Hikari couldn't really see the expressions on Ryuu's face very well in the dim light of the moon, so she knew it'd be even more difficult for him to see her expressions because the hood cast and even darker shadow over her face in the already dim light. She gave a small nod when he asked her to try, assuring her that he would listen. She explained to him how she was feeling as best she could. To be quite honest, she'd never told anyone this, aside from Kakashi, who had been beside her through all of the things that had happened to make her the way she was. Otherwise, she hadn't even told Kuro these things. Not that she wouldn't have, it was just that the opportunity hadn't yet arisen for her to discuss them.<br/><br/>She smiled lightly, a hint of sadness hidden beneath it. "Maybe. But my mistakes always seem to end with someone getting hurt, one way or another." That was unfair and she knew it. Her being out when Orochimaru had come for her, wasn't her fault, and if she'd been there she would have been taken, or her parents and everyone would have fought just as hard and died anyways, only they would have died for nothing. And her squad... She'd not made a mistake to lose them. She'd performed as well or better than expected. Yet she couldn't help but think, what if she'd noticed the ninja earlier? What if she'd been stronger? What if she could have let the beast out sooner? Of course, she knew these were all foolish things to think, each for their own reason, but it didn't matter. Regardless of the fact that none of those had been her fault, she bore the burden nonetheless, and it fueled her fear of losing anyone else, her desire to protect those she loved, to be the strongest kunoichi in the world, to one day be the next female Hokage. Then... maybe she would be strong enough. To protect those she loved, and everyone else in the village.<br/><br/>"You're welcome." she smiled gently before turning to start heading back. He agreed, so once she'd said the last thing on her mind, she headed out. The journey back to the village was quiet, both of them undoubtedly lost in their own thoughts. It was pleasant, though. The air was pleasant, the pale moonlight, the cool wind that rushed by. It was quite enjoyable. And the silence wasn't awkward. She was glad for that.<br/><br/>When they finally reached the village, they entered the gates and walked quietly. It wasn't quite the same as it had been with Kuro. She didn't regret their parting, certainly not the same way. But she was happy that she thought that they had connected some on the mission, so there was no reason for regret anyways. "Hmm?" she stopped and looked back at him, taking the scroll and then listening as he spoke. She smiled, shaking her head. "You have nothing to apologize for. As you said, these things happen. There's no point in dwelling on them. Besides. I don't think it's ending on a bad note." she spoke in a calm, gentle voice, giving him a smile as she did.<br/><br/>She tilted her head curiously when he spoke again. She thought she had an idea of what he was going with it, but then he paused and it didn't end up being what she thought. She had mixed feelings about this. "Of course." she smiled gently, hugging him in return. "And the same goes for you. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me." she smiled, a little more brightly as she pulled back from him. "Good night." she replied, watching as he left. But she felt a hint of pain inside as she watched him leave. "I'm sorry, Ryuu." she whispered into the night, knowing that she was hurting him, even if he wasn't saying so.<br/><br/>She sighed and looked up, staring at the moon above. "And what about you, Kuro?" she wondered aloud, reaching a hand up and closing her fist, as though she were trying to grab the moon. "Will you always be out of my reach?" she wondered, not worrying who would hear her, as the village still slept. It was then that she heard it, what sounded like yelling, coming from the Hokage's office. She frowned and disappeared, appearing outside the office, not wanting to intrude. She appeared in time to hear them both yell "SHUT UP!" and she wondered what was going on. She listened as Tsunade say she didn't know how she put up with his behavior, and went on to talk about her. What really caught her off guard, however, was when he said that they wouldn't have to deal with him much longer. The words felt like a dagger in her heart, stealing her breath away. She stared blankly at the doors before her as a million thoughts spun around in her mind and fear and pain swelled inside, threatening to overwhelm her.<br/><br/>She didn't have time to really wonder about what he meant before the doors flew open and her eyes met his and she made no attempt to hide the emotions that showed plainly on her face. He didn't say a word, just looked her way and then left. Why? She felt a wave of emotions crash over her as she watched him walk away. Truth be told, in that moment, she wanted to scream, to cry, but mostly she wanted to run after him, to ask him why, to make him explain. But she couldn't do any of those things. Instead she forced the emotions down, deep inside, wiping the emotions from her face before looking into the office where Tsunade waited. She could tell the woman was angry. It wasn't one of the emotions she felt right now, surprisingly.<br/><br/>She took a deep breath to calm herself before she walked in. "We've returned." She informed her, holding out the scroll Ryuu had given her. She then took two scrolls and a blank piece of paper and copied the scrolls and document of importance, exactly as they had appeared. As she did, she explained everything of importance that had happened and handed her the copies she'd made of the documents. "Alright then. Good work." Lady Tsunade replied, holding out a small scroll. "Take the day off and get some rest. Here's something to work on in your training. After you rest, of course." she waited for Hikari to take the scroll and then frowned slightly. "You heard us, didn't you?" she asked, already pretty sure the girl had. Hikari looked out the window, her face still not showing anything. "Enough of it, yes." she replied in the same matter-of-fact way that had explained the details of the mission. Tsunade sighed. "Are you  okay? I really don't know how you do it." Tsunade asked, then repeated her earlier sentiment. Hikari stared out the window a little longer before speaking. "I'm fine." A lie, of course, which Tsunade knew, but she wouldn't push. "Can I go?" she asked, to which Tsunade nodded. "Get some rest."<br/><br/>With that, Hikari left, heading home, where she changed her clothes and climbed into bed. She stared out at the moon, wondering what Kuro was thinking, what he was planning. Would she see him again? Why was he pushing her away? He knew she cared, right? He had to. He must know that she didn't feel like she was putting up with him. Or at the very least she wanted to. She didn't want to lose him. The very thought made her chest feel tight, making it hard to breathe. Her thoughts lingered on him until her eyelids grew too heavy and she finally drifted off to sleep, wondering what was to come.