Shades of Cool
Chapter 25 - Going Through Changes Pt. 2
Short Description: Sasuke questions if his being around is for the greater good of Hinata's well being.
"We're almost entering Getsugakure." Ryoko whispered, holding Hinata's a barely conscious head. Hinata heard the girls words clearly, and yet she was unaware where she was at. All she knew that her body ached and the following voices surrounding her were loud.
"You have to push harder on the wound." Sasuke hissed. He shoved Kiba out of the way and pressed the cloth deeper onto Hinata's chest.
Kiba growled. "I know what I'm doing, Uchiha!" he spat.
Sasuke snorted. "Barely."
Kiba widen his eyes in fury. The audacity of the Uchiha to suspect that he was nothing but a idiot and underestimated his intelligence.
Sasuke panted as he glanced towards Hinata, her eyes closed and blood dripping from her nose. If he wasn't clenched the cloth to her opened wound onto her chest, he would suspected that she was dead. However, he was appreciative that her chest rose and fallen slowly.
"I don't even think you deserve to be around her." Kiba snapped. He clenched his fists.
Ryoko shook her head. "I-I don't think-"
Sasuke lifted himself away from Hinata. Ryoko clenched onto the cloth and pushed it harder onto the wound.
The Uchiha glared at the Inuzuka and stepped closer to him.
"I'm not afraid of you, Sasuke!" Kiba bellowed at the top of his lungs. The veins on his neck flared.
Sasuke scoffed. The Inuzuka didn't need to be afraid of him for Sasuke to bash his race against the wall.
"You're the main reason Hinata is the way she is! They've attacked her because of you!" Kiba yelled.
It happened within a swift movement. Kiba hissed, his head being bashed against the nearby wall while Sasuke gripped his neck, a malice look in his eyes. Kiba gasped, yet he fended himself against the Uchiha and twisted said mans wrist.
"Stop it!" Ryoko hissed. She pushed onto Hinata's chest. "I knew having Aburame-san leave for help would be bad." she murmured. She was in no way powerful enough to halt the two shinobi's from fighting if it did happen; and if she was powerful enough, she wouldn't be able to leave Hinata bleeding on the floor like she currently was.
Sasuke shoved Kiba away in a grunt and adverted his eyes down to Hinata. She blinked her eyes a few times before shutting them completely.
Kiba clenched his fist. Ryoko was right, he and Sasuke didn't have the time to brawl while Hinata was hurt. He kneeled down besides his teammate and sighed. He touched her neck, feeling for pulse. It was barely noticeable, but it was there. She as alive...and they needed assistance as soon as possible.
Sasuke took a step away from the Kiba and Ryoko. He turned away, his eyes roaming the area. He didn't have the desire to be next to Hinata, not after his nearly ripping off the Inuzuka's head. His heart felt tight; he was unsure as to why. He also had a difficult time breathing, it was as though there was a large lump in his throat, preventing from any circulation.
"U-Uchiha-san, are you okay-"
"Don't worry about me!" Sasuke snapped to Ryoko. The poor girl flinched. She didn't deserve the sudden outburst, yet Sasuke was unable to speak with anything but a rough response. "Worry about my wife."
Kiba shook his head. He was having a hard time biting his tongue. "I don't know what Hinata see's in you." he spat to the Uchiha. "All you've done was gotten her into a mess she wouldn't be able to clean up! You aren't even her husband!"
Sasuke snapped his head in the Inuzuka's direction. "Watch how you speak to me." he warned. "I've would have killed you long ago if my wife didn't have a fondness with you."
It was true. Sasuke wanted nothing but to snap the Inuzuka's neck for how he dared to question his loyalty to Hinata upon their arrival to her fallen body.
Sasuke turned away once more and began to pant. He was confused as to why finding oxygen was becoming as difficult as it was now. He couldn't look at Hinata, her unconscious figure haunted his very thoughts - thoughts he hadn't thought about in months.
