Well I think I got this chapter done rather early so yay for me :D. I didn't have much writer's blocks on this except for one but I fought through it! Thanks for the reviews, made me know I still have fans of the story. I know my writing has at least improved some/alot for the first chapters of this story, makes me want to re-write them… but I'm not gonna do that cause I'll never get around to it and have trouble with it. Anyhow… Here's the chapter!

A Life. A School. A Relationship?

Chapter 14:

"Ah!" Hinata cried as she fell to the hard wooden floor in her dance studio. She had once again missed a step to her routine and it cost her dearly.

Hinata wince as she sat up and massaged her foot that she landed wrong on, again. The injury would heal, Hinata knew; her foot was not sprained nor facture, but it still hurt like a son of a gun. Ever since the confrontation with Neji at Shikamaru's birthday party, it seemed that Hinata's head wasn't level quite right anymore for past two weeks. Hinata was putting her family matters in the back of her mind, trying to suppress them and working hard to distract herself. However, it was not working in her favor.

Hinata sat on the floor still, sighing deeply. Sweat covered her brow from working vigorously on her dancing. It was tiring having work her body almost to exhaustion almost every day and it was frustrating for her to know she wasn't getting the movements right of the new dance structure in her class.

Hinata glanced at the clock on the wall seeing she had on minutes before her time was up in the studio. Another sigh came from her as she slowly got to her feet, holding the dance railing for support, making sure she could supply pressure to her wounded foot. Hinata winced again at the uncomfortable pain that shot up her leg, but continued on to the task at hand. She walked over to the other side of the studio to gather her stuff up, limping slightly, but she was adjusting to the pain quickly.

Hinata received her messenger bag, putting it over her shoulder and grabbing her jacket, putting it on slightly. She turned off the light in the studio as she walked out and locked the door. Hinata's mind was muddled with thoughts of the day and her assignments that are due, as she headed back to her dorm room. Leading her to think of her roommate, that's been unexpectedly kind towards her lately. Not overly kind, but it was the small things that caught Hinata's attention.

Sasuke had been acting somewhat different as of late, and Hinata did not know why. In these past two weeks, he had demonstrated his kindness by asking her if she would like to watch something on the TV that was on his side of the room, when before, he didn't care nor bother to verbalize with her. Sasuke would often acted as if he were the only human being in the dorm room, now he seemed to be a little more considerate of her presence. If he had the TV too loud when she sat down to study, he would lower it slightly without having to be asked, not that Hinata would ask him to lower it of course, due to he had the room to himself first.

Sasuke's behavior towards her was different too. He didn't just look past her when they ran into each other like he use to do, but now he actually stops his gaze to look at her. His face was usually indifferent but there was something in his stare that made Hinata think that he was examining her out of interest. Hinata didn't contemplate much about his stare due to the fact that any conclusions that she might draw were most likely ridiculous in fact. Also Sasuke no longer got up and left whenever she came by their group of friends at lunch. He wouldn't talk to her, but at least he wasn't complete repulsed to be in her presence. Although these were very small changes to her life, she couldn't help feel a little bit glad that her roommate was starting to resent her a little less.

Hinata unlocked the door to her dorm room, finding it empty. She grabbed some clean clothes before heading to the bathroom and locking it. Hinata sat on the closed toilet seat and slowly took off her ballet shoes and winced again at the pain. Hinata messaged her wounded foot again that was slightly looking an odd color of purple on the side due to the fall she took onto the hard floor. Her toes on both feet were bleeding from the pressure she constantly supplied on them when standing on her toes and from the material from her shoes. It was almost time to buy new ballet shoes again, because Hinata's were wearing out from all the use of them. Hinata sighed again, she didn't want to have to buy some new ones with the little money she has.

Pressing the concerning thoughts away, Hinata got up and took the rest of her clothes off and took a shower. Once out, she got ready and wrapped her toes up in bandages and slipped on some socks to hide her wounds. Once out of the bathroom, she grabbed her tennis shoes, slipping them on and got her messenger bag ready for her first class of the day. Around that time, Sasuke stepped in from his morning practice, looking slightly damp from sweat. He closed the door quietly behind him and observed Hinata and she quietly exchanged her good morning greeting. Sasuke "hn'ed" and took his stuff into the bathroom.

