A/N Thank you to all my readers, what's your fav Hinata ship? Also, this will be an extremely slow burn.

Wooden training dummies stand tall, and the air is filled with the rhythmic sounds of kicks and punches, creating a lively symphony of disciplined movements. But they weren't the kicks and punches of Naruto or Shikamaru. The rustling leaves overhead provide a natural canopy, casting dappled sunlight on the training ground. It had been a few days since our return to Konoha, and though I've tried to make the new team my own it seemed neither party was interested in trying themselves.

Shikamaru constantly skipped training and practices, Naruto if he did show up would send a clone or cut the training short. Can I fault them for loving their old team more? We're in a lull and I know we'll get through it. "Hinata," Shino stated plainly as I stepped into the clearing.

"Where is your team?" I asked as I took small steps toward him. His glasses were fogged and his thick collar was coated in sweat.

"Ino is visiting Sasuke," he pushed his glasses up. Sasuke was in the hospital still, the result of taking on Gaara during the Chūnin exams. I looked down feeling guilty, not once had I visited Sasuke, I didn't even realize he was still in the hospital. What would I say if I did see him? It's not like we were friends, we were once but we were just children then.

"Have you gone to see him?" I asked. Even if Sasuke was brooding and terrifying he should get visitors, it's only right.

He shook his head. I bit my lip, was my being here going to hinder Shino's new team? Shouldn't he go visit Sasuke as well? "Hinata there is nothing I can do for him; it would be a waste of time."

I nodded slowly, Shino was right, but even still everything had felt broken since those exams. I want to trust Lady Tsunade but these new teams aren't working. "Want to spar?" I asked.

He nodded, "Hn."

oOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOo

"You ok? Is it your heart?" Shino asked, I was doubled over panting, using my knees for support. Only those in the main house and my old teammates and sensei knew of my heart problem. It made me weak; I could never disclose it to anyone else though I know one day I'll have to.

I shook my head, "I-It's just been a while since I've trained that intensely."

"Naruto and Shikamaru don't train with you?" I squirmed under his attention, Shino's glasses always made him that much harder to read, they were reflective and tinted so it was impossible to see his true expression without Byakugan.

"T-they're just busy," I felt like a gossip and Princesses don't gossip. "Thank you for training with me Shino-kun." I bowed deeply then grabbed his body and wrapped my arms around him in a hug. His body tensed, it almost rattled with tension and insects, then he slowly wrapped his arms back around me and returned my embrace. "Rock Lee is going to do the surgery," Shino murmured, his voice heavily muffled by my hair and his thick jacket.

"Huh?" I asked, he pulled away slowly, "I think Tsunade could help you."

I shook my head quickly, "If she knew I'd never be a shinobi again. Do you remember what Kurenai sensei did?"

My father had told Kurenai one day, she had gone to him and explained the dangers of being a shinobi, "-I just want you to be aware, since she is your heir, this is a dangerous life are you sure you're ok with this?"

I stood outside listening to the conversation, I had seen Kurenai enter the compound and followed her, I thought she was there to see me, not get rid of me. "I'm aware of the danger." My father stated in his matter-of-fact tone.

"She'll be-" Kurenai started when my father cut her off, "She's weak. I care not; Hanabi is a much more suitable heir."

"She could die, you realize that right?" Kurenai raised her voice.

"And that would bring more honor to her clan than her being the waste of space she is now."

"How could you say such a thing about your daughter?"

"She's weak, I'm surprised she's made it this far. Has she fainted around you yet? It's her heart; it's too large and malfunctions, a defect, something that doesn't belong in the bloodline."

Kurenai had gone to Lord Hokage after that demanding I get removed from her team, she didn't want to be responsible for my death. I'm not sure what the Hokage said but I never got removed from my team and for that I'm thankful.

Shino let out a breath, "It's worth a try isn't it?"

I shook my head quickly, "Lee is getting a fifty percent chance of living or dying. I don't know Shino."

