Enpitsu: Thanks for the reviews everyone! You know, I was looking at my stats and hits and whatnot, and I noticed the amount of my hits for this fic are more than twice as much as my reviews. I'm not mad or whatever, but I was like, wtf! Lol. I didn't even know many people read this fic. I think this chapter might turn out longer than the last one, so...be prepared. Anyways, responses and explanations (which, I think, are much needed for this chapter) are down at the bottom!

Warnings: OOCness. 'Nuff said.

Claim: My plot.

"Alright, Sasuke-kun, when you awake you'll see the result of your choice," Sakura said brightly. She put on her doctor's mask and held her hands up in front of her. "Er, actually in a week, but you know what I mean..."

"Good luck," bid Naruto. Though Sasuke couldn't see his grin, he could tell it was there from the sound of his voice.

The Uchiha stayed silent while his eyelids started to become heavy. They couldn't close though, since they were held open with some tool. Sasuke's eyes finally lolled back, and he fell into a drug-induced sleep.

Chapter Seven
Suddenly

Hinata sat at home, alone. She was sitting at her desk, seemingly reading an ivory colored book. But at closer inspection, one could see that Hinata's eyes weren't moving from a single spot on the page. They weren't really settled on a specific word, but her thoughts were concentrated on a certain someone.

The young woman sighed, thinking back to when the two medics had visited.

Flashback

"And that's why it's so difficult," Sakura finished, having just explained to Sasuke that he had two types of sight. The young man stayed silent for a second or two.

"So you're giving me an ultimatum," he stated, instead of asked. Sakura frowned slightly and nodded apologetically.

"It's the only way. There's no one alive that can do both operations at once," she explained. Sakura glanced at Naruto who nodded. "The only one who could was your mother..."

Sasuke stiffened at the mention of the only woman he had ever loved. She had meant a lot to him when she would wake him up with a bright smile that lit up her whole face. She was brilliant and no one else was better suited to be the female head of the clan.

His whole family—clan, really—had died when he was six years old. His mother had tried her best as a doctor, but she could find no cure. Of course, Itachi had been alive, but he Sasuke didn't know where he was nowadays. The two brothers were the only ones spared because they were the only ones in their generation.

No matter how hard Sasuke had looked, no one had really been able to take her place.

In the background, Hinata sneezed once more. Naruto asked if she was catching a cold, but the young woman denied it.

"It's either keep my Sharingans and never really see again or keep my regular ones and most likely be demoted in ranks," the Uchiha muttered to himself. The other three watched, all feeling slightly sorry for his situation.

"Can you do the operation if I tell you my decision right before it?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes." Sasuke copied her action, though he didn't know it of course.

"I'll tell you then."

End of Flashback

The girl shifted in her cushioned chair, still bothered with the unknown. Hinata couldn't help but wonder which decision he made. She shook her head and closed her book, eye brows furrowed.

"Why should I care?" she asked herself softly. There was no answer of course, so she walked over to her empty bed. "It's not as if his decision impacts my own life..."

If he chooses his normal eyes, that's great then, right? He'd be able to see and everything else like that. He could probably still have a job with the SHINOBI...maybe gathering information? But just like Sakura—and everyone else—she had an inner conscience.

Who the hell are you kidding? If he got cornered, he'd be dead meat. Sure, he could handle the weak ones, but what about the strong ones on those A rank missions Neji-nii-san talks about? Yeah, he'd definitely die.

Hinata took a break from her somber thoughts and turned over on her side. She picked at a random piece of lint on her down comforter. Speaking of Neji, Hinata hadn't seen him for more than a few seconds when he rarely came home during the wee hours of the morning. Whenever Neji did come home, it wasn't for more than two hours.

She felt very obligated to pay him back for everything he was doing to look for Kiba. It wasn't long though, before her thoughts returned to another certain callous SHINOBI.

But what about if he picks his Sharingans?, she thought anxiously. He'd still be one of the best fighters around, but he wouldn't be able to enjoy the things regular people enjoy.

Hinata had to ponder about that last thought. Was he really a regular person? After a while, she came to her own conclusion.

Yes. There's no reason he can't be normal... Hinata frowned a little at herself for thinking so much about someone who wasn't even hers. But she couldn't help more thoughts from seeping into her mind.

He'll never see me...just the outline.

Hinata slapped her cheek lightly. What was she thinking? This was no time to be selfish! Sasuke was the one who was under the knife at the moment, so he should be thinking the selfish thoughts.

The Hyuga girl curled up into a tight ball. If she didn't care, then why did she hurt so much? Her eyes shut and her nose scrunched up slightly.

