Author's Note: Ah Crazy in Love. This one I'm going to focus more on Juugo and Hinata. Finally! Plus we might figure out more about this baddie. I keep listening to songs I have not heard since middle school. I'm jamming right now actually xD. Anyway! Enjoy! Read! Love! Review! Muahahahaha :D. Ciao!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Naruto universe! But perhaps someday I can work my way to the top. Lmao. Oh well. Let get on with it.

Chapter Twenty: Intentions

Hinata's eyelids were heavy. Her back and neck felt slightly sore and she was leaning against a delightfully firm and comforting warmth. She buried her face into the familiar smell that it emanated. Mmmm, this was nice. Her fingers fisted into soft fabric. Very nice. There was shifting from her warm pillow, but it barely registered through her groggy haze. Why was she so sleepy? Well it was not as though she had fallen asleep early last night so it made sense. At this, her thoughts began to circle about the events of yesterday and concern abruptly gripped her chest.

Pearly eyes flew open to a blurry room. Hinata blinked to clear her vision, her pillow shifted once again. A large hand fell onto her shoulder and squeezed absently. At this her eyes popped. Um…this was so not a pillow. Then she remembered. Her eyes focused on the great sleeping form of Juugo who was cradling her affectionately in his sleep. She turned all shades of red. He looked so content and peaceful that the Hyugga heiress did not have the heart to wake him to the reality of this world. Juugo really did have such a pleasant, attractive face. Her face broke into a small fond smile, despite the confirmed fear that she was harboring feelings for the S-ranked missing nin. Socially incompatible and yet so well suited toward one another. He gave her a warm secure feeling about herself that nobody did.

It was at that moment that out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of long dark hair, and a statuesque pale figure to go along with it. Only this time instead of lying down in a painful, confused, haze he was sitting perfectly upright with the proud posture that she recognized so well. Her head darted in his direction, meeting his wintry, white gaze. He seemed impassive as he regarded her. He had somehow managed to curl Ten-ten beside him in her sleep. The weapon's mistress was a heavy sleeper if one ever existed. It was odd to see him allow somebody so close to him. Perhaps her suspicions of their interactions with one another meaning more than they let on were well founded.

Those thoughts did not last very long however considering he was staring right at Hinata and Juugo with what looked like an emotionless expression, but Hinata knew better. She knew every subtle quirk and tug of his expressions. He did not approve of this sort of intimacy between her and the tall shinobi. Oh boy. Even if she had been seized with a massive wave of relief at seeing her cousin as good as new…this had to be the most awkward moment she had ever experienced. Second to that one time involving her delicates getting sent to the wrong address from the Laundromat.

"Neji-kun." she acknowledged, sitting up in a more appropriate manner. Juugo was still sound asleep as a rock. "You look much better…I'm glad." she breathed. He blinked at her and nodded. He looked down at Ten-ten. Her buns had come loose and it was almost difficult to recognize her without them. He brought back his attention to his little cousin. She was ever so subtly twiddling her two fingers together, but he of course noticed as usual.

"Good morning Hinata-sama." he acknowledged back. His voice sounded so weak and soft. Like he was in dire need of more rest and a glass of water. They sat that way for a bit, looking at each other and at the walls. Well…He was looking straight at Hinata she was looking back and forth from him to everything else in the room.

"H-have they given you breakfast yet?" she asked softly. He shook his head wordlessly. Okay. This was not the easiest situation. He seemed intent on not letting go of the silent conversation. He was always good at speaking without saying a word. "Are you hungry? I could get you something." she inquired. Honestly she wanted him to eat something. Juugo stirred.

Finally Neji opened his mouth again. "I'm certain you know that we have to talk." he informed. She nodded. She would have to show him that everything was okay. In order to do that, she would have to act like the leader that she was. Straightening her posture she cleared her throat.

"What do you have to say?" she motioned for him to speak. He pursed his lips and frowned as if debating his words. Trying to cross his legs Indian style, he winced and rubbed the back of his neck at the sharp pain that shot down his back in protest. It was still quite painful. "Be careful, Neji-kun." Hinata scolded her cousin's carelessness. He cleared his throat, settling down.

