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Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
-o-o-o-
Chapter Twelve: To See Him Again (Part three)
Hinata frowned and stared at the blanket that was covering her from foot to chin.
She did not remember putting the covers on herself last night, and she was sure that she never did. Stretching herself with a tired yawn, Hinata raised herself up and wondered how she fell asleep last night.
Oh yeah, she passed out.
It must have been Temari. Hinata thought. Who else could it be? Sasuke has given a lot of effort to make her feel so unwanted a few weeks ago, he would not waste time to slip inside her room and cover her with a blanket.
And Naruto? She guessed not.
Yeah, it was definitely Temari-chan. The fan lady must be confused or puzzled because she suddenly left her when the two newcomers arrived, and came into her room to inquire—only to see her unconscious form.
That makes sense.
Fixing her hair into a bun, the heiress padded to the bathroom and let the water run on the wooden tub. A few minutes later, she emerged from the room, refreshed and wearing her standard black turtle neck—the same shirt she usually wears under her Anbu vest— while Gaara's white scarf she wore around her neck, with an intention of using it later as some kind of shield for her eyes against the dust and sand.
Her heart pounded like a drum as her feet took her outside the building. What would she do if she bumped on Sasuke? For it was very likely to happen for they were in the same village right now. Why are they here in the first place anyway? Hinata made a mental note to ask any one of the sand siblings about it…if they are willing to share some information that is, though she would understand if they won't if Sasuke and Naruto came here for another A-class mission.
Walking along the dusty sand path, Hinata saw the Kazekage talking to an old villager a few meters away. He shifted his head lightly, green eyes looking straight at her with familiarity. As she comes nearer, the old man Gaara was talking to excused himself, bowing slightly as much as his already bent back would allow him.
Hinata was actually expecting that Gaara was going to walk away too, for he looks like he was on some important business to attend because he was wearing the reddish brown Kazekage cloak and standard hat, but instead, he waited for her.
She bowed lightly when she reached him. "Ohayo…Kazekage-sama."
Gaara looked a little surprise at her sudden formality. "Kazekage-sama?" He was used being called 'Gaara-san' by the Hyuuga…and honestly, he liked being addressed by his name, especially with that gentle voice of hers. Somehow, he have a feeling that if his mother was alive today, she would call his name just like that.
Gentle and kind.
Hinata smiled, but it was a faint one. "Gomenasai…It's just that…" She gestured at his overall appearance. The uniform was making him look quite older and more mature. It was like a banner that announces his great rank in the village and and a symbol that was assuring knowledge and deadly skill.
"I look so formal today?"
"H-hai."
"Hm." Gaara nodded and then took the first step. Hinata followed and they walked side by side on the street, gathering a few interested and curious glares on their direction. Apparently, the young kazekage was one of the eligible bachelors, not to mention powerful too…and many girls in Suna have their eyes on him. Hinata saw some of ladies giving her a disapproving glare as she marched with him.
"Today is Suna's water replenishment day…so I need to be formal."
"Is that a festival?" Hinata asked, curious.
"Temari did not mention it you?"
Hinata shook her head and the kage nodded thoughtfully. "Suna is not sufficient on its water supply if we only rely on rain water and our deep wells because we are located in a desert. So every three months, we made it a point to replenish our supply by using the skills of Shinobi who have the element of water."
Hinata suddenly perked up. "Can I help? My element is water so I think I could be of use…"
Gaara's eyes lingered on the white scarf around her neck and then on her blue hair. "As long as it's not a bother to you."
-o-
"Crap."
Sasuke's ears turned red and it did not escaped Naruto's observant eyes. The blonde poked the Uchiha's ears like it was some sort of weird specimen. Scratching his chin, Naruto's mouth tilted to the sides like he was making some kind of explanation inside his mind. "Your ears are turning red teme."
"Leave my ears alone." Sasuke said with gritted teeth and pushed Naruto away from him—which was a little too strong for Naruto landed on the sand wall at the end of the room. Naruto cursed and glared at Sasuke who glared at him in return.
"The hell Sasuke?" Naruto dusted himself and fixed the forehead protector around his head. It has fallen off because of the impact. It did not hurt him, but that doesn't mean it was nice being pushed away just like that.
The Sharingan user diverted his attention from the seething Uzumaki and peered outside the window with narrowed eyes— apparently, he has found two new subjects for his deadly glare…and they were walking side by side on the dirt road which was a very clear view from Sasuke and Naruto's room.
Hinata and that no-brows kage.
Sasuke raised his eyebrows when he saw that Gaara's usually cool facial expression softens every time he looked at the Hyuuga—who he might add, looks like she was enjoying the sand leader's company. The two looked like they were immersed on serious conversation and Sasuke doesn't like the way Hinata pays attention to every word that came out of Gaara's mouth.
