Thanks to the folks who review, favorite or if you just check to see my updates... all is very much appreciated. For those who are like SASUHINA NOWWWWWW... :D it's a slow developing story. As much as I would love for both to just make out and then conceive a baby, it won't happen (yet...) One last thing, grammar isn't a priority for me. I do try to make everything correct, but I'm not in an English class. This is simply fun for me and hopefully fun for you to read. And if anyone out there likes to do fanart... show me your SasuHina! :) "OMT, please stop rambling." SORRY.
Sasuke woke up angry and remained angry, but he wasn't sure what the reason was. Maybe it was because the rice he had made that morning tasted awful… it was nothing like what Hinata had made for him the other day. His tea was too sweet and his loft was a mess again. Or it could also be the hangover that seemed to settle behind his eyes and pulsate persistently. If Sasuke could choose not to go anywhere, see anyone, or say anything, then he would gladly do it. He wasn't one to sit around and do nothing, but today felt like an exception.
But just as the saying goes, there ain't no rest for the wicked. He was up and out the door with just enough time to spare for a quick training session at the grounds. Sasuke half expected to see Hinata there, but the grounds were empty. He stood with his hands in his pockets, noticing someone had picked up yesterday's tree mess. Even though the sun was shining brightly, the breeze was cool and the birds chirped happily, the blood that was pumping through his veins felt cold.
Instead of dwelling on this sour feeling, which he decided to blame it on the alcohol entirely, Sasuke got to work with his routine. The entire time Sasuke trained, his thoughts seemed to wander back and forth to the Hyuuga girl. The thing that bothered him was he didn't know what made his brain tick; she was nothing more than a kunoichi with whom he got stuck working with. Sasuke's subconscious battled with his poor logic. It was something more; something deeper than just that small connection.
Sasuke usually relied on instinct. If a stranger was an enemy, he knew ahead of time. Just by the body language, the beating of one's heart, and the inconsistent chakra flow, Sasuke could see just who a person was. Most of this was attributed to the infamous Sharingan, but it was also a part of who he was. Sasuke was naturally observant and always a step ahead. Always.
In the case of Hyuuga Hinata, the instinct was 'protect'. When he first laid eyes on her those few weeks ago, the feeling confused him. Maybe that was why Sasuke was always undermining her because he thought she couldn't take care of herself.
In reality, the urge to protect had never come up anywhere else in his life. There was quite simply no one to protect. Sasuke recalled years back during missions with his former team—Sakura always needed looking after. She was useless and offered nothing as a ninja during those times. The thought of protecting her was a chore to him and at least Naruto could always take care of himself. When it boiled down to the basics, Sasuke only protected himself and his own dignity.
Throughout his training session, Sasuke thought back to the way Itachi kept watch over him as little boys. He was much different then—he was known to be rather loud and intrusive sometimes. Of course, impatience was something that Sasuke never seemed to grow out of. Another thought was the guilt that he, for some reason, carried on his shoulders. He wasn't willing to admit to himself that the Uchiha's hit on the Hyuuga clan was wrong, but his gut told him otherwise. It was a mix of guilt, her helplessness and the way her lavender eyes looked at him sometimes with fear and other times with joy.
Unfortunately, Uchiha Sasuke was stubborn in his ways. He refused to let strange feelings and the girl change what he had become. From the beginning, Sasuke sacrificed a normal life for a long journey of seeking out his brother. He knew the consequences and dove right in thinking of nothing but that. Sasuke traded in friendship, companionship and even relationships for his slain clan. Even though Itachi was gone, this was his life now.
"Sasuke-kun." A voice interrupted his thoughts as soon as he landed back on his feet from executing several kunai to targets. With sweat beads rolling down his forehead, Sasuke lifted his arm to wipe them away. His eyes narrowed over at Hyuuga Hinata who was watching him from a few feet away. Her small ivory fingers fidgeted with her braid, and her body language seemed hesitant. Sasuke rolled his eyes for some reason.
