Naruto 1. Chapter 1

What happened was to be expected from Naruto. After a short lived, long awaited relationship with Hinata he ran straight back to Sakura. He said he couldn't hurt his best friend the way 'he' did. So, she opened the door for him and allowed him to go with no strings attached. No point in holding onto something that already had one foot out the door. Wasn't like she was tired of trying or anything, one just couldn't fight for a relationship when the other already had his bags packed.

Of course she was heart broken and feared the worst if her father found out of her new relationship status. That would mean the betrothal with her cousin, Neji, would resume. Her father insisted she step forward and take the title as the eldest of his daughters rightfully should. She didn't want it, and she didn't want to marry her cousin. The thought grossed her out despite there being several related marriages in her family.. Rarely did a Hyuga marry someone outside of the clan.

Neji wanted to marry TenTen, but even he knew that wouldn't happen under Hiashi's eye. She'd spoke to TenTen about it many many times and each time ended with her sobbing on her shoulder. Bottom line was, if Hinata didn't marry she wouldn't get the title of her clan. So she just wouldn't marry anyone.. In all respect to TenTen she would never marry Neji willingly. When Hinata spoke out to her father about not wanting to be married period, he went so far as to bring up Kiba. He just did not want his daughters to lose the head seat of their clan.

Kiba was married already, and had twins due that fall. Though it was possible, there was no way in hell she would share a man with any woman. She was just shooting down all his suggestions one by one until he stood firm and told her, "As long as you reside in my house and you are unwed I can do whatever I please with you! I could sell you for cattle of I wanted to, and I say you will marry Neji!"

"I don't love him!"

"You believe you are marrying for love? That's selfish of you!" She silenced herself in his presence and took a deep relaxing breath. "You're right, I apologize father. Clearly this is the best decision for the clans well being. Now excuse me while I got to my room."

"Very well, the chef is making your favorite tonight. You should join us dear." Hinata nodded before walking to room and sitting on her small bed mat.

She was being selfish? She just wanted to be happy like he and her mother once were. Was that really to much to ask of her father? She crossed her legs and attempted to reach an equilibrium with her, now spiked, chakra waves. The less she allowed into her mind the better she felt. When she found her 'happy place' she did her calmest and best thinking possible, which is how she made the decision to pack what she could and sneak out that night. She would tell no one and wait until everyone was asleep to slip out her window and make her way into the forest behind the Hyuga compound. From there she would follow the stream to the next town and swap her clothes at one of the shops. She'd originally planned to save her money for a wedding dress, but not if her husband was Neji.

Regardless she accompanied her father for dinner that night and acted as if nothing was wrong. He pitifully tried to explain to her his reasons for pushing her into an arranged marriage but none of them quite stuck with her. They all sounded like sorrowful excuses. Neji was invited to dinner also, but as predicted he didn't show. She didn't blame him..

After exchanging in a one sided conversation Hinata returned to her room to secretly finish gathering her things. She'd accepted the fact that she had just participated in her last dinner with her father and would never willingly speak to him again.

* * *

Come nightfall all the lights in the Hyuga residence were extinguished, including hers, and everyone appeared to be safe in their rooms. Not willing to waste any traveling time, she slipped off into the woods and did just as she planned until she made it to the next town where she casually entered a clothing store right before it closed and purchased two mesh shirts and black pants made for heavy ninja travel. After changing she took off hoping to get as much distance between her and the leaf village as possible before the sun rose.

Skillfully, she passed through multiple towns and by sun rise she was completely out of konoha and heading toward the sound village. She decided it was best to remove her leaf symbol and hide it away in her small satchel for now to avoid running into any trouble. Without it she felt naked..

Upon entering the sound village she noticed how alive it was, almost as alive as the leaf. She didn't have time to stop and reminisce though, there was only a short amount of time until her father would find her gone and send anbu to find her. The sound village was quite a large village and there were many unfamiliar faces all around her but they made no rude comments toward her. They were actually fairly nice to her and offered her many free things as she passed by. Respectfully she declined them and waved them off in fear of them remembering her face.

Silently she was glad she decided to remove her visible ties to the leaf, perhaps they wouldn't be so hospitable. As Hinata walked through the large festive morning crowd she couldn't help but believe she saw a familiar face. This of course put her on guard, there was no way she was going back home. She weaved her way out of the crowd and noticed an average sized man with white hair eyeing her from across the street. She couldn't help but feel like she'd seen him before, but she didn't stop long enough to let him know she noticed him.

Hinata continued down the street toward the edge of town. The white haired man was following her at a distance. '_great.. Something else to worry about..'_

Once she made it to the outskirts of town he stopped refusing to follow her past that point. He just smiled and watched her leave, only then did she recognize him as once being a henchman for Orochimaru. Kabuto Yakushi. The last she had heard he'd broken away from Orochimaru, along with Sasuke Uchiha but she didn't know the details of what was really going on. It was something she didn't concern herself with, that was Naruto's fight..

After pondering on it for nearly twenty minutes, she decided the best decision would be to head west around Konoha and toward the Rain Village. She used the shallow creek to hide her scent and tracks from anyone who may be following. The water was cold on her feet but she figured it would all be worth it in the end, because thinking critically there was not a shred of doubt that Kabuto wouldn't turn her whereabouts in to the nearest anbu in exchange for information. Just encase he did she was going to use all the tricks Kiba had taught her to knock them off her trail. In fact, the only way they wouldn't be shaken off would be if Hiashi and Lady Tsunade sent Kiba himself. Then the only hope she had left was her useful jump start she gave herself by sneaking out hours before they all knew. Plus it was unsuspected which possibly bought her some more extra time.

Hinata followed the creek all day and when evening started to settle in she stopped walking, no longer able to feel her feet, and used her Byakugan to scan the area. There was no one in pursuit so far, but there was a small village just ahead of her. She sighed in relief and continued her walk up the creek until she read a small sign, "Welcome to Kasu."

On a whim she chose to stay the night in one of the hotels the small village offered, and just as she walked in the lobby it began to storm. The rain was fierce and was working to her advantage in many ways to throw off trackers. Even Kiba had a difficult time tracking in the rain..

"May I help you ma'am?"

"Yes, I need a room for tonight.."

"Ahh, trying to wait out this storm?"

"Yeah, it looks pretty bad."

"Well this is such a small town that every storm nearly wipes us off the map." He rummaged through a drawer and handed her a key, "Here you are, enjoy your stay."

Reluctantly she walked up the stairs and found her room under 245. It was a small room fit for one, nothing fancy. She didn't mind at all, actually she welcomed the small cozy feeling it gave off. Her clothes were threw to one side of the room and she made her way to the bathroom and soaked in the tub thirty minutes before she crashed onto the bed. She slept comfortably until the next evening when the sound of chirping woke her. "Stupid bird." Gracefully she rose from the sheets and gathered her things before going to the lobby to turn her key in and pay the man. "Did you sleep good?"

"Yes I did."

"You must've been pretty tired."

"I feel better now."

As she stepped out of the hotel she immediately sensed familiar chakra signatures heading up the creek. "Damn!" She took off in the opposite direction hiding her chakra the best she could. If she could just make it to the Rain Village her Leaf oriented pursuers wouldn't be able to enter without a formal permission meeting between Kages, and that would take weeks to establish! But of course it also meant she would no longer be a Konohagekure Kunoichi and they would no longer have reason to pursue her.

Silently she cursed herself for sleeping in so late which in turn distracted her and she barely dodged a trap the wasn't originally meant for her. It was an explosive set to blow when someone was close to something they weren't supposed to be. Perhaps a hideout or someones campsite? She was knocked back a few feet and hit her head on a tree stump. Almost immediately her vision began to blur, but she no longer sensed any Leaf shinobi.

"Ugg god, what do we do with her?"

"I wonder what she was running from..."

"Who knows? We'll just ask Sasuke! He'll know what to do!"

Slowly she lost consciousness and went completely limp against the stump.


	2. Chapter 2

When Hinata regained consciousness she was laying beside a fire in what appeared to be a small campsite, but in a completely different area than she originally was. Quickly she rose only to grasp her head and hiss lightly. The explosion had to have given her a concusion of some sort. The cloak that was laying over milky skin fell off her should slightly and she gasped realizing she didn't have any clothes on underneath.

Hinata grabbed the cloak and pulled it in tighter than a second skin. Where was she? Better yet, who was she with? The cloak didn't look familiar to her, there were no symbols imprinted on it.

Snoring reached her ears and she averted her gaze to the far right where a red headed girl laid sprawled out ontop of a log in front of one of the tents. Her glasses were hanging from one of her tiny digits just barely scraping the ground. Hinata wrapped the cloak around her and stood carefully and quietly looking around. She could tell from the surrounding area they had long since passed the village hidden in the rain..

"you're finally awake.. Now you can answer some questions.."

Hinata looked over her shoulder at the man leaning against the tree. His hair was white and he had strange purple eyes and sharp teeth. "You caused us a lot of trouble back there. Led those leaf shinobi right to us."

"wasn't my intention.."

"what are your intentions?"

"to get as far away from the leaf village as possible."

"you commit a crime?"

"just treason."

"treason?"

"I abandoned my clan and my village, I have no use for them anymore."

"you sound like a woman of power.."

"no. I just don't wish to reside there any longer."

A tall man with orangish/red eyes stepped out of the tent next to the sleeping woman. "Thought you were gonna save all the questions for Sasuke?"

"she says she willingly wanted to leave her village and clan, I wanna know why. "

"Sasuke?" There was shock evident in her voice and the white haired man played a smirk on his features.

"you know Sasuke?"

"never heard of him."

The two men looked at one another before settling by the fire. Hinata sat on a stump the furthest away from them she could manage without looking as frightened as she really was. The girl began to stir and rose from her slumber to stretch. "I can smell you from here Suigetsu, you need a bath."

"what?!" His white hair frazzled slightly and his purple eyes narrowed.

"You heard me!"

Hinata could immediately tell they had one of those 'Naruto and Sakura' relationships going on. She tried her best not to gag and judge the girl on her harsh feelings for Sakura, but she seemed to be making that hard for her..

"so who are you?"

She second guessed herself before answering. There was no way she could tell them her real name, they might turn the situation into a ransom/hostage situation and ultimately land her back home with Hiashi.

"helloooo I'm talking to you! Do you not have a name?"

"maybe she doesn't wanna talk to you bitch face!"

Taki? Jaeda? Kurasami? Sami? What should she tell her? And if it really was Sasuke it would be pointless right? Maybe not.. He never paid much attention to her so there was high doubts that he would recognize her..

"Desamari."

"Desamari? That's unusual..I'll call you Des, okay? I'm Karin."

Know if she could just remember her own name..

"are you a Hyuga? I noticed your Byakugan when you dodged our trap." The tall man with red eyes spoke up.

"yes.."

Karin looked at her I'm disbelief. "The Hyuga clan is very well off... So why did you leave? And why were those guys chasing you?"

"I just.. Didn't want to live there anymore."

"oh.. I could understand how you could get tired of the spoiled life.. I never liked it much myself.."

"when the fuck were you spoiled?"

"shut up Suigetsu! Sasuke spoils me!"

"to get you off his back! I feel sorry for him!"

They went at it again while Hinata just faded into the background. "My name is Jugo."

He stared at her from his seated position and she nodded in recognition, "why am I naked?"

"the blast burned your clothes so I tossed my old cloak over you.. Sorry."

"sorry for ruining your trap.."

"save your apology. It wasn't mine, it was Sasuke's."

"I see.."

"he was from the leaf village too.. you sure you don't know him?"

"doesn't sound familiar.."

"well anyway, he won't be back until tomorrow sometime. You can share a tent with Karin.."

She sighed and looked over at the still bickering shinobi. This was going to be a long night...

That night she sat in the tent with Karin and watched her brush her hair And listened to her fantasize over Sasuke. "One day he and I will settle down and have kids of our own ya know?"

"when do you plan on that?"

"well.. I'm not sure yet but it will happen."

She reminded Hinata so much of Sakura that it wasn't funny... It was hard not to hate her.

"can you cut hair?"

"well yeah! You want yours cut?"

"yeah, short."

"really? You're hair is so long and pretty though.. Are you sure?"

"positive."

Karin sat behind her with kunai in hand and began slicing at her hair. "how short?"

"shorter."

She cut some more, "this good?"

"no, shorter..."

"really?...okay.."

Once Karin was finished Hinata's hair was well above her shoulders and barely kissing her neck (imagine a pixie cut if you will). She applied some of Karin's hair gel and slicked her bangs back giving her a bit of a wave and adding volume to her hair.

"Looks great."

"Thanks Karin.."

"I kinda... Really hope Sasuke decides to keep you around.. It's nice to have a girl here.."

Hinata gave her a small smile, "me too.."

"We should get some sleep.."

"right.."

The girls laid down somewhat relaxed knowing Suigetsu and Jugo were guarding outside the tent until Sasuke arrived.

* * *

Morning arrived far two soon for both girls, but despite their disorientation Karin hear Sasuke's voice and managed to literally jump out of the tent.

"Sasuke! I missed you!"

Groans of protest were heard loud and clean.. Karin just seemed to conveniently miss them all..

"not now Karin I'm exhausted.."

"Did Suigetsu and Jugo tell you what happened?"

"yeah, who is she?"

"Desamari Hyuga."

The outside of the tent grew silent and Hinata could hear footsteps in her general direction, "hey you, may I come in?"

All at once she became nervous and very hesitant. It wasn't likely that he would recognize her but there was alway that 5% chance. "Yeah."

"Desamari, correct?"

"yes."

"you are from the leaf village? Why are you leaving?"

His question where short and directly to the point, Hinata on the other hand was silently admiring how kind time had been to him and how well of a job puberty had done. He was nothing like the Sasuke from konoha, of course that was eight years ago(he was 13 when he left). His shoulders were broader and his stomach, which was half exposed, seemed to be a lot more defined than those days when sparing with Naruto.

"I do not wish to reside under Lady Tsunade's leadership any longer."

"any personal reasons."

"if I told you they would no longer be personal."

He nodded in agreement. "You can stay with us, just understand that my goal is to destroy Konohagakure. Stay out of my way and cause me no disposition and we shall get along fine."

Hinata nodded in understanding and he turned his back to her, "oh and I like your hair better that way.. It suits you."

"Excuse me?"

She tensed and blinked twice before feeling a sword against her back, "I can keep secrets but don't play me for a fool lady Hyuga. I will monitor you myself during your stay here and if any information of our whereabouts reaches Naruto I will kill you."

How did he know? Her plan was almost fool proof but he recognized her? How? She wasn't even around him that much during the exams and she had grown a considerable amount since then. She even stopped wearing her coat and didn't stutter at all. She'd worked so hard to change for the better and he saw through it like it was child's play!

"How did you know?" She asked silently, almost heart broken.

"Though I'm still suspicious.. I had a run in with a certain Hyuga last night. He'd asked me if I'd seen you, which I replied no and we had a spat before he took off."

"Neji?"

"yeah. He's looking for you, but I don't think it's to bring you home. Perhaps to say goodbye? You don't have to tell me what's really going on, I already know Hinata."

Slowly he slid his sword back to his side. "Like I said, stay out of my way."

There wasn't much she could say to him. He was very determined in his previously discussed goals, but if she remained with his group of renegades would that mean she would have to eventually face and fight her comrades? Well.. Old comrades. But still, could she really bring herself to do that?


	3. Chapter 3

"Have you decided what you're going to do?"

The question caught Hinata a tad bit off guard, "about what?"

"whether to stay or go? Sasuke said it's up to you entirely.. He wouldn't say much else.."

"I'm not so sure yet.."

The girls walked a distance behind the guys so their conversation was not to be heard. Hinata couldn't help but feel terrible about lying to Karin and Jugo... Not so much Suigetsu though, he frightened her.

All at once Karin's eyes lit up, "ohhh I love this next village we are going to! They have a constant fair all year round and there are tons of rides! We can actually have some girl time to 'talk'."

"talk?"

"yeah," She bobbed her eyebrows slightly, "I saw the way you were looking at Jugo last night. Trust me! I know how you feel! It's so hard not to jump Sasukes bones on sight."

Laughter erupted from Hinata's throat and she covered her mouth. "Sorry.. But," She whispered, "what is it you see in Sasuke?"

"I can't believe you just said that..!" Karin smiled and whispered back, "I see hope."

The smile melted off Hinata's face. She sees hope? Just what kind of hope was she looking for? Hinata was sure it wasn't the healthy kind..

Karins eyes gave away her emotions and real intentions. Sasuke gave her hope, but who knew she needed hope? She didn't seem like she was hopeless at all, just a little crazy. Then Hinata's mind flashed back to Orochimaru, perhaps that's what she needed hope for.

The group arrived at the small village and immediately checked into a room. Sasuke paired them off and sent them to the fair like a bunch of children. Karin, of course went with Sasuke, Suigetsu followed behind them rolling his eyes while she was stuck with Jugo.

"so what do you wanna do, Des?"

"oh that..," Better now than later, she assumed, "Jugo, I lied. I'm sorry. Desamari isn't my real name.."

He didn't seem to have a bad reaction. "Why'd you lie?"

"well, you see.. I did abandon my village and clan and I was afraid if I told you all who I really was you would .. Hold me hostage .. And -"

"demand ransom?"

"well.. Yeah."

"we're S ranked criminals, not common robbers."

"sorry.."

Jugo stopped and got them both a bowl of teriyaki chicken and chop sticks. "Well I can't say we've been completely honest with you either.."

"oh.."

"what's your real name?"

"Hinata Hyuga."

