Haaaaaaaaaappy Friday everyone! ^_^ I hope you all had wonderful weeks, and that you have wonderful weekends as well! So, here we have Chapter Seven – read and enjoy, my lovelies!

Nothing really to note this time – no anons or shout outs. But I want to thank everyone so far who has favorited, reviewed, and added this fic to story alert. Each notification I get fills me with joy, and I truly appreciate them. It helps motivate me to write even more, and that of course means more for you all to read! But, I'm blabbering – I'll leave you to your reading ^_^

~BlackRoseDragon13

*Disclaimer* I do not own, nor claim to own, any aspect of Naruto in any way, shape, or form. This is merely a fan work, and I receive no profit.

Chapter Seven

"Hn...it's a bit late to be sleeping."

Jolting awake, Hinata drew a kunai from her leg pouch reflexively, bracing for an attack.

"You couldn't land a hit on me if your life depended on it, Hyuuga."

As her brain caught up with her body, Hinata saw Sasuke standing just outside her niche between two large rocks. His emotionless black eyes were staring at her, a smirk on his lips. "Sasuke san...?"

Without a word, he started walking. Confused, Hinata packed her things quickly and jogged to catch up. Why was he waiting for her? As far as she knew, he had little patience for Konoha shinobi, avoiding any of them at any cost.

"I want to keep an eye on you," he said, breaking the silence. "If Itachi really has taken an interest in you, I figure it's worth seeing for myself."

Hinata stumbled a bit. Had he read her mind?

"But once we get back to Konoha, the only thing I'm going to do is fight my brother. I hope you don't have any ideas about me sticking around."

Hinata didn't answer. She had wanted him to stay, if only to make Naruto happy. But in all reality, she had little control over him after he fought his brother. If Itachi died, Hinata figured there was little anyone could do to stop Sasuke from leaving. "Why not?" she questioned, mouth moving without her brain. "I thought your only goal...was to k-kill Itachi. Once that's finished...can't you come back?"

Sasuke glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Hn."

Deciding to drop it, Hinata just kept walking.

By nightfall, they had come across the village where Yoko lived. Hinata had assumed that the solitary boy would rather camp outside the town's borders, but she was surprised when he turned into it, heading for the inn.

"I w-wouldn't try it if I were you," she warned.

Sasuke perked an eyebrow at her. "And why is that?"

"They don't like shinobi. I got thrown out."

A small chuckle actually escaped his lips. "Then what do you suggest we do?"

"W-well...I know someone, this way, who would probably let us stay with her."

Sasuke didn't say anything. Too tired to care, Hinata just started out, leaving the boy to decide what he would do. He followed, to her surprise, though she didn't address it.

The onsen was lit up for the evening, and Hinata walked in quietly, Sasuke stepping up to stand beside her. His proximity made her a bit uncomfortable, but she didn't move.

Yoko was just returning to her greeting station when she saw them. Eyes widening to saucers, she stared for a moment before asking, "You succeeded?"

"Yes," Hinata replied, ignoring Sasuke's glance in her direction. "I was wondering if you s-still have room."

"For you, any time. One, or two?"

"T-two."

Wordlessly, Yoko motioned for them to follow her. Hinata's previous room was taken, but the one she received in its stead was fine. Sasuke disappeared into his room without a word, and Hinata accepted his antisocial behavior silently. Stress still weighing heavily on her from the last few days, mostly concerning Itachi, she made her way to the baths almost immediately after the lights faded for the night.

Caution made her hesitate as she saw lights on over the baths. Wary due to her last bathing incident with company, she moved more cautiously, using her Byakugan to observe anyone inside. A breath of relief passed her lips as she saw only Yoko soaking in the main pool alone. Stepping around the barrier, Hinata joined her, smiling tiredly.

The redhead let her guest settle before asking, "So...this is the man you were looking for?"

"Y-yes."

"Things must have gone smoothly."

Hinata didn't answer for a moment. In truth, retrieving Sasuke had been easier than she imagined. But the trip in its entirety had certainly had its complications. "Yes and no."

