A/N okay, so here it is. I have to say, I'm not real pleased with this chapter. I can't put my finger on it, but it just doesn't click with me. But hey, its updated isn't it? Anyway, does Kisame have real gills. Cause unless someone can give me definite proof that he doesn't, I'm just going to say he does, cause that would be pretty sweet.

Anyway, I so had all this stuff I had to tell you. It was probably all that same stuff I had last chapter, and the chapter before that. But I always update in the middle of the night, and by then I'm too tired to think of whatever I had to tell you. Oh well...

Disclaimer: Yeah, I so don't own any of this, but I do own all the original charactors that have been dancing around in my head for the past few days...

Anyway, go ahead, read up.

We stood in silence. I had no idea what to say, I couldn't even speak. He was here, he came for me. My whole body was tensing, my throat was closing. I was still trembling in my excitement as I moved my hands across his chest. He wasn't wearing his cloak, and though he was wearing his shirt, it did little to hide the muscle beneath.

I moved my hands carefully from his broad shoulders to his waist. I traced every inch of the memorized brawn that I had not felt in so long. It was as though I were trying to reassure myself that he was really here with me. I was having trouble believing it. Finally, his large hands enveloped mine, stopping them from their trailing.

"Say something," he demanded, almost desperately. His voice was exactly how I remembered. It was deep and rough and it sent little tingles down my spine. He was so close I could feel his warm breath blow across my cheeks. I gave him a tiny smile; it was all I could manage.

"I missed you," I murmured. I leaned into his chest with a sigh. "I missed you so much." I slipped my hands out of his slackened grip and wrapped my arms around his waist. Suddenly, a gust of wind rushed out of me and I collapsed against him. "Kisame…," I sighed. "I felt like I was dying. I couldn't handle it. I thought you weren't going to come for me."

"How could you think that," Kisame asked softly. He brushed his knuckles across my cheek and I leaned into his touch. I craved it; I needed it, and I needed more of it. A few caresses weren't going to satisfy me. "You said that you wanted to stay with me-"

"I tried," I insisted earnestly, bringing my hands to his chest. I curled my fingers into his shirt. "I swear. I ran, and fought, but they caught me." I paused to gasp for air. "They thought they were rescuing me," I moaned. I buried my face into his chest, careful to breath in his scent.

"Shh," Kisame soothed me. He held me against him as he rested his chin on my head. "I know you did. That's why I came." I reveled in the feeling as his body shifted against mine. It excited me and I could feel a previously dormant warmth stirring to life in my once cold stomach.

I turned my face up towards him as he began to run his fingers up and down my arm. Perhaps to most, over a week would not be so very long, but to me it felt like an age. Especially when I had been faced with the possibility of it being never. It had been so long since he had been so near me.

I felt a tiny breeze drift over my lips as Kisame lowered his face to mine. My hands found their way up to his strong shoulders. I felt like my body was going to snap with the tension of waiting to taste him again. Finally, mercifully, he pressed his soft lips to mine.

The effect was instantaneous, and more wonderful than even my sight. He moved his lips against mine with such a gentleness, but such a passion that I could barely gather my senses enough to return it. As it turned out though, common sense wasn't needed. I dug my fingers into his shoulder as I pushed myself flush against him. His every muscle seemed to mold against me and I could barely tell who was who.

My mind was lost as my body was caught up in the heat of the moment. This was what I needed, what I had been dying for. Every thought, except the urge to get still more of him was gone. Kisame's hands were planted on the counter as he pressed himself against me. Slowly, I felt his tongue slide over my lips, and gently pry them apart. I had no problems opening them willingly. As he explored my mouth, I wasn't sure whether I was melting or dying. I moaned in my ecstasy and felt every inch of me prickle.