He closed his eyes, his mind replaying the scene over and over in his head; multiple tomes did he witness Hinata become nothing but a puddle of blood before his very arms. She was as she was a few moments ago, barely conscious and mumbling his names. She had enough strength to hold him close, but not enough to stand on her own. "Uchiha Whore..." one attacker had spat, and the sound of his voice disgusted the Uchiha to the core.
The man wasn't a challenge to kill, especially with an angered Uchiha. He was covered in blood afterwards, the mans blood that dared to attack his wife. His wife...his wife...
His wife that was now covered in her and the attackers blood. Sasuke held her close, he was unsure on what he was suppose to do. She had an open wound in her chest, a small yet deep one. She panted, and as she did - so did Sasuke. He ripped a piece of his shirt off to stop the blood from her wound to ooze out any longer. She lightly touched his hand when he did this, and slowly she smiled before loosing conscience.
One attacker was already dead, one he assumed Hinata took care of.
Sasuke was angered. He felt angry. He hadn't felt this angered in a long time - years to be exact. There was nothing for him to be angry about. He didn't have any family left, he had Naruto, Kakashi and even Sakura, yet they didn't understand how he felt in the slightest. He was back in the village that didn't care the least of his clan and their downfall. He was miserable to be within a village that wasn't accepting.
Yes, Uchiha Sasuke was angry for the one person he had cared for in a village he despises was now possibly fighting for her life...because of him.
"We would be entering Getsugakure no sato within the next 10 minutes." Shino spoke lowly, his eyes (behind the dark shades her wore) downcast towards Hinata. "The Prime Minister is speaking with one of the captains about getting their as soon as possible. I scouted the area and no one of the description of the attackers had been found."
"Good." Ryoko sighed. As Kiba held onto the cloth that covered Hinata's wound, she pushed herself upwards. "They're healers that would cure her in no time. You'll be able to leave and go back to your village within the next day. I promise."
Kiba nodded. "That's what we need." he muttered annoyingly. He brought Hinata's body into his arms and stood. "We should head over the entrance. We need to be one of the first one's off."
Ryoko and Shino followed Kiba while Sasuke strolled towards the back. He kept to himself, more in his mind than ever. His heart seem to tighten by the second and he was baffled if his body was truly failing him now. As a young teenager brawling in the war; fighting either with or side by side with powerful opponents nets and comrades...he wished nothing more than to die in the end of it. Now that he lived through it, dying while leaving someone behind felt sickening.
The past hour has been a blur for the Uchiha. Once the cruise stopped in Getsugakure, they huddled off along with the Prime Minister calling for a Medic to be present. As they made it to the Medic, the bright lights and white walls blinded him severely. He remained quiet, even when he was being spoken to by nurses. He wasn't interested in petty conversation. There was nothing important to him besides the women with the deep wound in her chest.
It felt weird - saying someone was important to him. How important the heiress stood in his life, he was unaware. She had to have some importance, she would be his wife and soon, the women that would bare his children if she seen fit. She came first before many; before his own "friends" for now she was his family. His only family.
"Is there any chance she night be pregnant?" asked the nurse as she poked her head out of the room to look at the three men. "I would need to know for she's lost an incredible amount of blood. If there's a chance she is with child and it's dire, we'll need to know who to save."
Kiba widen his eyes. He snapped his head to the Uchiha and glared. "I hope she's not pregnant..." he answered the nurse, but his response was more towards the sulking Uchiha.
"No." Sasuke replied. "She's not."
Kiba sighed in relief. He leaned against the wall and shook his head.
Shino turned his head to the nurse. "How long before we'll be able to see her?" he asked.
"A few moments. We're able to heal her with medical ninjutsu with no problems for minor injuries, we have to stitch up the wound a bit, however.
Shino nodded. The nurse made her way back inside the room.
"I'll be taking Ryoko and the Prime Minister back to their homes like we were instructed." Shino told. "Kiba."
"I'm not leaving." Kiba growled. He shook his head.
"It won't be long? Why? Because she is currently in the medic being healed and we do have a mission to proceed with." Shino began to take a step towards Kiba. "She'll be alright, Kiba."