He couldn't put his finger on why he was angry. Sasuke wanted to be angry with her, ignore her, and want nothing to do with her like he did for everyone else. But there were thoughts in his head which went against that. He finally decided that that was why he was angry—because out of all the girls in the village (or the entire land) that was starting to get to him, it was her. Someone who could have never existed thanks to his clan… she was someone who was nothing like him, but in many ways, was exactly like him.
Sasuke was angry at himself that after more than fifteen years of being the way that he was, he was so willing to protect something that meant nothing to him. There was nothing in it for him; he didn't gain a single thing from her. Hinata wasn't his friend growing up nor was she someone he had ever had feelings for. What made her so significant? What made her so endearing to him? Not knowing the answer was frustrating and it was as if it sat on the tip of his tongue. Each passing day with her it was as if he was reuniting with an old friend… it felt like he owed her something or he had made a promise to her.
The fact that he ever cared enough to dig that deep into it was also frustrating. Sasuke glared at her unintentionally, which caused her gaze to avert from his. He ran a hand through his sweaty hair and began to pick up a few dropped kunai.
"What do you want?" Sasuke asked and he almost cringed on the inside at the tone of his own voice. Hinata's small smile had disappeared and her hands were brought in front of her. What did I do wrong…? Was it because of yesterday?
"T-Tsunade-sama has summoned us." Hinata said her voice barely audible. Sasuke's face remained expressionless, but there was a swirl of curiosity in his head. What did she summon them for? Was the Hokage finally giving him the green light to start training for the Chuunin exams? Not that he needed the training, but he remembered it being slightly challenging those many years ago.
Her frown remained as she watched him return kunai to the pack on his leg, and then simply walk past her as if she didn't exist. Hinata never asked for his friendship, but at least acknowledge her. She had thought they had gotten somewhere; sometimes she would smile at him in the library and he would nod in her direction. And the previous day he had saved her from a falling tree… now she felt like they were back at the night at the bar where she stopped an all-out brawl.
Hinata increased her pace to keep up with him, although they weren't really walking together. It was more or less just a sad excuse to stay relevant with one another as they walked towards the Hokage building. The stress of Neji's condition weighed heavily on her shoulders. He was now awake but in a large amount of pain. Hinata visited him earlier that morning.
No one else had arrived to his room yet, so she was able to just sit with her cousin. She managed not to cry, although, Hinata did try to console him. Neji wasn't sad, angry, or anything; he was just there. His voice had a low tone to it and his eye remained bandaged. Hinata wondered if it was the IV in his arm that made him so apathetic or if it was the realization that he was no longer the elite ninja he worked so hard to be.
Tsunade said that it would be a miracle for his Byakugan to be 100% again, but they had some hope. Their Hokage was the best med-ninja around and the fact that even Rock Lee was able to go back to his ninja duties after similar fates seemed to help ease the worry. Hinata almost blamed herself, which was absurd; there was no way they she (or anyone) could have prevented the outcome. In a way, she felt that if anyone's ability or Byakugan was to be taken, might as well snatch hers. Being a ninja brought her joy, but it didn't give her life purpose. Neji had nothing else to keep him afloat both physically and mentally—he was a part of the Branch House, whose main job was to protect the Main House with their lives.
Hinata never once looked down on her cousin though he was, by their standards, below her. In fact, she looked up to him for guidance even though he would only do it because he had to. Neji never really offered her any emotional support and she never expected him to. He was just like her father which meant that everything was black and white; one was either strong or weak.
She would wonder some nights when she fell asleep in her bed if Neji would have been as strong as he was now than if his father was still alive. His death brought a sense of determination to Neji, which could also be applied to Sasuke.
Her lavender eyes hovered over at the man walking beside her as they walked through the Konoha streets. His stride was consistent, never once faltering. Those dark brown eyes were still just as mysterious to her, but from the small memories that came back to her, she recalled a time when they weren't so dull. Back then, Sasuke had something in his life to give him that boyish smile, those twinkling eyes and the almost obnoxious curiosity. Hinata's pale pink lips formed a tight thin line as it went through her mind. Now there was nothing; no one.
