It's time for Hinata to figure out a plan on what to do about Wolf.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto™
(Line Break)
Chapter 12- What the Heart Wants
The infirmary was quieter than it usually was; like even death was afraid to hang around for the night. Hinata was sitting on her cot as Kakashi wrapped up her bleedings arms. It seemed that when over using her powers, the curse marks up her arms start to bleed. It took a lot of effort from Hinata and Kakashi to get the nurses and doctors to leave so they could talk care of it themselves. Hinata would not trust anyone but her sensei to aid her; he was the only one that she could ever trust. He was very gentle with her and when he finished, he lied in the cot beside hers and said that he would stay with her for the night. Neither one wanted to be alone, even for one night. Hinata wasn't at all tired, but she could hear her sensei's soft snores from the other cot. She didn't want to wake him, but she really needed to talk to someone. There was the chance that Wolf was still out there, waiting for her to be alone again, or going after people just to make her feel worse than she already did. Hinata sighed and sat up again so she could stare at the blank walls of the infirmary. It wasn't like her to be so restless; she really needed sleep after such a long day. She went to run her hands through her hair, but she frowned when she was cut short. Wolf's words still rang in her head. Did she really look ugly with short hair? Shikamaru said she looked good; was it just a lie to make her feel better? Hinata shook her head. Looks didn't matter in her world. She had bigger things to care about. Like the demon that was out for blood.
Hinata pushed the thoughts away and lied back down. She would deal with it all in the morning after getting some good sleep and just letting everything sink in. If she stressed over it too much, then she would surely screw something up. Hinata closed her eyes and laid her hands on her stomach. She took in deep breaths and slowly began to fall into some state sleep. It wasn't a blissful sleep, but it was something that was able to get her through the whole night like as if she had just blinked. Hinata found her eyes opening again, but this time bright beams of light shone through the windows and instantly blinded her. She closed her eyes tight and groaned. She listened to a nurse lightly laugh at her as she passed by. Hinata turned her head to the side and opened her eyes again to see some other shinobi lying where Kakashi was supposed to be. She was about to sit up, but she was stopped by a soft voice.
"The doctor told me to be sure that you didn't move around too much." Sakura spoke up. Hinata whipped her head around to look at her with wide eyes. Saying she was surprised, was an understatement. Hinata never thought she would even bother to think about her. Sakura rolled her eyes and she shifted in her seat. "Please stay calm Mage-baka," Sakura began to pull at the sleeve of her red and gold kimono. Hinata looked at her a bit more though, Sakura had light bags under her eyes and her hair wasn't up like usual. It fell down her back and her bangs almost hid the sides of her face. "What is it?" Sakura caught her staring and scooted away a bit more when her dark eyes met with her green eyes.
"Why are you here, My Lady?"
Sakura looked away to the other wounded shinobi. She glanced back at Hinata, "I…" she trailed off and seemed to regain her train of thought. She cleared her throat and steadied herself. "Lady Tsunade thought it would be best that you were properly thanked for protecting this village." She reached over to the table that was between the two beds. Sakura opened up the bento box and held a dumpling to Hinata's lips. "Eat." It was a simple command, but Hinata still looked to the pink haired girl. "I will not repeat-"
"Thank you," Hinata said lightly with a kind look in her eyes. Sakura was a bit taken back, but just sighed and fed the girl. They spent the rest of the moment in silence, but Hinata knew something was off. Her Hokage would never send her own daughter to thank Hinata. Out of anyone, Tsunade knew the feelings her daughter felt towards the Mage. Hinata almost had the crazy idea that Sakura came on her own will. It was silly, but maybe it could be true. "My Lady," Hinata said softly. She was so quiet that Sakura had to move closer to hear her. "Did…" Hinata could ask her, but Sakura was a prideful woman; one that would never admit to anything that she didn't want anyone to know. Hinata just smiled and sighed, "Did you cook this yourself?"
"Of course," Sakura answered as she closed the bento again. "That was the 'thank you' that my mother wanted you to have." Sakura put the bento back on the table and tried to tuck one of her bangs behind her ear. "Once you are well, we will be on our way."
"Our?"
"Uzumaki-san said that he was afraid that the demon would come back for me." She clarified and Hinata watched as she gripped the fabric of her kimono tighter. "You seem to be the only one that has against something that is nature oriented." Sakura closed her eyes for a moment and began to wring her hands. "I was told to stay by you until the priests and priestesses were sure that the demon was gone." Hinata didn't question the action; it was a little odd that she didn't just stay with a priest. Hinata is the only one to ever see Wolf in a fighting state. It was odd, but better for everyone. She knew how he fought and if anyone was going to be hurt by him, it was going to be her. "Do you have any objections Mage-baka?"