Then suddenly, I felt Kisame being ripped apart from me and heard the wall shudder as he slammed into it. Every inch of me screamed in fury at having him taken away. I gasped in shock and winced away from Akamaru's snarl as he tried to rip at Kisame. Then there was a canine yelp and a thud as the man threw the dog off of him. But if Akamaru was here, Kiba must be too. I was suddenly reminded of Kisame's own viciousness and I launched myself towards him. I felt his firm arms catch me and push me behind him protectively. I opened my mouth, but Kiba beat me.

"Down Akamaru," demanded the uncharacteristically cold voice. I cringed and stepped out from behind Kisame. I faced down at the ground as I straightened my blindfold. Though I hadn't seen a thing, it had become disheveled during our kiss. "Hinata." It was a questioning word with an ordering tone.

"Hello Kiba," I murmured. I felt guilty now, almost ashamed. I probably should not have let the situation progress in the way it had. But looking back, I knew I would still have done the exact same thing. But Kiba would have a hard time being understanding. He knew that I had kissed Kisame, but seeing it so starkly and erotically as he had would upset him.

"So that's who you are," Kisame growled with cruel amusement. I could hear a twisted sneer in his voice. He sensed Kiba's hurt and horror, and he was feeding off of it. I remembered how Kisame had two sides, the one he showed me, and the one he tried to keep hidden. I remembered the terror I always felt when that side of him appeared. I reached out blindly and managed to lay a hand on his arm.

"Please don't," I pleaded. I hadn't really meant for either of them to come in contact with each other. I was too sure and afraid that it would come to blows. I gave Kisame's arm an ineffectual little tug. "Please don't hurt him." I made to step in between the two, but Kisame held me back.

"Let go of her," Kiba ordered immediately. I felt Kisame stiffen and I tensed in response. A threatening growl rumbled from Akamaru's throat and I bit my lip. I grabbed Kisame's arm tightly. I knew I could never hold him back, but I hoped that maybe he would stay back for my sake.

"I'm not tethering her," Kisame snapped back defensively. I started in surprise and faced up at him. "She'll stay because she wants to." I tightening my hold on Kisame comfortingly as I realized just how deeply offended he was. He really seemed to hate the idea of me being with by force, as though I didn't want to. There really were many sides of him. Sometimes he was confident and sure of himself, and others he seemed so insecure.

"She doesn't know you," Kiba yelled in response. I winced at the strain in my neck as I whipped my head around to face him. It was his turn to hurt and his voice turned cruel as he took the opportunity. "You and I both know that as soon as she sees you she'll go running. And rightfully so-."

"That's enough Kiba," I screamed furiously. Before even realizing it, I had taken two steps away from Kisame and towards Kiba. My fists were clenched so hard that my nails drew blood from my palm. My whole body was trembling with rage and my breathing was ragged. I knew right then that if Kiba continued, I would punch him, blindfolded or not. I would fight to protect Kisame.

My rage filled outburst was met with silence. Neither of the males on either side of me knew how to react. They weren't used to me heightening the volume of my voice, and they didn't know how I would continue.

Soon though, it became clear that I had momentarily ended the hostility. I heard Kiba let out a breath of frustration and move away from me. I felt a rush of satisfaction when I heard the scraping of the chair as he slumped down into it.



A comforting bulk came up behind me and laid a hand on my shoulder. Kisame drew me a little ways away from my sulking friend and leaned down to whisper in my ear. At first, I couldn't focus on his words, because I was too wrapped up in him. His soft breathes tickled my ear and his powerful body shifted fluidly around me. I felt my face color and turned away from Kiba to hide the blush.

"We have to leave immediately," he murmured quietly, so that Kiba could not hear. "They're going to come soon. I… I'm not the stealthiest of intruders," he admitted sheepishly. I giggled lightly and nodded. That didn't surprise me in the least. He was so big and his style of fighting didn't lend itself well to sneaking.

"I know," I assured him. But it was not only assuring him of my understanding, but also of my willingness. He had not asked if I was willing to leave Konoha and his urgings had been a question as well. Now that I had miraculously mastered my senses around me, I could sense his uneasiness with the entire ordeal. I reached out to touch his arm comfortingly. "I need to speak with Kiba."

