The only sound in the living room was the sound of the ticking clock. Hitomi gazed up to see the time. It was past midnight. It had been two hours since she got back and she was beginning to get more worried for Hayate. It wasn't that she didn't have faith in him to be able to handle the situation, but the fact that ninjas resolve problems by killing each other. Hitomi had many questions about that night, wondering if Hayate's father was behind the attack... Hitomi knew that Hayate would never had gone along with whatever they had planned to do, otherwise he would have known about the attack. A sudden uneasy feeling hit her, as she wondered why they had waited until they had arrived to Hayabusa village to attack? did they want her and Hayate dead as well? So many questions lingered in her mind. She raised her knees up to her chest and buried her face between them, getting more nervous and anxious as the time passed.

Ayane who was sitting on the opposite side of the living room had been studying Hitomi. Hitomi was too lost inside her thoughts to notice.

"Worrying won't help anything. Master Hayate can handle himself." Ayane suddenly spoke, as seeing Hitomi being so scared was making her slightly uncomfortable as well.

"I can't help it…" Hitomi mumbled.

A long silence surrounded the room again. Ayane was getting bored so she decided to make the time fly by playing around with her kunai knife. She twirled the kunai and then threw it into the wall near where Hitomi was resting.

Hitomi screamed, almost jumped up from where she sat thinking that it was an attack. Once she realized it wasn't, "Are you serious Ayane? You scared the hell out of me!"

Ayane burst into laughter. Hitomi stared her down without blinking as Ayane was getting on her nerve.

"That was hilarious, you're so easy." She kept on chuckling in amusement.

Hitomi rolled her eyes, "I'm glad you're having fun because this is definitely the time for that." Her tone hinted sarcasm that Ayane didn't quite appreciate.

"Excuse me for not sitting around looking like a scared little squirrel and be a crybaby about it. I could've been more useful out there finding out information to help Master Hayate, but instead I'm stuck here babysitting your useless ass."

Hitomi rose to her feet, leaned closer to Ayane and shouted in her face. "Then leave!" pointing towards the door.

"Believe me I would love too, but if anyone lay a single scratch on Master Hayate's precious princess then who do you think he will blame?"

Hitomi sighed. "God...you're so annoying." and walked away.

"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Ayane shouted.

"The kitchen!"

Ayane followed, as she wasn't supposed to leave Hitomi out of sight. Ayane's loud footsteps right behind irritated Hitomi even more. Being stuck with Ayane for hours had only made her mood crankier. She was hungry, though she didn't really have much appetite for anything, but she had to think about her baby.

Minutes later, Hitomi made her way to the table with two plates of omelets and toasts on the sides. She placed one plate on the opposite side of the table for Ayane and one plate for herself. She then pulled the chair out and sat down to eat. Ayane was leaning against the wall nearby avoiding eyes contact.

Hitomi soon paused from eating, "You should eat before it gets cold."

"I'm not hungry." Ayane coldly replied.

Hitomi shrugged, "Suit yourself."

Seconds later, a strange loud growling sound caught both their attention. Ayane sighed, while Hitomi stared at Ayane's stomach. She continued eating and trying not to chuckle at it. Ayane's stomach growled once again.

"For god sake Ayane...it's just food."

Ayane rolled her eyes, "Just shut up."

Hitomi sighed. "Look, we all had a rough night…and it's not like we're…" But before she could finish her sentence, Ayane's stomach made an even louder sound.

"Fine!" Ayane pushed herself off the wall, then aggressively pulled the chair out, sat down and began eating.

Hitomi couldn't help but smile this time. "That wasn't so hard now was it?"

"Of course I'm hungry, who wouldn't? Babysitting you would drain anyone's energy down." Ayane mumbled with her mouth full of food.

Hitomi shook her head, "You're welcome." Then she studied Ayane a little and there was a sudden guilt strikes her chest. "I'm sorry I slapped you the other night..."

Ayane avoided eyes contact again and pretended as if she didn't hear Hitomi. Seconds later, she decided to respond, "You shouldn't say sorry for something you meant to do."

"Oh, I meant slapping you don't get me wrong, but I do feel bad about it."

"I don't want your apology. It means nothing to me, so save it."

