Chapter 13

Thanks again to my reviewers.

So here we go. Read, enjoy and review…

Chapter 13

Naruto listened to Sasuke with great attention, his back leaning against a tree trunk on the training ground.

"So, what you say. You are going to help me? "

"Sure. Teme!" Naruto shook his head by raising his shoulders. "I will especially help thwart your plan Sasuke Teme."

"So you understand. This party for the anniversary of Tenten Chan will probably be my only chance to be with Hinata Chan. Since we returned from our mission to Suna, she has not spoken to me more than necessary. She will not let me approach her; she is always accompanied by her team mates or Néji San. It must be that I can only talk to her alone; I just need you to make her drink a little. Otherwise, she will never accept to remain alone with me more than a few seconds. Once with her, I could tell her. "

Naruto smiled weakly at the memory of the little speech prepared by his comrade.

"I am sure she will forgive me, I planned to tell her what women love to hear after all…" Sasuke seemed confident.

Internally Naruto smiled more. "No chance that I will let you unpack your little text."

XXX

"OK, I accept."

Naruto was standing in the small apartment, in front of its owner. "Good. We must not let him carry out the plan to fruition. "

"You know that I would have no qualms if she is coming back to me."

Naruto smiled at his sensei. "Yes, I know."

Kakashi resumed after a moment. "You are so sure she will not come back to me?" His voice betrayed a certain disappointment.

"Regarding Hinata, we are on an equal footing now. You too you have left your chance past… "

Naruto bowed his head respectfully and then headed for the door. "See you tonight, Kakashi sensei ... "

Kakashi silently observed his young apprentice going out of his apartment.

XXX

Hinata was circling in her room in search of a necklace. "What did I do with that thing already?"

It seemed to her that she had lost any concentration since the incident with the Uchiha survivor. Since their return from mission, she had spent all her time in the company of her friends, avoiding the path of Sasuke. She had crossed him a few times in the streets of Konoha and she had merely greeted him respectfully with the greatest possible indifference. They had not exchanged more than a few words since their last meeting in the small room on the first floor of the main tower in Suna.

The words he spoke were turning in her memory. "Forgive me. " "Please I present you my apologies…" Those words soon joined by those whom he had dared to tell her before. "You are a whore, you disgust me, you shame your clan, you dishonour your name… you worth nothing. "

Hinata felt completely lost. Her sentiments make it confusing. She hated him for what he had dared to tell her. He had denied her, had insulted her. And yet she wanted to believe in his sincerity when he apologized. Her honour and pride prohibited her to forgive him. She would not be foolish enough to believe him and think once again he felt for her what she felt for him.

Since that moment she did not give him attention anymore, but whenever she had crossed his path, her heart had stopped beating for a minute. She had to divert her attention from him, his eyes, and his face. He had denied her, he had insulted her, and she hated him. But every time she had seen when Ino or Sakura approach him again and again, she could not suppress that jealousy that possessed her.

"You are just too stupid Hinata. It is your honour. "

The young Uchiha haunted her dreams, haunted her life. And she lost all concentration, the real life around her fading with each of his appearances. And the rest of the time, she was absent, also lost in her reflections.

"Why must he be so confident, so sure of himself? What… does he believe he can walk on people like that? "

Everything was so confused. "When he comes around, I lose my means. I am really pathetic. But he looks so confident; it is as if I could not do anything. The best thing is to stay away from him. "

The door trembled a little under the blows that made wood resonate in her room.
"Hinata Sama? It is almost time to leave! Are you ready? "

"Hai! Néji Niisan. I'll hurry up. I am coming in one second. "

Hinata again desperately searched the precious object in her room. Raising the futon she finally spotted. "Kami, I looked here there is not one minute ago and I did not see anything. Hinata come on, you have to pull itself together. "

The necklace gently shook in her hand, Hinata headed for the small bathroom attached to her bedroom. She stood; facing the mirror she spent the thin gold chain around her neck and positioned the black pearl well in the middle of her throat. She backed a little to better contemplate her silhouette. The kimono she had decided to pull on fell gently on her hips, following each of her curves. Satisfied she smiled.

