A/N: Thanks everyone for your support!

Imperial Dragon: Your review made me laugh. How true it is! ^^
midnight blue08: Yeah, those two deserve a punishment
Hajnalmadar: Thanks for your support =]
Awesomeness02: Everyone loves the previous chapter's cliffhanger ;P
Deidara Luv3r: Thank you :D
ChocStraw: Well, read on to see whether Hinata's gender is discovered~
Fairie Illusion: The next chapter will have a really cute/sweet scene xD

Let's continue with the story~

Distance

Initially, Hinata could not identify the intruder because of the steam that enshrouded the onsen. However, the winds dispersed it and the figure became clearer. The foremost feature she noted was that it was not an intruder. It was intruders! Two people to be exact. Her friends. Her best and close friends.

Sakura and Ino.

The two girls that were usually outspoken and not afraid to speak their minds, gasped in unison. They stood at the entrance, anchored to the spot, with their mouths agape and eyes wide open in disbelief for a full minute before they finally spoke. "Hidaka-kun?"

Hinata mirrored their expression. She was still paralyzed but her mind was beginning to work again. Her pulse was racing, her mind worked furiously as it rapped orders at her. Get dressed! Bid farewell! And run! She fumbled for her clothes and hid in a corner to get dressed then, appeared before them again. "I g-got to go. Goodbye," she mumbled as her legs carried her to the exit.

Hands were stretched out before her, blocking her path and hindering her from progressing. Their expressions were stern and baffled at the same time. "Explain yourself, Hidaka-kun." They said in unison while Hinata's head was cast down, unsure of where to begin. She had to tell the truth since she was caught red-handed. The minutes passed in a blur as Hinata briefly explained her reason for hiding her gender.

"So your life is at stake here?" Ino asked bluntly, summarizing everything in one simple question.

Hinata nodded her head.

"Let's end the discussion here," Sakura interrupted, "The most important question is how should we address you?" Ino nodded her head in agreement, waiting for Hinata to answer.

"H-Hinata…"

"What are you doing here in the middle of the night, Hidaka?" Neji bellowed, speaking with the ring of command. Relief broke across his face when he finally found his protector at a hallway but he quickly erased that expression from his face. Hidaka was with two female Genins. Sakura and Ino if he remembered correctly.

"Gomenasai, Neji-sama. I met Sakura-chan and Ino-chan so we chatted for a while." Hinata meekly replied, afraid to meet his eyes.

"Alright but don't stay up too late." With that said, he left them. Neji knew Hidaka was popular among girls but he hadn't expected his protector to spend so much time with other people, people other than him. Just like how Neji had his own circle of friends, Hidaka must have his too. A twinge of envy went through him – even though Hidaka was his protector, Sakura and Ino could have a heart-to-heart chat with Hidaka. It had been a long time since Neji could do that with Hidaka. Without barriers. No walls. Just a sincere conversation.

"Hinata-chan, you have to act more like a boy," Ino whispered harshly.

"I second that. Be tough and speak rudely. That's what all the boys do." Sakura advised Hinata.

That's exactly what the two Genins told Hinata the next morning. Flanking her on each side, they escorted her – more like supervised her – as she spent the day. They needed to ensure that she played the male role flawlessly.

Suddenly, Kiba came running towards Hinata with Akamaru closely behind. "Where did you go last night?" Kiba asked as soon as he stood in front of Hidaka. "Akamaru saw you leave the room and kept pestering me to ask you." Hearing its name, Akamaru barked in response.

"Err…" Hinata eyed her two female friends, wondering whether to speak the truth.

Sakura and Ino simultaneously coughed as their eyes narrowed. Time to put what they said into action! They nudged her and Hinata didn't have a chance to refuse. They were watching her.

"What has it got to do with you?"

"N-nothing." Kiba was clearly surprised by Hidaka's boldness as he sauntered away with Akamaru.

"Good job!" Sakura and Ino clapped Hinata's back in approval while Hinata had an apologetic look on her face. She felt sorry for Kiba-kun who was only worried for her.

