Maybe its Best? OFFICIAL Ch 17
Enjoy. R&R. This is still a what-if-Sasuke-never-left-Konoha storyline. I figure I should give you SasuHina moments or ItachiKin if you like that pairing (I do)
After breakfast they went just walked around; stopped at a few small shops, look at a few souvenirs. Neji and Tenten walked ahead of the group hands around each other's side.
"So why did you guys come to Shukuba town?" Neji asked as he kissed her temple.
"Naruto was having a bad day, so we brought him here. He offered to drive though" Neji looked past the guys who were just talking and looked at his cousin who was holding hands with Sasuke.
"How is he holding up?" Hinata looked at the guys, Naruto who was now laughing as Kiba was loudly explaining how rude the girl they escorted was "That's hilarious!" Naruto grinned.
"He seems a bit better. He stayed at y-your place. I hope that was okay."
"I don't mind it Hinata. I was actually thinking of-" he cleared his throat "-letting him crash at my place. You know until he's okay to go back."
"You'd do that for him?"
"Yeah, even though I might regret it later." Hinata laughed at that "As long as you don't mind your house smelling like ramen."
Sasuke sighed "Oh god."
Evening had come and everyone decided to call it a day. Naruto was feeling better and Tenten just wanted to nap, something Neji agreed with.
Naruto drove back with Sasuke and Hinata. Neji drove back with Lee and Tenten and Shikamaru drove back with Shino, Kiba and Akamaru and everyone had a wolf brother with them.
"Thanks again for today Hinata."
Hinata who was currently petting San looked at him "Don't m-mention it." The drive was quiet, something they didn't mind, a few huff and puffs from San but eventually he fell asleep.
After arriving in the village and dropping the wolves at the Inuzuka' place Shikamaru told them he was done with the report. So he would go turn it in. After thanking him, everyone when their own way.
As promised Neji and Tenten took a nap at his place, Sasuke offered his place to Naruto. Naruto thanked him but he said Iruka had called him.
"Maybe later tonight we can do something."
"Just let me know." Sasuke replied as Hinata hugged him "Make sure you eat something okay?"
"I will thank you Hina."
Sasuke opened the door to his place and let Hinata in first. Doberman greeted them.
"I hope you don't mind, I let the d-dogs stay here."
"It's okay." They made their way over to the living room and sat down and turned on Netflix.
"What do you want to watch?" he asked as he scrolled down.
"Nothing scary."
"That's no fun, then how are you going to snuggle with me?"
"Just ask." She smiled.
They had settled with a Disney movie. Tangled and to Hinata' surprise Sasuke was really into the movie, especially the lanterns part.
"That's my favorite part." Hinata commented then she asked "H-have you heard from Itachi?"
"He's currently with the Akatsuki. Didn't tell me were."
The bad blood was slowly dying. Hinata was a big part on that. Itachi traveled a lot, if it wasn't something with the Akatsuki (nothing gang related, he had left that behind him. Pain/Nagato understood that, he gave him his freedom.) More of in the line of Akatsuki giving him intel to help in his missions, it would be missions only he was capable of.
"He says he'll be home soon, but that was last week."
"It's been a while since I'd seen him, almost a month and a half."
"Yeah. Last he told me, after the mission he's at now he would be able to be home for a full month."
"That's exciting."
After everything that has happen, she is happy to hear that.
Without realizing, both had fallen asleep until a loud boom woke them up. Thunder.
"You okay?" Sasuke asked seeing Hinata under the blankets "I hate s-storms." He knew why.
He wrapped her in his arms and whispered "I got you." he could feel her heart race, she wasn't sure if it was the storm of Sasuke that caused her heart to beat so fast.
It was raining pretty bad, lighting made the sky light up. She felt a bit better after being in Sasuke arms and Ai, resting her head on her leg.
"Want me to make you some tea?"
"I'd love that." She smiled at him. Thunder could be hear miles away now, a few lightning could be seen but it wasn't bad like half an hour ago.
Hinata opened her phone to see a message from Itachi.
