Hello my long awaited fellow readers! Firstly I am SORRY for EVERYTHING! How long was I gone? How long have I abandoned this work?! HoW lOnG?!!!!! Four fucking months!!!!!!! Momma is so sorry she feels like killing herself. Honestly, I didn't lost hope for this story, I just got sobusy and stressed with schools that I lost track. Especially since my School was ruled by angry teachers who are too strict for their own good. Now that exams are mostly over and we're diving to a long Christmas break, I can promise chapters!!!

By the way, does any of your wrists or hands feel tingling sensation whenever you read or write Angst Sasuhina? I cried when I read a sad and unhealthy Sasuhinafic and my wrists tingled T.T

Chapter 9: The Restraints

This was an entirely different kiss from the one he performed a few nights ago. This alienation of feeling consumed his fierce willpower and left it crumbling on the ground along with his guard. Sparks bloomed at his lonesome chest that it hurt so much that he couldn't have her. Hinata might realize what action he was conducting and would soon push him away in disgust. There was no doubt about that. Everything about him was disgusting and cold, she wouldn't want someone as angsty and merciless as he was. Awareness had long already latched itself on him and rational thoughts warned him what his reckless action might bring, but fuck it, he couldn't stop himself. A sense of oddity engulfed his being at the thought of him ever liking her presence. Sasuke ignored all the pursuits of the women around him for years that people suspected that he was straight-out asexual. Even he had no trouble believing so, but here he was, stealing another kiss from a princess of purity.

What encouraged him to do such reckless thing was still unknown. Maybe because of the fact that she talked about another man.

Before Hinata could fully react, a Kunai was flung at them in their midst of osculation. Breaking off, Sasuke had shed his guard down—a grave mistake—and only managed a few seconds to block the Kunai from impaling her neck by throwing his arm instead. He didn't wince at all as the weapon pierced the back of his forearm.

Hinata woke up from her trance and looked up at him. "W-Wait—" But he pressed her squished face against his cloaked chest as another swarm of Kunais and Shurikens hurled at them with no spot to escape. With her pressed to him, he somersaulted in the air and stood on the treetop, shaking powder of snow off the branches.

"Show yourself." He activated his Sharingan and scanned the perimeter for any sign of chakras, only to curse profanities upon discovering a swarm of them, all but donning the headband of Kumogakure. Have they found out that it was him behind the mask or were they originally after him and managed to track him here? He readied his black flames and his Susanoo, but Hinata's hand stopped him.

Her Byakugan was activated as she gently willed herself out of his arms, her face much more determined and etched with authority than he ever saw gracing her face. "It's okay," she told him, pausing briefly from her serious demeanor and flashing him her sweet smile. She turned towards the flock of Kumo Ninjas and spoke aloud, "My name is Hinata Hyuga, the future heiress of the Hyuga clan from the Konohagakure. I've been appointed to aid Kumogakure in their distress. We're not your enemy."

Sasuke wanted to cut her off and instead opted for eradication, but slowly the Ninjas appeared from their hiding places and the center one sprinted closer. "Hyuga-sama, we've been informed of your arrival. Our apologies for our rash advance, but as of latest, the Raikage had strengthened his security system. We must be extra cautious for any ambush. I take it you've heard of the Uchiha's recent deception?"

At this Sasuke looked intently at Hinata, trying to gauge out any certain reaction from her at the mention of his name, only to find none. "Yes." Her face was instead impassive, though he noticed a little glint of understanding passing over her misty eyes. "It did not come to my attention that I have reached Kumo."

"We have," Sasuke answered silently. "The village is only about a few miles away."

Hinata wanted to replied with a question as to why he hadn't told her about this, but smartly chose to stay mute to his bearings. "May I have an access in?"

The Kumo Ninja bowed slightly in courtesy before waving off his men. "This way, Hinata Hyuga-sama."

All of the Ninjas retreated to the gate of their village with ease. Sasuke spotted some of them eyeing him as if his whole being was a lie, and some even gazed at him as if he was the biggest criminal to ever grace back to their beloved village. Especially after what he had done. He blocked that thought with a clenched teeth. Wether he really attacked the Raikage in person or not, he couldn't allow himself to think that he had yet again committed atrocities against their leader. He waited for Hinata to lightly sprint up after them before he followed shortly after.

