The fearsome second stage of the Chuunin Exams is soon approaching, rumoured to be ten times harder than the first stage. This caused Neji to train even harder than before. Just imagine the sheer humiliation Hinata would bring if she is beaten by him, a branch member. The thought had made him grin as it would surely cause a ruckus within the main branch.

He had once again thrown away the contents of the bento box he found in front of his room, knowing full well who it was from. Disgusting. Everything about her was disgusting. Her tears, her smile, her kindness, her weaknesses and her fruitless attempts to reconcile with him.

He let out a sigh of frustration. It's her fault his father died. It's her fault she's weak. It's her fault he acts like this. It's her fault fate is like this.

Will she ever stop?

Every day, near the start of when he began openly blaming her for everything a few years back, was the same. She treats him with strained kindness and he gives her the exact opposite. One might think that after all these years of failed attempts they would stop. Though that's not how it works with Hinata Hyuuga. She may be weak but her strong determination and perseverance make up for that, thanks to Naruto. Though these days it seemed laxer. She seemed more… absent- no, distant- if he can even say that. Just preoccupied with who knows what, most likely about the Chuunin Exams if he were to guess. But other than that, just like any other day, she continues to do what she always does.

It just felt a bit strange that something had changed.

—

The fearsome second stage of the Chuunin Exams is soon approaching, rumoured to be ten times harder than the first stage. The strange thing was, even if the exams hadn't even started, Sasuke was already confronted by multiple opponents which had really piqued his interest. An example was definitely Gaara, the red-haired ninja from Suna. It impressed Sasuke how he was able to hide his presence so well to the fact that he couldn't notice him, even if he was right at the other side of the tree he resided on. Though when he finally did realize he was there, the only thing he could sense was bloodlust. Sasuke slightly grinned at the thought of finally getting the opportunity to fight someone worth his time.

His days now mostly consisted of petty, childish fights with Naruto which would often take hours to tire him out and stop. Standing within any sort of radius with Naruto was a pain. Just a few moments ago the two fought who was stronger and then for a few moments after that Sakura came towards him to ask to improve their 'teamwork.' Seriously, will the girl ever get a clue? He just had an overbearing fight with their bothersome teammate and the last thing he wanted was to deal with his other annoying teammate. He sharply turned her down and quickly walked away before she could spew out any other nonsense. Of course, it's not only Naruto that occupies his time. He shouldn't forget the time he spends with Hinata either when it comes to training. The spars they have is refreshing but not exactly helpful, no matter how much he enjoys them. But now that all these potentially strong ninjas were seeking out to fight him, it pleased him very much. However, he shouldn't speak too slackly of Hinata's skills. Every day she was greatly improving to the point that he even got hit once from her Gentle Fists technique just yesterday.

If her improvement is consistent, she will have no trouble passing the exams and then they can both become Chuunins. After that, they will be able to have missions together and have more time with each other! Say goodbye to Sakura and Naruto! Say goodbye to distractions! It's a flawless plan, honestly. Being a Chuunin will mean harder missions which means more potential to fight stronger opponents and there's no way that his teammates will be able to tag along with him. What no better way is it to have Hinata accompany him as well when she will become a Chuunin just like him? God, he was already feeling giddy. Actually, he still felt over the top of the world from the incident he had with her just a few nights ago.

How ironic it was that in favour of his enjoyment, he had also ruined hers. The clear memory of her glistening tears rolling down her moistened and reddened face was truly a sight to see. Even without the use of his Sharingan, he had memorized her expression and her desperate begs. Sasuke already figured he ought to do it again sometime soon, though he had to be careful as she would surely run away from him for good. So he went back to the usual small touches he'd later claim as jokes. Seriously, her expressions were something he will never get tired of. Sitting too close to her, blowing hot air in her ear, suddenly grabbing her hand and the other sorts all left her in the shy sputtering mess he greatly enjoys seeing.

He wanted to get closer to her but lately, it seemed she had been arduously avoiding his advances. Every time he'd go one step closer to her, she'd go two steps back. It was unusual as she usually wouldn't even dare to make a move at all. It was a question that bothered his mind when one day the answer clicked when Hinata suddenly mentioned Sakura.

—

They both sat under a tree as they ate their lunch, him usually eating the bento that he stole away from Hinata's grasp when she always tries to give it to Naruto.

Hinata whines as she let out a quiet huff. "Why do you always steal my lunch Uchiha-san?"

"It's not like you're going to eat it yourself anyway," he rolls his eyes.

