The Logical Conclusion
A/N: It might seem a bit Sasuke/Sakura but don't worry, I don't really like that pairing so they WILL NOT END UP TOGETHER. I don't want them to. (Grins) This a long chapter, hope you enjoy!
Chapter Six: Connections
Sasuke didn't like being shirtless and sitting in the middle of the room, surrounded on all points with dark writings on the floor. The writings sort of reminded him of what Kakashi-sensei had done, right after his fight in the Chuunin Exams.
That process had hurt like a sonovabitch and he'd passed out right after.
He didn't take kindly to the prospect of crying out in pain and then passing out right now, not with witnesses he barely knew. The only person he was really familiar with was Sakura and that didn't help any.
The Fifth told him that Hinata would need to get close to him, to touch him and to study the machinations of his cursed seal. He hadn't been very happy to hear that, he didn't like people touching him. The only consolation, if it could be considered that, was that Hinata didn't seem to be looking forward to the physical contact with him either. She'd tried to hide it, but he could see that she would much rather not touch him at all if possible. She was fidgety and she reminded Sasuke of one of a little rabbit he'd seen once.
The rabbit had been backed into a corner by a particularly large snake.
That was what Hinata looked like; a cornered prey.
It felt almost like a violation as all three medics; Shizune, Tsunade and Sakura watched Hinata get in place behind him. He felt like some sort of experiment. It wasn't a good feeling, especially for someone as reticent as him. His privacy was very important to him and this felt like an invasion.
Through the myriad of thoughts that kept going around in his head, Sasuke kept his expression blank as he stared at the far side of the room. He kept his eyes locked there so he wouldn't have to see anything else. He focused all his attention there because somehow, he knew that if he felt cornered enough, he might just bolt.
"Byakugan…" a soft voice, barely a whisper, and then Sasuke felt a pair of hands touch his back. Feather light, trembling and hesitant before finally coming fully in contact with his skin.
Hinata's palms felt warm against the skin of his back and it provided a stark contrast to the slight chill in the cavernous room. Sasuke controlled the instinctive jump of his muscles at the contact. He couldn't remember the last time someone had touched him there. Skin to Skin.
If it were up to him, he would have shrugged her hand off. He wasn't used to people touching him so…so intimately. And he knew that Hinata really didn't want to touch him either. Briefly, Sasuke wondered if he should be insulted. Was he that revolting to the Hyuuga? But then again hadn't he always wanted to be left alone? It was better that way and at least with Hinata, he didn't need to worry about molestation in the guise of medical aid.
He wanted, needed to know about the seal on his shoulder.
He stayed silent and still and let the warm hand on his back grow even warmer as chakra seeped from her fingertips. He actually felt it flow through him and surround the seal. There was a numbing sensation almost like ice was being applied to a hot burning wound. His tense muscles relaxed and his rigid shoulders slumped as he let her do her work.
His eyelids drooped a little as the warmth seeping into his skin and spreading through his body relaxed him to the point of drowsiness…
Pain.
Sasuke sucked in a breath inaudibly at the stab of unexpected pain and he stiffened in response. For a moment, he thought the seal was activating again and he braced himself for the onslaught, his muscles tensing in preparation to gritting it out and bearing it.
"Gomen…"
He heard her voice faintly, as if from a distance. He felt the slight trembling of her hand on his back before the numbing feeling around his curse seal redoubled and he felt something warm pass through his chakra highway. The pain was eased and then it disappeared as if it never was but he could still feel the power flow through him.
A few moments later, Sasuke felt the steady flow of chakra shield surrounding his seal start to thin out and the slight pressure of Hinata's palm on the skin of his back start to slacken. He barely had time to turn around and catch her to keep her head from hitting the floor as she collapsed in a dead faint.
xxx
"Lay her on the ground please, Uchiha," Tsunade ordered as she rushed forward, ready to examine her apprentice's condition. A green glow infused the Hokage's hands as she placed it directly above Hinata's heart. There was a visible transfer of energy as Tsunade concentrated her energy on stabilizing Hinata's heartbeat.
Hinata's prone body lifted off the floor once in a jerk before it settled again.
"Is she okay, Tsunade-sama?" Sakura breathed in worry.
"She's fine Sakura. Heartbeat is a bit erratic but it's stabilizing." The green glow around Tsunade's hands lessened in brightness and spread to encompass all of Hinata's body, not only her chest area. "She'll be fine but its best to keep her in the hospital for a few days. Have one of the nurses prepare a room will you?"
Sakura nodded and rushed off to do as the Hokage instructed.
Shizune checked up on Sasuke and pronounced him healthy and unharmed. Sasuke asked for his shirt back and he slipped it on before asking what had happened to make the Hyuuga faint.
"Chakra depletion." Tsunade ran her hand about an inch over Hinata's form to make sure none of her organs were damaged and the temporary chakra she'd given the girl was flowing smoothly. The glow from her hands dissipated completely. "Examining a curse seal is difficult," she explained. "You have to quarantine the point of origin before you can begin the examination and it uses a lot of chakra."
Sasuke crossed his arms as he observed the female Hokage tend to her apprentice. He'd felt Hinata's chakra surround the area of his seal. There was something he didn't understand though. In battle, ninjas would often retreat before they reached a critical low in their chakra reserves because it was dangerous. Severe chakra depletion if left untreated for long, could cause damage to internal organs and in some cases, be fatal. "Couldn't she sense when her chakra reserves are reaching a dangerously low point?"
"Hinata's chakra control isn't as perfect as Sakura's though she's close. She must have seen something in your seal she wanted to investigate further and lost track of time and her body's limits so she passed out from the drain on her system."
xxx
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
Sasuke blinked as he realized his mind had drifted off and he'd been staring at the unconscious Hyuuga lying in bed in front of him for who knows how long. He sighed and tuned out the rhythmic beeping of the machine that monitored the Hyuuga's condition and the even rise and fall of her chest as she breathed with the aid of the respirator.
He studied her and wondered how someone could be so pale. Was her skin resistant to sunlight or something? He could see the blue veins underneath the skin of her wrist. Well, he wasn't really any better since his skin tone was only slightly darker than hers.
It had been strange to see her tilt back so suddenly, as if the life had been sucked out of her and he'd barely had time to move to catch her before her head hit the ground.
Something in his seal had merited further investigation and he wondered what exactly Hinata saw. If there was anyway its effects on him could be lessened or perhaps abolished completely.
He was here out of some sense of obligation.
After all, he was partly the cause of her collapse.
How surprising. Who would have thought the shiest girl in his Academy Class would end up as a Hokage's apprentice? Sakura was as well and he'd always thought that she was a weakling and useless. Shows how much he knows. He wasn't a very good judge of character then, was he? Those he thought were weak and useless and would never amount to anything were now proving him wrong.
Naruto.
Hinata.
Sakura.
Sasuke sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Flashbacks of his childhood kept coming back to him. In the past, it had happened rarely and all he really remembered of his childhood was going home one day after playing and seeing his whole clan massacred by his then adored older brother. All he'd ever really heard were the screams of his family mixed with his.
It was strange how, when he sometimes looked at Hinata, he would remembered a part of his childhood he'd forgotten long ago. Things and events he hadn't though about in years would suddenly return to him.
It didn't make sense though. He'd seen Hinata often enough during his Academy days and even as a genin, but back then the sight of her had never really triggered any of his old childhood memories.
