A/N: Here ya go, not as long as I normally like but it hasn't been two days since I updated the last time.
I wish to respond to a review. Sorry, if Ino seems a tad 'crankier than usual. (Not trying to make her into a moster I swear) I also think or I'm trying to make Hinata a bit more open mouthed as well. Before I began I tried to figure out how they would 'do' in a situation like this one. I know Sasuke and Itachi would deal with it easily because they've both been wanted before. For the girls it is something new and a bit stressful, in a way more so for Ino. Ino does still have a mother that is back in Konoha that she has to be worried about. Hinata's family is still there but both her 'birth' parents are deceased and Hiashi and Hinabi are safe from the council because they have no part in the prophecy and are protected because they are Hyuuga. So Ino's actions could impact her mother's situation, both girls would be a tad stressed.
Also, naturally Hinata and Sasuke's relationship will advance sooner than Ino and Itachi because they knew each other and spent a bit of time around each other before this. Ino and Itachi were complete strangers so I wanna be realistic on their warming up to each other but I promise it will happen, probably a bit faster than it would in normal circumstances, but not as fast with SasHin.
Warnings: None
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Chapter Thirteen
"The depths in which I'd conquer you would be unlike anything you have ever imagined."
Why did that threat make her insides heat? Hinata fought back the urge to bite her mouth, she wouldn't be intimidated. He was doing it to prove that he could, that he could make her uneasy. "A simple feat seeing as I have NEVER imagined anything when it comes to you."
"And I suppose I should have threatened your thoughts of the dobe? Shall I claim to take you in ways that he could only dream of accomplishing? Would you be more accepting if the roles were reversed? Would you let me touch you then? Or am I not worthy betraying your village for because I am not Naruto?"
"That isn't fair!" It stung to have him question her intentions. Naruto had nothing to do with this and to bring him up was a cheap shot. "Would you be more willing to touch me if I were Sakura? Or is it the fact that for once you might have to actually work to win a girl's affections too much of a challenge for you? Angry that I'm not falling over myself because of your face?"
"I don't need you to do anything, because I would rather my line end than to wed his leftovers. It said I stole his bride which is what I did, it doesn't say anything about making her my own. When I wed, it will be a woman that can hold a complete conversation without stuttering. As far as I'm concerned you have outlived your usefulness. I have the prophecy and you are annoying. There is no way someone like you could possibly hope to stand at my side. The best thing for you to do would be to return to Konoha and hope he will take you back. Wait, he doesn't want you. You don't even make a decent replacement." Sasuke hissed at the sudden tightness of his throat and tried to search for the source. It wasn't his brother, Itachi was watching from the seat.
"Let him go," Itachi gave the single warning to the girl. Sasuke was gasping open mouthed in an attempt to breathe. The comments had been going overboard but so was her reaction to it. "Ino, you have three seconds to release him."
"Go to hell, he's being an asshole." Ino shouted, it wasn't like she was going to kill him. It was just a tight body-bind centered on his flapping jaw, he just couldn't talk shit. It served him right for saying that kind of crap to her. How could he say something like that?
Sasuke tried to move his hand to indicate that he was just fine, he just couldn't move. It was annoying as hell that he couldn't scream or demand to be let go himself. He hadn't thought her capable of it, but he was wrong. She seemed to be straining but the hold wasn't letting go. He tried to catch Itachi's gaze seeing the intent but unable to do anything.
"Ino!" Hinata saw it as well but with the arms locked in place and the sturdy form pinning her, she couldn't get out from under Sasuke in time. The blonde girl was the next to find herself being pinned against the nearby wall but in a more aggressive manner. She wasn't the only one that heard how hard the impact was and the cry of pain signaled the release of the jutsu. The unconscious form was hitting the floor before she managed to make it the few feet. "How could you?"
"She brought it upon herself," Itachi felt horrible realizing how hard she had struck the wall, his intent hadn't been to knock her unconscious.