"Hinata.. I like that name better than Desamari anyway, suits you."

The silence was awkward, he was unusually kind for someone that dealt with Orochimaru..all of them were.

"Is Karin.. Okay?"

Jugo took a bite of food and glanced up at her. "She's never been okay.."

"She was talking about Sasuke and.. There is something more going on."

"yeah.. out of all of us she regrets most what she's done over the past few years. She can take down a man with no problem, but out of the entire group she'll be the only one to take flowers to his widow and cry with her."

Slowly Hinata began to grasp a better understanding of just who Karin was. She wasn't all that bad after you got to talk to her, and for all she knew she had plenty reasons to be crazy. She just couldn't figure out for the life of her why Sasuke would be her 'hope'.

"Karin is infatuated with Sasuke, if you haven't noticed. But, she doesn't love him. "

She arched a brow, "you sure about that? She was talking about kids and everything.."

"you just need to understand where she's coming from. Sasuke is the survivor of a great clan, and when he arrived at Orochimaru's hideout...Even before we met him we knew he would kill Orochimaru. Karin was very hopeful of this.. She seems... Happy when she is around Sasuke but it isn't real. The happiest you will ever see her is when she is around Suigetsu."

Hinata swallowed her food, "the white haired man?" She watched as Jugo nodded.

"So you did know Sasuke?"

"not personally.. I was.. Infatuated with his... Best friend.."

She watched him nod in understanding.

The group reunited at the hotel that evening. Sasuke seemed to be off in his own world while Jugo and Suigetsu stared at each other boredly. She, of course, was stuck with Karin painting her nails. "So Sasuke said we will be here until tomorrow night, sorry for ditching earlier.. Umm me and you can go out tomorrow while the guys stay here."

"oh.. Sure, it's okay."

She smiled and allowed her to finish painting before waving her arms frantically to dry them.

"did you have a boyfriend back at Konoha?."

Hinata couldn't help but notice all the heads, including Sasuke's, turn at the question.

"umm.. Actually, to be honest Karin.. The reason I left was to avoid an arranged marriage.."

"wow, really?"

"Karin, I lied to you. My real name is Hinata.. I am of the Hyuga clan, my father is Hiashi Hyuga. You probably don't know him.."

"I knew there was something weird about you when we first met."

"sorry."

"ehh don't worry about it. I'm sure you had your reasons."

So maybe Hinata was wrong to have thought she was just like Sakura. Sakura would've blown it all out of sorts and made a scene. Karin seemed to be much more understanding, matter of fact the only thing the two actually had in common was their infatuation with Sasuke.

"was the man really that bad?"

"Well he is my cousin Neji Hyuga. Father told me I was selfish to deny the engagement.. But I can't.. I won't marry someone I don't love."

"who do you love?"

Hinata bit her lip slightly, "n-no one I guess." Out of the corner of her eye she saw a knowing smirk glide across Sasukes face and for some reason it just rubbed her the wrong way so she snapped. "What, Sasuke?"

He looked up at her and rolled his eyes, "I'm not who I used to be Sasuke Uchiha. We will smack down in the hotel room and I will whip your ass."

Sasuke nearly toppled over in laughter, along with Jugo and Suigetsu. "I'm serious!"

Suigetsu shook his head and ran hand through his hair, "sounds like a pretty good idea. You're on! If Sasuke wins you have to start pulling your own weight around here and if he loses then-"

"Shut up Suigetsu. If I'm wrestling anyone it will be on my terms."

"Well go ahead!" Hinata was fuming now. She was determined to prove to him she was a lot stronger than before and wouldn't cry her way out of it. "If I lose, you name the place and we'll escort you there so you can safely leave the group."

Those terms didn't sound bad to her, besides it was better to have back up when crossing country. It's not like she'd really planned on staying with this wild bunch of idiots anyway.

"BUT. If you lose to me, understand that you will have no choice but to stay and become an official member of Hebi-"

"You're on!" It was a win/win situation for her. Even if she was stuck with this nut job she'd have a perfect opportunity to travel and see new things like she always wanted. Sooner or later she'd sneak away any who..

"AND," She stopped and looked at him. She had already agreed to all of his terms without hearing the AND part. Man was she slipping, "You have to help me restore my clan."


	4. Chapter 4

The door slammed behind her and she felt the floor shake violently. Hinata didn't have to turn to see who it was, she knew it was Karin.

Did Sasuke even realize how much he hurt her?

Hinata clenched her fist tightly, "I think we need to talk, Sasuke."

"yeah?"

"privately."

He turned his back to her and walked to his designated bedroom motioning for her to follow. Hinata stepped in and slammed the door behind her.

"I'm a little confused here. Are you just some dumb, or are you completely retarded?"

"hn."

"why do you do that to her?"

"who? Karin? She does that to herself."

"you sure don't help at all. The girl loves you Sasuke and you just disrespected her and her feelings straight to her face."

"hn."

Knowing that was just about all she was going to get from him she took her leave. Suigetsu and Jugo were in the living room as if waiting for a verdict.

"The bet is off." She passed them and walked out of the hotel to look for Karin.

When Hinata found Karin she was sitting against a tree stump playing with her kunai.

"there you are.. Hey are you okay?"

"yeah I guess so.."

"look, I called the bet off.. I would never do that to you.."

"called it off? Are you crazy! You have to do it, Sasuke chose you!"

"but I'm ...not exactly choosing him Karin. He's not why I'm staying.."

Karin cracked a smile and shook her head, "you really are crazy."

"well, are you okay?"

"yeah.. I guess so. I mean.. Sasuke has told me a million and one times how he isn't interested in me.. I.. I don't know why I try so hard. I must look like such an idiot."

"Hey now," Hinata sighed and sat beside her, "there is nothing wrong with trying. Just because Sasuke decides to miss out on a good girl doesn't mean you have to suffer for it. Find someone else to put your hopes into."

"How will I know if I can-?"

"oh, trust me you'll know when he comes along. Because he'll put all his hope into you to."

Another smile graced Karin's face and she stuck her kunai back into her pouch.

"it's getting late, we should head back to the hotel. Suigetsu and Jugo are probably tired of waiting up.." Hinata rose to her feet and offered Karin a hand.

On their way back to the hotel Karin chimed up, "ya know, I've seen the way Jugo has been looking at you. Plus he talks to you more than he has Suigetsu and I since we started this group."

"he's a nice guy I guess."

"dooooo you like him?"

"I mean.. I have nothing against him.."

"no..! I mean, LIKE him."

"oh! Umm.. Well not in that way.."

"Really? Why not?"

Hinata shrugged, "do you like him?"

"me? No way!"

"How about Suigetsu?"

"Pffff! As if."

They both shared a few more laughs before quietly entering the hotel room. All of the lights were out and it was dead silent. "Jeez, bunch of old men we're traveling with.." Karin whispered and they giggled before stumbling into the living room.

"It's so damn dark.." Hinata whispered to Karin and suddenly the lights were flipped on. Suigetsu was leaning on the wall, Jugo was seated on the couch, and Sasuke was standing behind them. All men of subject were half naked..

"some pretty damn good looking old men, huh?" Hinata elbowed Karin jokingly and she held in a giggle.

"We're waiting on that wrestling match.." Jugo crossed his arm and smirked.

"I said the match was-" Karin's hands slapped over Hinata's mouth, "BRING IT ON!"

Her white eyes widened in disbelief and she stared at Karin's hands then back at Karin. This girl really was crazy!

Jugo and Suigetsu moved the couch flesh against the wall and cleared out the small living room. "Since Karin is now okay, we assumed the deal is still on. After all you did agree to all the terms." Suigetsu stated rather smugly, "there is no way you'll win this match anyway. Might as get used to being around."

Hinata rolled her eyes and decided to change into some of Karin's pj's for comfort sake. "You're wrestling in that? For god sake.. Have some sex appeal."

"sex appeal is what I'm trying to avoid, Karin. I don't like him," Hinata mumbled and peaked through the crack of the bedroom door at the three shirtless men, "besides.. looks like he has enough sex appeal for the both of us."

Karin threw a workout bra and some yoga pants at her. "put those on!" Carefully, Hinata molded herself into the yoga pants while Karin helped her with the forever twisting workout bra.

"Karin I don't think this bra was meant for women with boobs."

"I have boobs!... Just not as much as you! Who needs them anyway? They get in the way!"

"right you are my friend."

The two stepped into the living room and Suigestsu sat on the couch pulling Karin onto his lap. If looks could kill Suigetsu would be no more..

"ready, Hinata?"

Sasuke stood in the middle of the room rather confidently, and he had every right to. Hinata knew this would be nothing like what she was used to even though he was just about the same size as Kiba and a little bigger than Shino this wasn't training practice and he didn't look like he had any intentions toward being gentle.

"I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be.."

Jugo counted down from ten and Hinata emediately began thinking of ways to get home on the ground before he got her on the ground, if she failed and he downed her that would be it. There was no possible way she could him off of her in these circumstances.

"9..8..7.."

Perhaps she could flip him? Trip him? She was very doubtful anything would work at this point and suddenly she began to remember all the terrifying things the Uchiha clan was capable of once upon a time. Not only did that cross her mind, but also the snake ninja Orochimaru. She met him once and her skin crawled at the thought of it. What had she gotten herself into? Anyone that could live with someone like that and train under someone like that just wasn't right in the head.

"5..4..3"

Now was not the time to show Sasuke she was completely terrified! She changed! No more shy Hinata and this was like the ultimate test staring her straight in the face.

"3..2.. !"

Hinata jerked her eyes up to read his face and possibly his movements but found something different. A smile was painted beautifully on his features and she knew then that he could really see just how terrified she was of him. Carefully, she took a step back encase he would try to swing out one of his solid long arms and grab her. No, no, no she wouldn't have that..

"what's the matter Uchiha? Scared of a little Hyuga? Come get it."

Now it was on.

Sasuke grabbed her waist with one hand and her calf with the other. Hinata jerks her leg up and wrapped it around his neck in attempt to choke him to the floor.

"uh oh! She's flexible Sasuke!" A voice, that was obviously Suigetsu, chimed in from the couch making her laugh and lose concentration. Sasuke noticed and took full advantage of the situation by lifting her off and away from him and tossing her onto the floor like she was weightless. Instinctively Hinata brought her knees to her chest when she saw Sasuke trying to pin her to the floor. He was just so heavy! She pushed against his chest with her knees and he was trying to grab her arms.

"Sasuke you cow!" She squeaked out and he finally got a hold of her wrists and pinned them above her head. The only defense she had left was her knees against his chest in a struggling effort, she knew this would happen..

Gently, he removed one of his hands from her wrists and held them both in his right hand. His left hand traced circles on her cheek before cupping her chin. "honestly Hinata, you lost this match before we even started."

She glared at him and rolled her eyes. His hand moved from her chin to her knee and with the flick of his wrist he cast her entire leg aside and broke her defense. Now she was chest to chest and nose to nose with the last Uchiha and it made her blood boil. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "you haven't changed a bit Hinata. I can still read all your emotions on your face like an open book. You really should work on that.."

"Snake.." She hissed out and pushed against him.

"And PIN!" Jugo yelled, "well that was a pretty good one.."

"let me up."

Suigetsu scoffed slightly, "I've never seen a woman so opposed to have you on top of her Sasuke."

"yeah, She's a charmer." He smirked and allowed her to get up. He even offered her his hand only to have it smacked to the side.

"I don't need your help."

Hinata gracefully rose to her feet and walked to the bathroom. The severity of the situation was setting in her mind. Not only did she have to stay with this snake in the grass, but she also had to bare his children. She rolled her eyes and sat on the sink thinking. She could run away again, but he'd probably expect that of her. Not like she could get away from him anyway. But perhaps there was one thing she could do..

She could steer him away from Konoha.


	5. Chapter 5

The next few days were full of rough travel and harsh weather. The rain was cold and unpredictable and Karin argued with Suigetsu constantly. Why couldn't these two just leave each other alone?!

Hinata kept to the rear of the group and avoided conversation as much as humanly possible except for the occasional announcement that they needed to make a piss stop. It was awkward traveling with mostly men so she was super thankful Karin was with her.

Her mind kept traveling back to a conversation that occurred earlier that week. One in which Karin told her she wouldn't be upset at Hinata if she decided to bunk with Sasuke.. Just to get used to the idea of ''being with him". No one would ever understand how badly Hinata wanted to smack the poor unsuspecting Karin. She hated when the Uchiha was brought up in conversation or when they teased her about having 'red eyed babies'.

The rain poured down heavier and seemed to get colder the further they walked. While everyone else was whining and chattering their teeth Hinata didn't seem to feel much at all. She was lost in thought and her eyes were fixated on her small feet. In fact, she was so fixated on them that she hadn't notice the group came to a stand still so she bumped face first into Sasuke's back and fell back into what seemed to be the largest mud hole for miles. Laughter erupted from Suigetsu and Karin beamed him over the head with her fist yelling something at him. Hinata couldn't make out what she was saying, she couldn't make out how many heads Karin had either, it was fuzzy. Her eyes made many attempts to examine just how large the mud hole was and how much water she'd fallen into but that was unsuccessful also. The last thing she for sure heard was Sasuke's voice saying, "She's shutting down."

* * *

The sun was shining through the side of the tent and peeling the sleep from Hinata's eyes. She stretched and popped everything she could think of except her back but before she could find the time to curse about it she found something else to curse about.

Sasuke's sleeping carcass lay just beneath her hardly clothed. From her point of view she could guess that her once so heavenly pillow was his chest. Who the fuck was responsible for this?

Quickly she rose to her feet admiring the new piece of clothing someone had oh so nicely slipped her into. She ran a hand over the silky fabric of the kimono and glanced over at Sasuke silently wondering if he was the one who put it on her. "I'll kill you, Uchiha."

"Not in your condition."

A smirk slid across his face and he opened one eye. "You need to lay back down, you haven't ate. You're not strong enough to be walking around."

"don't tell me!"

In attempt to prove him wrong she took a half step in the opposite direction, but felt herself grow light headed and stumbled back only to be caught and wrapped in a pair of strong arms.

"you really resent everything I say, don't you?" Sasuke cradled her in his arms protectively and wiped a strand of hair from her forehead. "Stupid girl." He laid her on the small mat and stepped out of the tent to heat some food over the fire.

The feel Hinata had was a very very veryyy familiar one. She knew she must've passed out of exhaustion and lack of nutrition, it was something she used to do all the time when on her genin missions with Shino, Kiba, and Kurenai. To her chagrin, it was because she wasn't brave enough to voice how hungry she was or when she really needed to take a rest. She found it difficult to move her body in any direction so she decided it best to wait for Sasuke to come back and help her.

She didn't necessarily expect him to come back with food and water, nor did she expect him to feed it to her.

"I can eat it myself.."

"I'm sure you can.." He rolled his eyes and made her take a bite.

"just give me the spoon!"

Sasuke smirked and held it out to her, "here." As much as Hinata wanted to reach up and smack the smirk off his face she couldn't even move her arm to grab the spoon.

"Maybe you'll listen to me more often when I tell you, you need rest. You try to hard."

"who asked you?"

"Hinata."

"yeah yeah yeah, I get it. Just give me another bite."

He complied to her request and made her drink A LOT of water. "I'm not gonna be able to get up and go pee! Don't give me anymore!"

"just shut up."

"you shut up!"

Sasuke paused for a moment,"as soon as you're better we'll talk about ...future engagements."

Hinata groaned at the thought of said 'future engagements'. "Uhhhh god I hope I die."

A smile graced Sasuke's face and he shook his head, "if you don't drink more water you will."

* * *

After her meal she fell into a very light sleep and stayed covered up until night fell. She woke around midnight and walked herself over to Karin's tent and crawled into the sleeping bag with her. Karin felt her and heard her, and she just smiled snuggled up to her.

"Did ya get cold Hinata?"

"not really, I was worried you would be."

"nahhhh, but there is no doubt the weather will get worse as we travel."

"exactly where are we going?"

"we are heading toward the land hidden in the snow, there is a man there Sasuke needs to see."

"well La-Ti-Da."

Karin smiled and the two fell asleep listening to the rain beat off the tent.

Hinata woke to the harsh sun yet again and found she was able to feed herself and stretch her stiff, bed ridden muscles. Suigetsu and Sasuke seemed to have disappeared on some sort of supply run leaving her and Karin to Jugo's care. Jugo wasn't much of a talker, he mostly just sat and stared at the fire. Karin wanted to play with Hinata's hair constantly and all Hinata wanted to do was eat. Jugo found this slightly amusing.

Karin brushed through Hinata's hair constantly and asked her millions of questions on the treatment of it. "I wash it, brush it, and leave it. Sometimes I'll trim the ends."

"What do you wash it with? It's so soft!"

"the same thing we've both been washing our hair with these past few weeks, silly."

Karin giggled and stood walking over to the tent, "we should get ready. Sasuke said when they return we will be heading out."

"yay.." Hinata rolled her eyes and began helping Karin put their belongings away and get everything ready for travel.

* * *

The further they traveled into the snow terrain the colder and colder it became. One of the tents had ripped along the way forcing Suigetsu to share with Jugo. The group stopped at the foot of what seemed to be an enormous mountain covered with nothing but snow, ice, and sharp rocks.

"Seriously?" Hinata mumbled to herself and watched as Suigetsu and Sasuke stepped into a small shop by the gate. Karin looked at her and shrugged silently.

"Hopefully they'll get another tent or a few of them for that matter.. I don't think our tents will last another week in this weather."

"God that would suck so bad."