Yoko didn't push her for more information, but Hinata had come to trust the other woman, seeing her as a friend. Sighing, she added, "The man who was helping me...who sent me to find Sasuke san...he m-met with me before I approached the hideout. He..." Her brow furrowed as she thought. "He gave me one last lesson, and then sent me back. But...s-something happened."

One red eyebrow perked. "Oh? Did he try to hurt you?" The other woman tensed, her motherly instinct simmering.

"N-no!" Hinata replied, waving her hands in front of her. "No, it w-wasn't that..." Her gaze fell to the water, her cheeks coloring slightly.

Understanding passed over Yoko's face. "Ah, I see. Then...this attention was unwanted?"

Hinata didn't move, silent for a moment. "I...I don't know..." Shifting a bit, she added, "He...has a b-bad reputation...but...I haven't seen any evidence of it. He's treated me well, though he was a bit...r-rash in the beginning. I just don't know what to do. I have someone back in my village that I care for, but..." Her visage saddened. "He doesn't see me."

"Hm...but you don't think this other man is someone who should pursue you?"

Hinata's blush intensified. "I don't think he would even consider it."

"Why don't you tell me everything that happened, and I'll be the judge of that."

With more blushes and stuttering, Hinata recounted everything about her and Itachi's encounter, leaving out anything that would identify him or reveal too much.

"Hinata dear, that sounds like a classic attraction. What passed between you was an intense moment of it. But judging by his reaction afterward, he doesn't want to act on it. Whether or not he actually will is something I can't foretell, because I don't know his nature. It depends which side of him is stronger – his hesitation, or his desire."

Yoko's speech made Hinata color once more. "I...I s-see."

"I don't know the entire situation, either, so I have no idea if trying would be wise or not. That is up to you and him. But one thing is certain – both of you harbor some kind of connection, whether you like it or not."

A heavy feeling settled into Hinata's gut. Bidding Yoko goodnight, she left the pool and headed back to her room, not sure if talking had helped or not. She dressed again, lying atop her bed and staring at the ceiling for quite some time. The fire had died, her lamp unlit, making the room dark save for slivers of moonlight filtering through the curtains. Her thoughts were turbulent, raging like a storm. By some grace, she managed to pass out, her dreams just as contorted and confused.

Just before sunrise, something made her wake. Eyes snapping open, she stared into dark ones just above her. Gathering her wits, she felt weight all around her, evidence that Sasuke was on all fours over her, his sword held to her neck.

"You must think I'm some kind of fool."

Hinata just stared, seeing no possible way out.

"Did you really think I would let you out of my sight? I told you I was going to keep an eye on you."

She searched her brain, trying to figured out what he meant. He was spying on me? That means...

Dread filled her. He had heard her confession to Yoko about Itachi.

"I don't know what exactly is going on between you and my brother...but I can tell you it's fruitless." Pressure increased, and blood dribbled down her neck as his blade twitched in a rare display of anger. "He's a murderer. Killer. Slaughterer of innocents. He killed my clan. You must be one hell of a fool if you think for a moment he is capable of feelings for anyone, let alone a weak nobody like you."

Hinata still could find no words. Sasuke's stung her, though she didn't know why. Did she really want Itachi to feel something for her? She really was a fool, wanting even for a moment the attentions of a murderer. Sasuke was right.

"I need you to scream as loud as you can."

Pain pierced her skull, and she cried out as her eyes crashed shut, back arching as her body reacted to the intense hurt.

"I can tell you that it will help keep you safe."

"No!" she cried, pushing against Sasuke's chest. His confusion from her reaction allowed her to move him, and he actually fell back until he was sitting on her feet, eyes widening slightly. "Go away!" she screeched, grabbing at her hair with clenched fists. It felt as though her skull would crack any moment. "Get out!"

Sasuke didn't move, still staring. What the hell was going on with this girl? Was she really daring to contradict him, or was something else going on in her head? She was convulsing slightly, tears streaming down her face. Mumbled words escaped her lips, tangled and incomprehensible, her eyes distant and unclear. She was seeing something in her mind, and Sasuke would likely never know what it was.