Unknown to them, a certain heir was observing them. What's with Hidaka's sudden change in attitude? Neji knew Hidaka wasn't the bold type. Sakura and Ino must have goaded him somehow. There seemed to be a conspiracy among the three of them. What was it? More importantly, is Hidaka keeping a secret from me?

Even though such doubts lingered in Neji's mind, he didn't think much about it. Hidaka couldn't have such a huge secret to keep from me…

The outing to the resort ended on a cheerful note. The burden of the fatigue was lifted off every Genin. Every team was now energetic to take on new missions. Most teams were assigned with D-rank missions. This was the same for Team Guy and Team Kurenai but theirs were slightly different…

Team Guy and Team Kurenai were assigned with a D-rank mission – to search for a missing sheep. Together.

Since Team Kurenai specialized in tracking things, every member was essential. The missing sheep had been lost for a few days and was last seen near the Forest of Death. The Forest of Death, also known as the Forty-Fourth Training Ground, was the stage for the second part of the Konoha Chunin Exams. Its primary function served as a testing ground for the survival and fighting skills of Genin trying to become a Chunin. It was a very dangerous place, filled with hordes of flora and fauna; often gigantic, poisonous — or even more likely, both — hence its name. Since Team Guy specialized in close-quarters combat (all of its members used some sort of physical attacks), they were assigned as backup to ensure the safety of Team Kurenai.

In order to offset Lee's crazy antics, coolheaded Shino was paired up with him. Since Neji and Hinata were from the same clan, they were placed in the same pair. Left with no other choice, Kiba and Tenten were then paired up together. After brief instructions from the Jonins, they headed in different directions. Shino and Lee were in charge of the west side of the forest while Kiba and Tenten were responsible for the east side. Neji and Hinata took care of the north side.

Hours had passed and Hinata still didn't find any lost sheep. The poster for the missing sheep had become slightly crumpled as Hinata started to pant in ragged breaths. Neji and Hinata were currently deep in the forest when full darkness had fallen and a waning moon shone over the trees. It was hard going through the woods, especially in the dark. The underbrush was thick and dead branches reached out to snatch at them. Moths fluttered around them, brushing their cheeks with unseen wings.

"Why don't we take a rest here?" Neji suggested, noticing that Hidaka was exhausted.

The Jonins had told them that they might need to stay for the night and so, they had packed the necessary equipment. After finding an open area, they pitched their tent.

It was only after dinner, when Neji-sama and her were alone in the tent, preparing to sleep, that Hinata's anxiety level steepened. Living with him was one matter. But sleeping together with him was another matter. Furthermore, they were sleeping in a tent. Do you know how small that was? They were bound to be in close proximity. Their faces inches apart, their hands accidentally brushing against each other. Hinata's cheeks burned with those imgaes.

"Aren't you sleeping?" Neji asked as his eyebrows slightly curved up in a worried expression.

"I'm g-going out for a w-while, Neji-sama." Hinata excused herself. She desperately needed some air to calm herself down.

Once she stepped out of the tent, the cool breezy night greeted her. She looked up at the stars that were winking at her as memories came crashing down on her. Meteor shower… A smile lit up her face as memories engulfed her. How she yearned those pleasant days…

Lost in thought, Hinata was oblivious to the shuffle of approaching footsteps. "Starry night, huh?" His deep voice rang out crystal clear through the still night air as Hinata's reverie shattered. She turned around to face Neji. Their eyes met in wordless communion as both recalled the same night.

All of a sudden, they heard the most dismal howling of wolves; and the noise, redoubled by the echo of the forest, appeared to them as if there had been a prodigious number of them. The next second, a pack of wolves surrounded them, their eyes were menacing as their tongues lolled out, evidently starving. A heavy silence filled the battleground as both Genins put on a fighting stance.

A plaintive bleating broke the silence. Hinata blinked her large, white eyes, seeking out the source of the unexpected noise, widening further when it registered what is was. A sheep was hiding behind a tree, trembling in fear. The missing sheep.

