Fragile Hearts: Three

She tore her eyes away from the clock on the wall. Its constant ticking filled the room with an eerie feeling that ate the Hyūga alive. Crossing her legs at the knees she brought her coffee mug to her nude painted lips and took a sip of the hot beverage.

It was 7:45 p.m and Kiba would be there soon to take her to the party. The week had gone by much too quickly for her liking and now it was time to face her demons. Her lavender eyes glanced down at her phone beside her on the couch. She checked to see if she had any missed calls, however, the last person in her call log was Sasuke. He'd called earlier to invite her out to lunch, but Hinata knew better. She knew that he only wanted to find out if she was still going to his party. She saw right through him, just as she did everyone.

Unfolding her legs her toes touched her soft checkered carpet and a sigh escaped her lips. She was getting tenser by the minute. Getting to her feet she walked to the kitchen slowly, enjoying the feel of the warm mug in her hands for a little longer. The heat seeped into her body, reminding her that she was alive after all. She hadn't died back then and she wouldn't die tonight.

After putting away her favourite coffee mug she began walking to her room, however, she paused when there was a knock on the front door. Hinata's pale eyes darted to the clock where she realized that Kiba still had nine minutes. Furrowing her eyebrows she marched towards the door, the nerves in her stomach making a knot.

"You're early-" she stopped once she realized that it wasn't her brown-haired friend.

"Whoa," Tamaki said sizing her up. "Going somewhere?"

The Hyūga blushed, "y-yeah."

"Well, I guess me coming over here was a waste of time." She mumbled to herself, once she saw the confused look on Hinata's face she decided to elaborate. "I was wondering if we could hang out. You know, like watch a few movies and stuff."

"Oh. Sorry, I have a friend's engagement party to attend tonight."

The brunette nodded slowly in understanding. "Rain check?"

"Of course," she smiled.

"Okay, well enjoy your night," she said with a wave.

The Hyūga waved back with a fake smile, "thanks." As soon as Tamaki was gone she closed the door and sighed. Enjoy your night. She groaned as she knew that as long as he was there she wouldn't enjoy one bit of it. Panic rushed through her causing her to reach for her phone. She'd call Kiba and cancel, surely he'd understand. However, as soon as she finished dialling his number there was another knock on her door.

"Seriously?" Hinata whispered in frustration. Placing her phone on her coffee table she went to open the door once more.

"W-wow," was the first thing she heard from him. His eyes scanned her attire from head to toe. "You look..." He trailed off seeming to be at a loss for words. "...amazing."

Hinata blushed crimson, "thanks. You don't look too bad yourself," she replied with a sheepish smile, his reaction cheering her up a little. The Inuzuka was dressed in a casual, slim, brown blazer with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows, over a plain, white, v-neck t-shirt with navy blue, denim jeans.

He chuckled and pushed his hands into his pockets. "Well, shall we go?"

"Let me get my bag," Hinata responded turning on her heels. She rushed into her bedroom and took one last look at herself in the mirror. Her midnight blue hair was caught in a high ponytail, leaving her bang to sweep over her forehead. The pale girl wore a lavender lush blouson chiffon skater dress that complimented her milky skin. It stopped mid-thigh much to her disappointment, she usually went for a more conservative look, but the heat of spring drove her to extreme measures. Her matching flats were silent against the carpet in her room as she went for her handbag.

At that point, her only reason for going to the party was to meet Sakura. And that was it.

...

"I thought you'd have been at the pet shop."

"Yeah well, Shino practically forced me to go home early. Said I needed time to get ready," Hinata replied. She stared out the wound-up car window at the many stores that were closing for the night.

Kiba chuckled, "yeah when I called he told me. Can't say I blame him, you turned out pretty decent."

The Hyūga held back a laugh and punched his arm. "Pretty decent huh? A while ago you were mesmerized by my appearance."

The brown-haired man laughed this time and so did his counterpart. "Alright, alright. You look great Hina."

"Thank you," she smiled satisfied with his response. Kiba was one of the few friends she'd kept in contact with from college. He was truly the only person who could make her feel better. And in her eyes, he was a very good friend, one that she didn't want to lose.