"To be frank. What-?"

"Hinata-chan...?" Juugo blinked tiredly. "What time is it?" he asked groggily, propping himself up. Talk about having horrible timing. Neji folded his arms and shut his eyes serenely. Patiently waiting for Hinata to deal with the situation. The young clan leader smiled at the red haired shinobi. "Good morning Juugo-kun." she greeted. He could sense the awkward tension and frowned uncertainly. "Could you please wait outside for me?" she asked him. "I have something to discuss with my cousin." she informed. The gentle giant nodded demurely. He stood up and walked out, straightening the obi around his waist, he did not miss however, the way the male Hyugga's eyes seemed to follow him out of the room.

Hinata noticed this detail as well but ignored the resentment she felt at the action. Juugo closed the door behind him on the way out. Another silence filled the room. She cleared her throat. "Please continue, Neji-kun." she nodded toward him. He sighed a bit.

"As I was saying before. What exactly is the meaning of what has been happening between S-…er…Juugo-san and you?" he inquired, choosing his words carefully in his weary state. It was now Hinata's turn to sigh a little bit. What could she possibly say to him? She was not even certain herself what was going to happen between her and Juugo. It was so strange their relationship. Pinching the bridge of her nose she shook her head.

"I don't know, Neji…I just don't know." she mumbled in a low tone of voice. His white eyes hardened in disapproval.

"How can you not know?" he demanded. This was absolutely ridiculous. She pursed her lips. He shook his head. "This sort of behavior is inappropriate for a kunoichi at your level, your status." he stated bluntly. Hinata frowned but continued to listen anyway. "If you are courting, then I suppose it's only natural." he muttered. "However, I by no means feel that it is wise to become involved in such a way this particular shinobi." he stated bluntly. Now Hinata glared. She knew where this was heading. She spoke up before the lecture could continue.

"Juugo-kun and I have not been courting." she stated curtly. "We have however grown close…and in anycase, Captain Hyugga, you have no right to dictate my decisions. Last time I checked I was in charge here." The young girl straightened her posture further. Neji huffed.

"Hinata-sama, our family na-"

"You are starting to sound like my father, Neji." she warned. This silenced the young Hyugga male. He stared at her unable to form words. She cleared her throat. It was difficult to talk to somebody she cared so much about like this. Sometimes people needed a dose of reality however. "'The Hyugga name.' Did he not say that a lot?" she murmured.

"Hinata-sama-"

"No, Neji. You need to start circulating these thoughts." she interrupted firmly. "You of all people should know better than to expect others to adhere to the strict rules of our family, Neji." she began. "They were unfair to the 'lower branch' members especially you. As for courting and marriage, I would assume you would have appreciated more liberal regulations." He frowned at these words. She let out a breath of laughter. "You don't know what I am talking about?" she inquired. He blinked at her. Hinata stood up and walked over to the hospital bed where he rested.

"It would not be ideal for a respected member of the clan like you to be so close and intimate with a girl who is without even a simple clan name." she motioned to the slumbering kunoichi on his bed. He looked down at Ten-ten.

"I just wanted to make sure she did not injure her back." he murmured in a hushed tone. "She did not have to come here and stay the night. I would have been fine." he seemed confused looking down at her. Hinata smiled knowingly. She leaned over and kissed her cousin where his seal once resided. "I know that you are nothing like my father." she assured him. The ANBU captain pursed his lips and nodded. "I am going to take care of Juugo-kun now." she walked toward the door.

"Oh and…as clan leader I will support any marriage plans that you might make in the future. Any at all." she smiled at him. He gave a start and she laughed as his cheeks took on a subtle hue of pink. He watched as his little cousin closed the door behind herself. He let out a long sigh. An apology was in order later he assumed. His eyes moved down to the still deeply sleeping girl beside his legs. 'Marriage?' he thought. 'Ten-ten?' His eyebrows furrowed together. 'How absurd I…' His thought could not be finished as he looked at his female team-mate. She had began to stir and stretch out and he felt his breath hitch when her brown eyes fluttered open to meet his. 'Oh Kami…' his stomach dropped.

…..