"Why," Kisame demanded suddenly possessive. "I'm sure he'll understand." I sighed and stepped away slightly. There was no longer a need for secrecy. I had nothing to hide from Kiba, and I didn't want either man to believe I did. I faced Kisame pointedly.

"Because he is my friend," I explained bluntly. I turned and managed to make my way to the seat in front of Kiba. This was a feat Akamaru usually assisted me with, but after witnessing Kisame and I, he was wary and reluctant. Kisame's guttural growl was evident that he did not approve, but I wasn't paying attention to that.

"I already know you're leaving," Kiba growled. I heard him shift away from me and I sighed sadly. I had thought that Kiba was close to accepting my feelings for the criminal, but I had supposed he was farther away than I had believed. "You've told me a hundred times. If he comes for you, you'll go."

"I'm sorry, Kiba. But you've got to understand," I began desperately. My nature demanded that I get out of this without hurting either Kiba or Kisame, but that was impossible. I could only strive to lesson Kiba's pain, because to hurt Kisame by denying him would kill me.

"I do." Kiba's voice was cold and sharp, and it made me wince. Then the dog boy sighed, and his voice softened. "I do. I just… I had accepted it in my head, forced myself to, for your sake, but walking in to find you like that. So deeply involved with each other… It made me sick," he finally admitted.

I bit my lip to stop from asking the inevitable why. Why was it so hard for him, for everyone, to accept? I had come to realize it was not just Kisame's employment that Kiba disapproved of. Spirited Kiba with little regard for the rules could ignore that. Perhaps it was Kisame's age. The man was twice as old as me, a significant difference. Or was Kisame so grotesque, that Kiba just could not stand the simple sight?

"There's one thing you have to do before I can let you leave though," Kiba said firmly as I began to stand up. I frowned warily and nodded for him to continue. "You have to go meet with the Hyuuga council. Tsunade said they have had enough of waiting for you to speak with them."

"No," I replied automatically. I had avoided all Hyuugas other than Neji and Hanabi like the plague, and planned on continuing to do so. I had no intention of walking into the fangs of the snake that was the Hyuuga family. "I don't want to go anywhere near them."

"You have to," Kiba insisted. I scowled and pressed my lips together when Akamaru barked his agreement. Kisame remained silent. I turned my glare away from the dog and onto its master. "It will keep suspicion at bay, and besides, you need to know what's going on with your wedding."

"There will be no wedding," I growled instantly. I was standing and digging my practical short nails into the wood of Kiba's table. "I'm leaving with Kisame and I most certainly am not coming back for a marriage I don't want to be a part of!"

"Stop arguing, Hinata, and just go," Kiba snapped back. I could feel his exasperation and frustration growing. "Besides, what about Neji? You owe him at least a good bye! Or are you going to claim you don't care about him either?"

I did not reply. I fell silent and turned away from Kiba. His words had struck the desired cord. I owed that at least to my beloved older cousin. No, I owed him much more. I owed him an explanation and a happy marriage. Were it not for Kisame he could have gotten that. It would not have been such a stretch for me to love Neji as a husband. But I could not get past the wall that was Kisame, and honestly, I didn't want to.

"You should go," said a rough voice to my left. I felt Kisame wrap an arm around my waist and I faced up at him. "I'll wait here for you." I shifted thoughtfully as I tried to decide my course of action. Kisame gave me a reassuring squeeze and I made my choice. With Kisame's approval, I could be brave for a couple of hours while I faced my own family.

"Fine," I murmured. "I'll meet with the Hyuuga council." I turned towards Kiba. "I want you to stay here with Kisame though. Don't let anything bad happen." My voice was strict now. "And don't fight." I knew leaving the two of them alone here was beyond a bad idea. I was almost doubtful that they would both survive the situation. I wasn't sure which one would start it, but I had no doubt that Kisame would finish it.

