I'M SO SO INCREDIBLY SORRY THAT THIS CHAPTER IS SO LATE.

I know I said 2 weeks but it dragged onto a month, ah I'm so sorry. A lot of things have happened in my life and there was also school in the middle of it, so I've been very occupied at the moment.

I've missed writing so much that it feels so good to finally get back into it. I can't wait for the plot to unravel more, it feels weird since I already have half of the last chapter of this story already written (I just have to get there now hah).

Thank you all so so so much for being incredibly patient. Thanks for all the follows, favourites and all the reviews. I am so grateful to everyone reading this story. Please enjoy this next chapter. It's not that eventful but it's all mainly just Sasuke and Hinata.

Chapter 12:

Hinata gripped her jacket tighter to her body as she walked out of the Hyuga compound. Recently, Hinata's schedule had been quite busy, so she made her visits to the graveyard during dawn. It was easier this way, especially with the darkness having the ability to hide the bruise on her face. She flinched as a gust of wind blew past her. The mornings were getting chilly, she noted.
Hinata walked silently to the cemetery, without anything to offer her loved ones. She decided she would replace their flowers tonight with Hanabi. After all, it had been awhile and she felt terrible about not taking better care of her family's graves. It didn't take her long to arrive at the entrance of the cemetery. She pushed her hair behind her ears as she trotted into the graveyard. She strolled until she finally came to the tombstones she was looking for – Otousan, Okasan. Hinata smiled as she bowed towards them. She did the usual, giving them a recount on what was going on in her life and the Hyuga clan. She bowed her head even further as she explained to her parents the reason behind the bruise on her cheek. She felt ashamed of having to face her parents with such a shameful appearance. She could hear her Father's voice in her head. He was scolding her in that serious and intimidating tone of his. She could hear him shouting at her that she was a disappointment to him. Yes, he thinks I'm unworthy as well. Just like Grandfather. She wanted her Okasan to soothe her, to give her words of encouragement. Yet, she did not remember the sound of her Okasan's voice. It had been so many years. Hinata was so young when her Okasan had passed. She closed her eyes trying to remember what her Okasan sounded like. Yet, nothing was coming to memory.

Suddenly a gush of wind came passed. Hinata hugged herself, as she felt her body shake. I'm so cold.

"Idiot," a voice said behind her.

In seconds, a black cloak was placed over her and she felt her body begin to warm up. She turned around, mouth agape to find Sasuke Uchiha clothed in nothing but a black t-shirt which hugged his finely tone body perfectly and black shorts as well. Hinata turned her gaze away from his body as she felt the heat rise to her cheeks. Ever since yesterday, Hinata had begun to notice particular things about Sasuke that she would prefer not mention to anyone else.

"Aren't you cold?" She asked.

He scowled as he threw her an incredulous look.

"Not as cold as you," he snapped back at her.

"Oh…arigato."

Hinata shyly looked down at the ground, unsure of what else to say. Sasuke was a mystery to her. She could feel his gaze on her as he towered over her. A minute passed in silence before she decided to take matters into her own hand. She released a breath and prepared to stand up from the ground. Sasuke on the other hand, seemed to have other plans.

"Hinata… who did that to you?" He asked.

Hinata brought a hand over her cheek and pressed lightly on it. She was surprised Sasuke had asked. His tone had given no hints of what he really felt about it but – he sounds almost worried and a little angry.

"Oh… I – I ran into a pole," she lied.

She flinched as she heard Sasuke sneer. She looked up at him, unsure of what response she desired from him. He scowled at her as their eyes met.

"You…" he said harshly before trailing off. Sasuke darted his eyes away from her and turned on his heel.

"Get it healed before work. It's annoying," he called out to her.

Hinata frowned as she watched his back begin to disappear into the dusk as he walked out of the cemetery. She wondered if this was how Sakura had always felt. Watching his back, unable to say anything that would make him stay. Hinata's eyes became alarmed as that thought crossed her mind. She shook her head and let out a sigh.

