Note: From now on, unless you leave a question or an interesting comment, it's very unlikely your review will be replied to. This is partly because Windflight is uncreative in her responses, and they get repetitive. Reviews are still much appreciated though.
"Anyways," he continued, "About earlier, Mikoto, Fugaku, and I have made a decision regarding the remainder your educations."
"What do you mean?" Sasuke snapped, his eyes narrowing at Neji.
"Starting on Wednesday, you'll both be tutored. Together."
Hinata stared, blinked, and then stuttered, "U-us? Hanabi... and me?"
Of course, she had been fine being home schooled before- besides right now she'd only gone to school briefly when she was nine. But this time, she was going to be home schooled with Hanabi, the sister she barely knew.
Neji corrected, "And Sasuke of course."
Hinata nearly jumped out of her seat with surprise. Being home-schooled with Sasuke and Hanabi?
"Uh, N-neji-san, isn't it a bit too soon?" Hinata weakly protested. "I-I mean, you… you said that Hanabi is still recovering? And I d-don't think she should start school right away."
Neji let out a deep sigh, knowing that Hinata also needed time to get used to the fact she even had a sister.
"Look, I'm sorry Hinata-sama," Neji apologized. "But I have a really busy schedule, and Tsunade-san recommended that Hanabi stay with someone who can be at her side constantly." He kept his real reason a secret, knowing that his cousin would be horrified to know he was actually using Hanabi to test out the power of the curse.
"Y-you could hire someone," Hinata quietly suggested.
" Hanabi is likely to become emotionally attached to the first few people she spends time with after her… imprisonment, and your are her sister after all," Neji reasoned, trying to get Hinata to get over her anxiety about the curse. Neji added to himself, 'And perhaps the reason your curse remains is because she still lives.'
Seeing Hinata still felt uneasy, Neji decided to end the conversation. "I'll send someone over to prepare a guest room for Hanabi and drop her off Tuesday night. I or someone else will check on you periodically to make sure you're doing alright, and Tsunade-san will visit you every Thursday morning."
Hinata still looked hesitant, but she gave a small nod of assent, realizing there was no point in further arguing- Neji would not let it work any other way.
"Come Hanabi," Neji beckoned. The girl paused, then stood and followed Neji towards the exit. Walking out the door, she looked back and for a second Hinata was met by a cold and unfeeling gaze.
Hinata let out the breath she had been unconsciously holding, and turned to look at Sasuke. The Uchiha now stood by the large glass windows, his back turned to her.
Hinata nervously fidgeted with her hands, waiting for him to turn around. When it became apparent he wouldn't, at least not anytime soon, Hinata muttered a soft goodbye, and waited a moment for his response. None came. Hinata turned around and headed for the exit.
Before she was able to step out the door, a "See you tomorrow" reached her ears. A soft smile made its way onto her face.
---
Sasuke stared out of the window at the street below. By the sidewalk Neji was helping Hanabi into a limo.
"What are you planning Hyuuga Neji?" he asked no one in particular.
"He's already given her the necklace," a voice responded from a corner of the room.
"Kakashi." Sasuke acknowledged the other man, turning to face him. The one called 'Kakashi' leaned on the wall next to the door, a small book clutched in his hands. A mask covered his face, and only one eye could be seen.
"He hasn't used it yet though," the man continued. "After Hanabi-sama's recovery we managed to turn in most of the Akatsuki members, but the most dangerous ones are still out there."
"Alright, keep us informed," Sasuke replied.
"Of course."
---
Hinata wandered through the school hallway, not paying much attention to her surroundings, the tense atmosphere, and especially not the people looking and pointing at her. She was deep in thought about the events that had recently transpired.
So much had happened; Hanabi had been recovered, and she was going to be tutored along with Sasuke... She wanted to cry. Was it out of joy? What was there to be sad about- her little sister was back!
But she didn't feel happy. She felt cold, uncaring, and dazed.
She walked as if in a trance, her body moving independent of her will, her fingers unconsciously twirling in the locker combination. Everything seemed to go by slowly, it was like she was treading her way through a slow moving river; if she concentrated a little, she could almost imagine the clear blue waters rippling around her, the school walls replaced by endless water.
