Tada! As I promised…a long chapter (this is the longest chapter so far) …
To ItsAlwaysTheShyOnes: I am so excited to see the Artwork! Yippie! I am sure the readers of this story would love to see it!
Disclaimer: I do now own Naruto.
-o-o-o-
Chapter Eighteen: Her reason to Blush (Part Two)
Jumping out of bed, Hinata rushed to her dresser that was at the farthest part of the room. She hurried to pull out her favorite purple jacket and matching lavender pants. Motioning for Hanabi to turn around, she changes out of her sleeping clothes with speed that would make even the yellow flash proud.
Sighing at the sight of her messy hair, she figured that there was no time to fix the long blue tresses. Pulling out a brush, she placed it on her pocket. She's going to fix her hair on the way out.
Hanabi watched with awe as her sister move around the room with a blur. She has never seen the future heiress looked so excited and nervous before. "Hinata-Nee…you're so excited to see the Uchiha don't you?" She wiggled her eyebrows naughtily. In normal circumstances, Hinata would have laughed at her sister's playfulness.
The older one stopped midway on putting her black sandals. "N-no."
"Then why are you blushing? Look at your ears. They look like beets."
Hinata covered them with her hands. "I…I'm just worried. I need to go out there."
"Why?"
"Neji-Niisan…He never really liked Sasuke-kun before, and you know how Nii-san is when he doesn't like someone… and Sasuke-kun is not really good on conversing with anyone. They might…" She winced at the thought. "They might get on each other's nerves." Not to mention that they are both very…very deadly.
"Oh." Hanabi nodded, slowly getting the picture. "Oh…" She said again, this time with wide eyes. "That's why Nii-san's face looked like he wanted to kill someone. I thought it was just because he is not a morning person and-"
Hinata fled out of the room before Hanabi could finish.
-o-
In the Hyuuga Compound's famous garden, beautiful flowers and thin bamboos grew there. The place was well-cared and designed with perfection; each plant was carefully placed and planted on the right places, the trees providing shade and cover. On a small plot, grew the herbal plants and lavenders.
There was also a manmade pond located just below a small manmade waterfall, giving the place a serene and relaxing aura. The beautiful garden has never hosted any negative vibes before, for any person who visits the place always tended to be awed by the beauty it holds.
Until now…
Currently, the garden was occupied by two people; one with eyes like midnight and the other with eyes like light itself, An Uchiha and a Hyuuga.
The Hyuuga studied the unexpected visitor under a scrutinizing glare.
The Uchiha replied with a cold stare.
Crossing his arms, the Hyuuga genius frowned. "And what do you want with Hinata-sama?"
"The matter is between us." Sasuke answered coolly. "We have already discussed it yesterday. I just wanted to ask for your permission from you to see her, assuming that the heiress is under your guidance at the moment."
"And you expect me to allow Hinata-sama out with you if I don't know what your business is Uchiha?" Neji looked down on the person that has created such chaos when he was still a rogue. He understood that he may be already acquainted with his Hinata-sama during their mission on Sunagakure, but what pisses him off was the arrogant way the sharingan user carries himself and his guts to demand Hinata's presence like he owned the girl.
Overprotective Hyuuga. Sasuke thought as his eyes tingled. His sharingan usually responds with his emotion…and at the moment, he was a little pissed at the Anbu captain who was glaring his eyes off at him. He has something very important to do…and he did not want his time to be wasted by this little chit chat that was going nowhere.
Arrogant Uchiha. Neji thought as he unconsciously started to focus his chakra on his temple and palms. He can feel his chakra building up so it must be better if he was on guard. Who knows what this crazy Uchiha might do. Good thing he wasn't on any mission today…
"Nii-san." There was a blur of blue and Hinata landed between the two Shinobi. Straightening herself up from her crouched position, she noticed that both of their chakras are already building up on their vital points.
Just a short time and both of them are already sizing each other up.
Her eyes darted back and forth between the two males who are too busy on their own staring contest to take heed of her. When the Hyuuga heiress was about to open her mouth, Neji took a few steps forward, cleverly shifting their places. It was just a simple gesture, something that most people would not notice, but Hinata knew otherwise.