"We're here...I think," Kiba said stopping the car. Hinata giggled and waited for him to open her car door. Once he did, she took his outstretched hand and let him help her up.

"Yeah this is it," she said looking at Sasuke's rather large house.

"Let's go then," her escort said playfully. Hinata smiled as he placed her hand in the crook of his arm, and shoved his other hand into his jeans pocket. Shaking her head at his antics she looked straight ahead as they approached the door. Her fingers skimmed over the doorbell before pressing it. Her heartbeat rose with every second she waited for the door to be opened. The sound of music playing inside and loud chatter made her squeeze Kiba's arm slightly. An estimation of how many people were inside made her antsy. Sasuke was well known and his fiancée may have invited a lot of friends, she didn't know. All she could think about was turning around and going back to her apartment. But as history repeated itself, as soon as she turned to Kiba the door opened.

"Hinata, you made it," she heard a familiar voice say.

She smiled and was pulled into a hug by him, "S-Sasuke-san." Looking over his shoulder at the number of people in the hallway made her stiffen in his embrace. Too many familiar faces...

"Come on in," he said still not acknowledging her escort. She glanced up at Kiba and he simply shrugged, gesturing with his hand Hinata stepped inside with him close behind her. They passed a few guys in the hallway, none worth acknowledging. Once they were inside the living room, the pale girl was pulled forward and Sasuke's hand settled against the small of her back. Throwing a glance over his shoulder he spoke to Kiba, "I'm borrowing her for a moment." With that said he didn't wait for a response as he quickly ushered Hinata away.

"Sas-"

"Did you really have to bring him?" He whispered bending his head so that she could hear him.

"Yes," she hissed back. "And that was very rude of you."

Sasuke scoffed and straightened his posture. Hinata stared up at his hard face before she glanced over his attire. He was clad in a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and black jeans. It was simple, but he still managed to turn a few heads.

They came to a stop and she realized that they were in the kitchen. Standing before her was a pink-haired woman about three inches taller than her. Her eyes stared at one of the waiters as he spoke to her about who knows what. And suddenly a feeling of jealousy washed over Hinata simply by watching her give out orders. She seemed calm and in control of everything, something her inferiority complex would never allow her to be. Her lavender orbs swept the wooden floor as she started to feel uncomfortable.

"Sakura," she heard Sasuke say. Lifting her eyes she managed to see when the pinkette glanced at the raven-haired man and flashed him a knowing smile. Dismissing the waiter she approached them. Her low, white heels clanked against the wooden interior and her hips swayed beneath her light pink, lace-up shift dress. Her emerald eyes stared at Sasuke as she stopped before them. "This is Hinata. Hinata, my fiancée Sakura." He smiled stepping away from the pale girl.

"It's good to finally meet you," the bride-to-be smiled. Hinata returned the smile and was pulled into a tight hug.

"It's good to meet you too," she said breathlessly. What was it with people and hugs? Truth be told she hated physical contact.

Sakura pulled back and grinned at her, "you're so gorgeous." Hinata blushed crimson causing the Uchiha to laugh and wrap an arm around the emerald-eyed girl's waist.

"Alright, stop torturing Hinata," he said looking down at her. The Hyūga watched as they shared a moment of mutual understanding and she knew that they were lost in a world of their own. Biting her bottom lip she slowly backed away to give them some privacy but ended up bumping into someone.

"Oh my," a feminine voice cried out.

"S-sorry," Hinata was quick to say. She turned and found herself staring into a pair of onyx eyes.

"Mom," Sasuke sighed.

"What?" She snapped before looking at the pale girl before her. Her eyebrows furrowed before she spoke, "Hinata?"

"Mrs. Uchiha." She offered her a small smile.

The elder woman smiled back, "how have you been my dear?"

"Good," she replied gratefully that she too didn't want a hug.

Mikoto nodded, pleased with her response. "That's wonderful. I haven't seen-"

"Mom!" Came from outside.

Mrs. Uchiha rolled her eyes knowing it was her elder son. "What is it Itachi?"

"Can you come here please?"

"No."

"Please?" He said once more. With a sigh, the elder woman excused herself and marched out of the house which caused Sakura to burst into a fit of giggles.