The Inuzuka glared at the Uchiha. "Fine." he hissed. He scurried off. The faster he was the faster he can return to Hinata.
Sasuke wondered how it would have been; what position he would be in if the women was pregnant. Would he save her; or the child? What if they both were met with a sadden fate that took both of their lives.
Sasuke blinked a few times. His heart began to beat outside his chest, tightening by the second. It was as though someone was squeezing the organ as hard as they could and wouldn't let go until it exploded.
What was wrong with him? He hadn't felt such pain since the lost of his brother before his eyes.
"Do you wish to see her?" the nurse asked, startling Sasuke out of his thoughts. "She's conscious...somewhat. You'll be able to speak with her if you'd like."
Sasuke shook his head.
The nurse frowned. She took a step towards Sasuke. "She's your wife, isn't she?" she questions. She opened her palm to Sasuke. "This fell off of her hand when she arrived. It's a beautiful ring. I think you should see her."
The nurse held out the ring for Sasuke to take. Sasuke grasped the ring tightly, holding it into his palm. He followed the nurse inside the room to see Hinata. She laid on her back, hospital gown on while her eyes rested close.
"I'll be returning in a few minutes." the nurse assured before making her way out.
Sasuke sat in a guest chair on the far right of the room. He watched Hinata closely. He watched as her chest heaved and fall, the way her eyes with twitch as if they wished to be open but failed. He watched her hair fall onto her shoulders and past her breast. She looked as though she was in a deep sleep, in bliss. The pain that haunted her face on the ship long gone...Sasuke was pleased.
Sasuke stood. Slowly, he made his way to hover above of Hinata. His hand reached out to touch her, pushing the hospital gown down lowly to witness the once open wound on her chest. He frowned.
"I should kill them..." Sasuke murmured. "They assured me no scars..."
"What do you suppose they're making?" asked Shinra as the contractors went along with their building towards the back of their home. Shinra stared from his spot at the table.
Hanabi shrugged. She turned off the stove and sighed. "Who knows. Looks as though it can be an addition to the house."
Shinra furrowed his brows in curiosity. "An addition..." he murmured. "Like...a baby?"
Hanabi flashed Shinra an annoyed look. "No way. Unless my nee-chan wishes to adopt more hooligans like you."
Shinra rolled his eyes. Hanabi placed the bowl she had prepared for him on the table forward him. "I'm not a hooligan, you ugly troll." Shinra hissed.
Hanabi bit her tongue. She was in no mood to argue with the 9 year old body for he was just that - 9 years old. "Whatever they're making, it doesn't concern you."
"This is disgusting." Shinra frowned. He picked up the bowl of food made by Hanabi and snickered.
"Then starve." Hanabi hissed, slapping the bowl out of his hand. Thankfully, it fallen back onto the table and not the floor to make a mess.
Shinra rolled his eyes. Starving would be better than to eat anything Hanabi made. She wasn't Hinata; who cooked and baked many delicious meals that satiated his hunger and tastebuds. "Maybe Hinsta-chan should teach you how to cook."
Hanabi crossed her arms. She lifted her head away from the Shinura. "It's not like you'll be around for long, anyways." she snapped.
Shinra frowned. He was taken aback. "What was that suppose to mean?" he asked, following Hanabi down the hall to her room.
Hanabi snickered. "Did you think that she and the Uchiha would really adopt you?" Hanabi gave an amused look. "You're only here for now while my sister is training with the Uchiha. Once she becomes head, you'll be loooooong gone."
Shinra knitted his brows. He lowered his head and pondered.
"You see, me nee-chan is trying to become head. By next month, she would have to fight for it. And when she wins..." Hanabi shrugged her shoulders. She sat on her bed and yawned. "You aren't a Hyuga nor are you biologically her or the Uchiha's child for them to keep."
Shinra gulped. He was skeptical about living with his sensei. Sasuke was hard when it came to training and even harder when it came to living in his home, yet he wouldn't change it. He felt as though his grandmother left his in great hands and was grateful of Hinata and Sasuke for taking him in.
