- Pluck -

Part I

Chapter 5: Sandpaper

Two weeks had passed, and yet —

"You look so much on the edge of your seat, Hinata, that I'm inclined to think you will eventually fall off of it."

Everything was almost entirely the same.

The bar, even with its freshly painted walls and polished furniture, still attracted the most uncanny of people. Shadowy, shifting sort, as well as the kind who loved to stir trouble wherever they went. Tsunade was, per usual, neck-deep in men who came to flirt or get a reaction — rarely for only a drink. Jiraiya or Kakashi's presence rarely scared them off, nor would Tsunade wish for them to. And though she's told her it was because she did not need men to fix her troubles, Hinata was sure Tsunade secretly loved the attention. Thrived in it, really. A practice Hinata could only wish to one day master.

But like the forever excitement in the bar, Hinata stayed in corners, quietly watching and waiting. And to her side . . . well . . . .

Suigetsu, unsurprisingly, was there. Unchanged, of course. Because nothing could easily change such a stubborn man.

"Moon," Hinata nearly hissed under her breath as her gaze skittered along the room, hoping no one overheard him. To her relief, not a soul seemed to have heard; but her shoulders did not relax from their stressed arches as she turned to him, frowning. "Call me that in public, please. I don't want anyone —"

"Oh, c'mon. They're too far in their booze to hear me." He smirked and nodded his chin to a gaggle of women by the bar, snorting to themselves over some inside joke as they waved their champagne glasses around. "Nor will they even remember it if they happen to overhear something." His purple eyes slid back to her, a sort of candlelight glow catching the violets around his pupils, causing him to look absolutely mischievous. Hinata was more than used to the look by then. "You're still doing it."

Blinking, Hinata looked down at herself. He was right. She was sitting on the edge of her seat, hands knitted to her lap, knuckles pale and protruded. She had to consciously relax herself as her back slid against her chair, putting room between herself and the table. Sighing, Hinata gave a sheepish smile.

"I'm sorry."

Suigetsu's shoulders shook as he laughed, the sort that came from deep within the chest. A genuine one. Hinata has also been acquainted with such a laugh from him over the passing weeks. He was a stubborn, arrogant man, but he had bouts of genuineness, she's found. More than he liked to let on. Paying for her coffee on occasion, escorting her to her door at the end of the day, securing her cloak to her when buffs of wind or air blew it back; Hinata noticed it all. And while he always had an excuse, a quick snip, to add to every kind deed, Hinata knew well where the true purpose lied. Though, of course, she's kept it to herself — her observations. No need to embarrass him.

"What could possibly have you so on edge?" Feet planted on one of the legs of the table, he pushed his chair to tip back and balance on its back legs. He looked relaxed. Carefree. But Hinata knew by the tilt of his head that he was simply getting a better look at some of the people who frequented the bar. Who, she wasn't totally sure, but someone must have caught his eye. But that smirk of his never vanished, especially as he mused, "Shall I take a guess?"

Her heart pattered against her ribcage, and Hinata quickly took a sip from her water glass. "Suigetsu —"

"You're waiting for someone, aren't you?" The chair sat back on all fours, and he faced her. An air of expectancy hovered around his cunning features.

And at that moment, Hinata was reminded of another revolution she had made in their days spent together. Suigetsu was smart. Observant, when he so wished to be. She had supposed it came with the job; the Guard did not hire morons. Not that she was aware, at least. And just then, he had read her like a book. It made her feel like she was on the other side of the table, stickered face revealed to him in all its dour glory.

Shifting, hoping to hide her blush with the bow of her chin, Hinata said, "I'm always waiting, Suigetsu."

"For a particular someone," he continued.

Hinata stared at him.

He grinned, and his teeth winked at her in the orange light. "And I have a guess."

But despite his moments of random kindness and keen observation, Suigetsu was a man of entertainment. A man who craved it, who ate it up like he's been starved for months. And his greatest pleasure was to find anything and all to tease her about.

Mouth suddenly dry and sandy, Hinata nearly choked. Gulping down half of her water, she busied herself with flattening the folds of her lap to keep from meeting his eye. "I-I don't —"

"Sasuke, right?"

S . . . Sasuke?

That was a name she hadn't heard in a while. She hadn't seen him since the events that transpired at the Guard. After that day, when she had cut him, he hand't come back. Not that he had a reason to. Suigetsu was her bodyguard now, and she certainly did not need two. But still, Hinata often had the mind to wonder if he was avoiding her. Not that she would ever blame him, were it true. She had embarrassed him, broken his pride, and probably left him with a scar on his face. That, and as he had made perfectly clear, the bar was not a place he enjoyed.

And it would be a lie to say that Hinata never wanted to see him again. His face was still a mess of weeds, and she wished he'd just let her help him.

But to say she was waiting for him . . . .

Well.

Her pause must have confirmed something for Suigetsu, for he grinned triumphantly and returned to lean back in his chair. "I don't blame you. Women absolutely flock to him." With the roll of his eyes, he clicked his tongue. "Lucky bastard."

Hinata laughed, for though Suigetsu talked long about many things, it was never about women. "Yes, of course. I'm absolutely dying to see him." Fluttering her eyes, she took another sip of her water and smiled against the rim. "He is, after all, the most handsome man I've ever laid my eyes upon."

"Second most handsome."

Hinata locked eyes with him, and laughed. "I suppose you're right."

"I always am." His gaze lingered over her shoulder, then fell back onto her. "But not about Sasuke?" He was awfully nosy today, wasn't he? She wasn't sure what he was trying to get at. "That's a shame. Two weeks ago, you made him go so red, I was expectin' him to just explode or something."

Red? Had he really? She hadn't noticed — couldn't, really. Not with the mass of stickers on his face.

Oh dear, had I really upset him that much?

"Not that I really care," he mentioned, waving a hand casually her way. "It's refreshin' to meet a woman who ain't totally mad for him." And though he tried to keep the atmosphere carefree, Hinata witnessed a narrow of his eyes and the flutter of the stickers at his gills. Rarely did he just let her see him pondering. This, she was not used to. "But then . . . who is it? This someone?"

Doves filled her belly. A lightness beyond anything else warmed her from the inside, and when she closed her eyes, she found blue eyes staring back. She felt arms around her back. She felt a hand grip her fingers. And that laugh — oh, Gods, that laugh — the kind that could make stickers vanish — was always, always in her head. Ringing. Coaxing.

But like Sasuke, he hadn't come by in two weeks. Hinata knew how he was. He probably had masses of the things on his face. The amount of stress he was putting himself through daily — and not able to talk to anyone about it — it worried her.

That, she tried to tell herself, was the reason for her anxiety. For her antsy need to see him again.

But she knew that was a lie.

And like her cousin — both figmented and not — has told her millions of times, she could never lie well. Especially not to herself.

"Hi-na-ta."

The sing-song of her name whispered in her ear made her jump, and when she snapped towards Suigetsu, she was met with that wide, obnoxious grin of his. The kind that fit him better than any perplexed look ever could.

But that was something Hinata would have to also keep quiet.