Kakashi-sensei words might have something to do with his sudden awareness of family and his lack thereof. He'd been so focused on killing Itachi that he had been blinded to everything else, but now he was starting to remember the past.
His past didn't just consist of his clan's gruesome murder. It also consisted of people. People he had loved and people who had cared for him. There had been that moment in his life when the future had been golden and filled with promise. He'd forgotten about that. Forgotten how good it felt to have a family to go home to.
Rebuild your clan first…then you can go after Itachi.
Sometimes, it didn't seem like such a bad idea at all.
He focused his attention on Hinata's face. She looked a little bit like his family did and she reminded him of them. The Uchihas came from the Hyuugas after all so in essence they shared more or less the same genes.
Pale Skin.
Dark Hair.
Only, his eyes were black and hers were pure white.
The sooner I find out what's going on with me, the sooner I can do something about it! Wake up, damn it! I need to know what's wrong with me! What did you see?
Sasuke heard the door open but he kept his gaze trained on Hinata, willing her to open her eyes.
"S-Sasuke-kun?"
That familiar voice that always seemed to say his name in the vague tone of entreaty. Sasuke tilted his head and looked at a very surprised Sakura hovering by the door.
Sakura sucked in her breath in a rush. Sasuke was seated in a chair by the window and the sun was setting behind him creating a backdrop of golden light that outlined his whole being and made him seem almost glowing. "I…I was worried when I didn't see you in your room. W-What are you doing here?" Sakura managed to ask.
"I wanted to ask her about my curse seal."
"O-Oh…" Sakura bit her lip and nodded. "A-Are you feeling better?"
"I'm fine."
"Tsunade-sama thinks Hinata won't wake up until tomorrow. You've been through a lot too. You should get some rest Sasuke-kun." Sakura smiled, slightly dazed by the play of light over Sasuke's skin.
Sasuke stood up, "Wakatta..."
xxx
"Say Otousan…O-T-O-U-S-A-N…"
Kurenai neatly chopped the vegetables she was preparing for dinner and set them aside before working on the meat. "No, make her say Okaasan first, Kakashi."
"I don't know love. That seems a bit of a mouthful."
Kurenai snorted. "Its not any harder to say than Otousan is. You just want her first word to be about you."
"Hey, she's her daddy's little girl after all…" Kakashi said tilting his chair back and balancing it to smile at Kurenai.
"Careful, you might unbalance and hit your head," she cautioned.
"I've had worse head injuries."
"It shows."
Kakashi laughed, moving to righten his chair. He reached out for Kaori who was happily flopped down on the kitchen table where he daddy had placed her. "Neh Kaori-chan, see how your mother is so mean to your Otousan?"
Kaori smiled at him.
Kurenai combined all the ingredients for the stew and put the lid on the pot to wait for the whole thing to cook. She prepared tea for herself because they'd run out of coffee. "You want tea, anata?"
"No thanks, I've got a handful of squirming baby and she might get burned."
Kurenai smiled, poured hot water from the thermos into a large mug and dunked a bag of tea into it, watching the clear liquid grow murky. She could hear Kakashi making silly noises as he talked with Kaori and couldn't help but wonder at what a great father he'd turned out to be. She thought Kakashi was a lazy pervert when she'd first met him but she had heard of him (he was famous) and she respected his skill and strength.
It was only later that she realized there was so much more hidden in the depths of those half-lidded eyes.
She never wanted to see that lonely, empty look in his eyes again. She considered it her own personal mission in life to make him happy. She walked over to the table and took a seat beside Kakashi, bending to brush a brief kiss to her husband's lips.
When Kaori saw her, the little girl smiled and waved her arms to get near Kurenai.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "I feel rejected and hurt," he said as he passed over Kaori and took the tea from Kurenai. "Mind if I take a sip?"
"Go ahead," Kurenai replied as Kaori snuggled against her and laid her neck in the crook of her mother's shoulder.
Kakashi watched this with a small smile. "You two look beautiful together." He could watch them forever and not feel bored at all.
Kurenai smiled at him and patted Kaori's back. "Are you planning to visit Sasuke again tomorrow? Sakura's right you know. I don't think he would appreciate visitors right now."
"As long as he's doing fine and is awake, its enough for me to know." Kakashi answered with a shrug. "Besides, with Sakura there to guard him, I'm not really worried about Sasuke much."
"She's been in love with him a long time, hasn't she?"
Kakashi smiled. "Sakura likes Sasuke and Naruto likes Sakura…you know what could be worse?"
"What?"
"If Sasuke ended up having feelings for Naruto. Then team 7 would really be a soap opera."
"Sasuke would have to be gay for that to happen and you know how violently opposed he is to the idea," Kurenai said with a laugh. "Poor Sasuke, I think it would take him a while to live that gay thing down."
"The girls don't seem to mind." Kakashi said with a shrug. "They refuse to believe the rumor."
Kurenai smirked. "You know, before I thought you and Gai had some sort of thing going on…"
Kakashi blanched and almost choked on his tea. "What?"
Kurenai grinned at her husband's horrified expression. "Well he did seem particularly obsessed with you. I thought perhaps he was an old boyfriend, scorned."
"Don't you EVER say anything like that again," Kakashi said with a grimace.
Kurenai laughed even harder, prompting Kaori to giggle. "Gomen," she apologized when Kakashi gave her a sullen/pouty look. Kurenai would have leaned in and sucked on his bottom lip if she wasn't holding Kaori right then. "Neh, Kakashi…"
"What?"
"Don't worry. Sasuke's going to be okay."
Kakashi was startled at Kurenai's words. He gave her a rueful smile. "I can never hide anything from you, can I?"
"I don't want you to smile when you don't feel like it. I don't want you to pretend everything okay when it's not. It's just like wearing a mask Kakashi, don't hide your emotions from me. I know your worried about your students, I can understand that because even though Kiba and Shino and Hinata are no longer under my supervision, I still care about them…"
"Its hard to be involved you know. You feel responsible and…I guess its too late now. Those kids have wormed their way into my life."
"Its not so bad to have people in your life, anata."
Kakashi glanced up at Kurenai and saw her soft cinnamon eyes looking at him with a quiet sort of understanding. "No, it's not," he agreed. Kaori made a little noise and squirmed in Kurenai's arms. "Kurenai, I think Kaori's hungry."
Kurenai raised an eyebrow at Kakashi's happy grin. "I swear, you're always happier than Kaori during feeding time."
"You breastfeed," Kakashi smiled and cocked an eyebrow. "Can you blame me?"
xxx
Hinata awakened the early the next day and the first thing she saw were red eyes looking down at her with concern. "K-Kurenai-sensei…"
"You had me worried…they said you fainted yesterday."
"Chakra depletion…"
"Yes. How are you feeling?"
Hinata struggled to sit up but failed. She sighed. "I…I'm fine…just a bit tired I guess…" she closed her eyes at the feel of Kurenai's hands brushing the hair off of her face. Sometimes, in moments like these, Hinata wanted to cry because she missed her mother so much.
"Kakashi is here, visiting with Sasuke. I came with him and found out what happened to you yesterday. Hokage-sama and Shizune are both concerned about you too. They're busy with Kaori right now. I'll give you a minute to prepare yourself for the lecture before I call them in, okay?"
Hinata smiled slightly, her eyes still closed. "Hai. Arigato sensei."