Afraid she might be having a seizure, he finally moved. Grasping her wrists, he hooked his ankles over hers to keep her legs still, pinning her hands above her head. "Hyuuga," he muttered, looking down at her pale face. "Knock it off, Hyuuga. It would be inconvenient if you died on me."

Her irregular breathing slowed a bit, her eyes slowly focusing on him. "D-die? N-no...I..." Her body finally came to a standstill, but Sasuke didn't move. "G-get off," she demanded, her voice still groggy with tears. "I'm f-fine."

He stared for a moment longer, and then slowly released her. "We should get going. And no more of...whatever that was. Next time I'll just leave you behind." Then, without warning, he disappeared.

Her breath was still a bit shaky. Sitting up, she wiped at her face with the back of her hand, sniffling. The pain had never been that intense. And...had that been Itachi's voice? It sounded a bit different, as though perhaps he was younger, but she was pretty sure it was him. But what had he been talking about? Head pounding, she shoved the thought aside, focusing her energy on packing and thoughts of home.

Yoko gave Hinata a fond farewell, hugging her tightly as Sasuke looked the other way. "Take care of yourself, dear," she mumbled into Hinata's hair. "You'll always been welcome here,"

"Thank you, Yoko san," Hinata returned, giving the redhead a smile as they parted. "I'll t-try to come back soon."

"I'll be looking forward to it." Looking over at Sasuke, the woman threatened, "You better be worth all the trouble this girl went through to get you back."

"Hn." Not looking back, Sasuke walked out the door.

"Rude little -"

"It's fine – he's just...um...shy."

Yoko perked a brow. "Shy? If you say so. Good luck, Hinata. Safe travels."

"Thank you."

From that moment on, the trip was silent. They camped each night, still not saying a word. Hinata offered to share her rations, which Sasuke declined for his own. Giving up, she decided to merely get their travels over with, keeping her mind occupied with thoughts of the near future.

Would Naruto be happy to see Sasuke? Personally, Hinata thought the dark-haired boy rude and unappealing, but she knew Naruto had some sort of bond with him. Sakura would certainly be happy. Would they be able to convince him to stay once his revenge was complete? Hinata tried to imagine having completed all of her goals and being left with nothing. What would she do then? It had to be an empty existence to have nothing left to fight for. Perhaps Sasuke would find something else to do...maybe even in Konoha. Itachi had been his only reason for leaving – perhaps the older man's death would allow Sasuke to return.

The Hi no Kuni – Oto no Kuni border soon appeared before them. Hinata was a bit nervous to pass through with Sasuke at her side, but he seemed completely oblivious.

"Um..." she finally said, breaking their silence. "Is it wise for you to...p-pass through here in the open?"

Without a word, Sasuke disappeared.

Pausing in shock, Hinata looked all around before resorting to her Kekke Genkai. She found him about half a mile down the road on the other side. Was he really that fast? Amazed, she shook her head and kept walking.

Luckily, the large man from her earlier travels wasn't there. A younger, thinner man approached her, checking her papers without a word, ushering her through.

Aoi, however, was present. He smiled at her, apparently remembering her from before. "Welcome back, Miss Hyuuga," he said cheerfully. "Did you accomplish what you set out to do?"

"Yes," she replied, unable to keep from smiling at the pleasant man.

"Good. Safe travels home then."

"Thanks."

She met up with Sasuke a while later. Without a greeting, he merely turned to keep walking once she was close. The silence resumed, lasting for the rest of their trip.

The trees of Hi no Kuni made Hinata feel safe. The familiarity soothed her frazzled mind, and even Sasuke's stoney silence failed to bother her. It almost seemed that things were back to normal, returning from a mission to her village. She couldn't wait to sleep in her own bed, and perhaps bake some cinnamon buns or press some flowers in celebration of her success. A restful night's sleep, however, had to be what she desired most.

"So...do I have to actually go into the village?" Sasuke asked, making Hinata stumble lightly at the sudden break in silence. "Because I think my presence would be a bit...distracting to a lot of people."