"Funny," Hinata said with a smirk as she closed her eyes. She could hear the noble huff in anger. "My Lady," Hinata spoke lightly, "why ask me what I think? You know no matter what the answer is; I must do as you say."
"True," Sakura agreed. "But I know that you don't like me very much. After everything I have ever done to you. So, if you not rather fond of protecting me, I'll be sure to keep communication between us at a low."
"My Lady," Hinata opened one eye and looked to her with a smile. "I have always thought of you as a very pretty and powerful Noble. As a noble of the Leaf Kingdom, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and to be sure that you are not angered with me." She closed her eye again and took in a deep breath. She exhaled with a smile on her face. "It would be an honor to protect you." Hinata didn't see it, but Sakura's cheeks burned a dark red as she stared at the Mage with shock in her eyes. No one had ever said that to her. Sure, Hinata never denied the fact that she did not like Sakura, but she hid it better than anyone. Sakura was a noble, no matter what anyone said to her about her character, she knew that she would always be the one on a throne and them below her. She was to be the next Hokage; no one could take that away from her.
Sakura did not know why she was never a fan of the little Hyuga girl. When she was little, it was just the fact that Hinata Hyuga was the little princess of her clan. Every time they came to dinner or party, she would always see the blushing beauty in her best kimono with her hand in her father's. Her father never left her side; not even when he talked to nobles. But Sakura, Sakura was left with a nanny as her mother talked to other nobles. Now, she learned why her father had never left the girl though, he was afraid she would mess something up and make a fool of herself. But he could have given her off to another family member. No, he kept her right at his side. Sakura recalled seeing the girl with her mother; they would laugh and play together in the gardens. Sakura was left with another nanny and Ino. Whenever Sakura asked her mother to take her out to play, she had to work. Then Sakura finds out the greatest Mage is the once Hyuga heiress. It was like; she could never get noticed by anyone. Her mother was concerned about her village and warriors, the warriors about their missions and training, and everyone else about something else. No one ever thought once to the lonely daughter. There were only a few times anyone ever noticed her. When the other Kage daughters came in, or when she made people notice her.
Her Mage though, not matter how mean Sakura acted with her, she always spoke formally and did as she was told without complaint. She even regretted not noticing the girl's discomfort towards the demon disguised as a Lord. Sakura could have been killed on so many occasions. But, whenever she was close to being alone with the demon, Hinata was there. She owed the Mage much more than a cooked meal. Sakura composed herself and sat there with the dignity she had and with pride in her chest. No matter what looks the medical staff gave her, she was going to wait patiently for her savior to awaken.
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Hinata pulled her hood back when she entered her home and held the door open for Sakura. Hinata was surprised then when she woke up again that Sakura was still waiting there; reading a book while she waited. Hinata decided that she had rested enough and slowly sat up. Sakura looked over and watched as the blue haired girl sat on the edge of the bed and gave her arms a good stretch before standing and shaking out her limbs. Sakura stood up when Hinata looked to her; she closed her book and held it to her chest as the Hatake looked her over once more. Hinata, from the cover of her hood, sighed and asked the noble where she wanted to go. Sakura only tried to keep sophisticated as possible while telling her that she would go wherever the Mage did. Sakura claimed that she had nothing to do other than some studies and music practice, but that could wait until later.
Hinata was fairly surprised at the statement and decided that if Sakura would go wherever she went, then Hinata could get some things done. She had to return a few things to two Kages. Hinata closed the door behind Sakura and placed a pillow down for her to sit at the table in the living room. She motioned for her to sit and then Hinata went and made tea. Sakura looked around her home with almost the look of child-like wonder. Hinata returned with a cup and the tea pot. "This will not take too long My Lady." Hinata bowed and then went to her room and to the back of her closet. There she found an ice sculpture and a necklace filled with sand. She took them out to her dresser and found two small boxes. With careful hands she placed each in a separate box and sealed it closed. She carefully wrote to where each box should go and took one in each hand. She walked out of her room to find Sakura crouched before all the books and carefully flipping through one. Hinata laughed a bit when she saw her flushed cheeks. "Please My Lady," she smirked when Sakura jumped up and dropped the book on the floor. "Kakashi-sensei doesn't like when anyone goes through his books."