Juugo looked up as the door to the hospital room he had just been inside opened beside him. Hinata stepped out with a smile on her face that put him at ease right away. He had thought that something was wrong when he was asked to leave. Perhaps it was, but as long as it seemed to be solved now, he did not feel the need to worry. He smiled back at her. "Are we going to keep working today? You seem to need some rest Hinata-chan." he admonished. She shook her head.

"I was hoping we could have a break, maybe meditate in the park for a bit. It seems so unnecessary at this point to keep you in that cell. Y-you've progressed so well. You haven't gone beserk o-once." The Hyugga heiress was thrilled at this fact. Juugo blushed happily. At this point in time hope was already built up inside of him so high that it frightened him. A nursed passed by and was flagged down by Hinata.

"What can I do for you, Hyugga-sama?" she nodded to the girl.

Hinata folded her arms. "I just wanted to know why Captain Hyugga Neji has not been given his breakfast yet?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. The nurse paled. "I'm sure Tsunade-sama will not be pleased if her patients are neglected, especially one so prestigious as Hyugga Neji." Hinata seemed like such a different person professionally. Juugo watched the exchange with interest as the nurse stuttered on an apology.

"Oh we are so sorry..I-I apologize on behalf of the other workers here." she turned red. "I'll take care of it right away." she nodded fervently.

"See that you do please, and make sure he gets an extra portion of water, thank you very much for listening." Hinata placed a comforting hand on the females nurse's shoulder. She nodded before scurrying off. Juugo watched her leave for a second and looked back to Hinata. He smiled at her once again. "What?" she asked him in puzzlement.

"How long have you been the head of your clan?" he asked softly. Ah he had such a pleasant gentle way of speaking. She blushed.

"Ano…not very long actually. Why? Is it that obvious?" she admitted a vague insecurity. He was surprised. She was already so good at executing her authority. She was that new? People respected her as though she had been doing this for years already. Juugo was impressed. He blinked at her in surprise, before breaking out into a warm smile. Unaware of how weak it made her when he did that. He shook his head no.

"No." he laughed. "It's the opposite in fact. I think that this job suits you." He shrugged his broad shoulders. Hinata blushed happily at the compliment and nervously tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. As adorable as always. Juugo decided that he really liked her. In fact the extent that he liked her to frightened him a lot. He could not possibly hope to be on par with somebody like her.

She startled him when she gripped his wrist with her small hand and pulled him along behind her. His cheeks heated up as he followed after her like an overgrown puppy. Neji had put something in perspective for Hinata. She did have feelings for Juugo that went beyond a normal friendship. Regardless of what her family thought about it…she was hoping that perhaps she could figure it out for herself.

…..

Last night was far too close. Too close. Period. Our mystery nin had decided to abandon his original plan. Research be damned. He needed to get to the seed of the reason that he was here in the first place. Get what he came for and get the hell out of here. It was happening again. There was a ninja who kept tuning into his presence. Oooh whoever they were, they were good. This time however, they kept feeling for him. Persistantly seeming to follow him around. Damn it! He had no more time here. He had overstayed his welcome. His luck had run out and the circumstances were closing in around him.

The girl he had swiped from the hospital was noisy. She kept whimpering and sniffling. Honestly if she didn't shut up he'd make her. He rolled his eyes and looked over at her. She was gagged now, and her arms and legs were bound from where she sat leaned against the trunk of a tree. Her glaring lavender blue eyes were misty and red rimmed with tears. He scoffed at her and shook his head. "Come on girlie, it's not so bad." he grinned. She only held up a single finger in response. Ha! And here he thought she was the shy, demure type. He smirked. "You know, under other circumstances I might have been able to have fun with a cute little thing like you." She made a sound of disagreement that rolled along the vibe of disgust. He chuckled.

Sensing presences again he snatched up the squirming girl. "Hey, hey cut it out." he warned impatiently. Leaping into the tree tops, he observed. Wow. He had not even had to go looking. His target had come right to him. Perhaps luck had smiled on him one last time. Well here goes everything.

….