Neji just cunningly positioned her behind him.
"Sasuke-kun…Y-you're here." She squeaked behind her cousin's broad back.
"I already told you last night didn't I?" Sasuke asked, a little impatient. He did not wake up this early just to be interrogated by Hinata's long haired cousin. "There is something very important that I wanted to do. I need you to help me out Hinata."
Neji's eyes turned into deadly slits. Slowly, he turned his head to look at Hinata. The girl was cowering under his glare. "Last…night, Hinata-sama?"
"Yeah…she came to my house." Sasuke added, just for the fun of it. Somehow, he guessed that the Hyuuga male has no idea about his and Hinata's little conversation. Let this proud Hyuuga genius pull his long hair out.
"Nii-san…It's just an accident. I have no idea that Sasuke-kun already came back from his mission." Hinata explained. "Everything was...unexpected."
"And did you agree to go out with him today, Hinta-sama?" He asked between clenched teeth.
The female took a peek at the Uchiha behind her Nii-san's back. He was just looking at her calmly, but the threat behind his black eyes was impossible to miss. Who knows what Sasuke would do if she says no. He might tell her Nii-san about their past encounters…those that lack personal boundaries.
"Hai Neji-nii…" She nodded her head. The Hyuuga princess inwardly winced. She knew that she would get it the moment she returned. Neji would not let this one pass…
But she knew that she needs to separate the two of them fast…before things could get out of hand.
Neji's head snapped back at the Uchiha, who was still looking at him in a very arrogant sort of way. This time, Sasuke wore a triumphant expression on his handsome face. Taking a deep breath, Neji tried his best to calm his nerves. Hinata-sama agreed…so there was nothing he could do. After all, Hyuuga are all trained to keep their word.
"Fine." Neji said, eyes still narrowed in contempt.
"C-can you wait for me Sasuke-kun? I need to change." Hinata asked her visitor. "I just got up from bed and I-"
"Sure." The visitor gave her a nod. "I will be waiting right here."
"But…" Neji continued, his face expressing a comeback. "I want you two to take Hanabi with you. Wherever you two are going."
"What?" Sasuke asked incredulously. His cousin was an Anbu for heaven's sake. Surely, Hinata could look after herself? What the hell was this strict-guardian-protector act?
The Hyuuga male snorted. "Take it or leave it."
-o-
Hyuuga Hinata observed Sasuke Uchiha at the corner of her eye. He was wearing a blue shirt with the Uchiha clan's crest at the back and black pants. She recalled that he used to wear clothes like this when they are still chunin. Both of his arms also sported a light blue arm bands.
She guessed that the armbands were not just some sort of fashion statement…but to cover the wound that she has inflicted on him last night.
They are now walking on Konoha's dusty street. The path that they are taking actually leads to the Uchiha district and she wondered what really his intentions are. Beside him was her younger sister, Hanabi. The young girl has been staring at the guy with awe and undeniable fan girl worship.
She sighed. Why was she even with him today? As far as she knew…the Uchiha Clan's lone survivor was a pervert. A possessive pervert.
"Shortie." Sasuke motioned for Hanabi to stop.
Hanabi's eyes widened. "Hai?"
Hinata watched as Sasuke bent to whisper something on the younger one's ear. The gesture made her raise her eyebrows and she noticed how her sister's face lightened up as she nodded her head. Hanabi did not even look offended when he called her shortie.
"Hai. Hai." Hanabi grinned.
"Wait…what are you two-"Hinata was about to ask the two when Hanabi patted her hand.
"I just remembered that I have to do something Nee-chan." The girls suddenly plastered a very apologetic look on her face. It might have been convincing if Hinata did not caught the wink that passed between Sasuke and her sister. She shook her head in disagreement.
"Wait Hanabi…Neji-Niisan said that-"
"Enjoy your day!" The mischievous girl did not even listen to her. Hanabi just vanished behind a puff of dust as she leaped on one of the rooftops. "See you later Uchiha-Niisan!"
Nii-san? Hinata frowned at the honorific. Hanabi was never that polite to strangers, let along using an honorific that only befits someone she considers a brother.