Sakura's ears just went red when Hinata laughed lightly as she put the book back in its place. "Do not be foolish Mage-baka," she smoothed out her kimono and walked back to her spot at the table. She picked up her other book, "Mage Hatake should have nothing to hide."
"He has no shame My Lady," Hinata said and actually shared a laugh with the other woman. It was rather odd, but neither said anything about it. Hinata motioned her to the door, "We must be on our way to the village." Sakura nodded and as she walked to the door; Hinata had to stop to see her long hair moving back and forth as she walked. Hinata caught her reflection in a mirror and saw her short hair. She felt bitter again and without any thought Hinata glared at the back of the girls head. She wanted to cut off all of Sakura's hair and burn it in front of her.
"Mage-baka," Hinata was pulled out of her trance and saw that Sakura had been looking at her the whole time. "Should I get someone to protect me from you?" Hinata could hear the actual worry in her voice. Hinata took a deep breath and calmed down her inner rage. She shook her head and Sakura nodded. "Then let us go before your anger comes back." Sakura walked out first and she was glad the Hatake hated her; she deserved it for being so mean. Sakura waited until she stepped outside and walked along with her off of the castle grounds. "I've never been in the village before." Sakura admitted as they walked. Hinata looked to her with a bit of surprise. "I have rode through it, but never walked through it without a reason." Sakura stepped closer to her as they passed the gates. She looked around to all the civilians that worked and socialized. Hinata almost found it laughable.
Everyone gasped and bowed as the two passed. Hinata gave smiles with the shadow from her hood hiding her eyes. Sakura on the other hand remained still and kept her eyes straight. "Come on now My Lady," Hinata nudged her a bit with a smirk. "A Hokage should be able to connect with her people, not ignore them." Sakura pouted with a blush and stopped when three little kids came up to her with bright eyes and smiles. "Halt," Hinata said with a playful voice, "no one is to approach the Fair Lady."
"We just wanted to say hi." Once little girl said with a shy smile.
"Can I trust that you will not harm My Lady?" Sakura felt her face grow brighter with embarrassment.
"Yes Mage-sama!" All three kids said and Hinata stepped aside. Sakura looked to her with slight panic, but Hinata made no movement to aid the girl. Sakura paled; this was the girl's retribution. "Fair L-Lady?" Another little girl looked up at her with a smile. "M-May I have a hug?" Sakura looked back to Hinata, but Hinata nodded for her to continue. Sakura slowly crouched down and opened up her arms. The girl made some sort of happy noise and flung herself into her arms, nearly sending Sakura to the ground. Hinata held back a laugh and just watched as each kid got their hug and then more came. They all crowded her with bright smiles. Hinata decided that she suffered enough and made her way through the crowd of kids and helped Sakura.
"My Fair Lady must be on her way," Hinata patted one of the boy's head and then led Sakura to a mailing building. "You actually looked to be enjoying it."
Sakura was silent for a moment until a little smile was on her lips. "It's nice to be noticed." Hinata just nodded, handing in the boxes, and paid for their mailing. She waved goodbye and took Sakura back to the castle grounds. This time, Sakura was waving and smiling to all the civilians and even ruffled a girl's hair with a little laugh. Hinata smiled a bit. "You will be a great Hokage My Lady."
"Thank you…" she said with a blush and kept her hands before her. Hinata walked with her through the castle gates and then up to the castle. As they walked to the bottom of the steps, Sakura tensed a bit as she saw Sasuke leaned against a pillar with an apple in hand. Hinata smiled lightly at the girl's crush. She looked to the male and he was looking right back at her with a smirk. Hinata rolled her eyes.
"Mage-mesu," Sasuke smirked as he walked down to the duo. He was pleased by the sneer on her lips; he only wished he could see her eyes too. "I heard of your courage against the demon. Twice, you have been close to a demon."
"Akatsuki-teme," Hinata said back, "it seems that I am better at your job then you are." She smirked when she saw his sneer. "I have been placed in charge of Lady Sakura, while you were left to do….what?"
"I can surely take care of her much better than you can." Sasuke looked to Sakura and offered his hand. "Come now My Lady, I shall take you to your studies. I can only hope that this Mage has not caused you too much trouble."
