I DO NOT OWN NARUTO!

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

A/N: And…..Here's the long awaited Chapter 13! It's just a small update but hope you guys enjoy J

The Caged Raven

Chapter 12: Faith

She could feel the blood rushing to her head. Her ears were numb from her own thrashing heartbeat. What was this feeling? Was it excitement? Nervousness? Hinata was starting to have second thoughts. If she wanted to know the truth, it would had been better if she had asked Sasuke himself rather than having to find out on her own. They were a married couple after all so she did not see any reason for him to lie.

'But those things that Midori said...'

They may be horrible things that a friend would say, but what are friends are for? They look out for each other and Midori was probably just telling her out of concern for her friend's well being...right? Hinata couldn't shake off the little voice in her head telling her that what she was doing was not right. Her legs grew heavier which each step of uncertainty.

"Mikoto-san, we're almost there. I think it should be around the next corner..."

Midori's voice fell deaf upon her ears with all the doubts and worries flooding in her mind. What if she did the check up and found out that she was a virgin? What would that mean? That Sasuke's been lying to her about their marriage? She was afraid to find out.

'...no...What am I going to do if everything she said is true?'

It was already starting to drizzle. Cold droplets made contact with her skin, yet she remained unfazed whereas Midori was already rushing and dragging her while running.

Before she knew it, Hinata found herself in a room filled with the heavy smell of antiseptic. The feeling was nostalgic and all too familiar for some reason. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"I don't like this place," Hinata said quietly.

Midori placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Wait here while I talk to the receptionist."

She could only nod numbly in reply.

The feeling of gentle raindrops caressing his hot sweaty skin felt heavenly. A small sigh of satisfaction escaped his lips, indicating that he had successfully managed to cool down, literally. Now, it was time to go home, suck up his pride and apologize like usual.

'Maybe I should get her flowers?'

The man had never given gifts to others and of course, had never thought of ever giving his wife any either. Perhaps it was time to act more like a gentleman and a loving husband? Pfft! The former avenger was getting soft, yet the idea made his frown turn into a small smile.

'Not that I don't like the idea or anything.'

For as long as he could remember, all his apologies were nothing but words. Honestly, he was starting to believe that it was time for a change. A woman's heart is a complex and delicate thing which means giving her a present along with an apology would make her mood change a complete 180 degrees. Whether it was stereotypical or not, he never cared to find out because that was what he had learned: Women had fickle hearts.

He had to admit maybe he was being a little childish and overprotective about Hinata. After observing the new tenant, or rather free loader, he had not seen her do anything suspicious which could potentially transpire a betrayal. A calloused had ruffled through the thick tufts of hair out of habit when frustrated. The vision around him darkened as he slowly let his eyes closed. The drops of rain became heavier until it was starting to beat down on his skin before he decided that it was time to go home. But before that, he should make a stop by the flower shop.

Then the question popped up: what was her favourite flower? Lavender? The smell of lavender always seemed to linger around her. But that was because she was making herbs with lavender, it doesn't necessarily mean that it was her favourite flower. Roses...Lilacs...lilies...Whatever, he would just grab a whole bouquet with an arrangement of different flowers. There, problem solved.

"As for the pest, I guess I can give her a chance."

"Mikoto-san, the nurse needs your full name in the register."

Hinata started to panic. Sasuke had never told her about having a fake last name. Giving either of their surnames was out of the question. Think...Think!

A foreign, yet somewhat familiar name slipped out of her lips.

"U-Uzumaki Mikoto."

Strange. Where had she gotten the name from? She had never heard of it before yet the way the syllables which came out of her mouth felt like she had said it a million times before.

'shit shit shit shit...god damn it-'

His mind was filled with colourful curses along with other gibberish. To think that he had decided to give Midori a chance was mind boggling. What the hell was wrong with his head? The flowers which he had purchased had been dropped and long forgotten at god-knows-where ever since he started running like a madman when he discovered that the entire compound was empty without a trace of the two women. Are they both out of their mind? He had specifically warned them to never leave the cave without him. No wait... it probably wasn't Hinata's fault but the other's. She was an obedient and cautious woman so she would never disobey him which could only mean one thing: it must had been Midori's idea. Where could they be? He swore if anything happened to his wife there would be a blood bath festival.

Midori returned to the waiting room only to find the seat Hinata was sitting in vacant.

"Excuse me," she asked an elderly who happened to sit next to the now vacant seat.

"Have you seen the lady who was sitting here a moment ago?"

"Well, I saw her up and leave a moment ago."

"Do you know where she went?"

"I saw her heading towards the exit. Is there anything wrong?"

She flashed a warm smile.

"Nothing at all! Thank you for your help."

A tongue playfully licked across her smirking lips.'Oh no you don't. You're not going anywhere this time Hyuuga Hinata!'

Thunder was roaring above her head as she walked along the muddy street of scurrying individuals, which inevitably, a few knocked her to the side while seeking for shelter.

'This is wrong. I shouldn't have listened to Midori, I should have a little more faith in Sasuke. Sasuke, I'm so sorry for doubting you.'

She had already made it to the clearing which had a trail that would lead her back home until a voice stopped her.

"Mikoto-san! Why did you run off like that? You had me worried going off alone like that!"

The girl was soaking wet and panting. Hinata felt guilty when she saw the state the younger woman was in. She lowered her eyes in apology whilst biting her lower lip.

"I'm sorry, it's just that I should have more faith in my husband because it is my duty as a wife. He has been nothing but good to me even if I had lost all my memories. He's taken care of me and been very patient even when he could have left me. He's...He's everything that a husband should be so the least I can do is to have faith in him. That's why, I won't do anything behind his back instead I'll just ask him for the truth."

There was a pregnant pause.

"And if he doesn't?" Midori took a step forward.

The Hyuuga clutched her chest, her eyes flashing with determination.

"I will believe in him. I know he will tell me the truth."

She couldn't tell if the rumbling came from the thunder or the girl before her. Her suspicion was confirmed when Midori suddenly burst out in laughter.

"W-What's so funny?"

More laughter.

"You my dear! Well, whether or not he tells you the truth it doesn't matter. What matters is that I get my job done."

Hinata was caught off guard when a hand yanked her hair. She yelped in surprise.

"You see honey, I'm a bounty hunter. There's a nice prize if I bring both the Uchiha and Hyuuga fugitives dead. I figured that it would be impossible to take on the Uchiha so I settled for the mousy one instead."

A kunai, which was produced from her sleeves, was playfully tossed in the air.

"Anyway, even if I settle for one head I'll still get a hefty amount. As for your lovely husband, he'll be joining you soon enough. I have others with me after all."

The hunter tossed her prey unto the ground, causing mud and rocks to scrape the delicate skin of the captive's cheek. Midori crouched down next to her victim then yanked her hair once again. A thin line of blood dribbled down Hinata's jugular as a kunai was threateningly pressing against her. Despite the threat, she clenched her teeth refusing to submit.

'You should never trust anyone but me.' Sasuke's words rang like an alarm in her head which made her felt foolish and regretful or not heeding his warning.

Her fists were ready to to get into position, however a chakra thread immediately bound them together.

"On second thought, maybe I shouldn't kill you yet. Perhaps I could sell your eyes for a catchy price hmmm?"

"You...!" Hinata's mouth was already gagged with drug before she could finish.

Everything was going according to her plan. She had other bounty hunters working together with her and they should be hot on Sasuke's heels by now. It was unfortunate for the Hyuuga that she had successfully lured her out of the cave alone without her protector with simple bait.

The captive struggled with futile against the darkness that was engulfing her until a certain Uchiha was the last thing on her mind before everything went black.