Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, for if it were my own…[[great silence]]…Nevermind…You wouldn't wanna know…
Sasuke/Hinata, Onesided Gaara/Hinata, Onesided Hanabi/Gaara
Call It Fate: Part X
Her arms moved up and wrapped itself around his neck, running one hand through his hair as he encircled her waist and pulled her closer.
She was pressed firmly against him as he dipped his head down to her face as his lips touched hers.
His hair tickling the side of her face as his hands trailed down her back, pulling on her tighter.
Letting go of all resistance against the new sensation, she succumbed herself to him and let him take over.
The soft touch of his lips moving slowly down her neck, as a small smile played on her own lips…
A cold breeze blew by lightly as the first lights of the day lit up in the sky.
She turned to the side slightly, burrowing her face into the warmth a little longer as she tried in vain to wrap herself up in the loosely worn shirt. Pulling her legs up further into more of a fetal position on her side, she gripped the warm object beside her, trying to hold onto the last strands of sleep.
It's cold…
When did the Sand dungeon get this drafty?
Her back ached too. She was sleeping sitting up. Inching closer to the soft subject beside her, she felt something wrap around her waist.
…Wha…?
Flickering open in shock, she flew back, her arms whipping to the side to hold her up. The blood rushed to her head as she groaned and blinked blearily.
Trying to focus in front of her, she was able to make out a shape…a person…
"Awake?"
Although her vision was still fuzzy, she recognized the voice immediately.
"S-Sasuke-kun?"
Then it hit her and she gazed around her surroundings. Everything yesterday happened really fast…before she even knew it, she was out of the Sand, out of Cloud's grasp, and back within Fire Country borders.
"We should make it back today," He stood up, dusting his pants.
Hinata's eyes trailed along his features, stopping on the dark bangs hanging over his eyes and pale visage. A light tinge of pink spread across her face as she remembered the remnants of her dream. The way his arms circled around her waist and when his lowered his face towards her. The long bangs brushing slightly against her forehead as…
Sasuke could feel her eyes on him and he turned, smirking slightly, "What?"
The slightly pink color blushed heavily on her cheeks, "A-Ah, nothing."
She accepted his outstretched hand and pulled herself up, avoiding contact with his eyes…or him at all. Hinata scolded herself for ever having such dreams of him. She wasn't the average girl in the village to be that shallow. Besides, she never had any of those thoughts and feelings for him before. They were just friends.
…Just friends…
Although a little voice in her head told her differently. Why not?…
Her brows scrunched up for an answer. Truthfully, she didn't know. Allowing herself to catch another glimpse of him from the side, her differentiation of him turned slightly at the serene expression on his face as he stared out at the sky.
He's enjoying himself…Sasuke really isn't that bad…
He wasn't as aloof, cold, indifferent, and self-absorbed as before anymore; ten years really did make a big difference on people. Her gaze diverted over to him quickly and back. Well, maybe not on his clothes. Still the black shorts and shirt with the fan on the back. Though, he had muscles now to add to that…but his body was slender and not buff. His personality changed for the better too. He was actually very caring, kind, smart, cute, handsome, tall…
WAIT!
Hinata frowned. She was supposed to be finding his faults! There was no way they could be a good match …right?
I mean…like…Sasuke's the survivor of the Uchiha Clan…while I'm a Hyuuga reject…I just want to live…normally…peacefully…in a small cozy apartment…in the village.
However much she tried though, the little subconscious of hers refuted. That's not the point though…It told her…He let you see the side of him that not many others know about…
That was true…
She mused to herself. His parents' death…She doubted anyone else knew about the whole story, nonetheless see him comforting a girl he barely knew at the cemetery also…
That had been their first real encounter…
Mother's death…
And that little meeting turned out to be more of an understanding between two people than anyone could've thought.
The heat cooled down from her face slightly…She still couldn't forgive herself for thinking of Sasuke in such terms, whether it was her subconscious making up the whole dream or not.
Sasuke peered over at the troubled young woman.
She's been silent for awhile…
Her hair was in a tangled messed tied behind her clumsily as her clothes were dusty and slightly torn. However through that, she was able to hold an aura of self-dignity and composure. Not bursting into tears or any nagging about what she had gone through the whole time.
Actually, she never did say what had happened to her…only information regarding the Sand.
The light hue of pink on her pale cheeks brought the liveliness out in front and she looked a lot healthier than yesterday.
But she was ignoring him…looking over somewhere else, in deep thought. His eyes narrowed at her concentration on an indistinct object other than him.
"…Gaara's already gone ahead…"
There, he said it, and he gazed down to see her expression. There was just something about how that guy looked at her that bugged him.
Hinata seemed to snap back into reality as she stammered.
"…G-Gaara?" She looked around her, "R-Really…?"
A weight just seemed to be lifted off him, and he felt a bit more relieved, a small smile on his lips.
