't give him guff…at least anytime soon. If all went well never again. If he was not mistaken…if all went well…Haruno Sakura probably would not ever walk again. A cruel chuckle escaped him.

………

Karin felt an unfamiliar presence as she sat alone in her cell once again. Normally a stranger's chakra signature would not get her attention in this place-her being new here after all- ….but…this one was different. Significantly too sinister to be a leaf-nin. It could not possibly be one of these people. Garnet eyes frowned in puzzlement but she paid little mind to it. She was by far too miserable to care about any potential threats to these…people. She grumbled for the thousandth time today. Sasuke was never there anymore. He was protecting that…that…slut!! It was not fair. She did not need protecting last time the Sound kunoichi checked. She had to be faking it on purpose.

When she got out of here…she would show them the definition of a bitch damn it. Still….that presence was irking her. What could have been that signature's business. Something told her that not even she would be okay with this threat. She climbed to look out of her cell window. There was nothing there…but her senses were still nagging at her. Sitting down she shivered, and blamed it on the cold.

Author's Note: There it is. What exactly was done to Sakura? Will Suigetsu survive Ino's reign of terror? What did Karin just feel? Read and Review for the next chappie

Shout Outs:

Hina92: Hinata is super adorable xD. I like to take things slowly because it gives me a flow and more room to make up cute moments. Thanks for the encouragment lol.

Bumble555: YAY! My fellow Karin hater! Yeah I always thought Ino and Suigetsu would be hilarious if they interacted. What with their personalities and all…anyway yeah keep on keeping on xD.

aango: I guess I kind of was lol. I was actually giggling the whole time as I came up with stuff. I never really thought I was very good at action scenes…and I don't know that much about the character's techniques but…as long as you enjoyed it than I'm happy!

pinkypinkpuk: Yo lol. (sorry about that I just do it cause it reminds of Kakashi) anyway! The idea for Hinata and Juugo was inspired by a conversation between me and a close friend of mine (I LOVE YOU MOMO!) *clears throat*…anyway if I ever decide to do weird pairings I make sure that the plot makes sense or I wouldn't read it myself. Keep reading! Ciao.

aquamarine-acaia: Short, sweet, and simple…thanks :D I hope you continue to do so lol.

Katreda: I love Juugo very much actually. He's cool…but totally crackers. *sighs* lol and you should get one, I recommend it!! Who doesn't want to cuddle with Juugo?

Lawloburst: Where are you!? T.T oh well.