Hinata finally managed to disappear into the sea of moving bodies. She kept her eyes on her moving feet as most eyes were on her, she was grateful that some people didn't recognize her, but as usual, some did. "Kiba-kun," she said as she found him by the TV. A football match rebroadcast was airing and it had a few men preoccupied.

"Sasuke finally done with you?" He questioned once she was beside him.

"Sorry about that."

"It's okay," he scoffed. "I never did like that guy." Hinata released a shaky sigh and turned her gaze to the flat-screen television. The doorbell rang and a pink-haired girl could be seen rushing to answer it. There was a squeal and a bit of laughter which didn't seem to bother many people. Hinata watched as Sakura walked into the living room with a blonde-haired girl behind her.

"Hinata!" She called her name beckoning her over. With an apologetic glance at Kiba, she walked towards the two girls. "This is my best friend Ino. Ino-Hinata."

"Hi, nice to meet you," the blonde beauty smiled shaking her hand.

"Pleasures all mine," the Hyūga replied politely.

"I love your dress," she gasped looking at Hinata's attire.

"Right!" Sakura agreed excitedly. She didn't know how to feel however, here she was being complimented by two women who could probably get any man they wanted. Ino was flawless in her appearance and Sakura was assertive. What did they see in her that compelled them to be nice?

"Thanks," she whispered.

"Ladies, stop pestering her already," came a husky voice from behind her.

"Ugh, no one asked you Naruto," Ino deadpanned hiding a cheeky smile.

"When did you arrive?" Sakura asked.

"Just now actually. Work is always so hectic." He said causing Hinata to furrow her eyebrows. She'd heard his voice before, but she couldn't remember where. Turning slowly she lifted her gaze to the blonde that was no longer behind her.

Her eyes widened, "you."

Naruto seemed confused for a moment, "me?"

"F-from the pet shop."

"Oh!" He exclaimed as he remembered.

Sakura came to stand beside Naruto, "you two know each other?"

"N-not ex-"

"She was the girl from the pet shop I told you about," he said glancing down at the pinkette.

"You saved my cat?" She asked with a smile.

Hinata waved both hands before her, "n-no, I-"

"Taking all the credit Hina?" Came from beside her.

She looked up at him, "Kiba-kun."

"You again," the Inuzuka groaned.

Naruto smiled, "hey."

"Okay, I'm confused," Sakura said once Ino left. "Let's start with introductions. I'm Sakura Haruno-"

"Uchiha," the blonde smirked causing her to blush crimson.

"Soon."

Kiba smiled, "congratulations."

Hinata shifted from one foot to the next. "Thanks."

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki," Naruto said tired of waiting for Sakura to introduce him.

"Uzumaki..." Hinata whispered trying to recall where she'd heard the name before.

The Inuzuka nodded and reached out to shake Naruto's hand. "Kiba. You know the one who saved your cat," he said looking at Sakura. They all laughed except the lavender-eyed beauty. She felt disoriented by all that was happening around her. People were laughing, talking, and even screaming and introductions were taking place before her. But throughout all of that, the only thing she could focus on was Naruto's sweater. It was ash grey with horizontal, black stripes going across it. The material clung to his body like a second skin, while the cuffs of his black shirt could be seen at the wrists along with the collar at his neck.

Sakura's smile distracted her for a minute and she was pulled back into the chaos that had taken over Sasuke's home. She gestured towards her and Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "And this is-"

"Hinata."

Hinata froze, even though every muscle in her body screamed at her to run. She knew that voice anywhere, for it always haunted her. A relic of the past that she could not get away from. Their eyes lifted to stare at the man behind her. Kiba frowned deeply, hate and disgust burning in his eyes while Naruto merely blinked at the man. Sakura seemed confused once again, but she stayed quiet.

The Hyūga was tempted to grab Kiba's hand, just for support. Memories and forgotten nightmares resurfaced in her subconscious racking her body to the core. Two blissful years flew out the window and she was back at the beginning. "Won't you face me Hinata? It's been a while."

For a moment she was unresponsive, but when she realized there was nowhere to run she turned to face him. Lavender eyes clashed with his blue ones and as she uttered his name her soul left her body.

"Toneri."
72

Fragile Hearts | A NaruHina Story
©Infinite_Writer01™2016
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