Chapter 15:
It had been two months since Hinata had woken up and in that time she had many reporters come for her side of the story that shook the nation. It had been four years since the case of the blockbuster butcher, at least that's what the papers called it. With only Hidan's side of the feud the story was never complete until now.
They weren't the only ones to visit. Hinabi took some time out of her busy schedule to see how her big sister was doing. Even some old students from Konoha High School came by to pay their respects. Now her bed had so many get well soon balloons attached that she wouldn't be surprised if it began to float. The windowsill was overwhelmed with flowers and so many cards that the nurse had to bring in a trolley just to put them all on.
This much attention was a little exhausting but not exactly bad either. It was surprising when Naruto came by. She had hardly met the guy and he even apologised for everything his X had done and said. On top of being bombarded with gifts and visitors, Hinata had been going through her physical therapy. Being in a coma for four years took a tole on her legs but thanks to the nurses and doctors she was now able to walk fairly well even if she did stumble a bit.
In fact she was recovering so well that the hospital had decided it was ok to finally discharge her. With some difficulty the twenty year old got changed into the clothes Hidan had bought, a blue dress a little short for her standards but still nice, and walked out with him by her side. It was vintage styled with a white collar and a dark blue bow. Being such the gentleman he was, he offered to carry all the presents which he probably regretted as soon as he found out just how many there were.
"Since when did you become queen of the world?" He joked staggering down the street.
"I can hold some of that if you-"
"No way am I going to make someone who's been in hospital for four years do hard labour."
Hidan resembled one of those balloon sellers you'd see at summer fetes with the additional carrier bag full of cards and chocolates. As they walked through town, he got a lot of stares. One kid even tried to buy one of the balloons when his mother yanked him away.
"Um Hidan. You took the wrong turn. My flat is left."
"Ah... About that." He grinned, "heh. The uh~ thing is your land lord kinda thought you weren't gonna wake up and kicked you out- but don't worry we made sure to put your stuff in storage. Oh and while you get everything cleared up you can always stay at my place."
"Are you sure I'm not going to be a hassle I could always-"
"Nonsense! It's cool with me besides I'm okey with sleeping on the sofa."
"Really I don't want to inconvenience you."
"Honestly it's fine. I insist."
"Okey. Where do you live anyway?"
"Just up ahead...here. Hey could you get the door" he said struggling to pull out a set of keys.
He pointed to a small bungalow coloured blue with white windows and door. He then threw the keys. She caught the set, jogged to the porch and opened the door for him. Instantly the load was dumped on the kitchen table that was to the left of the building. On the right was a bathroom followed by a bedroom and straight ahead was a living room that was attached to the kitchen.
Slowly, Hinata paced around the room while Hidan leant on by the counter reexamining everything she looked at. His place was pretty tidy. The dishes were stacked slightly lopsided and there were Costa marks on the wooden surfaces but he had clearly made an effort. Hidan nervously slicked his fingers through his thick hair.
"It's pretty nice." She commented.
He eased up a bit, "it used to be my mum's..." The thought brought back some memories he'd rather forget but quickly snapped out of it, "Oh right- I got a surprise for you."
"Really?! You've done enough for me already are you sure?"
"Of corse. You'll have to walk to it though. Sorry I didn't really think this through. Is that ok with you?"
"Hidan. I've been in a bed for almost a quarter of my life. I'd be glad to get some blood pumping."
"Great, then let's go."
After locking the place up Hinata handed the keys to Hidan when he said, "nah you keep em. I've got a spare. This way you can come and go as you please."
"Thanks." Hinata smiled, tucking them back into her dress pocket. She buttoned it up and they set off.
After a fifteen minute walk Hidan stopped and turned to his companion, "Okay, I need you to close your eyes."
"Ok." She chucked, putting her hands over her face.
"And no peeking."
"I'm won't."
"Just a little further... Stop, stop! Turn left. Now move forward and halt! You can open your eyes now." He excitedly said.
Smiling, she did just that. In front of her stood a large three story house with white wooden walls and a small balcony that extended from the second floor. The marine roof hung slightly over the edge. On the door was the silver number 14.
"This is... You finished the house!" She squealed, "can we go in?"
"Ladies first." Hidan bowed a little while extending an arm that pointed to the door.