Kurenai smiled, her eyes just a tiny bit sad. "Daijoubu…"
xxx
"What do you mean I can't leave?" Sasuke demanded, outraged. He really should have just gone out the window like the last time he'd been at the hospital instead of taking the door. He briefly contemplated knocking the nurse unconscious but thought better. That course of action would not endear him to the Hokage and she and her apprentices were the only ones he could count on right now to help him deal with Orochimaru's freaking seal.
"Please Uchiha-san, control yourself."
That just annoyed Sasuke and he upped the ante of his death glare a notch.
The nurse seemed to get the message and wilted a bit, but she was still firm and still standing in his way. "Uchiha-san, be reasonable you cannot just…"
"Oi, oi…it's so early in the morning and already you're causing problems? I think Naruto's had a bad influence in you eh Sasuke?"
Sasuke glared at the white haired, mask wearing Jounin whose one visible eye was currently smiling at him in amusement. "They won't let me go out of this room. I'm not sick, I don't need to be quarantined like this," he stated as calmly as he could. His voice was infused with ice.
Kakashi glanced at the nurse and told her she could go. "I'll take care of it."
The nurse breathed a sigh of relief and hurried out. For someone so beautiful, Uchiha Sasuke could be very scary.
Sasuke crossed his arms over his chest and glared.
Kakashi was unperturbed as he crossed the room and sat down on Sasuke's vacated bed. "This is a nice place. Look at that, you have flowers. Sakura brought them?"
"…"
"You shouldn't be so stubborn and rude to the nurses. You never know what they might slip into the hospital food they bring you, huh?"
"…"
"You can't leave…Hokage's orders. If you try, ANBU will retrieve you, bring you back here and make sure you stay put."
"As if they could catch me," Sasuke snarled.
"Well, you are stronger than the average ANBU, I'll give you that. But, have you forgotten about the seal? It might act up at the most inopportune moment. It's detrimental to you fighting skills and you chakra control. Are you willing to risk permanent damage?"
"I don't appreciate being kept under lock and key like this." It felt too much like he was being kept prisoner and he didn't like the feeling.
"You aren't. Tsunade-sama says that they need to keep you under observation to determine the status of your curse seal and learn more about it. My wife is with Hinata right now, she still hasn't woken up yet but she's expected to in a few hours or so."
Sasuke's hands fisted at his side.
"You're also, by the way, not allowed to train any form of jutsu in your stay at the hospital. No physical or chakra exertion, they don't want to take the risk of you activating your seal again."
"So what am I supposed to do here? Rot?"
Kakashi grinned and fished out a familiar book from his pouch. "That's what I'm here for…to provide you with adequate and enjoyable reading materials."
Sasuke's face burned red and he turned away from the book being waved happily in front of him. "No."
"What? It's a very popular volume. The first one in the series!"
"No."
"You never know, you might pick up some pointers on how to enjoy repopulating that clan of yours. I'll lend you the tamest one and then we'll proceed from there. Might be good for the wedding night, you never know."
"I'm not a pervert."
"Neither am I."
Sasuke snorted. Yeah right.
"You sure? Oh well, anytime you change your mind, just let me know…"
The door opened and Kurenai came in carrying Kaori in her arms. "Hello Sasuke."
Sasuke nodded in greeting.
"Kaori seems to have taken quite a liking to you," Kurenai said with a smile as her baby girl made little noises and reached out her chubby arms towards Sasuke, her legs kicking excitedly.
Sasuke after spending time with Kaori these past couple of weeks, automatically reached out his arms for her. His face was a mask of surprise when Kaori was in his arms and she was happily tugging on his hair.
Kakashi chuckled. "Hinata's awake huh?"
"Yes and Tsunade-sama and Shizune are both chewing her out for yesterday. What did happen? All she told me was that she fainted from chakra depletion."
Kakashi didn't say anything and Sasuke knew it was up to him to fill her in. "She was studying my curse seal and she fainted from the exertion."
"Oh…I see…" Kurenai glanced at Kakashi, wondering why Sasuke's tone was more abrupt, annoyed and glacial than usual.
"They're making him stay here and he's not allowed to practice his skills. No taijutsu, genjutsu and especially no ninjutsu…" Kakashi whispered to her.
"Uhm…"
Sasuke ignored them and concentrated on getting Kaori's sticky fingers out of his hair.
xxx
Hinata was examined and admonished for endangering herself needlessly. She was declared physically fine in the afternoon after some tests and from that point on it became hectic for her, Tsunade, Sakura and Shizune.
Research took up most of the medic's time though the bulk of it fell on Hinata and Sakura's shoulders since Tsunade was Hokage and responsible for other matters concerning the village and Shizune was a Special Jounin and had other responsibilities as well.
Hinata's revelations about Sasuke's curse seal had surprised the Hokage. Sasuke didn't look very happy when he learned exactly what Hinata had seen. His hand had gripped the wooden arm of the chair he was sitting in so hard that he crushed it.
"We're going to do our best Sasuke-kun…" Sakura had told him when he'd walked out of the conference room.
Sasuke didn't stop walking.
Sakura was called back into the room and she hesitated for a moment, before she followed the summons.
From then on, all four of the best medical specialists in Konoha became embroiled in research and planning as to how to tackle the seal. The matter was considered Top Secret. The Village was having a hard enough time trying to accept Sasuke and not fear for an invasion from Orochimaru without them knowing exactly how deep the Snake Sanin had gotten his claws into the Uchiha.
Anko was brought up for further investigation and comparison and for the next two days, Sasuke spent a great deal of his time naked from the waist up, with his curse seal being examined by Hinata, though this time for shorter periods.
They would have discharged him, nothing was physically wrong with him save the seal, but they didn't want him using any chakra in the meantime to aggravate his 'condition' and since Sasuke was known for training until he collapsed, they all thought it would be better to keep him in the hospital where they could keep an eye on him.
Of course, Sasuke did not like the arrangement at all.
xxx
As much as he hated to admit it, Sasuke missed the dobe's presence. At least with Naruto around, things wouldn't be so painfully…boring. He'd only been in the hospital for two days and already he was feeling trapped. Who knows how long it would take before they discharged him? He would have left a long time ago if it weren't for the description Hinata had given regarding the state of his cursed seal. It cemented Orochimaru's status in the Uchiha Sasuke Hit-List.
The endless hours he spent in his room gave him too much time to brood and think which was really bad because it instigated reactions from his seal. How could Naruto stand the fact that something was inside of him all the freaking time? Sasuke was having a hard enough time trying to wrap his mind around the fact that there was this black mass taking over him from the inside, but at least his was not alive hopefully. Naruto had the Kyuubi inside him!
I guess it's different. He was born that way, he didn't really have any choice. I on the other hand…this happened to me through my own fault.
Shit.
He was frustrated and bored out of his mind and he finally just gave in and asked to borrow one of Kakashi-sensei's novels. He should have known that nothing good would amount to it. Not when his former sensei was smiling and practically radiating amusement. Normally Sasuke would never even dream of reading such material, but in his desperation, he relented.
After reading the first page though, Sasuke's face heated up and he closed the book quickly, shoving it beneath his bed never to be opened again.
It was the tamest novel in the series?