Although his brother didn't offer any of that when he was on the run, there was at least the comfort in knowing that Sasuke wasn't alone. Hinata couldn't imagine being the last of the Hyuuga's. Sasuke acted like it wasn't something he dwelled on but something inside told her that he was struggling to keep that composure.
The Hokage Building was directly in front of them as they climbed the familiar stone steps upwards. Normally they would be heading down towards the basement to continue their duties in the library, but instead their footsteps echoed in the opposite direction. Sasuke reached the door to Tsunade's office first and pounded on it. Hinata winced lightly as if he had startled her, but the rough 'come in!' seemed urgent.
"Hyuuga Hinata. Uchiha Sasuke. I need to make this quick." Tsunade said as they had just barely gotten in through the door. Hinata glanced around, surprised not to see Shizune.
"O-Oh. Where is Shizune-san?" She asked while folding her hands in front of her.
"She is on a mission with Naruto and Sakura." Tsunade remarked and leaned forward as her arms rested on her desk. Sasuke's lip curled slightly at knowing that Naruto was even out on a mission. It was beginning to make Konoha look stupid—they had an Uchiha on their side and they weren't even utilizing him.
"Listen up. Things might seem peaceful here, but things are uneasy to the west. As you both well know, Hyuuga Neji was attacked. According to my sources, there is interest in obtaining the Byakugan as it is useful for various things." Tsunade said firmly. Sasuke's ears had perked at this sudden information and he successfully hid his excitement. Hinata, on the other hand, bore a worried look on her face. Tsunade continued.
"I have almost every ninja available out near the border, and we've even gotten some additional help from the Sand." The Fifth Hokage paused to observe them. "Not to mention there is rumors floating around the Kabuto may be in charge of this."
The name Kabuto was hardly familiar to Hinata, but Sasuke's hands slowly formed fists at his side. It was only a matter of time before he started causing trouble again. He crossed his arms and lowered his head.
"Kabuto is after the Byakugan?" Sasuke asked dully. Tsunade shrugged her shoulders.
"It's not confirmed and it appears it's not just the Byakugan." She said as her eyes fell upon Hinata. Her features were a mix of fear and worry, but she did her best not to let it show too much.
"Hinata… I know you're worried. That is why this mission I am assigning you two is in the opposite direction."
"Don't you pose a risk having the village unguarded?" Sasuke asked suddenly, his icy gaze meeting the Hokage's. Tsunade's lips turned into a scowl while he continued to pry more information than he needed.
"Uchiha, I know what I am doing. I have the necessary ninja here in case of that, but I don't think Kabuto's motives are to go too far from the border."
"B-But…" Hinata's voice was a mere squeak. "If he's after the Byakugan then wouldn't he come here?"
"Kabuto is strong, but going up against the entire Hyuuga clan would be risky for him." Tsunade said and folded her hands on her desk. Sasuke frowned.
"He's also not stupid." He interjected. "His intentions might be deeper than we know."
"I hate to say it, but you're right." Tsunade mumbled before clearing her throat. "Your mission is to head to the north east to a small village called Nachi. It's about a day's worth of travel."
Although he was disappointed to be going in a different direction than all the action, Sasuke still had to hide a smirk that threatened to spread across his lips. A mission… He hadn't been on one of those in several years. Knowing that he would be up and actually doing something worthwhile was exciting to him. Hinata, on the other hand, could feel anxiety building up in her stomach.
"We're not the only one with eyes on Kabuto. I need you to bring classified documents to an ally who resides up there." Tsunade said as she reached into a drawer in her desk to retrieve a handful of scrolls.
"What's in the documents?" Sasuke asked as if it was his business. In his eyes, anything that had to do with Kabuto was his business—as a former 'comrade' with Orochimaru, he figured that if anyone knew the most about Kabuto it was him. Not to mention, he was very curious to hear what his need was with the Byakugan.