"Please Uchiha-san," Sakura looked away with a blush on her cheeks. "I was chosen to be escorted by this Mage from the Hokage." Hinata felt stiff when she felt her thin arms wrap around her own. She pressed herself against the Mage's side and smirked at the Uchiha. "I can assure you that Mage-baka has been doing well." She pulled Hinata along up the stairs and past Sasuke. "I hope that you two will push aside this petty fighting over me; it is rather uncouth."
"Still only able to attract woman I see!" Sasuke called after and had his own laugh when steam blew out of the Mage's ears.
Hinata, on the other hand, was red faced at the thought that she was back at where she started. Hinata used her other hand and felt her own body to be sure that she indeed had hips and breasts. They were there, but Hinata paled at the thought that they felt smaller. She had fallen behind in eating a proper diet. Her clothes had been fitting looser than before, but surely it was just a small phase of stress on the body. She glanced to the pink haired woman that had still refused to loosen her hold; she glanced at the other workers that were taken back at the pair. Hinata sighed, "My Lady," she said quietly so that only the noble could hear. "I advise that you let go."
"Hm," Sakura huffed and released her hold on the Mage's arm. "I did not know that you felt so uncomfortable with my hold." Before Hinata could explain, Sakura stopped at a door and pushed it open. Hinata looked in to see the small classroom and one elder sitting at a desk. "I am here for my class sensei." The elder man nodded and then looked to Hinata. Sakura motioned her in. "Come and sit down. You can read to pass the time." Sakura waved over to a bookcase as she sat before the elder and opened up a journal. Hinata walked over to the books and found some that were in Sakura's light hand writing. Hinata looked back to see that Sakura was too distracted by her teaching to look back at her. Hinata opened the book to a random page and read the girl's thoughts. Hinata was surprised at the thoughts written down in the book. Medical ideas, plant studies, even the occasional poem. Hinata pulled down her hood and flipped to another page. This one was full of her personal thought; Hinata blushed at a very crude and sexual remark about the youngest Uchiha. Hinata went to another page further back and was surprised it was about her.
Hinata read over the few pages that Sakura had made about her. They were professional thought and opinions on her; one remark about finding her a suitable partner to bare more Mages with. Hinata was at the last page of the thoughts on her, and found a rather bold statement at the bottom. It was about Hinata's mother. She read it over to herself, "By this date I had come to the conclusion of Hinako Hyuga's maiden name of Hiroshi. A small clan that had started in the Leaf, but after the first war, many were captured and separated. Those able to relocate had taken solace on an island, but those who have not lived in captured nations. This is the reason why Mages have become so rare. The Hiroshi was the only clan that had the gene; any Mage born relates back to this family." Hinata thought to Kakashi, was he part of her family? Maybe by a very thin blood line, but he could still be family. She looked through a few other pages in hopes that Sakura had continued the research, but there was nothing. Hinata glanced back at the book that Sakura was writing in, maybe that one would have what she wanted.
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Hinata sat in Sakura's room as she plucked away at her harp by the window in her room. She kept her eyes on the book shelf where she had set down the journal she had been writing in. She was trying to focus on the scrolls in front of her but the harp was not calming her down like she would have hoped. Hinata never knew that Sakura was so…smart. She had learned nearly five instruments and was in very advanced studies on every subject. She even offered to cook dinner; Hinata wasn't sure what happened to Sakura, but it changed her. Hinata rolled up the scroll and put it away in a bag; she was never going to get any work done with the thought of the book so close. She stood up and walked over to one of the windows and looked out. The noble had a great view of the forest and it was breath-taking. Hinata unlocked one of the windows and pushed it open. She smiled as the cool air blew in and she took in a deep breath.
"Please Mage-baka," Sakura scolded as she stopped playing, "some of us enjoy being warm."
"Very sorry My Lady." Hinata said as she closed the window again. She walked over and took a seat by Sakura as she played.
"We spoke of this Mage-baka," Sakura glanced at her with a frown. "You will not wear the cloak."
"But we are not out to lunch like before." Hinata said lightly. "I recalled you I was to not wear it when I was before you in an intimate manner."
"I have allowed you into my quarters," she motioned around the room. "I think we will not have to worry about me being in danger anymore." She looked back to her music and went back to her playing. "Now, the cloak." Hinata sighed and took off her cloak once again. She folded it up and placed it on the window sill. She made sure her bandages were wrapped tight and took her seat again. Hinata pulled her shirt down a bit lower and glanced to the sheet of music; it looked like nonsense to her. "Have you ever played an instrument?" Sakura asked lightly and looked to her.
"No," Hinata shook her head.