"Hinata," Kiba cried indignantly. I heard Kisame make a gruff sound of disapproval at the same time, though he didn't say anything. "How can you expect me to hang around with that thing? For your sake he can stay here, but I'm leaving until he's gone." There was some hurried scuffling as he made for the door, but I leapt up quickly and latched onto his wrist.

"No, you're not," I retorted. Kiba tried to tug his hand away, but I held fast. "Kiba what if someone knocks on the door; what if someone comes in? It's too dangerous for him to be here by himself," I insisted.

"He's huge! How can you worry about him being in danger," Kiba snorted. I heard Kisame shift uncomfortably behind me. We shouldn't be talking about him as if he wasn't there. I sighed and reached back to him. Kisame caught my searching hand, and help it gently.

"We're in the middle of Konoha," I continued, trying to reason with him. "And they may already know he's here. Please, Kiba. I don't want them to catch him…" My reasoning had turned to pleading, and Akamaru, sensing my distress, nuzzled the hand that had dropped Kiba's. I supposed the dog had forgiven me for what he had seen of me and Kisame.

"Fine," Kiba bit out reluctantly. I breathed a sigh of relief and let go of Kisame's hand to wrap my arms around Kiba's waist. He returned the hug awkwardly, and Kisame was quick to place a hand on my shoulder and pull me away from the Konoha ninja.

"Promise me you will make this fast, please," he implored. His voice was firm, but there was a hint of desperation in it. Despite Kisame's brutality, he was most mannered. But I knew this would be difficult for him. Kiba would not make it any easier on him. I nodded.

"Thank you for doing this for me," I said sincerely. I curved my lips up at him in a small smile and embraced him as well. The way I held Kisame was distinctly different from Kiba. With Kiba it was an expression of gratitude, or friendship, we rarely pressed against one another. But when I was with Kisame, we easily just melded into one another. My petite form fit perfectly within his huge bulk. It always both excited and relaxed me, leaving me somewhere on cloud nine.

"Hinata," Kiba prompted awkwardly after clearing his throat. "You're already late, and you know how to Hyuuga council is…"

"Of course," I yelped worriedly as I leapt away from Kisame's warmth. I rushed into the living room and to the front door. It had been over a week since I had been utterly blind and I bumped into things on the way painfully. But yet, it didn't seem to occur to me to take off the blindfold. Blindness was almost a comfort zone for me, a sort of familiar home. I managed to get on my shoes easily enough.

"You're not walking into Konoha with a blindfold. Take it off," Kiba demanded as he and Kisame joined me in the hallway. I was almost surprised to feel the cloth over my face, reminding me that I wasn't truly blind anymore. I turned away from Kisame and made to pull it over my head.

"Wait," Kisame suddenly stopped me. He looped a thick arm around my waist and swept me to him. His soft lips found mind gently. I placed my hands on his chest as he kissed me tenderly. Then he released me and turned me away from him. Slowly, he pulled a loose end of the knot, and slipped the blind fold from my eyes. The light assaulted my eyes brutally, but not as bad as curiosity did. It burned at my insides as I felt Kisame behind me. But I kept myself disciplined. Even as he brushed my arm in parting, I stared only at the door in front of me. When I felt the loss of his presence, I pushed open the door and stepped out into the familiar, yet no longer welcome streets of Konoha.

They weren't happy with me. They weren't mad at me either. No, they were furious. That cold fury only a Hyuuga could perfect, Hyuuga fury much like Hyuuga pride. Other than my looks and Byakugan, they were the only things that me Hyuuga. Because though I didn't fit into this family, I had both the proper fury and pride. They just rarely surfaced.

"You are late," my father intoned from his perch in the center of, yet high above, the other council members. He was as icy and harsh as ever, and I forced myself not to wince. I comforted myself only with the knowledge that Deidara had said that Hiashi had stressed over my kidnapping. I tried to convince myself that he really did care he would just never show it.

"I am sorry," I said quietly as I knelt on the hard yet elegant cushion before the council.