Hitomi leaned back on her chair with her arms folded. "What the hell is your problem with me?"

Ayane sighed in annoyance and ignored.

But Hitomi didn't give up and gave Ayane a demanding look waiting for a response.

Ayane let out a frustrated breath, "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me…" Hitomi quickly replied.

Irritation sliced through Ayane, "Who do you think you are? What makes you think I want to talk to you about anything?"

"I know what your problem is. You think everyone is beneath you just because you had gone through some hardships in life, I mean… you poor thing, and how could anyone possibly understand. " Hitomi made funny hands gestures as she said it.

Ayane felt the urge to slap Hitomi at that point since she was provoking her, but she was still on the job so she couldn't do anything that would make Hayate mad. Grinding her teeth together, Ayane calmed herself down. She hated it when people poke into her personal life pretending as if they know anything about her, especially someone like Hitomi.

"Have you not learned anything from tonight, Princess Hitomi? Your culture is different. You grew up in a fancy house with your mommy, daddy and all that…to you this might be over in couple of days, but to Master Hayate and I, this is our lives. We don't get to decide what kind of life we want, nor do we get any breaks."

Ayane sighed before she continued. "I don't know what it is you got on Master Hayate that made him drool over you like a pathetic sick love puppy, but if you think you can take him away from his family and responsibilities, you better think twice."

"I'm not trying to take him away from anyone…" Hitomi disagreed.

"No, of course not, that is why you stuck him with a baby right? how classic…" Ayane shook her head ridiculously.

"You know nothing about me, Ayane. This hate and bitterness have really taken over you that you can't even see pass anything else. It must be miserable waking up as you every day."

Ayane gave Hitomi a warning look but Hitomi ignored.

"It's funny really, I hear this ninja talk about not allow to love…I get it to a certain point when you're out on the job. But then I see Ryu and Kasumi, Lady Ayame and Sir Shiden and even Momiji. You are clearly able to love and want to be loved. Hayate wanted the same, it just happens that he wants that with me and I want it with him…you see, I don't have to be a ninja nor have a different culture to understand what matters most in this world. We all want the same thing when it comes down to it. Deep down I think you want it too…to be accepted and loved."

Ayane stabbed her kunai on the table furiously, "Good for them and good for you. And maybe you hadn't realised that I don't have a family."

"You're wong. You're luckier than you think, but you have this idea that your problem is so great that it made everybody's else problems less relevant than yours. If you had given Lady Ayame and Kasumi a slightest chance by letting them in a little then you would see how much they care about you. You do have a family, and I've spent enough time with the villagers to know that not everyone here is against you. Don't you want a little bit of happiness in your life?"

Ayane didn't interrupt this time and kept her gaze at the table. A long silence fell on them. Hitomi then sighed and rose out from her chair, grabbing Ayane's plate and hers to take it to the sink to wash them. Once she was done, she put the clean plates away when her stomach pain strikes her once again making Hitomi dropped the plates onto the floor, shattering them into pieces. Hitomi winced in pain as she hold her stomach tightly, "Not again…"

Ayane rushed over. "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine…it's just major cramps." Hitomi took a few deep breath and collected herself. Once she felt slightly better, she bend down to collect the broken pieces off the floor but Ayane quickly insisted.

"I got it, go sit down or something."

Hitomi however didn't move from where she stood and gazed down at Ayane. Strange sound was coming from Ayane's nose making Hitomi frowned. She tilted to see what was up with her. Hitomi's eyes widened.

"Are…are you crying?"

"Do I look like a crybaby to you?!" Ayane angrily responded.

Hitomi held her silence, a little surprised to see Ayane showed other kind of emotion than anger even if it was for a few seconds.

"I need to go to the bathroom." Hitomi hurried out of the Kitchen to the bathroom.

"Hitomi, wait!" It was hopeless.

What a pain in the ass. How the hell does Master Hayate deal with her…

She hurried with cleaning up the broken plates and then followed Hitomi. Ayane abruptly stopped mid through the hallway at the sound of someone knocking at the front door. Ayane focused on her surroundings, brows raising in suspicion, just in case it was distraction to lure her there, but she didn't sense any strange nor unfamiliar energy around her. The door kept on knocking.

