w00t! I'm back from HI... i had lots of fun... especially surfing... o yeah this chappie is as small as usual, but you can see that... plus a lot of my fansubs(NO!) so this is purely from memory...

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Naruto... hellur(imagine a Filipino fob saying hello sarcastically)

Ch. 10 Harassment

I felt so good the next morning. It was as if this heavy burden was lifted off my body after that little encounter with Sasuke. But good things never last. Otousan and Neji-niisan were waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. Both seemed extremely irked.

"Hinata," Otousan said with a strict voice, "how come you came home so late?"

"I-um-uhh-" I muttered

"Answer me!"

"I-I was- was out."

"Out with who!"

"Uhh- just a friend."

"What friend? Why would anyone want to associate with a weakling such as you?"

"Hiashi-sama," Neji-niisan interrupted, "perhaps we should wait until after breakfast to discuss anything else." He noticed the pained look in my eyes.

Otousan scowled and all three of us went to the table where a sleepy Hanabi waited for us. No one said anything the whole time. I tried to concentrate on my bowl of rice, making sure that my eyes never made contact with anyone else's. I was the first to finish.

"I'm leaving now," I announced.

"Hinata," Otousan said.

"Hai?"

"If you're going to be out late, tell us first."

Neji-niisan and Hanabi wore the same surprised expression as me. "Ha-hai," I replied. I just witnessed a miracle.

I was on my way to meet my teammates when he appeared. His tall, dark form in a black cloak blocked out the sun's rays from my body. The cold eyes of a hardened soul drew me in. I knew in an instant. Uchiha Itachi, older brother of Sasuke, traitor to his clan and Konoha.

"Well, well, well. Look who I have just stumbled upon. The Hyuuga heiress. Oops- I mean my little sister-in-law. I must admit, you seem like such an ordinary girl."

"Y-you."

"M-me. Honestly, you are so naïve. But you're cute. I guess I can see why my brother is interested."

"W-why are you h-here?"

"I came for the Kyuubi, but the blond left already."

"You mean Naruto-kun? What do you want with him? And what's with the Kyuubi?"

"Oh look, you've stopped stuttering. Did I strike a nerve? Are you cheating on my brother? Shame, shame."

"I can't let you harm either Naruto or Sasuke!"

"Ooo, so bold! What are you going to do? You know I could kill you in 108 ways right now and that's without my hands."

I quivered and I think I even started to cry. My legs turned into rubber. I sank down to my knees as the feeling of hopelessness spread throughout my chest.

Itachi started to walk closer. "I quite like you at this height. Hmm... you think Sasuke would mind? The Uchiha clan does need new heirs."

The feeling of despair covered my whole body. I didn't even try to hold back the tears anymore. What was the point? Then, out of nowhere, I heard a battle cry.

"Itachi!" it was Sasuke! I thanked Kami-sama as Sasuke became a barrier between me and Itachi.

"What did you do to Hinata!"

"Nothing you wouldn't do yourself."

"Don't joke around!"

Itachi sighed, "It's time for me to go. It was fun meeting you Hinata."

"Wait!" yelled Sasuke as he charged Itachi.

As soon as Sasuke came close enough, Itachi turned into water and exploded. I covered my eyes from the blast. When I opened my eyes, Sasuke was sprawled out on the sidewalk.

"Sasuke-kun!" I called out.

He came around. "Damn," he mumbled.

"Sasuke-kun. You have to find him. He's after Naru-"

"I know. Our senseis were sent to the emergency room because of that bastard. But he left them a tip. Are you sure you're ok?"

"H-hai," I blushed.

Sasuke pecked my cheek. "Wait for me," he whispered before sprinting off.
so how wuz it? sorry it's short. im going camping in five hours. please review so i can read them when i get back!