Gleefully, she ran to the door, turned the handle and gave a slight push on the wood. As soon as it opened a roar of cheers and confetti overwhelmed her. Inside pounced ten people thay yelled, "Welcome back!" Hinata couldn't help but smile at the best reunion she's ever received. Most of the people were recognisable, Konan, Kakuzu and all of the other Akatsuki members.
There were two people however who she hadn't seen before: a tall man with pale, pieced skin and bright orange hair and another man with long black hair and equally if not lighter skin. The feature that really stood out were their eyes. The ginger guy had deep purple eyes far darker then her own and they even had rings around them, must have been some painful surgery and the other guy had snake like eyes that screamed venom.
Everyone greeted and helped puller her in through the overly crowded hallway into what was presumably the new living room. She recognised the space very well, the same chandelier but fitted more carefully. The circular walls were filled with colour and the room was no longer bare but had multiple sofas that circled a large table crammed with every alcohol possible.
She made herself at home when a familiar blunette joined her. She grabbed a beer and took a swig before coolly stating, "Hey how are you."
"I'm a lot better thanks but it still feels weird, going to sleep and just skipping four years... What about you. How's time passed for you?"
"Well I got a job at KUROink."
"Wait so your a tattoo artist?! That's so cool."
"It's not bad but, because I run the place, I'm constantly on trips trying to expand. Sorry for not seeing you sooner I really would if I could but."
"It's ok I understand."
"Thanks." Konan smiled then perked up when she remembered, "Oh yea! Hey I want you to meet my boyfriend. Hang on a sec I'll be right back."
She got up to leave and quickly vanished into the crowd of people. As soon as she had gone someone else squeezed out. It was the blond guy Hinata had first met at that Halloween party but now he wasn't a kid any more. His hair had grown even more and reached his thin thighs. He had a hispter look with green beanie, ripped jeans and a tank top with a leather jacket.
The twenty three year old plopped next to her and slung his arms over the back of the couch and put his feet in the table. His eyes shifted to her and held his gaze for a little longer then he should have.
"Hinata wasn't it?" He cooley stated.
"Yea. And you're Deidara right?"
"Woaw. I'm impressed." He smirked, "considering we've only met once you've got a pretty good memory."
He shifted his weight closer to her's, "maybe we could get to know each other a little better."
Hinata looked at him and her face turned red. She didn't realise how close his was. He smirked at her cute reaction and wrapped a hand around her shoulder. She froze.
He leaned a little closer and whispered, "what do you say we head upstairs and I'll fu-"
Before Deidara could finish his sentence he was roughly yanked backwards to a very annoyed Sasorie. "What the fuck are you doing."
"S-sasorie my man. How've ya been?" He nervously laughed.
"Don't you change the subject." The red head then turned to the trapped girl, "is this weirdo bothering you?"
Instead Deidara answered, "She's fine! And I'm not a weirdo you midget-"
Considering his petite form, Sasorie could really punch. Deidara was hit so hard that he fell onto the table smashing a good third of the booze. Slowly he got up and witnesses gasped when they saw blood on his head. He put a land up to touch the wound and when he saw red on his fingers, he scrunched his face.
"You little pice of shit!" He cursed smashing one of the remaining bottled on his rivals head.
"I leave for two seconds and you two are already at each other's throats! And what the hell happened to the carpet!" Yelled Konan.
The once cream rug was drenched in red wines and vodka.
"Oh piss off Konan I couldn't give a shit about your precious-"
"Deidara!" Boomed an approaching voice.
The pieced man from earlier stormed through the gathering crowd and picked the blond off the ground with a single arm. Instantly, the younger man's face tuned white and his arms raised defensively.
"Apologise or I will personally throw you off the balcony. That goes for you too Sasorie."
"Okey okey! I'm sorry man!" Deidara squealed
He was dropped to the floor. Embarrassed, the blond scramble to his feet and ran out to the garden. Sasorie sighed and followed after him. What a weird relationship Hinata noted. At one part they're about to kill each other then the next they go to help another.
Hinata's was snapped out of la la land when a very angry orange haired man stepped forward. He reaked intimidation. Konan too followed suit and stood beside him, then grabbed the guys well built arm.
"Hinata this is Yahiko my boyfriend."
"Could you not call me that." He warned
"Sorry, Pain then. This is Hinata, the girl I was talking to you about earlier."
