AUTHOR SAYS: HELLO! I've been told via PM that I'm updating to soon and that I should wait to get more reviews. Honestly, I would do that, but I want to finish this story so I can pull out the sequel :) YEP I've already started on it on top of this one. Hope I get the same encouragement for the sequel as I am for this one. :) HAPPY READING! YOLO!

ALSO: I didn't UPDATE until now because it was the weekend. I had my break up due and I obviously had to drink everyone under the table :) YOLO!

R&R PLEASE

Legend:

'Thoughts'

"Talking"

"Jutsu"

Previously...

All fears melted away from his now received affection, Hinata blushed, he was actually concerned for her, "Hai, it's not a cold."

Sasuke smirked, "Something else?."

Hinata's blush intensified, she shook her head hurriedly and opened the door, "Since we're going to train, will Manda-sama be joining us today? I'd really like to thank him."

Sasuke brushed passed her, suddenly annoyed, "Hn."

"Ano...-"

"Warm up laps, go." He barked.

Hinata didn't question him, she all but 'eeped' and began running. Sasuke watched her go, then spat on the ground, "Fucking cock block." He muttered, going to a knee.

The ground began to shake.

Chapter Thirteen

Don't Run

Present Day

'Damn it, what the hell did you see, Ino?.'

"Neji, are you ok?."

Neji, snapped from his thoughts and standing cross armed nodded his head.

"You are too young and youthful too be frowning in such a way. Let's rid that face of sadness and touch fists."

Neji sighed. 'Baka.' He thought, though the idea of alittle sparring with his hyper-active team mate sounded just like what he needed.

"Lee! Stop hassling Neji, he's not in the mood." TenTen piped in, she was sharpening her weapons.

But Lee would hear none of it. He fell into his stance, right hand taunting Neji to come forward, "Don't you see? I'm trying to help him out TenTen, because we're a team, right?."

The weapons specialist smiled, "Yeah, we are." She said stopping to stare at them.

Neji uncrossed his arms and smirked, "Fine."

Lee grinned, "It has been a while since we have faced off, I'm glad you consider me worthy."

"Oh Lee." TenTen said with a sigh.

'This is a good distraction.' Neji thought, activating his Byakugan. 'If you hurt her Uchiha, truly hurt her, on my father's grave, I will kill you'

Flashback

Neji's POV

Day 10 of Training - 20 MORE DAYS TO GO before Jounin Exam

I was up earlier then usual today. Why? Because of her, Hinata. As of lately she's been hanging with that Uchiha, who to me was an untrustworthy, murdering, lying, piece of trash to ever come out from the Hidden Leaf Village. Many times I tried to stop her from meeting him but I always seemed to miss her. I would catch her out today and make her train with me, regardless of what her answer might be. I activated my Byakugan to see where she was and too my surprise, she was gone.

'Damn it.' I thought, she was getting better at evading my eyes.

I opened the window to my room and leapt onto a nearby tree. 'She hasn't gone to far.' I thought. I took one last look behind me before taking to the roof tops after her. I frowned slightly, she was getting faster. Was training with the Uchiha in such a short amount of time producing such fast results? When she trained with me, her progress was sometimes at a standstill.

'There' I thought, making sure to land undetected. I was on my stomach, watching from the roof that neighboured number one training ground. The Uchiha was sitting on his knees, eyes closed and both wrists seated on his thighs. He almost looked as if he was meditating. I watch as Hinata made her way toward him.

'Be on guard, Hinata-sama.' I thought, she looked so vulnerable.

"Bzzzzzzzzzzzz."

I looked away for a moment and followed where the buzzing sound was coming from. The noise came from my shoulder. Then it suddenly dawned on me. I guess Shino wanted to know how the Uchiha had made someone of Hinata's gentle nature come so far and so quickly also. I didn't shoo the little bug away, it mean't no harm so I left it where it was and turned to see Hinata standing alone.

I activated my Byakugan. 'Above you. Defend yourself.' I wanted to shout, but didn't.

She raised her palm. I knew exactly what she would do next. I taught her that attack. "Hakke Kuushou."