Hinata slinged her bag over her shoulder ready to leave to go to the Cafeteria to catch breakfast. Sasuke watched her leave from the open bathroom door. He stood over the sink, running the water; he couldn't help think of her differently ever sense Shikamaru's birthday party. Her back ground had caught his interest and now he really wanted to know who Hinata Hyguga really was. And what he observed from her for two weeks is that his first impression of her was becoming obliviously wrong. She was not like most girls. She was gentle, patient, hard-working, quiet, and kind spirited. She was strong too, but her strength faltered in one area… her problems, he noticed that she runs from them. Any conflict she tried to avoids. Sasuke shook his head slowly, making his wild thoughts disappear as he closed the bathroom door and took a shower.

Hinata grabbed a quick bite to eat by herself in the Cafeteria. She hadn't seen much of her friends lately. Temari seemed to be working almost every minute of the day to get assignments done so she could catch up with the rest of the classes. Shikamaru's been by himself most of the time, because of his girlfriend's busy-ness, but he seemed not to mind it. Shikamaru was completely comfortable being alone with his thoughts and staring at the clouds. Shikamaru also didn't mind quiet company, but Hinata just could not spot him in the Cafeteria today. Tenten had been avoiding Hinata, it seems, but Temari had reassured Hinata that Tenten was not. Temari told Hinata that Tenten had a major art project due this week, and that she was trying to get in every hour she could to work on it. Naruto has been quite frequently leaving campus a lot with some other students from AP College; most notably noticed among the group that Naruto was hanging around with, was Sakura. Hinata never knew where Naruto and his little group left campus for, but according to Saryie, they been hitting up joints and little inns as well as clubs. Naruto's little group was somewhat made out of instrument players and other singers. Saryie assumed and told Hinata that she thought Naruto's group was trying to create a band. Hinata took the information with interested and wonder if the band part was the only reason Naruto joined or if it was to get closer to Sakura like he wanted this year. Saryie has been around, Hinata saw, but she was constantly moving about to new places to read. Hinata didn't find the idea of hanging around Sai very pleasant, but it wasn't like he was around either. Sai was also hard at work on the major art project as well. So with every one of Hinata's friends being busy, Hinata found herself eating alone a lot. Even her boyfriend seemed to be non-existent since the party.

When Hinata reentered the party house (after having collected herself from her breakdown); she sat on the sofas drinking punch. Hinata was no longer in the party mood because she was still devastated mentally and exhausted physically. All she wanted to do was go back to her dorm room and sleep the bad events away. She watched the party solemnly and did not catch sight of Neji and Tenten again that night, which relieved Hinata. When Itachi finally returned to Hinata, Hinata was close to falling asleep on the couch after finishing all of her punch. Itachi woke her and start to formally apologize having thought she was waiting for him all this time. Hinata reassured him that there was nothing to be sorry for and that she was just tired. Itachi sat by her and placed his arm around Hinata. Hinata didn't think much of his gesture and settled into his comfortable form, not even thinking where he had been before that moment.

The thought only occurred to Hinata a week after the party and when she asked Itachi, he just shrugged. His answer was peculiar, having said he was just visiting with old friends. What made the answer odd though was his hesitation on the word "friends". Itachi wouldn't offer up much more information than that so Hinata just let it drop. Hinata also found Itachi's behavior strange as well every time she did see him. He acted very skittish, by looking around at the surroundings constantly, like he was watching out for something. He would also become spaced out during their talks when he did finally find the time to be with her. When seeing Itachi in person, Hinata would notice the dark bags under his eyes that looked slightly red. It made Hinata concern for his condition, but Itachi would say he was fine and Hinata took his word on it. Besides the few meetings they've have had, Itachi and her hadn't really been talking during the past two weeks, since the party.

The thought saddened Hinata, but she couldn't think much more on it, since she had to get going to her class soon. She threw away the rest of her breakfast and headed out of the Cafeteria; seeing as she left, she spotted Sasuke sitting at a lunch table and still eating. This made Hinata think how long had she been down here in the Cafeteria. Looking at her watch, Hinata couldn't believe she spaced out for thirty minutes, hardly eating anything in the Cafeteria. Hinata sighed; hoping things will get better in a few weeks.