"Ayane it's me, open up." Hayate said from the outside.

Ayane breathe out a sigh of relief and went to open door.

A moment later, Hitomi came back out from the bathroom, but the talking noises had her pausing. She peeked towards the front door of the house and observed Hayate and Ayane from the distance. They were having a serious conversation. However, she couldn't make out much of what they were saying from that far. Then Ayane left and Hayate closed the door.

Hitomi kept on observing, almost a little afraid to go over to him and to find out that his father was truly behind the attack. That would crush Hayate and everything around him. He didn't seem to notice her, as he just stood quietly at one spot staring to the ground. Hitomi took a few steps towards Hayate to go make sure that he was okay. But quickly regretted that decision as she took a few steps back again and froze at her spot. Her eyes grew large while her heart pounded heavily when Hayate suddenly began throwing and kicking furniture around him in anger. Hitomi took another step back and hid slightly behind the door to her bedroom. She hadn't seen Hayate this angry before. His rage was boiling so hot, she could feel it through the air.

The noises suddenly stopped, Hitomi stepped a little further out to see what Hayate was doing now. He was pacing back and forth mumbling something to himself. Then he began throwing things again. Hitomi looked down covering her ears with both hands as she waited for him to stop. Please stop… Then he did, the noises stopped again. She looked back towards him, her heart raised to her throat at the sight of Hayate standing still staring at her with his glowing fiery brown eyes from the other end of the hallway. There were deadness in his eyes, he didn't look like himself. She gulped as she locked eyes with him.

Hayate stepped forward, wanting to go over to her, but then he retreated.

She felt so bad when she saw his sadden eyes, as Hayate was probably thinking that she didn't want him to come close. The look on his face made her want to hug him and ease his pain. Without further hesitation, Hitomi ran to him and wrapped her arms around. His body didn't react at first, as he stood in complete stillness. Then she felt his hands on her back, pulling himself tighter into her.

"I'm so tired…" Hayate whispered against her shoulder.

Hitomi hugged him even tighter. All she could do was just being there. Soon, she broke away and took a good look at his face. She frowned at the cut on his lips, it wasn't there when Hayate left her. Then her gaze lowered to his hands, his knuckles were bruised. Those weren't there either.

"Come on, I'll help you with those wounds."

Hayate followed and Hitomi took him into her bedroom.

"What happened?" Hitomi asked low. But got no response at first.

"He did it…that bastard did it, I know he did."

"Your father?" It made her nervous.

"No…"

Hitomi wore a deep frown on her face, looking rather confused. Hitomi didn't push the question on him as Hayate seemed to be talking in his own pace, which she understood since he was probably still trying to comprehend everything himself.

"One of the lead member, my father's advisor…he was the one who always whispers into my father's ear about killing Kasumi. He never agreed on how I run this clan. He knew once I become a leader again that he wouldn't be able to affect my decisions, unlike my gulliable father..."

Hayate then shook his head in dissapointment. He lifted his gaze to Hitomi. "He did it, Hitomi. He wants me, and my father gone so he could take over. But my father didn't believe me…how could he not believe his own son?" Hayate slide his hand through his hair as he was beyond frustrated at this point and broken inside.

"This might sound like a stupid question, but Hayate…do you have any proof that he did it?"

He nodded. "On my way to the meeting hall, I ran into a couple of my men. They told me that they had accidently overheard their plan weeks ago, but that they didn't hear who they had planned to attack... and so they assumed that it was one of our enemies and not Hayabusa clan."

Hitomi frowned as she listened.

"It doesn't make sense…the rule is that everybody should be briefed if our clan prepare an attack on one of our enemies. So, if what they were saying was true, then why held a secret meeting without my father nor I included? They are not allowed to make any form of decisions without going through with us first, unless necessary." Hayate clutched his head. "I'm getting a headache…"

"So, what are you going to do? Because right now it's your words against them…and without your father on your side, this can only go further downhill for your clan." Hitomi wondered even more.

"I don't know…I need to have Ryu on my side with this one. I must see him and his father first thing in the morning before they would talk to my father. I don't have the power to do anything at this point. He got my father right where he wanted. How I would like to wipe the smirk off that..." Hayate held back his words.

"Is that why your hand all bruised?"