"Hidaka, take care of the sheep," Neji instructed, "I'll settle the rest."

"B-but—"

"Go now!"

"Hai." Hinata started to move faster, breaking into a run and skidded to a halt when she reached the sheep. She patted its head to assure that everything was fine. Then, she stood in front of the sheep, her hands outstretched, to create a human barrier.

With a few more howls, the wolves lunged at Neji who was nearer to them. In an instant, the raging creatures had bit him twice, one in the arm and the other a little above his knee. He launched a counterattack and struck, swift as a hunting bird. It happened too fast for Hinata's eyes to follow. Somehow, the force of Neji's blows knocked the wolves ten feet backwards as they whimpered in defeat.

Hinata clapped her hands together with a shriek of joy. Neji-sama was awesome as always! Then, something hit her from the side. She staggered. When she regained her balance and looked to her side, a gray wolf appeared. It growled threateningly and charged at her. With heavy and large teeth, the wolf had bit her leg to the bone. Its strong bites were proficient in bone crushing. There were huge, gaping wounds in her thigh and in the white skin that showed clearly through the torn cloth. And to Neji's absolute horror, he could see inside the skin too, could see flesh and muscle ripped and red blood pouring out.

It seemed as if Neji's worst nightmare had come true. White-hot anger simmered in him. Neji gave his anger a fighting edge as he charged at the gray wolf. He hit it with such force that it left the wolf senseless and indeed, helpless. He only took a fraction of a second to attack the wolf, not sparing Hidaka any time to react.

His expression softened when he stood in front of Hidaka. Fueled by concern, Neji knelt down and examined the wound. Just then, the frightened sheep went forward and licked Hidaka's cheek, an expression of gratitude for saving its life as well as concern for Hidaka's well-being.

Hinata deciphered Neji's expression. She was surprised that he wasn't wearing his aloof exterior. Instead, he was worried for her. Neji-sama is worried about me! A secret joy ran through every part of her soul. She was glad to witness this side of him but she didn't want him to worry either. "It's no big deal, Neji-sama. It's just a small wound." To prove her point, Hinata stood up from where she had fallen. She stumbled a bit but managed to keep her balance before completely falling over.

With one motion, Neji stood up to catch Hidaka and jerked his protector to safety. To himself. His arms tightened around his protector, pressing the latter to the lean hardness of his body. "Baka! Do you want to hurt yourself?" Without another word, he turned around and knelt down. "Get on."

"Naze?"

Exasperated, Neji pulled Hidaka to his back, lifted his protector off the ground and gave him a piggyback ride. It was then that Neji discovered that Hidaka wasn't just petite; his protector was also extremely light. "We should head to the hospital first." Hinata tried to break free but it was futile. She winced at the pain and decided that it was better to listen to Neji's instructions.

The journey back was silent as the two kept quiet. Only the gentle hum and buzz of the crickets from the clusters of trees nearby filled up the silence of the night. Leaves crackled under Neji's feet as he trudged on. Hinata felt bad – she became his protector not to be his burden; she wanted to assist him, not hinder him.

Sweat formed around Neji's temples and Hinata wiped away the beads of perspiration that were beading on his forehead. The contact of her cold hand against his warm face made her heart skipped a beat. She wasn't aware how close their faces were and although Neji wasn't looking at her, a small shade of pink made contact with her cheeks. Her heart thudded audibly against her ribs and she was afraid that Neji-sama would hear her. Fortunately, he didn't say anything or comment on her erratic pulse.

Half an hour passed and the two met up with the others. Neji gently carried Hidaka down from his back. After explaining what happened, Kurenai-sensei commanded Hinata to go to the Konoha Hospital but Hinata refused.

"Hidaka! Obey Kurenai-sensei's orders!" Neji snapped at Hidaka. He was frustrated with his protector's stubborn refusal and felt that it was time for him to step in.

"I can't!"

"Why not?"

If I go to the hospital, my gender may be exposed!Hinata thought of replying Neji-sama truthfully but she knew she couldn't so she lied. "I have nosocomephobia."