"T-Then where would I go?" Shinra murmured. He had no other family that associated with him; for all he knew and considered family had bene Sumire and the small family who he lived with now.
Hanabi shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows?" she continued. "I know for sure it wouldn't be with us."
"W-Where's Sasuke-kun?" Hinata stuttered as she opened her eyes and tried to lift her body.
"Lay down." Kiba ushered, gently pushing her back down to lay.
Hinata pondered as to where she was, how she gotten there and what happened after the two attackers. Her head felt like someone gave her a hard kick and it hurt for her to inhale. Her eyes felt limp, as if it wasted her chakra entirely to keep then open.
"W-Where's Sasuke-kun?" Hinata asked once more. She didn't feel his presence nor did he come when she called for him.
Kiba sighed. "Ryoko and the Prime Minister are back safe. Ryoko sent you these flowers..." Kiba pointed to a large vase of white lilies.
"That's great." Hinata brushed off the lilies; she wasn't in the mood to be seeing flowers while she laid in the Medic all the while in pain. "Where's my husband?" Hinata repeated for the third time. She had to get the point across that she wished to see Sasuke - not some flowers next to her bed.
Kiba widen his eyes a bit before exhaling. His eyes adverted to Shino who slowly shook his head. "He doesn't wish to see you." The Aburame responded.
Hinata raised her eyebrows. "N-Nani?" she gasped. Sasuke didn't want to see her? For what?
"We were advised to announce that he wishes not to be seen until it was our time to depart back to Konohagakure." Shino addressed in a quiet tone.
Hinata sat back into her bed. She frowned, her mouth quivering. Confused as to why Sasuke would request such a thing was an understatement. She was bewildered that Sasuke wasn't the first person she seen upon waking up from her black out state.
Hinata took a breath. "H-He's mad at me." she stammered, feeling her heart tighten at the thought of Sasuke being angered at her. "B-Because I couldn't p-protect myself."
Kiba shook his head. He couldn't believe his ears now. "Who cares what that bastard thinks, Hinata! You're hurt!" Kiba sneered. Even if Sasuke was angered with her, that should be the least of her worries. She sat with a deep wound almost reaching her heart snd the first thing she assumes is Uchiha Sasuke was angered with her?
"I care, Kiba!" Hinata snapped back, her tone matching Kiba's agitated one.
Kiba was taken aback, and though Shino held his expression, so was he.
"I-I know you don't like Sasuke-kun...but he will be my husband and you cannot change that." Hinata lowered her tone to a whisper. It wasn't her intention to snap at Kiba; she loved the man as if he was her own blood brother and he's been one that stood by her side through it all. However, it was evident that Kiba wasn't a fan of her and Sasuke's confusingly sudden relationship.
'Nata...' Kiba thought, his eyes fixed onto the heiress before him.
Shino was right - per usual. Hinata had her mind settled (as well as her life) on Uchiha Sasuke and there was nothing he could do or say to get her to change her feelings. She may have not loved him (yet) and vice versa with Sasuke, but there was something there between the both of them that nerved Kiba. It was the look in Sasuke's eyes when he witnessed a bloodied Hinata...the way he held her close into his arms...something he hadn't seen in anyone's eyes before.
And for Hinata, her emotions were all over the place. Regularly, Kiba would be able to see what Hinata felt or thought by looking into her light, pearl eyes. She wanted Sasuke here with her. She craved for him to be by her now, even if they didn't talk. It was his aura that she craved, his existence besides her. Now that he wasn't, she couldn't help but put the blame on herself for his absence.
"Hai." Kiba whispered. He took a last look at Hinata before parting ways and made his way out of the room.
Hinata took a gulp. She adverted her eyes towards Shino and bit her lip. "I-"
"There's nothing you need to explain, Hinata." Shino nodded. He understood and Hinata was always grateful for the Aburame's patience.
Hinata gave Shino a curt nod. "A-Arigato."
