A/N: New chapter! Sorry for the slight extra delay. Life gets in the way, as it tends to do. I hope you enjoy this chapter! I'm getting attached to all these characters we have to write...
The amount of food that was placed in front of her for every meal never failed to sink a weight in Hinata's stomach. She knew she should have been glad for the favored treatment, but she simply couldn't be. Not when Misa, her maid, had lost even more weight since Sasuke's visit. Somehow, Misa still managed to set the table before them without a hitch, no matter how bony her fingers became or how unnaturally pale her skin turned, even for a Hyuuga.
"Thank you, Misa-chan," Hinata whispered, glancing down at her full bowl of chowder.
The last summer harvest had yielded great results, easing the worried whispers of famine in the camp for the time being. For this, Hinata's chest swelled with happiness and excitement. While meat was still sparse, cow's milk was becoming more readily available. The smell of the chowder filled her nose, made her stomach growl. The generous amount of cream in it would fill their bellies better than any watered down stew ever could.
"Misa." Hiashi's voice rang as heavily as it always did, cutting through the silence of the room effortlessly. "You are dismissed. See to it that Hinata's bedroom is clean tonight."
"Y-Yes, Hiashi-sama," Misa said quickly before she scurried out of the room.
If only her father hadn't been there, Hinata could have saved part of her meal for Misa.
Hanabi expelled a loud sigh, all with the lack of courtesy Hinata wished she had. Both of them were tired of their father's incessant show of authority. While Hinata remained quiet and kept her eyes on her food, Hanabi fearlessly frowned and scowled, sighed and complained.
"Stop it, Hanabi," Hiashi breathed out, shaking his head. "I've already explained this to you many times."
"I still think it's bullshit," Hanabi growled, chopsticks digging into her bowl of rice. "If you showed people you cared sometimes, maybe they wouldn't be whispering like that behind your back!"
"I do what I must to keep you both fed." Hiashi frowned, the lines in his face much harsher than his voice. "If it weren't for everything I did, we would all be in the camp with them, dirty and hungry."
"Maybe that's how it should be!" Hanabi screeched, standing up abruptly. "I'm tired of watching everyone else suffer while I stuff my face!"
Before Hiashi could say another word, Hanabi stormed out of the room, though not without her food. The days of forfeiting a meal over petty anger were long gone, even in Hinata's family. Back so stiff it nearly hurt, Hinata didn't move, staring down at her food instead.
"Hinata?"
"Yes, Father?"
Hinata forced her voice to remain even and natural, camouflaging her nervosity. A glance up at Hiashi showed her an unusual, albeit not unknown, side of him. The angry lines on his forehead had smoothed somewhat, softened in regretful wrinkles that did nothing to make him look any younger.
"You know that I mean it, don't you?" he said, tone mellowed in what Hinata had learned to recognize as affection. "I won't let anything happen to you."
"I know, Father."
The silence between them was empty, as it always was whenever they happened to share a space alone together.
"This chowder is good, isn't it?" Hiashi said, turning hopeful eyes on Hinata. "The Akimichi have always been great cooks. I remember when I was younger… Having Choza on my team was always a blessing."
Hinata swallowed her mouthful soundlessly, enjoying the rich flavor of the cream that still coated her tongue afterwards. "You're right, Father."
As soon as Hiashi had dismissed her from the dinner table, Hinata had headed straight for Hanabi's bedroom, where she would certainly be sulking. Hinata's sister always withdrew to her room to recover after an argument with their father. Walking through the halls of the Nara estate still felt so strange to Hinata, so unlike home. Even if she had always felt trapped in the Hyuuga estate, it retained a special place in her heart.
"Hanabi-chan?"
When no answer came from the other side, Hinata slid open the door just barely, only enough to peek in.
"Misa-chan," Hanabi whispered, cupping Misa's cheeks in her pale palms. "Don't be so upset. You're not going to lose your job, I told you already."
"B-but, he's always - he's always passing snide comments about my work," Misa choked out, wiping away fresh tears. "What will I do if I lose my job? The other girls my age are working the latrines!"
Hanabi sighed, rubbing her thumb against the skin under Misa's eyes. "Father would never let a Hyuuga work such a lowly position. It would be unfit."
Misa's sobs quieted gradually, until they barely reached Hinata's ears anymore.
"I hate that my father abuses his status for us," Hanabi said quietly, eyes locked with Misa's with such affection in them that Hinata couldn't help but frown in curiosity, "but I'm grateful that it keeps you safe and healthy, here with me."