How are you doing with the storm? Is my little brother protecting you?
Itachi :) how are you? I'm doing well. Yes he is lol
That's good
Where are you? are you okay?
Outside his place.
Hinata looked at her phone and read the message one more time; outside his place and pulled the blankets away from her.
"He's outside?" she thought. She peaked in the kitchen "Sasuke d-do you mind heating some of the pasta I made earlier today."
"Not a problem." She quietly went to open the door and tried to hold in a happy squeal.
"I can't find the pasta-." Sasuke said as he heard someone ask "Need help to look for it?" Sasuke looked back to see "Itachi?"
"Long time no see, little brother." Sasuke smiled as he walked up to him but stop before he did anything else.
Itachi knew he didn't know how to act, so he was the one that brought him into a hug "It's good to see you." Hinata heart felt warm.
Sasuke quickly wrapped his arms around him and smiled "Welcome back." they parted and Itachi hugged Hinata.
"It's good to see you too Hinata." she wrapped her arms around him "It's good to have you back." she looked up at him "Did you eat already?"
"I had tea and a muffin earlier."
"That's not a meal." She frowned.
Hinata and Sasuke had given Itachi time to shower while Hinata whipped up a little something for food, since she hadn't cooked pasta. She made some buffalo chicken wraps and a side salad, enough tomatoes for Sasuke and lucky for Itachi Tenten and herself wanted sweet dumplings earlier and she had made some; Tenten had made some cookies.
Itachi made his way over to the kitchen to see Hinata pour some reddish liquid into glasses "Homemade strawberry lemonade." she smiled as she handed him a glass.
The late dinner was nice. Hinata was just happy that they were getting along.
After everything that had happen it had taken them a while to just understand everything. And to understand why they did what they did and accept it.
"Fugaku called me." Itachi said as he looked at Sasuke.
"And?" their relationship with Fugaku was rocky. Besides the police force they liked to travel, to get away and flip houses. Mikoto; their mother traveled for business. Being a stay at home mom wasn't her thing; as much as she loved it, she loved making a dream house a reality, rebuilding old houses and selling them. The pay was good; that's how they manage to own three houses.
Fugaku took the travel opportunities to see the others country police strategies, something he could bring back and improve his recruits.
"Seems they'll be home soon as well."
Hinata bit her lip. Sasuke never talked about his parents' only that they travel a lot. Sasuke set the glass which was now empty "A-are they that bad?"
"Yes." Sasuke said as Itachi said "No." They looked at each other.
"Don't start Itachi." Sasuke looked at him before he looked at Hinata "Fugaku isn't someone to care about how we are doing. He's more focused on work."
She couldn't relate. His father was different; always interested in what they were doing. He wasn't shy to any topic; guess he got used to it after she had her first menstrual period. He had called Hana Inuzuka and asked step by step directions on what to do.
Luckily she had stopped by to lend a hand. Hinata was a bit shy talking about it but now it didn't bother her or him for that matter. His father knew their cycles and sometimes even provided their snack and made tea's.
"He cares more about what people think."
"Fugaku isn't someone to show emotions." Itachi commented "-but he is very proud of us."
"Yeah right."
"He has saved every picture we've drawn when we were younger." Itachi looked at him.
"How do you know this?"
"I was looking for a document for the Hokage, come across an album with the pictures along with little notes that said our age and what was it for. He also has our diplomas from grade school." Sasuke looked away "That doesn't mean anything."
"I just thought you should know, he's a man of few words and fewer emotion but he is still our father." That wouldn't change how he felt about him. He felt Hinata' warm hand on his "He is r-right, you know."
"What about mother?" Sasuke asked trying to change the topic away from his mother.
"She asked how we liked our houses."
"If we were settling in and that she couldn't wait to see us." Sasuke still didn't like the idea of seeing them. Dessert was the cookies they had made earlier.
"We're glad you're back home Itachi." they were now just catching up in the living room "I got the okay from Lord Hokage, I'll be in Konoha for a while."