"Well, I think I should go. Come on Hinata, focuses, do not approach him. "

She came out of her room to join her cousin in the living room.
"Hinata Sama! You are… you are beautiful, really. "Néji smiled to his cousin.

Hinata blushes a little bit more, not accustomed to compliments from the young shinobi. "Thank you Néji Niisan."

"Okay, let's go, we are already a little late. "

XXX

In the room, conversations mixed in a hubbub deafening. Small groups were formed, and the evening began. The atmosphere warming more and more as new ninjas arrived. Tenten welcomed her guests at the entrance, surrounded by Lee and Gay sensei. On the side, Kiba tried unsuccessfully to lead Ino and Shino in a drinking contest. Tsunade and her assistant were quick to join the buffet and especially the bar.

Sasuke sat beside Naruto to a small round table in the back of the room, soon joined by Sakura. He looked at the entry patiently while waiting for the kunoichi that he had decided to seduce tonight. Naruto filled their glasses of sake and they all drunk it. Sakura having emptied her glass immediately took tint dew identical to that of her hair.

The entrance door opened again, Sasuke was made straight on his seat to fall back in his but again at the sight of the couple who had crossed the threshold.

Kakashi and Anko were also involved, and although the new has not pleased Sasuke, the presence of Anko alongside his sensei was reassuring.

Sasuke clears his throat before turning to him and whispered to Naruto. "You know what you have to do huh? "

Naruto nodded. "Oh yes, I know exactly what I have to do. Don't worry for me. " He thought.

Finally, the door opened to let Néji and Hinata come in. Sasuke looked at her small silhouette carefully. Hinata tended a small package to Tenten. Her hair fell nicely, loosely knotted in the middle of her back with a cord. She wore a simple blue and pink kimono marked in the back with the emblem of the Hyuuga family when all other kunoichi had dressed less formal. She was wearing no makeup as usual and only a necklace adorned her delicate neck.

Sasuke could not stop himself to look at her. Once again Hinata Hyuuga stood out for her simplicity and elegance. He observed her while she was walking to meet her team mates. Akamaru immediately jumped over her, pushing his paws on the delicate fabric. Kiba pushed Akamaru aside and cleaned the fabric on Hinata's thigh with his hand. Sasuke growled at the sight of this gesture.

Hinata did not seem to formalize and she continued to greet Shino, Ino and Kurenai who had joined them. They began a discussion that fit the laughter several times. Sasuke observed more. "Kami…when she smiles..." His heart beat stronger in his chest.

"Naruto Teme, I think you should go greet Hinata Chan. " Sasuke said suddenly.

Naruto finishes his drink and got up and quickly won the table of the small group. Sakura immediately came closer to him. "Sasuke Kun made Naruto Kun leave that we will end up alone. "Sakura would have liked to shout happiness at this observation.

"Sasuke Kun? "
"Hn" He answered.
"Do you want another drink? "

Sasuke shook his head, the eyes always in the direction of Hinata. He felt suddenly Sakura completely leaning on him. He turned the eyes to watch Sakura.

The young kunoichi had half laid herself on him, pressing her chest against his arm as she had done on several occasions and filled his glass. Once his glass full, she noted her head up to plunge her gaze in his, a smile on her lips obvious. Sasuke pushed her to her place, grabbing his glass; he emptied it with one stroke.

At Hinata's table, Naruto exclaimed with a chuckle, ensuring that everyone around heard him. "Whaaa! Sasuke Teme does not seem to waste his time this evening. "

They all turned to Sasuke and Sakura to understand. Soon Ino got up to run and jumped toward them shouting against Sakura. Kiba was laughing so much he could have lost his breath and Shino also smiled broadly.

Hinata looked the stage with attention and disappointment. Sakura is chafing against Sasuke and once again she could not stop this feeling of jealousy. She felt her cheeks reddened and tears mount her in the eyes. Taking a great inspiration she forced a smile on her lips and then apologized.

