hi! English isn't my first language. thought in italic , dialogue in " ", POV alterning and Naruto's still not mine.
Chapter 30
Pine. Rain. And lightning.
It was always the sense of smell that came back first after one depletes their chakra. A familiar type of awakening. Hinata had the same one the first time her chakra reserves found themselves empty because of Sasuke's technique. She had been surrounded by the same smell then too.
His cool dark sheets had smelled of pine, rain and lightning. Like a thunderstorm in a forest. Except this time when she came around, she heard the thunder rumbling as well.
No, not thunder.
But a steady thumbing sound under her ear; a heartbeat. After hearing, came her awareness of the heat of enveloping her like a cocoon.
Hinata fluttered her eyelids open and took in her surroundings groggily. She was still in the Uchiha's living room. Her gaze fell on the man holding her tightly. He sat rigidly, jaw clenched and ruby eyes looking straight ahead. If she wasn't feeling his chest rising and falling under her cheek, she would've thought he was some type of beautiful statue forever frozen in time.
What happened?
Hinata sucked in a sharp breath when her mind was assaulted by all the memories she revisited, all at once. She always tried to put it to the back of her mind. But now all the feelings came rushing back at full force. The shame, the humiliation, the fear. It left her feeling raw.
Her hand clutched Sasuke's shirt tightly until her knuckles turned white. Her lungs screamed their need for air but no matter how much she gasped it wasn't enough. Her eyes filled with tears as panic settled in. She couldn't breathe.
The arm holding her shoulder pressed her to his chest as she dry sobbed silently.
"It's okay." Sasuke's voice was soft as if he was afraid of making things worse "I've got you. You're safe."
Hinata trembled in his hold as if she could still feel her grandfather's looming presence in the room. It was mid-summer yet she shivered at the fantom cold of the ice baths she was forced to endure.
Most people assumed that she wore her thick jacket all the time because she was self-conscious about her body but the truth is she couldn't stand the cold. She hated winter. It was sad considering her birthday was in December. Thankfully she didn't develop any sort of fear from ice or snow.
No, what paralyzed her from time to time was old eyes similar to her own and the sound of a bamboo cane hitting the floorboard rhythmically as her grandfather walked in the halls. He didn't need it, he just liked appearing authoritative and enjoyed tormenting her.
"That sick, sadistic fuck." Sasuke's low spoken words echoed her own sentiment. "Breathe, Hinata."
A part of her knew that she was feeling this overwhelmed because the technique had shielded her from her emotions even though she relived them. But now they were overloading her brain and she couldn't think straight. Her heart felt like it might stop at any moment, her lungs betrayed her, cutting off her air supply. She was helpless. All she could do was try to breathe and focus on Sasuke's hand rubbing her back.
Hinata didn't know how much time passed until her heart stopped trying to rip itself out of her chest, but she knew it must've been a while considering how dry her tear ducts felt. Lavender eyes sought the man holding her together to find his crimson orbs already on her. She shrank away from his gaze, feeling completely naked and lacking. And just as she starting to feel the weight of the humiliation, he spoke halting her thoughts.
"Don't." His jaw clenched, his voice was tight and filled with tension "Do you remember what I told you last time about what I saw?"
"You said..." Her voice sounded hoarse to her own ears."You saw me bend..."
"But never break." Sasuke cupped her face firmly stopping her from averting her eyes again "He did not break you Hinata, do you hear me?"
"N-not from lack of trying." Another wet miserable sob escaped her lips as she clenched her fists.
"Nothing he ever said is true. He failed and they'll always fail." He released her face to unclench her hands instead. She could already see half-moons forming from her nails leaving a dent "I already told you Hinata Hyuuga, you are forged in fire and no one will ever break the steel in your spirit."
He spoke with the same conviction he used the first time he said those words. He believed them whole heartedly. Hinata tried to let his statement sink in again as his fingers traced her palms gently. Last time he said that, his words etched themselves into her very soul. She did not forget them, but she was glad he was here to remind her every once in a while.
He was right. They did not break her.
Against all odds she was here, wasn't she?
She was a Kunoichi of Konoha. A respected medic. A war veteran. A proud Hyuuga daughter, no matter how many times they told her otherwise.
She was Hinata Hyuuga and she shall wear her scars like a badge of honor.
I did not break.
They tried to snuff her out over and over again, but her flame will continue burning bright and if necessary take those who stood in her path. The Hyuuga felt that fire igniting again, it chased away the cold in her limbs and the ache in her heart.
Thank you, Sasuke.
Her eyes watched his profile carefully; The tension still etched on his features, the tick in his jaw, the furrow on his eyebrows and the concentration with which his Sharingan studied their hands. His worry was clear and she felt warmth spreading in her chest. His fingers traced her palms delicately, turning her hand this way and the other then going up to her wrist. It finally hit her that he was looking for scars.
"He ordered them to be healed after each training session." Her soft voice broke the silence "Wouldn't want me to be damaged goods for whomever the council planned to sell me to in the future."
He must've heard the bitterness in her voice for he brought her hand up and pressed his mouth to her palm. The vehemence with which he kissed each finger had her breath catching in her throat. His warm breath on her skin erased every hateful word that echoed inside her head. His ruby eyes didn't leave hers when his lips grazed her other hand as well. An act of worship he was unashamed of showing her.
"You would've been perfect either way." His gaze was so scorching it warmed both her insides and cheeks.
He kept on studying her and her cheeks kept on glowing especially when she noticed the way he had her perched on his lap so comfortably as if she always belonged there. It was only then that she noticed his arm circling her waist to keep her balanced. His hand placed on her leg, his thumb rubbing her hipbone casually and each motion sent a jolt through her.
Her breath caught when she suddenly found herself sitting on the cushions instead of his lap. Her back was pressed to the couch as Sasuke put his arms at either side of her, giving her no choice but to be trapped by his gaze.
"Are you okay to stay here alone for a few hours?" He asked and she gulped at the manner with which he completely caged her in. The way his Sharingan gleamed with predatory intent sent her heart into a frenzy. She could feel the aura of danger surrounding him and being the sole focus of those eyes made her mouth go dry. It was not fear but something else that had heat creeping up the back of her neck.