Hinata knew she wasn't in love, but she didn't know what the feeling she had was. Sasuke was special to her but she didn't feel like she wanted to be his girlfriend or anything like that. She relaxed her body and slowly opened her eyes. All this thinking was getting her in a bad mood, and that's not the kind she wanted to be in when Sasuke returned.

The girl sighed. Perhaps she'd figure it out at a less...crucial time. And besides, she thought, I'll know my feelings when the time comes. Hinata smiled at her renewed mood.

She sat up and looked around, a pleasant smile on her face. Her attention turned to her cell phone on the bedside table. It vibrated and emitted a tone which signified a text message had just been received. Hinata leaned over, picked it up, and flipped it open. Her eyes widened when she saw what the message contained.

Sasuke groaned in his sleep. Alright, the wrappings on his head were starting to get annoying. It had been a week since his operation and he still wasn't allowed to take them off. But today was the day he had been waiting for—July twenty-third. It was the day he would finally get them off! Needless to say, he was slightly ecstatic.

His conscience was telling him there was something else special about today. But since Sasuke didn't remember, it was obviously not that important. He stirred as someone opened his door and the smell of jasmine and vanilla subtly floated in the air.

"Happy birthday, Sasuke-kun." The Uchiha's eyebrows furrowed immediately. Today's my birthday.

Hinata walked over to the chair near Sasuke's bed. She figured it was okay to call him Sasuke-KUN since it was a special day. And well, it seemed to befit the happy mood. The girl sat down, a small present on her lap.

"Uh, thanks," Sasuke replied articulately. He wasn't used to getting bid a happy birthday so nicely, so he wasn't sure as to what he should say in return. The young man sat up against his fluffed pillows.

"H-Here you go," Hinata said, putting the gift on Sasuke's lap, "I know it isn't much but I hope it'll do."

Sasuke fingered the thin wrapping paper and ripped it open. He felt the plastic and the cardboard and cleared his throat. "What is it?" Hinata stared at the present, instead of Sasuke.

"They're new bindings for your arms. I know you've been training...and I noticed that your old ones were getting tattered...," the girl said quietly. Hinata bit her lip unconsciously. "I know it's not the best but I hope it'll help–."

"It's fine," Sasuke interrupted, with nice intentions. "You gave me the early present with...this operation. It's enough."

Sasuke seemed content as he held the package in hand, and Hinata smiled warmly. No one could ever temporarily replace Kiba as her best friend, but Sasuke was starting to make a new place in Hinata's heart as another close friend. Besides, from the news she got in that text, she had to keep it that way.

That's exactly what Hinata was thinking about as she watched Sakura slowly unwrap the bandages. Her heart was beating heavily—for some reason, she was nervous for Sasuke. Naruto was sitting next to her in a chair, leaning against the wall, completely relaxed. Each time the bandages unwound in a full circle, it seemed as if Sakura was going slower just to spite Hinata.

In truth, the doctor was going faster. She couldn't wait to see the result of her perfect work. Sakura almost giggled. Of course, it helped when you had a perfect specimen.

After what seemed like an eternity, the wrappings all fell away and so did the gauze. Sasuke's milky skin was revealed and so were his dark lashes. His eyelids stayed close for a few seconds, then slowly opened. Hinata's eyes widened as well and her hand slowly traveled to her mouth.

Sasuke's eyes were red—redder than anything the three had ever seen before. The Hyuga closed her eyes on instinct. It was as if she was Perseus and he was a strapping Medusa.

"Well, hope you like your Sharingans," Naruto remarked, crossing his arms. Sakura smiled and nodded.

"I did my best and I do believe that job was the best that could be done nowadays," she offered. Sasuke gave a nod of gruff gratitude, but waited for someone else to say something. "Hinata-chan, what do you think?" Sakura asked.

What did Hinata think? She could barely look her dark-haired friend in the eye! She needed to be able to though. "They're certainly, um, they seem like they could do damage." She cringed at her own response.

I saw Hinata—well, Hinata's form—cringe slightly, and I stayed silent. Wow. The word "saw" is in a whole different light now. Sakura finished checking me up and she was the one who broke the silence in the room.

"Well, come on, Hinata-chan. We have to go finalize everything," she said. Hinata nodded and followed the doctor wordlessly out the door. All that left me with was with that Uzumaki nitwit.

"I can't believe you chose your Sharingans," he said, in an almost pitying tone. I furrowed my eyebrows at him—and his strange chakra pattern. Wait a minute...chakra...?