You're just lonely Hinata. It's nothing else. You don't feel anything towards him.

xxx

Sasuke's cursed as he slid open the shower curtain. The rush of air added with the cold shower he just had had did not help. He reached over for his towel and wrapped it around his torso. Sasuke walked out of his bathroom into his bedroom and glanced outside his window. Sunrise.

Sasuke dried himself as he walked over to his closet. He looked through his closet, slipping on the necessary clothing. He frowned as he couldn't find his cloak. Where the hell –

Sasuke grimaced as he remembered just where his precious black cloak went. Somehow, all of his problems managed to come back to Hinata. After returning from the cemetery, Sasuke had collapsed onto his bed hoping to get some sleep. Yet, it seemed his hormones had other ideas. It involved a risqué dream with Hinata that he would never tell a soul. He was sure he was never capable of producing such fantasises. To make matters worse he had gotten a hard-on. Hence, why he had to take a cold shower.
She was driving him insane – well even more insane than he already was. He was mentally unstable at times due to the trauma he suffered as child and having lewd dreams of the Hyuga Head was not helping. To top it all off, Hinata was Naruto's ex-girlfriend. They had way too much history for anyone to get involved with either one of them. Sasuke massaged his temple, it was too late though. He was involved the moment he kissed her. Which he believed was a horrible mistake. Ever since he had tasted her, he wanted more. It was then that the dreams and hard-ons had begun.

Fuck. He ruffled his hair as he made his way out of the bedroom. He never wanted any of this. Yet at the same time he wanted it. He wanted Hinata like a predator wanted its prey. He wanted to devour her soul and body. Yet, he despised her. Sasuke disliked her to the point that he sometimes wanted to place her in a genjutsu forever. She was annoying. She was idiotic, foolish and confusing. Nonetheless, she was fascinating, alluring and beautiful. He scoffed, he was a walking paradox when it came to Hinata.

It was obvious she still had feelings for Naruto and vice versa. Yet she did not choose to be with him anymore. Sasuke couldn't understand. He didn't want to understand. Sasuke wanted nothing to do with her but she was always in the depth of his mind now. She resided their like a pest. It frustrated him. However, he was even more annoyed at Naruto. The blonde idiot had practically given Sasuke his blessing to be with Hinata. What the fuck was that? Is he a fucking moron?

Naruto and Hinata. Hinata. Naruto. It was all so god damn problematic and confusing. Sasuke wanted nothing to do with it. He wanted to be out of the mess he had gotten himself into. However, it was the in the little moments he either spent with Hinata or when he watched her that would change his mind. The fact that she could be so fragile yet strong. Her stubbornness and spirit. Her passion and kindness.
During the four months they had ignored one another, he had watched her from afar time to time. He had seen her play with children, smiling despite the sorrow of losing a child still hurting her. She was polite to everyone. Sasuke had seen her train until she could no longer stand. She had always pushed herself past her limits. She had always surprised Sasuke. That aspect of her always intrigued Sasuke. He wanted to know more about her. The other sides to her, the things she liked, the things that made her sad and the things that brought her joy.

Sasuke laughed at himself. I sound so pathetic. It's making me sick. Sasuke shook his head, drowned a glass of water quickly and grabbed his katana on his way out.

Time to train.

Xx

Hinata wiped the sweat off her forehead as she made her way to the floor both her and Sasuke were working on. Despite the early mornings being chilly, the afternoon periods were always scorching. She patted her hair down as she got closer to the room, hoping it looked somewhat under control. She bit her lip as she recalled what Sasuke had said to her this morning. It was all so confusing to Hinata. She did not understand what she was to Sasuke. She sighed as her hand reached for the door knob. It was best to not think about it for now, she thought.

Hinata opened the door to find Sasuke flicking through a book. He closed it once he heard her came in. Hinata shut the door behind her and found Sasuke staring at her intently. She blushed and turned her gaze away from his until she heard Sasuke order her to come over to him. Hinata hesitated and it must have irritated him because he clicked his tongue.