"You should be," Hiashi barked. My eyes widened in shock as I studied the floor in front of me. The Hyuuga clan leader was dangerously close to losing his temper. I had rarely seen that happen, and it truly scared me. I didn't take my eyes away from the zig zag pattern of the hard wood floor. Left, then right, then left, then right, but always still forward.

"It is good that you have regained your sight," said another council member. I used to know his name, but I had forgotten it. He sounded much calmer than Father though, and for that, I was thankful. "Your wedding is the day after tomorrow, and it just wouldn't do to have you falling and stumbling 

down the aisle." I cringed at the thought of the wedding, but my distaste was belied by the reminder that I was leaving with Kisame tonight.

"I regret to inform you that you will not have time for a honeymoon," continued another. It went on and on. All this beating away everything a wedding was supposed to be. There would be no wedding party; only a reception. On our wedding night we were to set right away on producing an heir. They ordered with such alarming callousness that I give myself to Neji that it stole away all magic a wedding night may hold. It was horrid.

By the time I was dismissed, my eyes were watery with unshed tears and I was quivering all over. I almost felt as though I were truly going to go through with this. I had to constantly remind myself that it didn't matter. None of it mattered. Within hours I would be gone, and I'd never have to face any of this. I was going to be better than alright. I was going to be with Kisame.

With this strength, and the desire to be as far away from Konoha and the Hyuuga compound burning in my blood, I took off running down the hallway. I was going to be free, for once in my life. My run became a sprint, and I raced down the corridors more recklessly than ever.

As I flew around a corner though, I was suddenly confronted with a shocked Neji. Both of our purple Hyuuga eyes were wide with surprise. Reminiscent of our child hood days. I threw myself to the side and spun gracefully on my toe. Within a split second, I had raced past the young man without even brushing him. The very next moment though, I had come to halt. I turned around to face my cousin.

All the elation in my heart fell at the sight of him. It was dead before it hit the ground. He was still standing at the corner and had turned to look after me curiously. Tears sprang up in my eyes as agony replaced elation.

I walked back to him slowly, starring at him as I did. He was a gorgeous man, he really was. He stood tall and proud, his high cheek bones and refined facial features were like evidence of nobility. His long dark hair fell fluidly down his back. Fluidly, the same way his muscles moved. I couldn't help but note his every perfection, and I couldn't find an imperfection.

And I was leaving him.

Without a word of explanation, I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. I felt his muscles relax as I buried my face in his shoulder. I sobbed then, I just couldn't help it. The violent wrenching of my body shook him too, though he stayed strong as always. Like he always had. I was leaving him, I was leaving him. Why, why, why? They were the only thoughts that managed to make it through in my head. For Kisame, I kept repeating to myself. For Kisame.

After a short while, I managed to reign in my feelings. My tears dried and I stopped shuddering. But I wouldn't let go, not yet. I stayed put, reveling in the feel of being cuddled against him with his loving and concerned arms around me. One of his hands was in my hair, stroking it comfortingly. But I couldn't stay like this forever, however much I longed to.

And so I pulled away. I looked up into his familiar white eyes. He opened his mouth to ask me a question, but I silenced him with a shake of my head. I couldn't lie to him today. I reached out and took both of his hands in mine. He was confused and worried. I could see it in his handsome face. I took a deep breath.

Neji," I began quietly. "I love you. I don't want you to say anything; I just need you to know. I love you so much. I truly do. Just please remember that, I do love you."

My next move was probably brash, wrong, and traitorous, but I had to. I let go of one of his hands and lay mine on his cheek. Then I reached up and pressed my lips against his. His lips were soft, so soft, and softer by far than Kisame's. The kiss was gentle, and loving. Again, I didn't want it to end, but all too soon, I pulled away.

I looked up at him for the final time, committing him to memory. "I love you," I murmured one last time, and then I turned and fled. I ran faster now than I had run before. I refused to turn and look back at him. I refused to register his emotions. I just couldn't do this. I had to get away. Eloping with Kisame seemed less like freedom now, and more like fleeing.

