Chapter 2 : A Not so F'd-up F'up

A/N: This chapter's title was originally the main title of this fic, but since FFN put up rules to make the summary and title G-rated, I had to scrap it. Honestly thought this title held the mood of the fic better, but I completely understand why they set those rules so I'm reusing it here :}

Writing the RTN characters is quite fun. The only confusing thing is making sure I correctly write Menma and not Naruto...

I have more ideas for future works revolving around the RTN-verse...but to write it all...hmmm.

I've edited the first chapter as I always do, but I'll probably find something to fix again next time...keep making mistakes..sorry beforehand.

Disclaimer: Naruto, the series, is not mine.

It had been nearly a week now since Hinata's encounter with Menma. She had apologized to Ino for her outburst, but the vague and yet somehow concrete confession from the blonde shinobi refused to leave her lips. She could've had her 'in your face' moment, but Hinata had wanted to keep the news to herself. She knew Ino wasn't one to blab about secrets. Even under pressure, a secret like this was one her friend would take to the grave. Hinata just...she just wasn't ready.

That day she had confirmed several times that she wasn't in a genjutsu. She then spent the next several hours rolling in the grass bubbling with laughter, recollecting those last moments with Menma over, and over again. If she hadn't caught sight of the setting sun in the horizon she would have alarmed Ino into sending out a search team.

The real complication started the day after.

Hinata could not find it in herself to approach Menma. For some reason his presence had her taking paces back. She would find herself turning the opposite direction if she saw an inkling of spiky blonde hair or piercing blue eyes. It was preposterous. Illogical. She was Hyuuga Hinata. She didn't hide, and she most definitely was not afraid of anything. Though in this case, it wasn't quite fear. Hinata just could not seem to hold her blush. Her heart beat to the point she felt she would faint, and this, this was a problem. It was a side of her she never imagined to have existed. A side that should not exist.

Apparently not.

How was she going to date Menma when she couldn't even face him. Even now, just that thought was making her face go red and her heart jump a mile a minute.

She was going to fix this. She had to. Hinata just needed some time.

In the middle of that predicament Hinata had naturally started to avoid Menma's team as a whole.

It didn't take long for the Konoha 12 to catch on to Hinata's sudden change and when she was carefully prodded about it, she would just say she was avoiding Sasuke. Everyone in the village knew of Sasuke's newly budding love interest for Hinata, so it was obviously not something new for the Konoha 12, as they had more intimate knowledge of the situation. The topic wasn't brought up again as a silent threat was spoken through the lavender-tinted white eyes, but the gang was still wary.

Hinata did her best not to let on what was really happening in the process of trying to get her sh*t together, but some things were difficult to hide with so much to juggle at once. The Hyuuga heiress's usual porcelain complexion would turn to a pink tone before her now habitual escapes, and though some were doubtful in the beginning as the main person in question was the Hyuuga Hinata, the continued recurrence was hard to deny.

With that, a misunderstanding arose amongst the remaining Konoha 12.

Menma was starting to doubt his skills in observation. He kept getting surprised left and right. This was exactly why he didn't like love and relationships and whatnot...it was all so f***ing unpredictable.

It had been nearly two weeks now since he'd last spoken to Hinata. He was sure the words he'd relayed were understood. Her reaction had been positive, and all he needed to do was wait for her response, but this was absurd.

The latest he had been expecting an answer was the next day or the day after. As the days went on he'd first thought maybe he'd said or done too little.

Maybe he should have been more blatant...sealed it with a kiss. Literally.

It was on the verge of a week that Menma had to swallow, with much difficulty, the fact that Hinata was avoiding him.

When she didn't want to be found, she really went out of her way to not be found. Of course with some difficulty, if Menma were to chase her down into a corner he could, but his pride prevented him from doing so. For now at least.

He had decided to give her another week just to amuse himself. Sit back and let things play out.

As frustrating as it was, it was also exhilarating. If even then she hid herself from him, Menma would have to play cat and mouse. Or in their case demon fox vs. rabbit.

At least that had been the plan.

"I almost forgot! Sasuke! Did you hear the rumors?"