"I-I should be going home." She trailed off when the black tomoe of his Sharingan started spinning widely.
"Stay." His jaw ticked again and that was when she finally saw it; The restrained anger he kept hidden for her sake "I won't be able to think straight if I know you're in that house."
"Sasuke." His confession had her hand reaching hesitantly to the side of his face "I live there."
"Hinata." Her name sounded like a warning and a plea all at once. It did things to her insides she was ashamed to feel when he was here fighting his temper. "I need to know you are safe for the next couple of hours."
"A-are y-you g-going to hunt him down?" Her hand dropped as her lavender eyes widened in panic when she remembered the time he had that same look. The day he attacked her grandfather after the tournament.
"Are you releasing me from my promise?" Sasuke countered.
"N-no." She winced when his nostril flared.
"Then no, I won't hunt him down." His hand cupped her cheek in apology and her heart leaped again. His chakra was coiled tight like a string in a bow and the danger sent a delicious shiver down her spine "Stay. Eat. Sleep. Read. Burn the place to the ground. I don't care, just stay until I get back."
The unmistakable order had her agreeing promptly.
"O-okay." Her mouth parted and his eyes flickered to it immediately.
"Good girl."
The combination of that low timber and the way his Sharingan spun lazily under hooded eyelids had blood rushing to her face and knots forming in her stomach. His thumb caressed the reddening apple of her cheek gently. His other went under his teeth, biting down and performing the familiar hand signs of the summoning Jutsu. The smoke cleared and Mamoru appeared.
"Masssster." He lowered his head in Sasuke's direction then faced her "Princesssss Hinata. It is good to see you again."
Neither answered the summon as both seemed trapped by the way the air charged with both his angry volatile chakra and something else. A something that became more intense when his thumb ghosted over her lower lip.
"Mamoru will keep you company." He pressed a soft kiss at the corner of her mouth and lingered for a moment before standing up and facing the spiraling portal that appeared behind him. Sasuke disappeared before she could ask where he was going.
She sat there transfixed, her mind reeling from the exchange until her companion spoke.
"Well." Mamoru slithered closer to her "At leasssst he already initiated the mating dance."
"I-It's not like that." Hinata sputtered knowing what the snake was alluding to.
"That is not what I'm ssssscenting from you Hinata-Hime." His forked tongue flickered in the air and Hinata's whole face turned red.
Did he mean he could smell her arousal?!
"Mamoru! T-that's inappropriate." She crossed her legs just in case.
Gods. It was wrong to have that kind of reaction to Sasuke being murderous on her behalf, but she just couldn't help it. And knowing that he was holding back just for her sake sent her head spinning even more.
"Why?" The reptile tilted his head to the side like a perplexed puppy.
"J-just don't tell Sasuke please." The Hyuuga squeaked in embarrassment.
"Massster Sasuke already knows." The snake made a sound close to a snort and Hinata felt her face blazing "His Dojutsu is designed for information gathering."
Dear Gods.
Hinata buried her face in the closest cushion. Praying to any deity who would listen that the Uchiha was too distracted by keeping his temper in check to notice how turned on she had been.
He hated those tedious meetings. How did Baa-chan endure them without losing her temper and destroying the place? Although to be fair the local furniture shops made a fortune out of all the desks the previous Hokage had to buy after she broke hers every two months.
He had a mind to do the same, but refrained since he was no longer that Genin who solved his problems using his fists and he as a young Hokage had much to prove.
But still did they have to be this tedious?
Naruto rubbed his temple as he listened to Konoha's esteemed council trying to insert themselves in yet another one of his decisions.
"We are simply concerned about the peace treaty with Kumo." Hamura's nasal voice grated on his nerves "The events of the tournament were bound to have strained the relations between our villages."
"It behooves us to send a diplomatic mission." Koharu continued "We've had great results with our regular diplomatic team."
The fake flattery didn't fool him one bit. He had an inkling where this was heading, considering that it was a bit late to bring the topic up.
"The team would have to be changed." Naruto noticed the sharpness of Shikamaru's eyes when he spoke. He caught up to it as well "Although Hinata-san had every right to defend herself against the Cloud's participants it is unwise to send her to a village who has already attempted to get their hands on the Byakugan."
"That is why we should do damage control considering the damage she's done." The elder commented off handedly "I am surprised you didn't punish her."
"Why should I?" Naruto raised an eyebrow, hiding his aggravation behind the gesture "She was within her rights and there was a waiver both parties have signed. The Raikage won't be seeking retribution in fact…."
"It could be considered a declaration of war." Hamura cut him off.
"We could have taken an attempt of Dojutsu theft as a declaration of war." The Hokage's tone showed his unappreciation at being interrupted. "If you had let me finish, you would've known that I have already contacted Killer-Bee who promised to personally launch an investigation into those behind the attack on both the Hyuuga participants."
The elder's mouth snapped shut. The woman tried to protest but Naruto didn't allow her to speak.
"Furthermore A-sama sent a scroll expressing his wish of maintaining the peace."
"Despite how poorly the Hyuuga affair was handled last time, the Raikage does not wish for another incident." Shikamaru raised an eyebrow "It is not a formal apology but is the closest we can get to one."
The council bristled at the barb. It was the council who pressured the Hyuuga clan to hand over one of their own as a price for keeping the peace years ago. And although the third Hokage was in a precarious position with Konoha's military force uncapable of continuing the war, he could've found a better solution except Danzo and the council outvoted him.
"The way I see it, Kumo was in the wrong and Konoha wisely decided against retributions considering Hinata Hyuuga handled it well and all within the law." Naruto laced his hand on the desk "This conversation is unnecessary as the 'situation' was already dealt with. The peace treaty stands."
He could see that they were both fuming at being dismissed. Naruto couldn't help but be suspicious of this so-called diplomatic mission and their hint of sending Hinata. Sending a Hyuuga to Kumo is like asking Tobirama Senju to have tea with Madara Uchiha. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
It showed that the council did indeed have some type of agenda concerning the Hyuuga heiress. A subtle glance at Shikamaru let him know he also picked up on it. His theory became even more likely.