Hinata laughed as Juugo related his completely unwarranted (due to his size), fear of spiders. "It's true." he shyly admitted, feeling more heat rise to his cheeks in his humiliation. "I've never liked them. Everytime I see one…I sort of panic a bit." he hung his head. She giggled. "Well, normally you kill them…and I…don't want to…but at the same time I want to get rid of them with as little contact as possible. Killing does things to me, remember?" he said in his own defense as he scratched the back of his head. Hinata placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It's fine Juugo-kun." she was still smiling widely. "Sometimes I get nervous around cows." she told him. He snorted trying not to laugh at her. It came out anyway. Hinata sighed and turned red. "N-Neji-kun, is still trying to get me to m-m-milk one just because he feels that my f-fear is completely absurd and he wants me to get over it." she told him twiddling her fingers together. The gentle giant chuckled lightly.

"Cows?" he asked. She blushed harder.

"I-it isn't funny. They are so huge…and I-I can t-t-tell that they don't like me." she muttered. They were sitting under a tree now happily talking. They had originally planned on meditating but they continued to find more and more to talk about until they had completely forgotten about it.

"That's absurd." Juugo smiled gently. "I can't believe that anything or anybody could ever dislike you." He shook his head. "You're just so…nice and likeable…like some sort of light about you." He admitted. Hinata blinked at him. Unaware of how weak she made him when she looked at him like that. He gave a shy smile. Hinata was suddenly made aware of just how much she liked him. It scared her. She blinked up at the shinobi beside her. He cleared his throat and looked ahead. "I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?" he asked warily. She shook her head right away.

"No. no. Not at all." she swallowed with a blush as bird twittered animatedly. Suddenly Juugo sat erect again. Like the last time when they had almost…well…almost kissed. She had to admit it at this point. They had nearly…oh no more of that! Hinata soon followed his example as he stood. "What is it?" she asked. He narrowed his eyes at the trees surrounding them.

"The birds…" he trailed. "They are saying somebody dangerous is coming." he frowned. "…but I don't see anything." he shook his head, feeling confused. Now Hinata narrowed her eyes.

"Byakuggan." she murmured softly, activating her blood line limit. Juugo watched her silently. If anybody would be able to catch a glimpse of anything suspicious it would be her and her talented eyes. Hinata looked on in confusing she couldn't seem to find anything that warranted caution. That was until she looked up. There was the lithe shape of a person in a canopy of branches. "Juugo-kun…" she trailed. "Cover me. I see something. I'm going to check it out." she murmured calmly. Juugo would have protested, but he forced himself to remain passive. He had the utmost faith in Hinata's abilities.

Concealing her chakra, Hinata slipped into the trees with Juugo behind her checking out the perimeter. She pulled out a kunai soundlessly and placed it between her teeth as she climbed. She kept her eyes trained on the figure in the branches. As she got closer she could see that it was squirming like some kind of trapped earth worm. Then she noted that it was a girl. She blinked in confusion. Sakura had described her attacker as a man so…who the hell was this? She was about to call down to Juugo when the branch she was perching on was suddenly sliced out from under her. She kicked off and gripped another. There was an invisible sillouette like shape that circled her with lightning speed.

Ten-ten had described this to her. Juugo could not see him. She could. Only barely. She now understood why Neji had such trouble. He was quick and the fight had not even started. Well she would get retribution for what had been done to her cousin.

Juugo had lost sight of the kunoichi and was starting to worry as he followed the sounds of a battle. He needed to help her somehow. "Juugo! The girl! Get her!" he heard her voice sharp and commanding. Instantly he was leaping up the trees with ease. He was now focused on his objective. The wind rushing through his hair. He landed at the top of the canopy with surprising lightness for someone so large. He recognized the form curled up in a fetal position from the hospital. Tears streaked down her cheeks. He was surprised to see her. Quickly he began to unbind her feet. His pulse was starting to give rise to a very terrifyingly familiar feelings. She was motioning with her head and did not quite understand at first. Then taking the hint, he realized that she was telling him to look behind him.

He barely dodged a barrage of rigged exploding tags, snatching the girl up as he leapt away. He heard a familiar scream and his eyes widened. Placing the girl down, he decided that he had to go to a certain Hyugga girl's aid.