Team 7 had been resting after training with Kakashi before the silence was cut by Sakura's sudden outburst.

"Rumors?"

"You might actually have a chance with Hinata!"

"...I highly doubt that.." Sasuke had also been affected by Hinata's sudden ongoing avoidance. It didn't show to others, but Menma recognized that sad lonely look. Being in the same a** situation, he could relate. Knowing...suspecting that he himself was the cause, Menma's face held indifference, but his ears were tuned to the words his team member was spouting.

"I'm serious! It's been some time now since you last saw her and you were probably thinking she's completely avoiding you, but what if it's because she likes you?"

At that both boys turned their full attention on the pinkette.

"Hinata's been avoiding you because she likes you." It was no longer a question but a statement, and Sakura looked quite sure of it. Seeing the looks of unbelief, she continued. "She never outright said so, but whenever any one in our team is around she's always disappearing, and she has admitted to the gang that it's because of you."

"Wow. I hadn't noticed at all." The sarcasm was dripping off of Sasuke's sentence.

Undeterred by his response, Sakura's voice brightened to another degree. "But~~ whenever she runs the other direction, she's always blushing."

"Hinata."

"Yes."

"Hyuuga Hinata."

"That's right."

"Hyuuga Hinata was blushing."

"Yup."

"Because of me."

"Yeah. So stop moping and go get her!" At that point Sakura had grabbed Sasuke's collar with both hands out of frustration.

Sasuke easily got out of the hold with a look of wonder crossing his face. He had doubts, but the inkling of a chance after what he thought was rejection made him light up.

"You're sure?" The moment was cut by Menma's quiet, steady voice.

"..Um yeah. All of Konoha 12's seen her do the same thing." Sakura hadn't been expecting Menma's sudden intrusion, but then again, it made sense. A blush matching her hair took over Sakura's features. "Now you don't have to worry about her bothering you anymore."

"Hmm..." A dark contemplative look took over Menma's face as he left his team with no farewell.

A part of him knew this was just a rumor. Well...believed.

With all his recent conclusions regarding Hinata going sideways, Menma was hesitant to set an inference. It didn't sit right with him that he was even in this position of uncertainty. The notion of it made him laugh a little.

Hinata choosing another man over him...

Hinata choosing his best friend...

Hinata and Sasuke...

The more he thought about it, the less control he had over his power. It was but a second, but the pressure would have been overwhelming to even a trained shinobi.

Menma quickly got back his composure to juggle his options on his next steps.

He wouldn't chase her down. No. Not yet.

There were other ways to bring her before him.

"What?!"

"A mission."

"A mission with Menma AND Sasuke?!"

"Yes."

Hinata was looking at the current Hokage as if she'd grown two, no, five heads. Apparently Sakura had been sent on another mission with a mix of the Konoha 12 as her skill set was needed elsewhere. The particular mission the Hyuga heiress had been summoned for, called for the best shinobi. A shinobi trained for tracking was apparently a MUST, according to the client.

Team 8 was set up as a tracking team, but seeing as to how Shino and Kiba were quite useless in regards to their refusal to learn their clan's teachings, Hinata was the only viable choice. Hinata was also commended as one of the top up and coming young shinobis. Menma she could understand as top tier, but putting Sasuke on a mission that called for the best was...questionable...but that wasn't important.

Hinata still wasn't quite ready.

"How about Neji?"

"He is on another mission."

"Or...Chouji! He's not trained in tracking, but he's a smart guy. He can manage."

"..He is on the mission Sakura has gone on." Tsunade and Shizune were starting to look at Hinata as if she was the one growing heads. "Hinata, I thought you would jump at a chance to be on a team with Menma?"

"..." Hinata couldn't exactly tell the Hokage the complications stopping her. She wouldn't have hesitated for even a second in the past. She had quite blatantly asked for such a chance on numerous occasions, but now...

Tsunade and Shizune shared a look. They too had heard bits and pieces of the rumors flowing through the mouths and ears of the villagers and shinobis. Rumors were rumors, but there was quite obviously something going on. The Hokage liked to accommodate everyone's needs as much as possible, but sometimes there were bigger things looming than one's needs. "Hinata, this is a B-rank that could become an A-rank."