Good…She's not thinking about him…
The smile was soon wiped off by the impending thought.
He was jealous!
Jealous of the Sand guy getting Hinata's attention. That had been an absurd idea. A few glances from her exchanged to him and vice versa and it got him envious.
Hah, if only the others knew…
That was one of the few things he had Naruto to thank for. If it hadn't been for that loudmouthed baka insisting to visit some girl who had been hurt badly during their first Chuunin Exam prelims, Sasuke would've never paid any attention to the woman he's been watching for years.
Oh the irony of life.
She really looked no different. Maybe three or four inches taller, hair longer, lost the bangs which were now clipped to the side by a lavender hair clip, a bit thinner, and…
He colored slightly, noticing how he had been staring at her body. She has a nice body. So to say, the most conservative of all the girls was the one with the best figure.
Not like some of the ones in Naruto's magazines who were a bit more proportioned in some parts than others, Hinata was perfect…
Not that Sasuke himself had been flipping through.
The little paper booklet had been carelessly left open on the dumb blond's coffee table. A little light reading couldn't hurt, could it? Besides, Naruto was still yelling about not being able to find his training equipment in that hurricane struck room of his. A little time killing was needed, and his somewhat un-perverted mind had forever been changed.
Sasuke still remembered that day grimly. All the noise, people, and overreactions had not helped his recovery from the large amount of blood loss through his nose in the exceedingly hot afternoon of the Fire Country's summer. And the dobe had been complaining the whole time about his ruined magazine, while Sasuke had to take the day off, lying on the couch with an icepack on his face! Sakura's yelling at Naruto did not help his pounding head either, nor Kakashi's taunting with other magazines hiding under a heap of dirty clothes.
"Let's go, Sasuke-kun," She nodded at him as she took off in front, snapping him back as he quickly followed.
He gave her an invisible smile behind her back.
No one's taking my dark-haired angel…I will protect you…
He stopped suddenly, landing on a branch as he closed his eyes.
They have started…
They would have to eventually come his way. He'll just rest and wait until they reach his location.
Gaara seated himself on the large limb and leaned back.
He had left the site earlier during the night…when she had fallen asleep…
In his arms.
The red-haired man didn't like him. Not one bit. The feeling seem mutual between the two too. Those unwavering gazes that Uchiha Sasuke gave in his direction angered him.
The way his arm had wrapped around her slim frame as her head rested on his shoulder unknowingly.
Claiming her already…Uchiha Sasuke…?
He stared at his hands as it contracted, smothering a rock into dust.
The last time they had fought, they had been almost at a standstill, with him holding the advantage, even if Sasuke was able to defer the Sand Wall…
He had more control over Shukaku this time…
Shukaku's powers are his…and he doesn't deny it anymore…
He wanted Hinata…her calmness…her assurance…
So did Sasuke…
But neither of them deserved her, or do they? Gaara would have her though, either way, he would. Despite the glances and stares he received more often within two days from her sister than he ever did from her…
Gaara will not suffice for a mere second place prize…
No matter how like the resemblance…Hinata had something he wanted…he needed…that the others do not. And he will get rid of the Uchiha if he had to.
It wasn't long before they spotted him—or rather she did. Sasuke decided to keep quiet as Hinata broke the silence, pointed at a small figure in the distance.
"Isn't that Gaara?"
Sasuke grunted in response.
Great. Now they had to deal with him again.
This guy annoys me…
Landing on an adjacent branch, Hinata approached the seemingly asleep man carefully. Her presence, nevertheless was considered, and he opened his eyes, staring straight at her.
The raven-haired girl gave a small gasp of surprise, backing up slightly, and immediately Sasuke appeared behind her.
Gaara's gaze moved along from Hinata's shocked features to Sasuke's scowl behind her shoulder. His eyes narrowed as his lips formed a thin line.
Immediately feeling the tension between the two males but oblivious that its source was her, Hinata took a tentative step forward and held out her hand to Gaara.
"We're heading back to the Leaf. D-Do you want to join us?"
She could hear Sasuke scoff slightly behind her as he broke the eye contact with Gaara, though still keeping an eye on Hinata's outstretched hand as Gaara took her offer.
Once Gaara was set on his feet, Sasuke grasped Hinata's arm, pulling her forward.
"Let's go."
Right behind them followed Gaara.
…Uchiha…is really spoiling my day…
He sped up until he was neck to neck with them, right beside Hinata.
Sasuke's brow furrowed as he tightened his grip on Hinata's arm and sped up even faster, receiving a light gasp from her.
On the contrary of staying the same, Gaara increased his speed again, matching with Sasuke once again to the darker haired man's agitation.
Fine then, Sabaku no Gaara…you want to play this game…ne?
Hinata huffed as she tried her best to stay up to speed with the two guys. Sasuke's grip on her wrist hurts more than ever now that the speed she travels at lags compared to his.
