A/N: Man, so I had this partially written, like two and a half pages. But then, I moved out of the house and the file was on the family computer, and some worm or virus sent the comp crazy….so all files were lost. But I actually wrote like a page on paper, so when I found like earlier last week I figured I should at least update this fic. I mean, I still want to write it, heck, I even have an idea going about a sequel thinger. But winter break is coming up, and right now I'm thinking of more ideas for this loveable pairing.

Please Read and Review, and I am sorry for this very belated update.

Do Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Insane people who think I own these wonderful characters


Distant Light

With pencil in hand, I sat at my small desk, trying for the life of me to form the words that expressed what I felt. And yet, there was something else that warned me of the dangers of even keeping a diary. It wasn't that I was paranoid, but say if Shino ever found this…well, I guess that would be paranoia. Why would Shino even read my diary, I asked myself, disappointed that I did not even trust him. With a small sigh, I let my head fall back.

"What's wrong with me?" I questioned myself in barely a whisper. "It's not a big deal…"

The rustling of leaves could be heard just outside my window. The dark clouds that shrouded the sky earlier in the day had foretold that this storm was coming. With the winds picking up, my curtains began to billow even more. Standing up, I walked over to the window. The sky was so dark, and the wind rather cool.

Biting my pencil, I used both hands to close my window. Taking the pencil back into my hand, I remained standing by the window, watching as every now and then the clouds would lighten up as thunder sounded. The rain could only be seen as it passed under the street lights, and just beyond my window. It looked cold, and everything was drenched.

As I sat back down, I began to wonder if this was a waste of time. I did not see any need in writing how I confused I was or how I thought I 'might' like Sasuke. Obviously, the keyword being might. 'Besides, he's a jerk,' I complained, trying to convince myself that I didn't like him, which I didn't. 'It wouldn't hurt him to be nice.'

Finally, pushing my small diary away, I stood up. "I'm not even going to worry about it. Besides, Neji might say that it would show I do like him."

Dropping my pencil, I grabbed a hooded jacket and put it on. Stealing one more glance out my window, I finalized my decision to go for a walk. To my surprise, nobody questioned where I was going. Perhaps, though, they did not see me, but either way, I was glad for it.

The streets were quiet, and the wind felt stronger once you left the sheltered yard of the Hyuuga compound. Regret slowly crept its way into my mind, but I pushed it back, trying to make room to think. The wind continued to blow at my back, as if urging me to continue forward. I couldn't very well turn back, at least not for now. There was too much I had to sort out. The rain was of course blocked by my hood, and I was thankful that it wasn't pouring down like a rainfall.

My gaze remained on the ground laid before, and as I continued to walk down the street, my attention was brought to the numerous puddles that dotted the road. Specks of lights reflected from the street lights danced on the water's surface. They would continuously change as I walked by them. Sometimes the wind would cause ripples that created the most beautiful effect. On every wave the light would reflect off it, leaving a temporary yellow ripple on a dark pool of water.

As I passed by a shallow puddle, my attention was caught not by the puddle's surface but its contents. There at the bottom wriggled an earth worm. I watched it as it slowly moved its way along the bottom, seemingly making no progress. Finally, I just squatted right next to it, despite the fact that I was chilly. Curious, I dipped my finger in the ice cold water and poked the worm. Seeing it curl into a ball only made me question why that would help it.

Leaving the worm as it was, I continued my trek to personal understanding, if that was possible, which I doubted whole-heartedly, but what was there to think about. Nearing the small park I spotted a small bench. Quickly, I made my way to it. It was eerie, but it was quiet and at that moment, it seemed secluded.

My jacket was baggy enough to cover my butt, so at least my pants wouldn't be so wet. Pulling my hands into my sleeves, I sat there, shivering, not really thinking about anything except for how stupid I was sitting there shivering. Stretching my foot in front of me, I noticed how muddy my sandals had gotten, and how mud was splashed in dots up the back of my calf. Pulling my hood over my eyes, I laid back on the bench.

Sneaking a peek up at the sky, I saw the rain drops coming down. This was definitely a different perspective, and I enjoyed it.

"Are you okay?" I heard a voice ask.

Lifting my hood up, I glanced over and saw him standing there. Immediately I sat up. "Uh, y-y-yeah," I said through chattering teeth.

"Hinata? Is that you?" He asked as he neared close enough to see my face. Pulling my hood back, I just looked at him. "What are you doing out here?"

"N-nothing," I replied, getting kind of nervous. "W-well, w-w-hat're you d-doing?" I just prayed that he thought I wasn't stuttering; I swear, it was just the cold.

"You just like soaking in rain," he said, apparently ignoring what I said.

"No," I retorted, "My j-jacket and p-pants are still k-k-kinda d-dry." For a moment, I swear he laughed, but who knows, my teeth were chattering like mad.

"For someone who claims to be content," he began, "You certainly don't look it."

"I didn't say I was content," I said out of frustration. "Well, w-w-why are you out h-h-here?"

"I was training."

I rolled my eyes, after all I did sort of expect him to say that. "What if you get sick? Who's going to care for…" It was too late. I shouldn't have said anything. I didn't have to care, but I did. I wanted to help people, and it made me feel bad when I couldn't. I bit my lower lip, hoping I didn't offend him, even though I knew I did.

"I get sick, and I care for myself," he said, with the same confidence as he always seemed to have. "Just as always."

A silence lingered. I swallowed hard, not sure what to say or do. "Sasuke…I-"

"You look soaked," he interrupted, "You should probably go home."

I sat there silent as he walked away. I'm not too sure how long I sat there, but when I did start my walk back home, my pants were dripping wet. Neji wasn't there waiting as he always seemed to do. Inside, I was sad for this, yet kept telling myself that it was probably best he didn't see me like this. As much as I cared for him, I wouldn't want anybody seeing me in this pathetic state.

My eyes teared up, and I tried my best not to cry. I could only imagine what Uchiha Sasuke thought of me now. I was so disappointed in myself. As I walked up to my room, I fought to hold back my tears, and soon after, a small pain formed in my chest. I was so terribly sorry, and I just prayed that I would be able to fall asleep. I quietly stepped down the hall, careful not to awaken anybody, if they were sleeping.

The warmth of my dry night clothes and bed was welcoming. I laid there, in my dark room crying, careful not to make a sound. Every now and then, a sob escaped my throat and I would bury my face into my pillow. I'll make it up to you, I silently vowed. I knew that wasn't the only reason I was crying, but it was a good enough reason to start. Slowly sleep crept over me as I calmed my sobs.


A/N: So yeah, I hope that will do for now. Slowly, they will get together as they were in 'Embers of Amibition'. I hope I expressed her emotions well. Please let me know!

...I want to hear your thoughts.

And yes...this chapter was...bland, and somewhat pointless, but its a process.