I'm sorry for taking so long to update, Thanks NOVID for your worries and best wishes. I'm fine and missed you too. I'm just very busy with the kids at home, and can't update like normal.
I love this chappy, I like Jugo. Hope you enjoy it too. Too much of Hinata's feelings, just bear with me.
At night Hinata set out to catch a rabbit for dinner. However, Jugo intervened and signaled for her to stop and watch. They followed the rabbit and discovered that she was a mother searching for food for herself to be able to feed her babies. Hinata gasped and covered her mouth in shock. "I almost killed a mother. Those poor babies would have starved," she whispered. Turning to Jugo, grateful, "Thank you for stopping me. But how did you know?"
Jugo explained, "I could sense she is a new mother. It's my ability, my connection to nature." He told her. "I can't bear the thought of harming them. Animals are like my best friends." Hinata smiled sweetly, remembering her own friends Kiba and Shino. As they continued to talk, Sasuke arrived dragging a deer he caught.
Hinata gasped and frowned at the sight. "Sasuke-Kun!" she scowled.
Confused by her reaction, Sasuke moved toward the fire, what did I do wrong? She should be happy with the meat feast, he thought. "We need to sustain ourselves," he explained as he walked closer to her. "You, of all people, seem quite worn." he whispered to her, smirking.
Blushing, Hinata turned to Jugo, escaping the memories that rushed to her vision. "Jugo-san, you don't have to eat the meat. I can prepare something for you with mushrooms and rice."
Jugo declined politely. "No need, Hinata-san. I can take care of my own meal."
Suigetsu chimed in, puzzled, "You don't eat meat? such a big guy?"
Jugo innocently replied, "I only eat plants."
Hinata looked at sweet Jugo, he is such a nice human, she thought.
"I will make you something delicious, don't worry about it." She insisted.
"I'd love something delicious too, Hinata" Suigetsu begged.
Hinata teased him with a small frown, "You can eat the meat. You're a big guy yourself after all."
Sasuke observed the interactions with a narrowed gaze. Does he have to be concerned of Jugo hitting on Hinata as well? While he desired his team to get along, the level of comfort they all seemed to have around Hinata agitated him. She easily befriends anyone she encounters. What is wrong with this girl? Why is she so blind to the potential dangers Jugo might pose?
His watchful eyes followed Hinata and Jugo as they ventured into the forest to gather chestnuts and mushrooms. He could hear her sweet giggles from a distance. 'Jugo is quite a sensitive, gentle and sweet guy,' Hinata thought as she interacted more with him. Her eyes softened as she looked at him. He was very attractive, tall and muscular too.
Sasuke couldn't ignore the blush on Hinata's face while talking to him. It was a reaction he hadn't seen when she interacted with Suigetsu.
Later, after dinner, Jugo found a spot on a cliff, and Hinata joined him, engaging in conversation. Sasuke clenched his teeth as his frustration grew consumed by a mix of jealousy and anger. Suigetsu approached him, detecting his intense gaze.
"Well he took her easily from us. He seems to have caught her attention. Do you think she likes him?" Suigetsu prodded.
Sasuke's response came swiftly, "From you maybe, I…I'm concerned he might lose control and harm her."
Suigetsu shrugged, not entirely convinced by Sasuke's explanation. "Sure thing, he is dangerous, keep an eye on them then... Sasuke." he sneered, before wandering off, leaving Sasuke brooding alone.
Sasuke's gaze remained locked on Hinata and Jugo, his emotions swirling within him. He couldn't comprehend the way he felt, an unpleasant sensation that seemed to have taken root within him. He felt an unfamiliar possessiveness toward Hinata he had never experienced before but he knew he needed to control his emotions.
Seeing Suigetsu approach and sit next to Hinata was the tipping point. Suigetsu glanced at Sasuke, smirking. Unable to bear it any longer, Sasuke turned on his heel and left the scene, leaving Hinata sandwiched between the two potentially dangerous shinobi.
As he walked away, he encountered Karin. "Sasuke, how about a walk? The evening is beautiful."
He curtly responded "I'm tired. I'm going to bed." With that, he retreated, his heart and mind in turmoil, grappling with emotions he couldn't easily define.
As Sasuke walked away from the campfire, Hinata's gaze followed him, her heart constricting at the sight of his sadness. She couldn't ignore the turmoil in his eyes, and the ache to comfort him surged within her.
Excusing herself from the group, Hinata quietly followed Sasuke. She had the feeling that Sasuke might be angry with her or regret their recent encounters. She wanted to talk to him, to clear any misunderstandings, but she didn't know how to broach the subject.