He nodded dropping the subject; we spoke for a few more minutes before parting ways. Within the walls of the Hyūga compound, I never felt truly safe or accepted. Yet it was my home, and after training, that's where I went. I used my Byakugan to make sure the main house was empty before I pulled the book I had gotten on a previous mission from under my mattress. The narrative weaves a tapestry of emotions, introducing characters whose hearts are entangled in a dance of passion, longing, and eventual connection. The bookshop owner was right, I hugged the book to my chest with a blissful sigh, I do prefer romance.

It was past dinner time when Hanabi found me, I was engrossed, to the point I didn't even bother turning the light on or getting a candle, I activated my Byakugan without even realizing it. The main character just confessed her feelings, and I needed to know what happened next.

The highs of budding romance and the lows of heart-wrenching moments evoked a myriad of feelings, could I ever be loved like that? "Whatcha reading?" Hanabi's voice sounded in the stillness causing me to yelp and slam the book shut.

She stood at the foot of the bed with a smirk on her face, "Father thought you were ill when you didn't come to dinner." She stated coming to sit next to me.

I squirmed uncomfortably, "Ano, I didn't mean to cause worry."

She peered at the cover of the book, "Oh, that's a good one I've read it before."

I flushed, I was caught, a princess should never read fiction. "I won't tell," Hanabi whispered.

I nodded giving her a small smile, "You've been sneaking into Konoha's library haven't you?"

She shrugged, "Nothing wrong with that." Hanabi was everything I wasn't, she was strong and proud. If she saw a rule she didn't like instead of following it regardless as I would she would shrug her shoulders and bend the rule. And instead of chastising her, Father praised this quality; it was the mark of a true leader he said. "Are you liking your new team?" She asked changing the subject.

I sighed softly, "I think we're just in a rough patch." Her fingers traced the texture of the book, "Things at the academy have been changing too, Lady Tsunade is rotating the teachers, we only have Iruka sensei once a week now."

"Is it better?" I asked, "Do you think you're learning more?" I didn't wish to doubt the changes Lady Hokage was making but I was beginning to.

She shrugged, "Every sensei has a different method and style." She threw her hands up dramatically, "And you'll learn how to do something one way then the new sensei will come and tell you it's wrong and to do it a different way."

It didn't make sense, why would Tsunade make all of these changes? "It will just take some getting used to," I assured her.

She nodded and yawned, "Let me know what you think of the ending." She stood and gestured to the book.

I smiled and hugged her goodnight.

The next day I forced myself to go to the hospital, how could I expect Shino to visit Sasuke if I didn't too visit him? A ruler leads by example; a princess should know the standards for her are higher than that of her comrades.

"You owe me one," Shino mumbled into his jacket collar as I pulled him along with me. There was no way I could go alone, I didn't even know Sasuke anymore. But I could go with Shino and support him as he tries to make this teamwork.

"This will be good; this will be good for us," I whispered tugging at his sleeve as we made our way into the hospital. Approaching the reception desk, I'm greeted by a friendly receptionist. The air within the hospital is different, a blend of antiseptic cleanliness and a sense of calm purpose. Shino hated the hospital, he never said as such but the way he'd quietly twitch and adjust his collar proved his discomfort.

The soft hum of medical equipment and the distant murmur of conversations create a backdrop to the reception area.

The receptionist, with a warm smile, turns her gaze up. "How can I help you two?"

"Uchiha," Shino spoke pushing his glasses up with his index finger.

The receptionist smiled pulling out a clipboard, "All visitors must sign in," she craned her neck to look at the clock behind us, "8:36." She read the time as we both signed our names. "Sasuke Uchiha is on the 2nd floor in room 207."

Shino nodded and made for the stairs. I quickly followed after offering the woman a thanks and a small bow. A princess should never forget to show her gratitude. The walls are adorned with artwork and informational posters; I never paid any attention to them before. They're childlike and brightly colored, almost comforting even if the informational posters are about illnesses and death.