Hinata had heard the explosion and it startled her. The first thing that came to her mind was Juugo. Had he been hurt? In her moment of distraction she had been immobilized. "You'd make a much more effective hostage, eh Hyugga-sama?" he said her title with mocking disdain. She growled and made to break out of his hold but he hit a pressure point on her arm. "I got a really lucky break didn't I? Now where is that squeeze of yours?" he looked around pursing his lips. He swung his long dark brown braid over his shoulder. She screamed in frustration. He held both of her arms behind her back to prevent her from making any hand seals.

Suddenly the tree was knocked out from beneath them. The attacker kicked off of the tree and looked around. Where had that come from? Hinata continued to struggle much to his annoyance. He would need chakra strings for this one. Making quick work of tying her up, he bolted into the trees to where the other girl once was. Ugh. Apparently his trick had not worked. The nameless assailant's eyes darted around searching until he spotted the girl. Something big was chasing him. He felt it. What the hell? He grabbed Hinata and placed and kunai to her throat. No time to go after the other hostage right now. Once more he barely avoided a swipe that shattered the tree and kicked off the ground so hard that he landed and slid meters away.

Both his and Hinata's eyes widened at the horrific sight before them. The placid, kind shinobi was standing before them. If it could be called standing. Half of his body had grown to dreadful proportions and parts of his skin were blackened the rest was gray like some sort of clay. He held the look of an outraged madman. "Holy shit." the enemy knew what was happening. This was why he was here after all. Not cool. "Juugo-kun." he heard the girl in his hold whisper in a trembling, fearful voice.

He panted hideously. "I…wont let you take her…!" It sounded almost like a cross between beast and man. These words alerted Hinata and Juugo was still aware and trying to overcome his state and save her as well. She tried to speak and was given a violent shake by her captor.

"Which one?" he asked jeeringly as he snatched up his first hostage. "This one? This one?" he held them both up one at a time by the hair. "Come with me peacefully and I'll back off of them." he stated calmly. Hinata could see the cold sweat on his brow however. Oh yeah, he was scared alright. Juugo advanced slowly and menacingly.

"Let… GO!" Hinata demanded. When he refused she began to subtly use a shruiken from her waist to cut the strings. He barely had time to register what she was doing before she cut off the chakra flow to the arm holding her and bolted for Juugo. With a curse, he unwisely used the remaining strength in his arm to toss something at her. There was a sharp pain in her side and she fell to the floor. Juugo charged head on with killing intent. The ninja readied himself for the struggle of a lifetime.

A small pair of arms just then, darted out and boldy gripped the giant berserker's leg in a vicelike grip. His head shot in her direction. The enemy watched the exchange with fascination. Her eyes were tearing from the pain she was experiencing as she shook her head pleadingly at the large man. "Please…f-fight it…" she buried her head on the back of his knee not caring what happened to her next, as long as she did her best to help Juugo stop himself from losing it. He beast snarled but made no move to harm her. It was the most amazing thing the mystery ninja had ever seen.

Suddenly there was a poof beside him. "Yo." a masked man grinned. Crap. "Hatake Kakashi, famous copy nin of Konoha." Yes he knew everybody by their profiles already. He moved the whimpering girl in front of him. "Stay back." he warned. "I have no beef with you guys." he stated. "I'm just here for him." he motioned to the man-possessed.

"No 'beef' with us? Ha! After all that you've done? You have got to be kidding me." Haruno Sakura appeared on the other side, on her own two legs. Her hands resting on her hips.

"How the hell are you walking?" he demanded. His golden eyes narrowed at the pinkette. She grinned wickedly.

"The Lady Hokage is very resourceful, once we figure out your little puppetry trick we fixed the problem shortly." she chuckled. She looked over and saw the scene with Hinata. Fear clutched her chest. "Hinata-chan!" she screeched, but then stopped short upon getting a better look at the scene. Juugo was…he was going back to normal? How was that possible?

"HEY!" Naruto jumped out of nowhere. "Put Kohana down you son of a bitch!" he shouted angrily, pointing a finger. Karin walked out of the trees with her arms folded. When the enemy shinobi spotted her he knew she was the one who found him.

