Hi guys, sorry that last weeks was very short! I've been super busy and super sick so it's been quite hard to find the time to juggle all my other responsibilities as well as writing.
Thanks for all the reviews, follows and favourites. You're all great.
This is a long chapter and I really loved writing out the scenes between Sasuke and Hinata, so enjoy!
Chapter 11:
Sakura stretched her arms as she walked out of the hospital. She had been working at the hospital since the morning and had finally been permitted to take a break. She squinted her eyes at the blazing sun – it's already noon. Sakura blushed as she heard her stomach rumble.
She began making her way to the Yamanaka's flower shop to meet Ino. Today, Ino was working at her family's shop, so they had promised to eat lunch together.
As Sakura walked alone, she noticed that there were a swarm of couples in the village suddenly. Was it always like this? It seemed that everyone was getting into relationships except her. There was Naruto and Hinata, whom were a very famous couple around the village. However, they were no longer together. There was also Kiba and Ino whom seemed to be steadily together. Sakura recalled Ino stating that Kiba was the one for her. Sakura was also aware of the secretive relationship between Shikamaru and Temari. Ino had given her all the details, saying that they weren't official but they were seeing each other. Sakura sighed, as she watched two strangers embrace on the street. She turned her head to the other side of the street but it was futile. Walking side by side, a little too close to just be friends was Hinata's little sister, Hanabi, and Konohamaru. Sakura was surprised. When did that happen?
Sakura frowned as she turned the corner. She knew that there were others who weren't in relationships but she felt… lonely. Sakura would be lying if she said she wasn't in love with Sasuke. Sasuke had brought her so much pain but he had changed her. She became stronger because of him. He had motivated her to change. Sasuke was Sasuke. She couldn't describe it what her love was towards him. However, it would always be there. She clutched the fabric of her jacket. It was obvious Sasuke didn't feel the same way. One could see it through his actions. He had even told her that he could not love her in the way she wanted to be love. Sakura was content with that, so she thought. She thought she could be happy with just being seen as family to Sasuke but she wanted more. She felt selfish. I need to get over Sasuke. Especially after what she saw yesterday. She remembered feeling confused and hurt. Sasuke carrying Hinata to his home… it was so out of the blue she did not know how to react. Moreover, to top it all off there were rumours floating around the hospital that Sasuke and Hinata had gotten into some sort of trouble together last night. Shizune had mentioned the two –
"Hey Sakura-chan!"
Sakura flipped her head to the voice that always warmed her heart. She smiled as he got closer.
"Naruto, you're back."
He nodded cheerfully as he placed his hands behind his head.
"Yep! The mission was a piece of cake."
Sakura smiled. Soon, Naruto would be taking over as Hokage. Due to this, he was taking more missions. She wondered though, if he had taken lots of missions to heal his heart as well. It was obvious to those close to Naruto that he was still heartbroken over Hinata. Despite the two talking and it supposedly not being awkward, there was unspoken tension. Should I tell him about what I saw or…
"Speaking of cake," she mused, "do you know what type of cake Sasuke-kun likes?"
Naruto shrugged, "Sasuke hates sweets… wait his birthday isn't til another month or something."
Sakura fumed. She was already aware that Sasuke was not fond of sweets. Sakura wanted there to be cake though, it only seemed fitting for a birthday after all. She smacked Naruto on the head.
"You idiot," she huffed, "Sasuke-kun's birthday is tomorrow. We're having dinner at my place… You didn't forget did you?"
Naruto rubbed his head where Sakura had hit him. He laughed awkwardly.
"Don't worry Sakura-chan, I wouldn't miss your home-made cooking for the world dattebayo," he teased.
"Don't say such stupid things Naruto."
"Oh! That reminds me, have you seen Sasuke? I need to talk to him."
Sakura hesitated for a moment. She wanted to tell Naruto what she saw but perhaps there was really nothing going on. However, she had never seen Sasuke carry anyone. It was all so confusing. She didn't want to start trouble. Especially if there really was a love triangle going on.
"Hey earth to Sakura-chan," Naruto said as he waved his hands in front of her face.
Sakura shook her head, embarrassed that she spaced out.
"Oh! Gomen, Naruto…. Uh, I think Sasuke-kun's on a mission? I overhead from Shizune that Kakashi-sensei has given Sasuke a mission as punishment."
"Punishment? What'd he do?" He asked.
Sakura frowned.
"I'm not sure on the full story but apparently it's related to Hinata-chan… I saw him carrying her last night so –"
Before she could finish Naruto dashed off towards the Hokage tower. She smacked her forehead with her palm. You've done it now Sakura.