He had never thought that the female body could actually bend that way or that far. It defied the law of physics! As if he would submit the future mother of his children (whoever she might be) to…to that position…the position that the girl in the book had assumed. NEVER! Although she was supposed to have enjoyed it and the man had…NO! Sasuke shoved the mental picture out of mind and thought of Kakashi lying naked in the desert with flesh eating ants crawling over his skin and feasting on his flesh. His decaying flesh, because Sasuke had already 'Chidori-ed' him into the next life…
On the third day, the tediousness of his situation started to really grate on Sasuke's nerves. Not only that but the nurses were getting on his nerves too. Not the older ones but the younger ones; the ones who were still in training.
What were they doing always checking his temperature and stuff? He wasn't here because he was sick. He was there because he was under observation and nothing more. What did they need his temperature for? They would pile in everyday and say they were just tending to his room, making sure he was comfortable…just doing their jobs.
Sasuke commented to Sakura about it once and asked that the 'invasion' be stopped. Sakura had blinked in surprise before her eyes narrowed in anger a second later. Then, in a flash, her features arranged themselves in a semblance of a smile. "Don't worry Sasuke-kun, I'll report this to Shizune-san. Shizune-san, Hinata, Tsunade-sama and I are the only ones who are allowed in here. Plus your visitors of course," Sakura had said in a calm voice.
Inner Sakura was raging mad. "Those perverts! They were totally molesting my Sasuke-kun! No one touches him but ME!"
xxx
When Kurenai came to visit Sasuke with Kakashi on the afternoon of the third day of his stay, she also brought Kaori with her again. That had become the start of Kaori's daily visit to Sasuke's room. Kakashi noticed that his books weren't doing he job of alleviating Sasuke's boredom and Sasuke seemed taken with Kaori (as much as Sasuke could be taken with anything non-training related) and so he brought her along with him everyday to visit Sasuke. The little girl didn't seem to mind being in Sasuke's care as long as she was back home with her mommy during feeding time.
Sasuke, with Kaori to keep his mind from the interminable hours of the day, deigned to leave his room and venture outside to walk the hospital grounds; especially the garden where quite a few medicinal herbs were being grown. The little girl seemed to enjoy playing with plants and smelling flowers.
Sasuke sighed and put on his normal clothes; black pants and a dark blue shirt stenciled with an Uchiha symbol (Sakura had helpfully packed up a few of his things from home when it became evident he would need to stay in the hospital for a bit longer). He wanted to go back home to the Uchiha Mansion. It might be dreary and gloomy and it might remind him that his whole Clan was dead but it was still his home and it was one of the few places he was comfortable in.
xxx
The sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky, big fat clouds floating lazily by. Hinata lifted her head up to the sun, feeling the warmth start to lull her to sleep. With a deep inhalation, she continued on her way back to the hospital. It was still early, not even afternoon yet, and Hinata was feeling tired already.
She'd been in the hospital for five straight days, had slept, ate and worked there too. She had gone home once and only briefly, to get a change of clothes and the necessary toiletries.
Do they even realize I haven't been sleeping at home in five days?
No one visited me, not even when I was passed out. I'm sure Hokage-sama informed my family, but no one came. I checked the records…maybe I shouldn't have but…I wanted to know…
She'd just come from the Academy to apologize to Ino that she couldn't conduct the 'talk' she promised because there were too many things to do at the hospital. Ino had been understanding, but more than that, she'd expressed worry over Hinata and the lavender circles beneath the other girl's eyes.
"I'm sure Tsunade-sama's not pushing you to overextend yourself in whatever project it is you're working on."
"No, of course not."
"Then why do you?"
Because Hinata wanted to do as much as she could…because the picture of that black…black thing inside Uchiha Sasuke's body…the thought that given enough time it would integrate itself completely into his system…it made Hinata feel sick to her stomach. She didn't tell Ino though because it was nobody else's business other than Sasuke's and those who were helping to treat his 'condition'.
She just gave Ino a wan smile.
"It's more than that, isn't it," Ino had pressed. "You're worried about Neji, aren't you?"
Hinata dropped her head and looked away. She slipped her hands into her pockets to keep herself from pushing the tips of her index fingers together in that telltale gesture her body assumed whenever she felt nervous or embarrassed. "H-He hasn't come home y-yet…I know his mission is supposed to take a while but…Neji-niisan has been going on mission so frequently lately. One after the o-other…"
Ino knew how much Neji meant to Hinata and she gave her friend a comforting hug. "Don't worry. Neji's a pro. You think he'd let anyone keep him from returning home to you?"
Sometimes, Hinata wondered exactly how much her friends knew. Did they sense her true feelings towards Neji? How can they when Hinata wasn't exactly sure what they were her self? Her relationship with Neji was complex, chock full of bad history and bad memories and cherished moments. Shared feelings, silences…it was complicated and hard to analyze but Hinata treasured it nonetheless. He was her Neji-niisan and she was his Hinata-sama, they were friends, relatives, cousins, and yet…he was also something so much more. How much more Hinata didn't quite know. All she knew was that she wanted Neji safe and she wanted him home, here with her.
Hinata sighed and continued towards the hospital.
Please let Neji-niisan come back home safely…
xxx
Ino's day had started out pretty badly, clouded with her worry over Hinata and compounded with her exasperation with most of her students. They were all so busy discussing the band called Mourning Angels that very few even noticed that Ino had entered the room. Sure, Ino liked that band too, their lead singer was gorgeous, but that didn't mean she appreciated her students not paying attention to her. It was not appropriate behavior for an aspiring Shinobi.
It was times like these that she wondered how in the world they could be good ninjas when they can't even keep their mouth's shut for a few seconds.
"Hey listen up guys, my dad owns the largest hotel in town and the manager for Mourning Angels is staying there! He says that the band is going to be in the village in a few days!" Chiyo had announced with a smug smile as everyone in class turned their attention her way. "Since the manager is staying at our hotel, I'm going to ask him if I could see the band and ask for autographs!"
Most of the class, those that hadn't noticed Ino's presence yet, all announced how cool they thought it was and how they wanted autographs too and if Chiyo could get one for them.
Being a teacher was tough work and today was definitely one of those days.
Ino sighed as she watched her students filter out of the classroom. Being a teacher was very rewarding but there were also some moments where she was very tempted to pull at her hair.
It was lunchtime, a couple more hours before she could dismiss that class. She wanted to talk to Shikamaru. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kaede waiting at the door for her and Ino smiled at him and asked if there was something she could do for him.
"Is Hyuuga-san alright?"
Ino smiled slightly and nodded. This boy was just too gorgeous. He was standing there feigning indifference that Ino would have bought if she hadn't caught that fact that he'd been sullen most of the morning after learning that Hinata was not going to show up today.
"Hinata's fine, but she has a lot of responsibilities right now. There's no class tomorrow. If you want, you can visit her at the hospital. I'm sure she'd like that."
"Hn…" To his credit, Kaede didn't blush or stammer at all. He just inclined his head and thanked her for her time before walking off.
"Ah Hinata. When he gets old enough, I think Kaede will make it really difficult for you to say no to him…"
Ino thought of her female students who were constantly fighting over Kaede; the boy was never rude but made it quite clear that he was not interested. Unfortunately, like in Sasuke and Neji's cases, the more Kaede told his fan girls to go away, the more they crowded to him and cooed about his ultra cool attitude.
"Get away from Sasuke, Ino-pig!"
"Shut up you forehead girl!"