"I will do a short tour in the room to greet others. Excuse me. I will come back very quickly. "

Other noted and continued their discussion. Naruto looked at Hinata.

Sasuke who had turned his attention to the table of the small group, saw Hinata living, sinking into the crowd and then get in the garden. Ino and Sakura vigorously disputed around him.

"You are unbearable both of you. Stay away from me or I will not restrain myself anymore from killing you. " He said angrily.
"But… Sasuke Kun. " Both kunoichi screamed.

Sasuke headed for the gate of the garden to join Hinata, but saw Kakashi overtake him and slipped in turn by the door Hinata had borrowed.

"Not him. Not… NO… "
He ascended to the first floor to get out on the balcony to better spy on their interview.

XXX

Hinata turned abruptly when she heard the door sliding, revealing Kakashi.

"What's going on Hinata?" His voice was soft and warm, just to make her feel better.
She smiles. "Kakashi Sensei. Good evening…… Everything is fine; I just needed a bit of fresh air. "

Kakashi went closer. "I know you too well, you won't fool me with your fake smile Hinata Chan. "

Hinata turned her back dodging his eyes.

XXX

Sasuke opened the door and went out on the balcony. He saw Hinata in the middle of the garden; she seemed to freeze a little. Kakashi approached her gently. In a few seconds he stood behind her and pulled his arms around her little body, pressing her against him.

He leaned his head, his face hidden in the hollow of her neck. Hinata relaxed and released her head against his shoulder. Sasuke shook his teeth and turned a blind eye to a few seconds. When he re-opened, his eyes were moist. The fists tight, he returned to the gate and went into the house. "You are a fool Sasuke, what did you expect? "

XXX

Kakashi breathed deeply the scent of the small woman he held in his arms. Eyes half closed he whispered. "Hina. There was a time when my arms could make you forget everything… "

Hinata smiled. Her head was still resting on his shoulder. His heat was soothing and reassuring. "It was long time ago." She said

Kakashi tightened his embrace. "Hina come with me. Everything could be just as it used to be. "

Hinata turned a blind eye in turn. "You know that all that is behind us. This is past Kashi, and we have no future. "

He smiled. "I had to try…"

The door opened and Kakashi loosened his grip a bit. Anko slipped in the garden.

"Kakashi Kun! I am tired, I want to go home. "She said with a cold tone.
"Hinata Chan feels bad; we must take care of her. " He answered.

Anko frowned.

Hinata freed herself from Kakashi'arms and bowed. "Everything will be fine Kakashi sensei. I will go back home. Thank you for everything. "

With these words, Hinata returned inside, leaving the couple to their explanations.

Anko and Kakashi looked at each other in silence. Kakashi said then. "It was at the request of Naruto that I went to see her."

Anko frowned again. "I know… It was he who asked me to go look for you. "
"So why do you look at me like that? You know what the purpose of all this is. "

Anko declined the head. "No matter what I do, you do not forget her…"
Kakashi swallowed his saliva. "What is it that you speak about Anko Chan. "

"You pronounces her name in your dreams…often"

"You are different when she is near you. The way you look at her… "She made a short break. "I want to know if you would leave me for her. "

"Hinata Chan and I had a relationship for almost a year… Today there's nothing between us, but I care for her a lot. If she wanted me I would leave you in the second without hesitation." He answered.

A tear slipped on the cheek of Anko. "You can not have her… You are a sensei, she was a student… nobody would allow this relationship. "
Kakashi cut her. "I know that. I can offer her nothing, she's forbidden for me. "

"But I am here myself. "
"I have nothing to offer you more than what you already have. "
"A relationship where you do not love me like you love her? A relationship where I would always be second? "
"Well take it or leave it."

With this sentence he returned inside, leaving Anko think. Once in the room, he immediately looked for Naruto.


XXX

Naruto was looking at the door of the small garden from the back of the room, a glass of sake in hand. He was alone, leaned against the wall when he saw Kakashi open the door and turn toward him.