Hayate nodded. "I snapped…"

"Please be careful, Hayate. If he so desperately trying to eliminate you then, you know…"

"Don't worry, as that would for sure make him look suspicious."

Hitomi sighed as she couldn't help but to worry. "Ryu seemed like a reasonable guy, and he didn't seem he was blaming you tonight, so he might listen and help you figure things out. I'm sure he wants answers as well."

"I hope you're right, but you saw what this clan did to his people…even if Ryu would see pass this somehow, it doesn't mean that his clan will. One thing is for sure, the trust between the allies are gone."

Hitomi sighed again, as everything seemed hopeless for Hayate. She felt sorry for him. Nobody was supporting him in the case accept for maybe Ayane. She suddenly felt his hand caressing her cheek making her look at him. "How are you holding up?" He asked her.

She put her hand on top of his. "Don't worry about me, I'm tougher than I look."

His face however hinted that he didn't quite believe her.

Hitomi then pulled out the futon ready and told Hayate to change his dirty clothes. "You have a lot to do later today, so why don't you stay in my room with me tonight? Get a few hours of sleep at least."

Hayate didn't argue. Having Hitomi by his side at this moment was all he needed. He didn't feel so alone…

…

A couple of days had passed and Hitomi hardly saw Hayate in the last few days. He had been trying to find the underlying cause of the problems and it seemed like Ryu was willing to help with the investigation. Hitomi kept herself busy with training meanwhile, but other than that, she only stayed in the house keeping low profile. Most villagers seemed anxious after the incident. She would also get so tired and struggling to stay awake most of the times. Hitomi figured that the pregnancy was the reason.

She had stayed in the village longer than she had expected, perhaps due to what was happening lately, they had forgotten about her. She was still keeping in touch with her father a couple times a week. Every time he had asked why she kept putting off going home, Hitomi had said that she wanted to stay in Tokyo a little longer as vacation. She had been lying to him for so long that it came naturally each time. Her father still didn't doubt her since Hitomi's mother was from Tokyo after all, and so he thought that Hitomi wanted to learn more of her Japanese root.

A terrible person… the words came to her mind. But what other choices did she have? Even if she had told the truth, what could she have said? That she was living in a ninja village and that Ein was a ninja…not to mention that she was pregnant by him. Who would believe her?

That night, Hayate came home late. Exhausted, he dragged himself to his room. Sleep hadn't been his friend in last few days. Before he entered his room, he decided to check on Hitomi in her own room. He carefully slid the door open, so he wouldn't wake her. Everything seemed fine and Hitomi was soundlessly asleep. It must have been warm in the room since she had let the one window open. He smiled sweetly, as Hitomi was the only good thing going on in his life. His eyes suddenly trailed to her lower body. She wasn't wearing much but a white panties and a tank top. They hadn't made love in weeks, but he soon shook it off since it wasn't the time for him to enjoy himself. Though it was hard for Hayate to resist the temptation since Hitomi looked incredibly hot to his eyes, but still he didn't feel right about it. Hitomi would probably reject him as well. So, he decided to let it go due to the bad timing.

"Hayate…"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's okay, I'm glad to see you're back. I've missed you." She said in a sleepy voice.

"I've missed you too. Go back to sleep, I'll see you tomorrow." He turned to leave the room.

"Hayate…"

He paused and turned back around, "Yes?"

"Come here." Hitomi smiled sweetly.

Something hot rose within him by the way she command him to come to her. No doubt, she was inviting him to play. That was Hitomi's bedroom voice. Hayate smirked, as there was no way that he'd say no to her. He then closed the door and made his way over to have his way with Hitomi.

The following morning, Hayate woke up early and got ready to leave again. Usually, he would just go and not woke Hitomi from her slumber. But that day he felt like he wanted to say goodbye before he leaves. He quietly knelt down beside her futon.

"Hitomi?" He whispered a few times.

Hitomi reluctantly opened her eyes at his voice. It was still dark in the room. Her eyes widened in horror and she almost jumped out from her futon as Hayate looked unrecognizable and scary in his pitch-black ninja attire.

She then peeked closer and breathe out a sigh of relief, "You scared the hell out of me..."

"I'm sorry, I just wanted to say goodbye before I leave."