"I don't like to repeat myself Hyuga."

She sighed and walked over to him. That was another vexing thing about Sasuke. The way he jumped from calling her Hyuga or Hinata. It seemed like he had no preference to which he name Sasuke would call her. However, she was beginning to assume that Hyuga was reserved for when he was frustrated.

Hinata came to him and sat in the chair beside him. He turned his body to face hers. He inched closer towards her face, examining her cheek. She hoped he would not notice the make-up covering her cheek. After a few seconds he shifted away from her. Suddenly, Hinata winced. Sasuke had flicked her bruised cheek.

"Hn."

Hinata frowned as she watched Sasuke turn away from her and make his way back to the books. Hinata observed him for a few seconds. His shoulders seemed tense, she noted. His lips were pressed into a thin line.
She chose to ignore his irritated state. Hinata got out of the seat and made her way to her pile of work.

"Hyuga," he called out.

Hinata looked up at him, raising her eyebrow.

He clenched his jaw as he looked at her cheek. Hinata grimaced as she brought a hand over it, attempting to cover it up even more. She didn't want Sasuke to see her in such a sorry state anymore. It was infuriating and she hated it when people saw her weak side. He flicked his eyes back to hers.

"Don't let those bastards boss you around."

"I don't understand what you mean Uchiha-san," she replied.

Sasuke furrowed his brows.

"Hinata," he growled as he clenched his fists, "you're the Head of Hyuga clan. Don't let them treat you like a puppet."

Hinata lowered her head, ashamed to look at Sasuke. He could read her so easily. It was pitiful. Sasuke made it seem so easy. He was strong though. People weren't going to boss him around with his god-like powers. Herself, on the other hand…

"I'm not that –"

"Don't give me that bullshit Hinata," he snarled.

Hinata was taken aback by the ferocity of his words. No one had ever spoken to her in such a manner. She could feel his annoyance at her radiating off his body.

She looked back up at him to find him massaging his head.

"I know you hate being interrupted but I'm just tired of people manipulating others," he said quietly.

In that moment, Hinata felt tears begin to well up in her eyes. She released a breath and stood up from her chair making her way to the bookshelves. She would not let him see her cry again. She stopped momentarily and spoke out.

"Uchiha-san… I- I really appreciate it."

"Hn."

She didn't need to turn around to know that Sasuke was somewhat smiling. Little by little she was beginning to understand the type of person he was. Little by little Hinata found herself even more fascinated by him. Hinata desired that strength Sasuke had.

If only one day, I could be as strong as him.

Xxx

Sasuke massaged his hand as he finally finished the fifth book he was writing. He glanced over at Hinata who was placing books back onto their shelves. He turned his head back to the book. Sasuke closed it and added it to the pile of finished books. He reached over for his bottle of water and took a sip, quenching his thirst. He sighed as he thought about Hinata's bruise. It was obvious the Hyuga elders had inflicted it upon her. Sasuke could easily bet it had something to do with him. He gritted his teeth, feeling like an ass. Also, he was sure he told her to go heal it. What's up with that? Why won't she heal it?

He turned back to face her only to find her in a pickle. Hinata was jumping trying to reach the top of the bookshelf to place a book on it. Unfortunately, she was too short. He watched her for a few more seconds as she struggled. Sasuke rolled his eyes as he stood up and made his way to her. He was too fast for her to notice but by the time he had stood closely behind her she had jumped at the realisation. He placed one hand on her hips and the other he overlapped her hand holding the book. He took the book out of her hand and placed it on the shelf.

"Just ask for help next time. Watching you jump was annoying," he said.

He waited for her to retort with something but it seemed Hinata was at a loss of words. He looked at her rear for a few seconds, nice. He looked back up at her hoping she had something to say. Her ears had gone red most likely from the close contact. One would think she was pure. Sasuke smirked, wanting to tease her just a little more. His hand lingered on her hips as his fingers drew circles into her hips. He wanted to slip his hands underneath her shirt and feel her delicate skin. But he knew by then he wouldn't be able to stop. She was intoxicating. Even now it was difficult to stop. Hinata was so enticing. He took his hands off of her and stepped back from her. She turned to face him and Sasuke couldn't help but smirk. She's as red as a tomato.