"Not in public, Suigetsu."

"Right," he mused, "of course." He stretched his arms behind his head. "Guppy."

...

"Wait, Lady Hinata."

Pausing on the ocean surface, waves licking at her ankles, Hinata sparred a second to glance at her cousin before turning to Suigetsu, who waited with her on the surface, a hand on his hip with an impatient tap to his index finger. "Go ahead," she whispered. "I need a moment."

He stared at her for a moment, a brow raised, as if to wonder if she was actually asking him to leave. But with a smirk and a snort, he rolled his shoulders before diving into the murky waters. Knowing he would have to stay close, Hinata made sure to keep her voice low as she asked, "What is it, Neji?"

She felt silly, staying behind to talk to her own imagination. But usually, this was how her subconscious was trying to tell her something, and it would be foolish to ignore it. Turning back to him, she found him staring at the sunset, face a bit pink in the red light. They had to leave the bar early that day. Not only was it packed, but Suigetsu seemed to be in a rush to get her out of there. Whoever he had seen that made him suspicious that day must have done something particularly disturbing to get under his skin and cause him to flee, though he didn't mention a thing to her. Nor did she ask, as she had a sort of tickling feeling in the back of her head telling her it wasn't her right to know.

But it was, wasn't it? This was her safety they were talking about.

"I have a feeling tomorrow will be different," Neji said. "Something will happen."

Hinata's brows furrowed with confusion. "Why do you think that?"

The wind picked up, throwing hair in her face, but Neji's image was not affected whatsoever. He merely frowned, as if displeased, and turned to her. "There was someone in the bar. Someone you've met before." There was? She hadn't noticed anyone of that sort. No one looked familiar. "They were looking for you."

Gulping, Hinata nodded. "To capture me? Kill me? Or . . . ." Her voice lowered, "help me?"

Neji folded his arms and turned back to the sinking, red sun. The wind dried her eyes and made them water up, and as she wiped at them, she saw a smirk curl upon her cousin's lips. "Now isn't that the question."

...

Her imagination had been right. The next day was entirely different.

Because when she woke up to knocking, it wasn't the loud, obnoxious kind that Suigetsu often did. It was slow. Precise. And when she found him at the door, his trademark smirk was strained as he pulled her boots from the shoe shelf.

"I'm taking you to the Guard. Someone's there to see you." He gave her a narrow, puzzled peer. "Personally."

Hinata had been quick to get ready, not even preparing breakfast for the two of them. The seriousness in his face was enough to make her lose her appetite; and based on his lack of complaining on the way to the portal, he felt the same way.

...

Surprisingly, the atmosphere in the Guard building was not a tense kind. Nor was it any other kind Hinata expected. Instead, a rather exciting static was in the air. She's never seen so many smiling men and women before as she walked down the hallways, following the straight curve of Suigetsu's back. There was whispering, and many eyes trailed her as she journeyed to her destination. It all left her confused and a bit dizzy. Suigetsu had been so serious — still was, actually. If it was severe enough to get him to act such a way, surely something had happened.

And, maybe, something did happen.

But then why was the air at the Guard so light when Suigetsu seemed so dour?

Hinata nearly had the mind to ask, but by the time she gathered enough courage to ask him, they had arrived at a door, and she watched his entire person change. Grinning. Sparkling eyes. Relaxed shoulders. All a facade that he practiced well. And when he opened into that room, he became Suigetsu.

"Fuck, Karin, what made you call us over so early? I need my damn beauty sleep!"

The arrogant, crude bastard Suigetsu, of course.

"It's past ten, you lazy clod!" Came the expected shrill of Karin. Hinata followed Suigetsu into the room and found the red-head by a massive bookshelf along the right wall. In her hand was a thick, old book, flipped to a page near the back, but Karin snapped it shut as soon as the door closed behind them. "Past ten — meaning you're late. Didn't I tell ya to not be late for this one?"

"Tch. Well, if I'm bein' honest, to say I was eager to get here would be a fuckin' —"

"Suigetsu!" Karin snapped, pulling off her specks to glare at him. "I'd suggest you watch your language while in the presence of —"

"Fucking Hell. Are all you Guards like this?"

A third voice, stern and feminine, came from the other side of the room. Hinata had to step around Suigetsu to get a look. There, sat at a chair in front of a mahogany desk, was a woman. Blonde. Tan. Boiling. Her legs were crossed, manicured nails tapping on her arched knee, and there was a noticeable crease between her slanted brows. She was cloakless, shoulders left bare to soak up the candlelight, and her feet were barely covered.

She must be from the Sand realms.

Hinata winced, an ebbing pain lapping at the back of her skull. From behind, Neji wafted into existence, head tipped, as if looking for something in particular.

Suigetsu and Karin fell into a stiff silence — oddly out of character for them. But Hinata didn't bother to question it. She was too caught up in the turquoise nailpolish , which matched perfectly with the glaring eyes set on her. "You sure are a hard one to find, Hinata Hyuuga." Panic ran its course, but a glance from Neji reminded her of his prior statement — about her meeting someone from the past. But . . . how did he know this would happen? "You've been a thorn in my side for months. But, well, I suppose that's not the problem now, is it?"

Unsure of what to say, Hinata only bowed her chin.

Somehow, that seemed to be the wrong thing to do, for the woman huffed and stood, marching over to her and grabbing her jaw to lift her head up. "I shouldn't have to remind you that I hate it when you do that." Smoldering eyes. That's what she had. They were absolutely ablaze. Perfect for someone who lived in such a place like Sand. But after a while of smolder and silence, they cooled down, and those tight lips curled downwards. "Do I?"

A fumbling atmosphere came soon after that curious question. Suigetsu grabbed the woman's wrist and pulled her away, giving Hinata enough room to breathe. He looked ready to say something, but Karin (probably for the better) beat him to it.

"She's lost her memory, Ambassador."

The blonde sneered. "Don't play with me." Her head snapped back to her, eyes still lacking that fire that once engulfed the entire room. "Am I really that forgettable, Hinata? You wound me with this game." And, weirdly enough, she laughed. A bit bitterly, but it was still a laugh as she shook her head and placed a hand on her hip. "I get it. You were always distracted back then — of course you were. But let's get serious here. I really have been looking for you."

With every word, more guilt and confusion settled on Hinata's chest. She hoped this wouldn't become a theme — people from her past coming back, expecting something from her that she couldn't give. It hurt to know she was disappointing them. "I'm, u-um, very sorry, Ambassador, but I really have lost my memory." The air went still. Not to a freezing degree — the opposite, actually. "You are from Sand, correct? I, um, don't remember ever visiting there. But I've heard it's lovely."

"Of course it's — Hinata — I —"

The woman stopped, mouth opening and closing, as if forgetting how to breathe. Karin and Suigetsu shared a look, and then Karin turned to pull out another chair. "Let's sit and discuss why you're here, Temari."

Temari —

That . . .