"She wasn't hurting me," Sasuke felt his stomach pitch hearing the low moan. Ino was stirring with Hinata's coaxing, "He didn't realize that I was in no danger, he warned her to release me."
"And that excuses his violence?" Hinata helped her to stand. "I pity you both. It doesn't matter if you manage to become the Kage and have everyone under your command. You've already lost, because you're incapable of caring about anything but yourselves. You obviously no longer wish for us to be here, and we are no concern of yours."
That wasn't what he meant but he wasn't going to beg her to stay. Sasuke swallowed what he wanted to say, he wouldn't apologize. His brother had been trying to protect him, that was all. Ino shouldn't have interfered when it didn't concern her. "Then pack your things and leave."
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"You're worried," Sasuke flipped the page, it was more of an observation than an inquiry. It was written all over his brother's face. He was the only one to have turned a page in the last thirty minutes. The silence in the place was disturbing but he was finding the ledger to be very entertaining.
"So are you, don't pretend otherwise. I'm not the one that has gone out four times in the last three hours to look around." Itachi closed the book and placed it on the table. He was greatly concerned since it had been five days since the two had stormed out and hadn't returned. Where would they go? They really wouldn't be foolish enough to return to the village. They had to know the danger they might be in if they did. "Do you think they went back to the village?"
"Yes, I do." Sasuke glanced up from the written words. "I know they are heading back to the village and that is why we should probably head out in the morning. We can make some decent time if we leave before dawn."
"Dammit, I really hope they aren't that stupid." Itachi somehow knew they were. Why the hell hadn't they returned? Would one little disagreement send them running back? "Do you think they will betray you?"
"No," Sasuke frowned, hating that he knew the answer. "I know Ino, because she is pissed she will try to do something on her own. If they go to the village it will be to learn what has happened in our absence. I'm sure she's also concerned for her mother. She'll lie her way back in but that doesn't mean they are safe. I don't worry about them telling anyone about our whereabouts, I'm more worried that they will get in over their heads."
"So you wish to go after the girl," Itachi reached for the tea that was barely luke-warm at this point. He was greatly concerned for them, if anyone suspected their part in Sasuke's disappearance, they wouldn't be able to talk their way out of it. They couldn't not do anything, it didn't sit well with him. It was mostly their fault that the girls had left like they did.
What kind of question was that? Sasuke had wanted to tell her to get over it the same day but had refrained. His pride demanded that he not do anything about her leaving. It was her choice whether or not if she wished to remain at his side. The same pride had forced him to sit here and wait to see if she would return, but she hadn't. Most likely because they had gotten some fool idea in their heads in order to let off steam or to get away from them. It didn't matter, he had given her enough time to pout. She was too important to let Konoha have and for some reason it pissed him off to think she might return to the dobe. "I'm going after her if she hasn't returned by morning."
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The relief that filled Kakashi was seen greatly on Naruto's face as well. The elders looked less than pleased with the announcement but he was the Hokage. He couldn't deny the others the threat of Sasuke but this was Hinata, and she'd been with Ino all this time. They had also given them a lead, it was something. The two girls were standing before the elders, and also Naruto, who had barged in learning of their return. There were no signs that the girls had betrayed them. "Will there be any other questions? I'm sure they are both tired."
"Yes, how do we know they speak the truth? How do we know that they haven't been tainted by the Uchiha they say they were following?"
"Tainted? Was he sick?" Hinata fiddled with her fingers and decided that looking down at her feet was the best way to behave right now. It beat looking at that ugly bitch that was glaring at her.
"No, he isn't as far as we know but some new information has been uncovered about Sasuke. I'm glad you two made it back without any complications." Kakashi believed them, he had no reason not to. They claimed to have followed slowly behind the others for a while but Ino had picked up a faint chakra source not far away. They had went to investigate to follow someone they thought might be Sasuke. The report of following not too far behind until they came upon some kind of gorge, after it became two. Ino had fallen and broken her ankle. Tending her own bones had been tricky and then they had tried to pick up on the trail once more but had returned when it had turned cold. "Some foolish idea that Hinata had run off to be with Sasuke, when we realized you two hadn't met up with the others. Besides the team that brought them back said they saw no sign of him."
