Assassin
Shino x Hinata
By Moonwitch and Blackdragonflower
Chapter 4
Back in Hinata's room Tsunade wiped her forehead. She was totally spent.' I so need a drink right now' Looking up at Shino she sighed heavily. " Well, her breathing is stronger and the bleeding seems to have stopped. I think this last antidote is the right one." Leaning against the wall she looked away.
"Strange the poison used is very unique. I have only heard of a few ninja who knew how to produce it. Back in the day there use to be an assassin guild that used it exclusively… but they no longer exist. "
Walking to the door, she looked back at Shino. "She will probably sleep through the night' her body has taken a lot and will need time to heal. I would tell you to go home and get some rest but, I have a feeling you won't listen. " Shino just nodded. "Fine, I will check on her tomorrow." She closed the door behind her, mumbling something about Shizune better hand over her sake stash or else.
Shino moved quietly to the bed. Taking off his sunglasses and placing them in his pocket, he looked down at her. 'She looks so small. Though she does seem to be breathing easier but, she looks so ghostly pale. Her skin had always been fair but it held this glow about it. As if it was caressed by the moon's rays. Now, that glow is missing'. He sighed heavily.
His hand reaching up, brushing a few stray strands of dark hair from her face.
" Hinata, rest and get better I will stay by your side and protect you." He whispered tenderly to her. Taking a chair he sat next to her bedside. Placing his hand gentle over hers, his fingers fondly tracing the lines on her palm. 'Her skin is so soft ' Without thinking he brought her palm up to his lips and laid a gentle kiss on it. A soft sigh left Hinata's pale lips. Realizing what he had just done he laid her hand back down and quickly sat back in the chair, placing his sunglasses back on. 'What was I thinking? Stupid…stupid… control yourself Shino." He cursed inwardly. 'Hinata sees me only as a friend.' Looking towards the window he noticed the sun was starting to set. The more time passed the higher the chances of the person behind this getting away or possibly striking again. 'I need to figure out who could be behind this. The attack was directed towards Hinata only. Neither Kiba nor I were poisoned and there have been no reports of anyone else from the village hurt. Who on earth would personally be out to get Hinata? She is the kindest person I have ever met. This just doesn't make any sense!' He muttered to himself. Leaning back in the chair he closed his eyes to rest.
Several hours later Shino was awoken by the stirring of his kadaicha, alerting him to someone's presence outside the window. Shino was not concerned, he knew that chakra. Getting up he quickly opened the window.
"Should have figured I would find you here Aburame." Neji smirked as he climbed over the windowsill.
"Hn …ever heard of using a door?" Shino replied.
"I couldn't let anyone see me come in here. Hiashi has banned everyone in the clan from visiting Hinata. He is acting…strange."
Neji walked over to the bed and looked at Hinata's sleeping form." How is she doing? "
"She is stable now. "
Clenching his fists Neji look at Shino. "Again, I seem to have let her down."
"Listen Neji, she forgave you years ago for what happened at the Chuunin Exams."
"Maybe she has…. but I can't forgive myself. I nearly killed her. I took out all of my anger towards the head house on her. The one person who wants to change how the branch house is treated."
"Listen Neji, let it go… she has. In less then six months Hinata will be 20... Hiashi will step down as head of the clan and Hinata will take his place. When that day comes we all know she plans on uniting the two houses and banning the curse mark. Hinata is going to need all our support. You of all people should know how the Hyuga clan elders feel about change. So, just let go of the past and be there for her, when she unites the two houses."
Neji was shocked. For all the years he had known Shino Aburame he had never heard him say so much.
"I suppose you are right." Letting out a sigh, he looked over at Hinata. "I don't envy her. It will be a very trying time for her… but I will be there for her."
Shino looked over to Hinata and nodded his head.
"I need to go before they suspect I am missing. I leave her protection tonight in your hands, Aburame." With saying that he jumped out the window.
Closing the window, Shino returned to Hinata's bedside." Hinata, you are precious to me. I vow to always be there for you…I will protect you with my very life."
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Chapter 4 by Moonwitch