Hinata recognized that Tsunade-sama was trying to gain a positive answer from another direction, and it was quite appealing. Hinata had been wanting to go on more challenging missions but the rest of her team could barely get past a B-rank if not for her skills. Not only were her teammates only passable as shinobi, Kurenai-sensei with her vast knowledge of genjutsu had no talent in that subject.

This was an opportunity. Not just to grow as a kunoichi, but to face Menma and get over her sh**** situation. Hinata had known for a while now it was the best option.

She'd just never liked showing weakness before anyone; especially Menma.

It was also obvious she would be ordered to go on this particular mission if she said 'no' again.

Knowing that look of determination Tsunade continued with her explanation. "Your mission is to escort the client to the specified location. The details are in this scroll. Look it over, and head to the gate at 5 a.m. sharp tomorrow morning."

Taking the scroll Hinata bowed and turned to exit the room, but before she could open the door Shizune stopped her. "Hinata!"

"Hai."

"This particular mission...you'll be pushed to your limits. Even Menma will have a hard time. If there is a 'mistake' along the way..I would understand." It was quite obvious that Shizune was voicing out, she wanted this 'mistake' to happen.

"Shizune!" Tsunade reprimanded her disciple.

"I'm just saying what needs to be said." Shizune had an unapologetic look on her face.

"Buhi!" Even Tonton seemed to agree. Hinata didn't understand, but she knew she would eventually.

The specifics of the mission on the scroll only described a mission that was quite mediocre. It was more a B-rank verging on a C-rank. Their destination was only a 5 day distance. 2 days if it was only the 3-man team. No supervision and her skills in tracking were specified for precaution of possible enemies. Hinata could only surmise that the clientele was really rich, and well known.

Fukui Ena.

Having studied extensively on other well known clans as heiress of her own clan, the name didn't ring any bells, but then again, memorizing clan names was not her forte.

It wasn't long before everything fell into place. Not even five minutes with this, Fukui Ena, and all seemed to make sense.

He was most definitely rich, and he did not hide it. Fukui was clothed, decorated with the best. Even if you didn't know what was considered good material, one could merely glimpse to see this man was rolling in money. It was like walking around with a target. He was quite literally asking for attention.

The client's personality was a class of it's own. He was the definition of arrogance and self-absorbed. The demeaning words spilling out of his mouth were endless, and boy, did he talk.

Fukui Ena was the reason this mission verged on A-rank and if they didn't arrive at their destination soon, that 'mistake' was about to happen soon. The only question was who would break first.

Three days had now passed and unlike what others would have expected, Hinata was the most composed of the three shinobi. The Hyuuga heiress was quite thankful for the distraction named Fukui Ena. Her condition was not made apparent if not completely fixed as she got used to being in the presence of a certain someone again.

There was no time for conversation between the newly formed team as Fukui would not stand for attention on anything else but himself. If one of the three would strike up a conversation whether it be about the weather or even mission-oriented, he would somehow drive it around to revolve around his person. If not for bathroom breaks, he made sure the three surrounded him at all times.

Thankfully day four presented a disturbance in the shape of a group of unlucky bandits. They were quickly and easily taken care of by the overqualified shinobi who had gone a bit overboard with their show of strength to get rid of the piled up stress. In the midst of that Hinata had seen a brief moment of Sasuke, she had never seen before. His skills were way above mediocre and though she'd never admit it, she was quite impressed.

The last day was spent with Fukui going on and on about yesterday's events being a result of his great mind that brought the three together. Thankfully, by this point, it had become much easier for the newly formed team to ignore him.

It was late into the evening that they arrived at the village housing their client, and though they were all offered a job at his side, out of sheer exhaustion, he was quietly declined.

As it was deep into the night not many options were open to the shinobi to dine at, save for those that served food with alcohol. Unsavory company was no concern to the three as they were all more than capable of taking care of themselves, but if they were pushed over the edge, whoever it may be would most likely be greeting death.