Xxxxx
"Sasuke! What did you do to Hinata?" Naruto growled.
Kakashi sighed as he stretched his neck. After last night, he was hoping today would be peaceful. Yet as he watched Naruto pin Sasuke to the wall and Sasuke smirking he realised it would be another crazy day. It seemed that his former students still enjoyed being rivals over one thing or another. He would probably have to bring in someone to clean his office later. One could never be certain on how much property Sasuke and Naruto could break.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Sasuke replied nonchalantly.
Kakashi leaned his head on his palm, continuing to observe his former students.
Naruto gritted his teeth, "Don't give me that bullshit. You're looking all smug here when I know you've done something. Sakura-chan even said you were carrying her… I swear Sasuke if you touched her –"
Kakashi panicked. Sasuke please don't say -
"Who cares Naruto? She's not yours," he spat out.
Suddenly, Naruto punched Sasuke's face.
"You asshole" he snarled.
Sasuke retorted by upper cutting Naruto's jaw line. He grabbed Naruto's collar and threw him against the wall. Kakashi leaned back into his chair. I'll give them a few minutes to sort out their issues. The two continued to throw punches and kicks at one another. Fortunately, they had mutually agreed to strictly use taijutsu. The two men jumped apart from one another, letting out a deep breath.
Naruto spat out blood and wiped it off his mouth.
"I get it," Naruto said, "why Hinata though?"
Sasuke looked at Naruto and shrugged. Naruto smiled sincerely at his best friend.
"Sasuke…Don't do anything stupid okay?"
"Hn."
Kakashi scratched his cheek as he observed the two men talking in hushed tones. Most of their conversations were exchanged through fighting. It was a peculiar way of communicating but it seemed to work best for them.
It was difficult to hear what they were saying due to their whispering but Kakashi managed to hear a few words. He put the pieces together himself – Naruto was aware of Sasuke's interest in Hinata.
Ah, this sparks more trouble… and since Naruto mentioned that Sakura saw Sasuke carrying Hinata. Team 7 is going to be edgy for a while.
Kakashi groaned inwardly. The relationships and dynamic between Team 7 were already chaotic enough. Adding Hinata into the mix, made a love triangle or even a love square if one was to consider Sakura as well. What to do? Should I –
"Ah gomen about the mess Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said
Kakashi looked back up at Sasuke and Naruto. Naruto threw his arm over Sasuke's shoulder and laughed.
"Hn."
Kakashi smiled. It seemed that the two had reached some sort of agreement.
"Well since the both of you are done talking," Kakashi stood up and handed Sasuke his mission paper, "here. Once you meet Hinata-chan go through this together. I expect the mission to be complete by the end of the week."
Xxx
As Naruto and Sasuke left Kakashi's office, Naruto thought that his life was only going to get more complicated from here on out. Here peered at his best friend, watching him read his mission with a scowl.
It was weird. Naruto thought one should feel betrayed when they find out their best friend starts to develop feelings for their ex. He didn't though.
Naruto had begun to realise it a few days after the Hinami festival. After Naruto had told his team about what happened between Hinata and himself, Sasuke had become distant. It was as if he was closing himself off again. A few days of Naruto consistently irritating Sasuke, had caused his friend to blow up at him. In turn, they fought until their bodies collapsed from exhaustion. It was at that moment, Naruto realised that Sasuke was fighting a battle with himself internally. A battle between loyalty and desire. Something Sasuke had fought as a teenager. His desire to kill Itachi had overcome his loyalty to Konoha. Naruto wondered if desire would win again. At first Naruto was unsure of what Sasuke desired. However, a few subtle hints of body language at the mention of Hinata paired with Sasuke constantly avoiding her for four months straight allowed Naruto to figure it out. Sasuke desired Hinata. Yet, his loyalty to Naruto was stopping him.
He wasn't sure how to explain it but he felt a little excited. He wondered what Sasuke looked like when he was in love. He wanted his best friend, whom was practically a brother, to be able to love again. He wanted that whole heartedly more than anything else. He wanted Sasuke to finally find his place. Perhaps, his place was with Hinata. It made him sad, that was a given. He would always love Hinata. Yet, he was also curious to see how Hinata would respond. Would she love Sasuke the way she loved him? It was all a mystery to him. He wanted the two of them to find happiness. They deserved that.
Suddenly he smacked Sasuke on the back, "Sasuke, don't be so half-hearted about it. I'll gladly pulverise you if you are."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Naruto. It didn't take Sasuke long to read between the lines of what Naruto was really insinuating.