"Please, don't tell me Forehead is still going on about that shit. Can't keep her man happy so it is someone else's fault?" Ino threw her hands up in mock irritation. "I think we all know better, she has barely spoken to him so why would she run off to be with him? She has been gaga for that idiot over there for years, I'm sure we'll be hearing wedding bells any day now."
That was pushing it. Hinata almost snorted at the comment because there was no way in hell she was marrying anyone. Did they really have to do this? Sure, she still wanted to help Sasuke even if he didn't want her around. It had been Ino's idea to come back to the village to find out exactly what was going on. They were only going to spy for a few days before becoming official wanted shinobi. They wouldn't be joining back up with the other two but she wasn't going to stay behind and become his wife. "I..I dunno, he hasn't asked but you know."
"Marry me, Hinata!" Naruto wasn't sure why he hadn't done it sooner. What better way to prove to them that Hinata loved him and this entire nonsense about her wanting to be with Sasuke was absurd. They could get married and prove to everyone just how much they loved each other.
"What?!" There was no having to fake the shock, Hinata almost gagged from it. What had he said? Was that a proposal? Had he just asked her to marry in front of the Hokage and the elders? Why were the elders even here? Their presence probably meant that they were worried about the prophecy. Coming back might have been a mistake.
"Splendid idea, I love weddings!" Ino really hoped her friend didn't kill her over this. It was a fucking test, they were waiting for Hinata's answer. If she said no, they would doubt their claim. Naruto had unknowingly given them the best way to test Hinata's loyalty. That was so fucked, and she couldn't say anything to dissolve the situation.
"I will," when hell froze over. Hinata allowed the tight embrace, inwardly thinking of ways of mutating the blonde kunoichi. They should have spied from the outside, this wasn't how it was supposed to happen.
"Excellent, I love Fall weddings. We can start making the plans, I want to be a bridesmaid." Ino raised her voice to fake joy that she did not feel. She would look awesome in a gown but the wedding wasn't going to happen.
"No, it will be on Friday. We have our reasons and she will wed him in six days or she will be arrested and then questioned."
"That's a little harsh if she doesn't want to rush getting married. I know he's your hero but come on," Ino knew what the rush was but couldn't let on that she did.
"Friday is perfect," Hinata beamed a smile at the blonde male, who was grinning from ear to ear. She wouldn't falter in front of them or give them a reason to suspect her loyalties. They wanted her to still be the lovesick fool, that was the part she'd play. "I can't wait to marry him."
"I'm so happy," Naruto wrapped his arms around her, afraid to let go. He'd been so worried that she'd say no to him. They weren't really together but he had worked on the council, assuring them that he and Hinata were doing alright and that they loved each other greatly. Kakashi had told him to bring up the idea of marriage to her when she returned. If she was truly happy with him and not being persuaded by Sasuke, she would agree to it. She had, he couldn't be happier. Hinata loved him and he was going to make her extremely happy. "We need to prepare for the wedding."
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They were so fucked! Well, she was. Hinata tried not to break down eyeing the gown on the dummy. Seeing her wedding gown should make her happy but she was on the verge of calling the entire thing off and to accept whatever punishment the council was going to dish out. They couldn't do anything, they were stuck. They had discovered what they had come to see about but at what cost? The entire village knew about this prophecy now and some were whispering that she was the one Sasuke wanted. The only good thing was that everyone was saying that she and Naruto were hopelessly in love and the Hokage feared that Sasuke would try to steal her from her groom.