She approached Sasuke, her voice soft and gentle, "Sasuke-Kun, are you okay?"
He responded, his words tinged with a mixture of disappointment and frustration, "You didn't eat from the deer that I catched." He told her, reminding her of all the ways that she disappointed him that evening alone.
"I didn't want to hurt Jugo-san's feelings," she explained, trying to justify her choice.
Sasuke's response held a hint of accusation, "You care too much about Jugo. Someone you've just met."
"He's a nice person, Sasuke-Kun," Hinata defended, her voice holding a touch of earnestness. "He cares deeply about animals."
Sasuke's gaze intensified "And you suddenly too."
"I have always cared about animals and all beings," Hinata replied, a trace of sadness lingering in her tone.
Sasuke's accusation took a different direction, and Hinata felt her heart waver, "You like him? I saw you blushing."
Shocked Hinata whispered "Sasuke-Kun! are you jea…"
"Hinata, " Before she could complete her question, he cut in abruptly, his words laden with a mixture of resignation and bitterness, "What I told you earlier is just lust talk. There is nothing between us. You can do what you want. Just if you don't like Naruto and want to be with Jugo… just let me know, then I'll know I'm free of my promise."
His words hung heavily in the air as he walked away, leaving Hinata feeling confused and hurt. Why is he accusing her like that?
She had hidden her feelings for Sasuke for so long, denying them even to herself. Yet, her confession hadn't been driven by a fleeting urge. It wasn't a moment of passion; it was a revelation of the profound emotions she held for him. Her heart swelled with an earnest affection, a desire that went beyond the physical realm, especially after he told her he loved her too. She craved his presence, his companionship, and his understanding. It was a realization that hit her with breathtaking clarity – her love for Sasuke was deep and genuine, a sentiment that transcended the complexities of their circumstances.
His love-confession had been liberating, a declaration that had ignited a spark of happiness within her. Yet, he seemed to dismiss it all, reducing their connection to mere physical desire and mere meaningless lustful talk. His dismissal of their shared confession made her feel like her emotions were not important and that he could easily forget about her.
Moreover, the path ahead was tangled in a dilemma. To confess her love again would risk his scepticism and doubt of its authenticity, a suspicion that her emotions were driven merely by lust. He might believe she was playing games, manipulating her feelings to suit the situation. He might think she plays with him, Naruto, maybe Jugo or even Suigetsu!
And yet, her realisation was unwavering. She yearned to be with Sasuke, to claim him as her own. Her heart throbbed with an ache that surpassed thier urges. She wanted more than his touch; she craved his understanding, his love, and the security of his embrace. She doesn't want anyone to touch her but him and she doesn't want him to touch another woman. He was hers as she realised with aching clarity that she was truly and sincerely, body and soul his.
As the night wore on, Hinata found herself grappling with a conundrum. Her feelings for Naruto seemed to fade, his image receding into the background. It was as if Sasuke had become the centre of her universe, lost in an all-consuming love for Sasuke, the mere thought of him filled her with an overwhelming joy.
But the question gnawed at her – how could she convey this newfound truth to Sasuke? Would he believe her? Would he understand the depth of her feelings and the transformation that had taken place within her? The risk of confessing her love was daunting.
But how could she express this change to Sasuke? She suddenly doesn't love Naruto anymore and loves him instead. How could she make him see that her affection was genuine, her love sincere? The prospect of confessing her feelings again was daunting, fraught with uncertainties. Is he even feeling the same way?
As darkness enveloped the camp, she lay awake, her mind raced through various scenarios, each one more terrifying than the last. How can she be filled with bliss while Sasuke is suffering on his own? The memory of Sasuke's sad expression haunted her, pushing her to take action. She wants to make Sasuke feel her joy, but she also knew that navigating this delicate situation required careful consideration. Confessing her love to Sasuke was a risk and she was worried about what it would mean for their relationship. She didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or make things awkward more than it is between them.
Her resolve only deepened as she recalled the times he had satisfied her desires without seeking his own pleasure. It was a testament to his care for her, even if he was conflicted about their situation. Despite the physical aspect being temporarily regulated, her emotional connection with him was undeniable. With a decision made, Hinata waited until everyone had fallen into deep slumber. Silently, she made her way to where Sasuke sat, poking at the campfire. She approached him cautiously. The dim light of the fire danced across his features, casting shadows that added to the complexity of his expression.
"What do you want?" He snapped at her.