"There's no need for that," he replied.
"Huh? So you really do like –"
"No. I told you. It's nothing."
Naruto chuckled and placed his hands behind his head.
"Eh. Hinata's pretty cute, you'd have to be batting for the other team to not…Wait…is that why you rejected Sakura-chan because you're – "
Sasuke clicked his tongue and grabbed Naruto's ear, pinching him until Naruto began wincing.
"Shut up usuratonkachi," Sasuke said.
Naruto laughed, "Heh. Don't worry teme, I won't tell anyone about your little secret."
Naruto flinched as he felt Sasuke's grip on his ear tighten.
Xxx
Hinata stared off into the distance as she made her way to the Hokage tower. She walked with slumped shoulders and looked at the ground rather than the people she passed by.
Last night when she had returned home, she was immediately summoned by the Hyuga elders. The Hyuga elders had heard about her childish quarrel with Sasuke and were very disappointed about it. They had called her irresponsible, that her father was crazy to pick her to succeed the title, that despite Hanabi being the hot head, she would have had more self-control than Hinata. After all, Hanabi was always better in their eyes. Hinata was never envious of her little sister, she was proud of her. Although, sometimes the words got to her too much and she would start believing them. Last night when she felt tears prickling her eyes and her body beginning to tremble, she had to remind herself that she was not that little girl anymore. She was strong. She was important and despite what the elders were reprimanding for her, she was the Head of the Hyuga. She should not have to be scolded for her own actions. Unfortunately, speaking up for herself had gotten her into trouble. Her grandfather had retaliated by slapping her across the face. Hinata recalled that the moment her grandfather had done that she had avoided the gazes of the council for the rest of the night. They sniggered at her once Hinata had lost all her confidence. Afterwards, her grandfather had told her that they never believed Hinata would be a worthy Head. For the time being, she was a substitute until Hanabi became of age. Hinata had nodded silently, obeying their every word like the puppet she was.
Hinata touched her cheek where her grandfather had slapped her. She flinched at the touch, it's starting to bruise. Fortunately, the elders had told the maids to cover up her bruise when she was out in public. However, in the Hyuga compound she was forbidden to cover it up. They had said it was a reminder to all Hyuga's that reckless and childish behaviour was not tolerated in the Hyuga clan no matter what position the person held. When Hinata had told Hanabi what had happened over breakfast, Hanabi had broken her chopsticks in to pieces. Hanabi had reminded Hinata that she was the one to get rid of the branch seal. Despite the elders not favouring it, the rest of the clan did favour it. Onee-san, they're all stingy and senile. Don't listen to them, everyone believes you're a worthy Head. Those words Hanabi had told her were comforting. She smiled, she really did love Hanabi.
"You're late," a voice called out.
Hinata looked up to see Sasuke leaning against the building. His eyes were closed and his arms were crossed. Hinata thought that since the last time they saw one another his life had also taken a troublesome turn of events. There was a small part of her that wanted to blame Sasuke but she knew that was an immature notion. After all, she was at fault as well. The two both shared the blame.
"Gomen, Uchiha-san. Someone did not inform me that we were meeting today."
She plastered on a smile, knowing full well that Sasuke had purposefully avoided telling her. Thankfully, Kakashi had sent a message to the compound reminding Hinata to come to the Hokage building for her punishment.
Sasuke clicked his tongue, "That's your fault for not listening last night."
Hinata narrowed her eyes at him, "Someone decided to place me in a genjutsu."
Sasuke smirked as he threw a scroll towards Hinata.
"Start training then to avoid getting caught in a genjutsu."
Hinata caught the scroll, opened it and scanned through their mission details. She plastered another smile as she threw the scroll back at him.
"Start learning some manners then," she said.
Hinata walked past Sasuke as she entered the Hokage building. Sasuke had followed behind her silently. With Hinata leading, the two climbed two flights of stairs before opening one of the doors leading to the second floor. Hinata greeted the staff as she walked past and rolled her eyes at the women ogling at Sasuke. She turned around to look at Sasuke, who walked with his hands in his pockets, unfazed by the all the staring. He caught her eye and smirked at her. Hinata blushed and turned to face forward again. Finally they made it to the room they were assigned to. Hinata turned the knob of the door and was greeted with darkness. Sasuke came beside her and flicked on the light switch. The room was filled with various books and dust.
Sasuke bumped past her and picked up a book. She watched him as he flipped through a book which was practically falling apart.