Whatever the elders planned to say next was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a spiraling black hole in the middle of the office. His Anbu guards surrounded him immediately, ready for any upcoming danger. They straitened when their Commander came through, but didn't stand down completely as they too could sense what he was sensing. The Uchiha's chakra was restless and although the killing intent seeping out was minimal it was still there.
"Naruto." His name came out stiff and controlled. It was all he said but the blonde understood his silent request.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Hamura spoke outraged "We are in the middle of a meeting. You can't just barge in and..."
The man trailed off when Sasuke's gleaming Sharingan snapped to his direction. There was a warning there. Whatever put his friend in such a murderous mood was already wearing his patience thin.
Naruto stood up taking off his Hokage's hat and cloak. The Uchiha's tense form relaxed a tiny fraction when he bypassed his Anbu to reach him.
"Hokage-sama there are still matters to discuss." Koharu sniffed, her indirect order clear to all.
"This meeting is over." The Hokage answered cooly "You may direct any further question to my Advisor."
"Is this the conduct of the Anbu Commander." Hamura spoke again still hung on Sasuke "Truly blood will always tell."
"Not. Today." Sasuke's voice sent chills to all present, his Sharingan spun and the elder tried to put on a brave face but Naruto could see the trimmers in his hand "You do not want to pick a fight with me today."
"Sasuke." Naruto's authoritative voice snapped the Uchiha from it. He looked at him and a silent agreement passed between them.
One second, they were standing inside the office and the next they were a blur on Konoha's roofs. His Anbu had the good sense of not following them, not that it would've been easy as both were not holding back their speed. Naruto could see the people down below faltering at the rumbling chakra running through their coils.
The blonde went over Konoha's wall and the Uchiha followed. The second his feet touched ground, Sasuke's fist went flying at him. He blocked with both forearms but felt his bones straining as he was launched back. A golden cloak of chakra enveloped the Jinchuriki when the Uchiha's Rinnegan gleamed ominously and he stopped dampening his chakra signature.
Sasuke was not playing around.
Naruto met him half way, exchanging blows that became faster until they were but a blur of gold and purple mixing beautifully in a forest far enough from Konoha so that the destruction they were about to inflict wouldn't alarm its inhabitant.
He had been right to drag the dark-haired shinobi away. The sound of thousand chirping birds filled the clearing when the Chidori went through the trunk of a tree that tumbled to the ground. The blond winced at the ancient pine tree that was probably older than him meeting its fate at the Uchiha's hand.
The way one red and one purple eye gleamed with anger and vengeance had Naruto bracing for the next attack. Sasuke pulled his Katana and he formed clones, all ready with their kunais. The Uchiha was a menace with his sword and there was no room for error.
They met each other in the middle again.
Jab. Slash. A jump over a sword. Another under it. One clone dissipated. Then another. Gritted teeth. Kunais flying left and right. All of it at a speed the normal eye could not keep up with.
It was a battle of titans that would've had all in awe at the cheer skill of the two legendary Shinobi. A passerby would think they were trying to kill each other seeing how intense the battle was. But it was anything but. A friend providing another with an outlet.
Lightning crackled on the blade and the small tornado of chakra formed in his hand in retaliation. His Rasengan left a crate the size of a meteorite where the Uchiha had been standing. Sasuke flipped in the air and flashed through hand signs rapidly giving birth to a blazing inferno. The Kurama head-like chakra dissipated once it was done protecting the blond shinobi.
The intense fight continued until mismatched eyes finally started clearing from the fog of anger that used to plague them. Another clash and they jumped apart. Both stood heaving across one another and Naruto waited for him to decide what do to next. The Uchiha was the one leading this dance after all.
Blue eyes watched as the Katana was thrusted into the earth.
Taijutsu it is.
The gold cloak of chakra disappeared as the jinchuriki ran to him. Fists went flying and kicks were exchanged. Faster and faster until the hits started landing. A blow to the stomach was countered by a punch in the face. Both spit the blood in their mouths and they were at it again.
The 'friendly' spar went on for what felt like hours until both shinobi found themselves on their backs breathing heavily.
Naruto held his side.
Damn it, he broke my rib.
A look to Sasuke holding his shoulder let him know he dislocated his shoulder. The Uchiha turned his head to look at him when he felt his gaze.
"Nice face." It probably looked a mess considering he couldn't open one of his eyes.
"How's the hand?" His blue eyes lowered to the bloody fist of his best friend.
"Good now that your face ran into it." A smirk graced his lips and Naruto grinned then winced soon after.
"Fuck, that hurt." He grimaced "You cracked my jaw."
"I've been wanting to do that for a while actually." Obsidian eyes looked up to the sky, lost in thought while admiring the orange painted clouds. The bout of silence streached for a while longer until the Uchiha broke it with a whisper "Thanks."
"It was that or you going on a rampage." His own blue eyes spotted a bird flying overhead "So what was it? Hinata or someone disrespecting the Uchiha?"
Sasuke didn't answer but he could see his jaw clenching, the tension back once again but no killing intent.
"My money's on something Hinata related." Naruto kept talking anyway.
"Why do you think that?"
"Because Koharu and Hamura are still alive." He shrugged "And you didn't rise to the bait when Hamura insulted your clan."
"I just.." He sighed and his eyes clouded with emotion "She went through a lot with her clan. And it doesn't matter that she wasn't mine until now. I still want to hurt all those who ever hurt her."
Blue eyes widened. It was more than he expected his friend to admit to. Sasuke was never one to discuss his feelings so whatever plagued his mind must've been serious. And judging by the state of the clearing they were in; his friend would've done more than just hurt those who hurt Hinata. The Hyuuga clan really had no idea about the natural disaster they just dodged.
An Uchiha on a war path of revenge was a very dangerous Uchiha. (Just ask Obito Uchiha). It was the way they were wired. Once they claimed you, you were theirs. And gods have mercy on those who dared to touch something that belonged to them.