"Let's go." The man beside her started to walk, his hands inside his pockets. When he noticed that Hinata did not budge from the place she was standing, he stopped again and tilted his head back. "You're coming or what?"
"What do you really want Sasuke-kun?" Hinata asked. She doesn't like that she was just being dragged into places without knowing where and why. "Can you at least tell me?"
"Just follow me and you'll now."
"No... Tell me first."
"It's important Hinata. So I do not want to discuss it on the way."
"But-"
"You're annoying." Sasuke impatiently said as he covered the distance between them with a swift move. Taking Hinata's hand on his own in a firm grip, he pulled her to walk beside him.
-o-o-o-
Nara Shikamaru was walking alongside Choji with a file on his hand. The spiky haired Nara stopped and raised his head up to look at the clear blue sky and squinted. Choji, who was now as thin as his best friend after using his a lot of his chakra earlier from training, pulled out a foiled pack of chips from inside his green vest.
Without a word, Choji just opened the bag of chips and started munching. He did not ask his companion of the reason for the delay of their stroll. He was actually used to Shikamaru's behavior of looking at the sky.
It's the guy's hobby anyway.
"Choji! Shikamaru!"
Both members of team Asuma looked at the direction where the voice came from and saw Lee running towards them, behind him was Ino. The blonde smiled and wave as she followed Lee. Ino was wearing her casual crisscross shirt and cropped pants so Shikamaru knew that she was not on hospital duty. After his female teammate has been assigned on Konoha's interrogation team, not to mention her medical nin status, their time together has been rare.
"Where are you two going?" The girl asked when she reached her teammates, only to shake her head in disapproval when she saw Choji was eating junk food. "Oi Choji…that's a lot of calories. You never really listen to me don't you?"
Choji hid the chips behind him, smiling sheepishly at the girl as he slowly took steps to hide himself behind Shikamaru. The redheads sigh. Ino has been pestering him nonstop about his weight.
"We are going to give Kakashi-sensei the schedule of each Shinobi for this week." Shikamaru showed them the folder he was holding as he put his free hand inside his pocket. "Do you want to check your duty schedule?"
"May I?" Ino asked but hesitated to take the file that Shikamaru was handing to her.
The Nara shrug. "Sure. It is not S-class or something. Just schedules for our day off…"
When the Yamanaka took hold of the files, she silently scanned the documents while Lee was looking over her shoulder to take a glimpse.
"Oh…" Ino's eyebrow rose. "All of Konoha eleven are free today. Such a rare time, especially with a lot of peace missions going on and our classmates has been promoted in ranks…"
"Know what…why don't we hang out tonight?" Lee asked, a sudden energy boosted through him that he raised his fist into the air. "All of Konoha eleven!"
"That's not a bad idea actually…" The blonde smiled. "Let's eat dinner and drink sake together!"
"Hmm…drinking sake is troublesome for those who can't handle it." Shikamaru looked at Rock Lee meaningfully; he remembered that one time when the Konoha eleven boys have their last night out. Lee drank sake too much that he ended up claiming that his name was Lee Koi…and that he was Neji's girlfriend and his sister was lady Tsunade's pet pig.
The thick browed Shinobi was oblivious to the Nara's comment. "Alright then! " He raised his fist into a thumbs up. "I am going to look for Naruto to help me gather the group!"
-o-
HInata frowned.
Sasuke's lips formed into a thin line.
"This is the Uchiha's…graveyard?" The Hyuuga recognized the place as the graveyard for the Uchiha clan's massacre victims. She never really comes here for the place was located where not much people could see it. She just has a passing glimpse of the place when she was using the highest trees as her path. She even remembered that her father has strictly forbidden her to come anywhere near the place when she was still a child.
The place was also considered as bad luck.
"Why…are we here Sasuke-kun?"
"Remember when I mentioned that your presence calms me?" The Uchiha asked as he stopped on one of the tombstones and let his fingers touch the cold stone. He turned to look at her with eyes that have lost its playful spark on their way here...
That kind of spark that she noticed when Sasuke was being nice to her younger sister, the same one she noticed when he teases her… that very same glint when he puts on an air of competitiveness with NeJI.