Another dagger of pain lodged its way in her skull, and Hinata quickly collapsed on the offered chair, clutching her head. Suigetsu, watching her, looking unpleased and pissed, stayed quiet and hovered at her side. Her cousin, however, stayed next to the woman — Temari — as she sat herself down with equal inelegance, forehead pressed against her palm. He weaved past her, through her, through the chair, to stand behind her. And after that, he stared.

"Tell her everything, Lady Hinata."

She shook her head. What could that possibly mean? What was everything?

Even she didn't know.

What is happening here?

Karin, having situated herself in her own chair behind the desk, slid a folder towards Temari, who took it without hesitation, before folding her hands together. "That's all the information the Guard has gathered on her. Research. Records. Reports from the Guards who've worked with her."

"It's barely anything," Temari said, skimming through a page or two before slapping the papers against her lap. "Naruto said nothing to me about this."

That name sent Hinata reeling. She also knows Naruto?

"His Grace has his own duties to attend —"

"Shove it up my ass, will you?" Temari crossed her arms, cheeks faintly flushed with rage. "My brother has his neck on the line. I don't have time to hear your excuses for this absolute apeshit I'm hearing!" Standing once again, Temari circled around the chair, rubbing at her temples. "What am I doing? I shouldn't be here. You know these idiots can't help you."

Unable to keep his mouth shut any longer, Suigetsu snorted and popped his knuckles. "Just leave, already. We have better things to do than listen to your temper tantrum."

Electricity was in the air, and Hinata had to look around the room to remind herself that Sasuke wasn't anywhere to be found. Temari's beautiful nails sunk into the back of the cushioned chair as she stared Suigetsu down, who stared back with vigor. Hinata sunk back in her seat and focused on her cousin, who's peeved expression took up her entire world as he glided back to her.

"Stop this before it gets out of hand," he demanded. "She obviously came for something."

"For the love of the Gods —" Karin slammed her fist on the desk and stood, as well. "Can you learn to keep your trap shut for five seconds?"

"What the hell? She's in your office, Karin, talkin' shit about you. About us!" Fingers flexing along with the rhythm of his gills, Suigetsu got in that pose Hinata knew all too well. He was getting ready — to strike or defend, she wasn't sure, though her money was on the first.

Neji's glare hardened. "Lady Hinata."

"This was obviously a mistake," Temari said, making her way to the door. "I've lived all my life without anyone's help, and I ain't about to stop now. Especially not for your lousy excuse of a —"

"W-Wait!"

Hinata nearly jumped out of her chair at the sight of the stickers on the back of Temari's neck, so obvious and there that she wasn't sure how she had missed them in the first place. Neji was right. She had come for something — for her. And if she had really spent months looking for her, then it would be a shame to let her leave so quickly. And . . . even if Hinata didn't exactly remember her, there was history between them. It was only fair to help.

And Hinata was never the kind to turn away from someone in need of her help.

"I don't know you at all," she said, walking over, hoping to catch Temari's attention before she made her mind up for good. "Or rather, I don't remember anything about you. But you needed me for a reason, and I'm willing to help. Just . . . tell me what you need, and I'll try."

"Hinata," Suigetsu said, almost whined, "just let her go. It's not worth it."

"Your brother needs my help, correct?"

Temari's shoulder flinched, and she turned to look down at her. When they had known each other in the past, had Hinata felt the same intimidation by her height alone? "He doesn't need anything from you," she hissed. Somehow, that made them both wince, and her shoulders sloped. "But . . . if you're offering help, we'll take it."

Peeking over her shoulder, Hinata looked to her cousin first, who had himself planted between the two chairs, as if connecting them together, somehow. Inviting them to come back. He gestured her over, the look on his face telling her she was making the right decision.

But the look on Suigetsu's face reminded her of the one Sasuke had with Tamaki. The disappointed, almost baffled kind. Disappointed at her stubbornness to help, baffled at her inability to sniff out the obvious trouble brewing in Tamaki's eyes. It made her feel oblivious, naive; like she was walking into another trap without even knowing it.

Was she?

But they were in the middle of the Guard. Temari had personally asked for her. And she had almost walked away without much of a fight. Surely, this was different from Tamaki.

Smiling, Hinata followed her imagination's order and sat at her chair before turning back to the ambassador.

"Explain everything to me."

...

"A few months ago, my brother went mute."

The black stickers danced along the back of her neck as Temari weaved her fingers through her hair, tightening her buns with trained fingers. Hinata saw that first. Afterwards, she saw the unconditioned worry sunk in the lines on her face.

"He can't speak. Our finest doctors have no idea what the problem is, nor can they find a solution for it. Communication has been difficult. Kankuro and I have had to take up some of his duties — it's not easy to run an entire realm without words."

Buzzing filled Hinata's mind as she stitched pieces of information together.

She couldn't possibly mean . . .

But of course she did. Ambassadors lived in Sand 1, and if her brother had important duties to attend to, that could only mean . . .

Oh Gods.

He was Gaara. The Hades. The Devil.

And despite Hinata knowing nothing of Temari, flashback upon flashback of such a cold, ferocious man struck her immediately. He was an infamous king. Cruel to his subjects, to his council, to his own family. He was nicknamed the Devil for his own apathy towards anyone but himself, and with that, a new name came to Sand 1.

Hell.

No wonder Hinata never visited the place. But, somehow, she had memories of the man. Of blood covering his face. Of his stone eyes that could kill you if you looked at him for too long. Of something windy and twisty moving at his every whim, smelling of that of death.

And . . . Temari wanted her to help him?

"But that's not the only problem," she continued, serious tone snapping Hinata out of her alarming thoughts. "Every year, a horrible sandstorm hits Sand 1. Lasts for three days, and you can't leave the place without fear of being blown away or buried alive. Around the same time is when assassins and hitmen become the most cocky. They sneak into the castle the day before, and once the sandstorm hits, there is nowhere for Gaara to run. The sun is blocked, we have limited men and sources; it's the perfect chance to kill him." And despite the tan glow of her skin, when Temari reached over to touch Hinata's arm, her hands were pale and cold. Shaking. "The storm hits in three days. If something happens to my brother, he won't have the voice to call for help."

Despite herself, that overwhelmingly empathetic part melted as Hinata heard those words. But that quickly conflicted with the terrifying images still playing in her head.

"Okay, sure," Suigetsu piped up, sitting on the left arm of Hinata's chair with his arms crossed over his chest. "Say that is the case. He hasn't been killed yet. Who says he'll be killed now?"

Karin shot him a warning look, but both he and Temari ignored it. "There's been many close calls in the past. Having a way to communicate that he's in trouble has been the saving blessing on my brother's life."

And, unsurprisingly, Suigetsu didn't back down. "Then just leave before the storm hits. It ain't that deep."

"Kings cannot just leave for three days," Temari snapped, jaw clenching. "And even if it were the case, my brother has made it abundantly clear he does not wish to leave Sand 1 behind. He's always been a loyal man."

Suigetsu rolled his eyes and laughed. "Loyal enough to die for it?"

Temari's eyes slid on Hinata. "Frankly, Guard, I would expect you to understand the sentiment."