"She's yours now, huh?" Naruto tried to defuse the tension by teasing him.
"Shut up." Sasuke's face colored slightly.
"Teme~" He singsang mirthfully "You're blushing. At this rate you and Hinata-chan will start matching."
"Dobe." Dark eyes glared at him "I will break your jaw completely this time."
The blonde winced again at the reminder.
"That last blow was uncalled for." He rubbed his face "Why did you want to do that anyway?"
"You know why." He scoffed.
Pale eyebrows scrunched in confusion before it dawned on him
"Oh, come on!" The blond whined "You people keep hitting me when Hinata-chan already forgave me."
"It doesn't matter." The dark-haired shinobi shrugged then winced at the movement.
They lay there breathing for a few additional moments. The comfortable silence between two man who against all odds understood each other on a deep level was what both needed.
"Sakura-chan didn't seek me out." Naruto said softly after a while, his thoughts now turned to his own troubled heart.
He knew that he was the one angry at her even though she apologized but it still hurt that she didn't chase after him. Maybe he deserved it for what he put Hinata through but it still hurt.
"She didn't seek me either if it makes you feel better." A ghost of a smile graced his lips at Sasuke's failed attempt to comfort him. "You're too good for her anyway."
Naruto frowned ready to defend her honor even after everything.
"But…" Sasuke cut him off "We do not choose whom we…"
The Uchiha gestured with his hand prompting him to smile knowingly.
"Fall in love with?" It was amusing that the usually eloquent avenger couldn't articulate things when it came to the matters of the heart.
"Yeah. That." Naruto grinned when his ears reddened. He didn't know if it was the subject that had his normally composed friend all flustered or if it was the thought of his own feelings towards a certain blue-haired woman. But it certainly was fun to watch "So you know… Talk it out if you think it's worth it."
"I love her." His grin morphed into a soft smile "Even though she's still in love with you."
"You're an idiot." Sasuke snorted "She's not in love with me. Sakura's misguided jealousy is what she's familiar with. Like a bad habit that's hard to kick."
"Still" The blonde sighed. "She shouldn't have acted the way she did towards Hinata."
"No, she shouldn't have." The Uchiha sat up. "I hope you make her work for it a little. Although I doubt you will, knowing how whipped you are."
"Hah! That's rich coming from you." Naruto sat up grinning "I bet Hinata-chan crooks her finger and you'll follow her off a cliff."
"You're projecting." Sasuke scowled.
"And you, my friend are in denial."
Naruto laughed when his scowl intensified.
If you asked any of her friends, they'd tell you that Ino Yamanaka was the pillar of support in their lives. She was the one that listened to them, encouraged them when they faltered and even gave them the tough love they needed. She was always there ready to lend a hand and offer help.
But now she felt utterly helpless.
Even though it was filed under classified internal clan matter, Ino had learned of the duel of Honor that was going to happen in the Hyuuga compound. She wouldn't be a good Yamanaka if she didn't uncover that secret.
Although what made her suspect something was about to go down was the combination of a jittery Hanabi, a battle ready Hinata with her Hyuuga mask on and the constant sighs of 'Troublesome Hyuugas' uttered from Shikamaru every two seconds. But it was Gaara who confirmed it to her as he had found himself tangled in the Hyuuga clan's mess when they tried to make him marry their heiress who refused to go quietly in the night. The one good thing that came out of it was Gaara prolonging his stay until it was all handled.
She was proud of her friend for standing up for herself but she was equally worried about her too. Neither she nor Gaara knew about the terms of the duel since that was a well-guarded clan secret. But judging by the state of the cuticles of one Hanabi Hyuuga, it was stress inducing enough for the young heiress to bite her nails to the nubs.
All she knew were her lessons as future head to the Yamanaka clan, and her lessons told her that a duel of Honor was a duel to the death if the losing party doesn't accept the terms of their defeat. And that was worrying enough to make her ruin her own manicure.
And the worst part she couldn't offer her support when Hinata asked her to pick up a few of her hospital shifts since she had an important 'clan event', she had to get ready for. She couldn't even talk to her about it as she wasn't supposed to know. But she guessed that her friend was aware of her knowledge. Especially since after she accepted to take off her work load, Ino hugged her tightly whispering to not die. The Hyuuga had hugged her equally tight reassuring her she didn't plan to.
That being said she still felt helpless, but she wasn't one to stay twiddling her thumbs. She might not be able to help one friend but she had another friend that was in need of her support and a very high dose of tough love. That was how she found herself breaking into Sakura's house.
It was dark and tangy. The usually immaculate appartement was a mess and required a thorough dusting and maybe a cleansing ritual judging by the spirit like figure that refused to move from her bed. Ino had been trying to coax her from under the sheet for fifteen minutes and she was at her wits end.
"Sakura if you don't get up, so help me I will kick your seven-month pregnant ass" The Yamanaka opened the windows to allow the sunlight into the hole her friend has decided to bury herself in.
"Go away. I'm supposed to be on bed rest." The lump on the bed answered. The blonde wasn't having it, she grasped the sheets with both hands and pulled until the pinkette hissed under the now too bright room.
"You've done enough moping to last you a life time." She wasn't fazed by the emerald eyes that glared at her "Get up."
"Bite me." Sakura huffed.
"Stop being so stubborn Forehead." Ino was pleased by the spark of irritation that appeared on the other's kunoichi's face "It's time to wake up and get your shit together."
"Why are you even here Ino-pig?" She spat "Shouldn't you be somewhere comforting your precious Hinata."
"Green has always been your color." The Yamanaka commented off handily. "But envy doesn't suit you."
"I am not jealous of Hinata." She gritted her teeth.
"Oh?" Ok, now we're getting somewhere. "Then what was that at Hinata's celebratory party a month ago?"
"That was me looking out for Sasuke-kun." The ensure look that Sakura had, let her know her excuse sounded hollow to her own ears. But she's known the other woman since childhood. Sakura was as hardheaded as her forehead. Even when she was in the wrong, she had a tendency to deny her faults. Fortunately for her Ino had a tendency to give her a reality check.