It was shocking how it was suddenly replaced with nothingness…
On the tombstone where Sasuke placed his hand, were two names that Hinata suddenly could not take her eyes off…
"I have different plans for our day." The Uchiha said. "But first things first."
Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha. The Hyuuga princess read silently. Sasuke's parents.
"Sasuke-kun…y-your parents…" Hinata motioned at the tombstone. She remembered seeing them during clan meetings a few times when she was still a child. As the firstborn, her father would usually bring her with him on these events just to show her off. The memory was blurry for it was a very long time ago and she was still very young. All she remembered was the way they carry themselves. Proud and Regal.
"Since I came back to Konoha…I cannot bring myself to visit this place." Sasuke's voice was cold and Hinata could not help but looked at the young man with a worried face. Somehow, she can feel Sasuke's pain. The fact confuses her but she really did not have time to ponder about the matter now.
"I always end up activating my sharingan or Orochmaru's cursed mark every time I tried to come here."
"Why?"
Sasuke pointed at his eyes. "Sharingan works with emotions…" and then at the nape of his neck. "Orochimaru's cursed mark with anger."
"Oh."
"I figured that if I could come here with you. You could help me out." The Uchiha was looking at her intently. "Since your presence calms me." His eyes were studying her as he waited for any response.
Hinata doesn't know what to say for she was actually just surprised at the sudden change of mood. Since they became acquainted, she never really has the ability to look at Sasuke's eyes for very long. It was like looking at a black limbo.
You will get lost once you drawn yourself into it.
Casting her eyes down to avoid his stare, Hinata stopped the urge of fidgeting with her fingers. She hasn't done that in years and she obviously would not do it now. "Sasuke-kun…"
She honestly thought that Sasuke was just getting back at her for her mistake the night when he returned. But no, leave it to Uchiha Sasuke to catch her off guard again.
Before she knew it, Sasuke has taken her hand again, this time he did not drag her. He just pulled her close to him and she can feel that he was taking deep breaths. Hinata's face reddened when his hand crept to wrap around her thin waist as both of them stood in front of his parent's grave. Somehow, she really did not mind the closeness. For some reason, she was not feeling violated…but was feeling more of a stronghold for the person beside her.
It was like he was going to lose it without some sort of support.
And somehow…something was stirring inside her. Concern? Pity? Care? She really doesn't know what to describe it but it was something that she just felt for the first time for Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun..." She said. "What is your purpose? if pain is the only thing that this place brings you?"
"I just wanted to settle this once and for all." Sasuke answered. "I wanted my nightmares to stop."
With his answer, Hinata suddenly understood. The Uchiha was still bothered about his clan's massacre. So he needs to let go his painful past. But before he could do that…he needs to face the past first before he could live his present life without the painful emotional chains that bounds him.
"I see." So he is actually facing one of his greatest pains right now…where everything started for his life to be on this track.
"So stay with me."
"Hai."
-o-o-o-
Naruto and Lee bounded on the rooftops as they looked for the remaining members of Konoha eleven that they still haven't informed about the night out that has been organized by Ino. The Uzumaki has already reserved the usual eating place that they usually go to when having events such as this one, though if he as the one to be asked, he would like to eat at Ichiraku's ramen, but he guessed that not all of his friends are really fond of ramen like the way he does.
As he focused on looking for his friend's chakra signature, the blonde mentally did a headcount for those that he hasn't informed yet. Only Sasuke and the Hyuuga cousins are left.
"Naruto…" Lee tilted his head to the side. "Where do you think we'll find Sasuke? We have searched his whole house…"
"That Teme always hides his chakra signature so it would be a little hard to look for him." Naruto gritted his teeth. He would make sure to speak to Sasuke about his vanishing habits after the night's event. "That idiot…"
"Lee, I can sense Neji's chakra from here." Naruto pointed at the opposite direction of the path they are now taking. "Why don't we split so you could come to him and I'll be the one to look for Sasuke."
The round eyed Shinobi gave him a nod and did a pivot. "See you later then."
"Yeah…just go easy in the sake later Lee." The Uzumaki said with a laugh.