"Nani?" Everyone uttered in unison as they blinked in shock. This was something that they didn't know despite being Hidaka's friends for such a long time. Although Neji was curious when and why Hidaka knew such a difficult word, he pushed those questions aside. The priority now was to find a place for Hidaka to recuperate.

"The Hyuga house." Neji suggested after pondering for some time. The place was more convenient for him to keep an eye on his protector. Thus, the argument ended with Neji having the final say.

During the few days that Hinata recuperated in her own room, many people visited her. Team Kurenai stopped by before carrying out their mission. Kurenai-sensei gave Hinata a fruit basket, telling her that she needed a healthy diet. Kiba and Shino gave her the usual boy stuff like video games and Marvel comics. They also told her not to worry – Shiro-chan (the sheep) was brought back to the owner who was very grateful to her. Even Gai, Lee and Tenten paid her a visit. Each new kindness took her by surprise and sent a little wave of happiness rolling through her heart. She was joyful to have so many people caring for her but…

"All of you should leave now," Ino said curtly as she pushed them out of the room.

Sakura helped Ino in this task. "Hidaka-kun needs to rest."

Sakura and Ino had learned of Hinata's injury after noticing that she wasn't involved in any of Team Kurenai's recent missions. They had asked Kiba and Shino about what happened and where she was recuperating. They shut the door after all of the guests had left. Now that they were alone, it was time for the investigation!

"We heard what happened," Sakura spoke. Then, she sat on the floor beside the futon.

Ino continued Sakura's incomplete sentence, "but what about those missing details?"

Hinata didn't understand what Ino was saying; confusion roared in her ears as she sat upright on the futon, facing the two girls.

"We want to know what happened during the time you and Neji-kun were alone." Sakura clarified Ino's question.

"Oh…"

Hinata spent a few minutes to briefly explain what happened but her explanation mostly consisted of how they saved the sheep from a pack of wolves. This was what Sakura and Ino already knew so they insisted that Hinata must have left out other details, details that she didn't want to tell them. Hinata had to spill the truth after Sakura and Ino threatened to expose her secret (they didn't really mean it but it was enough to scare Hinata out of her wits).

"How romantic!" Ino remarked.

Sakura added, "So cute!"

Both of them giggled at the amazing news, especially the part about Neji giving Hinata a piggyback ride. Even without Hinata admitting whom she liked, it was obvious from the way she acted around Neji that she had a crush on him.

"He seems to care for you but I've never seen him visit you. Not even once. That's strange. Especially since Neji-kun stays here." Sakura blurted out her observation.

Ino quickly gave her expert advice. "Boys just don't know how to express themselves."

"But they're from the same clan. Moreover, they're childhood friends. They should be honest with each other."

Hinata's head was cast down at this moment. She was already keeping her gender a secret from Neji-sama. A sigh heavily left her. Hinata was pulled out of her thoughts when a faint, timid rap on the door sounded. It was Hiashi.

"Are you feeling better, Hidaka?" Concern wrinkled Hiashi's forehead.

"I'm fine, otousan. Don't worry," Hinata assured her father, "Err… Where's Neji-sama? Is he on a mission?"

"He left Konohagakure a few days ago. Hokage assigned Team Guy with a mission to maintain diplomatic relations with the other Hidden Villages. Cultural exchanges aside, they'll be exposed to the different techniques of various clans. This will greatly enhance their training. Thus, Hizashi and the elders have permitted him to leave."

"H-How long will they be gone?"

"A few years I suppose."

Glossary
Gomenasai: I'm sorry (for a mistake)
Hai: Yes
Baka: Fool, idiot
Naze: Why
Nosocomephobia: Excessive fear of hospitals
Nani: What
Shiro: White
Hidden Villages: Parts of countries in which the country's ninja reside. A Hidden Village maintains its economy by training its citizens to be ninja from a young age and using them as manpower in various missions others would be willing to pay for, from weeding a garden for a single payment to receiving a constant budget from the country it resides in for being soldiers in case the country is involved in a war.

Read and review please!