"T-that's true but... That bento is supposed to be for s-somebody else…" She suddenly blushed and repeatedly poked her fingers together, an unconscious sign that clearly told Sasuke she was thinking about that dobe again.

Sasuke lightly nudged her knee with his to break her out of her thoughts. "I like your cooking though. Why don't make me one instead for Naruto?"

Now the mention of Naruto made her body jump. "N-N-Naruto-kun?! W-What makes you think this is for Naruto-kun?!" She shifted away from her seat next to Sasuke, embarrassed that he knew of her crush on his blonde teammate.

Even without the presence of Naruto, the Uzumaki still manages to annoy him. Sasuke clicked his tongue by Hinata's sudden movement away from him and shifted towards her so they would sit close together once again. Their knees touched and if Hinata wasn't in such a frantic state she would have noticed that he was almost even leaning his body on hers. "It's pretty obvious."

"N-no way… no way…"

They continued to eat, though Hinata was mostly playing with her food, too embarrassed to eat. He noticed and once he was done with his he also began taking food from her bento. "You always steal my food.." she states in a grumble once she had calmed down. "Why?"

"As I said, I like your cooking."

"I-I'm sure Sakura-chan is a better cook than me… You should try hers instead."

'Sakura? Just what is she going on about this time?'

Met with silence, Hinata continued on, "The bentos she makes for you are surely delicious! " She indicates the time she saw him flat out reject the bento Sakura had made for him the other time.

"They're horrible, Hinata. I've already tried it before when she shoved some in my mouth." He spat out, triggered by the memory.

Hinata flinched at his harshness. "I-I thought it tasted fine…" Well, it appeared that plan A had already failed. No worries though as she had already come prepared with plan B; just point out the good qualities of Sakura. "A-Anyways, she will surely make a fine partner for someone one day."

"Oh, and what makes you say that?"

"She comes out top in our class for all our writing tests so she's really smart. Sakura's also very kind. She always treated our classmates with respect because I even remember she sometimes talked to me when we were younger." Hinata awkwardly blushed when she saw him raise questionably raise an eyebrow at her.

Was there another Sakura in their class because there was no way they were thinking of the same Sakura Haruno. Sasuke grits his teeth when he remembers the small talk he had with, said girl, just a few months ago. Sakura was loud, painfully touchy, and had no sense of respect for others at all. The way she had insulted Naruto was evidence of that. Perhaps that was why he was fond of Hinata. She was everything but Sakura. The. Crush. Hinata. Had. On. Naruto. Was. Evidence. Of. That.

He wondered just why on Earth she had suddenly brought the pink-haired girl up.

"S-S-She's also very beautiful so surely, anyone would a-approve of her. D-Don't you agree?"

Ah. So that was what it was. She's trying to replace herself with Sakura. That wasn't good. Not good at all.

"Did Sakura put you up to this?"

"A-Ah.. W-wha-"

He felt his anger rising. Just as he stood up she had also done the same, ready to back away if he were to do something strange again. But he wasn't going to allow that this time. Sasuke wasn't going to allow her to run away again. No, he needed answers now. He quickly grabbed both her wrists. Hinata desperately tried to wriggle them while also taking a few steps back to at least further the little bit of distance their bodies had but accidentally tripped on a rock. As she fell backwards, Sasuke's body had also followed because of the tight grip he had on her which had led him to sit on her stomach. He took their new position to his advantage and brought himself closer to her. Putting her arms underneath his knees so she wouldn't be able to use them, he held her chin so that her face would look at his. He learned multiple times that the only way to really get her to answer was by force, otherwise, she wouldn't be able to focus from the overwhelmingness. "Tell me, Hinata. Is she forcing you?"

He hated that even Sakura was ruining the time he has with Hinata now.

"N-no! She's not!"

"Oh?" he sneered. "Then why suddenly talk about her?"

"I-I just thought that it would be enjoyable if she can join us…" Hinata wishfully said, hoping that the excuse she thought right on the spot would be enough.

"Is that so?"

"Yes!" Though she heavily feared the cold, mocking stare she was receiving from him, she determinedly met his eyesight head-on to show she was serious.

"Fine then." He let go of her chin and rose up from her body.

"W-what?"

"Let's have lunch with her tomorrow."