-o-
Hinata crossed her legs as she settled herself on the grass. Judging by the color of the clear sky, it was already late in the afternoon. Shifting her position so that she could see the person who was leaning under a large tree trunk, she looked at him questioningly.
What does he want now?
The Uchiha has taken most of her time today. Earlier, they stayed for almost an hour at the Uchiha clan's graveyard. After that, the young man has taken her with him for breakfast. She remembered being embarrassed when he raised his eyebrows at her upon hearing how her stomach growled. He brought some tempura and rice balls on the way to his house where the meal has taken place.
She told him that she can eat at her own house, but he dragged her anyway.
The scene from the graveyard was forcibly forgotten. It was like something that both of them have silently agreed. Hinata knew that she has witnessed a very sensitive matter and she was smart and careful enough to avoid bringing up the subject with Sasuke. Besides, she also did not want to recall how he held her possessively that time.
It makes her feel so…wanton.
After the said meal, which was full of argument since she was still a little uneasy at the idea of being alone with him inside his house, he dragged her again with him, this time, to the training grounds.
And that's where they spent their whole afternoon.
When they arrived at the training grounds, she thought that he was going to train or something, but he just wanted to sit there beside her. She tried getting away from him a few times with alibis but the Uchiha would just glare at her, demanding that she stay close. After all, she has still some making up to do after her so called "intrusion." It did not faze her though, for she tried many times, thought it was futile.
They never really talk, though she noticed that he was observing her from the corner of his eye.
The knowledge of being watch made her very conscious about everything. Suddenly, she was worried how her hair would look, or if there are still crumbs left on her face from the meal they have shared, or if she was tidy enough to look at.
It was weird.
"Hinata."
"It's about to get dark soon." She informed him, half expecting to see Neji looking for her.
Sasuke was about to open his mouth when his head snapped to his left, on the direction where a sudden flare of powerful chakra was coming from. He inwardly hissed. He knew who it was.
Dobe.
He saw Hinata looked at the direction of the chakra signature too. "Naruto-kun!" She said, standing up. Somehow, the eagerness in her voice irritated him. As if on cue, Uzumaki Naruto landed from one of the trees.
"Hinata-chan!" He grinned. "I knew it was you, your chakra-"Naruto stopped when his eyes landed on the person he has been looking for all morning. "Teme! You're here? You're really good in hiding you're…oh I see." He trailed off when he realized that the two unlikely pair was together.
"Idiot." Sasuke mumbled.
Naruto raised an accusing finger at his best friend. "I have been looking for you for the whole morning and you are just with Hinata-chan!"
The Uchiha did not look at the Uzumaki; instead, he looked at the girl who was now displaying a very bright color of red. "Breath." He told her. Was she that embarrassed to be seen together with him that she was forgetting how to inhale air? Or was she blushing because of this dobe?
"Anyways…" Naruto crossed his arms, lips still pouting. "I am looking for you because all of Konoha eleven would have a night out tonight…you two should come. Everything was already prepared."
"I have things to do." Sasuke answered.
"Oh come on Sasuke!" Naruto pulled his sleeve to make him stand. "This is the first time that you could be with the whole group!"
"I said I have things to do." Sasuke repeated sternly. He looked at Hinata. "I'm going to take you home now Hinata."
The Anbu's white eyes darted back and forth between the two males. "S-sure."
"Oh no, you don't." The Uzumaki let go of Sasuke's sleeve and came to stand beside Hinata. "Hinata-chan always goes out with us you know." He put his arm around the girl in a friendly way. Unknown to him, the gesture was not a friendly one in Sasuke's eyes. "Don't you Hinata-chan?"
"Hai."
"So you are coming right?"
The bluenette nodded her head. "Of course Naruto-kun."
"Good." The Uzumaki grinned even though he was feeling pissed at Sasuke's attitude. "At least I would only need to convince one more." He looked at Sasuke meaningfully, his mind already making plans on how to make the Uchiha come with him. Even if he has to drag Sasuke in ropes, he would do it.
Hmm…He could bribe him, or make a deal with him, or much better…he could beat Sasuke a little and then-
"Fine."