"Where is he?" Kakashi asked.
"He's gone very shortly after he saw you with her in the garden."
"And then, what will he do? "
"He is certainly already at her home. "
"You look obviously sure of that Naruto Kun! How can you know he went to her home? "
Because he thought he had lost her for good and he will want to tell her everything he really thinks and feels."

Kakashi thought for a little and then resumed. "The plan he made to recapture her heart was so bad that you imposed all of this! "
"Hai Kakashi sensei, you have no idea. Sasuke had planned a ridiculous speech, all prepared in advance. No originality, just clichés. "Naruto was laughing frankly.

Kakashi smiled too. "And you are sure he will do better now? "

"I know Sasuke Teme. His plans are really not brilliant. But when it comes to improvise, Sasuke is a true genius. His instinct is the most effective. Hinata would never have let herself be fooled by a chattering recited by heart. That spontaneity he will show is the only thing that can convince her. Nothing else will. "

Kakashi directed his gaze right into that of his student. "I hope for you that you are right and he will take care of her if not, I'll kill him and I'll kill you as well…"

Naruto was laughing again.

XXX

Hinata skirted along the corridor that would lead to her room. At that time the mansion seemed desert. Most members of the side branch were in another part of the property for the night, and her father and her sister slept on the other side of the manor.

The night was cold and Hinata felt a shudder. Finally she came into her room and closed the door behind her. Lost in her reverie she was preparing to go to the bathroom and just removed her necklace away when she felt his aura. She froze instantly.

"Sasuke…"

Sasuke went out of the shadow of a corner of the room and went in the pale moonlight rushing into the room through the window wide open.

"Hinata Chan." He says with a solemn tone.
"You have nothing to do here, go away... "

Sasuke watched intently. "I will leave in a minute but first there is something that I have told you. "

Hinata backed a little while he was moving. Sasuke stopped.

"I am certainly one of the most powerful ninjas of Konoha. I think even Naruto Teme and Kakashi sensei could not beat me in a fight… No shinobi can even only neither touch me nor affect me but you… you put me on my knees simply by avoiding me. "

Hinata's blood froze in her veins. Her breathing was shaking a little. Silent she listened while he continues.

"I ask your forgiveness Hinata. Forgiveness for being weak. Forgiveness for having thought of you ever since I touched your skin for the first time. Forgiveness because I have thought that I could make you mine and keep you for myself… "

Sasuke stopped, looking down for a moment. "Gaara is your closest friend. Kiba and Shino are your team mates, Néji is your cousin, Naruto is your first crush and Kakashi was your first lover. So yes, I am jealous… jealous they all have a place in your life, that they all represent something unique for you. "

Sasuke noted his eyes and his eyes dived in Hinata's one. "What I did and said is unforgivable, and I am aware of it. The worst thing is that I wanted to convince myself about it all because it was too hard to accept to lose you. You can tell me that I was wrong not to have confidence in you and that is true. And it's probably what I would have done if you did not make me lose any reason Hinata. But you haunt my dreams, my nights, my days; I even sometimes seem to feel your smell while you are not even there. When I see you I can't come to think anymore because all I want is to take you in my arms … "

Sasuke stopped again, swallowing his saliva. Hinata looked at him; her eyes open, but does not pronounced a word.

"I am strong and powerful but you… you're killing me just because you are too far from me and you do not even know it. Forgive me… Forgive me because I have imagined that I could be worthy of you… Forgive me because I let myself be bewitched body and soul by your charms… Forgive me for loosing my mind around you… Forgive me because I got you under my skin and I'm not able to change that… "

Sasuke stopped, Hinata always watched him, motionless and silent. He turned and, before heading to the window he said finally.

"Forgive me because I dreamed that I could make you feel the same thing for me."

He went to the window and put each of his hands on the walls to jump over the edge and finally flee out of her life. He had told her. Said everything he hid in him since he shared with her that night a year ago. She would never be his but he had his soul freed of this burden too heavy. He was preparing to jump into the garden when her voice sounded.

"Sasuke Kun…"