Ino cringed at the wayward memory. Thank goodness that was all in the past now. How deluded was she back then? Ino grinned and shook her head, glancing at her watch. Classes would end later in the afternoon and she still had time to talk to Shikamaru about her plan.
xxx
"You both should get some rest."
Hinata gave a mental smile of gratitude at Shizune-san. Her eyes ached as if she had used her Byakugan non-stop for three weeks.
"B-But Shizune-san…"
"It's okay Sakura. The information we've gleaned about curse seals are being analyzed right now. There's really nothing more we can do but wait and see if its enough to help Sasuke-kun."
Sakura turned towards the window, a look of hope and anxiety mixing within her expressive verdant eyes. The concern she felt for Sasuke was pulsing off of her in waves.
Shizune put a hand on Sakura's shoulder and smiled encouragingly. "Tsunade-sama is one of the best medics Konoha has ever produced. Her skills and talents are renowned the world over. If anyone can find a way to help Sasuke, she can."
Sakura nodded but didn't look away from the window. "Arigato, Shizune-san," she whispered softly.
Hinata heard all this but did not open her eyes to see.
"You girls get some rest. You've been working long hours. Especially you Hinata, you know how you get when your chakra reaches a dangerously low point. We don't want that little incident five days ago to happen again."
Hinata opened her eyes and gave a rueful half-smile at her sensei. "Gomen," Hinata murmured, remembering the lecture Tsunade-sama had given her when she awoke. She glanced down at her hands, resting on the table. She fiddled with her fingers before she curled them into fists to control the gesture.
Shizune's eyes softened as she looked at the two girls seated at the table. Both were clearly exhausted, they had worked very hard these past few days. They were diligent, dedicated and uncomplaining and they would make very good medics one day. "Being a medic, our patients are our priority, but we must also take care of ourselves. Who would take care of the patients if the medic gets sick neh?"
There was silence after Shizune's departure, neither girl moving from their position.
"Hinata…"
Hinata looked up, surprised to hear Sakura's voice. "Hai?"
Sakura was still looking out at the window, her profile facing Hinata. Most of her features obscured by the shadows cast by her long pink hair and it gave her a decidedly morose look. Sakura took a deep, shuddering breath. "Sa-Sasuke-kun is going to be alright, right?"
Hinata couldn't assure Sakura that everything would be all right; not when there was a very real possibility that everything might not turn out for the best. "H-Have faith Sakura-san. Tsunade-sama will do everything she can for him," Hinata paused sensing somehow that Sakura needed more. Hinata didn't know what else to say. "Anou Uchiha-san…he seems…you must have faith in him. Trust that he would not let something like this keep him from…from obtaining his goals…"
Sakura turned to stare at Hinata for a little while before a soft smile dawned on her face. "Thanks. I know that already but I guess…I needed to hear it from someone else."
Don't worry. Neji's a pro. You think he'd let anyone keep him from coming home to you? Hinata returned the smile, "We all need a reminder now and again…"
Sakura nodded and a silent understanding passed between them.
"You care about him a lot, don't you?" Hinata asked softly, as she eyed the other girl.
Sakura nodded. "He's very important to me."
"What about Naruto-kun?" Hinata found herself asking even though she knew she shouldn't because the question was too personal and it was none of her business. She and Sakura were NOT FRIENDS, they were colleagues, acquaintances but nothing more. I have no right to ask, I know but…you're very important to Naruto-kun and I…he cares so much for you…I need to know…
Sakura was surprised at the question and she stared blankly at Hinata for the space of a few heartbeats, "What about Naruto?" she asked, confused.
Hinata shook her head, "Nothing." You're hurting Naruto-kun, just like Uchiha-san is hurting you…and you don't even know it do you? "Would you like some tea Sakura-san? Or coffee?"
"Tea is fine, thank you."
Hinata nodded and stood up. "I'll go get some." It would be so easy to blame you but…you can't really choose the one you love. Hinata thought of her family, her father. And you can't really force someone you love to love you back.
Sakura watched Hinata go. You really do care about Naruto don't you? I have to make him see that, try to make him appreciate you. At least then, one of us gets to be happy.
xxx
Shikamaru yawned and half listened as Ino discussed Kaede with Ten-Ten as all three of them headed towards the hospital. Why did Ino have to drag him to this excursion? Couldn't it be just a girl's night out so he could stay at home and laze in peace? He was concerned about Hinata too but he didn't think his presence would make much of a difference. Not unless he pulled a henge to look like Neji.
Shikamaru opted for walking a bit behind them, this way he wouldn't be expected to join in the conversation. Not that he even had much to say about the topic the two girls were currently discussing.
"Kaede asked if Hinata was doing okay," Ino said as she absently brushed a lock of blonde hair off her shoulder.
"That's so sweet!" Ten-Ten said with a smile. She'd also visited Ino's class before and she'd seen Kaede, nice kid and very cute. "Too bad he's only twelve. I saw him, he's gorgeous."
"Like I told Hinata, it's only a few years and when Kaede's legal, it won't matter anyway." Ino shrugged. "He's a Number One Rookie and he comes from a noble family. Maybe not exactly in league with Hyuugas and Uchihas but close enough."
Shikamaru had half a mind to accuse them of pedophilia, with the way they were gushing at the twelve-year-old boy. Too bad there was no one around right now who would appreciate the joke except him. Ino and Ten-Ten would most likely gut him if he opened his mouth and he didn't have a death wish thank you very much.
"The good thing about Kaede is that he's nice too, relatively. I mean he's quiet and a bit distant but he isn't grumpy or surly or rude."
"I know, one of my genins has a crush on Kaede too. Couldn't stop blathering on about him actually. She kind of reminds me of you in your 'Sasuke-kun' stage!" Ten-Ten teased. "Neh Shikamaru?"
Shikamaru's smirked, "Aa."
"Oi Ten-Ten, need I remind you that you thought he was cute too?"
"He is cute, but I refrained from making a fool of myself…something neither you or Sakura seemed to have done successfully." Ten-Ten grinned at Shikamaru and they shared an amused smile.
"No fair!" Ino glared at them both. "That's hitting below the belt you guys! Besides, I am so over that phase of my life!"
Shikamaru was glad. He liked Ino a lot better, now that she wasn't constantly making a fool of herself over Uchiha.
Ino cleared her throat, "Anyway, I was trying to make a point. You know how Neji is. He's so over protective of Hinata, he practically emanates killing intent whenever someone male so much as looks at his 'Hinata-sama' in the wrong way. She should be going out on dates, trying to get out of her shell! No guy will ever ask her out in fear of Neji. I'm sure you guys have noticed too."
"Yeah, I guess Neji is overdoing the protective cousin thing." Ten-Ten shrugged. "But Neji's intense like that. He takes his duties very seriously. If he says he won't let you die, you won't die until he dies first."
Ino glanced at Shikamaru as if expecting him to comment.
Do I have to? Ah, she'll probably pester me more if I don't. I better just say something. "It's none of our business Ino," Shikamaru said, ignoring Ino's glare. Ino liked to meddle in people's lives too much. Admittedly, it was always good intentioned but sometimes you just had to leave some things alone. "I don't think Hinata minds either. You know how Hyuugas are. It's probably normal behavior for them." This is so troublesome. Ino's poking her nose where it doesn't belong, again.
When the trio reached the double doors that led into the hospital, Shikamaru balked. Ino's eye flickered over to him but she didn't miss a step and she didn't say anything.
