One review and one favourite, believe it or not, this made me truly happy :D This following chapter is rather… long, compared to the previous one. There is something that I wanted to get across before you start reading this. I didn't mention this in the first chapter, but everything written in italics is the inner thoughts that Hinata's mind produces. Everything that is written in bold is the inner thoughts of Hinata's heart. I wanted to make this clear as the two tend to converse among each other at times. Also, the "blow in the gut" as will be mentioned, is the result of the heart. And so, it will be the mind that is scolding.

Um… I know it sounds odd… but everything will come to sense soon :D

Another other aspect that I wanted to cover was Sakura's behavior in this work. I've read many other fanfiction works before and couldn't help notice how Sakura was always put under the impression of being "the whore". So before starting this, I had thought… well, what if I had portrayed her differently? And so, in this work she is as what she appears as mentioned before. I sort of felt sorry for her one day -.-*

I apologize for any English grammar mistakes but I have tried my best to look over the work before submitting it. Reviews and advice are always welcome.

Summary: In everyone's eyes, Hinata has remained the same, even after so many years have gone by. She's still the same innocent, gentle, caring young woman. Even when the news of Naruto and Sakura hitting it off, the village felt incredibly sorry for the girl who had been in love for so long. But to Hinata, that was just what she had wanted everyone to see. Deep down, concealed behind her mask, Hinata is a completely different person. And only one person has been able to see behind the lies… and now he's more than determined to reveal the truth.

Pairing: Sasuke and Hinata

Rating: M to be safe.

Disclaimer:I had forgotten to mention this before and I am so sorry! D: None of the characters belong to me. Please do not sue TT_TT

With Eyes That See the Bigger Picture

Episode 02

The drink was bland. Hinata stared blankly into the open container of coffee the following day. The cafe had opened only two hours ago but to her surprise, many customers had already arrived to buy their own "heaven in a cup." Usually she would make the paint-thinner at home on her own, but had forgotten to take notice that she had run out of beans the day prior. And thus, Hinata continued to sit at the small dining table, sipping on the liquid with much indifference. The beans she usually bought tasted better.
Her view slowly began to follow the scenery through the window without paying much attention. No, her mind was already preoccupied with a different situation and this situation came with a scowl and a temper to match it.

Uchiha Sasuke. He had been on her mind ever since their encounter not too long ago. That devious grin... and those unreadable eyes... She hated those eyes. She could not understand the boy. She could not comprehend the actions behind his thoughts. They were blank. Empty.

Hinata balanced herself on her palm as she leaned closer to the window, pretending to show interest. Her mind was racing, desperately searching for answers. If I can't figure him out soon, my mask is as good as gone. I would lose the game. He would unravel everything!

Clenching her fists, Hinata took in a deep breath. Easy girl. There are still people around you. If you're not careful your mask will fall. Hinata let her fingers ease from marking her palms with her nails. Damn that Uchiha. How the hell did he see through the mask?

Maybe it's cracking?

Hinata frowned a little and reached out to take another casual sip. Oh? And what would you know? You've been fooled for over ten years now by Naruto. If anything, it's you who is cracking from all of the voluntary abuse. She chuckled to herself a little, careful not to be heard. You should be thanking me that I still haven't let you fall apart. Without me, you'd be in tiny pieces.

There was no answer. It was stupid, she had thought. Why couldn't her heart just do what she told it to do? Why couldn't it see what the mind had seen? Stubbornly, the heart continued to hope. Hope for love. Hope for a future with love. No matter how much Hinata had tried to convince herself that she did not need anyone, somewhere in the back of her head the heart continued to cry out and plead for a chance on "happiness".

How can anyone call that happiness? To constantly worry about someone else other than yourself. To constantly wonder as to what that person is up to. It's annoying... and tiresome.
Even with her heart still uncontrollable, a year after she had become a genin, Hinata was set to never allow for herself to get too attached to anyone. After allowing the heart to take action took a turn for the worst, Hinata began to change her point of view on the subject. At first it was the little things like ignoring Kiba's attempts to gain her affections (which wasn't hard since the heart wouldn't allow that). But as the years rolled by, she had soon begun to take notice of all the ugliness in the world around her. No longer was her mind pure and innocent. That ship had sailed long ago. But with her new, made-forth theology, Hinata had also understood that in order to keep peace with those around her, her old personality could not falter. She had to keep at it, in order to survive.

Hinata took another slow sip from the container. With Hanabi assuming the heir position, Hinata was allowed to do as she pleased, as long as she did not do anything to disgrace the family. So she continued to take upon herself to go on missions every now and then. The place that she had resigned in was a small apartment off by the village edge near the woods. Her father wasn't against the idea; his only request was that Hinata paid visit every two weeks for the regular Saturday Dinner to stay the night. It wasn't the most luxurious of living spaces, but Hinata was more than happy to be near the forest where she could relax. It was her gateway from the rest of the world.