Naruto stopped thinking about his plans and stared at Sasuke, his mouth gaping. "You… what Sasuke?"
"I'm going." Sasuke answered, not looking at the two.
-o-o-o-
(Konoha Eleven's Night Out)
Haruno Sakura looked at the two men who are singing their hearts out on the little stage just a few tables away from them. Lee was mumbling something about friendship and Guy-sensei about his wonderful youth and rivalry with Kakashi. Both pumping their fist into the air, cheeks flushed because of alcohol.
"I am Lee Koi!" Rock Lee began his little chorus.
"Oh dear…" Tenten, who was beside the Haruno, slapped her hand into her forehead. "Here we go again…just like the last time."
"Lee you rule!" Kiba yelled beside Shino, who was just silent and one of those few who has not make a fool out of themselves yet. Even while drinking, the Aburame was composed and still never given out a hint that he was drunk. In fact, it was like he has never drink sake at all.
The little dinner was actually just for the Konoha eleven batch, but somehow, Guy-sensei and Tsunade-sama ended up coming with them. Guy was invited by Lee, and Tsunade, well…she was actually a regular sake drinker at the place every night.
Talking about the fifth Hokage, lady Tsunade was already wasted. She was leaning over Ino and Sai on the next table, her flushed face wearing a very sly expression. Sakura could just imagined what kind of questions the remaining legendary sanin was bombarding the two, judging on Ino's horror stricken face and Sai's frown, She guessed that it was not a very decent one.
Everyone was actually having a good time. The arrival of Sasuke surprised everyone, for they expected him not to come since he has refused a few times from the past, but after a few minutes, everything was back on track.
Sakura continued to observe everyone silently, but somehow, her eyes remained on the Uchiha.
He was sitting next to Naruto and Shikamaru. He never really bothered to join in the conversation; even those ones from the guys. He only says something when he has to, especially when Naruto was bothering him or trying to get him to sing on the stage. There was nothing really unusual about Sasuke, for he was the same handsome and silent guy that he was since they were kids, but for some reason, the pink haired nin cannot help but notice how Sasuke'e eyes always darted to where Hinata was. He was acting coolly, but the glances that he gave the girl almost looked like he was checking on her.
She caught him a lot of times.
The heiress was sitting next to Neji and Shino. She was smiling at Kiba's playful antics while keeping herself busy with grilling meat cutlets and placing them on the plate in front of the two young men. Sakura knew that she was on cooking duty again, which was just normal since the two shinobi beside her cannot even cook to save their lives. Neji smiled when Hinata placed one smoking meat on his plate, but when his eyes darted on the Uchiha. It turned into deadly slits.
Hinata may seem oblivious about the Uchiha's eyes, but every time someone mentioned Sasuke's name out loud, or Naruto mentioning that he has a hard time looking for Sasuke, a guilty looked would passed on her eyes. The girl would cast her eyes down and Sakura was sure that she was blushing.
Hmm…something is going on. Sakura thought as she raised an eyebrow.
"Sakura-chan…you wanted more grilled meat?" Naruto asked, sitting beside her. He was holding pork cutlets and was distributing it around the table. "My…look at Tsunade-baachan." The jinchuriiki pointed at the woman who was currently wiggling her eyebrows naughtily. "If she won't stop asking her perverted questions…I'm sure Ino-chan would faint anytime soon."
The Haruno shook her head. "No…I am already full Naruto." She answered with a laugh. "Hmm…Tsunade-sama is already wasted…"
"Too bad Kakashi-sensei can't come." The blonde placed a few cuts of meat on the mini grill in front of them. The hot coals sizzled and a mouth watering aroma filled the air. "Says he has a lot to do."
Sakura shrug. "Well…he's the Hokage."
"How troublesome." Behind them, Shikamaru Nara groaned. He was looking at the Choji who was eating with gusto. "Don't blame me if you're going to be sick for eating too much meat Choji. I already warned you."
On the stage, the two green clothed Shinobi bowed their heads after their final notes. Everyone clapped their hands and cheered as the two made their way back to the group.
