Chapter 16 Realization
Another chapter! Whooho! Much longer than last time I assure you. It takes such a long time to type one chapter, which is why I'm trying to learn typing without looking. Its soo hard! -_- Also, thank you to everyone who reviewed! I appreciate it very much!
Disclaimer: I wish!
Hinata woke up and yawned, stretching leisurely. It had been many days since the party and all the suitors. The elders were supposed to pick only one suitor for Hinata but Neji had declined and asked for them to consider Naruto. In the end, Naruto and Haru were the two chosen suitors for her marriage. She had to pick one before the end of the month. How did she get the choice to pick a suitor? That was all thanks to Neji. He managed to convince the elders that if she picked, it would benefit the elders. How, Hinata had no idea. She swung her legs out of the bed. It had been about 2 months since she got that operation. Now, Hinata could even move about without the crutches. Hinata activated her Byakugan and nodded approvingly. The inside of her wooden leg had now various chakra network strings that made it possible for her to feel the leg. The only good thing that came from this leg was that it took more for Hinata's legs to get tired. Since her leg was prosthetic, it contained no muscles and never got tired. It made it way easier for Hinata to cover long distances without getting tired. Deactivating her kekkie genkai, she got out of bed and got ready for the day. Nothing was going to be done so quickly. She still had a month to decide. But why was she hesitating? Obviously Naruto was her top choice and one word from her, Naruto would be bound with her for life. Wasn't that what she wanted? But...to force Naruto to marry her... Was it forcing? Several thoughts clouded Hinata's mind. She wanted so badly to choose Naruto but she hesitated. She just didn't know whether Naruto was up to it or not. Hinata needed help and she knew just the person to ask.
"What a great weather to be outside ne?" Tenten smiled and relaxed in her chair. Hinata sat in front of her and sighed.
"It sure is."
"So, what's bothering you?" Tenten asked.
"Well, with the whole marriage matter on hold...I have been wondering. Is it really a good idea to pick Naruto? I mean, what if he doesn't have feelings for me?" Tenten stirred her straw in the glass for a while.
"Let's just say that he no longer cares for Sakura. He has...someone else he cares for. Hinata, do you get where I'm coming from?" The doe eyed woman had a confused expression.
"Well, I think that if you try and open up to him, he may start to think of you. Right now, you have a whole month to win his heart. Why not try to first be a closer friend...and move from there?" Hinata's eyes lit up. "Oh Tenten, thank you."
The brunette grinned. "What are friends for?"
Naruto sat on top of the Hokage Mountain. Gentle wind swirled around him and played with his locks, moving them about. In the past few days, Naruto really had the chance to think. He sorted out his thought and feeling and even talked to Sakura. She had smacked him in the head for not realising it sooner.
"You baka! Now you realize it. Hinata is a great woman for you!"
So I love her eh? After finally realizing his own feelings (thanks to the help of Sakura) he felt immense happiness. Why hadn't he realised it before. Whenever she looked at him, his heart would thump. Just thinking about her made Naruto blush. But one thought kept of circling his head. Did Hinata even care about him? Sakura had assured him Hinata had feelings for him but he had to see for himself. Did he even deserve her? Thinking wasn't going to get him anywhere. Naruto hopped up and made his way down the huge momentum. Another topic had bothered him. How could Hinata continue her training? Just because she had lost her leg did not mean she was useless. If she wanted to fight, she would have to use her leg. Several ideas ran in his head but nothing that helped.
"Ah heck! Let's just visit Iruka sensie for a while."
Sakura clutched a box in her hand and walked briskly. She spotted Hinata walking towards Ichiraku and brightened.
"Hinaata!" Hinata turned around to see Sakura and smiled.
"Sakura-chan. How are you?"
"I'm good! Listen Hinata, I have a little favour to ask you." Hinata smiled kindly.
"What is it?"
Sakura shifted her weight and spoke hesitatingly.
"Well, I haven't visited Sasuke-kun since he was transferred to a different cell and I want to visit him...would you go with me?"
Hinata smiled and took Sakura's hands in hers.
"Of course!" The pinkette looked up and brightened.
"Oh Thank You Hinata!"
Hinata took Sakura's hand and they both walked towards Konoha's Anbu quarters.
Sasuke sat in the corner of his prison, brooding. He had to spend a full year in this dump. He was at the level of a freakin academy kid and was unable to use his Sharingan. To add to that, Kakashi would be babysitting him as soon as he got out of the prison. The weird thing was Sasuke's hatred for Konoha had dissipated. He spent hours just trying to bring back that hatred but it didn't come. He only had anger for being stuck in this stupid prison. The door clacked and opened suddenly. Two people entered. Sasuke quickly closed his eyes. He felt the presence of the two people approaching.
"Hello Sasuke-kun." Sakura smiled sadly. The Uchiha opened one eye and looked at the two women standing in front of him. One was Sakura, but the other, was the one that haunted his nightmares. Sasuke scowled.
"Why are you here?"
"I know you probably haven't eaten in quite some time."
Sakura's gaze went to the un-eaten food tray that was discarded in the corner of the prison. She pushed the bentou box forward and stood up. Hinata tugged Sakura's hand, motioning for her to go. They both turned to go.
"Why? Why did you forgive me?" Hinata turned around, silent. This question had been haunting Sasuke this whole time. Why would she forgive him after what he had done?
"Because you were an enemy. It was your every right to kill me skewer me, whatever. I was attacking you, you had to strike back. Besides, it isn't going to do me any good to blame you for what happened to me."
Sasuke sat there stunned in silence as Hinata turned to go. The last thing he saw when the prison door closed was her smile. To think she could smile at him after all this...
Well folks, next chapter should be on Sunday! Hope you people enjoyed! I'm aware that this story is quite depressing, so please read my other stories, which are on a MUCH happier note to feel better :D
~TheJollyHyuga