She winced slightly as she felt another tug and the wind whipped by her faster, howling in her ears. Glancing at Sasuke, she realized his expression meant irritation...not because he wanted to get back to the Leaf as soon as possible.
Gazing on her other side, she saw Gaara give him a look of annoyance and disdain as he increased and was once again side to side with her.
Apparently, she figured…they didn't like each other too much.
But this silly speed contest was crazy. Besides, her face turned slightly pink as she breathed sharply. The cold air wasn't helping her throat either. She was thirsty and hungry at the same time and she could feel her legs start to wobble.
It was past noon…probably early evening by now.
I-I…can't keep up…
She needed to stop…and rest…
But she didn't want to interrupt…whatever it is these two were doing. As much as she wanted to become the peacemaker, she didn't not want to become the median in their ongoing battle.
…J-Just awhile more…
She'll hold out awhile more. Konoha shouldn't be that far away anymore.
The front gates of Konoha were visible in their view. A mere few meters away. A Chuunin on guard nodded in authorization for the trio to enter and they jumped over to the top of the gates to get in.
…Tired…
A soft gasp could be heard from behind the two men as they turned around just in time to see Hinata collapse and loose her footing on the edge.
She tried to turn her body so she could land at least on both hands and feet, but her legs refuse to respond.
Above her, she could make out two figures dive towards her from the top of the gate as she heard her name called.
Even with their momentum, they wouldn't be able to catch up with her.
Move…move…
Gaara frowned and released his sand…if he couldn't catch her, he'll have to soften her fall. He glanced out of the corner of his eye at Sasuke.
It was his fault.
Hinata closed her eyes for the impact…
But it never came, instead she felt a pair of arms wrap around her as she landed against the person gently and was placed on the ground.
"NE SASUKE!! YOU BASTARD!! SHE COULD'VE DIED!! YOU SLOWASS!!"
She felt her face being fanned and she opened her eyes to see the worried face of Ino before the blonde girl grabbed her in a hug.
"Are you alright?!"
Naruto stood beside where Ino was kneeling and was still screaming at the two men coming towards them.
"N-Ne, Naruto-kun, I was just really exhausted, t-that's all…"
She could barely pull herself up anymore and laid back down.
"I'll take her back home," Sasuke shuffled towards the girl.
"You better not let her fall again!" Naruto pointed in his face, "Or I'll—"
Ino jerked him by the ear, "Quiet down! She's tired!"
The blond boy fumed. Sasuke-baka better not hurt his best friend!
"Ne, Kankuro," Ino turned to the other member of their team, "You can go back now, we'll take it to the Hokage."
The other man nodded and turned to the shorter man beside him.
Gaara glared at Sasuke, who was kneeling beside Hinata's limp body, but he knew that he had no point to stay there anymore. Turning around, he disappeared back up at the top of the gates.
As they departed, Sasuke kneeled down beside her, carefully sliding his arms under her neck and legs to support her up.
"N-No…" She breathed out, "Not the Hyuuga House…"
She closed her eyes; the last thing she wanted now was to be questioned and up at her father's mercy for causing such a commotion.
"Where to then?" Sasuke leaped onto the top of the gates with her swaying in his arms.
"I-I…N-Neji…"
She passed out soon thereafter, leaving Sasuke with a difficult decision.
As much as he loved the girl in his arms.
He did not love her cousin with the same amount of zeal. Besides, Neji was still in the Sand with Temari. That wouldn't work leaving Hinata unconscious in the white-eyed man's house alone.
Naruto and Ino had just recently gotten back from…wherever and he didn't want to disturb either of them.
Everyone was basically busy…the whole village was going into battle soon.
Not to mention that Sasuke was tired himself too.
Taking off in a steady pace, he decided that he'll just take her home…
His home…
End: Part X
Whoo…I finally finished the next chapter… this was extra-long by like 6 or 7 pages because it's a special for me taking so long, I wanted to get more into the feelings Hinata and Sasuke …I'm also heading into my senior year of high school, trying to get everything done so I can start applications soon…BLAH…and guess what…I can't take my French IV because it conflicts with Orchestra…sooo…I'm taking Japanese I!! WHEE!
Although I realize that's going to be a waste of time…cause I'm only going to have one year of it…mehh…
So I am afraid this fic might be slowed down (would be mainly between September—November, I would hopefully be cleared by beginning of December), depends on how I handle my time [[sighs]] Oh how I wish to be a freshmen again…
Well, I hope everyone has a great school year!
Ohh lookie what's here…[[opens envelope]] ARGHH…my senior portraits have arrived! Must go hide from mom or she would display all the poses (even the bad ones) to all my relatives!…[[gawks]] Gawd they're expensive…
JA!! Reviews and criticisms are very much welcomed…I'm also trying to break the record of my previous ficcie…Destiny Changed, Hearts Changed…which is like…currently 199 reviews…[[WHAAA]]…haha
Ame no Megami