"That does not concern you," Tsunade replied with a slight annoyed tone. Standing from her desk, she approached Hinata with the three scrolls and held them out for her. "Hinata, I trust you to take these, however do not open them."
Hinata nodded slowly and took the scrolls in her arms. She was a bit worried because she was used to having Kiba and Shino in her team, and on the occasion, Naruto. Hinata had no experience whatsoever with Uchiha Sasuke in the field, not to mention he was much stronger than her. Tsunade crossed her arms across her large chest.
"Procedure is to have a three man team, but I'm out of options. Hinata, because you are of higher rank, you are in charge. This mission shouldn't take any longer than two days; I expect you back within that time frame."
"H-Hai." Hinata said, straightening herself to appear more confident. However, being a leader was not in her nature which could also go back to the reasoning of her loss as the heir to the Hyuuga Clan. Sasuke's eyebrow twitched at the fact that Hinata would be in charge, but knowing her, there would be little for her to 'supervise' so he ignored his jealous feelings.
Before they could be dismissed, the door burst open. A half-walking half-stumbling Neji fell to the floor, which immediately caused uproar from Tsunade who rushed to his aid. Hinata dropped the scrolls and went to his side as well. Sasuke crossed his arms, and his gaze hovered onto Neji with disinterest. The Hyuuga still had his face wrapped for his eye to begin its healing process, but it was far too early for him to out of bed.
"Neji! What are you doing? You need to be resting!" Tsunade hissed as she began applying green healing chakra to a few other wounds he had received that were bleeding through the gauze. Neji, who was winded from his struggle towards the Hokage building, stopped to catch his breath.
"Neji-niisan…!" Hinata whispered and grabbed his wrapped hand. "Why are you here?" After a few moments of silence, Neji's one lavender eye gazed at the former heiress to the Hyuuga's.
"Hinata-sama, please don't go." Neji gasped. Hinata's cheeks became rosy and Tsunade frowned before firmly lifting Neji to his feet.
"Neji, it's not your decision." Tsunade said as she helped support him as he stood. Hinata also got to her feet with tears forming in her eyes.
"N-Neji-niisan…" Hinata murmured as he grimaced in pain. Sasuke didn't feel any pity for him, although he understood his pain. He wasn't one to lay around in a hospital bed either.
"She can't go on this mission, Tsunade-sama… someone is out there hunting for the Byakugan." Neji said with a low and dull voice.
"Neji… You underestimate Hinata. She is stronger than you give her credit for. Keep in mind that she is a Jounin now and is very capable of carrying out missions." Tsunade said with some frustration. "This mission is going nowhere near where Kabuto was last spotted."
Hinata's soft eyes stared at Tsunade. That was true, she was of high rank, and even over-qualified for this easy mission. But the fear of knowing that even Neji almost got killed meant that she wouldn't last a second if the foe appeared.
"You do not understand…" Neji continued and he tried to step forward to his cousin. "This man… he is much stronger than any of us. He could be anywhere. Not to mention-"
"She's going with me." Sasuke interrupted him with dry tone. Neji's good eye zeroed in on Sasuke and his pained expression became stoic. There was silence, and Hinata's gaze went from her cousin, to the Hokage, to Sasuke. She noticed that Sasuke stood firmly with his arms crossed. He didn't seem worried at all; there was no fear or anxiety hidden away. Suddenly an overwhelming feeling of relief spilled onto her. She wasn't sure if it was because of her cousin's concern for her or it was because she knew she would be alongside one of the best ninja she knew.
"T-That's right, Neji-niisan… I will be fine." Hinata whispered, turning to Neji. Neji's gaze continued to challenge the Uchiha's, but Sasuke didn't let it bother him at all.
"If anything happens to her, I will personally see to it that you are killed." The elder Hyuuga managed to threaten through a raspy voice. Sasuke's face remained unfazed by that. Instead he shrugged.
"That's fair." Sasuke's agreement to this was almost sarcastic; not only would he not allow anything to happen to the Hyuuga girl, but even if it did, Neji wouldn't be able to lay a finger on him. Tsunade sighed as the room became silent with accusing stares.