"You're not coming with us inside?" Ten-Ten asked.
"Too troublesome. I'll just wait by the chair over there."
Ten-Ten looked like she was going to say something but Ino grabbed her arm and pulled. "Let's go Ten-Ten. Shikamaru's just too lazy to walk inside."
When they were gone, Shikamaru walked to the chair and sat down, tilting his head back and looking up at the dark sky. He didn't like being in the hospital at all, too many bad memories.
It reminded him how much he didn't like being the leader. He didn't like being in charge of other people's welfare...their lives. If someone got hurt in a mission he was leading, he would carry it in his conscience forever.
If Gaara and his siblings hadn't showed up when they did…
That was the thing he hated the most about being a so-called genius.
He had a very good memory.
He never forgot.
xxx
Sakura had a small talk with Sasuke, mostly consisting of what he'd done that day, about Kakashi-sensei's visit and Kaori-chan. He didn't talk much but that was okay with Sakura, she was already used to it. Sometimes, just looking at him was enough to make her heart feel lighter. It was almost unhealthy, like a drug but she didn't really mind being addicted to him and the heartbreak that seemed to swallow him whole.
It was all so easy before. Why does it have to be so hard now?
Sasuke had said he was going to go take a shower and Sakura had sat in the chair beside his bed and watched him get up and get inside the private bathroom in his room. She'd sat there and listened to the sound of the shower being turned on and the pitter-patter of water falling on the tile.
Sakura stood up after a moment. She was hungry and wanted to eat dinner at that restaurant that served those glorious pork buns and tender Barbeques drizzling with sauce. With a smile, she headed down the corridor, looking forward to a heavy meal. Sure she constantly watched her weight, but it was good to pig out once in a while.
Maybe I can ask Hinata! It would be good for me to go out with someone other than those two guys. I haven't really been socializing with anyone else much…we can talk about Naruto. And it would be nice to talk to a female my age about Sasuke-kun and not see her as competition for his attention…
Sakura headed to the nurse's station to ask which room Hinata would most likely be in. their schedules were always kept in the records to avoid any misunderstanding of which floor and patient was assigned to which medic. It was a very organized system, one implemented after Tsunade-sama had become Hokage and Shizune-san had taken some of the responsibilities in heading the Konoha Medical Department.
Sakura took the stairs two at a time and was about to round the corner to the nurse's station when she caught a glimpse of Hinata being embraced by Ten-Ten and Ino pushing her forward from behind.
"B-But…I…"
"Come on, our treat! We haven't seen you for so long! Besides, Shikamaru just got paid for a mission so he's loaded right now!" Ino laughed. "That's what's good about being Chuunin neh Hinata? We can force our Jounin friends to treat us to dinners and movies!"
Ten-Ten made a face. "No fair! Is that the reason why you don't ever take the Jounin exam?"
"You bet!" Ino grinned.
"And here we thought it was because you liked being a teacher," Ten-Ten said dryly.
"Shikamaru-kun's outside too?" Hinata asked as she smiled and finally let herself be led out of the hospital.
"Oh sure. He's just got back a couple of days ago. You've been holed up in this hospital so long…"
She should go after them, maybe say hi. She knew those people, she had grown up with them…but Sakura couldn't make her feet move and she couldn't get the stubborn ache out of her chest.
Ino had once been her best friend.
I…it was my choice wasn't it…I was the one who gave you back your ribbon. I was the one who chose Sasuke and ended our friendship…
Ino looked happy now with her newfound friends.
Sakura was happy for Ino and for Hinata too.
She really was.
But…she felt lonely and so alone…
And she wished, for the first time since Naruto left, that the blonde was here by her side.
xxx
The restaurant was pleasantly crowded. The din of people enjoying their dinner and each other's company permeated the atmosphere, creating a relaxed ambiance. By the corner of the room sat Anko and Asuma, both clearly on a date. Ino pointed the two out to her friends' attention and would have marched over there to join them if Shikamaru had not grabbed the collar of her shirt and sighed. "You're such trouble Ino. Can't you see the last thing they'd want is to see you?"
Ino blustered. "What did you say? Plenty of people want to see me."
"But not right now, Anko-san and Asuma-san wouldn't…" Ten-Ten murmured as she nudged Ino with her elbow. "Look at what Anko-san's foot is doing underneath the table. Neh Hinata?"
Hinata blushed and looked down at the floor.
"Huh?" Ino made a face. "Oh EUW! I so did not need to see that. My eyes! Thanks a lot!" she turned her back towards the couple and resolutely headed for the table they had reserved in advance muttering how she was sure she was going to have nightmares later on.
Ten-Ten chuckled and dragged Hinata after Ino, Shikamaru following them at a much leisurely pace.
When they were all seated and had finished ordering, Hinata expressed how nice it was for Ino, Ten-Ten and Shikamaru to go fetch her from the hospital for dinner.
Ten-Ten wagged a finger at Hinata. "Ino tells us you've been working hard. You should pace yourself Hinata, its not good to overdo anything."
"Lee-san does it and he's perfectly fine," Hinata couldn't help but point out with a smile.
"Ah, but then Lee isn't exactly normal, is he?" Ten-Ten rebutted with a smirk.
There was nothing Hinata could say to contest that. She cleared her throat, "Well the problem that we've been working on at the hospital is soon to be resolved so..."
"That's good. Shino and Kiba will be upset when they get back and find out you've been working yourself too hard," Ino smiled at Hinata and poked Shikamaru in the ribs. "Hey, are you falling asleep?"
"No," Shikamaru answered irritably, followed by a put-upon sigh. "And quite poking me Ino, you're leaving me bruises."
"Oh don't exaggerate!" Ino laughed and smiled at the waiter when he arrived with their drinks. The waiter blushed and scurried away.
"Gee Ino, lay it on a little bit less thick will you?" Ten-Ten commented with a shake of her head.
"Huh? What did I do?" Ino asked as she reached for her grape juice.
Shikamaru made a sound remarkably like a snort.
"Nothing," Ten-Ten sighed.
"Hinata, do you get what Ten-Ten is implying?"
Hinata smiled at her blonde friend. Ino was so pretty and she knew it too. What Ino didn't seem to see was that she had quite a dramatic effect on the male population in Konoha. Especially when she smiled. The poor waiter would probably hold a torch for Ino now. "You look really pretty tonight Ino-chan. I love your necklace, is it new?"
"Oh this? Yutaro gave it to me. Isn't he sweet? He's one of Shikamaru's genins."
"Its very pretty. It matches your eyes perfectly," Hinata complimented.
"Thanks!"
"My team doesn't ever give me anything. One of them, Gojyo, even asked me why my shadow looks like a mouse! It's the Chinese buns you know, familial pride and everything." Ten-Ten rolled her eyes and fingered the single bun at the base of her neck. "I finally just changed my hairstyle to make him shut up about it."
Ino grinned. "Gojyo huh? He was never my student but I've heard about him. He's supposed to be very strong in taijutsu but he's most famous for causing trouble. He's said to be quite a handful."
"You don't know the half of it," Ten-Ten groaned.
The others smiled because it was clear that beneath Ten-Ten's exasperation was a tone of fondness.
"He did you a favor though. You look so much better with that hairstyle." Ino said.
"That sounds like a backhanded compliment," Ten-Ten smirked, "but thanks anyway. Oi Hinata why are you so quiet? I guess you're still pretty tired huh?"