Karin cut in before he could say another word — which, by the peeved look on his face, would be a very . . . colorful word, to say the least. "We all do," she said, "don't we, Suigetsu?" They locked eyes, and after a tense moment, he rolled his shoulders and huffed. "If I may, Ambassador; the Guard has plenty who are willing to put their life on the line for such a worthy cause."

Ocean eyes clashed with disgust. "I'm not the kind to simply believe what people tell me, and I'm not about to start now. I don't need your damn Guards. I'm only asking for Hinata."

All focus returned on her, and she shifted, nearly bowing her gaze to her feet, but then remembering Temari's previous words and snapping her head up. "And I will help you," she said with a nod. "But . . . why me?"

The question had been nagging at her mind for a while. Temari had said, herself, that she did not often ask for outside help. Was it because they knew each other? But she seemed to know Naruto, as well, and no matter if he was busy or not, the given situation was serious enough to require his attention if she so asked for it. And he was a king. He could offer plenty more help.

So why . . . go to her instead?

Why waste months of searching for her?

A noticeable shift came to Temair's person. She switched her legs, letting the right cross over the left instead, and sunk her teeth into the pink of her bottom lip. It was barely obvious, but Hinata saw it clearly; as clearly as the shuffling stickers on her neck.

"I asked for guidance from someone, and they suggested you." She spoke smoothly, but quickly. Temari blinked her eyes twice, then looked away. "Apparently, you have a gift for fixing impossible matters." And with the snap of a finger, she turned back and regained that perfect, unaltered eye-contact. "And to hear a familiar name, well — I supposed it was worth a shot."

Karin, skimming once more through Hinata's documents, nodded to herself before dropping the folder and pulling out something from her desk's drawer. "Then I see no reason for this to not work." Whatever it was, it was thick and full of paper and tabs of different colors. Karin took her quill and dipped it in ink as she flipped to a page with her other hand. "How many days would you prefer them to be there? Four? Five?" She began to write something down. "Anything will do. Suigetsu has nothing on his schedule for weeks, after all, so —"

"Pardon?" Temari frowned. "Did I not make it clear that I want Hinata and only Hinata to come?"

Karin raised her head and adjusted her glasses. "Of course, Ambassador. However, Hinata requires a bodyguard with her at all times." Her left index finger tapped the folder with her records. "If she's to go to Sand 1, a Guard must come with her."

And like clockwork, that tension in the air returned. Hinata took a glance at Suigetsu, expecting to see a pleased smirk on his face, but instead found that he shared Temari's look of absolute annoyance.

There was a drawled hum. Temari switched her legs once again, tapped her nails, and pondered with a growing frown on her features. But then, something clicked, and her eyes flared. That fire was back, and the room was set ablaze.

"That's fine, as long as it's not this dolt."

Suigetsu bulked as Karin raised a hand to her mouth, most likely to muffle her giggles. "Excuse me?"

With a nod, Temari stood with her hands planted on her hips, hair flapping around her.

"Give me Sasuke Uchiha, instead."

At that, Karin's amusement vanished, and she gawked.

"What? I can't —"

Strutting around the desk, Temari pressed the button that brought the glowing orb, and with a clear and obviously entertained tone, said, "Sasuke Uchiha, you're needed."

She pulled away, and the orb disappeared. Karin had the face of someone who had just seen a ghost. A very ugly and entitled ghost.

"Ambassador, you can't just —" She sneered and ground her teeth together. "This is my office, and he is under my instruction. He won't just come simply because you —"

Not even fifteen seconds passed, and the door opened. A frightfully familiar buzz of electricity filled the air, but Hinata was surprised by the sheer power of it all. Not so much that she's grown unused to it in the passing weeks, but more so that it just . . . seemed different. Stronger.

And with a mostly covered face save from an eye and part of a cheek, Sasuke Uchiha stepped in without hesitation. Karin blinked, jaw hanging, while Suigetsu snickered to himself.

Temari, herself, looked absolutely pleased with herself as she made her way to him, grinning. "Sasuke."

"Temari," he replied, head tilting slightly. Hinata felt his gaze fall on her. "If this is you responding to my letters, a simple confirmation would have sufficed." But just as that feeling of eyes on her came, it left, and Hinata was left to spiral in the buzzing air. "It is a confirmation, correct?"

And when Temari snorted and patted his shoulder, Karin and Suigetsu flinched, as if expecting him to rip her arm off. But he stayed still, and her grin never fell as she said, "Welcome to Hell, Sasuke."

By some invisible means, Suigetsu managed to pace a dent into her floor.

Odd, because if anyone should have something to pace about, it should be her.

It was a bit past six in the morning, and at six-thirty, she was due to meet Sasuke by the Earth portal in the Hall. Today was the day. She was to go to Hel — to Sand 1, to help His Majesty find his voice. Not only was meeting the man who had plagued her nightmares last night a frightful thought, but the idea of being stuck in one place for three days, in the middle of sandstorms and possible assassination attempts, was not a good one, either. She'd barely been given fifteen hours to pack and mentally prepare herself for it all, and now —

"I can't believe you're doing this."

Suigetsu was here. Awake and alert.

Pacing holes in her floors.

Swimming past him, being sure to not knock into him accidentally, Hinata made her way to the kitchen. Her appetite was long gone, stomach already filled with worry and anxiety, but she felt like she needed to make her hands do something, so she started on making a tuna smoothie.

Suigetsu's favorite, she's learned.

"I'm sure I'll be fine." She wasn't totally sure who she was trying to convince, but she still put as much confidence in her voice as she could. "Sasuke, as well as many Sand warriors, will be there to protect both me and His Majesty."

Which, based off of Suigetsu's skeptical look, was not enough to convince either of them.

"That's not the problem, Guppy," he said, speeding up in his pacing. "The problem is him and that woman." His head snapped her way as she pulled open the fridge's door. "Two days ago — remember when we left early that day? Well, it's because I saw her there, practically stalkin' you. Freaked the shit outta me. If she really was just comin' to get your help, then why didn't she approach you then?"

So it was Temari that had riled him up so. Hinata was a bit curious about his consistent displeasure towards the ambassador. Did they know each other, somehow? Had she wronged him in some way?

Still, his question caught her attention, and Hinata nearly dropped her tuna as she pondered. "I . . . don't know."

"Exactly," Suigetsu said, swimming over the sofa to look out one of her windows. "Something's up with her. " He watched her for a moment over his shoulder as she mixed the ingredients in the blender, then he turned back to look outside. "There's a reason she doesn't want me there."

At first, Hinata had not been too suspicious about Suigetsu being temporarily replaced by Sasuke as her bodyguard. Not only was there an obvious strain between Temari and Suigetsu, but, as later mentioned when there was more talk of the mission between her, Sasuke, and Temari, it was better to have as little Ocean folk to come as possible. Sand 1 was a hot, relentless place, and Hinata had already prepared multiple water bottles and fully covered outfits to fight the overbearing sun and heat. Having Sasuke as her bodyguard meant one less person to worry about when it came to dehydration and shrinking gills, and Hinata had agreed. Still did.