Karin stretched and popped her back, "I know, I can't stand Suigetsu."

"Oh come on, don't even Karin. I saw you two walking together yesterday! Don't deny it."

Karin's face turned red and she hurriedly hushed Hinata, "Stop that or he'll hear you!" She whispered in a raspy, cold voice, "That's really all I need. A stupid AND cocky Suigetsu."

Hinata laughed at her disoriented stance and shrugged it off. Suigetsu and Sasuke stepped out of the shop with two tents and some clothing. The clothing looked to be very heavy and Hinata was not looking forward to putting it on.

"Jugo, Karin put these on.." Suigetsu distributed two heavy cloaks, two thermal shirts, amd two pairs of long johns. Sasuke walked over to Hinata and wrapped her in a thicker cloak.

"I don't know how warm this will keep you, but if you get cold let me know and I'll give you mine also."

"I'm sure this will be fine, Thank you Sasuke." Her tone was lighter with him now, she had finally simmered down since his last comment that hit her ego hard. The pair were beginning to get used to one another.. slowly but surely.

"We're gonna pitch the other tents and use these two. It was all they had in stock or we would've got four, we all know how you love sleeping with Karin."

Oh now he was calling her a lesbian?

"So you three guys gonna take the larger tent?"

"Nah, Karin, Jugo, and Suigetsu have that one. You and I will take the smaller one."

"Excuse me?"

"A bet is a bet. I won it fair as hell and you know it."

She rolled her eyes, "Don't expect this to be romantic."

"Who needs romance?"

Maybe she should've stayed home and married her cousin.


	6. Chapter 6

The mountain was all Hinata had expected it to be. Snowy, cold, and hell. The trail was slick as hell and she had fell more than once within the first five hours of travel. Lightly, she cussed under her breath and gripped onto the half asses railing along the stairs.

"Are we going all the way up?"

"Yup." Suigetsu yelled over the howling snow storm making its way in. "You think maybe we should make camp Sasuke? Before we get blown off the mountain?!" Karin suggested irately.

"Grip the railing tighter, we need as much ground as possible." Her eyes deflated slightly and she did just as he said. Hinata, who used to love snow, now despised it's very fucking existence. The group finally made half way point and were passing a nice camping area. Hinata spotted a large log cabin vacant for traveling monks. "Hey! We should stop Sasuke!"

He looked back at her and then to the cabin. Hesitantly, he nodded and the group made their way to the cabin. Once inside Jugo lit a fire and Suigetsu hung everyone's cloak up to dry.

"Isn't this just awesome?" He blurted out. "What are the odds of finding safe, warm, vacant cabin."

Hinata and Karin were in a ball beside the fire and all that could be heard was the chattering of teeth. Jugo shook his head lightly and tossed them a blanket.

Sasuke walked back into the cabin to examine. "There are three bedrooms. Karen can bunk with someone, someone can sleep alone, and I can bunk with one of you."

Hinata rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah, I want the right side this time Uchiha."

He smiled half halfheartedly, "I knew you'd come around sooner or later."

* * *

Sasuke's words stuck in her head as she laid down that night. _"I knew you'd come around sooner or later."_

What an arrogant asshole! She rolled her eyes and pulled the blanket up to her chin. "You warm yet?"

"No."

She didn't much like talking to him, mater of fact she resented it greatly. There was so much unsheathed animosity between the two that having children would be something of a miracle. Well, that's what she'd hoped for anyway. She didn't want babies and she didn't wan't a man for that matter. Her life had so much opportunity in it before Hiashi decided to do 'the right thing' and make her marry her cousin. Just when she had gotten over her fear of really getting out there and taking risks and working hard to be what she wanted Hiashi was trying to shove her right back in her shell. NO. Hinata refused to go back to the way things were. Back when she would take everyone's mouth and bend over backward the next day to help them. Way back when she stuttered in the presence of those sh feared and loved. Not anymore; she feared no one and loved no one.

Now this little Uchiha manwhore thinks he can do what Hiashi wanted, but better? Hell no. A deal was a deal and eventually she would have to own up to it and bare his children or kill him.

"If you come over here I can get you warm."

Though there was no light in the room, she could tell there was a well played out smirk on his face. She could hear it in his voice, he though he had her right where he wanted her.

"I'll manage."

Sasuke sighed and turned his back to her. He could tell when someone was trying to build up walls and push people away because that used to be his entire occupation. The sooner he spoke to this man, the better because he didn't think he could put up with this any longer. Patience wasn't something Orochimaru took time to teach him..

* * *

The next morning had the group traveling further up the mountain. Karin whined the whole time leaving Hinata to listen to it. She didn't much mind, Kiba was a whiner once upon a time to, it was something you got used to.

"Karin would you shut up!"

"You shut up! You're not my daddy, Suigetsu!"

He rolled his eyes and looked at Sasuke. "Isn't there something you can do? Please? Sasuke shut her up."

"Hn."

The trail took them higher and higher until they were standing in front of two steel doors. "This must be it.." Hinata whispered to herself and Sasuke pushed the doors open. Along the walls were designs of ancient creatures and prehistoric snakes larger than Hinata had ever seen before. What exactly did Sasuke want from this place? She began to worry knowing he was heading for Konohagekure with whatever he got here..

"What is this place?"

A tall, slim man stepped out of the shadow. His posture was slinky and his eyes were yellow with fine slits for pupils. Hinata had an inkling that he wasn't all that human..

"Hello... can I help you?..ssssssssSs.." His tongue vibrated off his bottom lip as he spoke.

"Are you Ashitoga?"

"I am.." The man's eyes narrowed and he studied Sasuke for a moment before continuing, "Sssssssssssasuke, I didn't recognize you. Come in, ssss, come in."

The doors closed behind Hinata forcing her to follow the group further into the cave. This didn't make sense to her, why would a snake live inside a mountain in the fucking snow?"

"I've been esssspecting you for a long time now, Ssssasuke." Ashitoga led them down a staircase and into a large room with five other men. One of which appeared to be an Inuzuka.

Hinata sat next to Karin at the table because she could feel her nervousness. "It's okay.." She whispered and held her hand beneath the table. Karin sighed lightly and griped Hinata's hand.

"Who're the rest of these people?" Sasuke turned looking at the man, "This is Suigetsu, Jugo, Karin, and Hinata. Without them I wouldn't have made it back here."

"That right, Uchiha? Since when did you people start accepting hand outs?" Sasuke brushed him off being used to all the Uchiha cracks thanks to Suigetsu.

"I'm gonna' take a wild guess and say you're an Inuzuka?" Suigetsu retaliated in his place.

"Was."

Ashitoga interrupted them rolling his eyes, "Sasuke, you and Sssssuigetsu come with me." They nodded and followed him to another room leaving Karin, Hinata, and Jugo who was currently sitting in the corner not speaking.

"I'm not sure if we can trust little brat like these." Said man spoke to the others.

"Who are you?" Hinata piped up and asked the, _once upon a time,_ Inuzuka bravely. A cigarette hung loosely out of his mouth and his hands were in his pockets. His eyes were deep brown, his skin tanned very well, and his arms the size of her head. His shoulders were built and broad and when he smiled his canine teeth hung down chin. Needless to say he looked familiar to her. "You look like someone I know, that's why I'm asking."

"Don't all of us Inuzuka's look alike?" He blew smoke out of his nose, "Where ya from little girl?"

"Konohagekure, I left."

"There is no way ya know me, I haven't been to that place in over a decade."

"Why not?"

He withdrew the cigarette from his mouth, "Did I ask you what you had for breakfast this mornin'?"

"Sorry."

"My name is Kimba. I'm guessin' you're a Hyuga."

"Yes I am." Kimba sat in the chair across from them and lazily leaned his elbows on the table. "I am the daughter of Hiashi-"

"Hiashi Hyuga? Hahaha, well who would've thought."

"Y-you know my father?" Kimba howled in laughter and shook his head. "You did see me, maybe one time before I left. You were bout up to my knee, hidin' behind you're momma."

"Hiding?"

"Yeah, How's you're ma' ?"

"She's.. gone."

Kimba stopped and looked at her serious now. "She was a good woman. Hiashi didn't deserve her. Hell I woulda' traded him! He coulda' took my wife for his!" The four men in the room laughed. Hinata shook her head lightly, "You don't really mean that.."

"Sure, sure. Women always take up for one another.." Karin squeezed her hand tightly under the table letting her know he gave her a weird feeling with the way he spoke about women.

"Well what about you? I told you about my parents, now who are yours?"

Kimba chuckled lightly and put his cigarette out. "My parents have been dead for 25 years, unless you have some new Hyuga kekkei genkai than telling ya about them isn't gonna' do much good, is it?"

He gave her an off smile and she knew there was something weird about him. "You said.. you used to be an Inuzuka... what do you mean?"

"Well it's simple, just like Parvo over here used to be a Hyuga." He threw his thumb behind him jokingly and for the first time that evening Hinata noticed another Hyuga in the room. "Parvo?"

Said man shifted his weight against the wall, "Shut up mutt. It's Yukimaru, I renounced my Hyuga name before I left. So, I'm no longer of Hyuga inheritance."

"I see.."

Kimba shook his head, "He talks like he's full of shit don't he?" Hinata couldn't help but laugh some and shake her head. "If you're the daughter of Hiashi Hyuga than you and I are 4th cousin." Hinata looked up at Yukimaru questioningly. "We have the same grandfather."

"Well it's a small world!" Kimba yelled out and threw his feet on the table and silence overcame the room completely. Karin loosened her grip on Hinata's hand, finally calming down.

It felt like ten minutes had passed before Kimba spoke again, "How much do you know about the Inuzuka clan?"

"A decent amount. I became a genin with one as my teammate."

"That so?"

"Yeah, he taught me a lot actually. Made me tougher, he's kinda a rough character."

"Is he now.."

"But aren't all Inuzuka's the alike?" Hinata tilted her head to the side smiling. Kimba lit another cigarette and arched an eyebrow. "Do you got his name on ya'?"

"Kiba."

All color and emotion left his face at once, he stared at her with cold brown eyes. "You didn't tell me you knew my son."

**SON.**

Talk about red flags going off. "Son?"

"Yeah, my son and my daughter."

"You're Hana and Kiba's father?"

Kimba nodded his head and popped his shoulder, "Guess my old woman don't talk about me much, huh?"

"Well.. we always thought you were dead."

"Dead? Tsume is tellin' my kids that I'm dead!"

"N-no.. umm..I'm sure Kiba said something about you leaving a long time ago.. but other than that the rest of his friends thought you died when the Kyuubi attacked!" She quickly added on.

He puffed on his cigarette, "No damn Kyuubi gonna kill me.." He mummbled. "Well it don't matter! I'll be comin' for him soon anyway."

Hinata gave him a confused look and Sasuke returned with Suigetsu in tow.

"Lets go."

Karin pulled Hinata from the conversation and the group made their way to the doors and back down the mountain. Hinata couldn't stop thinking about what Kimba said.. _"I'll be comin' for him soon anyway."_

Exactly what was he talking about?


	7. Chapter 7

**So sorry guys, my mood swings prove to be ridiculous. I'm pretty sure I have bronchitis.. BUT I'm slowly pulling out of it! Don't care how mad I get, I put to much work into this shit to just throw it away. XD**

* * *

It was difficult to hatch a plan good enough to pull Sasuke away from Konoha. There were so many string she could pull, but it had to be the right string. There was no telling what information he acquired back in the mountain. Everyone there seemed to have something against Konoha, so it was hard to tell exactly what they had in mind.

The group had left the snowy terrain behind two weeks ago and she was thrilled. They were back in the short shorts and tank top weather. Hinata wiped sweat from her forehead and removed most of her clothing. Just a few more miles and they would reach a small rest stop town.

"Can we stay in the village for a few days, Sasuke?"

"Hn."

Suigetsu rolled his eyes and continued walking, "You never stop complaining, do you Karin?"

And the argument ensued. Hinata felt like her brain was boiling in its own juices, and some how Jugo didn't seem to be breaking that much of a sweat. Asshole. No, no, she didn't mean that. That was just the heat talking.

Sooner than expected, they arrived in the small town of Iragawa. Population; 440. The streets were surprisingly buzzing with people who seemed to be in some sort of hurry. There were fountains everywhere and free water flowing down the ditch lines carved by the sides of the roads. Water everywhere.

"Suigetsu, Jugo, and Karin. Check us in at the hotel." Sasuke handed them a small bag and they were off happily. Hinata still stood behind Sasuke not wanting to give him that idea she would be beside him or anything. He caught the hint and turned his head slightly nodding for her to follow him. She stayed at least two steps behind him as he lead her through the street and to the outskirts of the small town.

"Why all the way out here?"

"You and I are going somewhere."

"What about Karin.. and the others?"

"We'll be back, Suigetsu knows whats up."

"But I don't and I'm not going anywhere with you until you start talking, Uchiha."

He sighed heavily and turned to face her, "We are going to infiltrate Konohagekure."

"What?! We wont be there until nightfall! We're to far-!"

"We are exactly where we need to be! We will reach the gates by tonight and under the moon we shall penetrate the walls. Get what we need and get out."

Hinata stood stone still for a moment and stared holes through his head. This was it. She waited to long to try and steer him away from his _ONE GOAL. _His eyes narrowed dangerously and he scoffed, "Don't tell me you left Konoha without severing whatever ties you had."

She didn't answer him, she only stared at him. "Pathetic. You knew about this when you first joined."

"You haven't been telling me the truth Sasuke. You're sick with this thought of revenge- what exactly do you call yourselves? Itachi is dead and you are still continuing whatever this hell bent revenge plot you have going on is-!"

"I don't care about that! This is about Taka!"

"Taka-?"

"Yes, Taka. This is what we are, and this is about more than Itachi.."

Hinata arched her brow cautiously and stepped forward. "New name, new goal, huh? Wow, guess I really was being kept in the dark."

Sasuke shook his head as if not believing her naive-ness. "I don't have to explain anything to you- you should've been here instead of behind that idiot!" His eyes flashed dangerously red and Hinata was slightly blown away. She shook her head and looked at the ground.

"I watched you throw yourself at that moron for years! I was his best friend, I even went as far as to tell him about it! He never acknowledged it, not one bit he was stuck on-"

"Sakura? Yeah, I know this Sasuke, been there done that. Now we are here. Lets pull ourselves from the past, shall we?"

"You are a stupid, let down."

"And you are a selfish, self-righteous man. You play it cool around the rest of the group, but I know somewhere inside of you, some thing is eaten alive with the guilt of what you did to your best friend."

The air was thick with tension only to be cracked with an honest laugh from Sasuke. "You're still taking up for him.." Hinata scoffed and rolled her eyes crossing her arms. "I can only hope your children aren't as sick and twisted as you."

"Right well, lets hope they're dumb and naive like their mother."

* * *

Reluctantly, Hinata followed along with Sasuke's plan as long as he promised not to kill anyone. It was a quick in and out without a peep type of thing. Wouldn't even know they were there. Hell, Hinata still didn't know WHY they were there in the first place. Apparently, Sasuke was after an item.

Said item happens to be in the hokage tower. Successfully, and without a problem the two snuck into the tower and down the halls. "What exactly are we here for?" She whispered close to his ear. "I need to pick up a scroll..It's in Tsunades office.."

They headed in that general direction before Hinata stopped him, "You mean THAT office?" Sasuke looked at her like, '_really?'_. "No, no, Sasuke. Tsunades office was relocated to the opposite side. That's the new kage's office.. WE CAN'T GO IN THERE." Her voice peaked slightly and Sasuke pressed his finger to her lips. She grabbed his hand and shook her head before speaking, "Naruto is in there day and night.."

"Let me worry about Naruto.."

A giggle was heard echoing down the corridor from the office. The lights were on and the doorway cracked slightly. Hinata's blood began to boil at the sound and her eyes narrowed harshly. "Can we kill her?" She hissed out.

Sasuke looked down at her in disbelief, "No." He grabbed her arm and pulled her into one of the closets covering her mouth. Footsteps were heard coming out of the room and down the hall before Naruto's voice met Hinata's eardrums.

"I'll walk you home, Sakura-chan."

"Thanks, Naruto." Sasuke waited until Naruto's chakra presence faded a decent enough amount before releasing Hinata. "We have to make this quick, he'll be back."

The two slipped into the room to find it was unsurprisingly a mess and as they were quickly digging through things they exchanged cheerful conversation.

"Some things never change.." Hinata sighed and checked through the drawers for any scrolls whatsoever.

"To think you fell in love with a slob like him."

"I did not!"

Sasuke gave her a look. "Whatever, Sasuke. Just find it!"

Hinata began to check in the piles of papers on the floor and uncovered many many ramen cups. "Dear kami."

"Ah, found it. Lets go."

He grabbed her arm and they made their way out of the window. "Hurry, he's coming back." Sasuke shut the window and they escaped underneath the moonlight.

"Don't you think he'll notice?"

"Hn."

It was nearly sun up when they arrived back to the small town. Finding the room Suigetsu had chosen was no problem at all and they slipped through the window.

"All of this trouble for one scroll."

He smirked and pulled off his weaponry laying it all beside the bed. Hinata looked at him uncomfortably and turned her back to him. Sasuke seemed amused at this and slide his white kimono top open and off letting it hit the floor. The soft thud met her ears and she almost immediately blushed, "Do you have to sleep like that tonight?"