"Sasuke-Kun, can I sit by you?" she whispered shyly.
"Hm" a simple hum of acknowledgement. She settled down beside him, her side touching his, and a wave of warmth washed over her. His eyes widened in evident surprise, but he didn't object. He knows they have plenty of time until everything gets dysregulated.
She glanced at Sasuke, his profile dimly illuminated by the firelight. With every passing second, her conviction grew stronger. She would find a way to convey her love, to show him that her feelings were genuine and enduring. Hinata's voice carried a playful tone as she boldly whispered, "Sasu..."
Sasuke's gaze shifted from the fire to her, his dark eyes studying her carefully. "What is it? Why are you calling me like that?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice. He couldn't hold his smile any longer. He wants to be angry with her but he can't when she calls him like that.
"I thought you liked this name," she replied, her playfulness evident in her tone.
"I do, but you only use it during…" he frowned, his pokes in the fire got restless.
Hinata's heart swelled with a mix of emotions – affection, longing, and a determination to make him see the truth in her feelings. "Well, we could…"
The intensity of the moment weighed heavily on both of them. Sasuke's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Hinata, are you seducing me?" His tone was a mixture of amusement and bewilderment. He threw the stick from his hand into the fire, "I know you're not feeling the urge." What is wrong with this girl?
Hinata took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she spoke again, her voice sincere, "You have no idea what I'm feeling," Hinata responded, a hint of despair in her eyes. "But I can't be content with just receiving. I want to return the favour too." She gathered her courage and reached for him.
Her touch against his bare chest sent a shiver through him. Her fingers glided over his skin like a feather, exploring the contours of his body. He felt a mix of sensations – her softness against his hardness, her warmth against his cool skin. Her hand trailed lower, and his muscles clenched at the sensation.
But as her hand neared his pants, he couldn't hold back any longer. He grabbed her hand gently but firmly, his filled with agony gaze locking onto hers. "Hinata, stop it," he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of desire and restraint. "You don't need to return the favour. It was my pleasure doing those things to you." He smirked. The memory only was getting him hard.
Her determination remained unwavering. "I want to feel the pleasure of doing something for you too," she insisted, her eyes reflecting sincerity.
Sasuke's brow furrowed, torn between his own desires and his concern for her. "I thought we agreed to stop that. That you only want to do these things with Naruto."
Hinata's gaze held steady. "I know, Sasuke-Kun, but I can't have peace of mind if I know that I'm the only one satisfied while you aren't. Maybe you won't suspect me so much if you also find release."
As they stared at each other, the tension in the air was palpable. Sasuke's internal struggle mirrored Hinata's determination. It was a defining moment for both of them. He looked into her eyes, and she could see the love and passion in them. She was convinced that he felt the same way as she did. "You are too persistent and stubborn, but there's really no need to do anything."
"If you already know I'm stubborn and persistent, then you know I won't change my mind," she told him, her actions were driven by a mix of desire and a genuine wish to express her feelings for him. Her fingers moved with gentle determination as she began to undo the fastening of his pants, releasing his pulsing hard in her face. His arousal was undeniable, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and excitement. It was huge, bigger than she thought. She observed him up close, noting the details of his physique that she had never seen before.The tip was like a mushroom that she liked. It was too tempting, too challenging to put in her mouth. Her movements were cautious yet deliberate, as she explored his form. She leaned in, her lips brushing against his sensitive skin, eliciting a suppressed reaction from him. Sasuke was groaning and clenching his teeth so as not to make any sound.
"Damn it, Hinata," he groaned, his restraint tested as her touches intensified. His control over his reactions was tenuous, and he struggled to maintain his composure.
His part looked so huge in her super small hands and it made him smirk. She was struggling with the thick length getting as much as she could in her warm mouth. The rare, shy reaction on his face made her want to please him even more. She wants to satisfy him, to see him affected by her actions; licking, rubbing and kissing the tip.
His fingers brushed lightly against her head, his touch a mixture of encouragement and restraint. "Fuck, how did you know how to do this things?" his breath hitched as she ventured further. He threw his head back feeling too much pleasure as he felt he was on the edge. It didn't take long until he felt he was about to explode. "Stop, Hinata," he managed to say, his voice a combination of embarrassment and passion. But she didn't leave him, and he came into her mouth where she collected all of it. He quickly told her to spit it out and she did.
She wanted to lick his half erect part again. But he stopped her. "That is enough… for real." He said embarrassed.