And now, that Uchiha had found out her hiding spot. Hinata's eyes squinted as she stared intensely into the cup. What am I, five? To still sulk that some boy had found out about my 'secret base'? I must be really stupid. Setting aside the empty cup, Hinata shifted towards the window once more, still focusing on her thoughts enough to not notice as two figures slid into the chairs across from her.

"Hey! Rare to find you here!"

Hinata jerked a little in her seat at the sudden comment. Tenten smiled sheepishly as Sakura gently nudged her side.

"Look, you went and spooked her!" Sakura puffed her cheeks, "Sorry about that Hinata."

Hinata shook her head frantically, "No, no... it's quite alright." She paused, carefully assembling her words, "So how have you been?"

Tenten leaned back on her seat, balancing herself, as Sakura leaned onto the table and hid her cheek in her palm.

"Same old, same old," Tenten began, "Neji still refuses to go public. You know how he is, always concerned as to how everyone else will react to everything he does."

"Y-yes. That does sound like him." Hinata forced a small smile. It was supposed to be a secret, but Neji would only allow Hinata and Sakura to know that he and Tenten had begun seeing each other. She did not dislike Tenten in the very least. Tenten seemed like a very good match. Equally powerful and confident... just as her cousin was.

Sakura giggled, "While you two are keeping your relationship a secret, I can't seem to keep mine at bay. It's as if the entire village knows about Naruto and I. And frankly, I'm a little tired from having to be stopped by random people at the grocery store to fill them in with the 'details'."

"Sounds like you two are really busy." Hinata laughed a little but something inside kicked her in the gut. Stop meddling in other people's personal lives, idiot. This has nothing to do with you. I gave you a chance to do something before and you blew it. So stop acting so desperate.

Tenten eyed Sakura before looking back at Hinata who was trying hard to continue to smile. Sakura seemed to catch on. "Oh, Hinata... I'm so sorry! I-I didn't mean to..."
"Sakura it's alright." Hinata managed to laugh it off as another blow hit her gut, "That was years ago! Besides, I'm over it. I've moved on. There is nothing to apologize for!"
Damn it, why can't you behave?

"I-I still feel at fault here," she continued as she stared down at the table, "It must still hurt some. I... How about a change in subject then? How have you been, Hinata?"
A gentle smile spread across Sakura's face as Hinata smiled back. "Well," she said glancing at Tenten, "Same old, same old. They fixed the air conditioner so now I can continue to enjoy summer without dying in the process!"

Tenten let out a laugh, as did Sakura. It worked. The mask had worked miracles once again. Hinata reached out to her cup as the two carried on with the conversation. Look at them, laughing like fools, unknowing of the real truth. All I did was tell them what they wanted to hear and voilà! Just like the sly fox who tricked the prey, these two are falling into the mask's cleverly devised trap... Shoot, I forgot I finished the coffee already.

"But you know Hinata; maybe you should consider seeing someone. A woman with your beauty can't stay single for long!" Tenten teased, "And I can only imagine Neji's face when he finds out that his precious, little cousin has been swept away by some stud."

Sakura's face suddenly lit up, "You're right! N-not about the part with Neji... I mean, Hinata, you should really think about doing it. Is there anyone that has caught your eye recently?"

Hinata blushed crimson. Alright, pretend that you're interested in someone and make it look as if your secret is out. Her body tensed as her hands darted to her lap. Tenten's eyes began to sparkle as a coy grin appeared. Sakura leaned in more across the table. "Ohhh... So there is someone? Come on, spill it. Who's the lucky guy?"

"I-it's really e-e-embarrassing to share such information." Hinata squirmed in her seat, "B-besides... I-I-I'm not really seeking to s-start anything with anyone..."

"He sounds mysterious!" Tenten hummed.

What?

Sakura frowned, "How can you tell? She hasn't even told us anything about him."

Tenten turned to face Hinata as she too leaned forward, "Wanna start counting off all the possible candidates?"

"W-what!"

"Let's start with the obvious. Kiba?"

"No," Sakura shook her head, "He had asked her out before multiple times and recently he's been seeing someone else." Of course he would. What kind of idiot would continue to like someone after they're rejected... other than my own idiot heart?

"Hmm... What about that other guy on your team? What was his name again..?"

"Shino. And no, I don't think so. He's way too distant to have anyone notice him." Sakura replied, pausing, "Sorry Shino."