I broke through the doors of the building and then through the gate, but I didn't slow down. I just kept going. The pain in my legs and lungs was welcomed, as it helped to dull the pain of my heart. If the door to Kiba's house had been locked, I would have run right into it. But fortunately it was not. I slammed it open and closed in what was almost a single movement. Then I collapsed into a shaking pile on the floor in front of it.

I shook, but I did not cry. All my tears had been shed on Neji's shoulder. It took only seconds for Kiba to appear beside me. He was holding out the purple blindfold, and was about to put it on, but I batted his hands away. I wasn't ready for the darkness quite yet.

"You said good bye to Neji, huh," Kiba said. I didn't questions how he had known so easily. I shook my head a little bit and sniffled. I knew that Kisame was hovering somewhere out of sight, but I wasn't quite ready to confront him. Kiba slid down the wall next to me and sat beside me. "But you obviously spoke to him… What did you say?"

"I…," I stumbled over my words. I wasn't sure why I had said it at all. Because I had meant it. Because I needed Neji to know. "I told me I loved him." Kiba let out a low whistle and I glanced up at him. He was nodding understandingly and holding out my blindfold.

"I think you need to speak with Kisame," he said. Something about the way he said Kisame's name made me pause and really look at my best companion. He had said it in an almost friendly way. As though Kisame was no longer our enemy. This observation clashed violently though with the gnarly black eye marring his face.

"Kiba," I gasped. "What happened? What did he do?"

"Oh this," Kiba said, touching his bruise gingerly. He chuckled and shrugged. "Kisame decked me. I deserved it though. I made an, erm… in appropriate comment about you and him and… yeah." Kiba sighed as I turned my head to allow him to tie the cloth around me eyes. "You know Hinata, I think Kisame might really be a good man for you."

"I'm glad," I murmured quietly as blackness enfolded him. Now that I gotten used to blindness, darkness was like a familiar and warm blanket. Kiba hummed in agreement and left. I stood up from my place in the ground, and heard Kisame walk towards me slowly.

"I'm not kidnapping you, Hinata," he said quietly. I frowned at his tone of voice. It sounded solemn and forlorn. It should be happy and jubilant. "If you don't want to come…then don't."

"Kisame, what are you talking about," I asked breathlessly as I stumbled forward. He caught me and then held me at arm's length. He didn't draw me into his chest. I reached up to my shoulders and grabbed his wrists tightly. "I want to come. I need to come. I'm not going to let you leave me again."

"But if you love him." Kisame's louder voice overrode mine. His hands tightened on my shoulders for emphasize. "Then why are you coming with me?"

My grip turned vice like on his wrists. This wasn't happening. He wasn't going to leave me. It wasn't going to end like this. Not with him hurt and misunderstanding and me helpless to do anything about it. I was shaking my head slowly in disbelief, then more forcefully in denial. "No…"

"But if you love him, then," Kisame repeated even more loudly. But I cut him off.

"Because I love you more," I yelled desperately. Then there was silence. I had never admitted my love for Kisame before, not even to myself. It was so powerful I had been afraid to say it. Yet there it was, stark and obvious for all to hear. I was breathing hard, as though I had just worked out, and Kisame was motionless. I took another deep breath. "I love you, Kisame. You can't leave me again…"



"Alright," Kisame said quietly after a pause. He let go of my shoulders and slid his hands down to mind. He intertwined our fingers and led me deeper into the apartment, where Kiba was getting off the couch.

"I guess you're leaving now, huh," he said as he came level with us. He wasn't eager to see us go, but he hated long good byes. They were painful. I felt my hand tighten on Kisame's. My stomach was nervous, like I hadn't felt since my first night alone. I was suddenly plagued with indecision.

But I forced it down.

"Yes," Kisame said grimly. This was truly a big thing we were doing. Besides the fact that I was becoming a missing nin for good, there was still the challenge of getting out of Konoha undetected; no small feat.

