Hello, we had some issues with tecnology. Our first attempt was deleted by my computer, however, we still worked really hard and late to bring you this extra special chapter. This may endeed be the longest chapter I've ever written. I appologize if the ending apears a bit rushed, well because it was. We wrote the last half of this chapter in an hour. I travelled so we had limited time for writing. Without further delay I give you chapter eleven!

I'm not sure if it's my alarm clock or my pounding headache that wakes me first, but all I can manage is a groan as I attempt to rise. I soon realize this is a mistake as the world spins around me, threatening to throw me off of the earth. I fall back and bury my head in the sheets, searching for some form of comfort. I'm pretty sure I could've lain here all day if it weren't for my father swiftly knocking on my door and entering.

I'm vaguely aware that I should be annoyed that Father didn't ask permission to enter, but the sound of my siren-like alarm clock cutting out distracts me. I can feel Father's gaze burning into me.

"Get up, Hinata. You're going to be late for school."

Something like a whimper escapes from me — an admission that Father, unfortunately, is right. I don't even want to see the look of disappointment on his face, as a glimpse of yesterday's events flits through my mind. Wearily, I try to drag myself out of bed, being sure to avoid Father's gaze. I make it about halfway before I stumble and nearly collapse, saved by Father, who grudgingly catches my arm to steady me.

"You're going to prepare yourself and attend all of your classes just as you normally would. The driver will be waiting outside for you after the final bell, so it would be unwise to even consider skipping again. We'll talk about yesterday's events as soon as you get home." With that, Father is gone, leaving me to my shame and embarrassment.

Gingerly, I begin to put on my green and yellow uniform, moving as slowly as possible so as not to bring on another wave of nausea. As I rise, I catch a glance of myself in my vanity table mirror. The sight of my reflection startles me so much that I jump back in shock, clutching a hand to my chest.

At first glance, the girl staring back at me looks just like a ghostly raccoon. I watch as the girl reaches up to touch the dark rings under her eyes; it's obvious that I can't go to school like this. It takes me a moment to locate my coverup, but when I do, I'm sure to apply it generously. The tint acts just like tanning lotion for my ghostly skin, and while it still looks ghastly, it brings some life back into my shell of a body.

Satisfied that I've done all I can to remedy my raccoon eyes, I turn my attention to my hair. After a series of harsh tugs with my brush, I'm able to locate the worst of the knots, which disappear after I slowly and painstakingly separate each strand with my not-so-nimble fingers. Once I've tamed the worst of my mangy fur to my satisfaction, I move the brush until my hair flows downwards with relative ease.

Next, I move onto makeup. I take my time applying eyeliner, mascara, and eye shadow, but even then it doesn't do much to mask reality. I take a step back, assessing my overall appearance. I'm shaky and sickly, but at least I'll be able to go out in public without attracting too much attention. If only there were a way to cover up the physical symptoms of yesterday's impaired judgement, too.

Despite everything, what worries me most are the mental symptoms. I don't know how I'll react to seeing the Akatsuki again. I also have a feeling that Itachi's emotions will get the best of him today. He's such a composed and orderly individual, but I've never seen him so angry...

Knowing that I can't put it off any longer, I make my way downstairs, only managing to down half of a glass of water before I'm being ushered into the limousine. The whole ride, I stare solemnly out the window, wincing as each bounce of the car's cabin rattles my bones. Much too soon, the limo pulls up in front of the gates of Konoha High. Before I even have time to hesitate, the door is opened for me, and I have no choice but to step out and walk into my own living nightmare.

As I enter the class, my gaze instinctively scans the room, hoping to see a familiar face among my peers. My search for a certain silver-haired boy turns up empty, so I walk to my desk, all the while wondering why on earth he could be absent. Perhaps I'm just being paranoid, but Hidan wouldn't try to avoid me after yesterday, would he...?

Then, realization slaps me in the face.

I'm vaguely aware of my books tumbling out of my grasp and scattering to the floor. A faraway voice — the professor, maybe — calls out to me, but I can't focus on it. All I know is that something is very, very wrong.

I scramble into the hallway, pushing through the barrier of pain that threatens to steal my consciousness. I don't have the faintest idea where I'm going, so I veer right and press on. Through my blurred and unsteady vision I can see that the halls are abandoned, but I'm inexplicably drawn to a murmur of voices somewhere nearby. Too late, I realize that I overestimated the distance. Breathlessly, I screech to a halt, backtracking until I find the source of the muffled voices: the director's office.

For a moment, I'm paralyzed in fear. It feels somehow wrong to barge into a meeting that may or may not have anything to do with me. I almost consider going to back to class when the familiar timbre of Itachi's voice reaches my ears.

"— expulsion is in order."

"No!"

Without even thinking, I burst through the door, much to the shock and chagrin of my fiancé. Hidan is seated next to him, wearing the same look of surprise. I almost don't recognize him without his characteristic Chesire grin. Sitting at his desk, wearing the ultimate look of disapproval, is none other than the Director.

"Miss Hyuuga, what on earth do you think you're doing? We're discussing a highly sensitive topic regarding the severely inappropriate actions of this delinquent."

My gaze shifts to Itachi, then the director, then back to Itachi.

"This doesn't concern you, Hinata," he hisses. "He must be punished for what he's done to you."

"I know what he's done to me," I reply shakily. I swallow to steady my voice. "However, I don't believe punishment is in order."

I catch a glimpse of Hidan's suppressed smile. His look of pleasant surprise almost makes up for the consequences I know I'll have to face later. Itachi tries to protest, but I'm emboldened by Hidan's reaction, so I cut him off, turning now to the director.

"Hidan's actions, though highly inappropriate, were committed in a way that cause me harm. Therefore, I should decide what happens."

The Director pauses to consider this, eyeing me warily. "Miss Hyuuga, I recommend you take a moment to consider this matter more carefully."

"I have considered this matter, Director," I reply curtly. "Hidan will continue to pursue his education at Konoha High, and that is final."

Before anyone has time to object, I drop into a bow, sealing the deal. I glance at Itachi, who almost seems disappointed at my choice. He'll have some stern words for me later, I know. I turn to Hidan, mustering a hint of a smile. His ear-to-ear grin is back in its usual place as he mouths the words, "Thanks for saving my ass, Hinata." This makes me flush, so I'm quick to drop into another bow, excusing myself.

The sounds of bickering start again once I'm in the hallway, but I've only got one thing crossing my mind. One thought keeps repeating itself, over and over, haunting me...

What have I done?

What would a good chapter without a cliffhanger? Please be patent as we are not giving up on this story or any of my other ones. I need more time for my colabs because I need to write them with one of my friends, so it flows properly. Please help to keep us going by posting a review!