But . . . Suigetsu seemed convinced about something. A plot hidden between the fine print. And though Hinata tried to ignore it, her paranoid half was nodding along with him.

Chewing at her lip, Hinata turned on the blender, hoping the roaring sound would drown out her nervous thoughts.

But when she turned it off and looked away, he was right there, leaning into her face.

"Promise me you won't be alone in that room for one second."

Her heart leaped into her throat. His worry for her safety was kind, but he only made her more frightened of this ordeal.

"S-Suigetsu . . ."

"He's crazy, Guppy. Mad. Bloodthirsty." His eyes glared into her, piercing every shred of safety she held close to her heart. "If you're alone with him, he'll kill you."

Again, those images sprung behind her eyelids, and the smell of blood and death overwhelmed her senses, making her sway. She grabbed the counter and tried to collect herself.

"Okay." She gave a weak nod. "I won't be alone with him."

Not an ounce of relief touched his features, and Hinata feared he didn't believe her.

"Good."

But he pulled away and gave her room, and that was enough for her. Flashing him a weak smile, she poured his smoothie and handed him the cup. He took it and downed half of it before she was even out of the kitchen; she went to her room to grab her luggage, and when she returned to the living room, she expected him to have finished it. But he didn't take another sip as he watched her waddle to the door.

"Don't go outside either," he said.

Managing to get the door open, she gave him a confused look. "Why?"

He stared some more; then, finally, finished his smoothie, placed the cup on the kitchen counter, and swam to help her with her luggage, shooting her a grin that she did not believe for even a second.

"Just don't want you to get burned alive."

...

Folded neatly in the back of the bar, in a shadowy corner that not many drifted to, was a cloak. Dark blue and soft, unlike her other clothes. The one Naruto had given her. She didn't dare bring it to Ocean 11 in fear of it being ruined, so she always left it there to be put on whenever she arrived for the day.

Today, however, she danced around the idea of bringing it with her.

Sand 1 was known for its horrible winds. With that and the expected sandstorm, she didn't want to risk losing it. But . . .

"Guppy," Suigetsu called from behind. "Are you comin' or not?"

With a hanging moment of hesitation, Hinata then grabbed the cloak and pulled it over herself, covering every part of her being in warmth and soft, constant comfort. She took in the cool air through her nose, counted her breaths, and then turned to leave.

...

As expected, Sasuke was ten minutes ahead of schedule. Possibly earlier, as Hinata had only just shown up. Not that it really mattered. She was there, and there was no going back.

Even if every molecule inside her begged her to.

"If we run now, I think we can make it back to Ocean before he catches up."

And, well, the molecules weren't the only ones begging.

Eyeing him, Hinata kept her slow pace towards Sasuke. "I'm not running, Suigetsu."

He sighed. "Kidding, kidding. Gods, you're no fun."

She tried to smile — she really did. But nothing in her shared any amount of enthusiasm for this trip. Pulling her hood closer to her, Hinata picked up the speed, giving herself no more time to second-guess everything. Sasuke turned to them as their approach closened.

"I'm sure you've packed everything."

Suigetsu's huff cut off any reply she had in mind. "Obviously. What, you think it's nothing but water in here?" He dropped her luggage, which he had perched on his right shoulder, without much grace. "This is it. It's only four days, right? This should be enough."

Sasuke didn't give the bag a glance. He only stared at the Earth gate.

The silence was deafening, and Hinata tried to fill it. "U-Um. Yes, I'm all packed. And . . . yes, it's only four days." Bending down, Hinata picked up her bag, then smiled at Suigetsu. "I'll . . . see you after that, then."

He didn't smile back, but rather leaned in and wrapped his arms around her. His clothes were still damp, and his skin was cold and rough. In the corner of her eye, she saw those big, sharp teeth move towards her neck, and she stiffened.

"Last chance."

But the whisper along the curve of her ear reminded her that the Suigetsu she had met five months ago, or even two weeks ago, was not the one she knew now. Over his shoulder, down the grand hallway, she saw the Ocean gate. Longed for it. Wished, even, to go back.

But she'd made her choice, and she would follow through with it.

Pulling away, Hinata glanced at the fresh amount of stickers by his gills. "I can't," she whispered, hand going up his neck, tugging at them, startled by how stuck they were.

A freezing hand grabbed her wrist and pulled it away, and Suigetsu's grin was toothy as he looked at Sasuke. "Take care of her, won't ya." He slinked a hand under her hood to mess with her hair. "I need someone to annoy when ya get back."

Sasuke turned to move the dial to Sand 1. "Go back to the Guard," he said. "You're just holding us back."

"Tch. I'll miss you, too."

He stepped away, keeping his grin, eyes taking in the cornhusk yellows that spilled into the portal. Hinata had always loved the color yellow. It was a warm, soft color. It reminded her of the sun, or a quiet dawn, or . . . or . . . someone. But when it was on Suigetsu, she hated the sight of it.

Because, as she looked at him before stepping into that portal, his face was yellow and his eyes were glowing, and she was able to see how totally and completely horrified he was.

Hinata had a vague memory of her mother telling her stories of Sand. When she'd wake up young with her eyes glued shut with discharge, her mother would wipe her eyes with a warm washcloth and explain that the Sandman must have visited her that day. She heard stories of him, of how his magical sand gave children vivid dreams late at night, and how the leftover sand could glue their eyes shut if the dream was extra powerful. And after he was done spreading dreams, he would go to Sand, an enchanted dreamland full of mystery and wonder.

Were Hinata still a kid, looking at the world she saw now, her heart would surely break. But she wasn't a kid, nor was she naive. She's heard the stories. She knew what to expect.

Sand 1 fitted the name Hell better than anything else.

The second she stepped onto the golden ground, she had to make sure the sole of her shoe hadn't melted off immediately. To say it was hot would be an understatement. It was scorching, to the point of just letting her hand out into the sunlight burned her skin. And the wind was wild and relentless, pushing against her hard, nearly knocking her over. Sasuke had to stand on her right side to keep it from shoving her over, but even he seemed to struggle against its power. And what little it did to cool her down was overpowered by the amount of sand it threw at her face, making it nearly impossible to see.

It was a disaster, and they hadn't even made it to Sand 1 yet.

Surrounding the place was a massive stone wall that was well worn by the sandy winds. Flags snapped back and forth, calling their attention to a 25-foot gate. Grabbing her elbow, Sasuke pulled Hinata to him and led them both to the gate. About four soldiers dressed in fishnet and flax, tweed vests guarded the entrance while another two were positioned at the top of the wall, though Hinata could barely see them through the sand and glare of the sun.

As they approached, a guard stepped in front of them with an unusual smile on his face.

"Sasuke Uchiha. It's been a while."

Hinata didn't hear an ounce of bitterness or agitation, nor did Sasuke react defensively. Instead, he pulled out a paper from the inside pocket of his cloak and showed it to the man. "It seems you have to let me in, this time."