"Neji, we need you back into bed at the hospital. Now is not the time for this nonsense. Come on." She muttered, positioning his arm over her shoulders and her own arm around his waist. Neji didn't acknowledge this, but his last glance was at Hinata.
"Hinata-sama… I know you are strong. Be careful." She could only nod in response. The Hokage spoke once more.
"You leave in one hour. There is a map on my desk that will guide you there. Remember, be back within two days." She made sure to stress being back in time. Perhaps the Fifth Hokage was worried. Hinata's timid eyes locked in with Tsunade's and she eventually nodded. Be strong, Hinata. You've been trained for this. You are a ninja… Her own thoughts helped a bit with her confidence.
Tsunade and Neji shuffled out of the room, which left Sasuke and Hinata. With the scrolls in her arms, she turned to look at him.
"W-Well. I guess we meet in an hour." Her voice was soft as it always was. Sasuke knew that she was hiding her own fear, and he figured that she could usually pull it off with everyone else, but this was an Uchiha. There was nothing that she could hide in front of him, Sharingan or not.
"This is a simple mission. You've been through far more dangerous. Let's make it a successful one." His voice was always so flat and monotone, but she could always tell what emotion was behind it. Just like an adult to a child… like her father to her younger self… the tone was demeaning and authoritative. Hinata simply nodded solemnly and her gaze focused on her feet.
She had no idea what she had done. The previous day was fine; he helped her evolve herself, even just ever so slightly. And now he was taking it back as if he was embarrassed to be within the same room as her. Hinata didn't think she would ever understand Uchiha Sasuke.
Perhaps she didn't need to. Hinata had no idea what swirled inside his brain. He knew very well, though. Inside his mind were feelings of anger, confusion, and even excitement; anger because of just how simple his life had gotten, confusion because of the way she made him feel, and excitement to know that he had a chance to finally move up.
It was refreshing to leave the Village of Hidden Leaves for both Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuuga Hinata. Both had been confined to the village for quite some time, especially Hinata, and it was nice to on a mission as well. Hinata felt the cool breeze toss her bangs back and forth and she closed her eyes to enjoy the simple pleasure.
Sasuke also seemed to feel less rigid as well as they walked. He was smart; relaxing was one thing and letting down his guard was another. The fresh air and the brisk walk through the forested area were reminiscent of simpler days back in their own respective teams- both much younger and leading more similar lives.
Now they walked at 23 years old, both leading different lives with different aspirations and hopes. Sasuke's wish was to become stronger physically as a ninja. Hinata's wish was to become stronger mentally as a person. Sasuke looked to his brother, both negatively and positively, to grow and become more advanced. Even with his death, there were constant comparisons in his mind on how he differed from his brother, but somehow they both always seemed to be the same in the end. Hinata looked in the direction of Uzumaki Naruto and his will to become greater than anyone ever expected. Even though his heart and desires were far from hers, she still secretly fell asleep to him in her mind.
However, even with the two completely different thoughts, wishes and admirations, there was something that drew Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuuga Hinata together. Being forced to work together in a basement did seem to help, but it was a willingness to coexist together, if not something more.
Hinata adjusted the straps on her backpack as they walked, mainly in silence. She couldn't help but think of Neji and how he was so concerned over her well-being. At one point his concern was simply because Hinata was the heiress, but now it was apparent it was because he did care for her. She felt her cheeks get warm at that thought, and also knowing that Sasuke had somewhat assured him of her safety.
"S-Sasuke-kun…" She said gently.
"Nn." His eyes remained ahead of them.
"W-Why do you think Kabuto is after the Byakugan?"
There was silence for a few seconds except for the chirping of the birds. Everything seemed peaceful which was helping calm her nerves. Her thoughts were filled with unanswered questions and she thought that Sasuke might be able to provide some insight.