This was the moment that he had both dreaded and anticipated. It felt like a long journey with Hinata even though it had been barely a week. Not for a moment could he allow himself to waver from the direction of his current goal, and said goal was to silently observe the village with eyes like a hawk for any intrusive actions. He had no reason to not accuse the Lightening Kage as being the one who orchestrated this treason just to pin the problem on Sasuke again. Which was also another way to start a war in this short-lived peace they had been basking themselves in for too long.

Sasuke had nearly ran into Hinata as they finally stopped in front of the militarily guarded fences that could never be taken as gate of the Kumogakure. It was as if war was around the corner as they gawked at the secured gate. Elongated, sharp and rocky claws facing skywards was built at the top of the fences like tines, not enough to prick Ninjas with agility who could manage to jump over it but enough to erupt fear for those who dared to cross the fearsome Kage. To each spires of fences was a small platform for the onlookers to observe for any suspicion out in the forest. Even as the gate croaked to open, you could feel the intense aura of the civilians and the Shinobis lingering behind them.

"Your quarters already awaits you near the Kage building. Hiashi Hyuga-sama had especially reserved a suited lodge beforehand."

"Pampered, I see," muttered Sasuke carelessly under his breath, and when Hinata went to face him with a questionable face, he had already flickered away, doing his duty from faraway now that his direct presence wasn't much needed.

She didn't know why, but his absences exacerbated her mood. Nonetheless, she smiled good-heartedly at the Kumo Shinobis and trudged forward to the direction of the place where she would stay. As she did, she attracted quite an attention to most of the villagers who stopped to stare at her in awe. It very rare for them to receive any visitors unless personally permitted by their fierce leader. Thus Hinata's arrival brought out more attention, much to her ultimate dismay. Also, apparently most of them were gossipers or simple men and women who wanted a glimpse of the upcoming heiress who would soon take over the greatest title as the leader of a powerful clan.

By the time Sasuke got there, Hinata took in the sight of her temporary quarter with wide, curious opal eyes. The quarter consisted of a plain wallpapers, some grey couches in the living room, a gigatinc bedroom, a bathroom connected to a hot spring water. Making a mental note that she would soon—when needed—go to the hot spring, she went straight to the bathroom to wash off all the dirt, perspiration and grimes off of her while she heard her Anbu walking around in the kitchen.

Sasuke knew he had much more important job at the moment and that was guarding over a pampered Hyuga who he was developing a feeling for, but he distinctively remembered the roots of reason why he agreed to accept this treacherous mission. The village was concealing some dark informations that he needed to get his hands on.

The words of Orochimaru came floating in his mind, reminding him of the second solution should he never find anything in Kumo. He willed himself to think of how the Raikage could've orchestrated a major plan just to have his ass kicked and his head separated from his shoulders.

He peered open the window, shortly looking behind him at the bathroom door before jumping up the roofs. As he did, he surveyed the overview and landscape of the village with analytic eyes, briefly activating his bloodline for any abnormalities. The view up here was clouded and only fainting lights could be seen through the prominent mists. He noticed how some of the villagers obtained rich tanned-skin complexion, a big contrast to their weather which was constant winter. After he was done with his patrolling around the village, he extended his Sharingan to detect the signature chakra of A the Raikage, easily spotting him near the hospital, wing side of the village.

With no second thoughts, not even a certain indigo-haired princess crossed his dead-set goal mind, he plunged into the air, in the direction of the hospital.

He forced himself not to feel smug about the scene. A was fuming near the window with his arm bundled up in a tight cast. It was a shame to Sasuke because whoever claimed himself to be Sasuke and attacked A, managing to break his arm, didn't completely tear it off like last time he actually did.

Faint voices could be heard as he inched closer. A woman's voice spoke in a panicked hushed tone to the Raikage. "We attack Konoha by dawn and execute Uchiha ourselves, my lord!"

"By doing so, I would raise wars with the other nations, including the Kazekage and the Mizukage. They get their senses filled up by this short-lived peace of theirs. Konoha no doubt had their guards up by now and they contain much more powerful Shinobis we've ever encounter, including Naruto Uzumaki," A replied, a vein popping up his temple as a nervous medic tended to his flaying arm, making it so much harder for to disinfect the newly opened wounds.

"I think you give the Land of Fire a little too much credit, Lord Fifth."