And it looks like they were going to pass the building that Sasuke was in.
Naruto has found his way back on Sasuke's side and also peered outside the window. He was still angry at Sasuke for pushing him but he was curious enough to know what his friend was looking at—which in his opinion was a little alarming— since the raven haired Uchiha looks like he was going to skin someone today with relish.
"Oh…I see." Naruto nodded, understanding now why his friend was acting the way he does. He too saw the two forms conversing on the middle of the street with the local villagers' eyes glued on them. He saw Hinata listening intently while Gaara looks like he was explaining something, which in his opinion was an improvement for the kazekage, for Gaara was never the talking type. "Hey…you did not sleep here last night, so I guess you were able to talk to Hina-chan about what happened back in Konoha?"
Sasuke did not reply, and Naruto was actually half-expecting him not to. The Uchiha's jaw was clenched so tight the veins in his neck were popping out.
"So you were not able to talk to her." Naruto concluded.
"She knows I'm here in Suna…" Sasuke said under his breath. "But she's acting like I'm not."
-o-
Hinata paused.
"Hyuuga-san…is something wrong?"
Hinata bit the inside of her cheek as she looked around that place in a tense manner. It was so fast, just a few seconds but she was sure that she felt an electric type chakra. "N-no…I just…" She chuckled nervously then took a deep breath. "Gomenasai…I'm just a little distracted today…with my mission and all that."
Gaara nodded knowingly. "And because of the Uchiha."
Hinata looked at Gaara's face with surprise. She never mentioned about anything concerning her problems with Sasuke. Not even once did she mutter a single word or anything that could give it away. Even Temari, who has grown close to her like a sister, has no idea.
"He is the reason why you're always down…am I right?" The Kazekage asked the Hyuuga, wanting to confirm his suspicion that started during the night when Naruto and Sasuke arrived. If she was not having any problems with Sasuke, she would not have that hurt written all over her face when she saw him.
Not to mention that he saw her literally ran away from him.
Hinata bit her lip in hesitation. She really doesn't want to talk about her problems with Sasuke right now…especially with the Kazekage. She came here for an important mission, and it would be very embarrassing if she also brought her problems to Gaara. "Ano...Gaara-san… Uchiha-san is not—"
"I'm not what Hinata?" A voice cuts in, interrupting Hinata from saying what she has in mind. Both heads turn to see the interrupter who was suddenly emitting crackling electric type chakra.
"Uchiha." Gaara's eyes hardened at the sight of the ex-rebel who has materialized behind them. Beside him, he could feel the heiress stiffened and her eyes were flickering back and forth between Sasuke and the dirt road behind them—A sign that she was looking for an exit.
Gaara felt pity for the girl. If his suspicions are right, something must have happened with them back in Konoha that left the gentle Hyuuga almost afraid of Sasuke. He must have done something very horrible.
Somehow, the thought was making him pissed.
"Kazekage." Sasuke acknowledge the leader with obvious dislike. Hinata and the no-brows are standing together a little too close for his liking and it makes him angry. He should be the only male to get close to her like that—well, more than that, but still, he doesn't like the idea of males getting close to her except him.
"Ohayo!" Naruto jumped out of the window above them, landing on the sand with a soft puff of dust. Eyeing Sasuke with the intention of warning him for any plans of violence, he greeted everyone with a smile. "Ohayo Hinata-chan…" Looking at Gaara, the Uzumai grinned. "No-brows."
Hinata lowered her eyes. Sasuke was staring at her and she doesn't want to see that dark eyes of his. The man has insulted her, hurt her and crushed her hopes of having a future with him.
How could he slowly break the barriers of her heart—and when she finally gave in—when she was finally in love with him…
He just threw her away like some useless trash.
"Hinata…I want to talk to you." It was Sasuke; he was looking at her lowered face intently. "Just the two of us…now."
"Yeah Hinata-chan…I think you two need some serious talk." Naruto chimed in, wanting to encourage Hinata to give his best friend a chance to explain himself. The way Hinata acts around the Uchiha now, Naruto knew that Sasuke has a lot of ground to cover.
"She can't." Gaara said, his face devoid of any emotion that leaves everyone clueless of what he thinks.
Sasuke'e eye's narrowed and Hinata blinked, surprised at the kage. She raised her head up in order to look him in the face—and found out that Gaara was looking at her too.
With that few seconds of eye contact, Hinata knew that the message was clear. She really doesn't know why or how…but she understands his message hidden in that silent exchange.
Gaara was helping her make an escape.
"She can't because she's coming with me." Gaara pulled the girl to him, intending to leave the area. "I need to know the results and other important things about the mission she was working on. It is a requirement."