"Me too, Hana-chan," Misa answered, lips twitching in a small smile. "I don't know what I would do without you now."
"I love you, Misa."
Hinata started, clutching the handle of the door harder with one hand while the other flew up to muffle the sound of her gasp. Cheeks blazing, Hinata stepped away from the door, scuttling away before she could hear more, until she was far enough to sprint away undetected.
The more days flew by, the earlier the sun would set, gradually shrouding Hinata's visits to Kurenai's grave in more darkness. As she sat on her heels by the decorated stone that marked where Kurenai was buried, Hinata could feel the sun warming the back of her neck, a rare occurrence so well into the month of October. The leaves in the trees had turned different pigments for a while already, now falling off their branches in the quiet of the evening. It wouldn't be so long before wearing a sweater wouldn't be enough to keep her warm.
Hinata's lips twitched in a defeated kind of smile, the smile that somehow forced itself on her when everything felt hopeless and too much to take on - laughing, in a way, at the ridiculousness of the situation and her powerlessness to change any of it. What a cruel twist of fate the last several months had been. From finally discovering what she was capable of and Naruto acknowledging her to this.
To this day, she wondered why Kiba hadn't woken up. What had been so different between him and all the other wakers? What did he lack that the others possessed? He'd always been the one to cheer her on, push her forward out of her comfort zone so she could grow into something more than an incapable woman. How could he not have been strong enough?
Hinata sighed, running her fingers over the grass that had finally started to grow in the dirt of Kurenai's grave. Fresh and soft, cold with the chill of the air and leftover raindrops.
After a moment, Hinata turned her head to look at her side, finding Ko just where she had sensed him. "Are you worried about me, Ko-kun?"
Ko simply nodded, standing stiffly. "You've been coming here a lot lately."
Hinata's eyes dropped back to the blades of grass her fingers still toyed with. "I've had a lot to think about."
Ko didn't speak again. Hinata couldn't remember him being any different in all the years he had been her bodyguard until the war. Ko would never hesitate to show his concern for her, often beyond the scope of a what a simple assignment commanded.
"Sit with me."
Ko made his way to her in silence, sitting in the same manner she did a few inches to her side.
Like Neji, Ko had demonstrated the abilities of a genius from a very young age. Still in his early teen years, he had been deemed skilled and capable enough to be her guard, a few years before she graduated the academy. Hinata had always looked up to him with admiration, whether it was because of his prowess as a ninja, or the compassion and care he always expressed for her.
Glancing at her side, Hinata could see him sitting still, keeping an eye on her in his own way. "I'm glad you're still with us."
Even if the Hyuuga had had great luck when it came to the Infinite Tsukuyomi, many had fallen in battle prior to it.
Although he remained silent, Ko returned her affectionate look, a small smile on his lips.
Even if his smiles were nothing like the to-the-ear grins of Naruto, Hinata had always appreciated them. They were always honest, so unlike the rest of the branch house who were so often stiff and filled with resentment behind their polite approach. Naruto had brought a breath of fresh air to the clan after his fight with Neji, something Hiashi had strongly disapproved of.
"I miss Naruto-kun."
From the corner of her eye, she could see Ko's hands twitch in his lap, tempted to reach for her but instead remaining there, proper as ever. "I'm sorry, Hinata-sama."
Hinata's chest filled with one slow, long breath, then emptied in the same manner before she said, "It's alright." Placing her hands in her lap in the same manner Ko had, Hinata swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat. "It's been almost a year. The pain is still there, but it's quieter now."
Ko nodded, relief flashing in his pale eyes before he closed them. "We've all felt the same, Hinata-sama."
"Have you ever been in love, Ko-kun?"
The question clearly took him by surprise, leaving him with slightly widened eyes and a stiffer composure. "Yes."
Hinata hummed, turning her eyes back to the grave. Kurenai had been in love, too, but even she hadn't had so much time to enjoy it. "I thought I was in love for the longest time."
"Didn't you love Naruto-sama?"
Indeed, Hinata had believed for so many years that the affection and admiration she had held in her heart for Naruto had been true love. Today, after witnessing and experiencing much more than she had ever imagined she would before even her seventeenth birthday, Hinata didn't believe it anymore. Perhaps, had she had the chance to spend time with Naruto, been able to truly get to know him, let him get to know her… then, it would most likely have morphed from a childhood puppy love to real love.