"Would you like to?" Sakura asked lightly. Hinata shrugged and Sakura rolled her eyes, "An answer Mage-baka," she said again. Hinata nodded this time. Sakura pulled her chair closer to the mage and moved her music so that it was before her. Sakura handed her the harp and moved her arms to the proper position. "You will pluck the strings," she said lightly and stood behind her. "The first note is this string," Sakura spoke lightly. Hinata looked to the harp and then the music. She plucked at the strings while getting direction from Sakura. Once she got it, Sakura just watched as she played. Hinata smiled lightly as she began to play a bit faster and would laugh lightly and apologies when she messed up. Sakura blushed as the girl smiled with glee.
"That was very fun," Hinata said as she finished the song and then looked to Sakura, "but it would be best to leave the music to the professionals."
Sakura blushed and took the harp, "True." She took her seat again and without looking at the music, she played. Hinata marveled at how she could play so naturally. Hinata sat back and closed her eyes. Her Lady may have been blunt, demanding, and socially odd, but she did know how to play beautiful music. Hinata never knew a person could be so…layered. Hinata didn't know how to feel about her just yet; could she hate her for something so long ago, for treating her like she was the villain, for forcing her to cut her hair? Maybe she had done what Hinata had, judged her character by only the first layer. Maybe Sakura was finding out that if she looked a bit deeper, she would find something more to the Mage. Hinata smiled lightly as she began to sing the song that went to the tune. It was one that she heard around the manor so many times; it was played at almost any festival. Hinata opened her mouth and began to sing just above a whisper.
Sakura looked to her mage and watched as she perfectly kept in time with her to sing the song. The girl could do it without ever really focusing on her singing; she did it like she was breathing. It came natural to her. Sakura plucked ever so lightly in hopes to no over-power the mage, but her singing was so light. Sakura tried to sing along, but she never had a gift for it, she was…average. She only muttered the few parts she knew and just played the rest. They both came to a sweet end and Sakura sighed, "I think it is time that I am off to bed." She stood up and placed her harp back on its stand and walked to her closet. Hinata got up and began to close the window's curtains.
"Would you like me to keep close?" Hinata asked as she put the cloak around her shoulders. "I was ordered to stay by your side at all times."
"Then why are you asking?" Sakura said bluntly as she took her clothes and went behind her paper dressing area and began to change. She felt a light blush at the thought of the Mage seeing her naked silhouette; it made her stomach hurt and her body become flush. The thought….that the Mage was ravishing her body with her dark colored eyed. Sakura pushed the thoughts out of her head and fixed her night gone to fall as perfect as it could. She walked out and saw that the Hyuga had seated herself at her bedside with a book in hand and her hood kept down. "Would you not like to lie down and sleep?"
"I slept most of the morning," Hinata said lightly, not looking up from her book. "If I need rest I will find a way to do so. You must not worry yourself over me." Her voice traveled about the room like her singing: confident and full. Sakura walked to her bed and got in. Hinata got up and began to blow out all the lights that had kept the place lite, all except the one on the night stand where she sat. "Sleep well My Lady." Hinata spoke lightly and began to read from one of the books Sakura had allowed her to borrow.
"Thank you," Sakura said as she curled up on her side and closed her eyes.
Hinata sat there for what she counted was about an hour before she finally saw that Sakura had fallen into a deep sleep; Hinata put her book down and walked over to the dresser. She brought the shizu to her hands to light her way. Hinata held her breath as she saw the journal that Sakura had been writing in. She opened the book and flipped through a few lessons and some diary entries. Hinata lightly read them to herself; they were all about her day, her experiences, and some politically things she would discuss with the other royal women. Hinata finally found what she was looking for; it was another excerpt on mages. Hinata lifted the book to her face and began to read quietly. "The Mages that have been located in the Leaf village are Hinako Hyuga (Hiroshi), her daughter Mage Hinata (goes by Hatake now), and Kakashi Hatake. I have reason to believe Hanabi Hyuga must also have Mage blood, but she still shows no sign of developing the power. She will be nothing more than a noble. Mage Hinata has taken a drastic turn from her behavior as a child; she was shy, reserved, and physically weak. Now, she is confident, cold demeanor, and stronger than ever before. She has taken no real missions as a Mage, but the nations are at peace (for the time being). Her work is restricted to report writing and escorting." She stopped when she saw that was the end of her section.
