'Hinata-san."
Neko... san?
"Hinata-sama,"
Hinata... sama?
"Hinata-sama! Are you alright?"
Gradually, the voice became clearer. She realized it wasn't the deep, dark voice she was hoping to hear. Instead it was a warm, gentle, familiar voice. She slowly opened her eyes, finding a blurry figure before her. She had to blink several times before being able to see him clearly. Her features softened at the sight of him. "Hiroki," She smiled. He sighed in relief. "Hinata-sama, I am glad you're finally awake."
"How l-long is it t-that I've been asleep?"
"Ever since we took you back from the hospital this morning. Do you not remember?"
"H-hospital?" She gulped.
Her head was foggy; she didn't remember much. All she remembered was visions of her masked boy; his long silky black hair, his silence, his pink lips and his comforting warmth. The moment she woke, it all seemed like a dream. She wasn't sure what was real. Was he just a dream? She remembered her being carried away from the boy, and looking back just to see him disappear from sight. Her heart clenched, and she knew it wasn't just a dream. Her cat boy was real.
"Hinata-sama?" her caretaker furrowed his eyebrows watching the girl stare up the ceiling as though she were in deep thought. "Are you alright?" He nudged her slightly. She shook her head and looked at the man beside her. She smiled and slowly tried to get up. "Don't push yourself."
She leaned back on her elbows for awhile before sitting up straight. She turned to him and slowly leaned towards him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"I-I missed y-you, Hiroki." He smiled as he gently stroked her short raven locks.
"Me too, Hinata-sama."

"Kampai!"
"Slow down, dear. You're scaring Sasuke-Chan."
"You guys are just embarrassing." Sasuke rolled his eyes and folded his arms.
"Aw, don't be such a spoil sport Sasuke-Chaaan~!" Fugaku casually flung his arm onto his youngest son and chuckled as he pinched his cheek. Sasuke glared at his so-called chief of police father. I don't know how he tricked everybody into thinking he was worthy of the title... This must be some sick joke.
"Move it! You reek of sake!" Sasuke pushed his father and leaned to the opposite side. "Mother," Sasuke complained. "Dear, you're going to suffocate our son." Mikoto giggled. On the outside, Fugaku seemed like any other Uchiha man; strong, silent and stern. He was a strong man that was for sure, but he was the complete opposite of what he portrayed himself to be. Sasuke finally understood why he got the house at the edge of the village; so no one would know of their silent partying.
A silent creak was heard, and immediately Fugaku sprang up and staggered towards the door. "Tadai-"
"Itachi! *Hic*" Fugaku grinned.
"Itachi-chan!" Mikoto clapped her hands together and smiled brightly.
Fugaku embraced his eldest son tightly, basically crushing him in his arms. Itachi was sure he would have broken a few ribs if he wasn't so used to it. Itachi raised his eyebrows and gave a warm smile as he patted his father on the back. "I've missed you too father," Itachi coughed lightly at the overpowering scent of sake. "I see you've been having fun in my absence,"
The man shot up, grabbed his sons shoulders and explored his body with his eyes. "No injuries... no blood, heh! As expected by my son; a true blue Uchiha!" Fugaku shook him. "Poor Nii-san..." Sasuke sighed. Fugaku wrapped an arm around his son's neck and practically pulled him over to the living room. "So, so how was the mission?" Fugaku poked his chest. "*Hic* Must have been something hella important if it took this long!"
"Yeah, it's been what about a week? You left me here with these two for a whole damn week!"
"Sasuke!" Fugaku snapped. "Oi! Oi! Oi! What's wrong with having some QUALITY time with your cool parents for awhile?!" Sasuke rolled his eyes. Itachi slowly pushed his father's hand away and began. "It was a rescue mission."
"A rescue mission?" Fugaku stared at the wall, processing his son's words. "Oh!" He snapped his fingers. "Well, it must have been someone pretty important! Who was it? Some feudal lord or maybe... maybe a pretty princess eh? Eh?" Fugaku jokingly elbowed his eldest. "You did all the fighting am I right?"
"No, I only had to fight on the first day of the mission." Itachi sighed.
"My job was to guard the heiress."
"What? What a drag! How can they not put my son in the front lines?! Do they not trust your Uchiha power?"
"If they didn't they wouldn't have left me with the girl."
Itachi was a talented shinobi. His skills and sense surpass even his father's during his prime. The ANBU knew he was highly capable and trusted him fully to guard the girl by himself, knowing that he would not need any assistance for the other ANBU.