"It makes sense that they would use you." he stated. She scoffed at him and adjusted her glasses in response.

"You have longer hair than Hinata-san's male double." a voice suddenly stated from directly behind him. He jumped in surprise. How had he not noticed that guy. He held an eerie fake smile. This had to be the ROOT member by the name of Sai. The replacement of Uchiha Sasuke. He did not stand a chance against all of these people. Sakura had run to check out Hinata. The three Team Kakashi members circled him trying to find an opening to get the girl. Hell no. Over his dead body. He spoke too soon. There was a sudden blur and he was made familiar with red irises and spinning comas. "Fuck me…" and he was out.

The enemy shinobi keeled over taking the girl down with him. Naruto hurried over to pull her up while Sai and Kakashi tied up the assailant. "I'm sure Ibiki will have a field day with this guy." Kakashi drawled. They hauled him up like a sack of potatoes. Sasuke was glaring with a hard expression.

"He deserves to die." he said coldly.

Kakashi eyed his former star student. "Yeah, well we will just have to leave that up to the council after we interrogate him." he stated bluntly. Sasuke folded his arms proudly. "Sakura is she okay?" he looked over at the three ninja sitting on the ground. Green eyes looked at her male team-mates and shook her head with concern. Juugo was apologizing profusely for losing himself once again. He felt extremely discouraged, and had no idea what had just happened.

"Is she okay?" he sounded desperate as he cradled her form to his chest. Sakura placed a hand on his shoulder. "Juugo-kun. You need to calm down okay?" she coaxed. No sooner did she say this that Hinata gripped both of their shirts with both hands and began to convulse. Sakura pulled a medic book out of her pouch and had her bite on it swiftly. "Sasuke!" she shouted. He was the fastest there. "Get her to the hospital!" she shouted. Juugo didn't want to release her, but Sasuke was faster than he was, so he handed her over to the Uchiha, feeling very close to a break down. If anything else happened to her he would never forgive himself.

….

"Please let me see her." Juugo sounded desperate. The nurses had resuscitated the Hyugga heiress far quicker than they had with Neji. She had made it there quicker and they already knew what to do for this particular situation. She would be fine. Still the beserker pestered them to let him enter and see her. The poor nurses were unsure as to whether or not to let him in. A stern look from a certain pinkette made them quickly make up their minds however.

….

Hinata's eyes blinked open wearily. Everything was blurry but she could make out the sound of heavy breathing. She could feel warm arms encircling her bridal style. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. When she managed to look up, the color of the hair was unmistakable. "Juugo-kun…" she managed weakly, reaching to grip his shoulder. "You're okay.." she smiled with relief.

It was like a knife to the gut. Here she was in this state and all that she could think about was that his condition be fine. His face contorted with guilt. "Hinata-chan…I'm so sorry." he buried his head into her shoulder. "I lost control again." He shook his head. Hinata let her hand stroke the orange locks of his hair. She was too tired to speak too much. Instead she brought his face to look at her and shook her head meaningfully. He blinked at her. "I…wasn't able to help…and when I saw him…holding you like that…and kunai…I couldn't…I couldn't stop myself." his voice cracked.

"Juugo-kun…" she tried to get his attention.

He shook his head. "Hinata-chan, if anything were to happen to you, I would go out of my mind!" he hugged her close.

"Juugo-kun look at me." she managed sternly. "I'm okay see?" she said in a much softer tone now. His eyes softened as their gazes met. Her slender fingers gently combed through his hair. It was happening again. They magnetized towards each other. Slowly. Certainly. Hinata's eyes fluttered shut, allowing Juugo to secretly admire the coloring of her cheeks and her long eye lashes. His eyes slowly shut as well. This time however there was no interruption as their lips met and their arms entwined around each other. Well…it was settled. Hinata definitely had to whoop some of her family members into silence some time soon.

Author's Note: YAY! Finally huh! Even I'm happy. XD. Hopefully I did this well. I've come to realize that I've never actually put a kissing scene down on paper. :O. Omg I've been slacking off. Lol. Anywayz REVIEW! NOW! AS IN THIS VERY SECOND! CLICK THE BUTTON AND COMMENT PEOPLE! Lmao.