"You're leaving again? Come on, Hayate…I know you are busy but this suck. I miss you too much." Hitomi complained.

"I don't have much choice, as there's another threat towards Ryu's clan. His village is weak after the attack and the enemies are taking advantage due to that. Ryu needs me and my men to back him up. I owe him."

"I understand that. So, how long will you be gone this time?" Hitomi wondered.

"A couple of days…"

Hitomi sighed. "Just promise you get back safely, that's all I want."

"I'll be careful don't worry, there's nothing excite me more than coming home to you every day."

Her heart melt at the warm way he said it. She leaned in for a kiss, Hayate cupped her cheek and kissed her passionately.

"See you soon." He said.

"Good luck."

Kissing her one more time, Hayate grabbed his weapon and headed out. Hitomi laid back down to catch a few more hours sleep. Before he left the room, Hayate paused by the door and looked back at Hitomi one more time. He then closed the door behind him.

Later that same morning, powerful rays slanted through the window into Hitomi's room. The nature's way of announcing the new day is here. Hitomi was already awake but she wasn't ready to be up on her feet yet. Her mind went back to last night at their amazing lovemaking. Though something felt different, everything about last night with Hayate felt different and she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Should she worry? Every time she had worried for him going out on a dangerous mission, he had always come back just fine. She shifted in her futon placing her arm under her cheek as she wondered more. This morning, Hayate said his goodbye... and that had suddenly bothered her.

He never said goodbye before going out on a mission...

Just laying there would only make her overthinking about everything, and so Hitomi rose to her feet and began her morning routines. She thought about taking a walk through the garden to ease her mind a little.

Hitomi then stretched her arms as she stepped outside the house. The village was silent and the freshly cool morning air was something she enjoyed inhaling every morning. While walking, a group of children ran towards her.

"Lady Hitomi!"

"Good morning guys," She waved.

The children stopped. A girl lifted her hand up to show Hitomi what she was holding in her hand, "Look…"

"Is that?"

She nodded, "It's a turtle!"

The last time a turtle was involved, something bad happened. There she was again, being paranoid over nothing, shaking her head to herself.

"Hey, wait a minute…that's Kurt. Where did you guys find him?"

"Master Ryu gave it to us this morning."

"I see…i guess that makes more sense than Kurt coming all the way back here on his own."

"Do you want to come with us to the garden and release him in the pond?" The little girl asked.

"Yeah, I was on my way over there myself."

"Yay! Let's go." They got extra excited, and Hitomi couldn't help but giggle at their cuteness.

"Hitomi."

She quickly turned around at someone calling her name. She gulped… it was Hayate's father.

"Sir Shiden…" She bowed.

"May I have a word with you?" Shiden asked.

"Of course."

Hitomi turned back to the kids briefly. "Hey guys, you have to do this without me okay? I'll catch up with you later." They nodded and went without her.

Shiden slightly turned sideways, signaling Hitomi to follow him. She took a deep breath before she followed and her heart was raising. This was the first time Shiden wanted to talk to her alone. Hayate's father was no joke, his aura was scary, and his voice was strict.

…

After a long talk with Shiden, Hitomi bowed to excuse herself while trying to restrain herself from bursting into tears in front of the man and went back to the house as fast as she could. Shiden only stared her way. Ayame soon showed up nearby her husband and looked the same way. Shiden turned and glanced at his wife. He sighed and disappeared back inside the meeting hall. Ayame put her hand onto her chest, feeling deeply sadden about the situation but she knew it had to be done.

Hitomi ran back to her bedroom and closed the door behind her. She stared at the wall, thinking deeply, trying to comprehend everything. Her back slid down the wall until she sat down on the floor and softly began sobbing. Then the wave of emotions overcome her entire body. She broke down entirely. Tears flood her deep blue eyes, like a rainfall, unable to control them. The noisy sobs echoed through the empty house. After a while, she wiped her tears with her sleeves and calmed herself down. Her eyes were burning and her heart felt heavy. She sat there, for an hour straight staring at the wall thinking about the conversation she just had with Shiden. She wished that Hayate was there. Her hands traveled to her stomach and she softly rubbing it, then more tears spilled from her helpless eyes and onto her now wet shirt.