She heard him fiddling with his belt and pants and crossed her arms tightly. "No, but I want to." He said smugly and continued discarding his clothing before walking to the bathroom and shutting the door. A sigh of relief left Hinata's lungs and she sat on the edge of the bed. She was supposed to have kids with this man and she couldn't even look at him naked. The sound of running water came from the bathroom and steam rolled out from under the door. She watched it for a few moments before standing and discarding her weaponry also. Perhaps if she fell asleep now she wouldn't have to lay there and listen to him breath.

Hinata took the opportunity to have some privacy and stripped down. There was a box on the dresser from Karin, that was neatly wrapped. It read; _"Cause I know you're birthday is comin' up! ;) - Love, K." _Hinata smiled and opened it carefully. The box fell to the floor and she held a long silk kimono in her tiny pale hands. It was ankle length in a furisode style and a pale flower purple with white pearls and rhinestones embedded into the sleeve hems. In the pocket of the Kimono was a beautiful set of hair pins each embelished with pearls, purple flowers, and small diamonds.

Hinata smiled and wiped a tear out of her eyes before slipping into the kimono and wrapping the obi around her small waist. There were flowers sewn into the obi with different shades of purples and a few butterflies here and there. She reached into her pocket once more and found a note.

_"The flower hairpins are for when your hair grows back, lucky! I saw this and couldn't leave the store without it! I'm sure Sasuke will like it as well ;) Stop by my room tomorrow to get the other half of it, it wouldn't all fit in the box! - Love, K."_

Hinata smiled and shook her head. She removed the obi carefully and placed the flowers on the dresser. The kimono was to comfortable to take off, but in fear of wrinkling it she took it off and hung it. Now naked, she rummaged through her bag of clothes only to find she didn't have any pjs clean. "Of course Karin would take her pjs.." She rolled her eyes and continued to look. A hand extended in front of her face with a pair of shorts attached to them.

"Here. Wear some of mine."

"Oh, thank you." She smiled still in the bliss of the gift receiving moment. She slid them on and ran a hand through her hair and sighed. Her shoulders slumped slightly and she leaned against the wall.

"Do you want a shirt, or no?"

She froze. She knew that voice! Her eyes shot open and met Sasuke's dark onyx eyes, her hands jolted to cover her chest and she squealed. "COVER YOUR EYES YOU PERVERT!"

He threw a shirt at her and shook his head, "Put the damn shirt on. I come out of the bathroom and you're crawling around the room naked, but I'M the pervert?" He scoffed out and sat on the bed.

"Yes, it's your fault!"

"My faul- " He stopped and smiled, "You're princess. It's my fault."

Hinata gave a victorious 'hmph' and crawled onto her side of the bed mumbling something about "crazy Uchiha" and "stuck up asshole". Sasuke chuckled and and leaned over her kissing her on the forehead. "Goodnight."


	8. Chapter 8

Hinata woke at 1pm that day with Karin at the foot of the bed. Sasuke seemed to be long gone, along with Suigetsu and Jugo. She rose and popped her back lightly.

"Good morning!"

Karin was painting her fingernails a dark shade of green. "Morning..Where is everyone..?"

"Sasuke and the other lug heads took the scroll and headed to the outskirts of town about an hour ago. The didn't say what was going on, only Sasuke said not to wake you."

"Oh.." Hinata stood up and popped her shoulders also. She looked over at Karin who was blowing on her nails and shaking them with a wicked smile on her face. "What? Why are you smiling?"

Her smile grew bigger and bigger. "Well... I came in here to wake you two up for breakfast.. and .. YOU miss Hyuga, were cuddling."

Hinata's eyes widen and her mouth hung slightly open, "What! I was not!"

"Oh you soooo were! And you're even wearing his clothes!"

Hinata looked down at the shirt and shorts and crossed her arms in defeat, "Because you scampered off with the pjs!"

"Oh, but aren't you glad I did?" Karin bobbed her eyebrows and winked. "Absolutely not!" Hinata's face was flustered all different shades of red and for once in a very very long time she felt like fainting. "Shut up, K!"

Karin giggled and took Hinata's hand. "Come on, we need to step up our game apparently. The boys have a new toy to play with leaving us girls out." Karin dragged her down to her room and locked the door.

"So what do you have in mind?" Hinata asked while regaining her composure. She looked around to find make up laid out all over the bed and a kimono hanging up. "I'll go get the kimono I bought you and bring it here so we can get things together and have a girls day! Won't it be exciting?!"

Hinata smiled and nodded agreeing to dress up and go out on the small town with Karin. While Karin was gone she picked out eye shadow to go with Karin's lime green kimono and found herself some purple eye shadow as well. This could be fun.

The girls spent and hour and thirty minutes on hair and make up while discussing where they wanted to go first. "I'm starving, we should eat first!"

Hinata agreed and they set out into the street. The two sat down in a nice restaurant and ordered. "So how goes you and Suigetsu?"

"H-huh?" Hinata just stared at her like, _'yeah, I'm not stupid.'_

"Oh..well.. we are okay..We fight a lot.."

"Is it official yet?"

"Almost.."

"Almost?"

"Well.."

Hinata arched an eyebrow and the waiter returned to the table with a large smile. "Can I interest you ladies in a date this afternoon, It's a question from the gentlemen of on table 7."

Karin and Hinata exchanged looks before cautiously looking over. There sat two rather large men with beards. Not old man beard, just for looks beards is what it seemed like.

"I'll give you time to think on it ladies, care for anything else?"

"Not right now, thank you." The waiter smiled and excused himself momentarily.

"Hinata, this is so weird." Karin whispered. "No kidding... he's hairy.." Karin dropped her head trying not to laugh. "Seriously Hinata..!" Her whisper was more strained.

"Right, right. I know.. who are they?"

"I have no idea.."

"Should we leave? They're staring."

"No, then we'll look suspicious."

"Well then what do we do?" Hinata asked. The two looked at the men and smiled waving nervously.

The food arrived and the girls ate nervously before paying, and slipping out the back way into the street. Once they were far enough down the street they busted into laughter, "Oh my god Karin I absolutely can not stand the thought of that much hair on a man."

Karin was choking on her laughter and holding her gut, "That's what you were freaking out about? I was worried they were serial killers or something."

Hinata rolled her eyes and led Karin down the street to the center of the town where they sat on the fountain. "I think we're safe here." She smiled and they dipped their feet into the water.

"Karin...do you know what the scroll was?"

Karin shook her head, "they never tell me anything anymore. I'd say Suigetsu knows though.."

"Do you think he would tell you?"

"Probably not. Why don't you just ask Sasuke? The worst he can say is 'Hn.' ."

Hinata smiled and shook her head, "I guess, I hate to admit it but.. I'm kinda afraid to ask."

"Oh come on Hinata. Be a woman about it. Ask him."

Hinata sighed and nodded, "I'll ask him tonight then."

The duo shared a few more laughs and embarrassing moments before walking to the opposite side of town and finding a small bar. "What a cute little joint." Karin commented. Hinata seemed pleased with how small the crowd was and loved the liquor. The girls sat in a booth and order some cocktails, "How drunk do I have to get you to have sex with Sasuke?" Karin asked mischievously.

"You have to render every ounce of my body useless and let him take advantage of me." Karin laughed and shook her head.

"Well what about Suigetsu, how many cocktails til you go back to the hotel and violate him?"

"To late!"

They wailed in laughter and toasted to the conversation. The toast meant more to Hinata than clanking glasses together. Karin was the first real girl she ever got along with. Real meaning she wasn't two faced or fake. Mostly Hinata had been around boys, she'd never associated with Ino or Sakura.. Tenten here and there but nothing long term friendship wise.

"Well lets drink until I can't feel the toilet paper in my bra!"

"Karin!" Hinata's eyes widened and she shook her head, "You're a stuffer?"

"Did you think I grew these over night?"

The second round of drinks arrived at the table and left rather quickly between the two. Hinata had never actually been drunk before. She had drank, but not to the extent of overuse. It was so much fun when there was one person involved, and less responsibility. All they had to do was make sure each other got home! How hard could that be?

Harder than she thought. The two girls drank all day until night settled in and the street light came on. They leaned on each other and stumbled down the road giggling and falling here and there.

"C..come on Hinat-tataa, Ww-we gotta gooooo.." Karin whined out helping Hinata off the ground.

"I-i can't feel my f-f-feet K-k."

"A-almost ther-re- wait, where are we g-going again?"

"To the h-hotel, stupid.." Hinata giggled and between the two of them they made it to Karin and Suigetsu's room. Karin stumbled inside leaving Hinata to brave the stairs on her own. She skillfully crawled on all fours up the stairs and made it to the room door. She just laid outside of it not willing to go any further. Hinata stared at the ceiling and giggled continuously until she heard the room door open and felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her. She was lifted off the ground and took to the bedroom.

"Hinata, look at me. Are you alright?"

She looked up at Sasuke with a smile on her face. "Where have you been, Hinata?"

"W..well... we.. ate and then w-we went to that cute little place at the end of town.. you know w-w-what I'm talkin bout?"

Sasuke's eyebrows furrowed slightly before he smiled becoming amused with her antics. "Hinata, you're drunk."

"Ye-yeah? W..well you're ugly m-mister!" She put her finger against his chest and pouted. Sasuke shook his head and laid her back in bed. "You need to sleep it off princess."

"What are youuuu gonna do?"

"Crash on the couch."

"Why? S-stupid."

"Because you're drunk."

"A..nnd?"

He turned the lamp off and Hinata grabbed his hand. "Lay down with me..s-sasuke." She tugged on his hand hard expecting him to put up a fight, but hesitantly he complied to her request.

"Alright but you have to sleep."

Hinata rose up and untied her obi and pulled her kimono off, "It's h-hot.. unsnap my bra.."

Sasuke's hands trailed up her back and easily snapped her bra off. His other hand tugged at the side of her panties sliding them off also. "Better?"

"N-no.. W..why don't you take you're shirt o-off..?"

"Go to sleep, Hinata."

"No. Y-you have to do it or the aliens with take you."

Sasuke hid his face in the pillow and chuckled, "The what?"

"The a..aliens!"

"Okay, Hinata." He rose and stripped his shirt off tossing it to the corner of the room, "Am I safe now?"

"For now."

Sasuke shook his head and laid back taking in the darkness of the room. All was quiet for at least ten minutes then Hinata started up again. This time her hands were fiddling with his jeans. He grabbed her hands, "You're never drinking again."

"You're no fun, Sasuke."

"Oh I know, I know. But if you don't go to sleep the aliens will get you." She gasped and clung to him like a second skin. "Don't let them take me Sasuke!"

"Alright, I'll protect you but you have to go to sleep." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her so she laid on top of him with her head on his chest.

* * *

The next morning was eventful to say the least. Hinata woke up with a busting headache and completely naked on top of a half naked Sasuke. "How does this keep happening?" She vaguely remember drinking with Karin the day before and for some reason she remembered something about aliens..

Sasuke was awake and rubbing her back gently, "How long have you been up?" Her voice cracked hoarsely.

"About ten minutes.."

"You didn't wake me?"

"No. Didn't see any point. You weren't bothering me."

"Sasuke, can you tell me more?"

"More?"

"About the scroll and stuff.."

She felt him release a deep sigh. "What do you want to know?"

"Why we took it."

"It's a scroll with forbidden jutsu records. I'm trading it for something."

"Trading it? With the weird guy at the mountain?"

"Yeah."

"What for?"

"Information."

"About konoha?"

"...Yeah."

Hinata sighed and continued the conversation afraid to get up. "Don't you ever want a family, Sasuke?"

"That's why I have you, remember?"

"No I mean, with someone you genuinely fall in love with. Not someone you win a wrestling match with." Hinata felt his chest give some, "Plus, how do you plan on keeping up with this whole revenge thing with babies? and a wife? You have to settle down sometime, somewhere."

Sasuke smirked, "I have all the time in the world to do that."

"Not if you're dead."


	9. Chapter 9

**Before we get started I really need some help lol. I would appreciate it if you guys could review or private message me your answer to the following question! It's for my next story :D**

**Name some cute Naruto couples involving INO. Preferably not Shikamaru,(I've seen and wrote so many) just looking to be creative is all. So tell me your favorite Ino pairing! **

**\- Thanks **

* * *

As tempting as it seemed to be, Sasuke managed to refrain from reminding Hinata of the previous night. How she stumbled at the door and laid there like some out of town drunk, how she giggles constantly and tried her hardest to get him to take his pants off, and how she honestly and entirely believed in aliens.

Needless to say, she was quite the interesting drunk at that and, not that he would ever admit, she was cute that way. Turning her hands away wasn't as easy as he made it look. He would be dreaming about that encounter for another week.

Sasuke hadn't yet decided if he wanted to take the entire group back up the snowy mountain or not. He wasn't sure they could last through another trip. Although he had confidence in Suigetsu and Jugo the girls seemed a little frazzled from the last trip and seemed to be enjoying their time here in the warmer weather.

Decisions, decisions ..

He sighed and relaxed against the back of the couch. He could hear Hinata in the bathroom cleaning herself up from her drunken rampage the night before. Sasuke knew what a hang over looked like and she had one to mark on the calendars. She was clumsy, forgetful, achy, whiny, and sensitive. It was like having Sakura around all over again..

Speaking of Sakura, Hinata seemed to take offense when her name was mention. Actually she took slight offense when Naruto's name was mentioned also. Sasuke rolled his eyes. That moron would always ALWAYS go back to Sakura no matter how bad she treated him or how good of a woman he had on his arm. In Sasuke's eyes, Sakura wasn't the kind to wife up and have kids with. She was controlling, over bearing, clingy, and abusive. Who wanted to have kids with that? But Naruto liked that kind of abuse. Obviously. A smirk crawled across Sasuke's face and he shook his head. To think she actually dated him. She didn't have to admit it he'd seen it with his own eyes.

It was maybe a year and a half ago when Sasuke was scouting out information around the leaf village. It wasn't like he was looking for Naruto or even had to for that matter. Naruto always managed to find him, but when he did it triggered a decently different reaction than usual. On his left arm was the heir to the Hyuga throne, Hinata. Their arms were linked in a couples fashion and she had stars in her eyes as usual. Sasuke was somewhat shocked to say the least, he expected it to be Sakura in tow. How could a girl like her want something like him?

Sasuke wasn't calling Naruto a monster or ugly or anything, that was all childish squabble. What it really boiled down to was all those mornings and evening spent training with Naruto and Sakura, Naruto wouldn't even notice her watching in the shadows. He knew she was there, he just chose to pay her no mind and cast her aside like he had all the women in the world to choose from. The great Naruto Uzumaki was indeed somewhat of a womanizer from what he'd heard. The tales him and the sage Jiraya spread far and wide and Sasuke was surprised any decent woman would want to touch him. Of course, he broke Sakura's heart but at least he didn't sleep with her and then leave. The way Hinata seemed to go about her posture once Naruto's name was brought up made it seem like that's exactly how their relationship ended. He would hope not..

Hinata stepped into the living room combing her still wet hair. "You gonna' let that grow back out?"

"Probably not.."

"Why?"

"Just don't wanna deal with the hassle."

Sasuke gave a slight nod of acknowledgement before leaning forward. "I'm thrilled that you and Karin got the fun out of your system because I have decided that Jugo, Suigetsu, and I will head back to the mountains for a few days. You and Karin will stay here, and I want you behaving."

The way it slid off his tongue sounded as if he was almost asking her if it was okay to take Jugo and Suigetsu with him. Hinata just nodded and slid her but to the back of the couch curling her knees beneath her. "Think you two can handle us being gone for a few days?"

"Psssh, It'll be nothing." Sasuke nodded and stood walking to the bathroom.

Hinata sighed and leaned on the arm of the couch. Sasuke was taking off with half the group leaving her there with Karin. Not only that but they had to behave. Just because she was sharing a bed with him he thought he had some authority over here. She was about to prove him wrong.

Sasuke stepped back into the living room with only pants on looking for shaving cream. "Which bag is it in?" He asked while rummaging through their things. As much as Hinata didn't want to, she couldn't help but smile and shake her head. "I used it all on my legs."

He rose and looked at her in disbelief, "The whole can?"

She nodded, "Yup." He stared into her eyes without blinking and held out his hand, "Let me feel."

Her face turned red and she hid her legs further beneath her, "W-what?! No! T-take my word for it!"

* * *

Sasuke told Hinata and Karin they would be leaving in two days. It was enough time to get what they needed together and rest up. To Hinata's chagrin she found herself to be dreading Sasuke's departure. Of course she wouldn't openly admit it due to her new found pride, but Karin could see right through that.

"Admit it, Sasuke is attractive."

"He may be physically attractive but he's sick in the head." Hinata said nonchalantly while examining her nails.

"How do ya' get that?"

"This whole revenge on the leaf village thing? come on Karin, this should've been finished and over with and he should've come home a long time ago. It's a little over do."

"Would you forgive the leaf village so easily?"

"It was not the leaf village as a whole that betrayed the Uchiha clan. Only a few select people in office. So why not just kill them and be done?"

"He would still be a s ranked criminal, just as wanted as he is now."

"Right, but there is no reason for him to torture himself over it."

"It almost sounds like you care Hinata."

"Almost."

"Tell him that. Maybe.. he'll stop."

"You heard him. Even if I do seduce him for the sake of konoha he'll still destroy it and knock me up later."

"What would happen if you got 'knocked up' before Konoha was demolished, Sasuke would have to give it up and help you the child."

"Are you suggesting I get knocked up on purpose?"

"Perhaps."

"That is the stupidest plan I have ever heard! What happens if he decides to fling us aside and destroy Konoha anyway? I'll be stuck with a kid, by myself, with NO help whatsoever."

"Well maybe you could just tell him your pregnant, just lie."