"What?" Hinata muttered and continued further. She needed to see what else the girl knew. Hinata found the next section and noticed the dates on it; the entry was written two days ago. "The Mage has shown to be obedient to my command; she even went as far as cutting her hair. I would have suspected her to run off with an excuse of another mission. The Mage has been upset and disturbed by the action, but I suspected nothing less." Hinata couldn't help but frown; she knew that Hinata would not want to do it, but she made her anyway. Hinata flipped another page and saw that the entry was written today. "I am confused about my feelings on Mage Hinata. She had saved my life and has agreed to continue to protect me. I have never been outside the castle gates, but I see a new way to connect to my people. The Mage is still rather odd, but in a way that is enjoyable and amusing. I have come accustom to her short hair; I like it more than her longer hair. The Mage was very comfortable around me, which is odd since all the turmoil I put her through she cause her to have distain against me. I will apologize at a later date for my actions. She is far too good of a protector and person for me to be enemies with."
Hinata blushed lightly and shut the book. She placed it back down and her shizu disappeared. She didn't know what to think about the whole thing; she wanted to learn more about her family, but what she did learn was that Sakura may have felt a little bad for how she had been treating her like crap. Hinata walked back over to her seat and pulled up her hood. She blew out the candle and sat down on the chair with her arms crossed over her chest. Hinata didn't know what to feel anymore; all she wanted to do was sleep away her troubles. Hinata leaned back in the chair and decided that best she could do was get some sleep.
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Sakura watched as the blue haired Mage walked about her room with the book in hand. She smiled lightly as the Hatake read from her play book like she was preforming. It had taken a lot of demanding to get the mage to do it, but she finally agreed and Sakura loved it. Watching her act out each event and every character was amusing to say the least; Hinata even changed her voice to match genders. Sakura had taken her breakfast in bed and Hinata had refused to eat anything. Sakura was still in her night clothes and thought it unneeded to get out of bed for the moment. She blushed as Hinata began to act out the scene of a love confession. She hated herself for taking it so seriously; the girl was just acting. Sakura pulled the blanket up to her chin and pulled her knees to her chest.
"My Lady," Hinata let her arm fall to her side and she looked to Sakura. "May I please stop for today? I am sure that I have business to attend to at the moment. I will come back when I am free again."
Sakura studied the girl with sharp eyes. Her cloak was still draped over her body, blocking the view of her slight curves. Sakura could tell the girl was getting thinner, but she didn't want to say anything to the girl. Hinata marked the page with the ribbon connected to the book and put it back on the shelf. Sakura let her eyes travel back up to her short hair and she frowned a bit. "Mage-baka," Hinata looked back at her. "Do you hate me?"
"Of course not My La-"
"As a person Mage-baka," Sakura said as she pushed aside her covers and got out of bed. "For using my power to have you cut your hair that you have been growing out since a child."
Hinata knew this was some kind of trick question. "I…I don't…" she hesitated and rubbed the back of her neck looked at anywhere but Sakura.
"But," Sakura walked over to her vanity, "you do, don't you?" She sat down and began her morning routine. "I would not blame you, but since I am of noble blood you have no choice but to do as I command." She looked at Hinata through her mirror and then looked back at herself. "So, I have another demand for you." Hinata glanced at her. "I want you to cut my hair shorter." Sakura said as she touched her long hair.
"My Lady…"
"That was an order Mage-baka," Sakura said as she pulled out a kunai that Sasuke had told her to keep close in case of an emergency. She handed it to Hinata when she finally walked over and stood behind her. She took in a deep shaky breath when Hinata ran her hand through her hair. It made a shiver run down her spine. Her hair touched her lower back, but if her Mage could handle a boy hair-cut she could handle one that went only to the top of her shoulders. She exhaled and closed her eyes. "Please," she begged, "not too short." Hinata was fairly surprised to see her so vulnerable. Hinata had the power right now, to just lop off all of her hair, like some kind of sick revenge. Hinata placed the kunai close to the long pink hair that she was just hoping would fall to the ground. But she remembered something; this woman was trying to say she was sorry. She was trying to be nicer and even though she sucked at it, she was trying harder than Hinata would have thought. Hinata's hair wouldn't' grow back faster and she wouldn't suddenly feel happy. Hinata sighed and moved her kunai down to the middle of Sakura's shoulder blades and with a swift move, the pink hair fell to the floor. Sakura quickly ran her hands through her hair and pulled at the ends. "H-How do I look?" She asked as she looked at herself in the mirror.