"Really?" Excitingly, she quickly got up from where she tripped and grabbed hold of one of his hands when he nodded in confirmation. "Thank you, Sasuke-san! Thank you!" Hinata was exceptionally glad of his agreement. This wasn't what she exactly planned but it was a step forward nonetheless. Sakura would surely be glad of the news! She once again thanked him and let go of his hand, not even noticing the slip she made with his name. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Sasuke was left blushing at what just had happened. SHE had touched him! Hinata touched him and used his first name! Oh, how overjoyed he was! He strangely shivered from the feeling. Who'd known that a simple act of kindness to please her would make her act this way?

Too bad that isn't his real intention.

—

"Oh, Sasuke-kun! I'm so happy you invited me to eat with you guys!" Sakura squeals and hugs his arm once the three of them had sat down on a bench; Sasuke between both girls.

Sasuke harshly shakes her hold off. "Thank Hinata."

"Oh yes! Thank you too Hinata-chan!"

The Hyuuga giggles at the girl's excitement. "It's no problem Sakura-chan. Eating with more people is always fun."

"That's for sure!" 'Shannarooo! Finally, I'll be able to have lunch with Sasuke-kun! Even if Hinata-chan is here I'll take what I can get!' "In that case, let's eat! I'm starving!"

Hinata agreed and took out her lunch. Sasuke had also done the same but with the bento that was originally supposed to be for Naruto. He had stolen it right before they met Sakura to invite her. As always, the bento was filled with an assortment of colourful side dishes that seemed more like art rather than food. Sakura couldn't help but notice.

"Wow! I didn't know you could cook, Sasuke-kun!" She stated dreamily. Before he could correct her, she brought out another boxed lunch from her pack. "Um… Now, this is making me embarrassed but… I made a bento for you and it would really make me happy if you ate it!" Sakura quickly shoved the box in front of his face with a hopeful look in her emerald eyes that he wouldn't reject it like last time. Her heart almost popped when he actually did take it.

Hinata saw what was happening and was glad Sasuke was treating her kindly. She inwardly cheered her friend on.

"I know that it might not be as good as yours but I hope it won't disappoint you!"

Sakura beamed when she watched him open the lid. She surely had to thank Hinata even more later on because whatever she told him had obviously worked! Sasuke was actually treating her like a human being this time! Her smile grew wider each second as he now fully opened the lid to be exposed to an arrangement of sidedishes shaped like hearts. Hopefully, this time he would notice her feelings.

That idea was crushed. Her bento box that was in his hands was suddenly on the ground, upside down. The contents she had spent hours on now spilt and ruined. The smile she had before was just as ruined. Both the girl's eyes had widened.

"S-Sauke-kun? But… why?" Sakura had sputtered, her eyes now filling with tears. She held down a cry by covering her mouth.

The boy stood up with a glare. "Get a clue, Sakura."

Sakura could only stare in response.

Sasuke grabbed hold of Hinata's wrist and pulled her up. She too was shocked by what just happened and didn't notice they were walking away until a good amount. Hinata was distraught. She did not know this was going to happen. She did not know Sasuke was going to insult Sakura and make her cry. She did not know she was going to hurt Sakura like this. "U-Uchiha-san w-wait." Hinata halted and pulled her wrist from his grasp and held it close to her chest. "W-why did you do that to Sakura-chan?! That- that was too much, you've greatly hurt her!"

He turned to look at her with a serious look. It was as if he wasn't fazed by what he had just done at all. "Does it look like I care, Hinata?" Once again, he took one step forward and she took two steps back.

"Y-you should. She's you're teammate and friend."

His strides were too wide and that one step was enough to be uncomfortably close in front of the girl. "Teammate or friend, I don't need her."

"You do."

"I don't." Sasuke took hold of her cheeks so she would look at him.

"I only need you, Hinata. Only you."

A/N: Hi.

OK I might take a break from this story, I kind of want to start writing that blind sasuke x hinata fic I talked about last chapter. Be sure to keep your eyes open to any new stories about that!

I-Love-Trunks1, indrakshibandar, EquinoxVicious, I got u guys blind sasuke it is.

Bonauditeur, swear ong i laughed at ur review omg. U right sasuke is up for something devious fr. As always, thanks for reading and reviewing!

Thank you guys so much for the reviews. I swear I start writing each time a notification pops up. I really take everyone's review to heart.

I just want to ask if the characterization is fine, especially for Sasuke? I sweat balls when I write him lol. If you have anything you want me to change about him don't hesitate to tell me! Or better yet, anything about the story at all lol.

Sorry if this seems like Sakura bashing or something, that's not my intention.

Thanks for reading, please review!