"That's cold. Am I supposed to fake getting fat?"

"You could 'miscarry'."

"No."

Karin smiled and continued folding her clothes, "So what is your plan?"

"I don't have one."

"Well don't put mine down then!"

Hinata smiled, "Yours involves an innocent child."

Karin rolled her eyes and both girls shut up when Sasuke and Jugo walked in.

"Karin, Suigetsu is waiting on you." Sasuke said and threw his thumb over his shoulder. Hinata arched an eyebrow at her and she smiled mischievously before heading out. She really didn't know what to think about that girl..

"Don't even wanna know..." Hinata mumbled and Jugo took his leave also. "Guess we're staying in today?"

"Looks like it. Karin and Suigetsu are going out to eat, I think it's a date."

"About time.."

Sasuke sat on the couch and stretched out, "You knew about this?"

"I knew she liked him, why? You jealous?"

"Definitely not."

"Sure sure."

Hinata joined him on the couch and pulled her knees to her chest. "Do you wanna go out, Hinata?"

"G-go out? Like-"

"A date."

Something in Hinata must have momentarily possessed her to nod her head yes and follow him out the door. Karin's words kept running through her mind, "_Admit it, Sasuke is attractive.". _Hinata shook her head and before she knew it they were sitting inside a fairly nice little Hawaiian steak house. The air smelled like pineapples and it made her mouth water. "Oh wow, this is nice."

There really wasn't much conversation between the two until Sasuke decided to open his mouth, "So.. you and Naruto..?"

Hinata would've tensed up and snapped at him but the tone of his voice advised her to do otherwise. "What about it?"

His eyes scanned the menu as he continued. "How did that play out?"

"We dated for a while, got into an argument, was going to take him some lunch at the kage tower as an apology, found him and Sakura exchanging saliva on his desk. Anything else?"

"But.. you guys weren't.. " Hinata arched her eyebrow not quite understanding what he meant, "I mean, you didn't .. do ..anything...?"

"Sex, Sasuke. Is that what you're asking me?"

"..yes."

"No, we did not have sex. I was hell bent on waiting until I was married." She heard him sigh in what seemed like relief, "Why would it matter? The past is the past. Should have asked those questions before you trapped me here."

"Hn."

"Oh don't give me that!-" She was cut off by the waiter bringing their drinks. "Thank you." She smiled at him and the waiter winked before returning to his station.

"Don't."

Hinata turned her attention back to Sasuke. "You say something?"

"Do not."

"Do not what?"

"Flirt with a man right in front of my face."

"I wasn't flirting, I was being polite..!" She struggled to keep her voice down.

"He didn't take it that way."

"What do you ca-" Suddenly it hit her like a ton of bricks, "You're jealous of him."

Sasuke arched an eyebrow and sat the menu on the table, "Come again?"

"You're jealous of Naruto, and that waiter."

"Naruto?! I'm jealous of Naruto Uzumaki?!" Hinata smiled as he raised his voice, that was all the proof she needed.


	10. Chapter 10

**Warning: It gets a tid bit sexual in the chapter. **

* * *

So the going out on a date charade didn't end well. They walked back to the hotel room in complete silence. Suigetsu and Karin showed up later drunker than hell, should've known those two would..

Hinata sat in the shower allowing the hot water to pound her shoulder blades. Relaxation took over her body and she leaned back on the shower wall. This was her own thought space, the thought space she used to make some of her most important life decisions and sometimes to just regret all the things she should've done but didn't. Her mind wandered back to Konoha briefly, but she found it hard to remember all the details. Had it really been that long ago? Or was she just .. moving on? Moving on from her friends, her team, her sensei? And even her family..

A smile graced her face as she remembered all of the times and missions she'd survived through as a genin with her team. Those were the good days; way back before they'd even thought of marriage, kids, and family honor. They just lived in the moment. Especially Kiba. Hinata often envied his life style! He was always carefree as possible, and didn't live up to anyones expectations but his own. He didn't have a family to please.. until now. She smiled more at the thought of Kiba becoming a dad. Her best friend was having his first pups and she wouldn't be there to see it. Hinata could only hope he would understand why.. Her place wasn't in Konohagekure anymore.

Plus, her heart was somewhere else entirely..

She bit her lip harshly and damned herself for thinking in the shower. It was like being drunk; she always let the truth under thousands of pounds of lies slip right off her tongue as if it were barely hanging there. Hinata ran her small finger through her hair and sighed. It wouldn't be long until Sasuke would be leaving to head back to the snowy mountain... and she hated to admit it but she was dreading it.

Wasn't like they were attached at the hip or anything, but she would miss sleeping next to him for the nights he'd be gone. She rolled her eyes and condemned herself as weak, poor excuse for a woman. Sasuke probably didn't give it a second thought. The deal they had was strictly business; she was his designated baby maker. Hinata couldn't help but laugh some at her new nickname. Why was she taking it as a joke when it wasn't? Sasuke was serious and she seemed to just about not mind it at all. She knew her tough act wasn't building much of a wall between them, and she really didn't want to get attached to him. Perhaps it was to late..

Hinata stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her before stepping into the bedroom. Sasuke was sitting on the edge of the bed facing the bathroom door. He was wearing some black sweat pants that looked almost to big for him and hung loosely around his hips. His shirt had miraculously went missing as usual.

"Took you long enough."

"...Sorry."

Sasuke paused for a moment before getting up and walking toward her. Hinata backed up til her back hit the dresser, "L-let me get some clothes on.." He chuckled inwardly and shook his head. "Why?"

"B-because I'm not ready.."

Sasuke arched an eyebrow and crossed his arms, "Not ready? For what- ohhh.." He laughed out loud and rolled his eyes. "Hinata, we aren't gonna just jump onto each other.. There are a lot of steps that come before a baby."

"T-there are?"

"Would I lie to you?" He smirked hoping to distract her while one large hand slid around her towel covered waist. Hinata bit her lips sharply, "Don't do that.."his other hand wrapped around her chin while his thumb gently laid on her bottom lip tugging it away from her torturous mouth.

"You have perfect lips, why would ya' wanna bite 'em?"

Her eyes were wide, she didn't know what to do! She'd only kissed one boy, one time in her entire life! And this boy looked like he wanted one.. "I-i.." Her blood began to boil, but not in a bad way. Her skin tingled instead of crawled and her mouth watered, or atleast she thought it was her mouth.  
Sasuke smiled and released her lip before running said hand down her neck and grasping her shoulder. Sasuke kissed her forehead while running his fingers through her slowly growing hair. "I know tonight is our last night, but try not to make it seem like it? I'll be back as soon as I can make it.."

It was like he knew she would be worried. Was nothing sacred? Was she really that bad at hiding her emotions? Or did he just know..

Hinata blushed and closed her eyes, "I want you to be careful, Sasuke.."

He smiled, "Told ya' you'd miss me.." Hinata shoved him playfully and shook her head, "Yeah right!"

* * *

The entire day was spent catching up on laundry and counting their supplies, because Sasuke swore when they returned the group was relocating immediately. Karin and Hinata wanted to be ready for anything so they were on top of all the tasks. By the time night rolled in the girls turned in early while listening to the guys stand in the kitchen jaw until 1 am. Hinata only heard bits and pieces, she was falling in and out of sleep, and it sounded like their strategy for the next morning. Her eyes shot open when the bedroom door opened and all the lights were out so she couldn't make out who it was exactly, but by the sound of the heavy feet she could tell it was Sasuke.

In attempt to crawl over her the back of his hand collided with some part of her face. "A-ah!" Sasuke jumped slightly and knocked over the lamp trying to turn it on. "Shit! Are you alright?" His hands found her face and he felt her nod, "Yeah, it's okay. You just surprised me." Sasuke, who was unknowingly straddling her, rubbed her cheek gently with his hand. "I didn't bust anything? You're not bleeding, right?" Hinata giggled and nodded, "I'm okay."

Way to tired to pick up the lamp, Sasuke laid down beside her. "S-sasuke?"

"Hmm?"

"I've been thinking... about those steps you said."

"What steps?" He yawned and stretched.

"The steps you said to do before the baby.."

Sasuke paused and closed his eyes before answering, "And?" He felt her small hand lay on his stomach and inch up slowly, "Well.. don't take this to your ego but I am gonna miss you.. I'll admit that."

"What made you change your mind?" He smirked and laid his larger hand on top of hers. Hinata got deep chills and placed small kisses on his collar bone and neck which seemed to surprise liked being a woman in control, made sense when you looked at her past of being ran over all the time but still, this was Sasuke not Naruto. He flipped them with a twist of his wrist and had her pinned underneath him. She groaned in protest, "Sasuke.." He ignored her and grabbed her legs wrapping them around his waist. When she started scratching his shoulder blades hoping to regain some dominance he grabbed both her wrists in one hand and pinned them above her head. "This isn't a wrestling match, sweet heart. I can't lose."

His lips graced hers gently for the first time since she'd met him. A shot of electricity shook her spine and she moaned into the kiss allowing him to deepen it. Sasuke kissed his way down her neck and left plenty of hickies, "Which one of those steps did you have in mind, princess?" Sasuke grinded down against her feeling her arch her back. Hinata moaned and whimpered until Sasuke decided to release her hands and rip the front of her shirt open. Hinata's poor choice of not wearing a bras that night proved to work against her as he played with them like they were some new toys. He nipped, sucked, and pulled at them making them hard and sensitive. Hinata had her hand in his hair moaning, suddenly wondering if this was a bad idea.

He popped her nipple out of his mouth and with one quick motion her bottoms, panties and all, were across the room, "S-sasuke.."

"Shhh, just relax.." Sasuke grabbed her thighs and hooked her legs over his shoulders skillfully. He nipped and sucked on her inner thighs leaving hickies of good sizes. When Hinata felt him do the same to her most intimate core she gasped and tried to grasp the headboard. For what seemed like hours she pleaded with Sasuke, pulled his hair, and scratched his shoulders and arms. She begged him to stop that she couldn't take it anymore. How in the world did he get so good at what he was doing? She had no clue and didn't care to ask, but she had been pushed over the edge in that one night more times than she cared to admit. He would just grab her hips and keep her from moving away from his sinful mouth. Sinful Uchiha.

Sasuke pushed her over the edge one last, hard time around 4 am. He smirked and licked his lips listening to her pant and feeling her legs shake in his grasp. "Step one; Complete."


	11. Chapter 11

Sasuke and the others headed back up the mountain, leaving Hinata and Karin in one anothers company. Honestly, did they expect something good out of leaving the two girls alone together? Hinata was to shy to open up about her sexual experience and Karin was laughing because she already knew.

"I'm going to train.."

"Train? Where?"

"Down in the field.. the one outside of town."

"Oh! I'll go!"

The two walked down the narrow street and made their way out of the small town. The field looked like it was once used quite frequently, but now it was left barren. An old woman sat on the bench just outside the field. She threw corn on the ground and fed the birds that cared to land. Upon seeing the two girls she smiled warmly and waved them over.

"Plannin on using the field today?"

"Well we were hoping to...I haven't got to train much lately.." Karin scratched the back of her head nervously. The old woman smiled warmly and patted the seat beside her. "There is quite a story behind these grounds.." Hinata sat on the opposite side of the woman and leaned back ready to hear what she had to say.

"You see, a long time ago there was a man named Hiruzen Sarutobi. I was just a young girl myself, and I had quite an eye for him. He was the son of Sasuke Sarutobi, they both shared good looks." The woman smiled remembering her younger years and continued, "You see, my sister married Hiruzen here on this field."

Karin smiled realizing there wasn't really interesting history here, just memories from a sweet old woman. "Who is your sister?"

"Biwako. She was much more beautiful than I could ever hope to be..And she had two beautiful children.."

Hinata bit her lip arching a brow at the woman, earning a weird look from Karin. If this woman was telling the truth she was the sister in law of the third Hokage, Sarutobi sama. It hadn't been to long ago that Kurenai gave birth to Asuma's daughter, last she heard the child was walking now..

"I haven't seen my sister since their wedding day, I don't even know if she's still alive.."

What does this woman really want?

"I have heard many things about her children though! I would love to meet my nieces and nephews, are they in the city?"

"By city, you mean Konoha?" Karin asked innocently.

"I just heard he took my sister to a city, I'm not sure which." As charming as her story sounded Hinata remained unamused. She bit the inside of her lip lightly, and examined the woman closer.

Hanging out of the womans left pocket was a kunai. Of course old people were intitled to protect themselves as necessary, but this was a strange type of kunai. It was more up to date than something an old timer would pack around. Hinata remained cautious. Karin, on the side, was playing right into this womans hands. Buying into her story of her missing sister and he beloved children.

The woman thre out another handful of corn and peaked at Hinata from the corner of her wrinkly eye. It was more like a glare, and her eyes didn't match her body at all. They were red and small and much moe young looking.

"Karin MOVE!" Hinata jumped back off of the bench taking a startled Karin with her. The bench itself exploded and wood chips flew everywhere. Out of the smoke emerged a taller man with red eyes matching his hair. A steel blade rested across his shoulders and a smirk on his face.

"Now that we have you where we need you, lets talk." He snarled and three other men appeared infront of the two women.

"It's about that scroll you stole from Konohagekure. I want it."

"Are you a ninja from Konoha?"

The man howled in laughter and the others looked insulted, "Hell no. Just hear Orochimaru's pickpocketers got a latch on it. Now that it's outside of Konoha its fair game."

Karin chimed in, "Well to bad cause we-" Hinata slapped a hand over her mouth, "Aren't handing it over to you, you jack ass!"

"Alright, have it your way. I'll just take it from your dead body."

"We don't even have it, Hinata.." Karin whispered. "Right but Sasuke doesn't need these guys tailing them up that mountain. He has enough to worry about.." Karin nodded in agreement and pulled out a kunai, "Bring it on, Grandma!"

* * *

Metal crashed against metal as Hinata blocked the onslaught of attacks from his steel blade. He was all that was left out of the group, Karin was down for a few counts, and it wouldn't be long before she ran out of chakra herself. She calculated her movements to counter attack his precisely as Neji taught her. If she could just find an opening in his deffense...AH, THERE! Hinata dealt a blow that knocked him off his feet and left him on the ground bleeding.

She stood over him as he died and shook her head. "Power hungry... Karin, are you okay?" The small redheaded girl rose to her feet while clinging to a tree.

"Yeah! We shoudl get back to the room.. you look pretty banged up.."

"Speak for yourself.." Hinata threw Karin's arm over her shoulders and the two carried each other the whole way back. "They must have been following us.. and waiting for Sasuke and the others to leave..."

"Cowards..Sasuke would've slaughtered them all.." Karin remarked with disdain in her voice. Though the fight was over, Hinata still couldn't figure out just why the man used the conversational approach he did. Something in the back of her mind told her it really did have something to do with the late Hokage.. and possibly Kurenai..She could be in danger.

She resisted the urge to sprint back to Konohagekure and build up a defense around Kurenai and everyone else she loved. But, those men were dead now..

"What should we do?"

"Wait for the others to return I guess.."

"You need to see a doctor.."

"We don't have the funds.. Sasuke took them." Hinata replied realizing the true danger in their situation. Her hand rested on her stomach, which was wrapped in gauze. "Hopefully it doesn't set up infection before they return."

"You never know where that man's sword has been."

Hinata nodded agreeing with her before laying down to rest.


	12. Chapter 12

The following night was rather cold for Hinata. The big bed that once was occupied by Sasuke's large figure, felt so empty now. Her stomach hurt tremendously and there was no seeing a doctor to get pain medicine.. boy would Sasuke hear about this upon return.

Her small figure was wrapped in thin black bed sheets that played a part in soothing the pain in her naked torso. Though she adorned her torn and tattered flesh with gauze and used her mal-doctoring techniques, there was only so much she could do with her medical ninjutsu. After all, she was a sensory type ninja not a medical kunoichi. All the skill she'd acquired medically had been passed through Tsunade and then to Sakura, who she had the _pleasure _of working with once upon a time. Before she stole her boyfriend. Whore.

Hinata closed her eyes trying to force herself to sleep. It wasn't happening. Sitting up, she crossed her legs and released a long tension filled sigh from her nostrils. Her palms met at her center as she balanced her chakra and began to meditate skillfully. This was how she analyzed past situations and learned lessons from her mistakes. Carefully she allowed her Byakugan to replay her previous encounter in her mind, and slowed the play back just enough to pin point her weakness in that exact moment so she could work on it later. This was the technique she used to become stronger. By constantly replaying her every move and staring in the mirror for two hours every night she critiqued herself without mercy. NO room for errors. Errors lead to failure and that was no longer an option either. She had to keep up with the pace that she had set for herself. No more doormat Hinata Hyuga.

Reguardless whether or not Sasuke returned in time for doctorate expertise she would heal with no problem what so ever because that was what she had trained herself for. And losing Naruto to _her _was not going to be enough for her to lose herself and all she had worked for, besides things were looking different now. Not only was she getting stronger and gaining more confidence, but she was also gaining other ..virtues.

Sasuke's silhouette burned itself in the very back of her thoughts. She wasn't ready to admit she cared for him, even if it did make her seem weak as a woman. Surprisingly, she wasn't ashamed of their previous advancement in their..relationship. In a weird sense she felt relieved that it had occured. Hinata felt stronger for allowing Sasuke so close to her. Moping around and missing Naruto stressed her out to the maximum so she was absolutely thrilled she could have another relationship with a man. Though never in her wildest dreams had she imagined it be Sasuke Uchiha...

Soon sleep took Hinata captive and all resistance was futile, not that she cared or anything.

