Assassin

Shino x Hinata

By Moonwitch and Blackdragonflower

Chapter 5

Three trying, stressful days later Hinata was freed from the hospital on the condition she was to be watched at all times. Sakura pulled Shino aside almost afraid at first. "Shino... you were here every day... take care of Hinata. We'd all hate to see her hurt any more... Tsunade asked me to tell you that you are now on a shinobi mission to protect her from any further danger."

Shino nodded, "Don't worry about Hinata; I'll be watching her carefully..." Shino kept his eyes on Hinata as he spoke to Sakura. She was leaning on Kiba's arm still a little drowsy and woozy. She looked back almost as if she was searching for Shino. "Excuse me Sakura." Shino left the pink haired kunoichi and hurried to Hinata's other arm which he held on to. She looked up at him and smiled.

"Thank you S…Shino...Kiba." Hinata, drowsily, leaned her head onto Shino's shoulder. Shino smiled weakly underneath his collar. With a fluid motion he ducked down and picked her up under her knees and back so she was bridal style in his arms.

"Go ahead and sleep Hinata. We'll take you home." She blinked a couple of times before she yawned and cuddled into his shoulder falling asleep. Both the boys were quiet for awhile as they took the young Hyuga heiress home.

"I'm glad she's okay..." Kiba finally muttered. Shino nodded readjusting her weight. He was amazed at how light she was, how fragile she seemed in his arms, like a porcelain doll.

"Kiba... you can go home. I'll be fine from here on out."

Kiba, a little wary, nodded then walked off kicking at the dirt and gravel. He knew mentally that Shino was struggling, most likely beating himself up for being unable to protect the one he cared for. Akamaru trailed his master's heels whimpering quietly.

"It's okay boy. Everything'll get better."

When Shino made it to the Hyuga mansion he sighed. Carefully he stepped past the gate and made his way to the front door. When he got there he knocked with his foot. Neji opened the door a slight smile on his face. "Aburame... come in..." Shino slipped out of his sandals and brought Hinata inside. Neji escorted him to Hinata's room, they past a grumbling Hiashi along the way. The old man muttered something underneath his breath, which neither of the young adults could interpret. He didn't seem happy that his daughter was safe however. Shino noticed but said nothing, just mentally jotted the fact down.

"Here we are... Hinata's room. I'm sure she's sleepy from the drugs they had her on at the hospital to help with her pain."

"Very..." Shino was amazed at the room and how clean it was. The soft purple-gray walls were well blended with the dark purple comforter on the bed. Neji pulled the covers aside so Shino could set her down. Together the two boys tucked her in.

"Neji... Lady Tsunade has ordered me to keep watch on Hinata-chan... In case she is attacked again."

"I see." Neji muttered, "I'm sure we should fix up the guest room next door then for you. You'll probably need to stay here. You may have problems with Hiashi but if Lady Tsunade gave the orders he cannot refuse. I'll see what I can do..." Neji turned on his heel and left the room. Shino sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. He put his face into his hands and sighed deeply.

"Hinata... please forgive me for my failure." He whispered to himself more then to her. He wished he could see her better, see her smile at him, how he loved her flowering smile. Shino ran his fingers through his chestnut curls as he took a deep breath trying to compose himself. Unlike popular belief Shino Aburame was a human with a deep heart and the full capability of worrying for a friend. Shino looked over to Hinata's face and smiled a little seeing her peaceful in her sleep.

'Maybe I could?' Shino leaned forward ever so slowly but before his lips could brush hers like a moth's wings he pulled himself roughly away. 'How could I do such a thing? Compose yourself Shino Aburame, you were taught better than this.' Hinata shivered in her sleep. Shino looked around the room before he saw a blanket folded up on the chair. He stood, grabbed it, and unfolded it. He covered Hinata in the warmth of the blanket. His heart set on making her even just the little bit more comfortable. 'Forgive me for failing you...'

Neji returned as Shino was busy tucking the secondary blanket over Hinata's shoulders.

"Aburame... it's been arranged. I'll watch her while you get your things. The room is being prepared now." Shino nodded and looked anxiously at Hinata. He knew he could trust Neji. Going against his gut Shino rigidly left the room to return home so he could prepare supplies for his stay in the Hyuga manor. 'I will not fail you again.'

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Chapter 5 by Blackdragonflower