Hinata made it to her first period, before anyone else. The classroom was bare except for the professor grading some six-page essays. Hinata took her seat quietly and took out her supplies. She flipped her textbook open to the section of dance they were studying. She read ahead until the class started and the classroom began to fill up. Hinata was focused in class; taking diligent notes precisely, until her Professor's lecture was over and they were dismissed from class.

For the next two classes, Hinata did the same thing. She listened and paid attention well. She observed her surroundings quietly as other students participated, when Hinata did not. She didn't want to join in to the discussions in the classes or answer any questions. Once her classes were over, Hinata headed to lunch where still, disappointedly, found none of her friends there. She killed the hour by doing her other studies from her previous classes and went to her dorm room to get ready for Dance class. She was ready by the time Dance class started, finally seeing Itachi for the first time in a couple of days. He smirked at her, and headed straight towards her position near the railing on the wall.

"Good Afternoon, Hinata. How are you?" Itachi asked smoothly as he brushed back Hinata's bangs from her face causing Hinata to blush at the contact.

"Fine, thanks," Hinata quietly spoke, nervously, looking up into Itachi's eyes. His eyes looked tired and drained, but his face was long and bored. The smirk that graced his face was the only expression to make him seem otherwise.

Before Hinata could question how he was, Itachi was called over by Hidan who was in the center of the studio. Itachi left Hinata's side without hesitation upon being called onto duty as the rest of the dancers, including Hinata, began to slowly form a half circle around them to listen for the instructions and demonstrations for the day.

Hinata rotated her ankles a bit as she watch Hidan add a few more steps to their new routine he was teaching to the class. Hinata's feet were still sore, but she'll live through it, she thought, as Hidan separated the class into groups to perform the routine.

Hinata kept up the best she could, making up most of the moves when her memory failed her. It was about her fifth time practicing with her group when she forgot the steps again, that's when Hidan cut the music.

"What was that?" Hidan shouted, obliviously annoyed by her mistakes.

Hinata shuffled on her feet anxiously, twiddling her fingers while looking down. The rest of her group slowly stepped away as the teacher came towards Hinata to hear her answer; the rest of the class stood in silence as they watched the scene take place.

"Well?" Hidan persistently asked.

"I-I-I" Hinata stuttered, struggling to find her voice.

"Ms. Hyguga," Hidan addressed calmer after a few seconds, but scorn was evident on his face. "Perhaps you find dancing in my classroom much easier when you pay attention rather than musing about your fantasy of Mr. Uchiha."

The whole class of girls in the room giggled at Hidan's comment as the guys in the classroom only rolled their eyes. Itachi did neither; he found the display Hidan set was un-amusing, and ignored the snickers from the class. Hinata's head dipped lower as her cheeks shot rosy red from humiliation and nodded silently to her instructor.

"Group C, you're up next." Hidan called as he walked back over to the stereo system with his clipboard. Hinata went to stand with the rest of the class heading to the back of the crowd as Group C made their way to the center of the studio to perform the new steps to the routine. Hinata rubbed her arms to comfort herself silently. When Hinata felt the shame begin to fade; she looked up to watch the rest of the dancers in there groups.

Once the groups were done dancing the new steps for the routine over and over again, Hidan instructed they do the basics of the whole routine again in their groups. When the class was finally dismissed, Hinata was tired and swore she could no longer feel her toes.

She saw Itachi from the corner of her eye and turned to look at him, seeing he was talking with Hidan very quietly. Hinata knew it wasn't a good conversation due to Itachi's narrowed eyes and Hidan's amused face. Itachi's eyes connected briefly with Hinata's as she gathered her stuff and headed out of the studio. She felt so inadequate today; it was so unreal and frustrating. She was trying, didn't that count for something?

Hinata paced her way back to her dorm, knowing that if she did not hurry, she wouldn't be able to reach the shower first before Sasuke. She arrived at her dorm room and gathered her stuff quickly and went into the bathroom. She took a speedy shower and dried herself before putting on her attire. Her outfit consisted of a blue, flow-y blouse with a white tank top underneath and black skinny jeans with her regular tennis shoes. Hinata placed her hair in a bun on top of her head, before leaving the bathroom to start heading to her last class of the day. Sasuke came into their dorm room right when Hinata was leaving. There was a brief pause in their steps at seeing each other. Sasuke gazed at Hinata momentarily, analyzing her as Hinata looked up at him, marveling at his mysterious persona. Hinata broke her gaze with a blush and apologized before evading around Sasuke. Sasuke watched her leave before, stepping towards the bathroom.