"It's getting late; I should get Hinata home before Hiashi sends Neji to look for me." Hinata giggled "That's funny."
"Rest up, Hinata. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Goodnight."
Sasuke kissed Hinata goodnight "I'll see you tomorrow."
…
Hinata' morning was quiet, Hanabi was out with Moegi and her father was getting ready to see Lord Hokage but he had left some pancakes and fresh cut fruit. He's the sweetest. She opened the door and let Kin in, "Hey-" her eyes were watery.
"Kin-"
"I'm sorry for just-" she let out a breath and wiped a falling tear with the back of her hand "-I didn't know who else to call."
"It's okay. Come in." she led her to the kitchen and Kin sat down "What's wrong?"
Kin had just moved to Konoha a few months back, trying to escape her past and it was all good until Zaku had showed up. Just seeing him had made her hyperventilate and set a panic attack, the only thing that controlled a full on panic attack is Okami; her two year old black German Shepard but both Okami and Pancake were in the apartment.
So the only person she could think to call was Hinata, one of the person she talked too, the other one being Naruto (because of Hinata, of course.)
Kin hesitated at first "You can t-talk to me, you know."
She didn't want to overwhelm her so she just told her "My ex is back."
She didn't want to pry in her personal business so she just listened "I've had a hard past and I thought I found the guy to protect me from everything bad but-" her chest felt heavy and cleared her throat "-I was wrong."
Hinata knew about a hard past so hearing this upset her only because Kin is a good friend of hers. They met in the dog park, where she met Okami and Pancake. She had told her she just moved in and she didn't know anyone, they exchanged numbers and had lunch that someday.
They friendship had just grown over the last three months. She hadn't yet told her about Zaku, (who sometimes goes by the name of Haku, that's his business name) or Dosu; she wanted to keep that a secret but I guess that wouldn't be a secret anymore.
Hinata offered her some food after she calmed down, she manage to eat some fruit "Is he-"
"He's in my apartment." Kin said, still tryting to think how he manage to track her down.
"Is he dangerous?" Hinata asked. Not that they were going to go by themselves.
"He's unpredictable." Kin told her honestly "I just-" she let out a shaky breath "I need to get my dogs; I don't want him to take his anger on them."
"I'll call Sasuke-"
"Wait-" Hinata smiled "It'll be okay Kin, I promise."
…
Sasuke answered Hinata' message with omw (on my way) Sasuke and Itachi arrived together, not that he needed him but it was good to have him around. Hinata didn't have the right to tell them about the crazy ex. Kin told them she just wanted to have her beloved dogs back.
As much as Sasuke had put up a fight with both girls, they wouldn't budge, Kin needed to go because her dogs won't go with just anyone and Hinata wasn't going to stay behind because she wasn't going to leave her friend behind.
They took Kin's Challenger and Sasuke Mustang. Itachi offered to drive since she was a still shaken up. She texted Hinata the address and they headed over.
Kin felt a bit nervous with Itachi driving her car and just being them two.
"You okay?"
"I've been better, make a right turn here."
Silence.
Kin had asked Hinata to stay outside, she agreed so that meant Sasuke would stay with her. Itachi was the only one that went with her.
She knocked and the door opened, Itachi was leaning against the wall, away from sigh since she asked him to "I knew you'd come back." he finished with a laugh.
"I'm here for Okami and Pancake." Her voice held anger but her voice cracked "-not for you."
"They're my dogs too sweetheart, they aren't going anywhere."
"Why did you even come back? Where are they?" she could hear Pancake' cry "Pancake?" she said as she pushed Zaku away, she gasped as she saw both Okami and Pancake cramped in the medium size crate
"You have them locked up?"
"They wouldn't shut up and the little shit peed in the kitchen!"
"I'm taking them!"
"The hell you are, I'm back because I have a job for you"
"I'm done with you, with everything. I'm not doing your dirty work!"
"Remember who you are, you're just a whore!"
That was the last straw, he wasn't going to let him insult her, he walked right in and before Zaku could finish his sentence "Who the fuc-" he punched him right in the face, making him fall.