"It's okay. I have some free time coming up so I can rest."
"You've been pushing yourself especially hard lately. Don't think we haven't noticed Hinata. You should strive to be like Shikamaru-kun here, once in a while."
Shikamaru had crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head back, his eyes closed while he waited for their orders to arrive. He snorted but didn't bother doing anything else.
"Ten-chan's right," Ino interjected. "Oi and did I mention that Kaede asked for you today? He asked if you were alright."
Hinata smiled. She was fond of the young boy. "That's very nice of him!"
Ino grinned. "I told you he likes you. He was all quiet and sulky through class today. I suggested he visit you at the hospital tomorrow since he was so concerned."
Hinata blushed. "A-Anou…Ino-san! Kaede-kun is t-too young for me!"
"He's younger but not too young. You just wait a couple of years while he finishes growing up. I mean you're very fond of Neji right? He's always glaring at the guys who try to get close to you but with Kaede, I think Neji will approve. Kaede's kind of like Neji was when they were younger, right? Only with less hatred and no issues with the Main House."
Ten-Ten laughed. "You have a point there."
Hinata willed herself not to blush but failed. "A-Anou…I d-don't think there were any g-guys trying to get c-close to me…"
"Oh yes there are! Neji just glares them away before they can get enough courage to approach you! Neji looks so cute when you ask him what's wrong after he's stared another potential suitor down and he's trying to look like nothing's the matter." Ten-Ten grinned.
Ino looked thoughtful, "You don't notice these things do you? You don't even realize Kaede has a crush on you and it is so obvious!"
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. Hinata wasn't the only oblivious one. Hinata wasn't the only one with a younger man/boy for an admirer either. Ino didn't even notice the reaction her smile had elicited from their waiter.
He let his female companions' voices fade as he mind wandered off to what Ino had been telling him while they had waited for Ten-Ten. The Hyuugas ordering vast quantities of white flowers, Neji's almost obsessive need to go out on missions, Hinata's seemingly never-ending shifts at the hospital.
It didn't click.
Those two were almost like a tandem. You can't really get one without having to deal with the other. It was almost like they were trying to get away from something.
Hinata and Neji were both like water, you never know what went on beneath the surface they showed the world.
Something was wrong there. Ino was right. That was why, despite the fact that he considered it really troublesome to have to eat out when there was perfectly edible food at home, he let Ino drag him out tonight.
xxx
Sakura sat in her bed with her back against the wall as she looked up at the night sky. Her heart felt heavy for some reason and she couldn't quite make herself stop thinking about the scene she'd witnessed earlier at the hospital.
She had just finished visiting with Sasuke and had headed out to look for Hinata and ask if the other girl would like to have dinner with her. They've both been apprentices to Tsunade-sama but had never really gotten the chance to really bond so Sakura thought it might be a good idea. She'd been about to approach the nurse's station to ask if Hinata was still at the hospital or had already left when she'd heard Ino's voice.
Ino and Ten-Ten were both at the hospital to fetch Hinata so they could all go out to dinner together. Ino had mentioned something about Shikamaru waiting outside as well and Sakura had been surprised hat they were all so close. It made her feel bad and Sakura hated herself for it.
For feeling jealous of Hinata and Ino and Ten-Ten's friendship.
A part of Sakura hurt because seeing Hinata with Ten-Ten and Ino made her realize that she didn't have any female friends of her own. She didn't have any friends really, other than Naruto and Sasuke and that had always been enough. She'd never felt lonely at all before…but that was always because of Naruto wasn't it? He was always the one to seek her out, the one to make her smile.
Sakura hugged her knees to her chest. She hadn't realized what an integral part of her existence Naruto had become and she had always wished him away, hadn't she? There were times when all three of them would be together and Sakura would wish that Naruto would just leave for a moment so she could be alone with Sasuke.
The memory made her feel ill.
She was so scared for Sasuke-kun. So scared of losing him. She wanted reassurance; someone to talk to but there was no one there for her. The choices that he'd made in her life all added up to this moment. She had never really made a move to befriend other people. The only one she'd ever really tried to get close to was Sasuke.
Now, Naruto was gone, Sasuke was in he hospital and she, Sakura, had no other friends she could rely on.
It was her own fault and there was no one else to blame but herself.
She'd driven Ino away and she'd ever really tried to befriend anyone else, so focused was she on Sasuke.
Scenes flashed before Sakura's eyes showing all the crossroads and choices that she had made in the past; how she had severed her ties from Ino and declared her a rival.
Trying to talk to Sasuke and picking on Naruto just so she'd have something to say, calling Naruto an annoying orphan with no family.
Sasuke had rebutted her then and said she was annoying.
Sakura understood now why Sasuke's eyes had flared with anger back then. Sasuke didn't have a family anymore either.
At the test when Kakashi-sensei had asked them to try and get the two bells from him. Sakura didn't even try to help Naruto when it was clear that he was in trouble. She'd by-passed him just so she could follow Sasuke. Kakashi-sensei had reprimanded her for it and Sakura could remember feeling only a twinge of shame and nothing more.
She could recall Naruto being tied up to the post, his stomach rumbling.
Kakashi-sensei had provided food for her and Sasuke and explicitly told them not to feed Naruto or they would all fail the test. Sasuke had been the first one to offer Naruto food even after Kakashi-sensei had told hem not to give Naruto anything.
Sakura had tried to dissuade Sasuke of that, she didn't want him to fail but Sasuke had brushed her off and chosen to help Naruto.
Sure Sakura had ended up feeding Naruto but she wouldn't have given him anything if not for Sasuke.
The memory made her feel sick to her stomach.
Was she always so bad?
Lee had declared his love for her and Sakura had only expressed her disgust. If he hadn't come to save her life, she would never have started being nice to him. If he hadn't been so skilled, she never would have respected him.
I'm sorry Ino…
I'm so sorry Naruto
Lee…
Sakura closed her eyes and cried.
XXX
To Be Continued
XXX
A/N: Hi guys! That wasn't Sakura bashing, was it? Anyway, really long chapter here and I hope you enjoyed it. Neji will be coming back home next chapter so lots of NejiHina moments in store. I hope you guys liked Ino, Ten-Ten and Shikamaru as well as the genins I've introduced. There was a small Kaede scene and he'll also show up a little later on in the story.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed!
Lems – Here you go, I updated, hope you enjoyed this chapter! This chapter went through a lot of revision so that's why it took so long for me to update, but it's a pretty lengthy chapter and I hope you consider it worth the wait! (grins) I know what you mean about those stories where the characters fall in love so quickly. I don't like that much either because it usually lacks depth so I am trying to make things as real and believable as possible. I'm glad you're appreciating my efforts, thanks so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
mI.Shoe – Thanks. I'm glad you like the story. Did you enjoy this chapter too and the interaction between Hinata, Shikamaru, Ten-Ten and Ino? Anyway, please review!
Audriel – Glad you liked my fic recommendations! Yup, The Hyuugas so have to change. As for Sasuke's hit-list, I thought it would be funny. Shikamaru will play a relatively big role in the story, as well as Hinata's other friends. Ooh, I love Reasons for a Kiss too, its such a cool story! Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please tell me what you think!