"Some of the pages are missing," Sasuke commented.
"It seems that some of the pages are damaged as well," she added.
Sasuke closed the book and placed it back on its pile. He pressed his finger onto the table and glided it across. He grimaced as he looked at his finger. Hinata had to hold in a giggle as she watched Sasuke be annoyed at how filthy the place was. Hinata could agree with him though. It was awfully dirty.
"Uchiha-san, should we clean the place first?" Hinata asked.
"Yeah, it'll make it easier for us when we have to re-organise these books and rewrite them."
Hinata nodded and then a sudden realisation hit her. The mission scroll had only instructed Sasuke to rewrite all the damaged books simply because he could use his sharigan to copy the words from one book to a fresh new page. Hinata smiled mischievously.
"Don't you mean when I have to re-write them," she teased.
Sasuke's eye twitched, "Shut up Hyuga. Let's just get this done and over with."
Xxx
A few hours had passed by the time both Sasuke and Hinata had finished cleaning the place. At the moment, Sasuke had started rewriting one of the books and Hinata was going through the books placing them into two separate piles – books that needed to be rewritten and books that did not. Surprisingly, the two had been able to come up with a system easily. It helped that Hinata was used to re-organising books. She had also done this previously in the Hyuga library when she first became Head. Except, this time the scribe was much faster at writing. Whilst Hinata waited for Sasuke to copy the books, she began making labels for the bookshelves. They had both agreed to organise the bookshelves based on the topic or area the book covered and of course, in alphabetical order. Hinata took a quick glance at Sasuke, admiring how interesting Sasuke's mangekyo sharigan was. It was a lovely crimson colour. The outer lines of his tomoe had reminded Hinata of an atom. Hinata viewed it as harsh reminder that his existence had been dictated by matters of the past and the world of adults. Hinata felt sorry for Sasuke, he had been manipulated for most of his life. He probably didn't want anyone's sympathy though, so Hinata had never said anything.
"Are you done staring Hyuga?" He asked without looking away from his page.
Hinata jumped and turned her body to around to avoid seeing him in her peripheral vision. She could feel a blush adorning her cheeks. Why does he always make me blush?
After a few seconds, she turned back around to face him. She had desperately hoped that the blush had faded but she realised it didn't matter at all. Sasuke had never taken his eyes off of the page. She continued to make the labels for the bookshelves, sneaking glances at Sasuke here and there. After a while she began to notice he was frowning more than he usually did.
"Uchiha-san, your hand… is it cramping?" She asked politely.
Once again he replied without looking at her and never taking his hand off of the page.
"What do you think Hyuga?" He replied, with a hint of annoyance in his tone.
Hinata stood up, pushed her chair in and left the room. She returned momentarily with an ice pack and a cloth. She offered them both to Sasuke.
"Here, when you want to take a break."
Sasuke stopped writing and took the ice pack and cloth, placing it over his hand. He let out a sigh.
"You have lovely calligraphy, Uchiha-san."
He gestured towards her, "So do you."
Hinata sat down back in her chair, "Arigato."
It was like this for the rest of the afternoon, small talk made here and there regarding the books or about Sasuke taking a break for a few minutes. Hinata had never ordered him to do so because she understood he was a prideful man. Instead she suggested it during intervals, especially when his discomfort was obvious to the eye.
By the time the sun had begun to set, Sasuke was already halfway through the second book. Sasuke paused and gazed out the window. Hinata had done the same. The two watched the sunset together silently. Once the sun had set, the two got out of the chairs, closed the lights and shut the door behind them. They walked through the building, with Sasuke a few steps ahead of her. The particular floor was silent, it had seemed everyone had already left the offices. Anyone could assume they were walking together home but the two of them had just seen it as coincidental they lived in the same direction. Hinata had convinced herself that was the only reason. It wasn't like Sasuke was actually walking her home. Once they had arrived in front of the gates of the Hyuga compound, Sasuke did not turn around to say goodbye to her. He continued walking. Hinata did not bother to say goodbye as well. After all, they were not friends. They were simply strangers. This thought for some strange reason had saddened Hinata a little. She did not want to be strangers with Sasuke. After spending the day with him Hinata realised she wanted to know more about him. She shut down that thought the moment it surfaced though. It was impossible. Sasuke had already declared to her that she meant nothing to him. Today and the rest of the time they spend together would all just simply be an act. To Sasuke, he was simply fulfilling his duty.
We're strangers after all.
xxxx
Thanks for reading, please review.
Next chapter will probably be released in two weeks time due to my studies. Sorry.
