I kinda like post whenever now. But on the weekend! :3
Chapter 22: Encounters
Tik. Tok. Hinata looked anxiously at the clock. She'd just finished her check-up with Tsunade-sama and was waiting for Neji outside the bathroom. What was he doing in there? Fixing his hair?! Frustration and anxiety led to Hinata's old habit, fidgeting. She clicked her two index fingers together repeatedly. So far, there had been no sign of any of her friends. She hoped Sakura would be off from the job today. At that time, Neji finally made it out of the boy's bathroom. A biting remark was just on the tip of her tongue when Hinata stopped herself, thinking how much Neji had already helped her with. Sighing, she got up and stretched. She hid behind his broad back in hopes of avoiding as many people as possible. But, just her luck, around the corner, Sakura was standing in the hallway checking a clip board. A yelp escaped Hinata. It was too soon to face anyone. She tried to U-turn but Sakura had seen them both. Those emerald eyes stared back in surprise then immediately narrowed.
"N-nii-san, W-we should g-go." Hinata, anxious to get away pulled on his sleeve but Neji wouldn't budge.
"You need to talk to her Hinata." He gripped her hands and stopped her while Sakura rushed over.
"We need to talk." And she was dragged away with a grip of steel.
The silence was very uncomfortable. Neji had already left saying he had something to do. It had been about ten minutes and not a single word came out of Hinata. How could she explain anything to Sakura? But Sakura was very patient. She sat there, casually sipping a cup of tea. Setting down her tea cup, she sighed heavily.
"It's been so busy these days. I've barely had time to talk to anyone. How about you? How did the meeting go? Has it been decided already?"
Hinata jerked her head towards Sakura. Did she really not know? But what she saw was the opposite. She knew everything. She was waiting for Hinata to make the call. Taking a deep breath Hinata spoke.
"I've decided to marry Haru-kun."
"Can I know why?" Sakura asked softly.
"He is the one I like."
"Don't joke with me Hinata. You've loved Naruto your whole life!"
"But Naruto…kun loves someone else."
Confusion was clear on Sakura's face. As far as she knew, he only had eyes Hinata. Hinata shook her head slowly, averting her gaze from Sakura.
"I-i need to go, talk later!" Hinata quickly got up and scuttled away.
"Wait Hinata!" Before Sakura could do anything, Hinata was already out of her sight. Gears started turning in the back of the medic's head. Naruto loves someone else… She must have seen him with someone.
Hinata ran out of the hospital clueless as to where to go. She ran in a random direction, bumping into an old man.
"Whoa there miss!" His strong grip steadied Hinata.
"S-S-sumimase!" She quickly apologized, but the man didn't let go.
"Oh, well what do we have here? The Hyuga heiress herself?" He laughed loudly, his breath stunk of alcohol.
"P-please let me go."
"Why should I? What a treasure I have here! Say, I heard you'll be getting married to that rich Haru who came to our village? But I don't think he can take care of you, I can. How about we take a little stroll, and have some fun, eh?" He smiled at Hinata with his disgusting crooked teeth. Hinata didn't want to hurt him, but she had no choice. Concentrating chakra on her palm, she swiftly whipped around and pressed her hands on his chest, sending him a light shock and pushing the man away. Startled, he almost fell over.
"What is this, you would use force on an elderly you bitch! I'll show you…"
Before the old man could advance, a foot smacked right into his chest, almost squashing him to the ground. A vicious set of canine hovered right next to his throat, snapping open and growling.
"Stay where you belong, you drunkard bastard. Don't even think about touching her, or next time, I'll make sure you permanently attach you to the dirt." A man growled.
Tears welled up in Hinata's eyes.
"Kiba-kun!"
Kiba smiled and held his arms out. Hinata jumped right on him. His familiar scent calmed her down considerably. His warmth was comforting. She stayed there for a long time, but Akamaru constantly nudged her for attention. She bent down and enveloped the dog into a hug. Kiba chuckled and wrapped the two in an embrace.
"Let's go somewhere else." He whispered.
A slight nod came from Hinata.
The two friends sat under a willow tree, with Akamaru sleeping at their feet. Hinata made circles on her lap, wondering how long it had been since the two had shared some alone time. Kiba cleared his throat. But before he could speak, Hinata interrupted.
"Where's Shino-kun?" She asked.
"Ah, Shino's gone on a mission, won't be back for a few days."
Hinata feared he would ask her about the marriage.
"So Hinata…" He began. But she wasn't ready.
"C-can we not talk about it?" That single sentence silenced him.
"Of course. How about we go eat?"
Kiba got up and stretched. The sun was still high in the sky. He held his hand out to her. Hinata smiled. It had been some time since they'd eaten together.
"Where should we go?" She asked as she got up.
Kiba grinned, "Ichiraku of course!"
Hinata's smile faded. He might be there.
"Can we go somewhere else instead?"
Kiba stopped walking. He looked back at her and smiled.
"Alright. We'll go somewhere."
Relief spread over Hinata. They went to a small restaurant and ate while talking about the past and present. During the meal, remembered she had to leave for home soon.
"Kiba-kun. I'll see you tomorrow." She smiled at him.
"Are you sure you don't want me to walk with you?"
"No, it's alright. Finish your meal. Bye!"
She headed out the restaurant with a smile on her face. Talking with Kiba had settled the urge and tension in her mind. The sun was just about to set. It was a beautiful time when most people stayed inside. She enjoyed the quiet evening. Walking through the streets, she gazed at the clouds. They were so far away and beautiful. Turning a corner, Hinata stopped in her tracks.
There was Naruto, sitting on a bench under a lamp light; head tilted gazing at the clouds. He was wearing only a T-shirt despite the chill. Shit. This was the way she would have to go. She was about to do a Henge when he spoke.
"Why are you out alone at this time?"
He hadn't moved from his position, just shifted his gaze. Hinata stood there, unsure of what to do.
"I… I was eating with Kiba."
A moment of silence passed in between them. Naruto got up, startling Hinata. What is he gonna do?
He walked towards her and leaned down. The blonde's face was only inches away from her. She didn't dare to speak, just stared at his azure eyes. Somehow, they were so dull. Full of pain, just like the last time she had gazed into them. But there was love last time. This time, there was only a look of boredom on him. He looked so familiar, yet so much like a stranger.
"Was Kiba dying that he couldn't escort you home?"
Irritation welled up in Hinata.
"I don't need to be escorted. And he asked me. I refused." She said it with a set jaw.
"You're a girl. Whether you like it or not, you need to go home with someone." He stopped for a moment. Then backed up and held out his hand.
"Let's go."
Confusion was clear on Hinata's face.
"What?"
"I'm going to get you home. Or do you not want me along?"
There was no humour in his voice. It was monotonous. Hesitantly, she took his hand. His grip was firm and warm. He walked a little bit ahead and she trailed behind. Hinata couldn't see his face and she was glad. She wanted so badly to reach out and touch and his cheek; to apologize to him about that day. But he loves Sakura… She swallowed her words back down. There was nothing she could do. The damage was done. She would go with Haru. She would never see him again. A sudden urge filled her. The least Hinata could do was apologize to him.
"I am so s-"
"Don't." He cut her off roughly. Realizing his words, he softened up slightly.
"Just… don't."
It was like a hand squeezed her heart. She stayed silent the rest of the way.
They arrived at the compound. Before Hinata could even speak, Naruto let go of her hand and walked away. She was left lingering his touch.
Weeelll… That's it! Read and review! Hopefully this was long enough for you people! Oh, I will be continuing Naruto chronicles for those concerned. In a while… And I think I'll post mostly on the weekends. But then again, winter break is coming.
~TheJollyHyuga