What Kakashi and Sakura had was true love. What Ino and Lee had was love as well. In its own way, the heated night she had spent with Sasuke was love, but not of the same kind. Hinata had always believed that love wore the same cloak; love was love and couldn't be different if it was real. Yet, Hinata had been proved wrong so many times in the last few months that it had shattered the illusion. Even if Sakura and Kakashi never appeared to be more than great friends, she could feel how deep their bond ran now. They didn't need to say that they loved each other or to hug and kiss for her to feel it. Beyond the casual exterior, their implicit understanding of each other and their companionship betrayed how deeply they really were in love.
"I didn't have the time to love him," Hinata said, fingers fidgeting in her lap.
Ko nodded, lacking the surprised expression she expected. "Love isn't so easy."
Swallowing the sadness that crept up her throat at the thought of lost opportunities, Hinata turned to Ko. "What was your love like?"
Ko hesitated, eyebrows bunching together as he thought of his answer. "Quiet."
"Quiet?"
Again, Ko nodded, though this time he looked straight in her eyes. "It's always there, and it's always driving me… but that's all."
Confused, Hinata frowned. "Who was she?"
With an uncharacteristic smirk, Ko chuckled. "You've become bolder since you've started frequenting Uchiha, Hinata-sama."
Immediately, Hinata's cheeks took on a crimson color. "W-what are you talking about!"
"Especially since you visited him a few weeks back."
Hinata pursed her lips in embarrassment. "I was visiting my friends, Ko-kun."
"If you say so." Ko's eyes were avoiding hers now, settled on the stone of Kurenai's grave.
Hinata huffed, though it came out as a meek protest. "You're out of place, Ko-kun."
"Perhaps you should remind me."
As if instinctively, Ko ran his fingers over his forehead, where his cursed seal was. The cursed seal that allowed Hinata complete power over him if she wished. Still, his tone had remained soft, never reprehensive or worried.
"You know I would never, Ko-kun." Hinata frowned, staring at him head on, disappointment etched in her features.
"I know," Ko whispered. "You're a sweet girl."
Hinata smiled, and Ko easily mirrored it. In the peace and silence that came afterwards, they didn't move for a moment, simply enjoying the last rays of the sun for a little longer.
Hinata started when Ko knocked on the frame of her open door.
"Hinata-sama," Ko said when she looked at him, "Arata's team has returned. Will you hear their report right away?"
Hinata nodded and Ko walked away. While she took care of baby Asuma, Hinata would always close her door. It granted them some privacy and it was easier. Hiashi would look the other way if he didn't see the child, and Hinata was free to play with him however much she liked. Now, with him hidden away in Shikamaru's office instead, Hinata kept her door open. The jump scares were plentiful since.
"Hinata-sama," Ko said as he returned, gesturing for the others to enter.
When Arata stepped inside, Hinata smiled. She had been worried for Arata when Ko had reported the attack on his team, perpetrated by the Kizanu yet again, and she was all too glad to see him again today, not even the hint of a scar on his cheeks.
"Hinata-sama," Arata and his three teammates, all Hyuuga, echoed as they bowed to her.
"Arata, Haru," Hinata greeted, nodding, "Daiki, Aio. How was your patrol?"
Ko closed the door, granting them secrecy as he stood watch outside, as always.
"Everything went well," Arata said, standing to his full height again. "We encountered nobody and were able to carry out your orders, Hinata-sama."
"That's good," Hinata said, heaving a sigh of relief even if reports of missions gone wrong were rare. "You were able to go to Inazawa, then?"
Inazawa was a small town to the east of Konoha. Albeit not having a large population, it had been rather upscale, with the vast majority working various jobs in Konoha's civilian infrastructure. It was close enough for travel, but far enough to be considered a non-ninja village, which was the reason it had been set up in the first place.
"Yes," Arata confirmed, nodding. "Aio."
Aio stepped forward, depositing two large bags before Hinata's desk - or table, rather.
"Some canned food," Arata continued, "but mostly oil, pain medication, nails… As you asked."
Hinata stood up to rummage through the bag briefly, satisfied by its contents. They'd even found several more of the oversized batteries Hinata had been looking for and stockpiling lately. Come winter, they would find good use for them, without a doubt.
"You've done great. Thank you."
Arata and his team bowed again before they exited the room.
Ko stepped inside and couldn't keep from throwing a curious glance to the supplies. "They had a productive run."