* * *

Hinata woke the next morning feeling stiffer than before. The sheets were wet and tacky from what she originally thought was sweat. Maybe she had a nightmare and didn't remember it? However that question was blow out of the water upon walking into the bathroom and standing in front of the mirror. The gauze that once secured her pale curvy form was now drenched in deep tones of red blood. Her skin was stained with the poisonous color as well. Her only explanation was that she reopened the wound in her sleep.

Using a kunai she cut the gauze from her small form before wiping away the dried blood. The wound seemed to have reclosed and she hadn't bled to death in her sleep.

Once she had rewrapped her wound and stripped the bed of its sheets she tossed on one of Sasuke's white kimonos, which engulfed her almost completely. She managed to through the sheets in soapy water to soak the blood out without reopening her wound by bending completing a few tasks and grabbing something out of the kitchen to eat she climbed back onto the bed and turned the fan on. Today would be her day off.

Many hours later, Karin checked on Hinata and chastized her about her poor wound binding methods.

"You really ought to be able to do better ya know? You are supposed to be from the Hidden Leaf, the world's top shinobi."

"Right, well we weren't the world's top shinobi because of me. Keep that in mind."

"Pathetic. We need to work on our medical skills. The guys may need them really bad one day."

"We need them really bad NOW."

"Regaurdless, you have to heal up first. Sasuke and the others are due back in a few days..shouldn't take that long. Its the traveling that takes longest."

Hinata's week was filled with nothing but washing clothes and keeping their supplies accounted for. She rested when she could but had to be ready for their return encase they would bring trouble. Thanks to Karin's medical ninjutsu passed down from Orochimaru, Hinata's wound was sealed completely only leaving a bruise.

The two girls were outside in their bathing suits relaxing on the balcony of their hotel room. Karin, being a very sensitive sensory kunoichi could sense Jugo's chakra along with the other two. "They're close."

"I'd give them 10 minutes tops." Hinata agreed and rubbed more tanning lotion on her. "Should we get up?"

"I don't feel like it."

Just as Hinata began to doze off a shadow towered over her once warm petite figure. She opened one eye and was greeted by a smiling sharingan holder. His white kimono was hanging loosely around his waist so that his chest and back were exposed to the harsh sunlight. Probably a decent relief from all the snow.

"You've enjoyed your time without me, I see."

"Nonsense, she was miserable." Karin chimed in.

"Shut up, Karin."

"Lets go in, we have things to talk about." Karin and Hinata followed them in and sat in the floor by the bed. Sasuke turned to them and leaned against the wall, "We are leaving tomorrow. Karin will check us out this evening for an early departure."

"Why so sudden?" Hinat ran a hand through her now shoulder length hair.

"We don't have a lot of time to waist, Hinata. We need to keep on the move or we'll be sitting ducks for ninja who have heard of what we did."

"You mean the scroll? Yeah well, about that. Kind of too late to move around seeing as though they already know where we are. We fought a group earlier this week, right after your departure. News traveled fast so they could have us surrounded by morning."

"That's a chance we'll have to take. We encountered some issues on the way and Jugo is in no shape to travel. Suigetsu and I are low enough on chakra as it is."

Hinata bit her lip and nodded. "A chance we'll have to take I guess." Everyone agreed on the decision and set off to their seperate rooms. Hinata had just remade the bed so the sheets were silky and clean making Sasuke appreciate them so much more. He stretched out on the bed, an image Hinata realized she missed more than she really knew, and sighed. She didn't make any comments toward his obvious state despite her urges, and climbed in bed beside him.

"I feel like I could sleep for ages.."

"I have been trying to sleep all week.."

Sasuke stripped most of his clothes off and his sandals. "Believe it or now, Hinata, it was hard to sleep alone. I've gotten used to your weight on my chest."

Hinata fought back a blush and rolled her eyes. "Sure, sure." Silence took over the room for the longest moment before Sasuke spoke up again, this time half alseep with it hanging heavy in his voice. "You know.. you don't have to put up walls around yourself. I know everyone here personally..except you.. because you wont let me. How am I supposed to protect someone I don't know?"

"The same way you have babies with someone you don't know, or marry them." She said sarcastically and watched him smile. He had such a beautiful smile..

"Glad to hear you're warming up to the idea.."

"Enough of that.. what did you accomplish on the mountain?" She looked away from him purposely but turned her gaze back to him when she didn't receive a reply. His eyes were closed but his right hand laid open ontop of his chest as if wanting her to take it. Hinata hesitated knowing this meant he didn't feel like talking about it right now. Her shoulders slumped in defeat and she turned out the lamp beside the bed. Hinata's petite hand found his and he pulled her onto his chest gently. It was a conversation that would just have to wait, for now she was just happy to have her pillow back; her warm, red eyed pillow.


	13. Chapter 13

Within the next two weeks Sasuke managed to move the group further away from Konohagekures border. He never spoke to Hinata about the events that occured on the mountain and Karin couldn't seem to get anything out of either of the other two. Hinata couldn't help but feel a sigh of relief wash over her with ever mile marker they passed that indicated how far away they were from her home village. Maybe Sasuke was taking some of her words to heart and abandoning Konoha...

The group followed Sasuke blindly through the towns and even through the many forest.. at least they weren't heading for snow.. Instead, it seemed like they were head toward more and more bodies of water, perhaps the ocean? Oh how nice it would be to lay in the sand and relax and maybe even catch up on some gossip with Karin.

The red headed fiend walked infront of her, keeping her wedged between her and Jugo as they made their way through the forest. Hinata had an aweful fear of stepping on snakes, even though Karin reassured her that since they had traveled with sasuke she'd never been bothered by one since.

"How freakin' long to we have to walk, Uchiha?" Karin spat out while pulling leaves form her hair. She recieved a quick glare from Suigetsu, but no response from Sasuke. Karin looked back at Hinata who shrugged and shook her head unknowingly. As the group walked closer and closer to a clearing Hinata began to hear voices. She would stop and listen but the voices would cease. Her keen eyes averted to the three ahead of her who didn't seem to hear them and continued walking.

"Which one.. which one.."

Once again, Hinata stopped and looked around, "Do you guys hear that?"

The three denied hearing anything without even glancing back at her, "Man.. no..a woman..it will be a woman." She was absolutely sure she'd heard someone that time. Hinata stopped and turned to confirm it with Jugo who HAD to have heard it also. "Jugo did you hear-" His eyes were blood shot as he tossed a sloppy punch her way, luckily she managed to dodge just in time.

"Woman!"

Hinata jumped back and avoided yet another attempt from the over sized man. Jugo's shoulder took out a tree as he tried to steady himself and launch another attack toward her.

"Jugo!" White snakes broke through the earth and pinned him down. Hinata cautiously stepped back before looking up at her team mates. Karin was flesh against a tree scared to death, Suigetsu had one hand on his sword while Sasuke had a hand on his also. Sasuke's other hand was extended for Hinata to take, "Suigetsu, take Karin and head on down to the springs. I'll talk to Jugo."

Hinata observed the nod returned from Suigetsu as he escorted Karin through the woods, almost having to carry her. Poor girl was petrified from Jugo's wild outburst.

"Hinata.. are you alright?" Hinata nodded, unable to find her voice. She took his hand gently and was lead behind him as he stepped forward and crouch down to Jugo. Jugo was breathing hard and hysterical but not as hysterical. Sasuke seemed to have a calming affect on him.

"Jugo..."

" .. I didn't.. I'm sorry.."

"No one was hurt..It's fine.."

The snakes returned to the earth once more and Sasuke helped Jugo to his feet. "Hinata.. I.." He began to apologize but Hinata just smiled and nodded in understanding, "You can't control it.. it's okay Jugo."

Jugo nodded before Sasuke sent him on with Karin and Suigetsu, "You sure you're alright?"

"Yeah."

The way things were turning out for the two it almost seemed like Sasuke had been trying to get Hinata alone all week. "Any thoughts about going back to Konoha?"

"What?" She looked at him confused and somewhat insulted that he asked. "I figured you were home sick."

"Oh how nice of you to think of my feelings for once."

"Oh Hinata, let's not start the drama train alright? It was a question. Are you home sick?"

"You're trying to get rid of me now? Did you find someone else to spawn your Uchiha hellians?"

"ARE YOU HOME SICK, OR NOT HINATA?" His dark onyx eyes narrowed on her. "Why would I be, Sasuke? I left on my own accord so why would I miss it?"

"You can still go back if you want to. Marry Naruto and take the head of the Hyuga clan."

"I don't want to marry a man i have to worry about every day."

"You don't hae to worry about Naruto, he can care for himself-"

"Yes he sure as hell can, and if he isn't doing a good enough job then dammit Sakura will do it for him." She retaliated with venom in her words. "Naruto can't carry himself around other women. He can't carry a commitment, that's what I would have to worry about every day he's gone. I can't take someone back that I know i'll never trust again. That's self torture."

Sasuke didn't have much to say about that. Not that he was relieved that she felt that way or anything..

"Sasuke, what the hell are we doing?"

"We have a new target."

"Oh?" Hinata arched an eyebrow. "And that would be?"

"Not Konohagekure."

"I don't get any other info but that?"

"Sorry."

Hinata rolled her eyes and found herself pinned to a tree. "Sas-?" His lips crashed against her with toe curling force. Hinata was surprised for the first 3 seconds before she actually returned the kiss. Sasuke pulled away leaving his forehead against hers. "Hinata.. do you think you could.. love me?"

"Me? love you?"

His eye averted to the ground as he bit down on his lip silently cursing himself for being so childish. "What makes you think I don't already love you?"

The pair stood still in the moment for just a few seconds before laughing, "I don't need you to love me, I need you to have my babies."

"If you can even perform right, that is." Hinata teased lightly. She was satisfied at the arch in his eyebrow and smirk on his face. "Just not the right place or time for it."

"Who actually plans sex? Really Sasuke?"

"I do, why? Are you in a hurry?"

"w-well no but..Anyway! You can't expect me to have your babies if you keep all of these secrets from me. My child deserves better than that."

Hinata managed to wiggle her wrists free and slithered around him. "We should catch up to the others.." Reluctantly, Sasuke agreed and they began tracking through the woods.

"About Jugo..?"

"It's a long story.. he just snaps sometimes, though he hasn't done it in a very long time. He can't help himself..."

"Oh."

* * *

**So sorry for spelling errors! Its finally a 4 day weekend &amp; I can make a dent in my stories :) College has me going nuts.**


	14. Chapter 14

So her assumptions were right, the group was heading toward a warm beachy area. Hinata hid her excitement behind well trained eyes, Karin was doing quite the opposite. She was already trying to talk Suigetsu into buying alcohol so everyone could get drunk and party for one night on the sand bar.

"Karin this isn't a vacation, we are here on business."

"but it will bee soooooo fun! Come on!"

"Karin! No! Shut up you're so annoying."

As if insulted greatly, she hung her mouth open in a well played out gasp. "you mean you don't want to have fun?!" She dramatically felt of his forehead for a fever, "I thought we had a mutual liking for alcohol, Suigetsu what's happened? Are you alright?"

With a new seriousness he smacked her hand away. "i was hoping we would have a mutual liking for staying alive. No way do I wanna be cock hanging out drunk in enemy territory. Now shut up."

Hinata's brows raised at his statement, no not the cock hanging out part. They were entering enemy territory without any briefing what so ever? She and Karin could easily be picked off if they didn't fess us and explain what they were dealing with.

"Hey!" She planted her feet firmly in refusal to move any further. "I'm not going in anymore until someone tells me what the hell is going on."

Karin stopped as well, "yeah, we have a right to know. We pull our own weight around here!"

Sasuke didn't turn to meet their gaze, unlike Jugo and Suigetsu. "You don't need to know."

"I dont? How am I supposed to know who or what is my enemy? You're leaving Karin and me wide open for any kind of ambush. Spill it or we turn around and head back to the last check point."

Sasuke sighed in agitation and turned looking at them. "You've been hanging out with Karin to long, you're becoming just as annoying."

Hinata gave him a mean look before turning around, "well if you're not going to tell me then I guess I'm wasting my time being led by you three, let's go Karin." Karin flipped her hair and turned after giving them a 'hmph'.

Suigetsu rolled his eyes and muttered something about women before opening his mouth, "we're dealing with sky ninja. That's all you need to know."

Hinata stopped and turned looking at Sasuke who had no expression on his face. "Was that such a hard thing to say Sasuke? So hard that Suigetsu had to tell me?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes and smiled at her. His perfect white canines peaked over his lips just barely and his eyes took on more of a warm feeling. Since when did Sasuke smile like this? Since he found it was his winning card with Hinata. How could she be mad at a smile like that?

* * *

Hinata was busy washing her rapidly growing hair, while Karin eavesdropped on Suigetsu and Sasukes conversation. Let the record show that she absolutely sucked at eavesdropping.

At this point in time Hinata was pretty much used to being kept in the dark about things, obviously. There wasn't much she could do about it..

Besides.. Maybe it was best she didn't know.

She sighed and stepped into her clothes leaving her shirt and jacket off. The weather was far to nice for all the clothing they packed around. Hinata laid on the river bank and relaxed in the breeze. Just as she felt herself begin to doze, her Byakugan self activated. It was a skill she had spent most of her life perfecting so it would be near impossible to be caught off guard.

Her eyes shot open and she leaped to her feet in a crouched position. There were ninja approaching south of the river, it seemed they'd been masking their chakra which would explain why Karin hadn't came out to investigate.

They were close, close enough to engage..

Swiftly, she pulled a kunai out of her pouch and cursed herself for going into any combat with a simple work out bra and spandex shorts.

The corner of her eye captured a glimpse of light striking toward her. Having no choice but to leap forward she flipped allowing the said light to engulf her right ankle. Carefully she hoisted all of her weight to sling the large fūma shuriken to its previous location. Successfully earning a cry of pain in return.

Once she had landed on her feet her Byakugan scanned the area surrounding her for miles in only a fraction of a second. Her right arm blocked three attacks and she used her leg foot to shove off of the invading body and gain some distance between them.

That was when she saw the sky head band. "Must be the guys Sasuke was talking about.." She mumbled to herself and dodged another attack.

"You're trespassing! There is no room for rouge ninja here! Only loyalist!"

"Mind you're own damn business!"

Upon his following attack she countered while evading a separate attack from a sky comrade, "damn.." Where the hell was that worthless Uchiha when you needed him?!

"give it up, you're out numbered!"

"kill me first!"

A smirk slid across the mans face and he cracked his knuckles, "if that's what the lady wants.."

* * *

**Meanwhile; 2 miles north.**

"So am ambush is the obvious route.."

Karin played with the tips of her hair and rolled her eyes, "that seems kind of cheap don't ya think, Suigetsu?"

"Shut up, you wanna live?"

"Well sure but the great and noble Uchiha won't go for such." Sasuke raised his eyebrow at her sarcastic crack and smirked.

"Actually, I agree with Suigetsu. As noble and great as I appear I would like to live just a little bit longer.."

His remark earned a proud chuckle from Suigetsu, "See bitch, I know what I'm talking about."

Karin rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, "I should've went with Hina chan.."

"Where is Nana?"

Jugo, Karin, and Suigetsu gave Sasuke a puzzled look at the nickname. "she went to wash up at the river..?"

"alone? You let her go alone in enemy territory?"

"yeah Karin, you're stupid."

"Shut up Suigetsu! I didnt give it much thought."

Sasuke grabbed his katana and headed out of the tent toward the river leaving a confused group of people behind. It wasn't until he reached the halfway point that he sensed chakra levels flaring, mainly Hinatas, and sensed the presence of 2 or more ninja he wasn't familiar with. For some unknown reason this struck fear in the pit of his stomach and he rushed off with lightning curling off his heels.

Hinata could handle herself, but against 2 or 3 high ranked shinobi? Those odds didn't sit great with him.

By the time he arrived the chakra signatures had vanished along with they're respectable owners. There was no sign of a real struggle, just a few skid marks in the soft ground, and he couldn't sense anything. It was almost like they'd vanished into thin air. Slightly puzzled, he was just about to head back when his onyx eyes scanned over a small patch of blood staining the grass. It wasn't enough to track anyone.. not much to go on.. and where was Hinata? Sasuke stepped closer and something shiny flickered his way from the small stain. It was a small crystal charm that had once adorned Hinata's small pale neck. He remembered having it carved for her not long ago in one of the towns they had passed through on their way back from the mountains to meet the Karin and Hinata at the hotel.

He recalled the faint blush she'd tried so hard to hide and he wrapped the thin chain around her neck. Hinata had never took it off.. someone took it off for her. He wasn't sure who but whoever it was had Hinata, and he wasn't sue how long she would be kept alive or what they would put her through.

But why take her? Why target her? They had no idea she was accompanying him and the others. Word hadn't spread of her becoming a rouge ninja yet, she hadn't done anything. How was he going to find her? Was he going to go after her? Was it worth delaying his primary mission? He was an Uchiha for kami sakes, it wasn't suitable for him to be running off blindly like some ignorant child after some damsel in distress.

Sasuke squeezed the crystal charm in his fist tightly by his side. What was he saying? Of course he'd go after her! This bitch wasn't breaking their deal that easy, he'd won fair and square.

* * *

"So we're delaying the mission to go after Hinata?" Jugo questioned.

"Yes you IDIOT! We have to get her back! If you don't go I'll go by myself and get my Hina chan back!" Karin yelled while packing up her gear. "She was there for me and now she needs me to back her up! If that's to much for this sorry ass group then I am sorry but I don't belong here."

"Karin.." Suigetsu looked at her in disbelief.