There was a loud thud coming from the table filled with medical tools where he just slammed his other hand with in rage. "Do not take me as so naïve. I have fought with the last child of the Uchiha years ago and he managed to disarm my arm completely. I've fought alongside their female Hokage and watched the child of prophecy fought with godlike power. I have again fought with the much stronger Uchiha last week to the point it would take more weeks for my arm to heal. The arm that he had nearly tore off again with the medical Jutsu. You want to vaporize, Kasuke, you question my order."

There was a ringing silence, but Sasuke's mind was filled with racing thoughts. He had came over here with the hopes that he would get a classified conversation, maybe proving that the Raikage was the one who tore his arm off to spite him, the vengeful Uchiha. If the Raikage was discussing about ambushing Konoha under the impression that Sasuke really did committed such treason against him, then there was no reason for Sasuke to think that A had been conducting a mischievous plan. It seemed the Raikage was still confused as Sasuke was as to what happened. This led to the words that Orochimaru told him again. And again. And again, like mantra.

Perhaps it wasn't an imposter you're looking for. Perhaps it is someone within yourself that took over once in a while.

If Sasuke eerily had a second person living inside of him now, always twitching to kill and attack, then there really wasn't any solution to get out of this trap he entrapped himself in. His disembowelment would be taking place in less than three weeks. Should the Raikage or any of the Kumo Ninjas find out that he was here, not only would he drag himself back to the depths of hell, but Hinata would be pulled along. Her clean image would be tainted. That was not adding the fact that there was a high chance the Hyuga would freak out upon discovering his identity and would not hesitate to flee from him. No one would stand alongside the redeemed Uchiha aside from Naruto and Sakura.

That late evening he sprinted above the roofs lightly on his feet, so swiftly he felt the winds bellowing agaisnt his mask, whipping against his ears. His body felt heavy so suddenly with this newfound information, weighs dropped on his shoulders. Inconspicuous look of disdain fell over the Uchiha's obscured expression as he thought over the subsequent consequences of what would entail next if he kept on lingering around a certain Hyuga. Sasuke Uchiha was rather fastidious with his missions and always came back with profound and outstanding results. He never failed a mission after his return to the village but unfortunately he would have to ditch Hinata if he valued her life. Evidently, she wasn't anywhere safe around his presence. Dark, enticing fate seemed to follow him around like ghost latched onto its host. And he wasn't certain of what he might do to her if he wasn't in control of himself.

Feet soundlessly stepped on the ledge of the dramatically grand embrasure. His obsidian eyes peered inside, through the glass panel and landed on the small, petite figure in the corner of the room, still knitting that rouge scarf of hers with a fatigued face. Due to the sealing and markings all over his body to ensure that he didn't escape from the restraints of Konoha and also to conceal his signature chakra, her detection of any Uchiha-related chakra was limited. Which meant she would have to really squint and enhance her sensory to know that he was right outside her window, inspecting her every action like a real creep.

After a few contemplation, Sasuke let his knuckles knock against the panel, perking up her attention. Her opal eyes widened at the sight of him and light blush dusted her cheeks. He scowled heavily because his chest vibrated once again. Gracelessly, she threw the knitting set under the table and padded to the window.

Once she opened the window ajar, letting the chilly wind waft through her midnight locks, silence settled between the two as all they did was nothing but stare each other down to the point it became a strained staring contest. Sasuke crouched down on the ledge and furtively studied her face. Dark lashes so thick and long it made her pearlescent eyes stand. Alabaster skin so soft it contrasted with rosy cheeks, rosy button nose and rouge lips. Those petals that he had claimed shortly before arriving here.

Soundless words was spoken between them as he lifted his gloved hand and stroke her cheek. His large hand so big against her face he feared he could crush her. "Foolish child. Why aren't you sleeping?" he found himself saying forlornly. She was so close yet so very far.

Hinata was confused by the kind gesture. Warm hand resided underneath the wretched glove. "I c-can't sleep."

"Hn."

"Where were you?"

"Out."

"Where?"

"It doesn't matter."

Hinata was about to question him again when he jumped down the ledge and continued to stroke her cheek until it lingered down to her slender neck. White as a milk, but a ghost of his marks were still lingering even though it had been days since he last latched onto her sweet skin.

He leaned down to her eye-level and whispered as if telling a sinful secret between themselves, "If you can't sleep, I'll sleep by your side."