"He's looking for something." Sasuke wasn't 100% sure on this, but it was an educated guess. Whether it had something to do with what Orochimaru left behind or if Kabuto had his own agenda… Sasuke wasn't certain.
"I wonder what he's looking for." Hinata said with a frown. The question had been on Sasuke's mind ever since Sakura mentioned Neji. It seemed odd that Kabuto was willing to go as far as cutting it out of a Hyuuga, but he certainly knew what he was doing when it came down to where to slice.
"Whatever it is, it's not good," said Sasuke. "Even though we're in the opposite direction, he's been known to outsmart even the most brilliant."
Of course, how could he know of their mission? It was all so strange to Hinata. Her inner thoughts kept her worries away with common sense and strength in herself. Silence fell between the two again so her mind began to wander. Hinata wondered how her team was; both Shino and Kiba must be on the western border. Naruto and Sakura must be there as well.
The spiky blonde haired man took over her thoughts. Everyone seemed to know of her love and affection for him except for…him. It was a harsh feeling that had seemed to dull over the years. Hinata felt as it was almost unhealthy to obsess and love over someone who really didn't even notice her.
"I hope everyone is okay out in the west." She murmured, trying to get another reassuring thought from the Uchiha. When he didn't respond, Hinata frowned gently. "I-I'm sure they're fine. Naruto-kun is with them."
Sasuke's dark eyes did a slight roll at that remark. People around here worship that idiot. But there was another thing that stirred inside his body and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. The only other time he felt that feeling was with Itachi. That feeling was jealousy. He almost sickened himself with that realization and he felt angry again.
Maybe there was something wrong with the anger from these feelings. He had never felt anything romance-wise with anyone. Sasuke never allowed it when he had a task at hand. Now that the task was complete… maybe his self-conscious was slowly releasing the flood gates.
There was silence the rest of the way to the village called Nachi mainly because Sasuke was irritated with himself. By the time they had reached the gates of the community, the sun was almost completely gone for the day. From what Hinata could see it was a very close-knit and traditional town that sat right up against a large cliff. And of course, one couldn't miss the large cascading waterfall that fell just to the east of the village creating a small river.
They proceeded across a bridge and through the open gate. According to Tsunade's map, the man they were set to meet was a bounty hunter named Kensaku who lived just on the edge of the town. Aside from what the Hokage had told her, she knew nothing about the man.
"It's q-quiet here." Hinata said. Sasuke silently agreed as they walked through the empty streets. There was a slightly uneasy feeling he had here. It almost felt…eerie. Towards the end of the street, they saw the correct house where Kensaku resided, and Hinata was about to go forward with knocking on the door when Sasuke put an arm in front of her.
"What is it?" She whispered. Sasuke frowned and listened for anything unusual.
"I sense something… different about this place." He said slowly. "Stay back."
Sasuke walked forward towards the door and listened even closer. Satisfied after a few moments, he cautiously knocked on the door. Several moments passed with no answer. Hinata chewed on her lower lip as options ran through her mind. It would be intrusive to activate her Byakugan just in case the man was home.
"Do it." Sasuke urged as if he read her mind. Her cheeks flushed and just as she was about to form the seals, the door opened.
A thin and younger man answered the door. He bore an apologetic smile and bowed gently to them. Hinata noticed his bright green eyes seemed to gleam in the setting sun and his hair was a fiery orange.
"Gomen… I was preparing tea as you knocked. I've been expecting you." He said and stepped back for them to enter. Sasuke hesitated before glancing over at Hinata. She didn't seem fazed by any strange feelings, but he stepped in front of her as she was about to enter.
"We don't need to come in." He said cautiously. "We were sent to deliver documents you requested and then we'll be on our way."
"Oh, but you must be exhausted. Konoha is so far!" Kensaku said with a smile.
"S-Sasuke-kun… we've been walking non-stop since we left this morning. It might be a good idea to stay." Hinata spoke up with a tired tone. Kensaku nodded.
"Please… I am a close friend of Tsunade. Let me treat you to a nice warm bed for the night." He said. Sasuke frowned and looked over his shoulder at her. She did seem a little wary.