"No, that was you being a jealous cow, because Sasuke-kun was looking at Hinata the way you wished he looked at you."
"That is absurd." The pink-haired kunoichi huffed "You're making it sound like Sasuke-kun has feelings for her."
Oh, Sakura.
Ino took a seat at the edge of her bed. Saphire eyes met emerald green and she could already tell that the other woman was bracing for the truth. Sakura was not clueless. She knew, but she needed to hear it out loud.
"Sakura." Her hand reached for hers "Sasuke-kun does have feelings for Hinata."
"No." She shook her head stubbornly, clinging to that last shred of illusion "You're wrong."
"You know him better than most." The blonde continued "That man has looked through most of us like we were ghosts, but his eyes stop and see her. To him she is more real than you and I."
She watched as her lower lip wobbled.
"There is some truth to the rumors that used to circulate the village" Ino asked for silent forgiveness as she twisted the knife. "They really were spotted spending a lot of times together and they appeared closer than friends."
Sakura pretended to scoff but her blue eyes could see through the act.
"Have you ever seen Sasuke-kun going out of his way to spend time with someone?" Ino knew she was hurting her but her friend needed to move on "Do you truly believe he made her his apprentice just so she can participate in a tournament? I know you might not know much about clan affairs but he essentially claimed her, offered her his protection…"
"Why would she need his protection?" The pink haired kunoichi interrupted her bitterly. "She's already an heiress to her own clan."
"You don't know everything Sakura. Just be thankful for your loving parents" Ino sighed when her friend frowned at her statement "The point is Sasuke-kun lets her wear his emblem and use his name. So, you cannot tell me he doesn't care for her."
Her friends face scrunched in pain and the Yamanaka was reminded of the small girl she found crying because she was being bullied.
"You already know it. It's why you attacked Hinata that way." Ino sighed "Sasuke-kun has feelings for Hinata."
"But why?" Green eyes filled with tears "Why her…?"
"Why her and not you?" Ino squeezed her hand even though she tried to pull away "Why you and not her?"
Pink eyebrows scrunched in confusion.
"Do you think Hinata-chan never asked herself that, when Naruto chose you over and over again?" A flash of guilt on Sakura's face prompted her to continue "She loved him as long as you loved Sasuke. She yearned for his love the same way you yearned for Sasuke's. Don't you see the parallels here?"
Her friend kept quiet and Ino continued.
"If she had asked me the same question, I would've told her what I'm telling you now" Tears kept spilling from her friend's eyes "We don't get to choose who we love."
"I know that!" Sakura snatched her hand away "Don't you think I know that!"
Ino felt pang at the way Sakura held herself together.
"But if Sasuke-kun has feelings for another, it means it was all for nothing." The pink-haired kunoichi wiped her tears forcefully "It means I wasted years loving someone who'd never love me back."
"Love is never a waste Sakura." The Yamanaka cupped both her hands again "Even if it's not returned."
"I could've been happy this whole time if I'd just given up on Sasuke-kun sooner." She hiccupped "And all the damage I've done to Naruto was for nothing. It took him going out with Hinata to realize what I felt for him. And I was selfish and didn't want to let him go and I caused damage to Hinata as well."
The pink-haired kunoichi was full blown sobbing now.
"And yet it took one look from Sasuke towards another for me to rip both of them to shreds again. I keep hurting him over and over and for what?! Nothing." The Yamanaka's heart ached for her friend as she broke down under the weight of her own guilt "I'm a bad person. No wonder my own mother doesn't want to talk to me. And I will probably be a bad mother and my daughter will hate me like her dad does now…"
Ino threw her arms around her as the expecting mother turned into a crying mess. She kept shushing her and let her cry it out. It couldn't have been easy to navigate all those complicated feelings along with an unplanned pregnancy. All without a support system. And even though Naruto was present, he was still duty bound as Hokage and wouldn't be able to spend enough time preparing for the arrival of their child.
She must've felt so alone.
Ino didn't react when snot started dripping on her expensive shirt. Only when Sakura started to calm down did she speak again.
"You are not a bad person Sakura." The blonde wiped her friend's face with a tissue "You're just someone who did something bad. You'll figure it out, you always do."
The pink haired kunoichi wiped her blood shot eyes, as she settled down. She looked like she was about to respond but the blond cut her off as the previous words registered in her mind.
"Wait. Did you say daughter?!"
"Yes." Sakura smiled softly, placing her hand on her protruding stomach and Ino could see the love and yearning to meet her unborn child.
"That's amazing!" Sapphire eyes sparkled "How did Naruto take it?"
"I… haven't told him yet." Her smile faltered "I apologized but he is still mad…Rightfully so and I think he must hate me too"
"Now that's really stupid." The Yamanaka scoffed "That boy's heart beats for you. It did since we were children."
"Do you think he'll listen to me?" Her small voice let her see how much strain she's been under "I don't know what I'm doing and…I'm scared to raise this baby alone."
"You know Naruto will never abandon you." The blonde haired kunoichi held her hand "And even if he did. Remember who you are."
Green eyes blinked at her.
"You are Sakura Haruno and you will rise to every challenge and exceed every expectation."
"You're right." Sakura straightened "I will make him listen."
"Now there's the stubbornness we know and loath." Ino grinned.
"Shut up Ino pig." Sakura punched her shoulder and the Yamanaka winced.
"You need to ease up on the punches." She rubbed her shoulder "You have a little girl on the way, you need to be gentle."
"Ino?" The pink haired kunoichi hesitated for a second before speaking again "Can you help me with a few things? I need you to strong arm Naruto to meet me here. I can't exactly leave the apartment much. Tsunade-sama put me on strict bed rest."
"I'll drag him by the ear if I have to." Although she doubted, he'll resist much.
"And can you help me pick baby clothes?" She smiled, the excitement of all expecting parents finally seeping through.
"I thought you'd never ask." Ino clapped her hands in delight thinking about all the pink baby clothes she'll go shopping for.
Now that she had something to do she felt less helpless.
