I DO NOT OWN NARUTO :'(
Shino led the way back into the cabin, his arm wrapped protectively around Hinata's waist. His teammates followed with varying degrees of astonishment, amusement, and envy. As soon as the entered the building, Shino guided Hinata to the couch and fetched her half-eaten supper. Then he placed a step stool under her feet, and her drink on the table beside her. Sasuke and Kiba shared humorous glance as they watched their normally stoic teammate hover solicitously over his woman. Once he was satisfied that all her current needs had been met, he stationed himself beside her on the couch.
"I believe that you have some questions for us?" He asked resignedly.
"I want to know why Hinata turned down protective custody…I know that you could have gone with her, so it's not like you would have been separated. So why turn it down?" Sasuke asked intently.
"Neither of us trusted our safety to that department. Several of the previous witnesses against the Hyuuga that went into the program were assassinated. Gaara is an excellent agent, but he has a leak on his team. We also wanted to ensure that Hinata's pregnancy would be as stress-free as possible, which wouldn't have occurred if we were on the run, constantly looking over our shoulders." Shino told him quietly.
"What Shino isn't telling you is that I don't trust anyone but him right now, and I threw a major fit when he suggested we go directly to Gaara.." Hinata confessed. Sasuke looked hurt.
"You didn't feel like you could trust me, Hinata? We've known each other since we were five!" He said angrily, and everyone in the room could tell that he was restraining himself from yelling at her. Hinata's eyes teared up, and she hung her head down. Shino eyes blazed at the indignant Uchiha, and the raven headed man turned away in frustration, pacing the length of the living room as he attempted to regain control of his anger. After several minutes passed he went over to Hinata and knelt down beside her, raising her tear-stained face with a gentle hand.
"Look, I am sorry for loosing my temper, Kitten." He told her softly, using her old childhood nickname. Shino shifted closer to Hinata, and let out an almost inaudible growl. Sasuke smirked at him. Jealous much? Hinata gave him a tiny smile, and he knew that he was forgiven.
"It was a bad shock to hear of your death. I am really glad that you are alive, Kitten." He reached out to pull her into a hug, and was highly amused to hear Shino gritting his teeth.
"I have a question- how are we to proceed with the mission now that our cover has been compromised?" Asked Lee with confusion. The teammates all starred around at each other as they tried to decide what they should or should not tell the chief. Though it only lasted a few seconds, the close-nit team was in silent agreement as they considered the safety of the baby Hinata was carrying. Naruto decided to speak up put into words what they were committing themselves to.
"It's obvious, this mission has turned from surveillance into a protection detail."