"I'm going. Don't tell me no, I have a father an you're not him."

"How are we supposed to find her?"

"I called in a favor." Sasuke crossed his arms, "He'll be here soon."

"Hopefully Hinata can hang on for just a little longer.." Karin had a worried expression on her face that quickly turned to shock when a man leaped from a high tree and landed on the grass below on all fours. "What is ..that?" He stood up and she recognized him from the mountain, "You're that guy that spoke to me and Hinata, what are you doing he-?"

He waved her off and walked past her to Sasuke. "Never thought I'd see the day an Uchiha would make a house call to an Inuzuka. Must be important."

Sasuke didn't seem to give his comment any attention, "I need you to track Hinata, the Hyuga girl with us at the mountain. You remember?" Some what insulting his intellect.

"Oh please, she smells just like her damn daddy. I know that shit stain anywhere."


	15. Chapter 15

Hinata woke to a room filled with shinobi that she half recognized. There were three sky shinobi, and eight leaf shinobi. Her vision was blurry but her hearing was just fine.

"So this is the girl?"

"Yeah, hokage-sama will be happy to have her back. Where did you find her?"

"She wasn't to far off from that group of rouge ninja we were tracking. The group once affiliated with Orochimaru."

"Sasuke?! She was with Sasuke?!" The sound of a struggle was heard and a piercing voice, along with a slightly panicked one rang through to her.

"Did you see an Uchiha?!"

"N-no she w-was the only o-one we c-caught up with..! S-she was a-alone I swear it!"

Hinata recognized the voice to belong to Naruto's mistress Sakura. Ohhh did she have a few words for that bitch.

* * *

Karin was actually shocked at the ground they were covering with the new addition, he seemed to really know what he was talking about. Of course he was still a little on the odd side..but weren't all Inuzukas?

"So how long until we find her?"

"Sky ninja can be hard to track.. Wanky bastards literally float-"

"I thought you've tracked them before! Weren't you supposed to be the best tracker the leaf village had ever seen or was that a lie?"

He arched a dark brow at her and smirked. "Tracking is a lot easier when you have a balanced intellectual support group accompanying you, which in this case I am lacking severely."

Karin gave him a dull look, "Well maybe you should call your dog friends to help."

"That would make it worse. I never was much of a pack hunter."

Suigetsu gave him an odd look, "Never heard that one before."

"It's true. I hunted alone most of the time," He crouched down inspecting ground, "But..on occasion.. I took Minato with me. He didn't talk so much."

Karin looked annoyed and rolled her eyes.

"They're headin' up the rocky way, I would say they're taking her back to the village.. More than likely Hiashi put a bounty on her head."

"Well then we need to head them off! Come on Sasuke!"

"Hush Karin." He glared at her, "What are our odds?" Sasuke returned his gaze to their tracker.

"Well, I can say I've never once in my life seen a sky shinobi cross Konoha borders. I would wager they're planning to meet somewhere.. and exchange."

"Wager? oh that's great." Karin scoffed.

"You know I could be wrong about this Uchiha. Just like I was wrong when I thought I would never meet a woman that bitched more than my ex wife."

Karin glared daggers at him and Suigetsu chuckled, "Alright you two, lets get moving."

* * *

By the time Hinata's vision cleared up they had her sitting at a table with her arms tied behind her back. She recognized Naruto leaning against the wall with his arms crossed in strong disapproval. He was sporting his black and orange Kage robes which meant he expected a battle to approach suddenly if at all.

"Glad you're awake."

"Drop dead." Hinata narrowed her eyes at him and used every ounce of energy she had to copy Sasuke's trademark ruthless gaze down to a T.

"That's no way to talk to your hokage, Hinata!" Sakura chimed in with her arrogant tone.

"Bitch, I am the last person you want to be speaking to much less looking at. You are irrelevant so shut up and go dye your hair."

As Sakura and Hinata butted heads Naruto seemed to fall back to the furthest corner of the room, "Girls, girls, what's this about?"

"SHUT UP!" They commanded in unison.

"Okay.. okay.. take it easy.. Sakura.. excuse Hinata and me for a few moments, would ya?"

The pink headed blob hesitantly exited the room along with the other anbu member he ushered out. "Hinata, baby talk to me. Why did you just leave like that? I was so scared I've been looking everywhere for you."

"I don't see how you pulled your nose out of Sakura's ass long enough to notice my absence, hokage-sama."

"Oh geez, really? You're jealous over Sakura?"

"I wouldn't have to be jealous over her if you weren't shamelessly sucking face with her behind my back. Some man you are Hokage sama, can't even be faithful to one woman yet people expect you to lead an entire country."

"That was a mistake, Hinata. People make mistakes, I'm sorry.."

"Damn right you're sorry as hell."

"What- what has happened to you? Before, I couldn't even get you to speak three words at a gathering and now you're cussing me out? Where did this come from, all of this hate. This is not you Hinata. Stop trying so hard to be something you're not."

"I did! Now you're hearing it! The 'ImSickOfYouWalkingAllOverMe' Hinata! Don't tell me who I am because you don't know me!"

"Yes I do! You're my fiancée!"

"NO, I'm not!"

Their useless spat was interrupted by an anbu black ops poking his head in the room, "Forgive me, Hokage sama, but we need to start covering some ground back to Konoha. Naruto gave him a nod of acknowledgement and dismissed him.

"Now is your chance."

"Chance?"

"You're coming back with me and we are gonna work this out and give you some anger management."

"Anger management? Naruto I don't want to go back."

"Why? You have everything there.. I'll get you anything you want to make it up to you.."

"Naruto, I already have everything I want..I don't want higher status, I don't want to be Hiashi Hyuga's daughter or Lord Hokage's wife. I'm fine out here and I really really appreciate your concern, I really do but I don't want to go back to that nightmare."

"Nightmare? Konoha?"

"No.. me. How I used to be. I was a rug and I followed you around half my life blinded by love. I could've been bettering myself as a ninja or..just anything other than what I was doing. The life I was living was no life at all. I just woke up every morning and did what father said, went out and carried myself like a _lady _should. I was a symbol for the Hyuga clans royalty.. I don't want that. I want what I have now. I don't have to worry about what people will think of me if I speak out of turn, cuss, spit, or cry.. and now I can actually stand up for myself."

"Hinata you can do that at home to-"

"No! I can't, It'll just go back to the way it was if I go back there." Naruto stared at her for a moment before crossing his arms and sighing.

"And I thought you were mad because I cheated on you... apparently you were just waiting to run wild at the first opportunity."

Hinata arched an eyebrow at him as if insulted. "I'm not wild, trust me Sasuke and his goons are much worse than me."

"Sasuke? You've been with Sasuke this whole time?"

"Well if I had known any better I would've ran away weeks ago."

"Whats he up to?" Naruto now had a serious look on his face and stepped toward her.

"What?"

He slammed his fist down onto the table, "You heard me! What the hell is his next move?!"

"Next move? I don't know!"

"Bullshit! You're coming with us!"

At that moment Hinata could have kicked herself because she had a feeling Naruto was just about to let her go without any trouble but it seems every time that Uchiha gets brought up in a conversation trouble is the only thing to talk about.

**2 HOURS LATER**

Hinata followed behind Naruto who was surrounded by anbu as they headed down the path toward Konoha. All the while she had to listen to Sakura's persistent bitching and Naruto's snide comments about Sasuke being a snake.

"Listen Naruto.. I really don't care-"

"Hey! Shut your mouth or address Lord Hokage with the respect he deserves!" Hinata gave the masked girl a dull look. "Don't tell me what to do."

"Shut up, I can't hear." Naruto scolded and stopped as if listening to the trees. Hinata didn't have to listen, she could just feel it. Something bad was about to happen and she wanted no part of it. A second before the destruction took place a quick electric impulse shot through her body and she knew immediately Sasuke was present.

Lightening bolts shot from the sky and broke open the ground in front of them as if to hinder their journey. The earth split open for miles and Sasuke stood on the very ledge with his katana drawn. "Naruto-"

Before Sasuke could finish Sakura was melting with happiness, "SASUKE! OH SASUKE!" She grabbed his left arm trying to pull him down and he shrugged her off, "Sakura, stop!"

"S-sasuke...?"

His eyes were cold and emotionless to hers, which were quite the opposite. He had an expression that made Hinata chill ever so slightly and she considered herself used to all of his god awful expressions. He must really not like seeing these two..

"Naruto, You know what I'm here for so lets not waste time talking."

Naruto scoffed and rolled his eyes, "You'll never change Sasuke."

"I don't recall promising you I would. Let her go, you don't own her and we have nothing to talk about."

As if Hinata had just realized Sasuke had actually came to her aid, she managed to smile and earned a look from him. A look that made her avert her eyes to the ground.

"Actually we have a lot to talk about and since you're here alone it's the perfect time."

"If you want to assume I'm alone then I won't stop you, but I will say I don't much feel like talking today."

"Shocker."

"You have interrupted some very important business of mine, Naruto."

"Involving the leaf village?"

"Yes."

"So should we be expecting you sometime in the future?"

"There won't be a 'We' if you don't release her to me."

"She's a rouge ninja and has to face the council for her crimes."

"What crimes?"

"She left the village without formal permission. She's considered a threat."

Sasuke held his gaze for what seemed like forever before replying, "What do you want?"

"If you're planning something involving the destruction of the leaf you have to drop it now." Sasuke arched an eyebrow and stared not replying. At this point Hinata thought she would be left for sure.

"I don't care what else you do, just leave Konoha out of it. Promise me, I want your word on it as an Uchiha."

Silence filled the air and Sakura rose to her feet, "Just come home Sasuke.."

"You have my word as an Uchiha that no harm will come to Konoha."

Hinata's jaw slapped the floor. Either Sasuke had never originally planned to attack Konoha or he actually really liked her. Ha. Maybe she wasn't just a baby making machine after all!

"Good, I don't want to have to kill you Sasuke. You're my brother."

"Oh yeah, wouldn't want to shame myself by being killed by my little brothers hand." Sasuke shot back sarcastically.

"HEY! LITTLE BROTHER?!" Naruto's eyes widened and as the argument ensued, Hinata calmly walked around Naruto and toward Sasuke.

"If you're done arguing, I've seen enough of these people, Sasuke." She chimed in irritated. He only nodded at her and cut the ropes binding her wrists behind her back. "Lets go, we have a lot of ground to make up for."

As they disappeared into the trees she could feel Karin's chakra flaring before she actually saw her running toward her. The impact was hard and both girls fell to the ground hugging each other.

"I thought I'd lost you Hina! I thought you left me all alone with these slobs!"

"Slob?! Excuse me!" Suigetsu looked down at her, "I'm hardly that!"

Hinata sighed not feeling like listening to the argument and dragged Karin along by the arm following Sasuke. Camp was a good three hours away, it made sense that Sasuke would relocate it incase any other nosey people caught wind of their whereabouts.

* * *

That night Hinata didn't have a choice on where to sleep. Karin was bunking with Suigetsu and Jugo so that meant she got to share a tent with Sasuke. Oh she was overjoyed.. not really, but he said no one was allowed to go off on their own anymore. It was buddy system from here on out. Hinata thought it was just an excuse for him to keep an eye on her and be nosey. But despite her beliefs it didn't seem to make the silence between them any more awkward than it normally was.

It was actually calming, and gave her a lot of time to think. What if Sasuke was seriously planning on destroying the leaf? He seemed pretty hell bent on it before didn't he? Was her presence really important enough to make him forget about all of that? The thought made her blush deeply without realizing he was actually in the tent and watching her suspiciously. He arched an eyebrow at the odd blush that suddenly appeared and looked around the tent for a conversation piece.

"Hinata, why are you doing that?"

Her eyes snapped to his sharply and she gasped lightly, "Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry."

Hinata held her breath and swallowed very hard before lunging forward and hugging his torso. "Thankyousomuchforcomingforme!" Sasuke looked down at her slightly taken aback by the outburst, "Imsosorryiruinedyourplansandyouhadtogiveuponkonoha!" It took her fast words a moment to register in his mind but when they did he couldn't help but let out a laugh, and not just any laugh. Sasuke burst into genuine laughter at her disposition. Hinata rose up and looked at him not sure on what exactly to expect. "H-hina..h-hinata..I wasn't planning on going t-to Konoha n-no way.." He breathed in sharply, "Don't look so worried.." His speech improved as he composed himself. His hands came up to cup her small face and wipe away the tears that were threatening to escape.

"I'm just.. glad you're alright..." He continued to say, "I didn't want you hurt.."

Hinata could've said a lot of things to him then. She could've pointed out the fact that he was actually worried about her well being, or she could've simply pushed him away and told him to dream on. But.. hearing him say something like that and feeling his hands on her face so gentle didn't seem to provoke her mouth to open and spew harsh words out at him. In fact, her whole body was pretty relaxed next to him. "Sorry, Sasuke.." She whispered into his hand. He smiled sleepily and kissed her forehead, "Just go to sleep already.."

She smiled and shoved him back onto the blankets, turned their only source of light out, and laid on his chest listening to the rhythm of his breathing until she fell asleep.

* * *

**Excuse any spelling mistakes please! Short on time and relying on spell check! :* -Belle**


	16. Chapter 16

_**Sorry for the short hiatus! But I'm backkkk! &amp; **__**I think I'm going to start a community for KibaX stories! If you guys know of any good stories PM me &amp; let me know, I'll be looking also! - Belle**_

_**..**_

* * *

_**All of Me**_

* * *

As usual, Sasuke and the other two men continued to keep secrets from Karin and Hinata. So their enemy was sky ninja? Like that explained a lot..

Why were they enemies?

It was late on a full moon night, nearly three weeks after Hinata's rescue, when Karin and the Hyuga girl were left alone at the camp. It was perfect timing for the both of them.

"I don't know about you but playing this little stay at the camp wife role is not shipping so great anymore." Karin whispered with a concerned look on her face.

"Something is clearly going on.. we're part of this team too.. why aren't we trusted?" Hinata agreed with her. She appreciated everything Sasuke did for her and yes she agreed to have his kids but the circumstances were changing. Being led around by the nose into enemy territory was getting to be far too dangerous.

"I say we snoop." The girls gave each other a nod before plunging their plan into action.

"Okay, first we need to ask ourselves some questions.." Hinata began, "

"We know Sasuke exchanged a forbidden scroll for information on Konoha to one of Orichimaru's old colleagues."

"And we know that he promised Naruto his plans would have nothing to o with Konoha, but that makes no sense. If we went through all that trouble just to get the scroll for information then why would he dismiss it so easily?"

"Maybe ..maybe he lied to Naruto." Karin suggested, "What if he's working with someone to impose a non direct attack on the hidden leaf?"

"You mean he is an accomplice not the direct attacker?"

"You think he could do something like that?"

"Well first we need to know what the information was.. and who else received it besides Sasuke and Suigetsu.."

"Well everytime Sasuke does 'business' he's away from camp.. so we've hit a dead end."

"Which means we'll have to follow him."

* * *

Karin and Hinata washed the groups clothes in a nearby river. Karin was just humming along while Hinata was stone silent. Her and Sasue's most intimate conversation played over in her mind like a broken record. The conversation they had that night he brought her back to the camp after rescuing her and making his promise to Naruto. He told her then that he'd never planned to go to Konoha or even bother with it.. but really why would Naruto be so worried if he hadn't heard otherwise? Sure he was an idiot but he took his job seriously and the fact that Sasuke was hiding so much all of a sudden did not help his case at all. Not only that, but Suigetsu and Jugo seemed to know what was going on.. why would he trust them and not her? She'd made good on her promise to stay by his side and help restore the Uchiha clan. Was she not trustable?

"Maybe we should cut our losses and leave." Hinata blurted out without thinking. It was a good thing they were alone.

Karin ceased humming and looked at her more serious, "You really mean that? Just ..take off?"

"I feel like we are being used as Sasuke's pawns.."

Karin remained silent for at least five minutes before answering. "Tonight they are heading out again.. We follow them, if we see something we don't like. We leave. You and me." Hinata nodded.

"Tonight."

* * *

Discretely, Hinata and Karin had their emergency bags packed for a quick ejection following the proceedings of that night. If need be they would make a quick and fast retreat toward the south and keep going up until the morning. The girls knew there was no doubt the three men would pursue them so if they could manage it they would make sure to give themselves a good enough head start.

Sasuke seemed to be in one of is rare moods where he praised the growth of Hinata's hair and even went so far as to kiss her on the cheek and corner of the mouth. The raven haired woman lapped up the attention greedily which made for a depressing impact once it was gone and she remembered her and Karin's plan. She was ready, or she'd hoped. She was going to leave Sasuke and forget all about their deal. She was going to be happy even if she had to track it down and force it.

Hinata sighed and sat on a rock by Karin with her shoulders slumped. Karin took note of her demeanor and offered a comforting smile. She could tell Hinata would miss what she had here with Sasuke. Sure she said it was all about the freedom he allowed her but even a blind man could see otherwise. Karin remembered when she once wore that same look on her face. The poor Hyuga girl had it bad for Sasuke and it was a constant battle of emotions everyday.

Karin couldn't even imagine what Hinata was going through. It was like choosing between the man she loved and the people she left back home. She didn't have to be told this by Hinata, she could see it on her face. It was like a nightmare. The man she loved waging war on the people she cared for back home.

"Maybe.." Karin whispered in defeat. "Ask him to stay home tonight.. see if he will even think about it.." Hinata look to her with an odd expression. Was she changing plans this late in the game? "Don't look at me like that, we all know you love him. So ask him."

