Hey everyone! I was planning on waiting until I got a few more reviews before posting the next chapter but I couldn't wait, lol. Also, I thought that in case any of you like this story, it wouldn't be nice to delay the chapter for no reason. So, without further ado, here it is.

Chapter 2: Outer Strength

Hinata was currently sitting in a small room, awaiting a medical nin. The whole room smelled of sterilization, and the counter was littered with pills and needles. Somehow, Hinata managed to convince Kiba that she would be fine coming in on her own, that she would not suddenly faint along the way, and that she expected him to be waiting outside. Actually, she suggested that he go grab a bite, since he'd been so busy delivering messages with Akamaru all day. She was thinking about getting herself something to eat as well, after this whole ordeal was over with, when she spotted someone she really didn't want to see.

Wide luminescent orbs clashed with startled jade eyes as Haruno Sakura stepped into the room. Her pink hair was in an up do. It was a clear attempt to keep the hair out of her face but a few cherry blossom coloured strands dared to dance over her forehead. Her hair was not long enough to keep all the strands in place and after she cut it during the chuunin exams, she realized she rather liked the style as it showed off her features more.

The usually confident medical nin stared at the blue haired kunoichi, an awkward silence setting in. Being the professional in the room, Sakura cleared her throat and decided to break it. "Well, Hinata-san, that is quite a gash there. It's a good thing you came in when you did." Sakura wore an uneasy smile as she moved closer to Hinata to clean and heal her wounds.

"Yes… Kiba-kun was very worried and convinced me to stop by the hospital." Hinata watched Sakura closely as she started to clean her wounds. The uneasy smile was wiped off her face as a confident, focused expression took its place. Hinata envied Sakura's confidence, for she'd had it for much longer. She was so sure of herself, in everything that she did. Not only that, but Hinata knew that Sakura was physically stronger than her, when considering brute strength. She heard about how she defeated Sasori. She saw her train a couple of times, smashing boulders like they were made of dust. And, even though it was hard to admit, she envied Sakura for that too. And she couldn't deny that Sakura was pretty. Yep pretty, and she was definitely strong alright. Maybe that's why Naruto thought the world of her. But there had to be something more. She continued to openly stare at her even when Sakura had finished cleaning the wound. That is until Sakura caught her and cleared her throat, causing a slight blush to form on Hinata's cheeks.

"Is… there something wrong, Hinata-san?

"No, uh, nothing at all Sakura-san."

Sakura smiled. "Well that's good then. For a second there I thought your wound was causing you a bit too much discomfort."

It's not the wound that's making me uncomfortable… While Sakura was getting some bandages, Hinata noticed a bouquet of beautiful cherry blossoms on the table, held by a jade coloured vase with little flowers painted all over.

"Those flowers are very beautiful. You should put them by the window, else they won't stay alive for long."

"Oh, those flowers? They were a present from Naruto," Sakura stated with a wave of her hand. "I haven't really had any time to even put any water in them, let alone place them in the sun." The medical nin placed the bandages on the table, and was about to heal the wound, when Hinata suddenly jumped up and headed towards the vase of flowers.

"But if you don't put any water in them, they'll die! They were a present from Naruto-kun, you should take care of them properly so they'll grow." Hinata hurried to the sink to fill the vase with some much needed water. She couldn't believe that Sakura couldn't care less about those flowers. They were given to her with thought and feeling from someone who clearly loved her. If only she were lucky enough to receive flowers from Naruto, to be the object of his affection. Actually, that wasn't even what was bothering her. What was really bothering her was the fact that Naruto, someone who had been fighting to be recognized, to be trusted and acknowledged his whole life, was being ignored and forgotten even though he showered Sakura with such affection that-and she hated to admit it- it made her jealous.

Sakura, on the other hand, was a bit confused. "If they wilt I can always get more. There are fields littered with all kinds. They're just flowers Hinata."

Hinata just stared back at her in disbelief. "That's not the point! It doesn't matter that you can get more if you want. What matters is that someone who cares about you gave these to you! Don't you see? Naruto gave these to you in the hopes that you would be happy, that you would think of him. He took his time to match the flowers with the colour of your hair, the vase with your eyes, because he was hoping you would notice it! That you would notice him! Because he – he loves you Sakura! I know he hasn't directly said it to you but he doesn't need to because it's so obvious that he thinks about you all the time! And you don't even care!" Hinata was clutching hard at the flower vase, breathing heavily. She focused a challenging glare onto Sakura, practically daring her to say something back.

For a moment all Sakura could do was stare back at her, open mouthed. She had never been very close with Hinata to begin with, but she could recall a quiet, timid girl that was nothing like the young woman standing before her. She was in shock for a few more seconds until what Hinata said had clicked – and then she got angry.

Once again, thank you to all those wonderful readers! And if you have some time, maybe you wouldn't mind reviewing? I will try to update soon!