"Lovely," Hinata said lightly as she placed the kunai back on the vanity and pulled her hood up. "Please get ready My Lady and I will take you to your mother's study." Sakura nodded and Hinata went to cleaning the pink hair. She was quick to toss it away and dusted off her hands.
Sakura shyly changed behind her changing wall again and took her time so that she looked her best in her kimono. With her new hair-cut, she had to look her best. Hinata may have said that she looked lovely, but Hinata was bound by law to make sure she was happy. Sakura smoothed out her kimono and walked back out as she tried to do something with her hair. She was so used to putting it up in a bun, but it was too short to make a good bun. She sighed as she let her hair fall down her back again.
"Please My Lady," Hinata walked over and picked up a floral pin and lightly pinned back one side of her bang atop her ear. She smiled as she watched the noble blush pink and motioned her to the mirror. "See," she smiled, "simplicity is the greatest form of beauty." Hinata motioned her to follow. Sakura stumbled out of her room, but regained her composer before Hinata could see. Hinata was quick to take her to the study and opened the door for her.
"You're late Sakura," Tsunade said as she picked up scrolls and walked about her office. She motioned to the smaller desk, "I have some business for you to attend to. If anything troubles you then please be quick to ask me." Tsunade glanced to Hinata and nodded her head, "Thank you Mage-san."
Hinata bowed back. "My pleasure Lady Hokage." Hinata took her leave and walked out of the room and closed the doors behind her. She stood before the closed doors and smiled lightly as her eyes darted to the left. "Are you doing well, Uchiha-teme?"
Sasuke smirked as he walked out from the shadows, "Spend the night with Lady Sakura? Scandalous."
Hinata rolled her eyes and walked past him down the hall. "Jealous?" She smirked as she set him one last glance before venturing further down the hall. Sasuke just scoffed and went back into hiding, with Tobi just giggling.
Hinata found herself back in the eating area and took in a deep breath of fresh food. She took a seat at one of the back tables and frowned when one of the cooks dropped down a bento. She could feel the glare in the back of her head. She pushed it aside and happily ate; if she wanted to defeat Wolf, she wasn't going to let a little hate from her peers keep her back. Hinata practically devoured what was in the bento and was about ready to go and ask for another, but anymore and she wouldn't be able to get through her training without vomiting.
"Well, well, well," she smirked when she saw Shikamaru lie down on the table she was sitting at. "Don't you look refreshed?"
"Don't you have a job to do?" She asked as she poked at his cheeks with a chopstick. "Whenever I need you to file mission reports you're too busy, but when I'm eating you are suddenly free."
"What a weird coincidence, right?" He smirked as she rolled her eyes. "I heard about what happened with Lady Sakura; she was glued to you all yesterday."
"I was ordered to protect her."
"I think she just likes you," Shikamaru said with a shrug and Hinata blushed and frowned.
"Oh please," she got up and he followed her. "I think it is clear that she is infatuated with the Uchiha brat." She smirked when Shikamaru gave a chuckle. "And now that you mention about why she has been stuck to my side, I need to do some research for the moment." Hinata tossed out her garbage and walked out to the library. She glanced to Shikamaru as he was about to walk down the other hall. "If you see Priest-chan," she called, "tell him to keep out the library or I'll pound him." she smiled as Shikamaru just waved to show he got the message. She laughed lightly and once she was in the library she made her way to the demon section. Wolf may be strong, but everyone had a weakness, right? Maybe she could do something to render him powerless. Hell, during a full moon Wolf became so human that not one Priest caught on to him. She needed to find out if he had any other special days. She could just slip them to Naruto or maybe even take care of it on her own. Hinata smirked as she picked up the book that had caught her eyes many times; it was a book just on Wolf, but everything was old prophets and riddles no one knew. She looked to the librarian, and when he could not see her, she hid the book in her cloak and made her way to the door. No one was supposed to take books out unless it was the Hokage.
Once she was out in the hall, she opened up the book and began to read through one of the one prophet that always made her…cringe. It said something about a bride destroying all she loved out of revenge. It was a little foreboding for Hinata, since she was technically the next bride of Wolf. She liked to think this prophet had already passed, but there was so little information on him that she had no way of checking. The prophecy was rather vague and Hinata was sure that it had nothing to do with her. She wasn't getting married any time soon anyway. She flipped through another few pages and frowned at a few of these; they were still not translated. If she really wanted to, she could translate them herself, but it wasn't her job to catch demons. It would have been suspicious of her to be so dedicated into stopping Wolf; someone would catch on sooner or later. Maybe she could try to work a little closer with Naruto so that she could just be sure no one caught on with anything. Hinata sighed as she walked out of the castle; she made her way back home. She didn't really care if anyone saw her with the book, she could explain her way around it fairly easy.