Fugaku, disappointed that his son was left out of all the action sighed. "Well at least you got to spend some time with a future candidate," He winked. "So, who was this heiress?"
I was hoping he wouldn't ask...
"The Hyuuga clan's heiress." Fugaku paused. He picked both his ears. "Ugh, you're disgusting!" Sasuke exclaimed.
"What? The Hyuuga heiress?"
"Yeah, she was captured by ninjas from the Hidden Village of Cloud. Thankfully we got there in time before they'd reached the border. So the Byaakugan is safe."
Mikoto was silent. She knew how her husband, heck, the entire clan felt about the Hyuugas'. Being the two strongest clans in Konoha, they Uchihas and the Hyuugas always had their disputes; fighting to prove who is stronger. After all these years, their animosity still remained. But of course the fighting has lessened if not stopped completely.
"Heh! It's just like one of those vein popping Hyuuga scum to get captured!" He downed his drink.
"Peh, they'll screw up big time and it's up to an Uchiha to save the day!"
"Dear,"
"What?! You know it's true!"
"Father, you must not speak of this outside. By right I am not even supposed to disclose this to you."
"Hey, hey it's not like I am going to brag about my son saving some wretched Hyuuga!"
"Father," Itachi sighed.
"This is a total mood spoiler! I am going to lose my sake buzz!"
"Thank god for that,"
"Shut it, Sasuke!" The two glared at each other.
"I am going to bed father," Itachi took a deep breath.
"Sleep well Itachi," Mikoto ran her hand through her son's hair as he walked past her heading to his room. He turned the door knob and closed the door behind him slowly after entering. He stared at his futon, wondering how long it's been since he slept on something other than the ground.
He slipped in to the covers after closing the lights and sighed in relief. His bed felt so soft, he felt like it would be a breeze to fall asleep. Instead he found himself tossing and turning, wondering what was bothering him. He was back in his own home in his own bed after a really long time. So why can't he just go to sleep? He ended up rolling to his side and blinking at his hands as he tried to drift off.
"I-I want t-to feel r-real w-warmth."
Warmth?
"B-but, I d-don't want y-you to go!"
He could feel his heart thump the moment those words flashed through his mind.
He kept hearing them in her soft pleading voice.
What is this strange feeling?
He wondered, was it because he took care of her? Was it because he was there all day all night making sure she was going to be okay? Or was it because... she was the only one that saw him in a way no one else did?
"Y-you are so k-kind."
Kind... huh...
Oddly, hearing her voice echo in his head lulled him to sleep. Though he still couldn't figure out why she was still in his mind. I'll just have to find out later...

*****************

"G-good m-morning, father."
Hiashi just sat there staring at her in disdain. She knew what he was thinking, she knew how the sight of her disgusted him; but she kept her bright smile plastered to her face. She knew who her father was, and she was okay with it. Or to be precise, she was used to it.
"How are you feeling?" He asked impassively.
"I-I am al-"
"Stop that."
Hinata's eyes widened. His voice was so stern, it terrified her. Her small hands began shivering, her head faced down, too afraid to even glance at the man.
"Stop stammering. It's pathetic."
"I-"
I am trying.
"I-I am sorry f-father."
I really am.
Hiashi shook his head before getting up and heading towards the door, showing his obvious disappointment in his eldest daughter. He paused in front of the door, not even glancing at his daughter.
"I never expected my daughter to be a burden,"
Hinata covered her mouth with her hand, holding back her tears.
Not now. Don't cry. Don't be weak.
"I expected too much from you. It's a shame that you turned out to be the eldest." Hiashi sighed.
He slid the door open, leaving Hinata alone; holding back her sobs. The tears just came out, as stubborn as she was. She was just too sensitive; she hated it. She hated almost everything about herself. She was weak.
I am sorry.
She was pathetic.
I am sorry.
She was a burden.
I am so sorry.
And most of all, she was a disappointment. At that thought, she just broke. She fell to her side and curled her body as she covered her face with her hands. When will I change? When will I become worthy?
At the time, her hands yearned to feel the boy's touch again; to feel cared for.
She replayed the scene in her head over and over again. The way he leaned towards her, placing his hand on her shoulder; his kindness. She wondered how her heart accustomed to him so fast. She wondered how the special place in her heart, who she thought was occupied by a certain bubbly blonde, was given to him. In the six days that he spent with her, he made her feel like she was cared for, like she was protected and well, at peace.
Ken-san.