"I'm hungry Hinata," he said casually.

Hinata's eyes became wide and her face maintained the blush.

"I – I thought. You said that we –"

He placed his hands in his pockets and smirked.

"Who would have thought you had such a dirty mind?"

He turned away from her, calling out to her that he was going to get something to eat. He opened the door and waited for her to follow. He turned to face her as she continued to look shocked and embarrassed. Sasuke found it quite amusing.

"Hurry up Hyuga," he ordered.

"I'm really not that hun –"

Suddenly Hinata's stomach growled and her face had become even redder.

"Let's go then," she mumbled as she walked past him.

Xxxx

Hinata fiddled with the hem of her top as she sat across from Sasuke. She had followed Sasuke into a restaurant which he described as fulfilling and nice. Hinata peered around the restaurant and bit her lip as she observed numerous girls glaring at Sasuke fondly. She turned her focus back to him, watching him scan through the menu. Sasuke was either oblivious to all the staring or by now he was used to it. Hinata looked back down at her menu, trying to find something to eat. However, the whispers of the other girls in the restaurant were quite distracting.

"Isn't that Sasuke-kun? He's so hot!"

"Who's that plain girl with him?"

"That's the Head of the Hyuga!"

"Eh? Wasn't she dating Naruto-kun?"

"Don't tell me she's with both, that's unfair."

"Two of the hottest guys at once? What a –"

Suddenly, Hinata felt water splash onto her face.

She blinked and stared at Sasuke, who had placed his now empty glass on the table.

"What do you want to order?" He asked.

Hinata narrowed her eyes at him. She gritted her teeth, trying so hard to not lose her temper at him. Hinata reached over for some napkins and wiped her face.

"Was that really necessary, Uchiha-san?"

"Probably not," he replied as he closed his menu.

"I see…"

Sasuke called over the waitress to take their orders without getting a reply from Hinata. She sighed, he truly was annoying and ill-mannered sometimes. The waitressed flashed a smile, flicked her hair and fluttered her eyes at Sasuke.

"Today's onigiri special," he said without ever looking at her.

"Anything else?" She asked.

"No."

The girl laughed awkwardly and turned her head to face Hinata. She plastered on a smile.

"And for you?"

"I'll have the takoyaki."

The waitress nodded and as customary told them their orders would be with them momentarily. She left the two to be alone. Sasuke reached over for the jug of water, refilling his glass.

"I'll pay in order to compensate for that tomato you left," he said.

"It's fine. This is a bit too much compared to one tomato."

He scoffed, "It was a pretty good damn tomato."

Hinata smiled, she liked this childish aspect of Sasuke. However, she would not accept him paying for her meal.

"I'm glad but I won't let you pay. It's too much."

"Are you saying I'm poor?"

"No! That's not what I mean. Look it's just a tomato."

"And this is just a meal."

"Uchiha-san…"

Sasuke leaned his head on his hand and stared at Hinata. She bit her lip as she found him staring at her too intently.

"I hate that," he commented.

"Nani?"

"Nothing," he shifted his eyes away from her and then looked back at her, "look you told me to get some manners and here I am being polite, offering a woman a meal. So accept it."

"Yes because throwing water at someone is polite," Hinata said sarcastically.

"Hn."

As their meals came, the two stopped talking. The waitress placed their respective dishes in front of them. She gawked at Sasuke, waiting for him to thank her. Instead, Hinata thanked her on their behalf. The waitress pouted as she walked away without getting anything from Sasuke.

"I just don't want to be in your debt," Hinata said as she reached over for some chopsticks.

"I agree," Sasuke replied.

"Then we'll split the bill."

"I'm still in debt to you," he said.

Hinata frowned. Suddenly, an idea came to her mind. She smiled, this simple idea would surely fix everything.

There really is no other way.

xxx

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