Gawking, the man grabbed the paper and squinted down at its small print. "I'll be damned," he whispered, then grinned. "You actually got it. After, what, six months? Seven?" Sasuke kept his hand out, and after a moment of gaping, the soldier handed it back to him before turning to Hinata. His face turned puzzled as he bent down to get a look at her face. "And who might this be?"

Hinata blushed and tried to back away, but Sasuke's left hand grabbed her hood and pulled it over her face before tugging her forward. "Confidential," he said. "Open the gate."

Hinata couldn't see his face, but the soldier huffed. "Pfft. Secretive bastard. Oi, next time you come by, tell me how you finally got the o-kay from His Majesty to step foot in our grand district!"

There was a loud shrill, followed by some cranking and calling between villagers. When Hinata managed a glance from her hood, she saw that the bars of the gate had been lifted, allowing her and Sasuke to enter.

Beyond the walls of Hell was the city of Hell. Building wise, it was full to the brim. Neighborhoods snug against one another, houses upon houses; there were barely any alleyways, as nearly every nook and cranny was used for space. The roads were narrow and windy, littered with gravel and sand. There was barely any greenery and no water in sight, which made Hinata's mouth dry by just thinking of it.

But when it came to people, the place was empty. Barren. Hinata saw no one but soldiers roam the streets. Windows were shuttered and doors were locked. It was almost like no one lived there to begin with.

It was about a thirty-minute walk to get to the castle, which, while grand in architecture and size, blended in with all the other sandstone buildings about. There was another, smaller gate surrounding it, and they were let in when Sasuke showed off the papers he had. When they stepped inside the palace, it wasn't any cooler inside, and Hinata was sure she had already sweated buckets by then.

"Give me a second, please." Falling to her knees, she dug into her luggage bag and pulled out a bottle, gulping down nearly all of the water in one take. Her gills flexed in delight, and her throat felt a lot better, but the rest of her body was still hot and sticky with sweat, and she felt miserable.

Sasuke stood, watching for a moment, before turning to approaching footfalls.

"Oh, good, you're both here."

Temari walked in wearing a regal, emerald dress that did not match her previous outfit whatsoever. The chiffon shawl around her shoulders dipped further downwards as she came closer, and her lips were shining as she turned to greet Sasuke.

"I hope the way here was pleasant."

He hummed, head turning this way and that, more interested in the surrounding architecture to reply to her niceties. Or rather, that's what it seemed, at first. But then he faced her again, saying, "It was fine."

Temari kept her smile as she glanced at Hinata, who stayed on the floor, putting away her now empty water bottle. "I'm glad to see you back here. It's been years since you've last visited here."

Not a single thing about the place looked distinctly familiar, but Hinata simply nodded and agreed. "I hope I won't cause too much trouble in staying here."

"Nonsense," Temari said, waving her hand. "Our staff is fully prepared to accommodate to any needs of yours." She turned on the heels of her nude wedges and began down the grand hallway, which was decorated with paintings and crystal chandeliers. "Down the hallway to the left are our private bathing rooms that I'm sure will help you plenty during your stay. On the opposite are the staff chambers and the kitchen. If you follow me this way, I can take you to the staircase, which will lead us to your room."

Said staircase was decorated in velvet carpet with marble posting. Maids were about, sweeping up and sand that happened to get in somehow. On the second floor was a wide hallway that branched off into four separate directions. Temari turned down the east path, and they were led down a windowless corridor with decorative, turquoise wallpaper and busts of seemingly important figures positioned on stone posts.

They reached the third door to the left and stopped in front of it.

"This will be your room." Temari gestured with her shoulder, and Sasuke was the first to open the door and step in to investigate. "A room with no windows was requested — not many, of which, can be found in such a place." She winked her way, smirking. "But I usually figure things out. This used to be a storage room, but we managed to fix it up for your stay, Hin —"

"Moon," Sasuke interjected as he exited the room. "That's what she will be called when staying here."

Temari frowned, but nodded. "Of course. I nearly forgot."

Hinata waved her hands. "No, it's fin —"

"Go and unpack, Moon Witch." Sasuke moved around her to station himself by the wall. He fell into his normal, crossed pose, right eye staring Temari down without waver. "What do you have planned after this?"

Snorting, Temari brushed a few strands of hair from her face. "My brother is a busy man. He won't have time to see her until later today. I hoped to give you a quick tour of the grounds so that you will become familiar with the area. Afterwards, you may do as you please until this evening. Lunch is at noon, if that tickles your fancy."

Dragging her bag into the room, Hinata made sure Temari saw her gratitude by smiling over her shoulder. "Thank you. I will enjoy my stay here."

Those eyes softened, almost matched the lush green of her dress, before they sparked and sharpened once again. "Let's just hope you know what you're doing, Moon."

Temari turned and, after saying a few additional words to Sasuke, left. Hinata stepped further into her room, pulling her hood back slightly to get a better look of the place. The ceiling was low, but not nearly as low as her home in Ocean 11. With no windows, the only light that came was from lanterns on the side tables and whatever light came from the hallway. The room was small, but relatively empty, making it feel spacious. The bed was plain and covered in white sheets and a thick quilt. A wooden wardrobe stood to the left, and a small desk and chair sat on the opposite wall. Hinata pulled her bag to the bed and unhooked its latches, opening it completely.

By the doorway, Sasuke stood, halfway stepped inside as he took glances inside and outside the room.

"I hope your room is as nice as mine," Hinata said, already pulling out some of her clothes to hand in the wardrobe. "Is yours the room to my left or right?"

Sasuke stared down the hall, then slowly faced her. "Neither."

She stopped. "Pardon?"

"I don't have a room," he said.

What? "Then where will you sleep?"

His revealed brow dipped slightly. "I won't sleep." She didn't bother to hide her surprise, and he rolled his right shoulder. "I have a duty to follow."

She knew that. But to lose sleep for her sake . . .

"Will you be sleeping at all, then, Sasuke?"

His left cheek twitched, and he turned away.

"I'm not repeating myself."

And that all-too-familiar feeling of her heart tumbling to her stomach made her spirits fall to the ground, fizzing out, like stickers. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Unpack, then come outside."

But he never did care for her apologies, and with the shut of her door, Hinata was alone.

...

About two hours later, Hinata was unpacked and nearing the end of the quite long tour of the rather large palace. If people had told her that the Guard was confusing, then they should visit the Sand palace. It was a gigantic place full of twisting hallways and rooms that connected to different rooms that connected to even more different rooms. Hinata was sure she would get lost at least a handful of times, but thankfully, Temari knew her way around, and she walked around the place with a finesse that Hinata could barely fathom.

"And here we have the final room of our tour," Temari announced as she pushed against twin, wooden doors that opened into a large, high-ceiling room. "This is what we like to call the Puppet Room."

The second Hinata stepped in, she found out why. Hanging on the walls, off of workshop staples, and over chairs were perhaps hundreds of life-size puppets. Tools and thread and other materials were thrown all about the place, and everywhere she looked, she could find someone was working on a puppet. A part of her was daunted by the place. Somehow, the life-size puppets made it look like these people were working real people. But the atmosphere was light, so she tried to calm herself down.

