Ice

Chapter Nine

"Hanayo. Sasuke."

Hanayo nodded, leaning on her hand with eyes closed. The dark lashes fluttered against her cheekbones and she looked exhausted. Sasuke was as proper as ever, watching her with ever serious eyes.

"You know, being a nin means less sleep," he said, making Hinata snap up from her half-awake state with a blush. They'd been up for two more hours, until it was four in the morning, and had worried themselves to sleep. Three hours was not enough for either of the girls.

"Sorry," the leader mumbled.

"Fuck off, Uchiha," was Hanayo's response.

Yikes. Hinata glanced up. "Any new ideas on the case?"

"The first names are members," Hanayo yawned before Sasuke could cut in, "and they're organized by last name."

"But we don't know last names."

"True, milady. We will need to research this."

"Indeed we will," said Sasuke. He cleared his throat and looked at Hinata. "I recognize some of the names, the more unique one. Scientists that Orochimaru worked with. I didn't get to hear what they were working on exactly, but if it's involving your Byakugan, then it can't be good for you."

Hanayo opened an eye and frowned before glancing around.

"I think… anyone who is not on a list in the Hyuuga clan is suspected of treason."

To Hinata's surprise, Sasuke nodded in agreement.

"Wait, I'm still trying to get their trust," she protested. "You and I both know what happens if I start a witch hunt."

"Then don't. Let me start one." Hanayo's lips curled into a smile. "They trust me more anyway. I'm more popular around here than you think."

Hinata hesitated and exchanged a look with Sasuke, before nodding her head cautiously.

"Well, Hanayo-chan… just be careful. My hold over the clan isn't always stronger than emotion."

"Yes, my lady."

Hinata's lips turned down at the title given, but she said nothing about it and turned to Sasuke. "What will you do?"

"For now, I'm going to lay low about this. I don't need people worrying about me going on missions or getting involved with the Hyuga clan too much. In the mean time, I'll gather information about the scientists I recognize."

He said all of it so quickly, it took Hinata a moment to process it. "I… alright. That sounds excellent, actually. We should set up a meeting time. Tuesday, 9:30 P.M.?"

"Tuesday I have… therapy." Sasuke spat the word as if it were poisonous.

"Alright, Wednesday then."

Hanayo looked up. "I go and cook my father's favorite meal on Wednesday. It won't work for me.

"I'm not free any other night, Hanayo," Hinata said, frowning a little. "I'm sorry to ask this of you, but would you cancel until this mess gets sorted out? Your parents would understand for the greater good. Your father was even part of the prior team on this."

Hanayo bit her bottom lip, tilting her head. "O… Okay. I'll tell my mother then."

Satisfied with the plan, Hinata glanced out the window. "I'll talk with my parents, too. Ask them what they know. The investigation is going to be a tough one."

Nods came from the other two and Hanayo slowly got up, wobbling a bit.

"Hanayo… I'm going to ask you to get some more rest. You looked like you're going to go into a coma otherwise."

"Alright, Hinata-sama."

As she turned, Hinata spoke again.

"You don't need the honorific anymore. It's okay, really."

Hanayo paused for a second, but then went on her way silently.

The Hyuga leader turned her head towards the male shinobi, who watched her with his very lovely dark eyes.

"Well... Wednesday at 9:30… see you then."

Hey guys, guess who's in Florida and not having fun

Quite the little following I've gained for this story. It's quickly become my most popular and that's amazing. I did have to type this on my phone, my father doesn't like me bringing my laptop so…

I love you guys! Sorry if this chapter is meh, I'm very tired. Have a great day otherwise!