Pain raised his arm which lunged towards Hinata who flinched at the violent movement. At first she tensed all her muscles but instantly relaxed when his hand stopped mid flight. She shook it, cheeks flushed a little at jumping to conclusions so fast.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." He stated, "it's always good to see new faces in the Akatsuki."
"Thank you for having me sir." Hinata said.
So this was the leader. He must have only recently been released from prison. Scary, she thought but, he seemed nice enough. The crowd eventually dispersed and people went back to drinking and dealing with the after effects.
"I believe you've met most of our members. Well all accept Orochimaru, he's a new comer like yourself. See him over there, with the long hair?"
"Oh yea. I see."
"Why don't you go introduce yourself?"
Hinata excused herself to see what kind of man this Orochimaru was. Unlike most of the Akatsuki he was neither drinking or socialising. He hung around the back leant against a wall. His suspecting eyes scoped the surroundings like some kind of spy sussing his potential targets.
"Hello." She introduced, "you must be Orochimaru."
"And what of it?" He teased, grinning at her momentary offended expression.
"Uh- so you're new too then. When did you join the Akatuski?"
He made no effort to mask his clear amusement, "a while ago. And you're this Hinata girl everyone's been fussing over hmmm? Tell me what is it like to be on the verge of life and death."
"Wha-"
"Mustn't be as good as being dead though. Now that's the true peak of humanity. Mmmm the way the body stiffens and grows colder with every second. Now that is true bliss."
Officially creeped out, Hinata mumbled something and walked off.
"Bye bye." He waved casually.
Right, time to look for some company that won't try hit on you or preach the glory of gore. Hinata manoeuvred her way to the kitchen and took a seat by the room's island where a collection of bottles was growing. There weren't too many people so, unlike the majority of the house, it was fairly peaceful. The only other person around was Itachi. He was sat opposite her with a cup of coffee.
"Hey Itachi." Hinata said.
"Hey. Long time no see. Listen... I'm sorry for everything that happened with Sasuke. He hasn't really taken things well, after Uchia Corp went down."
"What?! What do you mean? What happened?" She asked.
"You didn't know? Well... This'll be interesting then. So after the complications with your treatment, the Uchiha corporations got a bad reputation. We happened to own the very hospital you were in. There was a huge uproar in the media and we were sued. Eventually people stopped doing business with us and in the end our best option was to simply disband."
"I'm sorry, I didn't realise."
"No it's not your fault. It's ours. Anyway I'm fine with it. This just means I can focus on my job and not have to worry about inheriting the company. To be honest it's a relief." Itachi sighed with a smile then took a sip of his coffee.
"What's your job."
"Hmm? Oh right, I'm a police officer... I just wish Sasuke could move on too. I've had bailed him out a few times..." He lowered the mug and his eyes grew passive.
Hinata was curious but didn't pry for details. He really cares for his younger brother she thought. They continued some small talk for a while and before she knew it, the skies had already lost their light. Only when the woman yawned did she finally realise how late it was. The clock read 23:45.
She rubbed her eyes then excuse herself. Slowly, Hinata wandered through the still lively house and spotted Hidan drinking from some sort of funnel while Tobi, a little too enthusiastically, poured a bottle of cheap liquor. She didn't particularly fancy ruining his fun but, at the same time, wasn't too keen on staying over. She then remembered the keys he had given her and decided it was probably best to just walk back, it was only fifteen minutes after all.
As she made her way to the door, a pair of equally drunk Akatsuki members came waltzing through. It was Sasorie and Deidara. From the looks of things they had made up as both had their arms slung around another and were attempting to sing some sort of football chant. Deidara gave a little wave. Although Hinata was a little disgusted at earlier's events she couldn't help but laugh at their delusional state.
"I'm gonna head off now. Could you tell Hidan that I'm going back to his place?"
"Sure w-wad ever you say lady." Deidara slurred.
In return she waved and began her trek back. The rout was fairly simple just four turns and a nice little shortcut through some ally. The air was a little colder then she'd like making her feel slightly uneasy. The further she progressed, the less street lamps there were. Her nerves grew a little stronger but, decided to cast them off to the weather. Perhaps if she listened to her instincts more she would have noticed the person following her.
OOOOH cliff hanger! Next chapter may very well be the last so please excuse a later update than usual.