"Can I see Hinata alone, real fast," Kiba asked. Kisame grunted an affirmative and I heard his slow steady footsteps retreat. I pulled off my blindfold and gave Kiba a small smile.

Kiba forced a smile back, and then enveloped me in an awkward hug. It was awkward, this whole thing. It could get worse. Kiba could be screaming and yelling and attacking Kisame. Kisame could have killed him already. Truthfully though, that was how this should all be unfolding.

They were going against their natures, just to make me happy. That was why this was wrong. Kiba wasn't Kiba, and Kisame wasn't Kisame. This wasn't right. Then Kiba let go of me and gave me a grin that more resembled a grimace more than anything else. And so I grimaced back.

"Bye, Hinata."

"Bye, Kiba."

And then he was gone. Covered by the blindfold. I turned around, and was met by Kisame's grasp. Nothing really made sense to me from there. Kisame hoisted me onto his back and we were gone. The wind was crisp and stinging and the nausea didn't get any better. It was raining, I noted. How fitting. I lost track of time, and then he set me down. I wasn't sure whether we had been going for five minutes or fifty, but as soon as my feet hit the ground and Kisame was safely out of range, I wretched.

The contents of my stomach emptied onto the ground with a sickening noise. The smell wasn't much better. I wrinkled my nose and wiped the remnants from my lips. I felt Kisame put both of his hands on my shoulders and turn me around to face him. Then he knelt to my level and wiped my face with a cool cloth. The rain helped to cool me down a bit.

It got better as we walked quietly; my good mood was coming back with a vengeance. Hadn't I wanted this? I was with Kisame. I wasn't his hostage, he wasn't my enemy. We were gone; we were apart from it all. And we were together.

I was leaving much behind, but I was gaining even more. I slipped my hand into Kisame's and felt all his tensions leave him. As soon as I felt him relax, so did I. I smiled widely and leaned my head against his shoulder as we went. We were both sopping wet, but I was in such a wonderful place right then.

"We'll be going to the new base," Kisame told me. I nodded. "Konoha all but obliterated our last one," he said bitterly. I sighed apologetically. But I wasn't a part of Konoha anymore. I was willing to give that up. I could become a missing nin for Kisame. But could I do it for a muscled black mass that hid from me? I had to see him. He had to get over his fear.

"Kisame," I said seriously, pulling away from him. He stood still, and turned to face me, sensing my sobriety. He knew what was coming. "I cannot stay blindfolded forever…"

"Hinata," Kisame begged. I almost stumbled at his voice. It was so broken, so pained. "You don't want to see me. Trust me." The agony in his voice almost stopped me from pressing the matter. But my statement stood true. I could not stay blindfolded forever. I felt Kisame's large hand cup my cheek desperately.

"I'm leaving everything for you," I told him. I put my hand on top of his, and held it to my face. "I'm running away, I'm leaving my home, my friends. And worst of all, I'm leaving Neji."

"If you don't-," Kisame began heatedly, his hand clenching angrily.

"And I'm doing it because I love you," I continued firmly, tightening my grip on his hand. I turned my head slightly to brush a kiss across his calluses. "I'd do anything for you, but please, I need you to return the favor. I need to see you."

"But will you still love me when you see what I really am," he asked with that broken voice. It wrenched on my heart painfully. I nodded an affirmative.

"You swear?"

"I swear that I will always love you, Kisame."

I closed my eyes slowly. So, so, slowly, the blindfold slipped off my eyes. My heart was beating so fast I could feel it in my throat. I was trembling. I was excited. I felt as though I would faint before I even glimpsed him. I then I opened them. I looked upon my rock, the man I loved, the savior of the blind and broken.

I looked upon Hoshigaki Kisame.

A/N Muahahaha do you all just hate me. I think that may be the mother of all cliff hangers. My brother is now giving me a lecture about how mean that is. But hey, I just couldn't help it. But you know, I've actually written out the whole next chapter. So now its all about the disicipline to type and re read and crud. :D

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, and please please please review!!

Yuki