Hinata made her way to her final class of the day that was in the regular school building, which was Science. Science was never Hinata's favorite classes, but she learned to like it as it was taught by Professor Iruka. In class, for today, they did a lab of testing chemicals. Hinata followed the instructions well that the Professor gave, while others were not so adherent.

Soon, Hinata got dismissed from her science class, and headed back to her dorm room swiftly. It was barely five o'clock, but Hinata knew she had to hurry in order to get to her job on time for her shift. Hinata hastily dropped off her supplies in her room before leaving campus. Hinata had already been doing this for the past month of having her job and she was getting use to the new routine that evolved around her life.

By the time Hinata got to work and had clocked in, her feet were killing her. Hinata quickly fitted on her apron and put her name tag on to her shirt before rushing to the front counter. Hinata's fellow employee was at the crash register, and upon arriving at the counter, Hinata asked her fellow employee what had to be done.

Hinata got direction and instruction from them and then went off with a tray in her hand to start gathering the dirty silverware that had been left on the tables. Hinata's working hours seemed to drag by until rush hour hit around seven. Hinata put orders in and orders out and cleaned tables as she went.

Hinata was kept busy but she was accurately aware about how bad her foot hurt her as she walked constantly around on it with no rest. Hinata put on a good smile though and walked as straight as she could. It wasn't until she fell again that she admitted her swollen ankle.

Hinata had been carrying a tray full of cups and plates when she twisted her foot and fell. The crash was loud and other employees came around to help Hinata and started picking up the mess. Hinata's boss, JP, came out when hearing the commotion and asked what happened. Hinata told him, that she just twisted her ankle but she was fine. However, when Hinata got herself up off the floor, she winced when putting pressure on her foot. JP saw that and let her go for the night. He told her to rest and put ice on her ankle.

Hinata left work reluctantly, feeling worse about herself for not doing anything right lately. When arriving back to campus, Hinata head to the dorm building, but not her own. She headed instead to Dorm Building B to visit Itachi. Hinata just wanted someone to talk to for a bit that won't remind her of her current disappointments. Hinata arrived at Itachi's dorm room after riding the elevator up three stories and knocked on his door.

The person who answered the door immediately, after there was some crashing noises behind the closed door, was not Itachi. The bright blond haired guy looked out of the door, first at Hinata and then quickly looked side to side at the other ends of the hall, making sure Hinata was the only person in the hallway. Hinata backed up slightly, not expecting this strange guy to pop out of Itachi's dorm room. The guy's hairstyle resembled Ino's a bit, his blond hair was swooped back in a pony tail with long bangs that hung in his face. The guy also had blue eyes with a pointed face. His smile was stretched wide as his eyes finally set solely on Hinata. The guy stepped forward out of the room, making Hinata step back further, again.

"Well, hello there," The guy greeted enthusiastically, a little too overjoyed. "What's your name, doll face?"

"H-Hinata… A-are you… I mean… d-do you happen to be Itachi's r-roommate?" Hinata stuttered, hesitant.

"Why yes I am, Hun. Deidara. I'm Deidara and happy to make your acquaintance. Did Itachi send you, by chance?" Deidara asked, checking his surroundings again before stepping closer to Hinata, a predatory smile forming on his face.

"N-no… I was l-looking for him. Do you h-happen to k-know w-where he is?" Hinata asked shakily, not feeling too comfortable and stepped back again, feeling the wall across the hallway at her back.

"Oh, him… Why would you want a guy like him for, Doll? If you asked me, I could give you the time of your life," Deidara said deviously as he now had Hinata cornered. Hinata looked for an escape, her voice catching in her throat, not sure of this situation.

"If you ask me… Itachi is sort of a drag… I could make your life go boom," Deidara said seductively as he leaned towards Hinata, his arms blocking her escape. Hinata was scared and turned her face away from Deidara and stared at the ground.

"Deidara, get away from her," Itachi's booming voice came from down the hall. Deidara snapped away from Hinata and laughed. He backed away back into Itachi's and his room as Itachi advanced forward down the hall.