Throngs of students were clustered behind her, eying her as they passed, whispering, pointing, gossiping, but they were lost to her behind the veil of water.
And finally someone woke her from her stupor, as effectively as building a dam to stop the river.
"Hinata!" Ino rushed over to Hinata, waving her arms wildly. In one hand she clutched a newspaper rolled into the shape of a cylinder.
Hinata snapped back to reality, noticing that Ino was panting and sweating from running halfway across the school. She had a grin on but her voice was questioning yet serious.
"Is it true?" She almost whispered in a conspiratorial tone.
"What is it?" Hinata asked, desperately hoping Ino didn't know about the home schooling. It wasn't that she didn't trust Ino, it was just that if Ino knew, it was just a matter of time before the whole school found out.
"Is it true? Is it true that a Hyuuga family member has been found?" It sounded as though Ino was afraid to say it; as though they were words she wasn't supposed to ask.
Hinata knew how big this was. Everyone knew that the entire Hyuuga clan had died, but because it had involved the Akatsuki, there was an immediate cover up, and it was only revealed to the general public that it was from some sort of accident. Because of the prominent status a Hyuuga enjoyed, not to mention the large fortune, the news that another Hyuuga was alive and had been recovered undoubtedly roused the curiosity of quite a few individuals.
But they were all afraid to ask her directly; who knew how Hinata felt, who knew how Hanabi was found... who knew...
Not even Hinata knew.
Hinata was at a loss for words for a moment, but then she quickly recovered. Of course people would've found out, and the news must have spread like wildfire. She made a mental note to read the newspaper more often. Hinata gave a nervous smile, "Y-yes, it's true. My younger sister has been found."
There was a short shush in the hall as the people within listening range looked at her slightly shocked; a Hyuuga had actually confirmed this incredible piece of news, so it must be true! Then people started rushing over to her, asking so many questions they canceled out each other's voices. Hinata shrunk back against her locker, feeling as if the crowd was swallowing her up in their excitement and curiosity.
Hinata felt a hand grab her wrist and yank her out of the crowd. The person kept a firm grip on Hinata's wrist and pulled her into an empty classroom, slamming the door closed behind them.
"We're going to be safe in here." The person sounded relieved.
Hinata looked around and realized they were in the teacher facility room. As her savior turned around Hinata was relieved to see it was Kurenai, of all people.
"Th-thank you for helping me," Hinata shyly smiled.
"It's all right. In an elite private school like this it's not everyday a student of mine wants the teacher to help them," Kurenai nervously laughed. "Why were they mobbing you anyways? It was even worse than when Sasuke-kun's fan girls go after him."
Hinata nervously fidgeted, "Um, it's because of, well, you know how they f-found my sister."
Kurenai shook her head sympathetically. "Poor girl. I can't imagine what they'll do when they find out you're going to be home schooled."
Hinata gave a start. "Kurenai-sensei, y-you know about that?"
"Didn't your cousin already tell you?" Kurenai quizzically asked.
Hinata shook her head no. "He never tells me anything."
"Oh, well I'm going to be your math tutor."
Hinata's eyes widened in shock, and her mouth opened to gasp, "T-tutor?"
"You're g-going to be my t-tutor? Our teacher?" Hinata couldn't figure out why she was so surprised, "But what about teaching here? In this school? You won't have enough time to teach here and teach us."
Kurenai gave a warm smile, "I'm going to quit teaching here to tutor the three of you. To tell you the truth, I've always wanted an opportunity like this."
"Sasuke knows about this already," Kurenai grinned sheepishly, "I didn't even have to tell him; he's a bright boy."
Then the bell rang, signaling the beginning of homeroom.
"Oh, um, thank you again Kurenai-sensei." Hinata bowed, thanking her once more before walking out the door.
Kurenai watched and smiled. After a while, she sighed, "I know this may be dangerous... but..." She closed her eyes, "Hinata is such a nice girl."
Walking Green Cucumber: About Kurenai's ending comment, "I know this may be dangerous," Neji warned Kurenai about what might happen, but he didn't tell her anything very specific.