Chapter 20 Her name is written on a polished rock…

Sasuke's P.O.V.

I feel Hinata's breath even out in sleep, and I look down at her. The request she asked of me was indeed a surprise. Not so much in the general aspect of Hinata, but by the fact that she has enough courage to ask after what she's been through.

She's so strong. Even if she doesn't know it.

I place a gentle kiss on her forehead and I lay her down on the bed. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I unwrap the gauze bandages that cover her body. I feel a deep sadness for my angel, and I trace the pink and white scars that make small patterns on her arm.

"I promise Hinata," I whisper into her ear, "I will never let anything happen to you. Never again."

Next Day

I wake up at the normal time of 5:30. The first thing I notice is that I'm very stiff. The next is that my bed is empty.

Why aren't I…

The sound of something hitting metal comes from the kitchen, and I remember everything. I walk into the kitchen and see Hinata cooking breakfast.

"Smells good."

Hinata jumps at the sound of my voice, but then gives me a sincere smile when she sees me enter the room.

"How do you feel?" I ask her.

"Fine."

I raise an eyebrow at her, and feel her forehead. I hiss, and bring my hand back quickly. "Hinata, you're burning up."

"N-no, I'm fine Sasuke. L-let me just…"

"No. Get to bed, and I'll finish making breakfast."

I walk up to the stove, ready to start cooking. Even if I have no idea how, but I'm a little too late.

"I-I had a feeling t-that you didn't k-know how to c-cook, so I finished everything p-pretty quickly."

I turn and look at her while giving the best mock-glare/smirk I can. "Thank you for saving me from making poisonous food."

She laughs, and I give off a small chuckle as well. We set up the table, and start eating. When we're done, I make Hinata go to bed.

"Why?" she says in an almost whining voice.

"You have a fever Hinata. You're in no condition to be leaving this house. Besides…" I look at her straight in the eye, "Your Mother will probably be looking for you."

She stiffens, so I give her a reassuring embrace. "Don't worry. I promised that I wouldn't let anything happen to you."

She quickly calms down.

"Well, I better be going."

"Where?"

"To school. I was the last person to be seen with you, so if I don't go your cousin might suspect I did something to you."

I see Hinata look down to her feet, so naturally I ask what is the matter.

"Neji already has an idea that something is wrong."

"How?"

"The way he looked at me yesterday. I could see it in his eyes that he knew something was wrong. Neji has always been good at reading people."

"I see…" I look down. "Well, that just means that I have to look out for him then."

I give Hinata a kiss, then leave through the front door.

After School

Finally! I thought that this day would never end. So far, I've been able to avoid Neji for the most part. I did catch glimpses of him out of the corner of my eye every now and again, and every time, he's never noticed me.

No, the hard part will be to leave the school grounds and not be seen by the white-eyed Hyuga. Though, it is very difficult considering the story he told yesterday.

I round the corner, and leave the school yard. I head in the direction of the town to buy some medicine for Hinata since she looked even paler than she normally is when I left this morning.

Time Skip From Shopping

When I have everything I need and leave the store, I'm pushed into the ally behind. I feel the hard brick wall hit my back, and cold hands wrap around my neck.

I don't need to be a psychic to know that it is Neji trying to choke me.

"Where is Hinata, Uchiha?" Neji seethes in his probably most threatening voice.

"…" I stay quiet. Unsure of whether or not Hinata wants her older cousin to know.

"This is the last time Uchiha. Where. Is. Hinata?"

Each time he said a word, his grip around my neck tightens. At this moment, I don't know what's worse: possibly losing Hinata's trust, or dying from lack of oxygen.

I reason that, if I die, there will be no one to protect Hinata, so I raise my arms in defeat, and Neji lets me go. I am entirely grateful as air finally returns to my lungs, but being the calm, cool, and collected Uchiha that I am, I don't show it.

"Uchiha?"

I take a deep breath and start to explain everything that I know. Well, at least the thing about Hinata's abused life: starting from the very beginning.

I skillfully avoid any parts that involve us being together.

When I finish Neji appears as if he is ready to kill someone. And right now, I look like his best target.

"So where is she now Uchiha?"

"At my house."

Neji gives me a glare that, if looks could kill, I would be a dead heap on the ground.

"I-I'll show you."

He gives me a triumphant smirk, and starts walking quickly.

Hinata, please don't hate me for this.

I run to catch up to my senior as we both start a fast jog. The sooner we get to Hinata, the better... I suppose.

At least, that's what I hope.

Me: Alright! That's it for this 3-chapter update! As I said before, there are only about 5 more chapters in this story, and I really need to know whether to post single chapters or grouped. (Now that I think about it, I might just go for the single updates) I have a 5 DAY WEEKEND this week! It startes Friday and I cannot wait! And next week is my birthday! (There was no reason for me saying that, I just love saying it) So I think that I'll finish writing everything this week and post it each day I have off. Staring Friday. There is only a small amount of time left so don't forget me! -gives the best puppydog eyes possible-