Hinata looked out the window, avoiding Tenten's mighty eye contact. You can keep guessing all you want. There is no one. Reaching up, Hinata brushed aside her bangs and pulled a few strands of hair behind her ear. Her flushed face only added to the nervousness she was trying to produce. It was so easy...

"Sasuke!"

Her heartbeat ceased in an instant. Looking back at Tenten and Sakura, the two had both turned around halfway in their chairs and were staring as Sasuke walked into the cafe. He seemed to have been busy with something earlier that morning as he slowly crept to the counter and leaning heavily on the wood, ordering two large vanilla lattes. He reached to his back pocket and after some tedious searching, pulled out a ten dollar bill from the black wallet. Yawning slightly, Sasuke looked about for an empty seat before spotting Tenten and Sakura waving to him. He nodded slowly and started to make his way towards the girls.

There it was - the sign that Hinata had been looking for. Even if it as just for a split second, there was no doubt in her mind. He's annoyed... and his eyes don't lie. He might be smiling now but his eyes hide no fact that he did not want to meet anyone right now. Hinata's fingers pressed against each other tightly. So it was possible after all to figure out his thoughts. And that meant there was still a chance to win the game. She could still come out victorious.

He sat down at a chair closer to Sakura, in-between her and Hinata. The two then began to converse as Tenten chimed in. She didn't know what they were talking about. Hinata was trying her best to analyze the situation without getting caught. After all, this was her chance to examine the enemy up close without making it awkward. So it was only natural that Hinata had seemed confused when Sakura asked her a question.

"I-I'm sorry... What did you say?" Hinata blushed three shades of red.

"Your plans," Sasuke cut in momentarily, giving off a rather sharp glare, "Did you have any plans this upcoming Saturday?"

Hinata gulped lightly, the family dinner wasn't this scheduled weekend but the following. And yet, she was cautious as to what they had been planning before agreeing to anything. "Well, n-n-none that I can t-think of... Why?"

Tenten frowned. "Weren't you listening before? Sakura has been planning to invite a lot of our old friends to go hang out at the amusement park as a sort of celebration. You interested?"

"I-it sounds like fun." Hinata's face lit up, "Who...who's coming then?"

"Well, I have a list. But it'll be really hard to pick an exact date. So far, many on the list are able to come this Saturday." Sakura replied as she reached into her bag, pulling out a small folded sheet of paper, "Ino said she was able to come, and Choji agreed too. Um... Who else..?"

"I convinced Shikamaru, but Temari had to decline." Tenten added, sighing in frustration, "Neji also agreed to come... on certain 'conditions'."

Sakura giggled into her palm. Hinata tried her best to seem amused too but found it hard with Sasuke still staring at her. "What about Naruto? Is he coming, Sakura?" she managed to squeak out the question, seeming to be embarrassed.

"Y-yeah. He had a mission... but he promised that he would make it." Sakura fidgeted in her seat.

"T-that's good to hear! It'll be really fun if you could also get Kiba a-a-and Shino to come too."

"Good idea. I'll talk to them too!" Tenten exclaimed, "While you, Sakura, see if Lee would want to join."

"Knowing Lee, he wouldn't refuse the offer in a heartbeat," the girl smirked before crossing off another name on her list, "Now; all that's left is for you two to decide."

Hinata's hands clasped together beneath the table. Was it really necessary for her to spend the Saturday at the park? Glancing over to peak at Sasuke who had now turned his attention to the other two girls, Hinata began to formulate her thoughts. If Sasuke agrees, this could also be another chance to find out his true motive while his guard is down. It's another opportunity to confirm my suspicions on him. On top of that, the mask will be able to fool him as seeming to be the regular 'Hinata'. If he declines... it would still be wise to agree. That way, I will be able to avoid his eyes longer.

"Are you interested, Hinata?"

Shoot. He was supposed to answer first.

"I... um... it does sound fun... but I'm going to have to d-d-decline. Miss Tsunade had asked me to look into things and I had c-completely forgotten." Hinata stuttered, "I-I'm really sorry!"

Sakura shook her head, "No, not at all! But you have to promise me then that we will have our own little 'girls only' get-together. Promise?"

Tenten beamed at the suggestion, ignoring Hinata's response, "Good! So all that's left is you, Sasuke? Well, why do you say?" Elbowing Sakura, she grinned, "I bet all of your former fan girls would really like that."

"D-don't be r-ridiculous! That crush has been l-long over! Besides... I'm seeing Naruto, remember?" her pale green eyes darted about frantically. Tenten laughed as she poked Sakura's flushed face teasingly. Sasuke on the other hand had not been affected much by the joke. Hinata stood up.