"As I'm sure I've mentioned, our soldier number is lacking, so we make up for it with puppets." Temari weaved past people with a skip in her step. She was obviously pleased with the room. "My brother, Kankuro, has the ability to control the things. So he made a school to teach others to build and control their own puppets. We have about sixty of them guarding the palace alone. In the future, we could have up to thousands in Hell, alone." She stopped in the middle of the busy room, a hand at her eyes. "Oh, where is that — oh! Kankuro!"

Across the way, past shoulders and puppet parts, Hinata got a look of a man walking towards them. His features were decorated with purple paint, highlighting his expressions, making him seem more vivid than the people around him.

"Temari! Is this the hot fish-lady you told me was coming over?"

But more so was his language that caught her attention, and Hinata didn't realize she could feel any hotter in such a melting place.

Her mind went blank, any retorts thrown out the nearest window. Thankfully, Temari was there to back her up as she pulled her brother by the ear and smacked the back of his head. "Moron. You just met her, and you're already makin' a fool of us."

"Fuck, Temari! I just complimented her, is all!"

"Then I suggest keepin' your damn compliments to yourself!"

The room's buzz died down for a moment. Temari snapped her head away from her brother to give every worker in that room a rather unladylike glare, and when they quickly returned to their work, she snorted and wiped her hands on the skirt of her dress. "I apologize for my brother's flabby mouth. Not all of the family acts like him."

Purple lips twisted. "Oi. Remind me again who you invite to parties to finesse the stoongy guests. We wouldn't have the funds to afford half of this if it weren't for my 'flabby mouth'."

Seeing that the conversation was going nowhere, Hinata decided to step in before it got too heated. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kankuro. Please, call me Moon."

He held his hand out in greeting, and she took it politely. "The pleasure's all mine. But seriously, you can . . . ." He trailed off as his gaze skimmed her nearly hidden face, eyes widening with every passing second. "Holy shit. Hinata?"

Temari hissed, and Sasuke (she had almost forgotten he was there, he was so quiet) got in between the two of them, shoulders arching slightly as the sound of buzzing filled the air — of the lightning sort, of course. Hinata was sure she would start to hear that sound in her dreams.

"Shut it," Temari whispered, eyes flying around the room. "Don't call her that here."

Kankuro blinked down at the katana, then at his sister, then at Hinata.

"What the hell is happening here?"

...

It took a good ten minutes in a secluded room to educate Kankuro on the recent happenings regarding her and her lapse in memory, and he was left, nearly collapsed, against the wall once it was all finished.

"You can't be serious . . . ."

"I am," Temari said. "When in public, we have to call her Moon. For both her safety, and for our own."

He slowly nodded, then turned to look at her. Hinata played with the hem of her hood, still a bit put off by everything. Somehow, she was still unnerved by the idea of people knowing her when she hadn't an idea of who they were. "So you really don't remember me? At all?"

Smile turning sad, she said, "Not at all. I'm sorry."

"What about Naruto?"

Again, her heart jumped at the name alone. "Y-Yes, I know Naruto."

And for some reason, that seemed to relieve him of some worry. "Well, at least there's a starting point." Pushing off the wall, Kankuro walked over and grabbed one of her hands to lightly pull her towards the door. "Here, Hin — ah, Moon. Let me show you how I control the puppets. You used to love it when I showed you, so maybe this will jog your memory."

He led her out the room, two sets of footsteps following after them. When they returned to the Puppet Room, he took her to a back corner, where a rather tidy station was set. A nearly finished puppet sat in a chair, one eye missing while the other gave her a glassy stare. Kankuro told her to stop a few feet away while he walked closer.

"Okay, watch closely."

His fingers popped and stretched out, and from their tips came thin, nearly invisible strings that attached themselves to the limbs of the puppet. It began to stir, one eye blinking. A lifeless arm reached towards her, wooden fingers clicking against its palm. Shock rolled its course through her system, followed by amazement and a bit of fear. Hinata had the mind to reach out and touch it, but just as her arm began to move, something hard and heavy shoved into her side, knocking her over.

She yelped and tumbled over. A stool was next to her, close enough for her to bang her head against, and she tried to turn midair to avoid such a blow. A crash, however, was all that came, and when she fell on her back, her first reaction was to look over and find that the stool was on its side a few feet away.

Afterwards, of course, she looked up —

And found eyes, as glassy as those of the puppet, staring back.

"Sasori!" Kankuro yelled from the side. "What the hell? Watch where you're going! Help her up, already."

Red hair tumbled over those eyes as the thin man bent over to grab her arm and yank her up. Another pressure on the backs of her shoulders helped her up, when she turned back, she only saw Sasuke picking up the thrown stool.

"Say sorry," Kankuro said. "When you knock into someone, you have to say you're sorry."

"You're sorry," Sasori drawled.

Kankuro frowned and knocked his shoulder into the redhead's arm. "Har har, wise guy. I mean it. Apologize."

Those glassy eyes blinked, sending a shiver up Hinata's spine. A pause, and then, with the same enthusiasm of a rock, Sasori said, "I'm sorry."

Hinata, fixing her hood and cloak, couldn't meet his eye. "It's fine."

Without another word, the man walked away. Kankuro snorted and shook his head. "I swear, that man can't be human." He looked back at her, lips twitching awkwardly. "Sorry about that. He's a good puppeteer, but the same can't be said in regards to his people skills. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Hinata said with a nod.

Temari, however, didn't bother to hide the roll of her eyes. "From the fall, maybe — but, Gods, Hinata. I got a good look at your face when you were knocked over. You look like a damn fountain."

Startled, she rubbed the back of her hand against her face. When she pulled away, it was completely damp, and she was reminded of just how hot it was.

"I'm sorry. I'm not used to the heat."

"No shit," Kankuro piped. "Not to mention you're decked in black. I get you need to stay covered cuz of your fish-skin and all that — but wearin' dark clothes ain't the way to go." He nodded at her cloak. "My suggestion? Lose the cloak."

Really?

The idea of not only showing off her face, but getting rid of the one comfort she had, was not a good one. Hinata looked at Temari for confirmation, who frowned in thought before clucking to herself.

"I'll loan you some lighter-colored clothes. I suggest usin' one of the private baths before seeing my brother." They all made their way back to the entrance of the Puppet Room. Temari pushed open the twin doors, then paused. "Ah, and while I'm doing that, I'll give you more appropriate gowns, too, if need be. The nights here are freezing, so you'll do good in bundling up."

Sweltering days and freezing nights.

Yeah. Hell definitely fitted the place.

...

She was in the middle of situating the new clothes she'd be wearing after her bath when a knock came to the door. Jumping, embarrassed that she was startled by something so simple, Hinata tried to hide her blush as she called for the person to come in.

The door opened, and Sasuke took a single step inside. "They told me that a maid has prepared a bath for you."