"And why is it so hard to believe? I'm part of SHINOBI so I obviously need these to fight," I said to him easily. "There's nothing else that really matters to me but being the best."

That dobe stayed as silent as if he didn't believe me. I scowled at him and I saw the guy shrug indifferently. "I'm just sayin': If I were you, I would've taken the other choice."

"What the hell are you getting at?"

"Don't worry! I'm not after Hinata-chan in that way," Naruto cried, putting his hands up and laughing. "I got my eyes set on another fine lady, so the coast is clear for you."

I was utterly disgusted and turned my head away. What the hell did he think of me? That I had feelings for Hinata? Sorry, but I think he's the one who needs to get his head checked.

"Anyway, since you can't see Sakura-chan or Hinata-chan for yourself, I'll help you," Naruto declared, chipper as can be. I shook my head, wanting to decline.

"Look, I don't want–."

"Sakura-chan is, oh, five foot six and she has pink hair and these amazing green eyes. She can either be icy or sweet in the way she acts, but when she gets mad her angry face scares me," Naruto started. I gave a long-suffering sigh and decided to just let him keep talking.

"She's a size three in pants; nice ass; her bust is–."

"Okay," I interrupted. "I don't want to hear anything else about Sakura. Her hands are enough for me to know." I refused the urge to shudder as Naruto laughed once more.

"Hinata-chan has violet-ish hair and these cool pearly eyes. She's like, five foot five, and she's more of a size five...but that doesn't stop her from being adorable! More like, it adds on," Nartuo mumbled to himself. I stared at him, dead-panned, but let him go, hoping that he would lose his steam.

"I haven't been around her as much as Sakura, so I haven't really examined her enough to find out her bust..."

"That's enough," I said. Naruto laughed, walked over, and clapped me on the back. While I was the athletic type that was slim, he was the kind that was like a defensive linebacker.

"You know I'm just kidding about their busts right? I really respect the ladies," heclarified apologetically. I grunted and he sighed. "Yeah, well, I guess we have to take you back to Paradise to work on your people skills still."

My eyes widened at the thought of that place. I still didn't like that place very much. That Yamanaka girl was always swooning over me while that lazy bastard of a mailman would make her angry. Granted, I haven't been there in a week, but still, it was my hell on earth.

The door opened and I saw Sakura and Hinata step back in. Haha. Saw. I love that word. Anyway, they stepped in and Hinata grabbed her things. Sakura was the one who did the talking though. "Sasuke-kun, you can go back home now."

Home. There was one word I wasn't sure of. I haven't had a real one since I was small, so why was she telling me I could go home? I didn't say anything though, and stood up.

"Thanks again," I muttered, and nodded to her. A strange light showed around her, and my eyebrows furrowed again. This was new. I never used to see auras—or moods, which ever that light would turn out to be—before.

"No problem!" Sakura said happily. Her voice confirmed my thoughts. I could see both types of light.

"Think about what I said, Sasuke-chan," Naruto joked. I walked out of the room, glaring at him with all my might.

Walking back to the Hyuga mansion was—for lack of a better word—weird. No, I found another word: Awkward.

Hinata was walking beside me and it was the first time I've walked down a sidewalk without her leading me. But I guess she wasn't so used to that idea yet because whenever there was a white crack in my black sidewalk, she'd automatically reach for my arm. Of course, she'd retract her arm as soon as she was aware of what she was doing. I'd turn my eyes to her but she'd continue walking.

"So...how are they?" she asked me. Finally one of us was talking...even if it was after ten minutes. Hinata had her license but she always liked walking better. She said it was healthier.

"They're fine," I replied matter-of-factly. I glanced down at my black side walk. "The sky is red and everything else is pretty much black. People are outlined with a color...objects are outlined with grey." That's pretty much all I had to say. I glanced at the passing cars and nodded.

"I-I'm glad they worked out for you," Hinata said to me. I suppose she was trying to sound happy, but something didn't sound right.

I didn't press it though, as she left me to train in Neji's outdoor training center. That guy was so rich he could afford one indoors, too. I was sitting on a log, wrapping my arms with the new wraps Hinata had bought me. As I sat there I couldn't help but think about that timid girl.

She always did things for me, even though I hardly did anything for her. Truth be told, she's become one of my closest friends. She's grown on me—terribly. The medics, I'll grudgingly admit, are the other people closest to being friends as well, but that's it.

From the first day, Hinata's been there to take care of me. She must've been a little scared at whether or not I'd hurt her that night I woke up but she still took a chance to reach out for me. She didn't judge me or even ask me about my past. She waits. I notice she does that a lot. Hinata patiently waits for anything, as long as it's important. And sometimes, even if its not.

