The night seems to be the coldest I ever experience. I hold the blankets in my hands, staring at the ceiling the book held tightly into my hand. I try to recollect and reflect on what my decision is. If what the book says is right Naruto did this out of pure instinct. I sigh, rolling onto my side. It doesn't change the physical and mental pain he inflicts on me. I shake my head, looking up at the ceiling once more. I should just be done with all of this…right?

Day 1

It takes me longer than usual for me to muster the courage to get out of bed. I can hear Sakura with her parents, explain to them the bruise she witnesses on me. I bite my lip; this day is starting up terribly already. I quickly rush to the door, flinging it open. I almost crash into Sakura, who gives a startle yelp.

"Hinata! What's the rush? Are you scared that whoever would find you?" Sakura asks, frantically grabbing my shoulders. I frown up into her face and shake my head. A soft hand presses into my back, and instantly I recoil. I can see the pity in her eyes, calling a familiar emotion to the surface. Why does everyone look at me this way? She ushers me into the room and sits me down.

"Can I?" Sakura asks, looking at me. I desperately want to deny the kindness. I can only nod my head, allowing her to lift my shirt up. Her hands are gentle as she maps out the damage to my back, before beginning to heal it. I know Lady Tsunade trains her now, having heard it a while ago from the grapevine. My back begins to ache less, allowing some tension in my shoulders to relax. Sakura gives a hum of satisfaction, sliding my shirt back down.

"Hin-"

"I want to thank you for all you've done! Please don't tell anyone!" I blurt out, bowing my head deeply. I hear a sigh and Sakura gently lifts my heads.

"I get you want to keep it private, and I can respect that. Just be careful, Okay?" Sakura grumbles. I nod my head, standing up and giving one deeper bow. I quickly rush to leave her home. Sakura looks down, and frowns.

I don't have a destination and try to gather myself. The clothes Sakura let me borrow are too tight. I know I'm not the curviest woman, but I know it's a size or two down. I look around and make my way to the marketplace. I pause, before spinning to go the other way.

"Hinata!" I cringe as I hear the familiar voice. Kiba jogs to be directly beside me. He places a warm hand on my shoulder, instantly making me tense up. Kiba wears a big grin as he stoops down to my level.

"Nu uh! You can't escape me today!" Kiba steers me over to the market, holding a childish happiness. I glance up at Kiba, reading him. He seems to give off an aura. I can't help but begin to ease up from my tense stance. A small smile begins to cross my lips. He takes me directly to the best ramen spot. He orders two bowls, before spinning me around and sits me down.

"I thought Naruto ate you!" Kiba laughs, patting my head. I tilt my head to the side, conjuring up a blush. I meekly shake my head and press my fingers together.

"N-No he was just so excited…" I mumble, Kiba only rolls his eyes at my response. He taps his fingernail on the table. I can swear I see a dog tail wagging back and forth. I fall into such a familiar pattern, listening to Kiba rambling to me about his day. He even includes Shino, but shivers at how creepy he is. I can only laugh and listen to him. I forget sometimes that we were a genin team at once. I miss it sometimes, being able to leave the house on missions. Once I made Chunin it all screech to an end. That's when the elders struck, branding me. I didn't come outside, choosing to always stay in. It hurt breaking these little connections.

"Hime, are you listening?" I snap back into reality. Kiba looks concern, leaning across the table. It takes seconds for me to realize how close he is. I give a soft squeak, eyes widening. Kiba gets his trademark grin. I can feel his breath on my lips as he laughs. I give him a gentle huff, making large puppy eyes. He suddenly straightens up, leaning away. He coughs in his hand and looks away. A red tint spreads across his face.

"Kiba-kun…are you b-blushing?" I ask, curious. He looks at me, before rolling his eyes.

"Hinata c'mon now…you ain't dense," Kiba mutters, causing me to frown at him. I stare at him long enough for him to suck his teeth. He lunges across the table and presses his lips to mine. My hands shoot up as I flail to regain balance and not let my head hit the booth wall. I hate to say my stomach turns at the unfamiliar lips. I stay frozen in place even when he leans away. The silence is deafening. He looks crestfallen. I can't find the words soon enough because he stands throws the money on the table. Kiba looks at me one last time before walking out.

"Good going Hinata," I whisper to myself. I push the barely eaten bowl away and turn to leave. I stiffen as I make eye contact with scarlet eyes. Naruto holds an unreadable expression. I bite my lip. Did he see? Is he mad? Shit, I hope he didn't see. Naruto slowly drags his gaze from the table to me, sniffing hard. Is he smelling Kiba? He says nothing and sits down, before smacking a grin on his face.

"Naruto! My best what do you want to eat?" The owner calls out, happily. Naruto laughs.

"My usual!" Naruto orders, the owner seems to not even notice the eye color change. I quickly rush out, realizing I look crazy standing in the aisle, gawking at Naruto. Why do I feel this disappointment? If I am his mate, he should be going crazy, unable to even resist the pull of killing Kiba. Did he not see or am I not his mate?

I roughly drag my hand through my head. I touch the bangs hiding my secret before I pull up the headband hanging loosely on my neck. I still have nowhere to lay my head. I wonder the streets for a bit, before sighing. I know where I must return to.

I soon stand in front of the hyuga compound. I bow my head; walking pass the guards and down to the branch house. Th guards seem to immediately call attention to my arrival. I feel excruciating pain light up my body, causing me to cry out. I drop to my knees, gripping my head. I tear the headband off my head, trying to alleviate my pain.

"You have some nerve returning here," A low voice growls. I feel myself flinch. I long learn to ignore the anguish at my treatment. My own father activated the branch seal. He walks into my view, dropping his hand to release the jutsu. He glares at me, eyes hard.

"Do you feel so important that you leave and tell no one? Hanabi was worried sick, over your pathetic waste of space," My father hisses, I only bow my head, allowing for his verbal warfare. I guess somewhere in my heart I hope he would have been worried too. I am being overzealous in my hope. A sharp slap crosses my face. I can taste the metallic taste of blood.

"You no longer are an heiress, nor are you worthy of being an hyuga. You have to the end of this week. I want you gone."

I can only stay bowed as he walks away. I wait until he is further away before finally rising. I walk to my room, ignoring the smothering stares. I close the door to the tiny room, slowly kneeling in front of a picture. Even though my lip aches as I smile, I rub my finger across.

"I remember why I want to die mama."