Shanice Miharu – Yup, I like it when Hanabi cares for Hinata. I don't think Hanabi is a bitch at all, just caught in the same trap Neji and Hinata are. As for Sakura, don't worry I won't put her in with Sasuke! NEVER! I hate that girl! When they were choosing teams, I was praying that Hinata be chosen as the member of Sasuke and Naruto's team but alas, it was Sakura. Hinata is so much better. I so agree with you!
BadSam – Thanks. I'm glad you like my story and think its different from others! I appreciate it and I hope you enjoyed this next chapter too.
Kimochi – I hope the little Shikamaru scene last chapter made sense now! Nope, No SasuHina yet but soon! I hope you are not getting bored with the story and that you enjoyed this chapter! Please tell me what you think!
Kanamey – Thanks! Its always great to hear from you. I'm glad you like my story and last chapter. I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
Kenshinlover2002 – A little bit, I mean the guy is desperate. But of course once he sees Hinata, all the Sakura plans are going to be thrown out the window. Hehehe.
OspreyAnimeG – Thanks, I'm glad you like my chapters. As for NejiHina moments. Don't worry, next chapter is going to be chock full of them!
Jan-I-am – I'm glad you like the Kakashi/Kurenai Show! I love writing their relationship because its super fun and I think they would be really good together. I refuse to see Kurenai with Asuma! I don't like Sakura so nope, she isn't going to end up with Sasuke, I refuse. I am trying to make her character at least likable since in most fics, she's portrayed as this annoying antagonist bent on keeping Sasuke to herself. She is a bit like that but there's a good side to her too I think. More NejiHina moments next chapter. He's going to go home. Sorry for the slow progression of plot but there's so many characters and changes that need to be made first. Hopefully after next chapter, the plot pacing will increase.
ShirakuTo – Kaede appeared in this chapter! Hehehe! Glad you like the Sasuke hungry moment, it makes him seem more human neh? As for Sakura and Hinata as friends, of course they will be. Next chapter, you will find out how.
Khmer Shinobi – Well I'm not going to make this SasuSaku, I don't like that pairing either. I despise it actually since I don't see it happening at all. (Kind of weird since a lot of people have commented that my SasuSaku moments are really nice) I just don't want Sakura with Sasuke though. Kaede-kun made more of an appearance here and he will show up later on in the story as well.
Ah-choo – Thanks a lot for the compliment! Oh, you can cook? I'm so jealous. I can't even boil an egg. I've rarely ventured into our kitchen and the only thing I know how to operate is the microwave. (grins) I'm glad you like my story and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.
Censes – Thanks! I'm glad you like Hinata and Sasuke's characters! I don't really like Sakura myself but I don't like writing characters in a bashing because then the whole story won't be very believable. I'm glad you think my portrayal of Sakura is very realistic. I did try to make her as in character as possible, if a little bit grown up. She will definitely feel jealous. I know, I don't understand why she has to be the main character when Hinata is so much cooler than her. Sakura really annoys me so yeah, I don't really like her at all.
Aka Yuki-hime – Thanks, I'm glad you like my story and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Shedevilz – Oh wow, I love the fic No Turning Back and I'm glad the author recommended my story. I actually recommended her story too. Weird huh? (grins) I'm glad you enjoyed reading my story! I'm glad you think Sasuke is in character and I'm glad I'm making you enjoy NejiHina. (smiles) I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Night-Owl123 – Here you go, I updated! Now its your turn, go and review! (grins) Jk! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!
Hokai Amplifier – I know. I prefer Hinata so much more than Sakura. A lot of the anime heroines are usually annoyingly genki or idiotic and Hinata isn't like that which I like a lot. Sakura I think is very shallow, she only likes Sasuke because he's cool and good looking. I mean, she doesn't even really know him does she? Ugh! Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter and the little Sakura torture. (grins)
Frosted Shadowz – Here you are, the next chapter with Kaori and mentions of Kaede and implied NejiHina moments, plus the SasuHina moments too. Hope you enjoyed it. I hope you liked this chapter and didn't think I was Sakura bashing too much!
Arrha – Hi! I'm glad you also like my RK fics! What's your favorite? Anyway, yeah I'm in a Naruto kick right now but I do try to update all my fics. As for Sakura, geeze she's so annoying. Naruto is likable once you get past the rough surface and she's so shallow she doesn't see that. Ugh! I wish Hinata were the one on team 7 and one of the more major characters.
GenialHinata – Thanks, I'm glad you like my story! I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
Ganymede – I know, the Hyuugas are cool! Yup, I think Hanabi is nice and cool and she's as much a victim of her circumstance as Neji and Hinata are. I'm glad you are enjoying this fic and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Muchachangistariray – Hi! Thanks! I'm glad you like my stories, even the RK ones. This chapter has Shikamaru/Ino moments too as well as Kaori Kawaii moments and Kurenai/Kakashi. Hope you liked it. I'm glad my favorite Authors and Stories list are helping you out! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
NanamiYatsumaki – You're so lucky, I haven't really been up to date with the Naruto anime. I'm still in the second part of the first Chuunin exams. Most of my knowledge comes from other fanfics and sites. Oh well, this fic doesn't really follow the Naruto time line so it shouldn't matter. (smiles) I'm glad you enjoyed last chapter and I hope this one wasn't disappointing!
A.L.S – Thank you! I'm really happy that you follow my story and is kind enough to leave reviews and encouragements. I hope you enjoyed this installment!
Ayumi-dono – Hinata rocks! I love her too! I don't understand why she isn't more of a major character in the anime. She's way cooler than Sakura is! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Endless – I love Shikamaru. He's cool! Lots of Shikamaru in this chapter and a small Kaede moment! More Neji next chapter! Promise! He's coming home from the mission soon. Anyway, hope you liked this chapter!
HieiJaganshisflame – Thanks! I'm glad you enjoy my story! I hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
Lady of Genesis – Don't worry, romance will come soon underway. Oh yeah, I read Ironically Dramatic, it's a way cool fic and I love it. I'm rooting for Itachi/Hinata simply because I adore that pairing and there's not much of 'em out there. Plus, Itachi's really hot. As for the AU NejiHinaSasu fic you're planning to write, please do! I am so going to read it. I love everything NejiHina and SasuHina!
Random Person – Thanks so much! I always look forward to reading your reviews because they are so well thought out and they point out aspects of the story that I should be working on or bring more thought to. I really appreciate it! It's kind of ironic because I don't like Sakura at all, but I can't seem to write her in a bashing style because then it's too childish and the whole unrequited love thing loses angst. I'm glad you think I portray Sakura and her love for Sasuke well. About Hinata being the Hokage's apprentice, most of the Hyuugas know but some of them don't. Hanabi doesn't know simply because no one's told her and she and Hinata had never really been allowed by the family to bond or talk to each other. Hiashi will have a scene of his own, his views on his daughter, Neji and the Clan, but right now I'm still concentrating on Hinata and Neji and Sasuke. Thanks so much for the review and I hope you liked this chapter!
Toorikosu – Kakashi/Kurenai scenes here, hope you enjoyed them! Oh yeah, Sasuke was really made when he found out about the seal. The resolution for that will be next chapter so don't worry. I'm glad you're liking my story and I hope you enjoyed this installment!
Makotojs – There will be lots of conflict in this fic. I've decided not only to make it about Romance and Angst but also about Hinata and the others growing up and finding themselves and truths about life. It's going to be a bit long but don't worry, there will be lots of action, angst and fluff as well as some comedy along the way. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
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Please Review!
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