Sasuke Uchiha was someone who appreciated quiet. He didn't like unnecessary chatter, nor did he enjoy explaining himself. It has always been difficult for him, unlike his best friend who was unashamed to bare his soul for all to see.
He had had to close himself off from the world and push everyone away to pursue his goal. It wasn't hard to distance himself from people. Only Naruto with his unrelenting pursuit was able to get past his defenses and grow on him like an annoying weed of optimism. And even though he didn't show it, the Uchiha was appreciative of all the blond's efforts of dragging him out of the darkness kicking and screaming.
He was the only one who understood him without the need for him to speak.
Well, used to be the only one to understand him.
Hinata Hyuuga was another one that creeped past his defenses and buried herself deep in the cracks of his damaged soul with her disarming smile, her quiet strength and pure heart that offered unwavering support and overflowed with compassion.
She too understood his silence and was able to speak without saying a single word.
She didn't say anything when he came back a mess of bruises and broken bones after his no hold-back spar against Naruto. (Another proof that his friend understood his desperate need to blow off some steam). All she did was make him sit on his couch and heal him.
She didn't say anything when his arms encircled her waist pulling her closer to bury his face in her stomach. She just ran her hand softly through his hair, taking the rest of his turmoil away.
She didn't even say anything when she woke up in the middle of the night, hours later after they parted, to find him perched on her windowsill with his Dojutsu on, guarding her as she slept. All she did was raise the cover in a silent invitation he readily took.
She didn't say anything when he looped his arm around her and pulled her back against his chest nor did she say anything when he nuzzled her neck to finally be able to unwind.
She understood perfectly his agitation and need to make sure she was safe.
He knew that his worry was disproportionate considering she could protect herself now, but he just couldn't help himself. It probably had something to do with the fact that he lost all those he ever loved. It was the closest he would get to explaining the intensity of what he felt for her.
But Hinata had listened to his silence with no judgement and knew exactly what he needed, so she let him cling to her. She was able to calm his nerves just by allowing him to be near her.
It was how Sasuke knew that when he met her in front of the Hyuuga compound after sneaking out, that she'll also understand his next unspoken words.
Her cheeks blushed prettily when he handed her the single blue Hydrangea under the watchful gaze of the two Hyuuga guards. He didn't care that they gawked at him in astonishment. Not when Hinata had cradled the flower to her chest and looked at him as if he just gave her the world.
No words were exchanged but he knew that she heard him loud and clear. The unspoken meaning of gratitude of being understood, blooming in the blue petals that meshed beautifully with the lavender in her eyes.
"I'll walk you to work." Were the first words he uttered since yesterday after he asked her to stay in his apartment while he went looking for a fight with Naruto.
"Okay." Hinata smiled shyly before joining him.
They walked leisurely ignoring the stares of the villagers that spotted them closely together. Sasuke could already feel the rumors starting to take root especially when his fingers laced through hers gently just to make sure she was there next to him. For once their deduction might turn out to be true as this was a declaration to all; Hinata Hyuuga was his.
"You should've gone back home to sleep more." Her voice interrupted his musings.
"I sleep better when you're near." Her cheeks pinked when his gaze landed on her and he had to suppress a smile at the way she tried to hide behind her bangs. He liked getting those type of reactions when he surprised her by saying things like that.
They kept on moving in comfortable silence with Sasuke glancing at her every once in a while. She kept her lavender orbs on the flower he got for her while smiling softly.
Maybe Yamanaka was right after all.
He'll fill her room with them if he could get her to smile like that every time.
The Hyuuga stumbled when he tugged at her hand suddenly changing course and he chuckled at her clumsiness. He had to resist the urge of reaching out to pinch her cheek when she pouted. Instead, he reached out to the handle of the door of the bakery, he made a habit of visiting. The chime of the door alerted the owner to their presence.
"Uchiha-san…" The old lady manning the register blinked before smiling when her eyes landed on his companion "and Lady Hyuuga! We have missed your presence."
"It's good to see you again. Cho-Obaa-san." Hinata smiled kindly.
I guess she's the type to remember other people's names.
No wonder she used to be Konoha's sweetheart. Although he guessed the villagers were fickle; one second she was their princess and the next she was a home wreaker when they thought she slighted Sakura (Another Konoha sweetheart) and now she was their champion again.
Sometimes he really disliked this place. His thoughts were interrupted by the woman's aged voice.
"I guess you didn't need to come that often with Uchiha-san indulging that sweet tooth of yours." The grey-haired woman smiled at him slyly before pretending to whisper "My own deceased husband used to do the same. He also was as smitten as this young gentleman."
Sasuke felt heat creeping up his neck.
Meddlesome old bat.
"Just get the cinnamon roll." His face warmed further when Hinata giggled after noticing the slight flush to his cheeks.
"Two as usual?" She chuckled when he glared at her. Most would've pissed themselves but he guessed all grannies were immune to him.
"One." His dark eyes traversed to the Hyuuga when she pouted in displeasure and he felt his lips twitching in amusement "All that sugar will rot your teeth."
Once the old baker turned around to get his order, Sasuke leaned down to speak at a lower volume. It was time for payback.
"Now what have I told you about pouting like that, Princess?" He smirked when her eyes widened at the sudden proximity "Do you want me to demonstrate what I'd like to do to you right here?"
He felt satisfied at the red that overtook her complexion. The Uchiha stepped away from her once the woman behind the counter turned back around with the dessert. He kept a neutral expression on his face as if he didn't just proposition the Hyuuga heiress in public. Once the money and goodbye were exchanged, they hit the streets again.
"Here." Sasuke handed her the still hot cinnamon bun "You can hide how flustered you are behind the pastry."
He chuckled when he heard her grumbled "Baka" before biting into the dessert. They continued walking with Hinata munching on the sugary disaster and him suppressing a smile every time she hummed in satisfaction. Before long they reached the hospital's doors.
"Thank you for walking me to work." She looked bashfully to the ground. "I..I'll see you later."
She dashed away quickly but his voice halted her.
"Hinata." He raised an eyebrow "Come here."