I wonder, what you'd say if you were with me now...
'Believe in yourself Hinata-san'
Was it your duty, or did you really care for me?
A small smile contradicted her tears, still flowing down her cheeks. It didn't matter to her at the time, she was just extremely grateful. The boy had expressed more care and concern for her than her family ever did. He gave her another reason to hope, another reason to work harder and prove herself. She wanted to face him again as a different person, as the real Hinata; strong, brave and proud. Not long after the tears stopped coming out, the door slid open breaking her out of her reverie. She flinched, thinking it was her father. "Hinata sama?" She relaxed when she heard Hiroki's gentle voice. She clenched her fists and hid brought it to her face, hiding half of her features. Her caretaker crouched, leaned towards her and sighed the moment he looked at her eyes. "Hinata sama..." He said softly as he picked her up. "Hiashi sama is strict, but you shouldn't cry over what he says. He just wants you to be happy. It is his way of encouraging you." Hinata nodded and clutched on to his kimono. "You'll meet his expectations Hinata sama, I am sure you will. When the time comes, you will shine the brightest." He carried her all the way to her room wanting her to get some sleep and forget about the day. He laid her down on her futon and brushed his thumb on her soft cheek, wiping away what was left of her tears. "Tomorrow is a new day, Hinata sama. Get some rest." She nodded and slowly closed her eyes. Yeah, tomorrow is a new day...

She spent a few days at the Hyuuga compound, often going to the sparring area to train. Whether or not Hiashi took notice of her diligence, she practiced almost every day during her stay in the compound. She couldn't just lie down and become weaker than she already is. She practiced her usual gentle fist strokes, getting used to movement and molding chakra. Steadily her movements and her chakra control was back to normal. When they saw fit, Hinata was allowed to leave the compound to meet up with her new team mates. So far she has only met them a few times, but she found them friendly and inviting. Even so, she was hesitant to see them after all this time, wondering if her absence angered them. Hopefully they replaced me during my absence... they usually don't allow Genins to go on missions in a two man cell.
Hinata's grip on her bag tightened as she got closer to the training ground that was used during the "bell test" with Kurenai. She bit her lip as she saw her team mates and Sensei waiting for her arrival near the three logs. Their eyes were directed right at her the moment they heard her footsteps. She couldn't help but blush knowing all the attention was directed to her. She stood in front of them, and maintained a distance. "I-I am s-so sorry for being l-late. Please f-forgive me."
She bowed. She shot up when she heard laughter. Her team mates (well one of them at least), her Sensei; they were all laughing.
They're... laughing?
"Hinata, you're way too serious." Kiba shook his head. Kurenai approached her and patted her on the shoulder. "Come, on now. We're just glad you're back." She smiled.
"A-ano," She poked her forefingers together.
"A-are you n-not angry at me?"
"Whaaat? How can we be angry at you?" Kiba leaned on one of the logs with his pup still resting on his head, while examining his weird team mate.
"We're not angry at all. Why? Because we're a –"
"How about you save that for later? Come on Hinata, let's go celebrate!" Kiba pumped his fist into the air while Shino seemed to be looking his way. No one could tell how he was looking because of his shades, but judging by the arch of his eyebrows he wasn't very happy.
"C-celebrate? W-why?"
"Celebrate you being back of course!" Kurenai put an arm around the timid girl.
"Yeah! I say we head to the barbeque!"
"Oh n-no you d-don't have to-"
"Hinata, we want to! Plus it's an excuse for us to get a treat from Sensei!"
Hinata giggled. "Better take up the offer Hinata, today's the day we get to enjoy ourselves. Tomorrow, the real business starts."
"We'll be going on all sorts of missions. Why? Because –"
"Hinata! Please, say yes!" Shino turned his head, facing Kiba. Seemingly furious that he has been interrupted yet again by the Inuzuka.
Hinata giggled looking at her team mates, and she couldn't help but feel genuinely happy.
"Y-yes, I w-would love t-to." She smiled.
She felt happy just looking at her team mates. She felt like they've accepted her just as she is. They barely knew her but warmed up to her so quickly. She was truly happy, and yet she had this odd feeling as they walked together. A feeling like she was constantly being... watched.