"Watch your mouth before I break it-" Itachi looked at Zaku who was now bleeding from both his nose and mouth "-We're taking the dogs."
Pancake was now in Kin' arms' crying from happiness and Okami was just happy to be out of the crate. Kin couldn't hold the tears anymore, she handed Pancake to Itachi before she made her way over to the bedroom to get her stuff, she didn't have much, since she always moved around.
She was hoping this was her last move since Kakashi helped her but…
"You'll regret this." Zaku commented before he spit blood out. Itachi didn't even bother on saying anything. He looked at Kin who had a medium suitcase "Ready?" she nodded.
"Come on Okami." The black German Shepard followed her and Itachi closed the door. Itachi traded Kin the puppy for her suitcase. Kin was a bit shaken up and once outside she just cried as she hugged Pancake.
Hinata walked over towards her "Kin-" she hugged her; she didn't have to ask if she was okay, or what was wrong. She could tell she was heartbroken and terrified.
Sasuke looked down at Itachi hand, which was bleeding "What happened?"
"I'll tell you later." Kin handed Pancake over to Hinata and walked over towards Itachi. Tears couldn't stop falling as she looked up at him. She had just met him and he had defended her.
"Tha-thank you." she didn't even think about it she just hugged him "So m-much" she tried to not hiccup as she let fresh tears fall but she couldn't.
Itachi wasn't prepared for a sudden hug but he let his body relax a bit as he hugged her back "You're welcome."
Itachi once again drove her car and suggested his place since the Doberman would be a bit too much for her dogs. Sasuke sent Naruto a message to check on them, that the back door was open but to close it once he took them to Kiba' place and to bring Ai over to Itachi' place.
He replied with a gotcha and everything okay?
He told him he'd explain later with ramen.
:') 3 okay!
That was Naruto for you.
They arrived and he opened the door for Kin, Okami jumped from the back seat and took the suitcase from the truck, once he locked it he handed Kin her keys back.
He unlocked the door and let them in, he saw Kin hesitate but go in "You're safe here." he whispered so only she could hear him. By now Okami and Pancake where inside the house, exploring.
Sasuke let Hinata in first, since this was her first time too. Sasuke hadn't seen this place in a while too. it was simple, white walls, décor paintings.
He led them to the family room near the kitchen and offered them something to drink.
"How are you feeling?" Hinata asked her, she looked defeated, like a lot was going through her mind.
"A bit overwhelmed if I'm being honest." Right now she was thinking of where she was going to stay.
"You can stay here." Itachi looked at her. Their eyes met "-I have a spare room."
"No I couldn't possibly-"
Hinata smiled "That's a great idea-" Hinata smiled. She could offer her place, not that she didn't want too but she knew Itachi wouldn't be staying with Sasuke, even if the houses were in the same block, five houses away actually. They are brothers but they both liked their privacy.
Plus Naruto would be staying the night today, she didn't want Itachi to be alone and Kin was a good friend and both were single but what is important now is that she didn't want either to be alone.
"I mean you're already here." she added. Sasuke sat back "She has a point and I'm not saying your ex will try to look for you, I mean your car is purple, very noticeable-" Hinata looked at him "I'm just saying you'll be safe here with my brother."
He smirked at Itachi "You might want to clean your wound." Itachi looked over at his now knuckles with dry blood. Kin looked at them "Are you okay?"
"I've had worse."
Sasuke answered his phone "Hello?" he sat up "Okay, we'll be right there."
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah, Naruto locked himself out of his car."
"And-" Itachi looked at him "He knew something like this would happen so he gave me a spare." he said as he showed him his car keys. Itachi chuckled "Smart." Hinata smiled "I have one too."
"We'll be back later. You two should rest." Sasuke suggested.
"Call me if you need anything okay?" she hugged Kin "I will. Thanks for today." With that being said, both Sasuke and Hinata left.
Itachi took a seat and saw Kin walk over towards the kitchen and looked down at his hand "I'm sorry."