"They did." Hinata smiled as she tied the bag up. "Do you have plans for the night, Ko-kun?"
Ko's lips curled just barely in one of his semi-grins as he shook his head, always mockingly disapproving of Hinata's plans. "Of course not, Hinata-sama."
"Good." Hinata clapped her hands togethers. "We'll have some work to do."
Hinata gathered her breath before she entered the tent Ko was holding open for her. Visiting Aki was always one of the more draining of Hinata's rounds. "Aki-san."
"Hinata-chan," Aki called from her sleeping bag. "It's been a while."
Aki's voice was always burdened by the pain breaking her body. Aki had already explained to Hinata that her disease would only worsen without the right medication, but Hinata's team had failed to locate the correct pills yet. Shizune, thankfully, managed to supply some, but irregularly. Without them, Aki was bound to her bed, to suffer without so much as someone to keep her company.
"I'm sorry," Hinata said as she knelt by Aki, Ko close behind her. "We haven't found much lately."
"Thank you for trying," Aki said, clutching her blankets in pain or sadness, Hinata didn't know.
"Here." Hinata popped open the bottle they had found and dropped two pills in Aki's hand. "It's not your medication, but those are the same Shizune gives you to manage the pain."
Aki nodded and swallowed the pills with ease, even with their impressive size. Once they were gone, she looked up to Hinata, tears brimming in her eyes. "Thank you."
"I'll come back when we find more," Hinata said, forcing a comforting smile on her lips. "Try to get some rest."
Aki nodded and Hinata and Ko left without saying more. Wordlessly, Ko remained faithfully at Hinata's side as they trudged deeper in Waterfall district. With the fire's destruction still so evident, Hinata couldn't bring herself to talk.
"Hinata-sama," Ko called, head turned to the side.
Hinata looked the way he did, finding a black-haired woman she knew well in his line of sight. Ai was looking their way, twisting her hands, too hesitant to approach them on her own. Hinata walked towards her and Ai's eyes immediately lit up.
"Ai-chan," Hinata said once they were closer. "Is there anything you need today?"
"I was wondering if you had more rags, maybe?" Ai asked, twirling her long hair around her hand. "Kato's always getting so dirty and I can't seem to wash the latrines' dirt out of the rags… I'm afraid he'll catch something if I keep using them."
Her complaint was common. To not smell like the latrines themselves, it was necessary to scrub the skin vigorously, but the rags went bad quickly. "I have a few. Some antibacterial soap, too."
Ai clapped her hands and gestured for them to wait for her as she ducked back into her tent. Quickly enough, Ai was back before them with a few supplies of her own. "I know it's not as much as usual, but I got a few jars from the kitchens."
Hinata did not to talk of how Ai was able to stockpile food - the same way she couldn't bring herself to talk to Kurenai - and accepted the three jars of soup. Generally, Ai traded more. Four or five jars for rags, soap and especially matches. Hinata had tried to teach Ai how to light a fire with nothing but wood, but Ai had never managed. Instead, she used the matches to keep a small fire going close to their tent on colder nights.
"Thanks," Ai said as she inspected her new goods. "That's my favorite perfume, too."
Hinata nodded and turned to leave, but Ai smiled broadly at Ko, placing a hand on his bicep.
"You should smile sometimes," Ai said cheekily. "I'm sure Hinata-sama would appreciate it."
"I am Hinata-sama's guard," he answered, tone steely. "It is my duty to be this way."
Smile creeping up on her lips, Hinata slipped her fingers between Ko's and tugged. "Let's go, we have more work to do."
As they walked through Rock district, which was, thankfully, in a much better state than Waterfall district, Hinata inspected the sheet of paper on which she inscribed Waterfall's supplies demands. With a sigh, she folded it neatly and hid it in her breast pocket.
"Ko-kun," Hinata called.
Ko turned his head towards her, ready to listen as always.
"Didn't you notice a difference in Waterfall?"
Ko nodded, lines in his usually smooth forehead. "There were more trades and demands for food than usual."
"Indeed." Hinata fidgeted with her fingers, pulling on the tips of them. "That was - "
"Hinata-sama!"
Hinata turned to see Goro walking up to her. Goro was a tall man, imposing as a boulder, which was fitting. He often traded with Hinata, making her suspicious of him. Unlike Waterfall, which lacked any kind of organization with its mixed roots and independent citizens, Rock followed some sort of hierarchy that had gradually installed itself. Goro was one of the fortunate enough to be on the higher ends of that system.