The blue-haired medic obeyed with a quizzical look that made her even more irresistibly adorable.
"You have frosting on your face." Her cheeks flushed when he cupped her face with both hands. His thumb reached her upper lip to swipe the white substance, that had him thinking really inappropriate thoughts that he shouldn't be having this early in the day. Damn. "You always end up being a sticky mess while eating those appalling pastries."
And although it would've been hilarious to let her parade around unaware of it, the thought of some sod fantasizing about her lips had him fantasizing about torturing said miserable sod and it was just way too early for that.
"Hey!" She tried to look offended but failed with the way her face kept turning red. He wasn't exactly hiding his heated gaze and she naturally picked up on it "Don't diss the cinnamon roll until you actually try it."
"Okay." He smirked before tilting her head up, happy to indulge in a treat himself.
Sasuke pressed his lips to hers firmly in a way that startled her enough to gasp. His tongue swiped her lower lip teasingly, torturously slow (Why should he be the only one getting hot under the collar?) and she melted into him like the frosting that dissipated on his taste buds. And just as she opened her mouth to allow him entrance, he pulled away, satisfied at the way she trailed after him.
"Hmm." He licked his lips slowly, relishing in the way she was transfixed by the gesture "Not bad."
"S-Sasuke!" Hinata hid her red face behind her hands once she regained her senses "We're in p-public."
"Don't be a hypocrite now." He smirked "You kissed me at the training ground."
"Y-you c-cornered me against a tree!" Her face reddened further.
"And I could tell you wanted more then just as you do now." The look on her face had him grinning.
She squeaked adorably and he chuckled when she failed at formulating a coherent response. The Hyuuga whipped around and ran towards the hospital's entrance instead.
"I'll pick you up later Princess." He raised his voice loud enough for the few passersby to hear causing her to stumble on her own feet.
Sasuke kept grinning as he brought his thumb to his mouth to clean the sticky sugar off it. The Uchiha grimaced at how sweet it was.
It certainly tasted better on her mouth.
The next few days were a blur of shifts at the hospital and training with Neji. They made some progress when it came to her lightning jutsu. Although it was easier to surprise a regular opponent, it was trickier against a Hyuuga who's fighting style relied on close range combat and had almost the same movement pattern. Her jutsu was inspired from her clan's technique and her medical knowledge after all.
However, her speed should give her an edge. In theory.
Neji was faster when performing the gentle fist so she couldn't test it accurately. Her grandfather should be slower than her but she didn't want to take any chances.
Sasuke who made time to observe a few of her training sessions, promised to teach her a trick he used regularly. The fact that the technique came from Kumo was an irony she couldn't get over. She was excited about it but he said it was best to practice it in the Uchiha district, in other words away from Neji who had no problem expressing his opinion about the matter.
"What even is this technique that requires a secluded area?"
Sasuke had raised an eyebrow without saying a word. Neither Hyuuga had seen him move, nor could they keep up with their Byakugan. All they saw was a trail of purple chakra and the distinct sound of his lightning.
Hinata squeaked when he suddenly appeared in front of her, close enough to make her lose her balance. His hand reached her lower back to steady her, while hers clung to the lapel of his shirt. The gleam of amusement in his dark eyes let her know he did it on purpose.
"And you'll get her to do that?" The Hyuuga genius cocked an eyebrow in doubt.
"As much as her body can handle." The Uchiha didn't let go of her as he answered.
"How does it work?" Hinata asked intrigued.
"The lightning passes from your chakra pathways to your muscles giving them a boost of strength and thus a boost of speed. I'll help guide the lightning through your chakra gates." His lips stretched into a wicked smirk and his voice lowered. "A bit like what I did when I showed you how to redirect lightning. Do you remember that particular lesson Princess?"
Hinata felt heat rising to her face when she remembered how his fingers had trailed on her skin leaving goosebumps in their wake. She remembered how a lightning infused touch to her lower spine almost made her see stars. And she definitely remembered how his chuckle in her ear sent another wave of electricity down her spine, that made her acutely aware of the heat pooling in her lower belly.
The Hyuuga jumped away from him when she noticed his fingers were already positioned on her lower back right on top of her gate of wonder, more commonly known as the pleasure gate.
His low chuckles made her face color.
"That doesn't explain the need for a secluded area." Neji's eyes narrowed, jumping from her flushed face to Sasuke's amused one.
"It requires a certain level of concentration, so there's a need for privacy." He kept a straight face when saying his next words "Plus I don't think your cousin likes to be watched when engaging in such activities."
Another squeak left her. Unlike her, the Uchiha kept his composure under Neji's suspicious gaze as if he didn't just utter an innuendo solely for her to understand.
"How's the fire technique going?" She was thankful for the change in subject.
"I'm working on it." The Hyuuga tried to cool her cheeks but it was hard to do when he smirked at her like that.
Baka.
"She still refuses to try it while we spar." Her cousin crossed his arms over his chest, showing his displeasure.
Did he just tell on me?
"We've been through this." Sasuke scolded her. "You need to test it."
"It's still not done yet." Hinata mumbled trying to hide the fact she just didn't wish to hurt her cousin, who immediately picked up on it.
"I can handle it Hinata-sama."
"It's still volatile." The reprimanding tone made her eyes narrow. "I might set your hair on fire."
"I'll pay good money to see that." Sasuke smirked when the other Hyuuga glared at him "You still have to test it."
Her lavender tinted eyes met his dark one in a show of stubbornness until he sighed in exasperation.
"I'll think of something."
She smiled in a show of gratitude before frowning. There was no guaranty it will work when facing her grandfather. There was a real possibility the flames will go out in reflex under his cold gaze. Sasuke must've sensed her worry for he murmured a small "I've got you."
That was how she found herself on his couch again while he explained what he had in mind.
"Compartmentalization is the exercise of tucking away a thought, a situation or a memory to the back of your mind." Sasuke's voice took that lecture tone that never failed to make her pay attention "It may sound easy but the difficulty lays in tucking away the feelings tied to it. Controlling your emotions is what'll allow you to make level headed decisions, to stay in the moment and get through the challenges you'll be facing."