"This is nothing to be sorry about, Kin." She sat next to him and began to clean his wound began wiping the blood off "Like I said I've had worse. I'll be okay." He felt warm liquid hit his hand; he saw her hand grasp onto the towel as her head fell down.
With his left hand he gently lifted her face so she could see him and he wiped some of the tears away "He's not worth you tears, Kin." Without thinking he wrapped his arms around her and just let her cry.
She wasn't sure how long shew was in his arms, long enough for her to finally run out of tears and to feel both relaxed and sleepy. She had been resting her head on his chest when she felt her eye lids heavy.
"Itachi-" she was zooning out "Stay with me."
"I'm not going anywhere."
She was warm, she felt safe, like no one was going to hurt her. She heard a soft and gentle heartbeat, opening her eyes she realized she was on top of Itachi; she felt her body stiff a little before she realized her still asleep.
She couldn't help but notice his handsome features. He looked so calm, his black hair fell over his eyes and she gently moved it away only for his eyes to open. Her eyes widen a bit and pushed herself off "I-I'm sorry if I woke you." he felt her heart race a bit.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Took a power nap. You?"
"Same." She was now up, with a sudden blush in her face. Itachi wasn't new to girls blushing or throwing themselves at him but she looked cute with a sudden blush. It suited her well.
"That's good." He got up and pushed his hair back.
"Sasuke texted me, they should be here soon with Chinese."
"Sounds g-good." She looked at his hand one more time before their eyes met. She looked around and saw both and Okami and Pancake in the one seater couch "They're fine, don't wake them."
Itachi hand bandaged his hand not because he wanted but because Kin was worried. He was now setting the table then the bell ran, Pancake barked as she woke up only to fall of the couch.
Okami simply got off and walked over to the door but was caught off guard by two dogs "Yuji, Keiji, behave-" Sasuke said before a mischievous fox ran past them "Kyuubi!"
"Naruto tagged along." Sasuke grunted.
"Itachi-" Naruto went in for the hug "You're back!"
Itachi didn't respond to the hug as Naruto pushed back and pat him in the back and with a smile he ask "How was the mission?"
"Tiring"
"I bet but from what Hinata tell me, you'll be home for a while huh?" Itachi nodded to that.
Hinata walked over to Kin "Did you manage to sleep a little?"
"Yes, thanks you. You?"
"I did, Sasuke didn't. They were having a heart to heart."
They were now having a late dinner. They talked, well mostly Naruto. Seeing this made Kin a bit better, although a lot of things were going through her mind. She excused herself and walked towards the living room, they heard the front door open and close followed by a whine from Okami, since Pancake was playing with Kyuubi in the family room.
"Give her some time, Itachi" Naruto told him as he saw he got up "She's dealing with a lot right now." he knew very little but so much at the same time about her.
Kin was sitting on the front sitting on the porch step when she heard the door open and Okami went ove near her "Hey boy-"
"You okay?"
She let out a shaky breath "Yeah, sorry I just-"
"No need to apologize." Itachi leaned on the railing "-just wanted to check you're okay."
"I am. Today was overwhelming, that's all."
Silence.
"I'll find a place-"
"There is no rush; you can stay as much as need." After a few she looked a bit better and got up
"Thanks."
Hinata smiled seeing them walk inside together "You cool Kinnara?"
"I'm cool." Kin smiled at the blonde.
"Kinnara?" Sasuke questioned.
"Yeah, that's my full name." Naruto grinned "I saw a bill of hers-" Sasuke shook his head "-What it's not like I saw inside of it."
"Kin is shorter."
…
After about an hour in the game room, Naruto had called it a day "I promised Iruka I would go home to watch a movie with him, haven't spent a lot of time with him."
"He's just worried." Hinata commented "If you want to crash at my place-" Sasuke said as he threw him a pair of keys "-don't forget to lock the doors after though." Naruto smirked "Don't wait up for me."
Sasuke frowned "Trust me, I won't."