***********************

After everyone ate to their hearts content, they left heading separate directions. Kurenai had some business to attend to, Kiba and Shino on the other hand had to get home before their parents start grumbling. Hinata, was planning on doing some training alone somewhere besides the Hyuuga sparring area. So she left for the training ground where she met her team mates earlier this morning, avoiding the isolated area where she used to train; scarred by the recent incident. She got there only to find three boys standing near the three logs. They were genin as well, but she didn't recognize them; probably from a different class. Feeling a bit shy and hesitant, she decided to head back to the Hyuuga compound. When turning back she heard one of them shouting out.
"Oi! Who goes there?!" Feeling alarmed she quickly turned back to face them and bowed. "F-Forgive me f-for intruding! I was j-just passing through!" She nervously apologized, wanting to leave quickly.
"Wait!" They approached the girl. "We need to check and see if you're suspicious!"
"Yeah, yeah there have been suspicious people spotted lurking around Konoha!"
"Who's to say you're not one of them?"
She kept her head down, afraid to even look at them.
"A-ano, I am f-from Konoha..." She felt a hand pull her hair, forcing her to face them. Her eyes started watering. She had to inhale deeply just to keep them from coming out. The boy in the middle who was pulling her hair had a nasty grin on his face, he had curly brown hair. The baldy on the right seemed harmless and dense but the one on the left with a box cut had his arms folded and stared at her as though he wanted to pierce through her. "Hey! Your one of those Hyuuga brats!" He let go of her hair and leaned in to get a closer look at her. She stepped back, slowly; her legs were shaking.
"Ew, look at her eyes! They're so creepy!"
"A-ano I n-need to – "
"Heh, look at her she's shivering." The dense looking one laughed.
"She's scared. The mighty Hyuuga is scared." The one on the left smirked.
"She's a genin, look." He grabbed her forehead protector that was tied on to her neck. She immediately flinched. "Heh, some Genin you are."
"Yeah, she must be pretty weak."
"I bet they just let her graduate just because she is a Hyuuga and what not." The one on the right snorted. She couldn't hold them back anymore; they welled up and just flowed down her cheeks.
"Heh," The brown haired boy pulled her forehead protector off forcefully. "You don't deserve this."
"N-no pl-please g-give it back!" She squealed. The boy threw it into the trees behind her as the other two laughed mischievously. "Peh! Let's not bother with a weakling like her, let's go!"
The three boys left. Giving in to the weakness in her legs, Hinata let herself fall on her knees. Her sobs echoed through the silent field. She covered her face with her hands as she cried her heart out.
"You don't deserve this."
Why?...
"Peh! Let's not bother with a weakling like her, let's go!"
Why?!
She immediately backed away and closed her eyes the minute she felt a hand on her shoulder; afraid that they had come back just to torment her some more.
"Excuse me," her eyes snapped open in an instant.
She found herself looking down at someone's sandals. She was afraid to look up, even though she knew the person didn't mean to hurt her. He reached out his hand, wanting to help her up.
She slowly latched on to his hand, and slowly he pulled her up. Her head was still faced down and her hand was still gripping his. "I think this is yours."
He held out his other hand, showing the girl her forehead protector. She slid her hand off of his and took the forehead protector off his hand. She slowly looked up at the boy and was immediately struck by a weird familiarity. She tilted her wet face; examining the beautiful boy. At the time she was speechless. She was too... taken back. Her eyes widened upon seeing the fan symbol on the sleeve of his shirt. He was an Uchiha. I knew it. He looked at her for awhile waiting for a response, before turning on his heel.
She wouldn't want me near, if she knew I was an...
"A-ano," He halted but he didn't turn back.
"M-may I-I know y-your name?" The boy glanced back at her; her eyes wide, looking straight at him.
"Uchiha," She bit her lip as he began. "Itachi." She paused and looked down at her feet.
"Uchiha... I-tachi..."
"Hn."
"T-thank you, U-Uchiha Itachi," He could hear the hint of smile in her voice and for awhile he was just blank. He really didn't think she'd react that way to an Uchiha. Thinking that was it, he moved forward but was stopped once again when he felt that tug; the same tug on his shirt that he felt a few days ago.
"A-ano!" This time he turned, just to see her expression. But his remain impassive, eyes showing no sign of emotion. He was a true blue Uchiha just like his father had said, especially in the sense that he knew how to hide his emotions. The girl on the other hand was different; her face was full of emotion. She didn't intend on hiding her feelings like the rest. Or maybe, she couldn't. She looked at him through her lashes, and cheeks instantly heated up. She prayed that he couldn't see her blush.
"I-I don't know who you a-are, Itachi-kun..."
She lifted her head and faced him; her blush darkened as her eyes met his.
"B-but y-you have nice e-eyes."