I do want to elaborate on something for this story. When I first started this story, I had intended for it to be a Stockholm like story. If you are unfamiliar with what Stockholm Syndrome is this is the definition: Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological response in which a captive begins to identify closely with their captors, as well as with their agenda and demands. It occurs when hostages or abuse victims' bond with their captors or abusers.

This is something I felt would fit Hinata in a way, due to in the early life everyone belittled or emotionally/physically abused her. I say this as to try and explain why she is responding so "well" to Naruto's "grooming." Thank you!

Day 4 Con't

There isn't much house shopping in Kohona. Everyone is more than ecstatic about giving me a home. The only problem is the ryo that I have. They all turn up their noses, having been expecting "daddy's money." I shake my head as I wonder to another potential home. As I walk down the street, I notice it's on the rougher side of the village. I hum a tune that my mama has shown me, attempting to ease my nerves. The civilian waves at me enthusiastically. I give a polite smile and greet her.

"Hinata Hyuga!" The young lady, Maya, chirps. I wince at the last name. I don't bother to correct her. I stepped at her, extending my hand to her. Maya grabs my hand and shakes vigorously. The tour starts swiftly. She swung open the door, allowing the musty smell to hit my nose. Maya gets a sheepish look on her face.

"It's been a while…I know you are used to more sophisticated-" I wave my hand, and her mouth closes with a click. The apartment is cramp and small. The living area spills into the kitchen as a joint open space. I can smell what I assume is maybe stale water. I take a quick tour, inspecting every creaky floorboard and searching for a weak spot. I find the hole in the wall apartment cozy. It would need a clean for sure. Maya nervously fidgets.

"How much do you want for it?" I ask, firmly. I hate the prejudice of everyone. I can see it in her face she expects to be denied. I was not raised with a silver spoon. I assume once they see my seal everything will change. Maya seems taken aback by my outburst and shows me a scroll. I feel the tension melt away; I have barely enough for it. I reach into my pouch, pulling out my earnings. Maya blink.

"Are you sure?" Maya mumbles, counting the ryo and nodding her head with approval. I nodded my head; truth be told I am exhausted. It's been a long while since I traveled a long distance. Maya stares at me, dropping the scroll in my hand. She gives me one last look of disbelief, before heading away. I took the key she had forgotten in the door. The home is more of a cottage. It's small but homey in my opinion. I sit down in the middle of the living area. I can't help the smile that pulls on my lips. I have managed a home. I can be independent.

My celebration is short lived. I hear a knock on my door. I open the door a crack, peeking out. There stand several men. They all have boxes of some sort. Each box gets put down before they vanish. After the fifth man I grew anxious. I had only gotten home less than ten minutes ago. Who has eyes on me? I peek into one box and my heart drops in my chest. These were the clothes from the compound. My father, I was only assuming, must have sent it. Once the line of men left, I am handed a letter. I carefully open it and begin to read it.

"Hinata-Sama, I hope this meets you well. I have heard from Hanabi about what has transpired between you and uncle. I hope you do not find this odd or creepy, but I have told all homeowners to notify me if you have gone to them. Maya contacted me in seconds, so I arranged the moving of your belongings. I will come when I have the chance. Neji-niisan."

I can only fondly laugh to myself. I begin to go through the boxes. The sun sets when I have half the boxes set aside. I noticed some things are new. There is a bed now set up in my room. I can only guess he added this from a market. I take a shower in the leaky shower, cherishing the feeling of water and gather up my clothes. I sit in my bed as the moon shines high in the sky, looking out the tiny window. I press my hand to feel the chill of the night air against my hand. Is it bad that I miss him?

It's like a constant red flag, alarms with no shrill cry. I know it's wrong for me to dislike emptiness without him, yet I relish the small goods from him. I fidget with my blanket, closing my eyes. I guess I am like mama in a way. She loved a cold man. I like a man who personally want to see me ruined. So why did he let me leave? Tired of the game? Or is this a new one?

Naruto's POV

I glare at my reflection. The scarlet eyes don't help my predicament. The civilians can only see the fox now that I look exactly like it. I know it's due to Hinata. My mate has not returned. Even worse she is starting to make a life. I knew this is a possibility; she will just leave. I grip my hair, tears burning in my eyes.

I saw that fucking mutt; he's been marking her. He is trying to mask mine. I seethe, silently in my room, closing my eyes to hide the signs of my distress. I bite down on my lip tearing the skin apart as I gnaw on it. It will heal in seconds, but the pain and taste of copper knocks me back into reality. I slip down the wall and settle on the floor. I should have just held her here! I could have forced her to love me. She's mine that b-

I'm not good for her. My mind keeps jumping between gentle and borderline murderous. I can't even seem to remember that this is something I allowed. The tears begin to slip through my screw up eyes. I give a soft sob, pulling my knees to my chest. I have no right to cry. She's the one who is supposed to be hurting, getting away from me. It's so lonely. I can't even be reckless like everyone labels me. I grip the blanket she once slept in, breathing in the fading scent.

'Kit, I understand it hurts bu-'I feel nothing but rage as I hear Kyuubi speak. I loud out an anguish scream into my knees and kick the dresser close to me.

"This is your fault! I could have been fucking normal! She would love me!" I screamed at him, covering my ears. The sound of my heartbeat is all I can listen to as it rapidly speeds up. I swallow a deep breath, feeling like I am drowning inside myself. I barely register Kyuubi attempting to console me as the wave of emotions wash over me. My body shakes as I struggle to stand coming back in front of the mirror. Even in pure darkness I can see the crimson eyes.

"Why me? Why can't I be normal?" I whisper, hot tears streaming down my cheeks. I just want to be a normal kid. I don't want to feel intense emotions that I can't regulate. I don't want a voice in my head that isn't truly mine. I don't want…I just want her.

'She will come back Kit, I know she will,' Kyuubi whispered, further causing my mind to seize in their holdings. My shoulders slump, I can only pray.