-o-o-o-
A two day's march from Konoha's boundaries, two figures wearing slightly tattered black cloaks silently walked on the dusty trail that serves as roads. If someone would look closely at the unique pair, one would see that it was composed of a young man and woman the same age group as the ninjas of Konoha eleven.
The girl has a long hair of bright reddish color, while her partner was pure white. It was such a contrast in the dark that both stood out.
"Are you sure about this Karin?" The white haired one asked the girl. When he opened his mouth, sharp teeth showed. "You know…disturbing Sasuke's peace and all."
"I have no choice. I really don't want to bother Sasuke-kun but…" suddenly, the girl's mood changed from a guilty one to a fan girl vibe. "But I really miss my Sasuke-kun!" She started to lick her lips and smiled wickedly, somehow, her glasses reflected the moon's light for a second. "Oh when I see him…I'm going to kiss him until he beg-"
"Oh shut up Karin." The young man said, annoyed. "It's not the real reason why we are here. Man…we have to bother Sasuke again now that he's settled on his old life…He won't be happy about it. Do you realize that he might not help us?"
The little display of mischief disappeared from Karin's face. "I-I know…and believe me, I don't want to disturb him. I love him enough to disappear from his life you know…but we really have no choice right now." The Uzumaki sighed as she remembered the deep sorrow of leaving Sasuke when the war was over. She and Suigetsu did not even bother to say goodbye for at that time, it was the right choice.
It was clear that Sasuke was going back.
And it was clear that even if Sasuke acknowledge them as his allies, their presence would remind him about his past. Both of them cared for Sasuke enough to give him a leeway to start his new chapter in life.
"Hell…we do not even know if Konoha is going to let us inside their borders." Suigetsu scratched his chin. "They might arrest us too."
"They have to let us in. It concerns them too…They could arrest us, yeah. But I know they are smart enough to listen."
"Hmm…Hey Karin,it's almost more than a year since we saw Sasuke…wonder how's he's doing."
-o-o-o-
Everyone was having a good time when Hinata remembered something important. She hastily stood up and everyone looked at her in wonder.
"What's wrong Hina-chan?" Shino asked as he looked at the girl behind his glasses.
"I am not supposed to stay very late…I still have work tomorrow." She answered. After her day off, she was supposed to meet with Kakashi again. The Hokage wanted to discuss the state of Konoha's barrier system with her, since she was the one who he has put in charge for the matter. "I do not want to be exhausted on the job." She explained.
"Is it an Anbu thing?" Naruto asked.
"Jeez Naruto…" Sakura shook her head. "How many times do I have to tell you that you cannot discuss missions of Anbu nins."
Neji also stood up. "Then I think it's time for us to go." The taller Hyuuga said.
"Oh no, Nii-san…" Hinata raised her hands. "I can manage by myself. You enjoy your time tonight since you are still free tomorrow."
"Oh come on Neji." Tenten frowned. "Hinata-chan is Anbu."
After a few goodbyes and apologies for being the first to go, Hinata silently walked the already silent street. Shino and Kiba have volunteered to take her home but she also refused. It was a happy get together; she doesn't want to ruin their fun.
She did a U-turn from the usual road she was supposed to take. She decided to take the longer way, which would let her pass by Kurenai-sensei's house. Even if she was not on guard duty tonight, it won't stop her from checking her sensei's safety.
"It's not the right road." A cold voice said from behind her. She yelped and wheeled herself around.
Sasuke was standing behind her, hands in his pockets. How could he sneak up on her? She was an Anbu for heaven's sake. The girl then remembered that the Uchiha knew how to hide his chakra perfectly…and she was not really on her guard, not to mention that her Kekkei genkei was not activated.
"What are you doing here Sasuke-kun?" She asked him. "You are supposed to be with the rest of our classmates." Even with the shadows that plays on his features; she cannot help but noticed how good looking Sasuke was. It made Hinata realized that her male classmates all turned out to be very good looking.
"Where are you going?" He asked her in return.
"I just wanted to pass by Kurenai-sensei's house."
"Let's go." Sasuke was already beside her, pulling her hand with him. She wanted to protest but his firm grip on her cold hand warned her not to.
"Uhm…you do not really need to bother to come with me-"
"Shut up Hinata."