The silent consumption of proper food in close fellowship brought back some color to their faces. After dinner, Sasuke had left the table to pay for the services, while Menma had gone out for a breath of fresh air. Alone at the table waiting for her teammates Hinata was approached by a man who by the looks of it, had been waiting for the kunoichi to be alone.

"Hello princess~ Why don't you ditch the other two and come with me?"

Hinata was not averse to harmless flirting. All kunoichi learned such skills and beyond to fulfill certain missions. Well, technically for Hyuugas, especially as a member of the main branch and being the sole heiress, it was forbidden to learn such 'expertise', but Hinata being Hinata, aimed to become the best kunoichi. Her clan strove to be the best, and she was only following the guidelines drove into her. It was also a waste not to make use of her many blessings.

The man before her brimmed with confidence from his alcoholic state. He wasn't that bad in terms of looks, but compared to her previous company, it was quite the let down. Not that looks would help whatsoever. Hinata was not averse to flirting as it was flattering, but apart from missions, Hinata only used those skills on a spiky-haired blond.

"Thank you, but I'm not interested." A small smile and clear-cut voice was used to get her point across.

"Come on sweetheart~" The man grabbed her arm, and Hinata easily pushed his hand away.

"Don't touch me." The pleasant girl two seconds ago switched to a woman that was ready to kill.

"Hey, no need to get angry, I'm just trying to have fu...!" Her warning was completely ignored as he reached out to touch her again, but the next moment had the man kissing the floor with his arms twisted behind him.

"When I say no, I mean f***ing no."

"Agh! What the f..!" Thunk. The precise landing of a kunai an inch from his face, woke the man from his alcoholic state. "I..I'm..ss..sorry."

"Well that wasn't so hard, now was it. It's a good thing you're not that stupid." Taking her kunai and relieving the pressure she had placed on the shaking man, Hinata left the now silent restaurant.

Not too far from the exit Menma stood looking in her direction, while Sasuke pushed off from the pole he had been leaning on.

"If I knew a little flirting would bring you back to normal, I would have gladly done so Hinata-hime~"

Sasuke's comment made a vein pop on the Hyuuga's forehead. It seemed the guard they'd been putting up was finally coming down. Unfortunately for Hinata, the Uchiha was getting a bit too comfortable. "So you want normal eh?"

Though some in the vicinity heard the popping of knuckles followed by a resounding loud crash, it was ignored.

Although Shizune had looked a little disappointed with the turnout of the mission, Tsunade was quite relieved and proud of the three shinobi. She'd had doubts and much worries about the mission after having met with the client and bargaining with him. She'd decided her safest bet was to assign this mission to Team 7 as their most volatile member had been sent on another mission, but hearing Menma's suggestion for their third member was quite the surprise.

Hinata's vocal requests to be teamed with Menma were numerous. If it was absolutely necessary that their combined skill set was needed in a mission, she had half a mind to consider it, but such a time never came. Anybody could see how difficult of a time he already had with Sakura's constant flirting, but to add Hinata to that dynamic...even the thought of it was horrifying. Naturally it was a given that in the case they were to be set up together, one of the kunoichi would have to be sent elsewhere, and though Hinata hadn't pointed any fingers or given names, there was an underlying understanding of what she wanted. In terms of power, Menma more than made up for it, so it would be overkill to add Hinata to that equation.

The Hokage was also denied every time she'd suggested it to Menma, so to hear him say he wanted the heiress to be assigned the mission as well was...baffling.

Tsunade described the mission and the clientele to dissuade him after the shock had somewhat receded, but even hearing the information, Menma was unfazed. Instead he was convincing her of Hinata's necessity and his confidence in her abilities. Not in so many words or those specific words for the matter, but his posture and expression while voicing his terms had her convinced in a heartbeat.

The Uzumaki boy was also the one to suggest to the Hokage to tell Hinata that the mission was a B-rank close to being an A if Hinata was being difficult about agreeing to go. She'd scoffed at it then. As if teaming with Menma was not enough to convince the girl...

Looking back on it now, she was still as confused as before, but knowing Menma, she didn't question it. The results spoke volumes and she really didn't want to get too far into the details.