She paused, looking up at him with a mixture of longing and understanding. "Can I stay for a little while?" she asked, her voice softer now, her initial eagerness giving way to a more heartfelt connection.
"If you don't try to seduce me anymore," he replied, frowning. He doesn't like it to be the only one who gets pleased, but she only returned the favour.
"I won't." She stepped away from him, a blush warming her cheeks. "I was actually thinking about your brother, Sasuke-Kun," Hinata admitted, steering the conversation in a different direction.
Sasuke's demeanour shifted, his expression growing more guarded. "Hinata, don't tell me to forgive him. We've talked about this many times before."
She shook her head gently. "No, not that. I was contemplating his motive. I tried to imagine myself in your place, as well as in Itachi-san's. What if Neji-neesan or Hanabi had killed our clan? I wouldn't immediately seek vengeance. Instead, I would want to understand their reasons, their underlying motivations. I would be certain that something significant drove them to such an extreme act, against their own kin." Her words lingered in the air, her perspective offering a new angle for Sasuke to consider. It was a moment of reflection, a glimmer of insight into her empathetic nature and her ability to see beyond the surface.
Sasuke looked at her with a frown, growing more curious about her perspective and the questions she was raising. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine interest.
"They could only do this for a bigger purpose. Bigger than their clan's interests. It could only be for the village," Hinata continued, her gaze fixed on the dancing flames. "To protect the village. That's the only explanation I can think of. But it raises other questions. What were they protecting the village from? Who would order them to take such extreme measures? It's still a mystery."
Sasuke pondered her words, his mind considering the possibility. "I never looked at it from that angle," he admitted. "While it's convincing, it doesn't justify Itachi's actions. He didn't have to resort to wiping out our clan. There must have been another way."
Hinata's eyes held an unwavering determination, her voice gentle yet firm. "True, but perhaps, in his enigmatic calculus, he believed there was no other way. He chose to bear the burden of this grim fate alone. Maybe if he didn't others would, kill him and kill you too."
"Why do you keep suggesting that someone else was involved, giving orders?" Sasuke inquired, his curiosity piqued by her persistence.
"Think about it, Sasuke-Kun. Would Itachi-san really act alone in something so drastic? Killing his own clan? Maybe he was carrying out orders from someone higher up, someone with higher authority," Hinata proposed.
Sasuke's brows furrowed as he considered her words. "Itachi was part of the Akatsuki, a group that's far from virtuous, psycho fuckers like him. He wasn't man enough to kill himself after killing the clan, that is why I'll do it for him."
"Sasuke-Kun, maybe he didn't kill himself to keep an eye on you and protect you?"
"What nonsense. He doesn't care at all about me. He thinks I'm too weak to face him. He told me to wake up my Mangekyou Sharingan. He wants me to be as strong as him, to find him and kill him."
"Why would he want you to kill him?" Hinata asked him quickly.
"Because he knows he deserves it." Sasuke answered shortly.
"Anyone could kill him, he is an Akatsuki."
"He is too powerful. He knew only I could put an end to him. He wants to ruin my life and he did."
"Why would a brother want to ruin his brother's life? You told me he was your favourite person as a child."
"He was, he told me he was just acting that he loved me. In truth, he hates me." Sasuke got irritated. "Why are you asking so many questions?"
"If he hates you, why didn't he just kill you with the rest of the clan."
"Because he wants to torture me. He is toying with me, he loves to see me suffer."
Hinata's gaze held a hint of compassion. "What if he wanted you to be strong enough to survive, even without him by your side?"
Sasuke's guarded facade cracked, his eyes reflecting a complex blend of emotions. He looked away, his mind processing her words. "You ask a lot of questions," he murmured, a touch of vulnerability in his voice.
Hinata's voice remained gentle. "Maybe he cared about you more than you realize, Sasuke-Kun. Sometimes, the ones who appear to hurt us the most are the ones who care deeply." Hinata smiled softly. "I just want to help you see different perspectives. It might lead us to the truth, and maybe even some peace."
Sasuke blinked, clearly taken aback by Hinata's unexpected perspective. He had never thought about his brother's actions in that light before. It was a challenging idea to consider that Itachi, the one responsible for the annihilation of their clan, might have been driven by love for him.
"That's... ridiculous," Sasuke finally responded, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and scepticism. "To think that he could do something so horrific out of devotion for me, it just doesn't make sense. How could he put me through all that pain and suffering if he cared about me?"
"But Sasuke-Kun…" Hinata's voice held a soft and compassionate tone as she tried to explain her point of view, before she got interrupted.