"Goro-san," Hinata greeted, back stiffened.
"What kind of food are you bringing, today?" Goro asked, peeking behind her at the bag that Ko carried.
Even if Hinata always carried out her tasks in the middle of the night, Goro was always there, timed like a watch. Hinata turned expectantly to Ko and he easily produced the jars of soup that Ai had traded them.
"Is that the soup that was served three days ago?" Goro asked, rolling one jar between his large hands.
"I think so," Hinata said. "We have three of them."
Goro hummed, rubbing his chin the way she remembered a certain silk merchant would when negotiating with her father. "I'll give you half a dozen eggs for them."
Hinata hesitated. They'd already visited a few other Rock refugees, and their demands and offers had been as peculiar as Waterfall's. They were ready to trade more liberally, for goods that weren't essential. Even Goro's offer was rather generous. He was trading food for food. He was asking for the soup because he'd liked it, simply.
"I'll trade them for the tarp over your tent."
Goro frowned, staring at her, then laughed. "I didn't know you to be such a funny girl, Hinata-sama."
"I mean it," Hinata said, firmer. "I will not trade you the jars for anything but the tarp."
She could see the yellow tarp draped over his tent from where she stood. Vinyl, the perfect kind to protect from the weather. Effectively blocking wind and water, they weren't terrible replacement for insulation.
"Are you mad?" Goro said, stepping forward as he raised his empty hand. "Of course I won't do that."
"I'm sure you can afford it," Hinata said, keeping her temper mild as Goro's rose.
"Are you - are you kidding me?" Goro leaned down towards her, cheeks puffing in anger as the corner of his lips grew tighter. "A child like you trying to intimidate me into accepting your unfair trade?"
Before Goro could get any closer, Ko stepped between him and Hinata. Expertly, his fingers tapped a few spots around Goro's shoulders rapidly. Goro gasped in surprise as he lost control of his arm, trying in vain to bring life back to it with his other hand. Ko grabbed the jar of soup from his limp hand before it slipped.
Ko turned to her. "Hinata-sama?"
Hinata nodded and Ko placed a heavy palm on Goro's shoulder. With Goro almost a whole head taller than Ko, it looked slightly ridiculous, but Goro trembled nonetheless under the pressure of Ko's grip.
"Hinata-sama will be glad to accept your trade," Ko said, his face the blank mask he always wore as a guard. "You will refrain from instigating any further business with my mistress."
Goro watched as Ko tore the tarp from his tent, the anger swirling in his eyes the kind that Hinata despised. It was selfish anger, anger that stemmed from losing control and power. Goro did not deserve their help.
When Ko returned with the tarp neatly folded under his arm, Hinata placed the jars of soup by Goro's feet. Hinata turned away and stalked towards Suna's district without hesitation, comforted by the steady sound of Ko's footsteps at her heel.
"Maybe if I send Arata out again to bring back more - "
Ko shook his head, interrupting Hinata. "Arata was already gone too long. Hiashi-sama has noticed, I hear. You must remain careful, Hinata-sama."
Hinata pursed her lips, frowning as she hugged her knees to herself. The night had turned cold suddenly, the winds rising and chilling her flesh through her sweater as they'd walked through the districts. Now, huddled under her thick blanket, Hinata was happy for the comfort.
"I wish there was more I could do to help," Hinata said after a moment, sighing. "There's still so many of us struggling."
Ko placed his palm on Hinata's knee, sitting by her side on her bed. "You are doing more good than you think, Hinata-sama."
At the thought of Waterfall's refugees' faces as she distributed some food, a small smile curled Hinata's lips. "Thank you, Ko-kun."
Ko nodded, giving her knee a soft squeeze. "Are you still cold?"
Hinata shook her head, throwing him a grateful glance for his usual worry. "I'm fine."
They sat in silence for a little while, sipping away at their hot mugs of tea. At least, tea was easy to procure. It took little space, weighed nothing and only required hot water. One bag could even make a few cups if you stretched it.
"Suna didn't need much today," Hinata said, her mug under her chin so the hot air of it would warm her lips and nose. "I know I've been providing for their children more, but I'm surprised."
"There's more dugouts in Waterfall," Ko said, swallowing his mouthful. "Perhaps Yamato-san's work is progressing more quickly than expected."
Hinata frowned. "No, I don't think so. Don't you think it all matches together?"
"I thought so," Ko said with a nod. "But it doesn't explain what is happening in Rock."
