She felt a growing dread in her body as soon as her team had arrived at the tower. They had quickly finished collecting the two scrolls in the forest of death and were currently waiting for the other remaining teams to arrive.

Though it wasn't just the Chuunin exams that were causing the overwhelming flips in her stomach. Right after her meeting with Sasuke the other day she hadn't exactly the chance to react to it. Soon after his statement, she was immediately called by Neji who needed to bring her home for an important meeting. Hopefully, when the time came that she needed to confront him about it, it wouldn't be too awkward. She wouldn't know how to deal with that. Just what did he mean he only needs her anyway? He has his team, specifically Naruto, and the great, copy-cat ninja, Kakashi training him. So why only her? Perhaps he was meant to say something else. Yes, that must have been the reason. Anyway, she shouldn't be so bothered by this, especially during the exams.

"Cheer up, Hinata!" Kiba states when he noticed her small sigh. "You should be proud! Turns out we're the second team to finish!" He pats her back harder than intended which made her stumble in front of Shino.

"Kiba!" She whined. "Not too hard!" At first glance, a timid girl like her in a team with two unruly boys wouldn't fit at all but it seemed they got along quite well. Hence the phrase "don't judge a book by a cover." It turns out she was most comfortable when she was with the two and was able to somewhat speak her mind.

The bug user easily held her steady with one hand. "He's right. We've done better than I've expected."

It was true. They've easily beaten- maybe even killed- a few other teams they have crossed paths with and yet not a single scratch could be found on their bodies. It surprised her how well she was doing but she knew the worst was to come after all the other teams arrive. She ought to mentally prepare herself.

—

When the Jounin's and evaluators had everyone that passed stand in a line per team, she coincidentally stood next to Sasuke. However, he seemed a bit different than he was before. She didn't want to be rude but when comparing him from before the test, he looks jagged and out of breath. Did he perhaps get injured in the forest of death? Hinata shivered when the thought of fighting whoever he fought crossed her mind. Sasuke must have battled against very tough opponents for someone as strong as him to tire out like that.

She gave another glance when she noticed him falter to stay standing and clutch the bottom curve of his neck. Hinata was about to ask what was wrong while bringing her hand up to touch him when Sakura, who seemed just as injured as he was, beat her to it. She quickly put hers down.

Right, whatever had happened, Sakura, who is actually part of his team should show the most concern. Hinata looked away when she had also realized Sasuke was not even acknowledging her. It was understandable that he would find the most comfort among his teammates. She ought to know her place.

—

Sasuke was embarrassed beyond relief. Right away when he had spotted Hinata, as she was always the one person he would seek out, did he notice just how much in a bad state he was compared to her. And to make it worse, the curse mark he received started blaring when he stood next to Hinata, it hurt so much that he almost collapsed. He couldn't dare to look at her. Not when he was in such a pathetic state. Hell, he was so distraught that he even let Sakura touch him! In front of Hinata!

This was too pathetic.

His hunger for power grew stronger.

—

Neji stared at Hinata who was gravely injured and bedridden by his own hands. The moment she collapsed and the medic ninjas rushed in to heal her was when almost 10 years' worth of rage that built up inside him suddenly dispersed. For those 10 seconds her heart had stopped beating was the time it took for him to realize what he had actually done. Since two weeks ago from the incident, he had continuously visited her during her sleep, too afraid to face her. Too afraid to look at her eyes and be struck with the same lifeless eyes he momentarily saw just after he struck her down. It took him two weeks to realize the perfect life he thought Hinata had was not so perfect at all. Neji realized, that not once did her father nor sister had ever visited her hospital room. Though he presumed Hanabi was unable to come because he wouldn't let her. Though Neji assumed he was also the same, as he only checked on her during the night.

No, it was different. He had to be different as he, at least, showed some sort of care. Back at home, Hiashi had not even shown a hint of concern for his daughter. Hinata's 'pathetic' loss, as he had heard Hiashi state, caused an uproar within the clan. Several meetings were held to discuss her failure and what was to become of the clan if Hinata was to lead it. Though instead of defending her, Hiashi could only state that if she were to fail once more, Hanabi will have to take her place.

Neji clenched his fists in anger. How could he have not noticed the cruelty Hinata had lived with all her life. And to top it off she also had to deal with his abuse as well. It seemed it was normal in the clan to blame Hinata, even if she had nothing to do with it.