When they reached Kurenai's house, Sasuke looked at her as if waiting for her next move. Without a word, she activated her kekkei genkei and scanned the whole area. Kurenai was already sleeping soundly. Her baby boy was beside her, sucking his little thumb.
It was a very adorable sight and it made Hinata's heart melt.
A few moments later, they are walking side by side to the direction of the Hyuuga district. Hinata's mind was taking accounts on the whole day that she spent being with the person beside her. Stealing a look from the corner of her eye, she tried to decipher what was on his mind.
"It's rude to stare." He said.
"Uhm…you can leave me here Sasuke-kun." She stopped on her tracks. Hinata wanted to avoid any malicious stare form the Hyuuga guards so it was better if she entered the district alone. "Arigatou." Bowing her head, she took a step away from him.
Only to be pulled back.
"C-can you let go of my hand now Sasuke?" She asked him.
Again, she tried to take a step forward.
She found herself being pulled back again. He still hasn't released her hand, if anything else, his hold only tightened. Hinata looked into his face, trying to see any kind of sign that he was teasing her again, but the shadows from the flickering street light a few feet away hides his eyes from view.
"Sasuke? I have to go now-"
Hinata gasped when she was suddenly surrounded by his strong arms and her face smacked into his hard chest. Her cheeks flaring up, she willed her body to move.
But she was frozen on the spot.
Worried that passing eyes might see them, Hinata tried to reason with the young man.'"Sasuke…someone might get the wrong idea."
He did not respond. His arms just tightened around her in a possessive kind of way.
"I need to go Sasuke…"
"Do you have to?"
Hinata's eyes widened at the way he said those words. There was no trace of arrogance in it. It was serious and it made her heart jumped like crazy. Good heavens! Why was she feeling this way?
Then Sasuke's head lowered down a good few inches from her face. Somehow, she knew what was about to come so she opened her mouth to protest…and somehow, Sasuke knew what she was about to do so he covered her lips with his to avoid any argument.
He kissed her deeply, and she cannot help but whimper as his lips began to ravage her quivering ones with dominance. He released her hands carefully to place them on her waist as he pulled her closer; his left hand crawled from her back to hold the nape of her neck firmly.
"Don't use your gentle fist on me." He told her, his lips never leaving hers even as he spoke.
Hinata's mind was turning fuzzy and her self control crumbling into pieces. She can smell his masculine scent that was mixed with the faint smell of sake, His warm breath was bathing her face in a way that made her skin crawl.
Gently, the kiss ended when Sasuke broke the connection. He looked at the flustered Hyuuga and a small smile hovered on his lips. Slowly, he placed his forehead against hers, their proud nose touching at the tip.
"You are mine."
-o-
"Hinata-chan?" Yugao, the team captain in charge of Hinata's Anbu unit waved her hand in front of the unblinking heiress. "Oi."
Snapping back to the reality, Hinata looked at the Anbu captain. "Yugao-senpai."
The violet haired Anbu smiled as she secured the straps of her gray vest. "Heard you have a little get together with your classmates the other night."
"H-hai."
"Are you thinking about it still?" Yugao asked. "You are drifting away from the real world you know." The kind captain chuckled. "It must be fun."
The blue haired Anbu tried to hide her burning cheeks by suddenly placing her mask on her face. She was actually thinking about what happened after the little "get together". "H-hai," She inwardly grimaced at the flat lie. Busying herself with her own gear, she tried to divert her mind from the memories the other night.
They are on the locker room reserved for the Anbu with some of the others. Their unit was ordered by the Hokage to track down any barrier problems for security purposes. Right now, they are preparing to take off by pairs and to round the edges of Konoha's territory.
Hinata knew that the mission would take most of her day.
-o-o-o-
That ends the chapter! Karin is coming to Konoha so watch out! Lol…I love Karin…she's a super Sasuke fan girl and I can relate.
The next is coming for I already stared typing it. oh…thanks for the reviews! I love it!
Please review this chapter…and oh…do not forget the poll on my profile.
Hmm…maybe…just maybe…I think this story would end at chapter 25…based on the plot I am devising…
-lots of love and kisses
Crazygurl12