Hinata hesitated. Itachi had wanted his brother to return home. When she really thought about it, she realized that he wanted his younger brother to stay. "Um...I think he wanted you inside..."

"Hn..."

"Perhaps...you could hide in the Uchiha District? N-no one goes there..."

Sasuke's gaze hardened. The thought of returning to his clans' slaughtering grounds was probably not one he really wanted to entertain. "Fine."

"Can you get in without being n-noticed?"

"Of course," he replied in a bored tone, barely hiding his boastfulness. "Make sure no one bothers me." Without waiting for her reply, he vanished once again.

Passing through the village gate was like a breath of fresh air. A smile slowly broke out over Hinata's face. She had been gone for over three weeks, though it seemed like much longer. Being home at last made her tired feet grow a bit lighter.

I should probably report to Tsunade sama before anything else, though... she thought with a sigh. How were things going to go now that Sasuke was here? He obviously didn't want to be bothered before his fight – could she keep him hidden until then?

The buxom blonde wasn't busy, so Hinata was sent right in. Knocking, she head the familiar gruff "Enter", doing so with a bit of nerves.

Looking up from her papers, Tsunade blinked at Hinata several times before seemingly realizing just who was standing before her. "Hinata!"

"Hello, Tsunade sama."

"Did...did you find him?"

Hinata merely nodded.

Disbelief flooded the Hokage's face. "I...really? Is he here?"

"He d-doesn't want to see anyone now, but he is inside the village."

Tsunade's expression hardened. "As happy as I am that he's back, I hardly think he has the right to just hide away in the shadows here. Where is he?"

Shifting a bit in nerves, Hinata replied, "W-well...he r-really doesn't want anyone to see him yet...but...he's in the Uchiha district."

"Huh, I should have known. Very well. I'll go pay him a visit myself, but I'll keep his arrival under wraps until we figure out what we want to do." Giving the younger female a studying look, she added, "No offense, Hinata, but...I really wasn't expecting you to succeed. I'm very glad you did, however. Now...is there anything else regarding this mission that you want to tell me?"

The Hyuuga girl considered revealing the true motivations behind her actions, but hesitated. Itachi had yet to see or fight his brother – it was probably wise to wait. "There is m-more, but...I'm afraid it will have to wait a little longer, Tsunade sama."

The blonde huffed in annoyance, folding her arms under her impressive bust. "Very well. But once you can, I want you to tell me everything, is that understood?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Now, if you'll excuse me...I have a certain Uchiha I need to speak with." Rising from her chair, the Hokage made her way out of her office, not bothering to see what Hinata planned to do.

For quite some time, the Hyuuga girl just stood in place. Now that she was back home, it almost felt as though she'd never left – that her mission was nothing but a dream. To convince herself that it was indeed real, Hinata lifted her jacket cuff to gaze at the Uchiha symbol branded onto her skin. It was still there, the red and white mark staring back at her.

Suddenly, she gasped. She had never told Itachi of her success! So confused and distracted was she by recent events, she had completely forgotten. Rushing out of the room, she bolted back to her home, ignoring her father's bewildered cry as she locked herself in her room. Biting her thumb harshly, she cried, "Kuchiyose no jutsu!"

With a flash, the raven once more appeared before her. Cawing, it gazed at her curiously.

Panting from her sprinting, she managed to say, "Tell Itachi...I'm alive...and...that my m-mission was...a success..."

A plume of smoke replaced the bird, and dissipated just in time for her father to knock loudly on the door. "Hinata? What on earth is going on?"

Straightening herself as best she could, Hinata unlocked her door to reveal her very confused sire. "Hello Father. I'm h-home."

"As much as I take comfort in that, I would like to know why you returned as you did – running as though from a demon!"

Ignoring the irony of his statement, she replied, "I was just happy to be home. My mission was...d-difficult, but I managed to complete it successfully."

Looking as though he knew she wasn't speaking the whole truth, he murmured, "Very well. As I was not aware of your return, I have already made dinner plans with the council. You and your sister will have to remain here."

"Yes Father."

Giving her one last look, he tucked his hands into his robe sleeves, walking quietly back down the hall.