'You won't see her...not yet.'
Sasuke was relieved that his heart wasn't betraying him like it was in the previous hours. He sat still in the waiting area, his head and eyes straight. He was possibly the black sheep of the medic for his dark clothing that was bound to stand out with the white walls, flooring and lighting. He had no care for who decided that he was off-putting; that was no longer his concern. Nor was this failed excuse of a mission.
'You care about her.'
Sasuke supposed he did care for the Hyuga; how could he not? He had been around her for 3-4 months and only her. They ate breakfast, lunch and dinner together. They lived together, sparred and at times slept in the same bed together. They weren't a typical couple - they didn't hold hands often but when they did, Sasuke found that her hands felt smooth with each touch, as rough as they were (but she was a Hyuga). Nor did they kiss often like other couples that would kiss with esch departure. But, they didn't need to be the typical couple for him to know where she stood in his life.
'She'll die with you around.'
Hinata's head had a high bounty on it. Konohagakure villagers knew how to spread gossip, and some how the gossip would soon spread throughout the nation that Uchiha Sasuke and Hugs Hinata were a "couple". He was hated - loathed by much more people than he should be. His unborn children had bounty on their heads and would be hunted if the world would known.
'But only you can protect her...'
And only he would. Sasuke knew that their missions together would need to come to an end, having her be targeted would be the last thing he needed. He would protect her for she was his wife now - his family. He would shield the damn Shimura and even the Hōki because he (in a way) became attached to the two damn nuisances, as well. He'd secure Hanabi from her unwelcome fate of becoming head at her early age.
He'd do it.
Sasuke will do it.
'I'll do it because she'd ask to me.'
Sasuke scoffed aloud. He was sure - positive - that if his mother was watching him now, she'd be gushing at how he treated the Hyuga. She would often tease him of liking a few girls in the academy (even if he never did) and encouraged him to he kind to them no matter the cost.
"She wants to see you."
Sasuke blinked. Then once more. His head snapped to the direction of the voice.
Kiba stood behind him with a sullen expression. "You're the person she wants to see." a grimace was evident on his face. "I suppose I have to respect the fact that she'll soon be your wife."
Sasuke listened.
"She, uh..." Kina snickered, shaking his head. "Her favorite flowers a mixture between Lavender and Hydrangeas and Jasmine. She hates sea food but she'll force herself to eat it if others around her like it. Of course she loves sweets, any type but...cinnamon rolls are her favorite." Kiba took a breath.
Sasuke made a note of all the information Kiba was disclosing.
"She loves tea, sweet tea preferably. She loves Senzai, too. And...has this thing where she'll act like your mom and care for you."
Sasuke stood. He turned towards Kiba and listened as the man spoke.
"I don't have not one idea why she wants to be with you, Uchiha." Kiba snickered. His snickers turned to laugh. "You're an ass...but...she's going to love you. And when she does...all I'm asking is for you not to take it for granted. She'll love you deeply and she'll become devoted to you. Don't disappoint her."
Sasuke's dark eyes watched as Kiba paraded down the hall away from him.
Sasuke was changing - for the better he assumed. The old him woudn't dare sit through any speech for the likes of Kiba, and yet this wasn't just Inuzuka Kiba. This was Inuzuka Kiba, his wide's friend. Wether he wished for it or not, she would consistently be involved with the Inuzuka and there was nothing he could change about that.
'You can't see her.' Sasuke thought. He wouldn't see her now, not while she laid in pain. He would wait for when it was their time to leave back to Konohagakure.
So he would wait for however long it would take for the medic to release her, and when they do release her they would be on the next cruise back to Konohagakure and things would hopefully grow back to normal. Especially with the gift he had for her back at the compound.
A/N: Alright so I've update a bit early today than my usual updates. I hope you do enjoy this chapter and this story all together! I would have to say that soon Shades of Cool would be ending and I hope that I would get everything out so that ALL of my readers would be satisfied with the ending. That being said, I'm trying to do 5 more chapters until it's done.