"But her mission does not require for you to hold her…right kazekage?" Sasuke asked back, his left eye twitching and his fists heating up—always a bad sign which usually happens every time he was pissed, angry, or desperate.
"Oy…" Naruto nudged the Uchiha, hoping that he won't try and attack Gaara or do something ridiculous. Both of them are close to him, and he doesn't want them to try and kill each other or do something that could break bones and drew blood. Judging by their strength and skills, he would have a hard time keeping both of them back if this little sarcasm fight would lead to violence.
Gaara's hand dropped and Hinata's heart was beating like a drum. Sasuke wants to talk to her but why? He made it clear that he doesn't want anything to do with her right? And why was the kazekage testing Sasuke's patience and temper like they have some unsettled business that she and Naruto don't know?
Gaara's lips curled at the corners, giving the impression of a taunting look. "Hn…"
"Alright!" Naruto said in a false cheery voice. Such an out of place jolliness for the atmosphere around them was so tense and awkward; Naruto thought that he could cut it with a knife. "Hmm…seems like a busy day for Hinata-chan's mission." He pulled Sasuke's shirt. "Come teme… as Shinobi, we cannot interfere with an A-class mission."
When Hinata and Gaara left, Naruto scratched his head and let out a heavy sigh while the Uchiha was still staring at the small alley way where the duo disappeared a few seconds ago. "You should let me talk to her first...she'll listen to me."
Closing his eyes, Sasuke tried to steady himself as he tries to calm the chakra on his forehead. His sharingan was like an automatic weapon that suddenly activates every time he was feeling angry, and right now, he was sure that it was just about to activate itself. "I don't need your help."
"Oh yeah…? If you come to her, she'll just avoid you or run away."
Sasuke gritted his teeth. It would all be much easier if the kazekage was not on his way—and right now—he was suspecting that Gaara would be a big problem if he cannot talk to Hinata and explain himself. He knew that he could just have followed her and forced the girl to listen…but he was not a rebel anymore, and he has to follow the Shinobi rules.
He has to follow the village leader especially if he was standing on his territory. It's one of the most absolute laws and he can't just disregard it.
"Shit."
"Yeah…" It was Naruto. "Shit.'
-o-o-o-
The air was cold and the earth was moist with dew. The three Taka members silently followed the trail as the mist was starting to envelope them on all sides, creating a good invisibility cloak.
Suigetsu eyed Karin in the corner of his eye. It's been weeks since he heard her complain about anything. The girl doesn't even whine anymore like she usually does. "I'm hungry." He announced just to break the silence. Behind them, Jugo was munching on a piece of stale bread they have brought a few days ago from a small town.
Karin stopped walking and lowered her eyes. "I'll cook us some food then."
"Nah…let's just eat when we can find a cave or some shelter for the night."
It's been weeks since they returned to their nomadic life, traveling as far as they could from any Shinobi village. By the pace they were going, they would pass just outside Kumo's borders after two days. The white haired taka member admitted that his stay in Konoha for almost eight months has made him accustomed to cooked meals instead of stale food…it also made him used on living on a house and not on hard ground.
He already missed Konoha.
Even if they were only allowed to roam within the Uchiha district, it was still nice to be on one place without worrying for Shinobi or Anbu to come hunt them. Besides…even if they were secluded in one area, Suigetsu managed to gain a friend.
Hyuuga Hanabi.
The kid adores Sasuke, so she was a frequent visitor on the district and she was always a good sport. The young Hyuuga was a jolly kid with a kind heart. They usually exchanged stories, playful banters and mischievous snickers together.
Suigetsu hoped that he could see the young girl someday, and see Sasuke too; though he was sure that it would be unlikely. They are going to travel far away from the Shinobi world…and most likely to never come back.
"Gomenasai…" Karin whispered then stopped her pace. "You two should go back."
Jugo frowned. "Go back?"
"Back to Konoha…you two can still go back…you could still find a home there…y-you could still start a new life as konohans."
"Come on Karin…we are not going back." Suigetsu crossed his arms. "And what about you?"
The redhead adjusted her glasses while unshed tears started to fall."I can see how you two have been used to have a place that can be called home…Gomenasai….I just ruined everything for us…for you two. I'm selfish…I should not have…" her voice broke and the girl sobbed.
It was the first time she cried when they left the village.
"Now…Karin…we are on our way now. Why don't we just forget everything like it never happened? At least we are able to see Sasuke, and know that he is running with the good guys now…he should be fine."
"It's not just Sasuke." The girl shook her red mane. "You two deserved a home…start a family if you can."
Jugo threw the remaining piece of his bread and sighed. Coming to where Karin was, he patted her on the back. He was not really good with words but he can understand her pain. Yes, he was considered as a monster in the past…but that doesn't mean he was not human.