After she shut the door, Hinata turned to lean against it, sinking down to sit upon the floor with a huge sigh. That was close.

Not a moment later, the large black bird returned. Staring at it, Hinata saw that there was no note tied to its leg. Brow furrowing, she wondered just what purpose it had for coming back without a message. But it hopped across the floor, fluttering to her windowsill. It cawed indignantly, pecking lightly at the glass pane.

"You...you want outside?"

It cawed again, so Hinata rose to her feet and released the latch, lifting the pane until the bird could fit out. With a ruffle of feathers, it took off into the sky, leaving her behind.

That was odd.

A sad feeling settled over Hinata. Did he not care that she was alive? Now that her task was complete, did he not want to ever see her again? But determination overtook her, and she rushed out of her room, nearly crashing into a group of branch members outside her door.

"Hinata!" her father called, seeing her running again. She ignored him, however, searching the skies for the bird. Cursing the buildings in her path, she leapt to the roofs and started bounding across the village, finally catching sight of it as it flew toward a back corner of the village.

The Uchiha Compound, she noted solemnly. He must want to speak to Sasuke.

The bird landed on the wall of the Uchiha District, scratching its side for a moment. Carefully, Hinata approached it, glad that it did not take off as she stood beside it.

"I think Tsunade sama is in there now," she told it. "It's a good thing you w-waited."

The raven said nothing, staring out over the Uchiha buildings.

Something told the girl to stay, so she maneuvered herself into a sitting position, legs hanging over the wall into the compound. The air felt cool on her legs, and she shivered. The place had known much death, and she could feel it. No wonder Sasuke hadn't wanted to return.

After what seemed like quite a while, Hinata caught sight of the Hokage. She was heading back toward the compound gate, leaving it behind as she walked back out into the rest of the village. The raven took flight, and Hinata merely watched. Like before, she just had a feeling that she should remain where she was.

Not much later, she saw Sasuke walking toward her. The bird was perched on his shoulder, barely fitting due to its size. Once they were in sight, it left its perch and flew to her, landing on her knee. She scratched its neck softly, watching it angle its head so that her fingers found whatever itch it had.

"She told me you were here," Sasuke murmured, gazing at the bird.

"She? You mean the Hokage?"

"No, the raven," he said, obviously irritated. "She likes you, for some reason."

"O-oh..." Hinata smiled at the bird, who gazed at her with one eye.

"He wants me to meet him tomorrow," Sasuke continued, to Hinata's surprise. "After that...it'll be over."

Having no reply, she just remained quiet.

"She also said he wants to see you, before sundown." He gave her a look she couldn't read. "He said he owed you something."

Hinata did her best to not react. "Where?"

"Wherever you met him before you left."

"Okay...thank you."

"Hn." He looked as though he wanted to say more, but instead he turned away, walking back into the compound and disappearing from view.

Sighing, Hinata turned her gaze to the raven. "So, you're a girl," she mused. "I'm sorry if I ever offended you...then again, I d-don't think I ever called you a boy..."

The bird didn't react, content to let her continue her scratching.

The day was growing late, and Hinata noticed the sun beginning to set. She rose to her feet, the raven fluttering into flight. "I guess...we better get going," she mumbled, hopping onto the nearest roof and starting off for the village gate, the bird flying swiftly beside her.

Luckily, the chuunin at the gate didn't question her departure after so soon returning home, and Hinata made it out into the forest without delay, the brilliant colors of the sunset hidden behind the dense vegetation. Deja vu tingled in the back of her mind, retracing her steps from nearly one month ago. A mess of emotions flowed through her. Would he be happy to see her, alive and well? Or would he be curt, cutting off whatever there was between them now that she had completed her task? And why did the thought of never seeing him again make her heart feel cold?

Dropping into the clearing where the raven-haired man had first approached her, Hinata waited. This time, she knew better than to try using her Byakugan. Instead, she waited in silence, listening and watching.

"You did well, Hinata san."

From the shadows across the open landscape he melted, slowly stepping into the fading light. His eyes were black, face blank, posture relaxed. The raven flew to his shoulder, perching there while he scratched her chin. "Thank you."