Hinata hummed. "I will ask Gaara-sama about it tomorrow, when I go drop off the children's rations."
"That's a good idea." Ko stood from her bed, looking out the window at the paling sky. "I'll head to bed now, Hinata-sama. I fear Hiashi-sama will have my head if he finds me in his daughter's bedroom in the middle of the night."
Hinata covered a giggle behind her fingers. "Okay. Sleep well, Ko-kun."
Ko turned to leave, but then hesitated, only to turn back to Hinata and place his palm on her shoulder. It was unusual of him, to defer from his guard persona, but sometimes he did, usually when Hinata was in danger, physical or not. Lately, though, with all of their late night strolls, Ko seemed to open up more.
"Hinata-sama," he said quietly. "You have my loyalty, as Hyuuga and as a friend. I trust you will use it well and to the right ends. Ask and I will do anything you say."
Hinata couldn't help but squirm under his gaze, regardless of the way his words made her heart flutter. A few times, she had seen this kind of warmth in Ko's eyes and his quiet smiles, always quick to be replaced by the guardly mask. "T-Thank you, Ko-kun."
"It's my pleasure, Hinata-sama," he said as he stood up and left, carefully closing the door behind him so it would make no sound.
"Hinata-chan!"
As she heard Akiko call her name the second she entered the tent, Hinata smiled, one of the few genuine smiles since the beginning of the war. Akiko, a little girl from Suna, was always quick to chase away the worries troubling Hinata. No matter how dire the situation was, the little girl didn't let on, instead always offering a happy face and cheerful attitude.
"Hello, Akiko-chan," Hinata said, gathering the child in her arms when Akiko threw herself at her. "How have you been lately?"
"Awesome!" Akiko let out, giving Hinata tight hug. "Mommy made me a new doll!"
"How nice of her." Hinata gave the tent a cursory check, but Izumi was absent, as usual. "I have something for you, too."
"I know. You always do," Akiko laughed, freeing herself from Hinata's embrace. "Do you want to play with me today?"
"I have a little time." Carefully, Hinata let her bag slide from her shoulder to the floor before she led Akiko outside. "How has your mommy been?"
"When I touched her forehead this morning, it was burning," Akiko said, eyes narrowed in concentration as she recalled the moment, a finger to her lips. "But mom said it was nothing and she went to work anyway."
Hinata's brows furrowed together, her worries instantly reappearing to nag her again.
"Hinata-chan," Gaara called from behind her.
Instinctively, Hinata turned to face him. "Kazekage-sama," she greeted, bowing politely. When she straightened up, she looked down at Akiko, guilt making her hesitate when she saw the child's wide eyes, filled with awe. "Akiko-chan, I'm sorry but I have to talk to Kazekage-sama. We'll play another time, okay?"
"Okay," she said quietly, turning to Gaara and waving at him with happiness lighting up her tiny features before she sauntered away.
"Thank you, Hinata-chan." Gaara laid a hand on her shoulder, guiding her inside Izumi's tent before he spoke again. "If it wasn't for you, I doubt Akiko would have such a beautiful smile on her face to this day."
Hinata nodded, the corners of her lips quirking up in a shy smile. "It's the least I can do. I was able to put Hana and Daichi on the list as well."
Gaara smiled, though Hinata could feel it was weighed down by the knowledge of how Hinata was able to put Suna's children on the rations list. Occasionally, Hinata managed to slip in a new name in the working children's list, but most of the time, she only prevented Daikoku from formally reporting the deaths of sick children from the daycare. As long as no one would inform the higher-ups, the names would remain on the rations list. Daikoku would pick up the food as per usual, and pass along the extra to Hinata so she could distribute it to the children in Suna.
"Their families will be grateful," Gaara said quietly. "You've been an incredible help."
Hinata remained silent, fidgeting with the hem of her sweater.
"If it wasn't for you saving face for the Hyuuga..." Gaara continued, frowning in concern. "I doubt I could keep my people from rebelling against their situation."
"I'm happy I can do this." Hinata nodded, redness spreading to her cheeks. "I… I have to talk to you about Akiko's mother, though."
"What is it?"
Truly, Hinata wished she could keep her mouth shut, wished she could stop handing out terrible news to everyone. If it hadn't endangered Akiko, she might very well have. "Akiko told me that her mother had a high fever this morning."
Gaara's eyes slid closed, his lips thinning in a pale line. "I see."