"I was just playing with her, wasn't going to do much," Deidara said a smirk taking place on his face. "You should take better care of your items Itachi." Deidara laughed once more before walking back to the room and closing the door.

Hinata was breathing a sigh of relief and looked over to see Itachi and give him her gratitude when he roughly grabbed her arm. Itachi pulled Hinata away from the wall and started walking back to the elevator with Hinata in tow.

"Itachi, what are you doing?" Hinata asked frantic and confused.

"Escorting you out of here," Itachi stated firmly as he let go of her arm as they got up onto the elevator. When the elevator closed Itachi turned to stare Hinata down, his face was grave and his tone was deep and scolding. "Don't ever come to my dorm again, it's not good if I'm not around."

Hinata was dumbfounded and shocked and took her a few seconds before she could respond. "I'm s-sorry Itachi… I-I just w-wanted to c-come and s-see you," Hinata apologized quietly, her tone sad, and her structure a bit shaky.

"Oh Hinata," Itachi drawled out as he sighed. His tone was emotionless, but Hinata could see he was tired and frustrated. He drew her into his arms as he stared down at her, his eyes softening. "You can reach me by other ways," Itachi hinted but his meaning was lost in Hinata's ears. Hinata looked up at him confused. Itachi began to lean in to kiss Hinata on the lips, but before he could, the elevator doors swooshed open making Hinata jump way from Itachi, startled.

Itachi's face became blank as he stepped away from the elevator and guided Hinata to her own Dorm Building. Hinata followed obediently beside him, neither of them talking as they fell in a mutual silence. At the front entrance of the Dorm Building A, Itachi held open the door for Hinata and called a good night to her.

Hinata was about to step onto her own elevator when Itachi spoke out to her one last thing. "I'm sorry for what you had witnessed tonight, just don't come by again." Then Itachi left and closed the front entrance door and disappeared into the night.

Hinata became concerned about Itachi and who he rooms with, but she figured it was best not knowing Deidara. He made her uncomfortable and trapped, but Deidara wasn't the only one who tripped Hinata out tonight. Hinata never seen Itachi that aggressive or mad, before. It shocked and scared Hinata a little, but Hinata reason out Itachi's behavior by thinking it was him being protective of her or maybe Itachi, upon first arrival, thought Hinata would let Deidara kiss her. Hinata didn't really know but her thoughts came to halt upon entering her dorm room that was currently occupied with not just Sasuke, but with three other people.

In Hinata's dorm room was Sasuke, Naruto, Temari, and Tenten. Sasuke happen to be lying down on his bed looking rather bored as he clicked through channels on his TV that was on low volume. Sasuke's eyes connected with Hinata's briefly and he scrutinized her surprised face for a few seconds, before his eyes drifted back to the TV. Temari had placed herself in Hinata's chair at her desk facing towards Tenten who sat dangling her feet off of Hinata's bed. Temari glanced back over her shoulder and smiled at Hinata's arrival as Tenten looked shyly away. Naruto sat on the floor by Sasuke's bed rummaging through snacks on the floor, but upon first sight of Hinata's arrival, he was the only one to jump up and ran to give Hinata a hug.

"Hinata, I've haven't seen you around in years!" Naruto exclaimed exaggerating, enthusiastic as he threw her arms around her shoulders as she grabbed on to him to catch her balance from the collide.

Hinata stepped back to catch her balance, before Naruto could knock her off her feet, but she wince as the pain in her ankle was too much upon the force of Naruto's embrace. Apparently the wince was rather loud, because every eye turned to Hinata. Temari stood up quickly from her spot.

"Let her go, your suffocating her," Temari barked.

"Oh geez, Hinata, I'm sorry," Naruto apologized as he stepped away from Hinata, "Are you okay?" Naruto asked caringly.

"Obviously she's not, douche bag," Temari snapped, annoyed, putting her hands on her hips.

"Temari it's okay. I'm f-fine, I had j-just twisted my a-ankle a little e-earlier today, so it's s-still sore t-that's all," Hinata quickly explained to take the blame off of Naruto and to get Temari to calm down.

"See it wasn't me!" Naruto claimed, all smiley again as he slung his arm over Hinata's shoulders, both of them facing Temari.