"I was worried when I did not hear from you. I had faith that you were still alive, but waiting so long did test it."

She looked away from him. "I'm sorry. I didn't m-mean to cause you any distress."

"As long as you were all right in the end I suppose. And now, Sasuke is home where he belongs."

Before she could stop herself, she blurted, "What does it matter? If he lives after fighting against you, he does not wish to stay! And if you kill him...there was little point in bringing him back at all. Why is it so important that he return?"

Itachi regarded her coolly. He didn't think she would question him. "It does not matter. I have my reasons, which will remain my own. But I thank you, Hinata san, for your help. As I said, you did well."

Hinata glared at him, fear of him gone. "F-fine...Sasuke san said you owed me something. What is it?"

He stepped forward, not stopping until he was less than a pace from her. Reaching out, her took her right wrist with a grip that was firm, but gentle. Rolling up her sleeve, he squeezed her skin tightly for only a moment, then dropped her hand altogether. "I promised I would remove it. Now you can forget, as I am sure you wish to do."

Hinata lifted her arm, gazing at the now-blank flesh. Letting it fall back to her side, she replied curtly, "Thank you. Is that everything?"

Itachi only stared.

Hinata stared back.

"I apologize...if I misled you," he spoke, his tone slow and careful. "I never meant for you to do anything more than help me complete my plans."

"What do you mean?" she asked, though she knew of what he spoke. Something in her wanted him to say it, to acknowledge it, to admit that whatever had happened between them wasn't just something she'd imagined. She stared at him, daring him to speak.

For the first time, it was he who broke eye contact. His gaze shifted to one side, his expression unreadable. Several moments passed in silence before he spoke again.

"When I assisted you in your training, teaching you the nagai shunkan technique, I..." He took a moment to clear his throat. "I let my loneliness and fascination with you get the better of me. I apologize for invading your personal space and acting without your consent."

That was it. Hinata knew it was as close as he would come to admitting he had some sort of attraction to her. His revelation didn't surprise her, however, but his manners and apology did. "You...don't have to apologize. I -"

"Hinata san, I am far stronger than you. If I had not cleared my head, I may have overpowered you and done something foolish," he retorted, cutting her off. "It is for that near loss of control that I apologize. But...after tonight, you will never see me again."

Something broke in the Hyuuga girl. Her stony expression shattered, and she moved to reach out to him. But before she could touch his sleeve, he disappeared, the raven fluttering away into the trees as her perch abandoned her.

Shocked, she stood frozen for a moment before crashing to her knees. That was it. He was gone. And short of following Sasuke to his epic battle in the morning, she knew she would never find him again. Uchiha Itachi was a man who could remain hidden forever if he wished.

Her breath shook, tears slowly coating her cheeks. Why was he affecting her so much? She had barely gotten to know him, and even so, that did not begin to excuse what he was: a killer. But even as she thought it, she knew it wasn't true. He had killed his clan, but she couldn't, wouldn't, accept that he was a bad person. Something in her heart cried out that he wasn't what he seemed, but her mind found no reason to believe it.

Her tears slowed, and she stood. There was nothing else she could do. As before, she didn't have the heart to run back to the village, walking in the dark, alone. She passed through her home without a word to anyone, her father still absent and her sister in her room studying.

She had thought returning home would ease her worries and let her relax, but now the older Uchiha brother invaded her thoughts, and if possible, she felt worse than she did before. Drained to her limit, she crashed atop her blankets, pure exhaustion allowing her to drift into sleep.

D: Oh dear...Itachi is gone! And now that Sasuke is back in Konoha...the battle between the brothers can finally begin. Hinata seems so close to retrieving her true memory, but will it come back to her in time to see the truth? You'll have to tune in Monday to find out!

So, not really a cliffy, but definitely on the edge of something big! I hope you all come back Monday to read more, and find out just what happens next! ^_^ I'll see you all then, my lovelies~

If you have the time, please take a moment to let me know your thoughts thus far, and I'll reply as best I can! I love hearing from you all, and getting to talk a bit with my readers ^_^

~BlackRoseDragon13