"Mage-kun~!" Hinata stopped in her tracks as she looked up to see who was referring to her as a man again. She saw Ino Yamanaka running towards her with a bright smile and long blonde hair flowing behind her. Hinata made sure her hood was pulled up and closed the book up and closed her cloak. "I'm so glad that I found you Mage-kun," she smiled as she stood before Hinata. "I was informed by Sakura that you were the one to cut her hair."
"By her request," she added to be sure that she didn't just admit to doing something that might get her in trouble. She was about to excuse herself, but the next thing she knew was the blonde had garbed her arm and led her off back to the castle. Hinata nearly dropped her book in the process. "I'm sorry Lady Yamanaka," she had to regain her stance from being yanked so hard. "But I must be getting home to get work done."
"Nonsense," Ino smiled at her with bright eyes. "If Sakura gets to spend a whole day with you, may I be allowed that same honor?"
"O-Of course, b-but…" she trailed off as Ino took her into the castle's gardens where a picnic had been set up. Hinata blushed red as she was forced to sit down beside the girl. She kept the book hidden under her cloak, but it was a little hard in her position. She shifted in her seat and watched as the blonde haired heiress served her food and drinks. Hinata was careful to keep watch for who saw them and when.
"Come on Mage-kun," Ino smiled at her as she placed her hands on her lap, "be less formal with me. No more cloak." Hinata was quick to comply since she could use it to cover the book. She just stayed there kneeled in hopes that this would be over soon. She watched as the girl poured her tea and served her food. "Sakura has been in a bit of a daze since spending the day with you." She smiled lightly at her and Hinata couldn't help but blush. "Yep, even today in studies she was just writing away in her journal and looking out the window."
"I hope that she is able to regain focus soon," Hinata said as she picked up her cup. "A future Hokage should not be distracted."
Ino giggled and brought the cup to her lips, "I do not want to start any rumors, but I believe that Sakura has grown…attached to you." Hinata swallowed her tea rather loudly and coughed from chocking a bit. She looked up at Ino who was smiling, "You can't think that I am wrong? She has had you at her side for a day and a night."
"It is my job to protect her," Hinata defended and then paled when Ino looked to be smiling bigger. "She ordered me to stay at her side so please Lady Yamanaka this assumption that she feels something more for me is ridiculous."
"It's your fault," Ino smirked. "Calling her 'My Fair Lady', you were asking for it." she pinched Hinata's cheek and giggled, "It's a new day and age Mage-kun, I do not see what is wrong with her feelings for you, but of course," her teasing voice went away and Hinata could tell she was actually being serious. "No one else would see past something like that. Sakura is to marry a nobleman, and I don't want to talk to her about this since I know she will deny it, but she will have to come to terms that you are a Mage first." She looked to Hinata and smiled sadly, "So please, be kind to her. I've never seen Sakura act so nice before and I don't want to become cold and distant again."
Hinata nodded, "I promise Lady Yamanaka."
"Good," she smiled brightly and planted a light kiss on her cheek. "I'll let you go now Mage-kun."
Hinata blushed lightly and nodded, "Right." She got up and picked up her book and cloak. Once she was out of sight, she put her cloak back on and read her book as she walked back home. "Oh boy," she said to herself.
"Oh yes," Hinata stopped and looked over to see Wolf sitting on one of the stone walls. "I heard you have been whoring around while I was away."
"How did you get in?" She glared at him.
"Your pathetic village can't keep me out." He smirked and crossed his arms over his chest. "How are you doing my bride?"
"Just fine," she smirked up at him and glared, "I'm getting closer to getting rid of you once and for all." She scoffed as he glared at her. "I'll give you a choice though. You can run know."
"Would it be that easy?" He stood up and smirked at her. "Maybe you should rethink your whole plan, since I have some big ones for you."
"Bring it on you demented demon."
"My pleasure."
And with that, he was gone. Hinata looked around to be sure that he was truly gone and then quickly rushed to her house before anyone else met up with her. She had a very bad feeling at what was going on.
(End)
I'm sorry for the long wait. I bet you are all wondering why I added in SakuraXHinata, right? Well, I did it cause I kind of wanted to and I wanted to watch Sakura go through her own troubles. Thought it was a fun twist. Tell me what you think.