Her attack hit the free falling Sasuke head on. I was positive both Hinata and I thought he'd use a clone, but he didn't. My eyes widened, that blow should've knocked him back. He was the real deal and he was seconds away from swiping her head off with his sword.

"Hakkeshou Kaiten."

I tensed, her rotation had by far improved. Sasuke flew back a few metres only to land swiftly and rush at her again. I shook my head with a smirk, there was no way in hell he'd get through her defense. It was the very technique I taught myself despite me not being part of the main family. I was glad I passed that onto her on their behalf. Suddenly, I saw lightning coming from all corners, above and below, heading straight into her direction. My smirk faded. I heard the sound of birds chirping, but that wasn't the reason I was prepared to dive in at a moment's notice. It was the curtling scream Hinata had released above every other noise.

A hand on my shoulder steadied and stopped me, "Believe in her." He whispered.

"Shino?." I say, surprised.

He nodded his head at me and the insect on my shoulder flew to him. I accepted the gesture and dared to look back. I wouldn't voice it, but I hoped she was alright. Through the dust I could see her, she stood strong, and I made sure I didn't miss anything as I scanned her. Everything seemed perfectly normal apart from the small gashes she had running along her arms and legs. Her stomach and back were spared, so was her face.

"Your getting used to my lightning." The Uchiha said.

I cringed, 'How arrogant'

"Hai...You don't have to hold back." She replied, smiling.

'Hinata-sama.' I thought bewildered. Did she want to get herself killed? Making such a request like that, surely the Uchiha would disregard her and keep things to a mininum, ensuring not to actually hurt her.

Sasuke sheathed his sword, "You asked for it." He said, his Sharigan activating.

My fists tightened, he wouldn't hurt her, would he? The Uchiha disappeared, only to reappear on top of Hinata. Hinata was on her back, with Sasuke's hand wound around her throat. I twitched, if Shino wasn't beside me I swear on all the Hokage's I would've swept down there and taken her away. We couldn't hear a word he was saying too her. Even the blush creeping up on her cheeks gave way to no indication of what was being said.

"He's dangerous." Shino whispered.

"Hn."

"I spoke briefly to Shikamaru the other day." He said. I looked at him from the corner of my eye, urging him to continue.

"He said if anyone can bring out her full potential, it's Sasuke." Shino clicked his tongue.

I snorted, "That Uchiha's not training her, he's toying with her."

"Our enemies would do the same."

I grit my teeth. I could see where Shino was going with this. I hated to admit it, but if I were to meet Hinata as her enemy, I too would toy with her. I would test her, calculate the way she moves, the way she talks, how she breathes, then I would finish her off. She didn't look anything like a Shinobi, nor did she present herself as one. The only proof of her skills would be the Leaf's headband around her neck. Her eyes were but a target for other villages.

"She..she's-..." Shino mumbled beside me, snapping me from my thoughts.

I followed his eyes and frowned. I didn't know when they'd pulled those kunai out, but in the position they were in, it was a stalemate. Sasuke had his kunai against her throat, while Hinata.. I shook my head, when did she learn to be so bold? She sported a deeper blush as her kunai was neatly tucked between her stomach and Sasuke's manhood. I felt the insect user beside me shiver. One's manhood shouldn't be threatened like that, it tends to aggravate any man even more.

"Playing dirty, eh?." Sasuke murmured.

I strained my eyes to read Hinata's lips, "Only with you."

My mind reeled. 'What the fuck does that mean?.'

I turned to ask Shino if he'd assist me by going down there, but he was gone. Frustrated, I materialized from the roof and onto the streets. I started walking lost in thought, with no destination in my mind, only that I needed to get away from them. If there was something going on between them, surely Hiashi-sama wouldn't allow it. A relationship wouldn't be able to blossom, not with Sasuke's tainted hands and Hinata's pure ones. It was impossible.

"Hey Neji."

I didn't look at her. "Sakura-san." I murmur. She started walking beside me.

"What's wrong? You seem down." She said.

"Gomen, I have somewhere I need to be." I lied.