Temari rolled her eyes and grab Hinata way from Naruto. Temari placed Hinata near Tenten and then sat in Hinata's chair. Hinata got the hint and sat beside Tenten on her bed as Naruto made his way back to Sasuke's bed. However instead of sitting on the floor like he was originally, he sat near the end of Sasuke's bed, basically on Sasuke's feet.

"Get off of me, dobe," Sasuke said, clearly mad. He glared at Naruto and slipped one of his feet out from under Naruto and shoved him with his foot, relieving his other foot.

Naruto seemed to not have noticed he had sat on Sasuke's feet, but irritation was clear in Naruto's voice. "You over react to everything, like a girl," Naruto exclaimed to which Naruto received a quick kick to the chest from Sasuke as Sasuke sat up and shoved a pillow and held it in Naruto's face as he was knock over on to the bed.

"Who's a girl now?" Sasuke mocked.

Naruto respond, but no one understood what he had said because the pillow was still held in his face. Sasuke smirked as Naruto tapped Sasuke's arm three times as a sign to say he gives. So Sasuke let Naruto up and Sasuke laid back down in his previous position. Tenten and Temari were both laughing at the scene as Hinata watched quietly, her thoughts fumbling back to Itachi from earlier.

"Sheesh… learn to take a joke," Naruto complained as he rubbed his head as he sat up. Sasuke just "hn'ed" as his eyes trailed over to the TV.

"If he were to take a joke, then he wouldn't know what to frown about anymore," Temari remarked in a sharp voice. Tenten snickered at her comment.

"It's true… might lighten you up more… like a glow stick!" Tenten piped in, excitedly as she giggled at the end of her thought, imaging Sasuke glowing a bright yellow as he smiles. Sasuke glared at Tenten, but did not comment.

"If he were to ever smile, I might actually want a picture of that, because it would be hell of funny to look at," Temari said, laughing after her comment as well.

"That picture would probably be best fitted to be placed in the dictionary next to the word "awkward". I can hardly ever imagine him randomly smiling," Tenten said, her tone light and airy.

"Shut up!" Sasuke snapped. Hinata could practically see his temple throb in annoyance.

"It's all in good fun Sasuke," Naruto said after laughing a bit which received a shove by the foot from Sasuke. "Anyway, big news!" Naruto exclaimed excited.

"You finally hit puberty," Temari commented lazily, laughter having died out as she looked at him bored.

Naruto's cheery smile became serious as he gazed at her. "Not funny, don't even joke about that."

Temari gave him a perplex look at his response, but before she could question him why the hell not, Naruto jumped back to his cheery news.

"I waited for most of you to get here… to tell you at this precise moment the best news ever…" Naruto paused for emphasis, and continued in gleam, "I got a gig!"

There was silence as it sunk in as Naruto continued, "I want you guys to be there. It's at this small night-time club bar! It's super cool. They got a dance floor, a stage, and booths in the back for large parties. And they want me and my band to perform there, Saturday night of next week. This could be the start of my future!"

"Sounds good, where is it at?" Temari asked, calmly.

Naruto began to answer Temari, but Hinata wasn't able to pay attention as her attention was driven somewhere else. Tenten had tapped Hinata's arm, making Hinata turned her attention to Tenten. Tenten smiled apologetically at Hinata before talking quietly.

"I'm sorry about what happened at the party. I knew you were somewhat related to him ever since I found out your last name. I didn't know that you had left your family, so by the time I asked about you to Neji it was too late. He asked a lot about you. I'm just really sorry. I wanted to tell you, but Neji asked me not to," Tenten said softly, sympatric.

Hinata smiled softly at her friend and could not blame her for telling Neji Hinata's location. Tenten had not known of Hinata's background well enough. "It's okay, I don't blame you. It's not your fault. Neji would of found me eventually anyways, he's very persistent," Hinata softly spoke as she forgave her friend.

Tenten returned a smile to Hinata as they both redirected their attention to the conversation Naruto and Temari were having about the joint they were all going to on Saturday. Hinata, feeling better about patching up her friendship with Tenten, hoped this up coming week would be better than the previous. Upon looking up, Hinata's eyes connected with Sasuke's coal black eyes that have already been staring at her; making her wonder if he heard the conversation between her and Tenten.

Dun, Dun, DUN! It has begun! SasHin-ness will be coming up, so yup! Hope you liked the chapter. Give me your thoughts on it. I needs feedbacks.

Review Please!

Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto