Chapter 24: Heal

I skipped a week so that I could give you guys a long chapter. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to those who celebrate! Enjoy this holiday! Here is a gift from me to you guys! (-^.^-)

Disclaimer: Bah Humbug!

Thud. Thud. After each breath, Naruto pounded the wooden log. Every hit made him breathless and impatient. It was early in the morning, a time when he would usually be snoring with a pillow in his grasp and a hand in his pants. A few minutes passed as Naruto continued to hit the log. What was he going to accomplish by doing this anyways? Nothing. But he couldn't stop. Sometimes, it helps to take some frustration out on inanimate objects.

"Naruto!"

The Blonde turned around in irritation to find Sakura a few feet away. She was leaning against a branch panting heavily.

"What do you want Sakura-chan?"

She looked up and Naruto was startled by her wide eyed expression. Tears were glistening in her eyes.

"Last night… there was an infiltration at the Hyuga Compound. They tried to get Hinata. Neji protected her, but he… died."

Silence. For a few moments, it was as if time had stopped. Naruto's heartbeat quickened rapidly. All the times he shared with Neji came rushing back. With a jolt he remembered, Hinata. In a flash, Naruto was gone. He raced over trees and jumped on rooftops. He had to get to her. It didn't matter what their relationship was. He had to see her, the talk to her, to protect her.

He arrived at the Compound breathless. There were several guards outside and majority of the Rookie 9, along with Tenten and Lee. Shikamaru, Ino and Choji stood next to Tenten and Lee, comforting the two. Kiba was banging constantly on the door, yelling loudly.

"Why won't they let us in?" Kiba growled.

Naruto stepped, forward his heart pounding. He had to get inside to see her. He grabbed the nearest guard by the collar, startling everyone.

"I need to see Hinata. Right. Now."

Shikamaru gently put a hand on Naruto's shoulder. He looked anxious.

"Calm down Naruto. We can't see her because she is unconscious right now. We don't know what happened, but they are resolving it. We can only wait."

Naruto whirled around, facing the rest of the group.

"Is… she alright?"

"We don't know. We have to wait patiently, Naruto."

Frustrated, Naruto bashed his fist against the wall.


Soft light trickled into the room. Hinata lay on the bed, covered neatly with a blanket. She opened her eyes, confused at her surroundings. She was in a different room. It was silent, but eerie.

I'm awake…. What is wrong? Why do I feel heaviness in my heart? Wait… Neji!

She sat up rapidly, only to drop back on her bed. Pain hit her right in the chest. She looked down at the dark red bandages covering her chest. Tears formed in her eyes, from the pain and from remembering Neji. She lay back in her bed and covered her face. A soft knock resounded on her door. Ignoring it, Hinata turned her face away. The door opened and Hiashi entered the room. He stepped slowly towards his daughter, gazing at her with pure regret in his eyes. He never meant to make her scared of his shadow, but here she was, covering her face from his view. He sat down on the edge of her bed. Hiashi reached out a hand and lovingly caressed Hinata's hair. Shocked by the touch, she whipped her head around. Startled wide Lavender eyes met anguished Grey ones.

"How are you?"

"O…ok. Is Neji…?"

"He is no longer with us."

Hinata's lips quivered. She turned her head away from her father's gaze.

"It's all my fault."

Hiashi at her, startled.

"No, it isn't. Don't think like that Hinata."

Hiashi's words made no impact on Hinata. She could only feel the pain and guilt inside her. He sighed lightly.

"Your friends are all gathered outside. Do you want to see them?"

"No. Not today."

Hiashi patted her head again.

"I'll let the guards know."

He got up, lingering his gaze on his daughter. How much he wanted to hug her and tell her it would be alright. But her state of mind currently was fragile. He turned away and reached towards the door just as it opened. Haru stood there, surprised.

"Hyuga-sama, I apologize for interrupting. But may I see Hinata?"

Hiashi hid his disgust of this man very well. He never approved of the elders choice.

"No. Hinata is resting right now. Only family members may see her right now."

Haru took a step back uncomfortably.

"O-of course Hyuga-sama. I'll come back tomorrow then."

Haru left quickly, amusing Hiashi. He also exited, but went the opposite direction.

Hinata was grateful for the fact that Hiashi refused to let Haru see her. She needed time to herself. Her heart throbbed with the thoughts of Neji. His smile, his touch, his rare laugh. Over the years, he had let loose his act of coldness. Neji actually enjoyed his life. But it was taken away from him… By me.

Hinata was so lost in her thoughts; she failed to notice the door open. Hanabi peeked into the room. She tread lightly into the room. Hinata noticed the presence of another person. Turning, her face contorted into a broken smile. Hinata tried to get up. After groaning in pain, she managed to prop herself up.

"Won't you come and sit next to me Hanabi?"

The little Hyuga obeyed, sitting on the edge of Hinata's bed. With one hand, she supported her sister's head, and with the other, her head. With ease, she positioned Hinata so she was sitting up. Setting a pillow behind her sister, she removed her hands and looked away.

"What…exactly happened yesterday?"

After a pause Hinata spoke.

"No one told you?"

"Why would they? I'm just the doll they use as they please, nothing else," Hanabi spoke bitterly.

Hinata was silent for a bit. She looked at Hanabi's face. She was so small, yet Hanabi had faced so much. Hanabi noticed her sister's gaze. Looking at Hinata, her eyes widened.

"Your chest! It's bleeding. I'll redo the bandages."

She quickly got up and headed to the bathroom. Grabbing fresh bandages and a bowl of water, Hanabi returned to her sister's side. Hinata smiled at her.

"Thank You Hanabi."

"Nothing to it."

Hanabi helped Hinata take of her shirt, and undergarments. Inspecting the wound, Hanabi's eyes widened. A gash was right in the middle of her chest.

"What pierced you?"

As Hanabi tended to the wound, Hinata spoke; letting out the events of last night. Hanabi's face remained the same the whole conversation. By the time Hanabi was done bandaging Hinata's wound, she had heard the whole story.

"S-so, Neji-nii is…"

"He's dead."

Tears glistened in Hanabi's eyes. Hinata grimaced. Pulling her sister close, she buried her head in Hanabi's hair. Tears fell out of Hanabi's eyes, wetting the fresh bandages. Hinata repeated the words 'I'm sorry' over and over. While murmuring, her eyes got droopy. Hinata's breathing measured out. Hanabi took a long breath and shifted closer to Hinata. The two sisters embraced in silence, sharing their feelings of sorrow, and pain.

The next few days passed by with Hinata cooped up in the compound. At one point, Haru had come in and relayed his regrets and sadness. His words were cold to Hinata. She felt no gratitude from him. Everything he said was like a lie to her.

Thinking it was time to open up a little, Hinata decided to spend her time in the garden. She tended to the plants, killing time and getting lost in her thoughts. At times, she would turn around to tell Neji something, only to realise he was no longer there and break down in tears. Hanabi would find her sitting in a corner hopelessly shedding a waterfall tears. She would escort Hinata back to her room and soothe her by talking to her slowly until she fell asleep.


Hinata pulled out weeds, bruising her hand with their thorns. Pain was nothing to her now. She pulled out weed after weed, putting them into a pile. Hanabi walked out, stepping carefully over the pile of weeds.

"Nee-san, someone is here to see you." She moved aside to reveal a tall figure standing there.

"Sh-Shino-kun."

Hanabi quickly left the two to make tea.

He silently moved forward, squatting down next to Hinata. Shino started to pull out weeds wordlessly. Hinata stared at him for a few moments before continuing her work.

"How was the mission?"

"Good."

"Did you finish your job?"

"Yes."

"Any injuries?"

"None."

They pulled out weeds together in silence. Hinata always loved Shino's attitude. He never approached a topic, just waited for her to approach it. She thought carefully and they worked. Talking to Shino always helped her before, why not today?

"Did… did you hear about the incident?"

"Yes."

"Did you come here to talk to me about it?"

"I came here to see how you're doing."

"I'm doing… alright."

Silence followed this conversation. Hinata contemplated further into the past. Shino suddenly stopped pulling weeds and gently took her hand. His rough calloused one compared to her soft and bruised hand was huge. Hinata looked up puzzled.

"You know you can always count on me to listen, Hinata."

It all poured out from that one sentence. Since the day the day she was put into this wretched marriage obligation to the day Neji died, all her feelings, thoughts and conversations came out. She told Shino everything, even the part about seeing Naruto kiss Sakura. As she spoke, tears streamed down her eyes, without her noticing. Shino gently circled his arms around her frail body, embracing her with his warmth. This was a gesture he had never done. It was always Hinata who would hug him, not him doing it first. She sputtered out broken words in his embrace, recounting all her anguish, fears and sorrow. But most of all, she told him about Naruto, and how she wanted him back. Shino spoke no words, just let Hinata lean against him and calm down.

"Did you ever think that maybe Naruto does care for you?" Shino spoke just above her head.

Hinata opened her eyes and looked up. "Huh?"

"I'm no love expert but even I know from listening to you that something happened that night you saw him. It's also strange that Haru was with you that night."

Confusion swept over Hinata.

"B-but, I saw them."

"Did you ever ask Naruto or Sakura about it?"

"No…"

"Then there is your answer. Find out first hand, ask one of them."

Maybe there is hope…

"Thank You Shino-kun. Thank You so much."

Hinata buried her face in his coat, grateful for the one man in this world other than Kiba she could still trust. Shino smiled -another race gesture- and hugged her tighter. The two sat there completely unaware of the fact that Hanabi was standing a few feet away with a tea tray in her hand, a wide smile on her face. She returned to the kitchen, thinking Things will change from here.


Naruto lay on his sofa, gazing at the celling listlessly. It had been a few weeks since Neji had died, and still no contact from Hinata. He'd gone over so many times to see if he could talk to her. All of their peers had confirmed that Naruto should go to represent Rookie 9 and Team Gai. But he had no luck in trying to see her.

It was late in the evening and Naruto still had to go over a mission report. The deadline was tomorrow but he didn't give a damn. He looked at the empty cup of ramen sitting on the table next to him. Was she eating properly, was she sleeping properly? What was she doing?

Let's try one more time before the sun sets.

Naruto got off the sofa and stretched. He took off his jacket from the coat hanger, pulled on his sandals and grabbed his Hitai-ate (Forehead Protector). He opened the door… and saw Hinata standing there with a hand in the air, about to knock and a surprised face. Naruto backed up in shock and fell, hitting his head on the hard floor.

"N-naruto-kun!"

Hinata stumbled forward and leaned over to see if he was okay. Dazed, Naruto got up and shook his head. He looked at her surprised.

"Come in!"

"I…I'm already in Naruto-kun."

"Oh… Then, sit down!"

Naruto ushered Hinata to go deeper in the room and closed the door with a smile on his face. Hinata took of her shoes and entered the apartment. So this is where Naruto-kun lives.

She sat down on the sofa and took off her coat, placing it on her lap. Naruto took it and placed it on the coat hanger. He looked around the room, nervously scratching his head.

"Sorry about the mess!"

"No. it's alright." Hinata smiled.

Naruto sat on the sofa across from her and looked into those Doe eyes.

"So… how are you doing?"

"I'm doing… fine. How about you?"

"Never mind me. After what happened… they still haven't set a date for the funeral?"

"It's in a few days."

"Oh…"

Naruto looked down at the ground. Now that she was actually here, where would he start from?

"I…I came to ask you something Naruto-kun."

Naruto looked up. Hinata's eyes were fixed on his, determined.

"Go ahead."

"Do you love Sakura?"

"Wh-what?! No! That was years ago! Where did you get that idea form?"

"I saw you two kiss."

Confusion was clear on Naruto's face. It took a few moments for him to realize what she was talking about.

"Ah… That night, it wasn't Sakura who kissed me Hinata. It was someone else, and it was forced. I talked to Sakura the next morning too."

Hinata was puzzled. It wasn't Sakura?

"Then who was it?"

"I… I don't know."

"How can I know you're saying the truth Naruto-kun?"

Naruto got up and approached Hinata. He sat down next to her and took her hand.

"Look into my eyes. Does it look like I'm lying?"

"I… It doesn't. Then why did you never tell me this?"

"Because you never let me!" Naruto growled, startling Hinata.

"All that time, I was depressed and blamed myself for pushing you away. Do you know how broken I was after you told the whole world you preferred Haru over me?! I loved you Hinata! And I still do."

The room was filled with silence. Hinata's eyes were widened.

"You… love me?"

"Yes… I love you. Even before this Marriage thing. I wasn't completely in love with you, but I always felt happy around you. Things really changed after I got into the competition. I want you Hinata, and I'm not afraid to kick Haru's ass to get you."

Hinata blushed to the roots of her hair. Naruto actually loved her. But confusion settled over her.

"Then… who was it that night?"

"You were with Haru right?"

"Yes?"

"It could be possible he led you there?"

Hinata put the two together.

"Though he isn't a full-fledged Ninja, he still knows the basic techniques, like… Henge."

Anger rose in Naruto. So Haru was the reason this huge rift had been caused in him and Hinata?

"I'm gonna kill that bastard!"

He got up but Hinata pulled his hand back.

"No, I'll take care of Haru, Naruto-kun. Please stay here for now."

Naruto sat back down and stared at Hinata. It was weird, she hadn't once stuttered, or faltered in her speech today. She caught his stare and looked at him, confused.

"What is it?"

"You look different."

Hinata blushed. "R-really?"

"Naruto grinned. "But I like it."

He leaned down slowly, getting closer to her face. Hinata grew beet red. But she leaned forward. Their lips pressed together, and Naruto pulled back.

"You still never told me."
Dazed by the kiss, Hinata looked up, "T-told you what?"

"That you love me."

"I…" Hinata tried to sputter out the words.

"Whaaat? I can't hear you Hinata!"

"I love…"

"Louder!"

Naruto leaned closer to her.

"I love you."

Naruto grinned and placed his lips even closer to her.

"That's better."

With that, he kissed her again, this time a little more boldly. Once he let go, Hinata was about to faint.

"Whoa! Hinata?"

"I-I'm ok!" She squeaked.

Naruto laughed loudly. He pecked her again on the cheek, just to see her blushing face. The two sat in comfortable silence, sharing this sweet moment of love.

"So…, you wanna stay the night?"

"Naruto-kun!"

Hinata jumped up and away from him, bright red. The blonde stifled a laugh.

"I was joking! Come, let's drop you off!"

He took her hand and grabbed his jacket.

"N-naruto-kun? My jacket?"

"You're gonna use mine today."

"Why?"

Naruto stopped abruptly and looked back sheepishly.

"It's a symbol of my love! I saw it in a movie once!"

Hinata giggled softly.

"Alright."

They walked back to the compound with their hands intertwined. Soft wind blew through the warm jacket on Hinata's shoulders. Once they reached the compound, Hinata reached to take off the jacket, but Naruto stopped her.

"Keep it." He smiled.

Hinata wanted to return the favour somehow. She reached up and kissed him on the lips fully. Naruto was surprised, but closed his eyes and encircled his arms around Hinata. The two stood there for a few moments before Hinata let go, breathless.

"Thank You for listening Naruto-kun. I'll see you tomorrow."

Naruto smiled as she ran back to the Estate. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off him. He walked back to his apartment with a huge grin on his face.

You guys always complain that my chapters are short and that they are cliff-hangers. So here is a sweet long chapter filled with love! And no, I did not forget about the dead Neji. More is to come in the next chapter! About Neji. Also, I should let you guys know, there are about 6 chapters left after this. I know, sad. Here is a tissue, go cry in a corner my readers.

TheJollyHyuga