It wasn't going to happen, she knew it. They had no idea where the two were and she didn't want to know. They would do what they wanted while she would be forced to marry another. No, she wouldn't marry him, she would leave first. They should have been more careful when returning. Snooping had turned into this because they had come across the scouting party. They had bought into Ino's explanation because the idiots had been in awe of the pretty kuniochi that had been flirting with them. By the time they got back to the village, the two actually believed they had found them while they were returning and had not been trying to sneak back in. The morons had backed Ino's story to a point, and her agreement to marry Naruto had sealed their innocence. The wedding was in two days, she had to think of something before then.
It would help if she could get a chance to speak to Ino alone. It felt like she was grounded because she wasn't allowed to leave the compound. There were guards posted everywhere, she was a prisoner. No one was going to stop the wedding but her. If she didn't want to get into trouble, she had to go through with it. No, she couldn't marry him. It wasn't what she wanted, she didn't see him that way anymore. Their hero wasn't the one she wanted, she wanted someone else.
She couldn't say that the prophecy had a point and that she wanted the Uchiha but he would be better than their next Hokage in training. It meant she too had to suffer from some kind of Uchiha mental disorder because any sane woman would probably choose Naruto first if it were based more on looks because Sasuke was better looking. Yet Naruto was going to be the next Hokage. The blonde male was sweeter, kinder, and more gentle in his ways. Now that she thought about it, it also made him more boring. Was that the reason girls had always fawned over Sasuke? The air of excitement that clung to him like a second skin? If she had remained with him, her life would never have seen a dull moment.
But he hadn't wanted her to stay, that was the entire problem. They had been told to get out, to leave. Coming back had been more or less needed, since they had nowhere else to go. Ino had planned on getting them enough funds to last for a while but that wasn't going to happen now. The blonde could slip away, but she couldn't. She was screwed, because the Uchiha they were so scared of did NOT want their hero's bride. Sasuke hadn't even wanted her to remain around for the use of her eyes.
'Hinata, Hinata, how are you holding up?'
'Ino? How are you?' The girl's voice rang in her mind, helping to calm the turmoil. It was so good to hear the voice after days of speaking to no one but her father, family, and Kakashi. 'They won't let me out of the compound, there are guards everywhere.'
'We know and don't worry about it. Pack up a few things, we are ready to leave. We aren't going to let you marry that idiot and I've taken care of everything.'
'Are you okay?' Hinata had no idea how bad the other girl was being monitored. 'Are they watching you?'
'No, I waited a few days beforehand and even had a few help out with that to make sure. With the rumors we are spreading, everyone totally believes that you are still the same child in love with Naruto and that you would NEVER want Sasuke over him. And that the prophecy says you're going to be stolen, not ran off. Actually, with the false information we've been feeding Kakashi and the guards, they are watching the main exit to the village. They are there to make sure no one tries to breaks in, not trying to get out. Everything is so under control, you didn't think I'd abandon you.'
'No, but I didn't think you'd be able to help me. I don't want you getting hurt, I'd rather marry him than see you get in trouble over me.' Hinata frowned at her reflection, they weren't blood sisters but Ino was family to her. 'What was that noise?'
'A little distraction, get your things and leave the compound. This is our one chance, if we blow it we will be jailed. That means hurt who you must, there is no turning back.'
'Okay,' she felt the link still active in her mind. A few more things were quickly stashed inside her bag and she didn't bother changing out of her night clothes. Whatever Ino was doing, it was happening now. This was her one chance to leave before she'd be forced to marry, she had to take it, even if it meant fighting her way out.
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A/N: Sorry, if this chapter was a little rushed. Nothing was meant to happen on their way back so I doubt you wanted to read 'They ran, they stopped, they tinkled and ran some more. Also, nothing was meant to happen from the time Hinata was sent home from the Hokage's office and the few days she was sitting at the compound. Besides being fitted for a dress and stare at a wall. I figured I'd skip that boring info. Sorry, no wedding bells for Sasuke and Hinata, too soon for that. Thanks and please review for me.
Next Chapter: leaving again and building blocks