Kurenai stood by the window, a slender gloved finger pulling the fabric back to let a little light stream in. It was the end of the second day and Hinata wasn't showing any signs of waking up. Even though Tsunade had assured them that this was normal and that the girl would be waking up anytime, Kurenai couldn't help but feel concerned; the young woman was like a daughter to her.
"I think her breathing has lightened."
Backing away from the window, she turned to meet the covered eyes of the shinobi that was sitting on the chair next to the bed, holding back a grin. She had watched those two flutter around each other for such a long time that she couldn't help but feel relieved as she took in the silent but fierce possessiveness that excluded from him.
"Good, then I'll leave and go prepare and get Kiba."
Shino didn't answer, just watched as the woman confidently strode out the door. Turning back as the door shut with a soft thud, he waited a few moments to see if anyone came back in.
Silence.
Lost in thoughts that he never expected to have, he watched the girl asleep. She was really beautiful, almost exotic in a way; with her glossy hair that was so black it shined blue, pale skin that never blemished with sunburn or even a tan, and her eyes; well they set her apart all on their own.
Looking at her curled up form, facing him, looking so sweet and seductive at the same time Shino felt rolling desires heat up his cool blood. The room was filled with a deep humming sound.
Reaching out he gently took one of her hands in his. He was always amazed at how small her hands actually were. Lifting his fingers up, he traced the visible veins that led from her wrist to the inside of her palm. Could one's skin be so light that it was almost translucent? Yet it was so tough, withstanding punches that would send normal grown men to the ground.
Looking closer, he let his glasses slip down as he inspected her palm. They were not soft and smooth, like most gentle-bred women, they were rough with scars and calluses.
Signs of her trade.
Leaning forward he placed a silent kiss on her palm.
Hinata woke up to darkness. Blinking rapidly to clear her vision, she looked around trying to make out shapes in the pitch black. Sitting up, she quickly rubbed her hands over her face to increase the blood flow. How long had she been asleep? A stiff kink in her neck and back gave her the clue that it had been a while, still she began to slide her feet off the bed to open the curtains when a hand shot out to grab her shoulder.
"Slowly, it's been a few days."
Freezing in her movements, Hinata squinted in the direction that the voice came from.
"Sh-shino?"
The hand had left her, leaving a cold spot on her shoulder. A shadow moved to her left followed by rustling. A small stream of fading light seeped through the curtains. She waited for him to respond, feeling lost in the dark.
"It's me."
She sighed, grateful that it wasn't someone that she would feel uncomfortable with. Listening to the quiet sounds of glass being moved and water being poured, she stretched her legs out and reaching out towards them. She wanted to get out of the bed and stretch properly but knew that Shino wouldn't have it until he had inspected her himself. He was always like that on missions: the boss.
"Here."
Jumping at the sudden nearness, she blindly held out a hand towards his voice. After a few seconds of aimless groping, she felt a sturdy hand gently grab hers and wrap it around the cool glass.
"Th-thank you."
Securing both hands around the glass, she slowly sipped. The water was refreshing, sliding down her parched throat. Her eyes were becoming more accustomed to the darkness; she could now vaguely make out Shino's form as he sat on the edge of her bed. She figured that he wasn't opening the curtains because of what happened last time.
"How do you feel Hinata?"
Bringing the cup down from her lips she smiled at him in the dark, momentarily forgetting that he probably couldn't see her expression.
"M-much b-better, th-thank you."
Hinata meant it too, the rest had fully restored her and the excruciating pain that she had felt was all but gone. Turning towards the small bedside table, she set down the cup and pulled back the
sheets. She felt rather then saw Shino get up and make room as she swung her feet towards the ground.
He watched as she stood up, feeling the anxiety wash away as she calmly went to the window and yanked open the curtains. The last colors of twilight were fading away, but the light there was didn't seem to affect her at all. Seeing the peaceful look on her face, he smiled to himself.
"We can leave whenever you're ready."
Hinata nodded, letting him lead the way out of the room. She kept her expression impassive as she watched the tense way he checked the hallway before letting her step out. This was beyond the usual protective manner he was when they were on missions. Thinking this had suspicions growing in her mind as she quickened her pace to catch up.
"Sh-shino?"
He was scanning everywhere, sending out a few kikaichu for insurance. Business was business after all and it was even more important since it was Hinata that he was supposed to protect. Thinking of the close call that already happened had him double checking the area as they stepped out into the night.