Not that he would divulge if she or anyone else showed interest.

Meanwhile, Menma was basking in the thrill of his success.

As usual, he'd used his father's paperwork along with bits and pieces of his parent's conversation to set his plan in motion. After sending off Sakura and picking out the perfect mission, all that was left to do was sit back and observe.

It was a pleasing surprise to see Hinata blush when they happened to meet eye to eye. He'd seen a light flush overcome her face many times in the past but this was on another level. She was obviously trying her best to downplay it, but it wasn't working that well. It didn't help that she had listened to his last request and had come to this mission donning a bare face that shone gradients of red. He found he indeed preferred her natural looks. Porcelain skin. Light pink, small yet full lips. A cute button nose. The only downside was that Sasuke would be exposed to this new side as well. He'd have to tell Hinata to wear make-up again...amongst other things they would soon be discussing after her talk with the player.

With his mind finally at peace once again, Menma waited at their secluded training spot.

Sasuke did not get rejected that often, but it did happen time to time. It was not an enjoyable experience, but it was all a simple slap on the hand. Sakura's continuous rejections were painless now, and he only flirted with her now for entertainment. This though, he knew this was going to hurt. He'd been in pain ever since the start of the mission. The hope in him had completely died when he saw Hinata's face bloom at the sight of Menma. Even in the midst of the earth-shattering disappointment, he couldn't help but be awed by her raw beauty. How pathetic was that...

Right after they had given their report of the mission Hinata had called him out to have 'the talk' before he could disappear. Grudgingly he followed her lead.

"Sasuke..." Hinata seemed to still be deep in thought when she again called his name. It was quite ironic but they soon found themselves at the field where he had first declared his confession to Hinata. He didn't know if she was trying to be intentionally cruel so the rejection would be properly drilled in this time, but he certainly felt the gaping hole forming inside. Fortunately, she didn't seem to recognize her surroundings as he had. Instead she was making fists with both hands awkwardly at her sides and letting go to repeat again, and again, and again...It was as if she was trying to hold herself back..trying to be civil. It almost made him laugh. Almost.

"Ah! I'm going to stop you there." He could see that she was clearly struggling with her words, and he didn't want to hear it. He couldn't. "I know what you're going to say."

"You cann.."

"Menma confessed to you." Sasuke had read the change in the atmosphere between the two. Sasuke never regretted his intuition as he had about his suspicions on Menma's feelings. Where had his intuition been when it came to his own f***ing feelings. If he had pursued her earlier on, if he hadn't got caught by Menma, if his friend hadn't come to terms with his own thoughts in regards to this indigo beauty...maybe he would have had a fighting chance. He had thought there had been a flicker of consideration in her eyes before she decided to avoid him like a plague...No, not him...Menma.

"!" Hinata was astonished. Maybe this Uchiha really was a know-it-all. Albeit a really stupid one. She was quite relieved. One small elephant removed, just one BIG A** one to go.

"I understand." No amount of thinking was going to change this situation. All Sasuke could do was accept...but how he was going to respond was up to him. "I give up."

At first those words put her wholly at ease, but after a second thought, it slowly started to irritate her. She'd spent this whole time, over a month of struggles in dealing with this red-eyed b******, holding back from punching him this time because she thought he'd been sincere about liking her. And this, THIS WAS THE RESPONSE?! "THAT'S IT?!"

"Yeah. I don't make it a habit to chase after a lost cause." He added a slight shrug to emphasize how "okay" he was. Hinata's obvious building irritation could always make him smile. He wasn't a masochist, but maybe he was a bit sadistic...hmmm.

'Slap' The sound of a bruising slap echoed loudly in the quiet field.

Hinata made motion to take back her outstretched hand and walk away, but her wrist was grabbed by calloused hands. The strong yet careful grip prevented her from breaking away, but what really stopped Hinata was the earnest and..daresay...constrained look on Sasuke's face. "If things don't work out...I'll be here."

The Hyuuga heiress was at a loss for words.