"Fine, but we're gone at sunset." He said eventually. The man opened the door wider for them to both enter. The house was small and simple, indicating that the bounty hunter must not be at home very often. Hinata glanced around through the hallways as they walked until they entered a living area.
"Make yourselves at home for the moment. I will bring out some tea." Kensaku said.
"Th-Thank you, Kensaku-san." Hinata said with a slight bow. Sasuke's lip curled slightly in disgust. Something about this situation seemed to go against everything in his mind. However, Hinata had already knelt down at the table with her backpack sitting close beside her. He frowned and allowed a heavy sigh to escape. Sasuke didn't trust this Kensaku guy to sit next to her, so he slowly knelt down next to Hinata.
"Don't let your guard down." Sasuke muttered quietly to her. Hinata's light eyes glanced over at him, but she didn't get a chance to respond. Kensaku had returned with a pot of tea and a few cups for each of them.
"I apologize… I never caught your name, miss." He said with a polite smile. Sasuke watched him like a hawk with those dark eyes as Kensaku poured tea. Hinata took the cup and nodded with a slight smile.
"T-Thank you. My name is Hyuuga Hinata."
"Ahh, the legendary Hyuuga. I noticed from your eyes…" Kensaku said excitedly. She managed to smile again before sipping on her tea. His eyes moved over to Sasuke.
"And you are Uchiha Sasuke." His voice was smooth and all-knowing which caused Hinata to wonder if they knew each other.
"Iwasaki Kensaku… you've spent ten years serving as a bounty hunter for the northern part of the Land of Fire. You are highly successful, having killed over two thousand men in those ten years." Sasuke's gaze met with Kensaku's and a strange tension filled the air.
"They were right. You are very intelligent." Kensaku said after he had laughed slightly. They? Hinata frowned as she set down her cup of tea.
"Um… do you know what Kabuto is after?" Hinata asked suddenly. Kensaku's green eyes twinkled at her as he took a drink from his cup. He was silent for a moment, before getting to his feet and then reaching into a desk drawer across the room.
"Unfortunately, no, Hinata-san… Those scrolls Tsunade sent over were supposed to lend some information." Kensaku remarked as he knelt back down at the table.
Sasuke felt his interest peak slightly, but he still didn't trust the man. He watched him unravel an old scroll from the left side of the table, and it was long enough to hang off the edge of the right side. Hinata leaned forward slightly to observe the hundreds of names scribbled on the old parchment.
"There are only two names on this list that I haven't been able to cross off." Kensaku said with a small smirk. "Yakushi Kabuto is one."
Hinata's eyes traveled to see Kabuto's name on the scroll. She chewed on her lip thoughtfully until suddenly her heart stopped. Uchiha Sasuke's name was also on that large scroll; every single name had been crossed off with red ink except for Kabuto and Sasuke. Kensaku watched her reaction and smiled.
"Hinata-san… not to worry… This is an outdated scroll and the clients who put out the hits are no longer in need of my service." His voice was dry with that statement. Sasuke had also seen his name but it didn't surprise him. He figured he had ended up on quite a few bounty hunters' scrolls. In fact, he recalled defeating a few in his time.
Hinata managed to nod before staring at her fidgeting fingers in her lap. Maybe Sasuke was right… this man was very strange and almost untrustworthy. She suddenly felt uncomfortable and subconsciously scooted closer to the Uchiha next to her.
"So you're after Kabuto because he's on your list?" Sasuke grunted, his fixated gaze not faltering. Kensaku rolled the scroll back up with a friendly smile. There was something about this man that he couldn't figure out. He was very familiar to him… maybe their paths had crossed during his travels. Sasuke was usually good with remembering faces, names, their weaknesses and sometimes even more, just by acquainting himself, but not in this case.
"It's a bit more personal than that. Well now. It's quite late… you two must be exhausted. Allow me to show you to your room." Kensaku said while his smile widened.