There was no need for explanation. Regardless of the Medical Unit's efforts, the disease was spreading inside their camp, infecting more and more people every day.
When the silence stretched too thin, Hinata tangled her fingers together over her belly and looked at Gaara again. "At least, it seems your people are doing well."
Gaara nodded, eyes still distant in thought, formulating plans of how to protect them from the disease that plagued Lightning. "We do our best."
"Waterfall has been asking for more food," Hinata said quickly, hoping to mask her nervosity. "It's good to see that the demand here has gone down. I've barely received any requests lately."
Gaara knew where she was getting at, Hinata could tell from the sudden chill in the air. If Waterfall was suddenly lacking food and certain supplies, all the while building more and more dugouts, it led right back to Suna. It couldn't be a coincidence that Suna had almost nothing to ask of her, out of the blue. She hadn't provided that much.
"Yamato's work is progressing abnormally fast too," Hinata added. "With the dugouts."
"We take care of our own," Gaara said icily. "That is all."
He was outside of the tent before Hinata could say a word more, leaving her to stare after him. She'd known that Gaara might not divulge the details of his operation, but it stung no less when he completely shut her out. Hadn't she done plenty to gain his trust?
With a sigh, Hinata exited Akiko's tent and headed towards the center of the camp, begrudgingly submitting herself to the day's tasks.
Cheeks red and still prickling from the cold outside air, Hinata smiled quietly as they walked towards her bedroom, footsteps as careful as a cat's. Ko returned it the way he sometimes did when he knew he was overstepping his boundaries as guardian, one corner of his mouth perking up and his lips tight. Ever aware, Ko brought a finger to his lips when Hinata's smile grew wider and looser, too close to laughter.
Finally at their destination, Ko slid open the door for Hinata, leaning his free hand on the doorframe once she was inside. "Shall I leave you before the sun rises, Hinata-sama?"
Stifling a small burst of laughter, Hinata nodded. "Go sleep, Ko-kun. You're becoming sleep deprived because of me."
"Not so loud," Ko chastised as he placed a finger over her lips, barely brushing against them.
The bags that had been growing under his eyes only seemed more pronounced in the dim lighting of moonlight, and Hinata had to hold back another round of giggles. She ought to feel guilty for putting him through this, but his exhaustion relaxed him around her. Truth be told, she probably looked the same he did.
"I must go now, or the sun will rise," Ko said, though he didn't move an inch, a mischievous smirk on his lips that naturally spread to Hinata's.
The lack of sleep must really have been getting to them, for them to be standing there staring at each other like two dumbstruck undead.
"Good night," Ko chuckled as he pulled away from the door, "Hinata-sama. I'll see you in a few hours."
Hinata nodded and watched his back as he walked away, until the darkness swallowed it and there was nothing left but to go drop dead in bed.
"You should be more careful, sis."
Hinata started, face still buried in her pillow. Never had Hinata been the sharpest ninja, but guilt still nipped at her. She was being surprised so often lately, too on edge for her own good, an unforgivable slip in her skills. Kurenai-sensei would make her regret it, was she still there.
"Can I come in?"
Sitting up, Hinata rubbed her thumb against her lip. Hanabi was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed against her chest. "Sure."
Hanabi walked to her bed with a few long strides, then stood against the wall facing Hinata. Hinata watched her, anticipating her next words. Hanabi's eyes were a stark white in the darkness, almost glowing eerily.
"What did you come for?" Hinata finally said when the air become too heavy, like a single spark would light it on fire.
"You saw me with Misa-chan."
Immediately, Hinata lowered her head and pursed her lips, her ego deflating even further with another blow to her skills. Hanabi was straightforward as she always was, not one to miss a beat or waste a breath.
"I'll tell Father about your nocturnal escapades before you can tell him about me and Misa-chan," Hanabi started, eyes narrowing at her sister just barely, "So don't even think about it."
Hinata sucked on the inside of her bottom lip, chancing a look up at Hanabi. Hanabi scowled. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Hinata diverted her gaze to her pillow, wishing she could be asleep already. "I saw nothing, Hanabi."
"You heard," Hanabi scoffed. "Don't play dumb. I know you're not that naive."
"No, I'm not…" Hinata grabbed a corner of her blanket, shy fingers fidgeting with it idly. "I'm not going to tell on you. Why would I?"
"You know how Father is," Hanabi sighed as she slipped down the wall to sit.
Hinata nodded. "I do."