Excited to finally be able to clean herself properly, Hinata nodded, grabbed her fresh outfit, and after he took a quick glance over her shoulder, she followed Sasuke to the private baths. "Do you need one, Sasuke?" she asked, being careful to watch her footing while following. He still made the effort to walk as quickly as possible, and she didn't want to fall over for the second time that day. "I'm sure the maids can prepare one for you, as well."

They came to a door, and he twisted the silver knob and pushed it open. "I need to watch you."

Her bare feet landed on the cool tile, but every other part of her felt hot.

"W . . . Watch me?"

He was in the middle of the large, white bathroom, eyes scanning every inch. He even made an effort to check the bathwater before, finally, turning to her. Though she was not unfamiliar with the feeling of his eyes tracing her face, something about this occasion seemed . . . off. He was slow, taking his time, as if struggling to read her, despite having done it well multiple times before.

Then, with a blink, things seemed to click in place.

"Guard you," he corrected, pointing his chin towards the door. "Out there."

Though knowing he would be out there would still make this 'relaxing' bath a bit awkward, Hinata took it over him glaring about while in the room with her, so she nodded and smiled and whispered she wouldn't take long.

Because Sasuke didn't like his time being wasted, and she didn't want an irritated Sasuke to waft about her for the next four days.

…

The bath, for the most part, was refreshing.

She was able to wash all the sweat and grime off of her, as well as properly wash her hair for the first time in months. It took a while to get used to the steaming water — she was so used to the cold, oceans waters. But for a good twenty minutes, she was able to sit back in the polished tub and let the water seep into her muscles and calm the tension in her body.

But panic always had a way to peep in the most unusual of cases, and this was no different.

She had forgotten her cloak. Or misplaced it. Or lost it altogether. She wasn't sure. Hinata was almost sure she had brought it with her, but when she dried off and got dressed, it was nowhere to be found. There was no way she could leave without it on. She may as well just scream her name out in the middle of the castle.

Stupid. I'm so stupid.

Her gaze fell on the door. Somewhere out there, Sasuke was waiting in the hall.

Maybe if she asked . . . .

What are you thinking? Hinata gripped at her arm, nails leaving crescent marks in her skin. This is Sasuke. He'll more likely humiliate you than actually help you. But even so, it was better than getting spotted by someone. Not to mention you're too intimidated by him to ask for anything.

And maybe that was true. But Hinata knew, eventually, she'd have to get over that easily scared side of her. Neji had said it himself. She could be brave and strong, too. She just had to try.

And what better way to start than with something as simple as asking your bodyguard to pick you up a cloak?

Simple . . .

Sighing, Hinata slowly walked to the door and pressed her fingers against the wood. Her hair, already dry, fell over her shoulder and thumped lightly against the door.

This is simple, Hinata. You can do this.

Raising her right hand into a fist, she knocked her knuckles, and called, "Sasuke —"

The knob turned, and she stepped back, regretting everything.

I should have just worn a towel. I shouldn't have bothered him. Oh, Hinata, why are you so —

"Here."

Something soft and dark blue was pressed against her tummy, and she looked down to find that Sasuke had given her the cloak. Quickly, she grabbed it and threw it on, checking her reflection for only a second in the mirror before leaving the private bath and meeting him in the hallway.

"I'm sor —"

"It was in your room," he said.

Hinata flushed. "Thank y —"

"Temari told me His Majesty should be ready to see you soon."

He left, and she followed the flap of his cloak, desperately trying to get a look at his face.

...

Hours later, and the palace had gone from scorching to icy with the set of the red sun. It was late at night, and despite the day she's had, Hinata couldn't find it in herself to sleep. No matter how she tossed or turned, how she straightened her sheets or fluffed her pillow, she simply could not sleep. The lanterns on the side tables were out, and her bottles were filled in case she woke up in the middle of the night with a dry mouth. Everything was fine. She was fine.

So why . . . ?

"Actually, it's obvious." Sat on the foot of her bed was her figment cousin, who looked like a ghost watching over her in the dark room. Stop thinking of him like that. He's not a ghost, Hinata. "It's stress."

And he was right. Of course.

She hadn't been able to meet the Sand King that day. When he wasn't busy, he outright refused to see her, which confused Temari and Kankuro to no end. Hinata wasn't sure if she had done something to offend him, or if he knew her from the past and had a grudge against her; all she knew was that she only had one day to work with him before the sandstorm would start. That was not enough time. Especially for such a mad, insane —

"Temari and Kankuro seem happy," Neji mused. "How can they be like that with such a cruel brother?"

That was true, and Hinata had also noticed the staff here seemed pretty happy with their job. She couldn't understand it. If all that were true, then why were all these memories telling her otherwise? Why had she heard so many stories of him being horrible to his family and subjects?

Neji turned to face her completely, a small smile adorning his lips. "We'll get our answers tomorrow. When we see him."

"We will?" She wasn't sure if he'd let her come talk to him ever during her stay here.

But Neji seemed convinced it would happen, so she tried to let that stick to her mind as she settled back and tried to sleep.

And tried . . .

And tried . . . .

And —

Oh, who was she kidding? This was bound to be another sleepless night.

I guess I'll be up all night with Sasuke . . .

Wait.

Pulling the covers away from her, Hinata slipped out from her bed and stood. The floor was frigid, and her toes curled at the touch, but she did not jump back in bed, but instead worked on pulling the heavy quilt off.

He's probably freezing out there.

Neji watched her for a moment, then asked, as she made her way to the door, "Where are you going?"

Pulling the quilt over her shoulder, she said, "Not far."

The door opened, and Sasuke was already standing.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing," she quickly said, smiling, hoping to show him everything was fine. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

He didn't say anything, only sat back down on the opposite side of the hallway. "What is it?"

When he spoke, fog left his mouth, and Hinata quickly walked over and bent down to his level. "Here — take this." She tugged the quilt off and wrapped it around him, tucking it around his arms and making sure it draped down to cover his legs. He was completely still as she situated everything, almost not daring to breathe. Were Hinata not so totally used to it, she would have been concerned. "There."

Pulling away, she was first met with a narrow eye. "I don't need this." Which was followed by a voice that matched the coldness of the night.

But Hinata didn't ponder on it too hard. "I couldn't sleep because I was worried you would freeze to death."

"I won't," he droned.

"I know," she said, tugging at a corner of the quilt, "because you have this now." For a moment, only the distant, wailing wind could be heard. Then, "Good night, Sasuke."

She waited, gave him whatever time he needed. Again came the wind and the shift of floorboards as maids on the other side of the building continued through the night. It was a nice noise. Quiet. Peaceful. It reminded her of Moon 2, and, again, he reminded her of Neji, of a proud boy who sometimes needed time to process things.

So she gave him time. She stood in that hallway as minutes passed. Her toes were beginning to freeze. The wind continued. The maids worked.

Nothing.

Sasuke isn't Neji, she told herself, smiling awkwardly as she turned to her room.

"Good night."

The door closed, and her chest was filled.

Filled with a whisper. Just one. Quiet, but sturdy.

And she was right. Sasuke wasn't Neji, because Neji wasn't here right now.

But —

Sasuke was.

Chapter 5 - End