The pinkette just smiled at me, "Ok, but before you go, can I ask you something?."

I nodded and the smile she wore changed into a thin line, "How's Hinata been?."

My eyes narrowed, I caught the shift in her voice, "Why?."

"She slapped me the other day." She whispered.

I didn't know what she expected me to do about it. I wasn't good in these types of situations nor was I good at comforting others. I did what I normally would when TenTen had girl problems. I kept a cool facade and I let this new information sink in. If what Sakura said was true, then she did something very wrong for Hinata to want to raise a hand to a friend. I didn't bother to console the pinkette, nor did I care too get involved. I will always stand beside Hinata, always.

"She apologized, yes?." I ask.

"Not yet."

'I don't have time for this.' My head was beginning to hurt, "Gomen, Sakura-san, I must go."

She smiled and bowed, "Sorry for holding you up, take care."

I didn't reply, I just took off onto the nearest roof top and kept running. What on earth is that Uchiha doing to Hinata? That's what I kept asking myself until I got back to the Hyuuga compound.

End of Flashback

Present Day

"Hanabi."

"Hai, tousan?."

Hiashi closed the door behind them, so that they were alone, "I want you to go retrieve your sister."

Hanabi frowned, "She's training."

"I don't care." He growled, sitting on the mat provided for him, "Do as your told."

Hanabi followed suit opposite him, "I thought you were happy with her progress."

"Yes she's progressed, but it's still too slow. I've decided to train her myself."

"But...-"

Hiashi raised a hand, silencing her, "Use force if you must."

'No way.' She angrilly thought, standing abruptly, "And if I refuse?."

"There will be consequences." He said, low.

Hanabi clenched her fists. She hated how her father could pit her against her sister knowing she wouldn't complain. It made her sick. She glared at her feet.

'Onee-san.' She helplessly thought.

Unknown to them, there was a shadowed figure listening carefully to there conversation. The person got what they came for and materialized onto a nearby house. He sighed.

'Shikamaru was right.' Kakashi thought, overlooking the Hyuuga compound. His mission, keep a watchful eye on Hiashi Hyuuga. Kakashi took the order without complaint, knowing that he wasn't doing it just for Naruto, but for Sasuke as well. Shikamaru had pre-warned Kakashi that Hiashi would make a move like this. It would not only affect Hinata, but it mean't starting a personal war with Sasuke. The move was to provoke Sasuke, to see how far he was willing to go for her. Kakashi and Shikamaru knew better. Sasuke would instigate and kill anyone if it mean't having Hinata.

Kakashi sighed. 'It's going to be a long day.' He thought, running his hand over a particular pouch that hid his favourite novel. 'I wanna know what happens next.'

Meanwhile...

"A Thankyou would suffice." Manda hissed, "That is why I was summoned, right?."

Hinata looked back over her shoulder. 'What was...that feeling just now?.' She thought, puzzled.

Sasuke pulled her chin forward, he searched her eyes, "What is it?." He demanded to know.

She smiled and wrapped her smaller hand around his wrist, "Nothing."

"I could force it out of you." He whispered darkly, Manda tensed.

Hinata brushed off his threat and blushed, "I. Love. You." She said without thinking.

Sasuke just blinked at her, stunned or amazed, she didn't know. While Manda turned his head to look elsewhere. "Humans." He muttered.

Hinata removed Sasuke's hand slowly from her, then looked up at the large snake, "Arigatou, Manda-sama."

Manda nodded his head without looking at her. He and his master seemed to be in a world of there own she noted. 'Was it something I said?.' She thought.

Hinata clicked and her blush deepened, "Ano.."

Sasuke shoved her gently, he didn't want her to apologize for saying that, "Manda, go easy." He said.

The snake stared at him, unsure he heard correctly, "Easy?."

Sasuke smirked, "Yeah."

AUTHOR SAYS: Another chapter finished. I'm glad you guys are enjoying it. I've been told yet again that I'm updating too soon, that I should wait for the reviews. Pfft, I can't be arsed waiting for reviews :) I'm just happy people are reading my story. THANKS GUYS! YOLO!