"Um... I guess... I-I'll be g-going n-!"

"Two large vanilla lattes!" the cashier woman announced boomingly, making Hinata jerk. Sasuke rose to his feet as he nodded one last time to Sakura and Tenten in a form of departure. As soon as he walked over to the cashier, Hinata bolted from her spot, wanting to rush towards the door but was halted by Sakura's sudden hand.

"H-Hinata… if you don't mind… could you ask Sasuke if he still wants to go? He… he still hasn't answered…"

Hinata stared down at the blushing girl. What am I? Your messenger girl?

"S-s-sure," Hinata answered in her 'usual' ways, "I'll call with his reply tonight then."

"Really? Oh thank you so much." Sakura inhaled deeply with relief. Tenten leaned towards the window more and smiled widely.

"You're still the same fan girl you were years ago."

Hinata nodded simply before turning to walk outside. Even after so many years, there were still some girls who had not forgotten how infatuated with Sasuke they had been. Looks like you're not the only idiot in town. A quick summer breeze rushed by as soon as she made her first step onto the sidewalk. Looking around to both directions, Hinata tried to spot Sasuke's figure, but found it hard with all of the villagers rushing to and fro. She began to make her way towards the direction of her apartment. If anything, she could always just tell Sakura that she had missed the boy and apologize for the mishap. Besides, it wasn't like Sakura couldn't find enough courage to ask him herself in private. She wasn't Hinata. She wasn't shy.

The road took a turn as she continued down the path. It was an empty alleyway that little kids usually took as shortcuts to the centre-town. It was thanks to alleyways like these that Hinata was able to commute throughout the village without having to come in contact with anyone much. A faint clap echoed against the tall building walls. Hinata stopped, looking ahead to have her pale eyes come in contact with a pair of dark ones.

"That was some acting you performed earlier," Sasuke sneered, "I can see that you have been practicing and perfecting."

Hinata's body twisted to her side, one shoulder facing the direction of where she had come from, just in case she needed to run away quickly. Assuming her mask in place, Hinata's eyes began to flutter as she brought her fingers to touch the tip of her chin. "U-Uchiha! I-I had been l-l-looking for you."

She lowered her head to face the ground below and blushed lightly. Opening her mouth slightly before closing it back and repeating several times, Hinata finally brought herself to speak once more, "Sakura… Sakura had wanted t-to know your… your r-reply. Y-y-you still haven't answered to her g-gathering."

Faint footsteps grew louder. Hinata raised her head shakily as the other hand bolted to her face. Cringing away from Sasuke's oncoming physique, Hinata made sure to back into a nearby wall, her shoulder still turned the other direction cautiously. He had halted merely a foot away from her as she let out a diminutive gasp. If he comes any closer, let your feet fall from beneath you and collapse to the ground.

As soon as a hand reached out, Hinata did as she had planned only seconds before only to have her arm pulled back up along with the rest of her body. "That's not going to work. How many times do I have to tell you to stop pretending?"

Hinata started to shake.

"You do that… fake yourself," Sasuke's voice strained as his hand let go of Hinata's arm, "…to keep distance of others?"

The silence continued. Keep cool! Keep calm! Continue with the façade! You've almost done it now!

"Tell me… is this… your basis for happiness? All of these lies..."

That had done it. Hinata's shoulders began to heighten vaguely. She brought her hands to her face, covering it completely behind the palms. Tiny sobs and frantic hiccups surfaced as Hinata's entire figure shrunk underneath his cold stare. Her knees shook in fear, frightening to give away once more. Tears spilled through the fingers and dampened the skin. She sniffed, not wanting to reveal her already running nose.

Sasuke continued to look down at the scene in front of him. His gaze shifted to both ends of the alleyway quickly to check for passerbies, before lowering himself. A smooth, icy hand snaked behind her hair. Hinata winced at the sudden contact and backed into the wall, tighter. Sasuke's hand continued to penetrate past her useless defenses, as he cupped the back of her neck ever-so-gently. He smiled a little at her attempts to push his chest away, her tender hands trying anxiously.

Suddenly, he grasped hold of her hair, cruelly. Hinata let out an alarmed gasp. Her tears ceased. Pulling her face towards his direction, Sasuke glared heatedly, straight into her eyes. His smirk gave away no hint of sympathy.

"Don't give me that crap. I told you already, I can see quite clearly."

Her eyes did not falter as Hinata sustained the connection. It must have been only a few seconds that felt like hours as time flew by. The silence was inevitable. Not a single sound had escaped from the nearby streets, as if a barrier had enclosed around the alley. A crooked smirk slid across.

"What gave it away?"

Dun dun dun! D:

Thank you for reading :]