The room that Kensaku had provided only had one bed, so obviously it was given to Hinata. Sasuke had unrolled his sleeping bag on the floor just across the room so he was in clear view of the window, a sleeping Hyuuga, and the door. Sasuke didn't trust anything at this point; his gut was telling him that something was off.
With his back up against the wall, his tired dark eyes settled on Hinata's dark form on the bed. It almost felt like his responsibility to watch after her. Much to his distaste, the fact that Neji was worried slightly had him worried. It wasn't in his nature to care much of other people's fate unless it in return affected his own life. Sasuke frowned and rubbed his heavy eye lids.
Of course, if anything happened to her… it would mean that he would no longer work in the library. The thought of that didn't settle well in his stomach for whatever reason, so he ignored it. However, in his tired state, Sasuke drifted in and out of sleep as he sat up against the wall. Dreams faded in and out; some about his prior life with his family and all of the times that he missed so dearly. Other dreams were about Naruto, former comrades, and even Hinata made an appearance.
In that particular dream, she was younger and standing in the shadows of her family. The only thing that was lit up was her lavender eyes, but he could tell they were full of sorrow. Sasuke tried to run towards her with the instinct of gathering her up in his arms, but he was essentially running place. The gleam from a pair of eye glasses blinded him as an image of Kabuto taking a young Hinata by the hand appeared.
No… He tried to run faster to her, but Kabuto only smiled. No… She is my princess! I have to protect her! Sasuke watched helplessly as the image burst into flames in front of him.
"Sasuke-kun…!" Her voice was calling for him as his legs froze in place and suddenly everything was dissolving. Hinata was there sitting in front of him and even though the room was dark he could clearly see her face. Her hair was a wavy mess that had escaped from it's braid but she still looked strangely angelic to him. Sasuke suddenly sat up and grabbed her shoulders firmly.
"…Sasuke-kun." Hinata gasped as his hands squeezed her and suddenly she found herself forced up against his broad chest. She had no idea what to do; it was a very uncomfortable situation. Her cheeks got so hot that she thought she might burn a hole in his shirt. His arms were wrapped around her and she could feel his chin rest on the top of her head. Hinata was slightly terrified and slightly curious at this extreme change in character. She wasn't sure if he was just being…a man and responding to his own hormones, or if he was just a strange state of mind from being woken up.
Hinata could hear his heart beating fast in his chest and there was something she had never noticed about him before… Uchiha Sasuke smelled like flowers. It was a very faint smell, but there was no denying it. Perhaps it was his way of covering up strange smells, or maybe it was just something he preferred. In the end, Hinata figured it was probably the soap he used.
Sasuke never said anything. In fact, she suspected that he had fallen asleep again because his breathing pattern became more drawn out than normal. She squirmed a bit once his grip on her had loosened and then gently laid him back down on his sleeping bag. Hinata frowned and moved a strand of hair that had fallen in the crevices of his eyelids.
What just happened? Her stomach had knots in it and her cheeks were finally starting to lose their color. She had only come over to check on him because she heard whimpering down on the floor. Hinata watched him sleep for a few moments while the events ran rampant in her mind. The feeling in her stomach, the warmth on her cheeks, and the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips… the only other time she felt that was with Naruto.
Surely small and quiet Hyuuga Hinata wouldn't be feeling something for the dark and mysterious Uchiha? She almost laughed at herself and looked away from him. Hinata was being silly… there was simply no room in her heart for anyone else. Even Kiba had sought out for her affections a few years ago but he gave up after a few awkward situations.
Hinata understood why Naruto never paid her any attention; he deserved better. She held him up on a high pedestal…as if he was way out of her league. Hinata felt like it was better that way. With Sasuke, he was constantly changing his mind about her and it was an unstable feeling. However just recently, she had never felt safer with him by her side.
There was something there ever since Sasuke had returned from Konoha. There was a feeling inside her that said there was something more to this man than everyone said. He was more than a rogue ninja; he was more than Orochimaru's old apprentice; he was more than an Uchiha. She never realized it until now, but he was her protector.