Shino slowed his pace and walked slightly to my left, even walking in a hospital we still naturally fell into formation. If Kiba were here I know he would stand central with Akamaru. As we ascended, the muffled sounds of conversations from various rooms became more discernible. Gentle footsteps sounded above us and as I looked up, Neji descended. Shino took a protective step closer to me as Neji passed by; he gave us only a nod of acknowledgment, or he gave Shino a nod and stared at me as if I didn't even exist.

I held my breath until we were on the second floor; once we were there I couldn't help but quicken my step in search for the room Sasuke laid in. Nurses and medical professionals pass by with purposeful strides, their white uniforms contrasting with the muted colors of the surroundings. What would happen when I saw him? Would we fall back into friendship like when we were children? Would he stand proudly and show off his moves, or would he scoff at our visit?

Shino grunted behind me, "S-sorry," I muttered stepping forward and knocking on the door.

"Oh hey Teme you got more visitors," I tried to take a step back and hit Shino's chest. Maybe this was a bad idea; maybe we shouldn't come visit him. The door creaks open, revealing that of someone who has been avoiding me. Naruto scratched the back of his neck, "Oh, Hinata-chan I didn't know you'd be visiting Sasuke." He acted as if he got caught doing something evil.

The air in the room feels charged with a mix of surprise and discomfort. Attempting to navigate the awkwardness, "H-hello Naruto-kun, we wanted to support our fellow shinobi." I fumbled with my fingers. Naruto looked past me, "Oh hey Shino," he said awkwardly, stepping to the side to allow us to enter the now very cramped room.

Sasuke was sitting up in his bed staring at us; Shino seemed to rattle with nervous tension. The sterile scent of antiseptic hangs in the air, a whiteboard across from the bed is timestamped with medications and rounds.

The hospital gown drapes loosely around him, and the soft glow of a bedside lamp casts a warm yet subdued light on his skin. "Here Hinata-chan," Naruto gestured to the only chair next to the bed. I nodded my thanks and took the seat; it was warm as if Naruto had been sitting in it for some time before we arrived. "What are you two doing here?" Sasuke asked, his gaze was assessing.

I looked down at my lap my fingers found solace with each other as Shino gave his answer, "We wanted to see about your recovery." Sasuke grunted in reply, his gaze never left my form. Awkwardness lingered in the room as Naruto tried to make small talk with both Shino and Sasuke; the strained conversation was punctuated by moments of uneasy silence. I would occasionally look up, passed my bangs and lashes, and see those dark eyes analyzing me once again.

"-Yeah, Hinata-chan did you read that book you got yet?"

I looked up hearing my name and flushed, "Huh?" Naruto repeated himself, "I'm almost done with it." I said softly.

Naruto grinned widely causing me to feel faint; I averted my gaze to try to calm my racing heart. "Yeah, Shino why didn't you tell anyone how strong Hinata is? You and Kiba were hiding her from everyone." Naruto praised.

Shino nodded as if he were a proud father, Sasuke scoffed only loud enough for me to hear. "You should have seen her! I told her she could have won the match against Neji if she tried." Naruto continued not reading Sasuke's disinterest or my uncomfortability with receiving praise.

"It doesn't take a Chunin to take on a bandit or two on the road," Sasuke muttered.

Naruto shook his head quickly, "She took on Itachi."

I looked up and felt all of the color drain from my face just as Naruto began to pale himself, realizing he spoke of a secret he decided we should keep. "Itachi?" Sasuke asked, his voice heavy with accusation and venom.

Naruto shuffled his feet radiating nervousness, "It was- well I mean…" His shoulders tense slightly, and he takes a half-step forward, as if Sasuke would need to be held down in the bed.