It was the circumstances that created them the way they are…not because it was their will.
"I…just thought that I could have a chance with him you know…" Karin buried her face on her hands. "I was selfish…I am only thinking about myself…"
Looking at the sky, Suigetsu managed a sad smile. "Yeah…it's good to have a home. I felt that after months living in Konoha…but sometimes, things just won't go with the way you want them to be…besides, how can I live back their if you're not with me?"
-o-o-o-
(f) "I'll see you tomorrow?" Hinata leaned forward and pushed back Sasuke's hair from his face with one hand. They are currently in the training field and it was starting to get dark and the insects were starting to sing their night songs. The Uchiha's brow was sweaty and Hinata wiped it with the sleeve of her purple jacket.
"Do you have to ask? You know I'll come see you no matter what…or you don't want that?" Sasuke answered coolly. In the past months, the Uchiha has discovered that if he plays a little sulky, Hinata tends to get out of her way to make him feel better. He usually acts like that usually on times when they are about to part ways.
Hinata giggled. Sasuke always acts like a little kid that wants attention every time she was about to leave him or the other way around. This little act was becoming a habit of his, and she got to admit, a sulky Sasuke was very cute.
"I just…uhm, wanted to make sure Sasuke-kun."
"Hn."
Hinata shook her head. "Sasuke-kun…"
The Uchiha pursed his lips in a grouchy manner. "It's getting dark. I should take you back…"
"No...I can manage…Y-you should go back now. I still have to go to Shino-kun, you know, about some new bug that he is going to show me? I told you about it yesterday."
Sasuke grunted and took a step back away from her touch. "Fine. Go to your Shino-kun."
Hinata sighed. "Sasuke-kun… Shino is my—"
"Yeah, yeah…best friend and teammate. You remind me every day." The Uchiha turned and started to gather his practice weapons that littered the ground.
Sasuke stopped when Hinata's hands gently tugged on his dark hair. He turned around again and faced her. She was frowning, and the little creased on her brow was out of place for her kind looking face. Raising an eyebrow, he waited for what she has to say.
Hinata wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face on his sweaty shirt in the process.
"Sasuke…" she left the honorific out.
Sasuke almost grinned like an idiot, but he decided against it. No one would ever catch him grinning stupidly like Naruto—even if almost felt like doing it. Instead, he grunted. "Hn…I'm wet with sweat."
"I don't care…" she answered sweetly. "I don't care."
A few minutes later, Sasuke found himself energized and satisfied as he bounded through the trees in the direction of the Uchiha district. Hinata really knows how to play her cards right. He melted like some kind of mush back there. Damn, he never thought in all his dark life that he was capable of feeling so much care and attachment to someone. Hinata has been his classmate in the academy but he really did not give her much of a thought, and sometimes, it made him wonder how he became so crazy about her.
When he arrived at the mansion, he was greeted by Karin. She was holding two cups of sweet smelling juice. "Karin."
"I noticed your chakra so I immediately fixed you a drink. Suigetsu and Jugo are still on the training fields with that little Hyuuga girl and they might be back a little later." She was talking a little faster than usual, and the Uchiha stared at her, searching for some kind of clue on what the Uzumaki was up to. Did she break something? Destroyed his training ground again after a fight with Suigetsu?
"Hn."
Karin passed him the cup, which was still cold to the touch—a perfect thirst quencher after a daylong practice.
Sasuke took a large gulp.
Karin smiled.
Then everything changed. (f)
-o-o-o-
Hinata yawned and covered her mouth as she realized that it was embarrassing if anyone saw her opening her mouth wide like an animal. She signed when she saw no one was around. It was already late and she was very tired from teaching Temari the last part of barrier technique. The fan lady got it, but still needs a lot of guidance and practice.
Stopping in front her room, Hinata flexed her neck. It was stiff and she can feel her arms ache. Smiling, she realized that Temari and Kankuro would feel thrice as much soreness as she does, knowing that it was their first time doing the technique.
Pulling the lock, Hinata pushed the door inwards and stepped in. Her hands reached the light switch and flicked it on.
The dark room was suddenly filled with light.
Hinata gasped and eyes became wide as her eyes landed on the small desk beside her bed.
Sasuke was sitting on top of her desk, one knee drawn up and arms resting on it. Instinctively, she took a step back, shaking hands groped for the door with the intention of escape. In a swift move, Sasuke has drawn up a kunai and threw, landing on the door's lock to keep it on place. The kunai was embedded halfway—which means Hinata was trapped.
Sasuke smirked. "Congratulations…you have successfully avoided me for three days."
-o-o-o-
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Oh…sorry it took me almost a week to update…I'll make it up, I promise.
-crazygurl12