Hinata looked at her phone as it buzzed "Tenten wants to go bowling."
…
They were about half way through the first game when she heard some familiar voices. They were in lane 3, near the far left of the building but she could here hear her, which meant they were all here.
"Hurry up fatso." It was her turn to go, she grabbed the 10lbs purple ball and took a deep breath but as she looked to her right she saw Dosu; her brother and of course he was with Zaku but what got her worried was they were with the sound six.
Tayuya; a nasty tomboy like girl with a nasty attitude, she hoped that by now Dosu was over her.
Sakon and Ukon; twin brothers who are both annoying and arrogant.
Kidōmaru; arrogant, thinks he's better than anyone, can't believe she thought he was cute back then.
Jirōbō; quiet, arrogant and a glut who only thinks of food.
Last but not least Kimimaro; who isn't so bad in her opinion, he was the guy to control them all if they got too riled up but he wasn't a pushover either.
Her eyes met with Tayuya who looked at her and pretended that her middle finger was a lipstick as took the 'cap' off and pretended to put the lipstick on as she smirked at her. Crap.
Without realizing it, she dropped the ball "Kin!" Itachi said as the ball rolled away and she began to walk backwards.
She felt someone's hands behind her "Kin" his voice sounded so far until she saw his eyes, looking down at her "Kin, are you okay?"
"Hm?" she felt like she was going to hyperventilate.
"Woah, are you okay?" Tenten concern voice asked "I think it fell on her foot."
Kin blinked a couple of times "Kin-" Itachi called out her name once more, this time both arms were on her shoulders and led her to the chair "Are you okay?"
Hinata had brought a cup of water "Here, think this." her hands were a bit shaky but she took the plastic cup. Itachi stood up and looked around as so did Sasuke, Neji began putting the things away, since it seemed they might not finish the game.
Tenten had gone to the desk to ask if they had some ice she could have.
Itachi' eyes landed a few lanes back to see Zaku along with a few other guys. They locked eyes; now his onyx eyes were slowly turning crimson red.
"Is that him?" Sasuke asked, since he never did see Kin' ex. Itachi nodded. Itachi could see the hatred in Zaku' eyes but he didn't look away. Zaku gave him the finger before he looked back and said something to a black haired guy and a pair of twins.
Sasuke locked eyes with them, they gave him the bird before they laughed and continued to bowl, all except Zaku; Itachi guessed he is still pissed about earlier. He didn't care about him. He looked down at Kin; she was still shaken up but a bit calmer since Hinata was doing some circular motions on her back
"You feeling better?"
"Y-yeah-" she lied "-um, I think I'm calling it a night though."
"Of course." Hinata stood up "Itachi would you take her home?"
"Sure."
"I would love to go but, I have a job interview tomorrow in the hospital."
"That's tomorrow?" Sasuke asked her, he had totally forgotten about it, guess his mind didn't like the fact that he wouldn't see her that often but he wanted her to get the job.
"Yeah, there is a new doctor too, Lady Tsunade, I believe is her name."
"I heard she's good." Hinata smiled "Yeah-" she gave Kin a concern smile "I hope you're feeling better and you said your foot is fine?"
"Y-yeah-" she told her "It didn't fall on it."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Tenten asked "I'm fine, thank you."
They parted ways outside, Itachi kept Kin close to him as they walked past them. Sasuke had brought his own car since; well he wasn't used to be driven around.
Itachi opened the door to the Jeep Cherokee, a new SUV that he had bought a few week months back and began to drive back home. He didn't ask anything, he wanted to give her space.
They arrived to his place within 20 minutes. He parked the SUV outside since Sasuke suggested parking her challenger inside on of the garages.
He opened the door and she got out, but didn't move. Itachi looked at her as she hugged herself before she leaned against him, crying "I'm scared." She was; she didn't know what was going on, with everyone here. Why were they here?
Itachi wrapped his arms around her and let her cry. What or who was she sacred off?
"I'll protect you." he told her and he would keep his word on that.
I guess that is enough for right now. Let me know what you think. R&R.