"Sh-shino?"
Glancing down, he felt a moment's guilt at the questioning look on her face.
"You are placed under Team Eight's protection under your attackers are located."
Hinata blinked blankly at his blunt explanation. She was barely taking in their surroundings as she tried to understand what was going on.
"Huh?"
Instead of answering her though, she watched as Shino continued on to wherever they were going at a fast walk. Squinting in the dark Hinata tried get a look at his face but couldn't only make out the dark spots on his face that were his glasses. How did he see at all with those on at night?
He didn't have to say anything though; all the tension that was radiating from him was setting her on edge. Finally taking in the area they were in, she was surprised that they weren't heading towards the Hyuuga compound but in the complete opposite direction.
Reaching out she grabbed his sleeve.
"Wh-where are w-we g-going?"
Shino sighed as he slowed down. He had been hoping that they'd be somewhere safe before she started asking questions, but glancing at her tense face he relented a little. Feeling bold in the comforting dark, he took the hand that was gripping his sleeve and entwined their hands together.
"We are meeting Kiba and Kurenai-sensei."
He tried to ignore the faint heat that was spreading across his cheeks. This was not the time to pursue a relationship, but even knowing that he couldn't contain the small loosening of tension inside him. It was just better, having some contact with her.
Glancing over he felt his stomach tighten at the pleased look on her face as she stared straight ahead, refusing to look at him.
"Wh-where are w-we m-meeting them?"
He pointed with his other hand at the corner that was a feet ahead of them. There was a large, leafless tree looming over the wall on the other side. It was always their meeting place when team eight was going to go on a mission.
As if on cue, one large shape bounded around the corner and headed straight at them.
"Took ya long enough!"
Hinata smiled as the shape got closer, gaining details. Akamaru was prancing happily towards her, long tongue lolling out in preparation of licking her as Kiba rode on his back, hyper as always.
Shino frowned as she let go of his hand to meet the two. They couldn't have waited till they were around the corner? His eyes flickered over as Kurenai stepped around with a small resigned look on her own face.
"We were so worried! Weren't we Akamaru!
The two were smothering her in hugs and licks. Hinata took it in stride though, use to their tactics. Reaching out to rub behind Akamaru's ears, she smiled up at Kiba as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"Sorry I worried you guys."
Kiba vigorously shook his head as he backed off, finally feeling the possessive glare of his other team mate.
"Don't be stupid."
She only nodded while giving the dog one last pat before backing. They were such a handful but still able to bring a smile to her face. Turning around, she shared a glance with the woman who had practically been her surrogate mother and mentor since she was eight. Smiling softly, she watched the tension around the woman's eyes ease as she smiled back.
"We will discuss the mission now."
Shino watched as Kiba rolled his eyes at Hinata and Kurenai before turning to face him, a smirk on his face. Ignoring this, Shino focused his attention on Kurenai and Hinata, his impassive posture and expression back in place.
"Hinata is excluded from this since we are assigned to protect her from possible assassination threats until ANBU find whoever is trying to eliminate the Hyuuga Clan heiress's."
He watched as Hinata's eyes widened at the last part, her lips parting to speak but closing silently. Even in the darkness he saw the anger burning in her eyes at the mention that her sister was in danger too.
For a moment she looked absolutely threatening. The thought sent a thrill down Shino's spine as Kurenai stepped up, taking over the speaking position.
"Another team has been assigned to the younger sibling, but we will have to remove Hinata from the mansion for the time being. Since she was attacked at the Aburame compound, that's off the list also. This leaves two possible choices, Kiba's or we can place her in an temporary apartment with us in the rooms on either side."
Shino invisible shuddered at the idea of spending an unknown amount of time in Kiba's place, too many animals and way too much damn noise. He'd end up killing someone before it was over.
Kurenai must have been thinking the same thoughts because she hastily changed her tune.
"I think it's best if we go with the apartment plan, that way we have some privacy, agree?"
Hinata looked like she was lost in thought, her eyes unfocused on something beyond the group. Surprisingly Kiba looked uncomfortable, nodding quickly at the suggestion. Shino nodded once to show his approval.
Inside Kurenai sighed in relief.
There was simply no way she would have survived in the Inuzuka Clan's house.
A/N: I had major writer's block..it was incredibly painful, I wanted to write but couldn't get it right.Ahwell, it happens…