And that laugh of hers. I hardly ever hear it straight out. She must put a hand to her mouth to muffle it so that the true sound is halted. At times, she wants to laugh at my own antics, I can tell. Hinata holds it in though and I'm grateful for that.

I punched a wrapped tree trunk. The wood gave me the splintered satisfaction of a job well done. Some things were just so easy to figure out. This time I kicked the tattered trunk. And while some things were easy, others were harder.

For example, there was that Tanabata thing. Where did I get the balls to get her that fish, make that stupid wish, and say strange words to her? My excuse was that I needed to pay her back. But what was my excuse for her friend, Shino, taking her to play games? I didn't have one, therefor, I was confused. And why did I feel like I got punched in the gut—though, a happier feeling—when she laughed out loud?

Of course, as my friend, Hinata deserves happiness, and that's why I wished that one wish. There couldn't be any other reason.

And the fact that she has feelings for Naruto doesn't bother me at all. Not one bit. I mean, she must feel sorry for him. That's probably her reason. Who am I kidding? Naruto is probably the type of guy Hinata has always been looking for. A strapping, blonde haired, blue eyed nurse. I frowned as I spun and elbowed the tree. Hinata wasn't shallow.

Naruto was probably benevolent in many ways. He probably never gave up or got into a depressed mode. He was, apparently, one to always smile and cheer her up. He was practically the opposite of me.

I tripped on the root of a real tree. The trunk I had been punching was already cut and put into the ground. I sighed, leaned against one of the trunks, and looked at my hands. I couldn't even see my own mood, aura, whatever.

What was wrong with me? I had worked up a light sweat just doing those little punches and kicks. I was actually exploring my feelings. And I knew what I was avoiding...what feeling I was trying to figure out. I bitterly grumbled to myself, got up, and dusted myself off. I don't care what Sakura says. Her drugs are evil.

They were evil because I now knew how to confirm what my feelings were for my caretaker. Fine, I didn't love her. Hell, I didn't even know how that felt. But if I'm finding myself somehow...attracted...to a girl I can't even see, I have a way.

I just need Hinata to do me a small favor, if she doesn't mind.

Sasuke stood outside Hinata's door, deciding whether or not he should go through with his plan. If she said no, he'd make a fool of himself. If she said yes...well, he'd worry about that later. For now he had to muster enough wit to knock on her door.

"Oh, hello, Sasuke-san," Hinata greeted in a slightly surprised voice, opening the door before he did anything, "Is there something I can do for you?"

Sasuke faltered slightly while Hinata innocently leaned on her doorframe. Now's your chance, he thought, ask her now!

"Yeah...can I talk to you?"

"Sure," Hinata replied easily, moving out of the way. Sasuke stepped in and looked around.

All she had was a bed, a bedside table, and a desk with the appropriate accessories. The closet she had covered the whole wall facing her bed. The doors were full mirrors which slid to open. "Go ahead and sit."

Sasuke saw her put what he was sure was a cell phone, away on the bedside table. The lamp was on, but it didn't really affect his sight.

"Hinata..."

The girl stopped, realizing he hadn't attached any other name. She turned to him and nodded, wondering what was so important that he would simply call her by first name. Sasuke was staring out what looked like an open window at the half-moon.

"I have a really big favor to ask you and if you don't want to do it, I understand."

Hinata gulped slightly, waiting for him to continue. She walked over to the bed, sat, and Sasuke copied her actions. He was silent for some time and all Hinata could do was look at him.

His red eyes were cast downwards in deep contemplation. Though a man-made light was on in her room, the moon couldn't help but cast its ethereal light on Sasuke's face. His hair was almost a complete contrast to his skin and—at closer inspection—seemed to have grown just a little. Hinata's pearl eyes slowly traveled past Sasuke's torso and onto his hands, which were curled in his lap. They were beaten up slightly, but her wrappings had saved his knuckles from certain death.

Hinata returned her gaze to his face, and saw that Sasuke's eyes were locked with hers. A blush quickly danced its way across her cheeks. The whole time she had been subtly memorizing him, he was doing the same...in his own twisted way.

Just her aura made Sasuke feel a little better about life. It was a light, azure glow which pulsated every now and then. When it wasn't doing that, it would calmly ripple in place. Her figure seemed soft—and Sasuke figured out what Naruto was talking about. Sakura's body was like a model's while Hinata's was more full. Sasuke suddenly wanted to see more than black from her face. He finally understood why Naruto had admonished him earlier.