"You know, he has his doubts about what you do already," Hanabi said, hands gesturing her frustration. "He's turning a blind eye to every clue you leave behind. If you're not careful, that's gonna come to an end quickly enough. Stay behind closed doors."
Stay behind closed doors. That was her family's mantra, almost. If the walls didn't hear you and no one saw anything but fire, the truth mattered little.
"He threatened to have Ko demoted to cleaning duty if he lets you leave the village again," Hanabi said after a moment, eyes set heavily on Hinata. "Did he tell you?"
Hinata shook her head, her exterior calm even when her heart hammered against her chest. "No."
Ko was no longer her full time guard now, the situation requiring his skills elsewhere and her safety less at risk than ever before. Regardless, it tore a hole in Hinata's heart to think his protection might expire soon.
"Did you go see the traitor?"
Hinata pursed her lips once more, pressing the pad of her thumb to her lip harder than before. "Don't call him that."
"He is a traitor," Hanabi scoffed, fingers tapping impatiently against her knee. "They all are."
"Can you blame them?" Hinata said softly, barely a whisper. "Look at everyone around us, suffering."
Hanabi lowered her eyes to the ground, leaning her head against her fist in defeat. "Tell me why you've spent so much time with Uchiha lately."
Hinata blinked in surprise, staring at her sister for a moment before answering, "He's a good person, deep down."
Hanabi scoffed. "Don't give me that crap. Really, why?"
Squirming in her seat, Hinata breathed in slowly, uncomfortable under the pressure Hanabi always exerted. "Because he doesn't stoop to manipulating people. He says the truth he sees, regardless of how others will react. Don't you think it's remarkable?"
That was the truth Hinata saw. Sasuke made everyone uncomfortable. His past had little to do with it; it was ingrained in how he acted and spoke. Sasuke lacked any delicacy and gentleness. For all those flaws, he made up with honesty - stinging, burning honesty. He was everything her family's mantra wasn't. He flaunted and challenged.
His tryst - if you could call it that - with Sakura was the exception to his rule. In order to provide what she wanted, Sasuke acted for her. Like a pawn in her game, he followed her directions and displayed the truth she wanted seen. In and of itself, seen from the exterior but with a peek on the inside view, the gesture truly was rather romantic. For who else would Sasuke break his code?
"Father would never let you marry him," Hanabi joked, though it fell flat. "He's already thinking of your arrangement."
Hinata stiffened, rooted to the spot. "Who?"
"I haven't managed to figure that out yet." Between yawns, Hanabi rubbed the corner of her eyes. "I'm glad I don't have to worry about that, with not being the heir."
"Mom seemed happy with Father," Hinata said, more to comfort herself than for hopefulness. "Didn't she?"
"I guess she never looked unhappy," Hanabi said with a shrug. "But I'd rather marry Uchiha than let Father decide for me. I can never be free, but I won't give this up."
Hinata chuckled. "What do you think Mom would do if she saw what Father was doing now?"
"She'd smack him across the head!" Hanabi laughed, her large eyes softer with the haze of memories. "Mom knew how to deal with him."
A smile crept on Hinata's lips, memories of her mother flooding her mind. She had always been caring, unlike their father. Hinata took after her more than anyone else. Hiashi had her stay in the village during the war, for her own protection, but it had backfired, in the end. There was no blame to be put on his shoulders.
"I'm going to bed," Hanabi said, breaking Hinata out of her thoughts. "Good night."
"Good night," Hinata said, following Hanabi to the door so she could close it behind her.
Once Hanabi was gone and the room plunged in darkness and silence, Hinata pressed her forehead against the door.
So many had died. Before, during, after the war. Naruto, Kurenai, her mother, Neji, Tenten, Kiba… Hinata's chest swelled as she swallowed the pain that threatened to come back up. Tightly, she closed her eyes, replaying in her mind days long past. Hard days, but not unhappy days. Cooking with her mother. Training with Shino, Kiba, and Kurenai. The occasional trip to Ichiraku. The annual kimono she got to choose for her birthdays.
Tears streaked down Hinata's cheeks against her best efforts to contain them. Where was the life she had grown into? Where were the people she had loved? Choking down a sob, Hinata dropped to her knees, clutching her sweater. Where had Konoha gone? How could it all simply vanish in one day like this?
Her one thought, at that moment, Hinata knew was in the minds of every survivor. I want my life back.
A/N: Ah, little Hinata! She's found a special little place in my heart after these last few chapters. ~LolaLot.