Assassin

Shino x Hinata

Coauthored by Moonwitch and Blackdragonflower

Chapter 8

As Shino drew closer to the Hyuga compound he saw a familiar figure standing outside the gate, kicking at a rock by his feet. Akamaru barking trying to nip at it.

"Kiba?" Shino frowned, setting his bags on the ground.

"Shino…how come Tsunade assigned just you to guard Hinata? What about Akamaru and me? We want to keep her safe too. I'm a jounin… just like you." Kiba sulked, giving the rock a hard kick, sending it down the dusty road.

"Listen Kiba, It has nothing to do with who she thinks is the better jounin. If that is what you are worried about…Don't! If anything she should have chosen you …it's my fault…if I had just… "Shino said quietly stuffing his hands into his pocket. With a loud sigh he dropped his head down avoiding Kiba's face.

'Oi Shino, don't be a baka! It is not your fault this happened. Akamaru and I adore Hinata and would do anything for her but you… Shino….well; I know you …love her. Sorry, I was just being stupid and jealous. No one would be better than you to protect her. "Kiba replied patting Shino on the back. "Come on bug boy! I'll help you carry your bags in. Then Akamaru and I can visit Hinata for a bit."

"Hinata?" Shino called quietly as he entered her room. Hinata lay curled up on her side sleeping. Her small hands tightly clutching the blanket Shino had placed on her. He smiled behind his collar at how beautiful she looked. Oh how he wished it was him instead of that blanket. His quiet thoughts were shattered as a very excited Akamaru bounded in the room jumping up on the bed barking loudly. Hinata let out a startled cry.

"Dammit Akamaru! I told you to wait till Shino looked in to see if she was awake. Sorry Hinata…he just really missed you." Kiba said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"It's okay." she replied quietly. Her hand shaking as she patted Akamaru's head. Shino's eye brow rose as he noted just how weak she still was, even after resting. Hinata laughed softly as Akamaru licked her face.

"Okay Akamaru…I…m…missed…you…t…to." Hinata giggled.

"Enough Akamaru, leave poor Hinata be." Kiba scolded pulling Akamaru off her bed. "Go wait outside in the hall."

"Good evening sister," Hanabi said walking into the room, laying a tray of tea on the nightstand.

"Neji said you could use some nice hot tea. So I offered to bring it to you" A big smug grin appearing on her face.

"T…thank you Hanabi." Hinata said, frowning at her usually cold sister's sudden kindness.

"Oh, you're welcome Hinata." Hanabi smiled sweetly at her. "I was thinking that tomorrow you and I should have a nice picnic .We can go sit under the cherry blossom trees you love. I think the fresh air will help with …your recovery. Please say you will come, sister. "

"Hai!" Hinata replied softly.

"Wonderful…now drink your tea before it gets cold." Hanabi smirked, placing the cup in Hinata's hands. "It will be just like old times." She said, walking to the door.

Shino saw how Hinata's small hands trembled, struggling to bring the cup to her lips.

"Here Hinata, let me help you." Shino said. Taking the cup from her hands, he lifted it up to her soft pink lips.

"T…thank…you…S…Shino." Hinata said, smiling softly up at Shino, as he set the cup down.

"Tsk… tsk… sister how ever are you going to get a husband if you keep stuttering like a fool." Hanabi sneered. Hinata's eyes widened as she looked up at Shino. Quickly dropping her head in shame, as a single tear slowly slid down her cheek.

"Oh, I am sorry if I hurt your feelings dear sister, but men hate weak woman. Hinata at the rate you are going you will end up a lonely spinster." The look on Hanabi's face was of pure thrill, as she watched her sister cry.

'She is enjoying this' Shino thought, standing up his fists clenched.

"Enough! I think you should leave… Lady Hanabi." His voice coming out hard and raw.

"Why of course Shino Aburame…I am sure my sister needs her rest .I wouldn't want her too tired for our picnic." Hanabi smiled sweetly at Hinata. "Sister…I was only speaking the truth because… I love you. It's for your own good that you realize you are too weak for any man to love." With that said she left the room.

Kiba who had been standing there with his mouth hanging open suddenly jumped up.

"That's not true! " Kiba yelled down the hall. "For your information Shino loves…" Kiba was suddenly silenced by Shino's hand over his mouth. His eyes widened as he realized what he had just said.

"Kiba you need to go home…" Shino said icily, "Now!" Pushing Kiba out the door, slamming it closed behind him.

o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o

Japanese words

Baka…idiot

Hai…yes

Hope you enjoyed….and please review!!

Chapter 8 by Moonwitch