"Hinata, no more questions…, tomorrow is a big day. Go have some rest." Sasuke's frustration seemed to linger, though he seemed somewhat worn out by the conversation.
The next morning unfolded with an undeniable awkwardness. Hinata found herself surprised by her own boldness the previous night, having allowed herself to seduce Sasuke again and satisfy his desires despite his baseless accusation of her interest in Jugo. She pondered over Jugo's qualities—his sweetness, care, and warmth reminiscent of her late brother, Neji. An attraction had indeed stirred within her, drawn by his tranquil presence that exuded a sense of calm and solace matching her own rhythm. His reserved and quiet demeanour held a distinct charm that fascinated her.
As they trailed behind the rest of their team, Jugo's voice reached her in a hushed whisper. "Hinata-san, do you have feelings for Sasuke?"
The question caught her off guard, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She hadn't anticipated such directness from him. Could her feelings have been so transparent? Her heart skipped a beat at the unexpected inquiry, and she stumbled over her words in response, "What? No, no, Jugo-san. I'm just helping him find his brother, that's all…"
Jugo interjected, a hint of understanding colouring his voice. "Suigetsu filled me in— about you helping Sasuke so he'd help you find Naruto. But, Hinata, if your heart belongs to Naruto, why were you with Sasuke last night?" His gaze was innocent, yet tinged with genuine confusion.
His question prompted a flurry of thoughts within her. How could she possibly explain the complex bond that had grown between her and Sasuke? A connection that even she struggled to define. How could she make him understand something she was only beginning to understand herself? "How did you find out?"
Jugo's voice held a sincere apologetic note. "I didn't mean to spy on you, Hinata. The animals tend to share things they come across. But don't worry, it's your personal matter. I've just come to care about you, like a little sister."
Her eyes glistened with emotion at his words, his sentiment resonating deeply with her. It was a feeling she had also begun to embrace, a sense of closeness that went beyond simple friendship.
"I'm sorry, Hinata," Jugo's voice softened, and he halted their steps, his hands gently finding her shoulders. He chided himself inwardly for delving into a sensitive topic. He didn't want to impose his own thoughts on her. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. You don't owe anyone an explanation. It's your heart, your feelings."
Her gaze lowered, tears slipping free, and a sense of overwhelming emotion enveloped Hinata. A mixture of shame, embarrassment of her own actions. She pondered whether it was time to reconsider her proclamation of love for Naruto to prevent further misunderstandings.
"It's not your fault Jugo-san, please don't apologise. It's just… it's just… I don't know… I can't explain it even if I want to." She yearned for understanding, a way to express the complexities of her bond with Sasuke to anyone.
Jugo tried to calm her down. "No need. I won't even understand it. I have no clue how that love thing works."
"You're not alone" A soft chuckle escaped her lips, and she wiped her tears.
"Come here," he invited, arms enveloping her in a big-bear-embrace. It felt like a cocoon of security, a haven amidst the confusion. Hinata smiled against his broad chest, comforted by his presence and the safe haven of his arms.
From a distance, Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he observed the scene unfold. An unfamiliar surge of fury bubbled within him. His fists clenched involuntarily, a torrent of jealousy threatening to consume him. He was trembling with rage and his heart racing. He could slay Jugo at that moment, shred him to pieces.
Yet, as quickly as the storm brewed, he watched Hinata wipe away her tears, a smile illuminating her features, and the two continued walking.
Sasuke seethed inwardly. What the hell happened? Why was she crying? Why is she smiling? Does he have to tell her to get away from every man?
What if Jugo was smelling her sweet scent too? Will they have what he has with Hinata?
He grappled with a maelstrom of thoughts, his mind a tumultuous sea of insecurity.
His steps faltered, his attention consumed by his inner turmoil, he didn't look where he was walking and suddenly, he found himself face down on the ground. Hinata and Karin rushed to his side, concern etched on their faces. "Sasuke, are you okay?" Karin asked worriedly.
Brushing himself off slowly, Sasuke regained his feet. His grip on his katana tightened, his inner turmoil battling for dominance. His frustration gives way to a primal scream, a release of anger. He unsheathed his katana, the blade glinting menacingly in the sunlight as he cursed into the void, "FUCKING ASSHOLE."
Hinata and Karin looked at eachother, what is wrong with him? Who is he cursing?
He was even more enraged and angry now. What the fuck is wrong with him? He must remain calm and in control. This wasn't him.
The katana slid back into its hilt, his facade once again composed, though the storm within him still raged, he said "I'm fine. Let's continue."
