Chapter 22 Through the wind, and the rain, she stands hard as a stone…

Sasuke's P.O.V.

I look down at Hinata as she lays on my chest; closing her eyes to go to sleep.

If I don't tell her now, there might not be any other time.

Right before I lose her to sleep, I shake Hinata's shoulder lightly. She looks up at me, first seeming angry, then changing her expression to worry. "What's wrong?"

Her eyes are full of concern as she reaches up to caress my cheek.

"Can I tell you something?"

We sit up on the bed and I wrap my arms around her waist. I take a deep breath, then start revealing all my secrets. My life...My heart.

"You know the story of my family's death, right?" She nods her head. "Well, I know who killed them." Her eyes widen as she leans closer to me.

"How?"

I close my eyes to gather my thoughts and continue. "The night of the murder, I was out. When I got home, everything was dark and quiet. I couldn't hear anything, but it was too early for everyone to be asleep. I was curious, and stupid, so I went inside."

It is getting harder and harder to continue, but Hinata, pressing her hands against my chest, encourages me to go on.

"At first, I didn't see anything, but once I walked further into the house, every one of my family member's bodies littered the floor."

I hear Hinata gasp.

"I did the only thing I could think of: I ran. As far away from them as I could. But unfortunately, I ran deeper into the house. When I got to the furthest portion of the manor I heard some strange noises coming from the final room. I was scared, but went inside anyway. I saw some dark figures standing in the shadows, and when the moonlight got in, I saw that my parents were tired up, and sitting on the floor. I ran to them, but another figure stopped me…It was my brother, Itachi Uchiha. I told him that someone had killed everyone as I went closer to our parents to untie them. But before I could get any closer, Itachi took out his sword. He…before I could stop him, he slashed beheaded them.

"I was so scared. I ran out, not looking back, and never returning. A few days later, the police found and got rid of all the bodies. They are buried behind the house they died in, so I never went back to that place."

When I finish my story, I lay my head on Hinata's shoulder.

"I'm so sorry Sasuke."

I plant a kiss on her lips and pull her down with me to try and get some sleep.

Next Morning

I wake up and the first thing I realize is that there is a weight on my arm. I try to move my hand to get the blood flowing, but the immediate tingling warns me to stop. I need to get the blood circulation going in my arm, or I'm going to have to live with this pricking for the rest of the day.

I look over at the clock, 7:32. I shake Hinata's should to wake her up and her eyes open slightly.

"Hey, I need to go to school."

She groans and pushes herself even closer to me.

"Can't you just stay with me today?"

"I wish. But one of us needs to tell the group how you're doing." I look down at her. "Besides, today is Friday. You should get the rest of you strength back, and tomorrow we'll go somewhere."

"Fine," she yawns, and rolls off my arm to go back to sleep.

I get dressed for school, bid Hinata goodbye, and leave through the front door. I step out into the warm sun and start the journey to my detestable destination.

I turn to look back and try to shake off the feeling that something bad is going to happen.

Just my imagination, I think, and continue walking.

Me: I'm sooooo sorry for the horrible beginning! -dogdes a brick thrown from the computer- I decided to make things easier for the future by following the original plot. But things will start to change. As my deranged English teacher would say: the climax is has yet to come! And there are only 3 more chapters left for this---before the next. (I would rather not reveal the --- until the end. You all probably already know what it is anyway -dodges another brick- Where are you getting these bricks?!) Please review!