She nodded. She already knew how to do that to a degree. Most shinobi were trained in it, Hyuugas even more so. It was what gave them that cold reputation. The famous Hyuuga mask was the result of years of controlling one's emotions. She couldn't say she was that great at it, she was known for wearing her emotions on her face. It was only in recent years that she crafted her own mask but instead of indifference she hid behind a smile.
"However, there are levels to it. Most shinobi have a superficial understanding of it. Those who excelled at it are usually those who went through traumatic events." The sorrow in his eyes made her heart clench painfully. She had seen but a fraction of it and it still made her ache for him "Or those who had to survive in an unhealthy environment."
Meaning people like her.
"Although I doubt the idiot is aware of it, Naruto is a good example of someone who healthily mastered it." A fond smirk seeped through at the thought of his best friend. "He took all the trauma, hid it away and then successfully fed it to his determination and will to change things."
She felt a smile tugging at her lips as well. Naruto was truly inspiring.
"The Usuratonkachi should've been consumed by hatred toward the village." Here his eyes darkened "And that would've been dangerous considering he's a Jinchuriki, but thanks to the fourth Hokage's seal and later on his sage training he was almost always in control."
Hinata had been a witness to Naruto's spectacular growth. She couldn't have been proud.
"However, it is not flawless. The more one compartmentalizes without facing the emotions later the more instable their mindscape is."
"What's a mindscape?" The kunoichi inquired. She's never heard of the term.
"It's a place in your mind where you stock your emotions, memories, thoughts, secrets. It is where you essentially hide your soul from an intruder, in a matter of speaking." The concept puzzled her. Soul?
"An intruder?" She frowned.
"A Yamanaka for example." Sasuke provided the answer just as she figured it out. "A mind walk is someone looking for an unprotected memory and a mind probe is the art of reading one's thought."
"So one can protect their mind from external attacks." She deduced.
"That's what we'll be doing; securing your mindscape." His eyes regarded her with a seriousness that let her know that it wouldn't be an easy feat "Not only will it stave off any type mental jutsu but it's a safe place you can retreat to in case of dire situations that are meant to break you. But what's really relevant in your situation is compartmentalizing the memories I saw last time there, so they don't affect you as much."
"I'm not sure I have a mindscape." She avoided his gaze.
"Everyone has one. You just don't know how to access it." She nodded in understanding "That's where I come in. I'll guide you to it"
"What happens if a mindscape becomes instable?" Hinata recalled his earlier comment.
"Either the person loses control and be consumed by their emotions or it collapses on itself completely" He elaborated when she frowned harder. "I can give you two examples. Although I never witnessed it myself Naruto had lost control in such a manner once and it almost destroyed him."
Lavender tinted eyes widened.
"Actually, you should be the one telling me about it" His voice lowered to a whisper "since it was the sight of you on the brink of death that had him lose control over the nine tailed fox."
"Pein's attack." She sucked in a harsh breath. She had been unconscious for most of it but she still remembered the feeling of being launched in the air by that magnetic force, she still remembered the metallic rode going through her. She passed out before Naruto lost control.
"The thought of losing you had him lose control completely." He ran his fingers through her long hair softly "I can relate to that."
Her throat felt dry when his eyes brimmed with emotions she couldn't identify. Wouldn't dare put a name to.
"What's the second example?" She inquired trying to dissipate the heavy atmosphere. When he pulled back and averted his gaze, she knew she somehow made it worst.
"When I learned the truth about my brother's sacrifice." Sasuke swallowed thickly "When I realized I had spent my life hating the one person that loved me the most, I snapped."
It was Hinata that reached for him this time. He didn't shrug her hand away but clutched it tightly.
"My mindscape collapsed completely and I for lack of better term went insane." He cleared his throat "But you don't have to worry about that for now."
"Right." Hinata's voice was soft "So compartmentalizing. I think I already have the basics down."
"I suspect you have more than the basics down." His dark eyes appraised her. When her dark eyebrows scrunched in confusion he explained. "Last time I was inside your mind I stumbled across a memory I couldn't access."
Hinata racked her brain for that last encounter trying to remember the incident. Her eyes widened when she did. It was hazy like the few memories she had as a toddler she couldn't remember but she knew it was there.
"You can't access it either, can you?" His voice pulled her out of her muddled thoughts "I think it's already protected somehow even though the rest weren't. I'd like to try again if you'll let me."
She couldn't say the last time was a pleasant experience, but the thought of not having total control of her mind scared her. Why couldn't she remember? If Sasuke was right then she might have knowledge of how to compartmentalize already and that hidden memory might be the key.
"Okay. You can try again." The Hyuuga straightened but waivered a bit. There was essentially a barrier in her mind and she's heard from Ino how unpleasant it was to breach that type of mental shield. She guessed Sasuke was about to do the same "Will it hurt?"
"It shouldn't be a problem." His lips twitched "as long as your conscious mind gives me permission and you help get me there."
"Okay." She took a big breath in when his onyx eyes changed to red and purple. She tensed momentarily when he reached for her. Instead of putting his hand on her cheek like he usually does it found her waist pulling her in. Hinata was startled when he closed the distance between them until his lips hovered over hers.
"Don't worry." His breath fanned her face when he whispered "I'll be gentle."
Her cheeks warmed under his intense gaze. The last thing she felt before darkness took over was Sasuke's soft lips brushing against hers.
AN: I know another cliff hanger buuuut i hope you still enjoyed the bit of fluff to help wash down the angst in the previous chapter. I also hope you liked the teasing and the low simmering heat as well as the two wise blondes that are always there for their friends.
Next chapter should be good especially with the gift I have planned for you dear readers. So do wait for deligently for that notification.
That being said I would like to welcome our newst reader, whom I unfortunetly couldn't answer do to technical difficulties. I really enjoyed reading all your reviews. Every one had me rereading the corresponding chapter just to guess which part you liked. Keep it up please.
The rest as well! Reviews!
-Your English-French-Spanish-Russian-Arabic-speaking writer (since you asked)
Lady Thunder Storm.