He quickly turned around when he heard the door aggressively open behind him. It was Uchiha Sasuke. Just what in the world did he want from Hinata?

Neji blocked Sasuke's view by standing in front of her resting face. "What are you doing here, Sasuke-san?"

The boy could only smirk from the irony. "I could ask you the same thing. What, are you here to finish her off?"

Neji grimaced. "Stay away from her."

"How kind, her potential killer protecting her. Though I'd wonder who exactly she would feel safer with."

Well, Sasuke definitely knew the harshest things to say. Just before was stuck inside a hospital room with constant surveillance so wouldn't accidentally break the cursed seal but figured he was able to sneak out in the dead of night. When he first heard what had happened to Hinata during the examinations he was infuriated to no ends. That, of course, had greatly affected his cursed seal which had Kakashi force him to rest a few more days in the hospital. He already felt a slight tingle on his neck, indicating the curse was awakening from the arise of his emotions just by looking at that bastard Hyuuga's face.

"Just who do you think you are?!" Neji stated, though maybe a bit too loudly as both boys suddenly shifted their sights on Hinata who had slightly shifted on her bed because of the loud disruption.

"N-Neji-nii-san…? Is t-that you…?" She let out a small yawn. Hinata rubbed her eyes and attempted to sit up when she was quickly but gently pushed back down on her back.

"What a fool your cousin is."

Hinata blinked at the sight of Sasuke looking down at her from the side of her bed.

"Uchiha-san? Strange… I- I thought I heard Neji-nii-san's voice."

"You must be delusional from the medicine. He never came to visit you." Sasuke lied straight through his teeth. Yes, it was just moments ago that Neji had visited but he quickly and soundly vanished when he noticed Hinata was about to wake up. The Hyuuga's pride is quite pitiful. Hinata didn't need to know he had visited though. She didn't need to form any sort of hope that she will be able to fix the bond she had with her cousin long ago. All she needed to know was that he was there for her now and no one else.

Her eyes were saddened by the possible yet realistic thought. "You m-may be right."

Sasuke gently smiled at her. That's right, his sweet Hinata only needed to know only her cares for her. He brought his hand to hers and slowly slid it up her arm to her soft midnight hair. Hinata curiously looked at him.

"Are you ok, Uchiha-san?"

"Why do you ask that?"

"Your neck… It looked like you were in pain… Are you hurt?"

He chuckled. She is the one that almost died and is still bedridden with an injury that may never be healed, yet asks if he was ok.

Sasuke sat on the side of her bed and hugged her, his forehead resting on the crook of her head.

"Yes, idiot. I'm fine."

It was her turn to let out a giggle. "That's good." She carefully lifted her head and stroked his hair, noticing his hold on her tightening. "You m-must have really missed me!"

"I did. I did miss you Hinata." His hold only tightened even more. It was at that point she felt a slight bit of discomfort, especially from the pressure forming on her internal injuries.

"U-Uchiha-san-"

"Call me Sasuke. I'm sick of hearing you call me that."

"A–A-Alright. S-S-Sasuke-s-san- please-" she began to cough as the hug tightened and tightened to the point she felt blood gurgling up her throat. "Let go-" Tears started streaming down her face from the increasing pain as she gave another coughing fit which resulted in staining Sasuke's clothes and skin.

"You can't ever do that again, Hinata. You can't just die and leave me. I missed you so much." He let go to look at her. While he saw her with streaks of fresh and innocent tears, blood beautifully covering her mouth, she saw a crazed look with a smile that spiked a slight fear inside of her.

"I missed you so, so much."

A/N: lol Hi people. Ik it's been a while but I've been busy with school and stuff lol. actually bcuz its summer weather now I've just been spending my time skateboarding oopsy. Don't know when the next update will be. maybe it will be soon or maybe not

I want u guys to decide: should I make her have her lung injury or whatever be permanent or nah. i kinda wanna guilt trip neji or something.

To issabellavqz: hahaha thx for enjoying god who doesn't love yandere sasuke omfg its so good. this world needs more possessive, obsessive sasuke x hinata!

To bonauditeur: sasuke always a bad bitch and we stan that period! hmmm yeah it IS kina mature but literally when i think of writing about like 8th grade kids or something (assuming they would be in that grade) i just wanna cringe omfg 8th grade relationships r actually just the death of me.

THANKS FOR READING AND REVIEWING GUYS, I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!

pls review!