Before she could come to an understanding of any, Sasuke had plastered on his famed smirk. "Until then.." Taking full advantage of Hinata's frozen state Sasuke pulled the hand still in his hands to place a chaste kiss upon her forehead.

Quick judgment, and the desire to live had him running away at top speed. He had wanted to kiss her on the lips, but that was a death sentence just waiting to happen. Whether the assasinator would be Hinata or Menma...both were undesirable choices. The angry shriek of his name helped him output more chakra to his feet. Maybe even that chaste kiss would give him an untimely death...

Unable to find the piece of s*** that had somehow escaped her, Hinata went to her usual spot of training outside of Konoha to get out at least some of her boiling anger. She was momentarily startled by Menma's familiar presence, before she remembered he had wordlessly signaled they meet after her conversation with Sasuke. Thankfully they were still distances apart and she could school her expression in the time it took to face him. Although, knowing Menma, she knew he'd catch something was off.

"Something happened." If he was bothered, it didn't show.

Of course he knows. Not bothering to hide it anymore, Hinata immediately scowled at the passing memory and scoffed. "You don't wanna know."

"Hn." Menma's displeasure at her response did not go unseen by the kunoichi.

"Seriously, this is between me and him." If Hinata wasn't the one to beat the Sharingan-user she'd have a fit even if the one to stop her was Menma.

"Hmm." He was itching with curiosity, but he'd accept it for now. He knew her temper and he liked that she was independent when dealing with problems. It was why he hadn't intervened but also stopped Sasuke when the drunkard approached Hinata. He'd never tell that he had a nice little conversation with the man afterwards.

Hinata had stopped walking towards Menma in her musings, but the blonde shinobi did not stop his steps until he was but a mere feet from her. A deafening silence hung in the air, and Hinata's slow heart beat went up several paces with the seconds that dragged by. "So..."

"Yes?" An expectant twinkle in his deep blue eyes shined as Menma's undivided attention was upon the kunoichi before him.

Hinata could not help dropping her line of vision to Menma's uniform. "About that..thing you said before..."

Lowering his head to have his own eyes to meet white-pupils once again, Menma pushed her to continue. "What did I say again?"

"You..Ugh! Stop being so difficult! You know how I feel about you!"

Her little rant only helped the smile on his face grow. He let Hinata fume a little before commenting on the sight before him. "You know, Sasuke was right about one thing...you are quite adorable when you're flustered."

When Hinata lifted her hands towards him in the next second, he half expected her to hit him. The other half thought, maybe a kiss. He wouldn't have minded either way; though he was hoping more for one than the other as he closed his eyes. When neither happened, he opened his eyes to look down at Hinata's face pressed into the crook of his neck pillowed by his collar which she was holding with small fists. "Just shut the f*** up and hold me."

A small part of him wanted to continue teasing her for the tumultuous last weeks, but he pushed it down even as he eyed her now red ears poking through her hair. Instead Menma set his chin upon her head as he secured her body flush to his with an embrace. He also took that time to crush the white rose Sasuke had inconspicuously adorned upon Hinata's hair. He wasn't sure if it was more irritating that she been oblivious to i, or the fact that his 'friend' had the gall to try this with him. He'd have to spend more time training with Hinata, and Sasuke...well he'd deal with him after his girlfriend did her deed. Huh...girlfriend...

"I'll kill you and the b**** if you cheat on me."

Menma only let out a low chuckle.

A/N: I did it~~~ Successfully finished my second fic. It's a mere two chaps but it's a big feat for me. Hit a GIGANTIC wall as I was writing because I was unsatisfied and instead of finding a more satisfactory ending it kept thinking up of new ideas for another fic (like Itahina, Kakahina, Sasuhina, Gaahina etc...Hinaharem basically) Had to force myself to finish this and I came through for me. Patting my own back.

On another note I'm starting to feel bad about always leaving behind Sasuke... Not sure about this one but I'm currently in serious consideration to writing an alternate ending for FLLL where Sasuke gets Hinata. It will most likely be the one I focus on next...

I'm still not ready to read reviews so I'm sorry, but really thank you. I hope someone out there enjoys these pairings and my fics :