Sasuke repeated himself trying to stand, "Itachi?" His eyes flickered with the sharingan like tv static. Naruto began mumbling in an attempt to change the subject, "We had this really good ramen too didn't we Hinata-chan?" He looked at me pleadingly.

Sasuke stood finally, his chest heaving as he glared menacingly down at me, "I'd like to be alone with the Hyūga."

Naruto and Shino both stuttered replies in my stead, I shook my head, "I-it's ok." I reassured them as they both filed out. Shino furrowed his brows and a subtle furrowing of his lips, betrayed an unease about the unfolding situation.

Naruto turned in the threshold and Sasuke let out an irritated sigh, "I just want to speak to her Dobe!" His sharingan flickered; I doubt he even realizes he's activating it.

Naruto nodded looking like a chastised child, "I'll go see if the cafeteria has any snacks." Shino and him exchange glances and cast occasional backward looks, before the door shut sealing me to my fate.

Sasuke waited several moments before sitting back down on the bed, his knees brushed against mine. He lifted my chin with his thumb, "Now you're going to tell me everything, tell me exactly what happened."

I swallowed as our eyes met. "Hyūga." His eyes widened and narrowed as if he were trying to channel his chakra. He didn't hold enough control over the sharingan to pull me into a world of his own like Itachi, but that didn't stop him from trying. "W-we were attacked several miles from Konoha."

He nodded slowly; his thumb was still holding my chin up. "T-they wanted Naruto…" I whispered. His nostrils flared, I could feel the chakra radiating off of him without my Byakugan activated. "And you fought him?" He asked, his voice holding discontent and boiling with rage, his hand flew down to his lap and began flexing and twitching.

I couldn't find my voice, I felt frozen unable to nod or shake my head. He scoffed, "I don't have all day Hyūga."

"S-sorry," I muttered. "W-we all fought him." I looked up meeting his gaze. The eye contact feels penetrating, as if the Sharingan is delving into the depths of emotions and unspoken thoughts. "Hyūga," he said in warning.

"Naruto doesn't return your feelings." The distinctive red eyes, with their three-tomoe pattern, lock onto mine, and a surge of chakra emanates from the eyes, creating an almost hypnotic effect. His voice was harsh yet monotone, lacking the emotion that clearly swirled in his eyes.

"Ano- I," I grasped for words feeling my cheeks flushing. Why would he say something so rude? Am I that transparent, does everyone know of my crush? "What happened with Itachi?" He asked, each syllable spoken slowly.

I felt the tears welling in my eyes, "The-y fled, w-we fought and they fled." I tried to keep my voice level but failed. The door swung open and Naruto strolled back in carrying several bags of chips and candy bars that he balanced precariously.

Sasuke glared at him as he plopped himself down next to him on the bed, "The vending machine on the first floor is the best. If you kick it, it'll give you an extra candy bar." Naruto began babbling.

"Where's Shino-kun?" My voice came out as a broken whisper.

Naruto looked up in bewilderment, his blue eyes were wide in alarm, "Hinata what's wrong?"

I swallowed and looked down at my hands, "Shino got called to a mission with his dad. What's wrong Hinata?" He asked again.

"She's fine," Sasuke answered for me. "Tell me about your mission." He spoke with authority, I heard Naruto shift uncomfortably on the bed, the chip bags crackling and squeaking as he set them down.

I felt like I was in trouble like I was once again in my father's office getting chastised. I kept my head down during Naruto's entire ramble, the whole time replaying what Sasuke had said earlier. He was right, Naruto didn't like me, why would he?

"-She took him on alone?" Sasuke asked for clarification, his voice was disbelieving.

Naruto jumped to my defense, "She's strong! You should have seen her."

"He held back." Sasuke stated his knee brushed against mine again, "If he wouldn't have she would be dead."

Naruto balled his fist up, "Hinata is strong-"

Sasuke cut him off, "why would he hold back?" he muttered to himself, I looked up as I felt him stand. "Nata-chan, it seems my brother still holds feelings for you."