"Wh-What is it, Sasuke-san?"

Oh, what the hell. Both of them were in the moment, so why not just go ahead and freaking jump in? It was Sasuke's turn to gulp.

"Hinata, I need you...," he started, unconsciously being drawn forward, "To..." The rest of his question was lost as his face continued to near Hinata's. Come on, you dummy, you're forgetting the question!

Hinata's lips were parted slightly as she watched Sasuke's face close in on her's. His eyes had a dreamy, half-liddedlook about them and she couldn't help but feel the same. She didn't stop him as his lips stopped a centimeter away from her own. Sasuke didn't need to see where they were—he could feel it.

Just once, God, and I promise I won't ever do it again, he thought, I just need to find out what in the world this feeling is...

Hinata's eyes gently closed as she waited for what she knew was inevitable. Sasuke was going to kiss her—and she was going to let him. The rebellious side of her wanted to know what would happen if he did. The logical part was berating her.

Why would he suddenly come up to your room and try to kiss you? There's something fishy about this! Don't forget you have something important happening toni—!

The girl didn't listen though. She was waiting for Sasuke. But someone wasn't waiting for either of them to make a move.

Her door slowly clicked open, and the two snapped apart. They stared at each other, wide-eyed, as if they had been snapped out of hypnotism. What was wrong with them? Then Hinata finally remembered. He was coming tonight.

Both of their heads turned to the tall figure standing in her doorway.He steppedinside, and Hinata gulped for the second time that night. There was no way she and Sasuke would ever find out what their feelings were for each other. The newcomer would make sure of it—even though he didn't know it.

His aqua eyes regarded the scene calmly; coldly. His hair also had grown a little since Hinata had last seen him in person. The maroon locks had a spikier appeal to them. His arms were crossed while his feet were shoulder-width apart. He looked at Hinata and smiled ever so slightly. It was small, but even Sasuke could tell it was there.

"Hinata."

Sasuke frowned. Who the hell was this guy? And how did he know Hinata? The girl in question, smiled, not even giving away what had went on only a mere seconds ago, though the guilt was too heavy to bear.

"Gaara-san, I'm glad you came," she said. She went over and bowed to him while he shook his head slightly at her self-condescending action.

"Who's this?" Gaara asked, his voice slightly conversational, which was odd for him—unless Hinata had missed a lot. Hinata turned to Sasuke and smiled. The Uchiha had the same question in his mind.

"U-Um, Gaara-san, this is the guy I've been telling you about... Uchiha Sasuke," she stammered only slightly. The red-head turned his cold eyes to the person sitting on the bed while that person did the same.

"Sasuke-san," Hinata continued painfully, "This is Subaku Gaara...my fiancee."

The Uchiha stood up and nodded. Acting out of character, he walked over and offered his hand for a shake. Gaara stared at it for a second, before taking it in his own. Hinata watched, guiltily, as the war began.

Hinata's cell phone lay open, sitting on its side, on her table. The screen wasn't lit but the contents were still there from when she last read them before Sasuke came in.

'Fr: Gaara (07/16)
I'm coming to Konoha in a week. I'll see you then.'

Author's Note: First off: I'M SORRY! I couldn't help myself and I made this chapter "romantic crap." But I have an explanation for their feelings. If you think they have really fallen in love, please think again. I speak from experience. This has happened to me before (the whole confused over whether or not you like your good friend), and I was DISTRESSED. Anyway, long story short, I figured out that I DID NOT like him. We're still friends, but that's all it will ever be. But if everyone hates what I've done in this chapter, I can always turn this to a "General" fic so that Hinata and Sasuke don't get together lol (if you guys back up my thoughts that this chapter sucks).

And yes, Audriel. I am indeed a female. What would you have done if I said I wasn't? Hahaha. Thanks for bidding me a happy birthday! And unfortunately, Hokai Amplifier, Sakura had to touch him again. You've never seen Sasuke chuckle, kenshinlover2002? Well, I think have, and it's a funny sight to behold! Search and Seek and Destroy, um, sorry to say I can't understand your request... Er, you want less time between chapters and say that "Its really not something an 18 year old should be doing." I'm not sure what you're referring to, so if you could clarify that, I'd appreciate it. I can't really consider your request unless you clear that up. Sorry!

For everyone else, thanks for reading! And PLEASE review! I'll work on the next chapter as soon as I can! Bweheheh...that red-headed hottie, Gaara, has finally come into the picture.

(By the way, if anyone wants to ever chat, don't hesitate to email me! I'd be happy to chat! There's a lot more I want to say, but isn't a place for author's notes...)