Hinata nodded in understanding, "And if he refuses?"

"The we revert back to plan A."

After helping Suigetsu stake the tents, Hinata returned to the tent she shared with Sasuke. He was laying on the pile of blankets with his arms behind his head and eyes closed. Hinata sat down beside he sleeping area and sighed heavily through her nose. Here goes nothin'..

"No."

Hinata closed her mouth before giving him a puzzled look, "What?"

"Sometimes I wonder just how stupid you think I am.."

She arched a brow and mumbled, "...are you wanting me to answer that.. or..?"

"You and Karin think you're some class A ninja, huh?"

Hinata stiffened.

"You're just a pair of clumsy women."

"Excuse you?"

"I mean really, Hinata? Who plans their escape route while washing clothes in a stream?"

"You were- YOU WERE WATCHING US?!"

"And who goes through someone elses shit without covering up their tracks?"

"W-what, I did not!"

"You and Karin both. I'm starting to think you're getting too smart for each others company."

"Now just you wait a minute Sasuke Uchiha! let me-"

"Not to mention you two can't whisper for shit."

"Will you shut up? And let me talk?!"

She received no answer from him and let out a breath of frustration.

"Well since you already know what we've been up to you know what I'm going to ask you."

Sasuke rose from his position and met her eye to eye, "No, go ahead and ask me."

"What the hell are you doing?" She sighed in defeat, "Just fucking tell me, you're driving me nuts."

"Is it because you're worried about your friends back home? You think I'm a liar?"

"I didn't say that? and You're avoiding the question."

"No, Hinata. I am doing nothing to harm our friends or cause their home life stress, okay?"

"No, not okay. What ARE YOU DOING?" he voice rose as she replied.

"I'm trying to save them! There, happy? Does that satisfy you?" His eyes held a hard hateful glare that locked on with her now shocked ones.

"S-save them?"

"I'm just covering their asses..Konoha is about to go to war again, I struck a deal with lady Tsunade. We met in the land of snow where I returned and delivered the scroll to her and we discussed a battle plan with a mutual friend she shared with Orochimaru."

"Why didn't you just tell me-?"

"Because I thought you trusted me enough so that I wouldn't have to worry you with it. But I see now that when you get your big head with another woman who is just as stupid it's nothing but a pain in my ass."

"Sasuke.."

Hinata didn't know what to say at this point.

"But wait.. why didn't Naruto know about this when he was trying to force me back to the leaf?"

"Because it's a secret. That's why we had to actually steal the scroll from his office, remember? That way I would look like the scroll was stolen and not in the hands of his fellow hokage."

"Why can't he know?"

"Because he's the problem. He's the prime target and it's best he be kept in the dark. Let's just say, the less he knows the safer he is."

Sasuke was protecting..Naruto? Really? That wasn't really something Hinata expected to hear him say. In all honesty she was waiting for him to spill out his master plan for world domination.

"Who's targeting him?"

"I can't tell you that much.."

He sighed as if he'd already told her way too much.

"Now will you stop conspiring with Karin and stop going through my shit? We made a deal remember? I won." He flipped her nose playfully, "Just trust me, okay?"

Hinata waited to see his trademark smile that always got him out of steep situation but he didn't bring one. He looked tired underneath his eyes and his physique was slumped slightly. His onyx eyes held hers contently before he looked away. "I guess it was a stupid bet, huh?"

"Really stupid." Hinata admitted.

"You don't have to stay anymore if you want to go."

Almost as if he didn't hear him correctly she shook her head a little, "What?"

"The deals off, if you wanna go, then go."

"Wait..you..?" What she once thought would be relief following the sound of those words appeared to be totally different. Her eyes narrowed and her brows furrowed, "Ae you trying to get rid of me?! Who is she?!"

Sasukes eyes widen quite a bit, "She? What? There is no she..."

"Bullshit Sasuke! I've seen this dog and pony show before, now tell me who this slut is!"

"Hinata there is no one..!" He couldn't lie he did get kind of a kick out of seeing her get jealous and it showed in his voice. He laughed every time she yelled at him trying to figure out who 'she' was.

"No, I just don't want you to be forced to stay here. If you wanna stay then by all means, stay."

"I WILL!" She crossed her arms and glared at him.

"Okay?" Sasuke tried not to laugh anymore, "Hinata stop acting like this, you sound like a brat."

She huffed and rolled her eyes, "When are you leaving tonight?"

"Midnight but we are leaving Jugo behind for extra protection."

"You mean, he's staying so we don't follow you."

"Right." Sasuke smiled and yawned, "Wake me up at.. better yet.. don't wake me up, I'll figure it out."

* * *

_**My Beta is on a recently prolonged vacation so I'm seeking a new one! Just throwin that out there - Belle**_


	17. Chapter 17

**_WARNING: Kind of a gory chapter, not for the faint of heart! I can't wait to get to whiplash from this chapter *Sarcasm* In case you didn't sense it..- Belle_**

* * *

"So he heard us? he heard it ALL?"

"He knew from the very beginning Karin. We didn't have a secret plan."

Karin just stared at her with what seemed like disbelief but was quickly replaced with annoyance. "Well he is Orochimaru's star pupil and murderer."

"So what now?" Hinata ran a hand through her hair and sighed. "Well I'm still tired of playing the camp wife role.. don't you ever ant more adventure Karin?"

A grin crossed Karins face and she had a conspiring glint in her eyes, "There is a town not far from here, we could go in disguise and check out what damage we can do."

Hinata really didn't have anything else to do besides wash clothes and sharpen kunais so she didn't see the harm in going. "Alright."

* * *

The girls took over Karin's tent as they curled each others hair with iron rods that were placed a few inches above the fire. Its not like they had electricity so they had to use methods Hinata's grandmother passed down to her mother. Hinata held very still as Karin applied her layer of make up and plucked her eyebrow painfully.

"I'm trying to make this as painless as possible... sorry Hinata.."

Once she was finished Hinata did the same to her, "Do you think Sasuke will be mad about this?"

"Who cares." Karin replied. "We are grown women and we don't need them telling us what to do."

Hinata sighed and they slipped off to town without mentioning a word to the guys. If Hinata knew Karin like she thought she did then her first to go spot would be the local bar.

"I bet there are tons of single men prowling about.."

"I thought you had something going with Suigetsu?"

"Don't get relationships mixed up with sex, Hinata."

"You used him for sex?" Hinata looked at her in disbelief.

"He wasn't good for much else." Karin shrugged as they entered small café.

Hinata almost couldn't believe what she was hearing. They ordered some tea and a small meal. "You're joking."

"Oh come on, don't tell me you don't play with sasuke's-"

"Karin!" Hinata whispered harshly, "No I do not. Thank you very much."

"Are you crazy? Why not? Who knows, you could be fondling the very last Uchiha."

"Oh how exciting."

"Hinata, you love him."

"I don't know what love is."

"I didn't either until I noticed the way you two look at each other."

"Oh shut up."

"I know it sounds stupid and cliché but it's true."

Hinata shook her head, "He told me the deal was off."

"What? WHY?" Karin sounded shocked. Hinata only shrugged her shoulders, "But he said I could stay if I wanted to."

"So.. why are you staying?"

"I can't leave you."

"Bullshit, you love him."

"I hate you."

Karin giggled, "I can't believe we snuck off."

"They're going to kill us."

"Probably, but they'll get over it." Karin took a drink of her coffee. "Anyway, you ready to party tonight?"

"I knew it. That's the only reason you wanted to come here."

"Is not..!"

Hinata laughed and rolled her eyes. Night was approaching quickly and the street lights were coming on. The darker it got the more excited Karin looked.

"Alright, I'm sooo ready for this." Hinata shook her head and they paid for their meal and returned to the now crowded street.

"Perfect!" Karin squealed and looked around.

"Remember Karin, we are supposed to be disguised, so keep it down will you?" Hinata whispered.

"Right, right. Sorry."

* * *

Jugo stepped into Sasuke's tent where Suigetsu sat and discussed battle plans with the young Uchiha. "Look, I just don't wanna go in unprepared."

"We always do." Sasuke said only half listening.

"Hey, Uhhh you guys.. missing anything?" Jugo interjected.

Suigetsu shrugged, "Dignity but I think we can manage."

"I mean.. Karin and Hinata are.. gone."

"Gone?" Sasuke looked at Jugo, "What do you mean?"

"I sensed their chakra on the trail to town.. but I can't pin point where.. Obviously Karin is using her abilities to cover their tracks."

Suigetsu looked around for a minute, "I can't even sense that they're gone...How did you know?"

"They aren't in their tent.. I got worried." Jugo admitted, "After what happened with Hinata.. I don't like to let them go off.."

Sasuke exited the tent and found Karin's. There were two different articles of clothing laying on the sleeping bag with each girls chakra signature attached skillfully. This was definitely Karin's doing. Sasuke met Sugetsu outside of said tent.

"Isn't it too dangerous for those two to be running around right now? I mean think about it, Sasuke. We are meeting with some serious guys later that really despise leaf village shinobi.. the only reason they don't try to kill you is because we have a deal with them. Where do you think they're gonna be staying until they meet us tonight?"

"Town." Jugo chimed in.

"And that's where you sensed their chakra, Jugo?"

"Yeah."

Sasuke sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Get ready, this could be bad."

* * *

"See! Isn't this fun?" Karin yelled to Hinata over the music and ordered a bottle of sake.

"Sure!"

Karin smiled and poured her a class, "Loosen up some! That's why we are here, remember?!"

Hinata knew Karin's intentions were good but she couldn't help but shake of the feeling of dread. She wasn't sure if it was Sasuke's reaction she was dreading or if something bad was going to happen. After a few drinks Karin was pulling her to the dance floor, "Lets go Hinata! Move your feet!"

Hinata couldn't help but giggle and decided it wouldn't hurt all that bad. After a few songs Hinata returned to their seats and watched Karin o crazy with some guy she'd preyed upon among the crowd. Poor fella. Karin was almost drunk so her dancing was getting sloppy. The raven haired girl observed the crowd and found it was a pretty uplifting atmosphere. A huge young vibrant crowd and plenty of alcohol.

It wasn't her desire to get drunk, after all they had to make some way home and she knew Karin was going to be a heavy obstacle as it was. Plus she really didn't want to be stumbling around in the dark with not wits at all in foreign territory.

A chill ran up her spine when she laid eyes on a group of men standing in the corner of the bar. Something about them didn't sit very well with her. They were a bulky group and all stoned faced. They seemed to be examining the crowd just as she was but they were looking for something, she could just tell by the way the tallest mans eyes were narrowed in frustration. Hinata looked down at her drink and sigh deeply, maybe it was time to go..

As she stood she felt eyes on the side of her head. She refused to look at them and make any kind of eye contact while she retrieved Karin. "Karin, It's time to go." She grabbed her hand. Karin pouted but waved goodbye to the boy she'd bee dancing with.

"So soon?"

"Yeah, there are some strange people here..i don't know who they are but they look like bad news."

"Really, where?"

Karin looked around the room as they were leaving, "Those guys look creepy.." She cocked her head to the side and her eyes widened. Hinata followed her gaze to the same group of men and she gave Karin a puzzled look. "You know them?" One of the men seemed to feel their stare and made eye contact with Karin then Hinata.

"We need to go now." Karin pushed Hinata out of the bar and grabbed her hand. She was buzzed but she wasn't that buzzed. "What are you doing Karin?!"

"They saw you, we need to go."

Karin pulled Hinata down the street in a sprint and Hinata barely matched her pace. "Who are-e they?" She asked while running.

"They must be here looking for strays or shinobi on missions.."

"What?"

The girls made it to the forest where they began to travel from tree limb to tree limb. "they call them head hunters. They're a group of shinobi would took up civilian arms after the war and decided justice had not yet been served. So they roam around freely torturing and murdering any leaf village associate they come across."

"W-what? how do you know that's what they were? Have you seen them before."

"They each have a kanji tattoo on their left arm, it's kind of like ritual for them, you probably never heard of it because you grew up within the leaf walls."

"How do they know I'm from the leaf?"

"Hinata think about what you just said. What is the leaf famous for?" Hinata paused before nodding.

"Their shinobi producing clans; Uchiha, Inuzuka, and Hyuga."

"Exactly, those clans can't be found anywhere else and I'm sorry Hinata but you scream Hyuga at first glance."

They were ten minutes from the campsite when they stopped for a breath or two. "Do you really think they would follow us all this way?"

"Possibly.. I haven't sensed them yet though.." Karin placed her hands on her knees and fought to catch her breath. "The sooner we get to Sasuke the better I'll feel."

Hinata nodded in agreement and stood straight, "We need to keep going."

Karin nodded and forced herself up.

Hinata's eyes widened and she stumbled back to avoid what appeared to be an attack from behind. She'd barely sensed it coming and it barely missed her by an inch, all she could do was scream hoping Karin would hear in time. Her screams failed an Karins blood hit her in the face and blocked her vision momentarily. She wiped her eyes with shaking hands activated her byakugan.

"Looks like I missed!" The voices were from quite a few yards back into the forest. Hinata took note of their position and turned to grab Karin and make a run for it. But she just laid there with cold motionless eyes. Her skin was already paling from large amounts of blood loss. Hinata's eyes trailed down her torso until they gazed upon the large obstruction tearing its way through her body.

"Ahh you got the grass shinobi you dumbass!"

A large fuma shuriken lay ruins to Karin's lifeless image. It happened so fast just didn't have a chance to stop it. Her eyebrows furrowed and tears threatened to breach the surface.

"K-k-Karin.." She whispered hoarsely. "W-we need to go.."

Her byakugan sensed no pulse coming from her, not even so much as a pinching nerve. She was killed on impact. Hinata turned her bloodied face to the group of men and stared holes through them.

"I was aiming for you ya' know!"

For a moment her mind couldn't process how to react. She just stared a them looking for the answer to a long sought after question. Her jaw popped and tightened and her face twisted with a sudden pulse of anger. She clenched her fists and concentrated her chakra equally throughout her body. Hinata Hyuga was tired of running.

* * *

When Sasuke, Suigetsu, and Jugo reached the source of the flaring chakra they found three dead men and a crouched Hinata. There were tons of battle accessories laying around, one in particularly large fuma shuriken that someone had been hit with. It was laying in a pool of blood a few feet from where Hinata was crouched.

"Finally found you two idiots," Suigetsu remarked sarcastically. "Well I guess the deals off Sasuke. Look whose laying around on the job."

Sasuke didn't pay mind to his remarks, "Suigetsu now that we've found Hinata and Karin I want you to go back to the camp and make sure everything is packed and ready for in the morning."

"Right right, of course you do." And just like that Suigetsu disappeared.

"Jugo." Jugo nodded in understanding of the situation. It was best Suigetsu not actually see what they didn't fail to notice. That being said, Jugo followed Suigetsu back to the camp.

Sasuke stepped toward Hinata and took in the sight of Karin's pale cold corpse. Hard to say when she actually died but he knew it had to be before the fight actually began. Hinatas pale hands were dried with blood stains as she held Karins face in her lap. Despite her outward appearance she looked to be resting peacefully with her eyes closed.

He wasn't sure of what to say so he didn't say anything. He knew not to say I told you so or to even ask if she was okay. It was obvious. He took a seat a few feet away from her on a rock and waited quietly.

She wasn't crying, and she didn't look distressed. She was just running her fingers through Karin's hair.

Sasuke watched her for at least ten minutes before she looked up a him. Her eyes were a dull gray color, no longer a pure white. "Okay."

Sasuke helped her up and allowed her to hide her head in his chest as he disposed of Karin's body in the most respectful way he could think of. Afterward, no words were exchanged between them as he escorted her back to the campsite and helped her wash the blood from her body.

He silently waited for her to cry and begin to grieve and cope with the situation but she didn't seem to give. Her eyes reminded him of his own from once upon a time. Not stricken with revenge but more so emptiness. She and Karin had been close and Hinata may have dubbed her, her best friend away from home.

In a selfish manner her wondered if she would act this way if he suffered the same fate. He shook the demeaning thoughts from his head and continued to wash the blood out of her hair.

Sasuke wasn't particularly close to Karin, he made a point not to be because she was the weakest of their group. As awful as that sounded it was true. He was a terrible person who only sought for himself.

"Sasuke.." He snapped back to reality for a moment.

"Hn?"

Her small pale form turned to face him. She gazed into his eyes and bit her lip. He nodded in understanding and helped her out of the water. After wrapping her in one of his shirts the raven haired man carried her back to their tent and laid her down gently.

He wasn't one to take advantage of women nor was he a man who catered to womens emotions very well but he was doing the best he could for one or the other. Sasuke wasn't sure if he felt sorry for her or just hated seeing so little amount of emotion on her face when she was usually so outspoken now. This was going to make her or break her, he just had to wait and see.

Hinata moved over for him to lay beside her without so much as a word to him. He didn't expect to hear much from her and he didn't expect her to get much sleep that night either. Once he laid down she got comfortable with her back to him. He felt compelled to wrap his arms around her and pull her to him but was pretty sure now wasn't the right time for her to be getting the wrong impression about his intentions. He just hated seeing her like this. Sasuke let out a deep sigh and settled into the sleeping bag. Times were going to be tough from then on and he wasn't sure what to expect the next morning, but Taka was short a member now and possibly more if Suigetsu felt the whim.

What then?

Hinata's voice was steady in the back of his mind as usual. Every comment she ever made about him settling down and stopping what he was doing was bouncing around in his head. Now Karin was dead and if it was anyone's fault it was more so his.

All of this should've stopped a long time ago.

* * *

**_Poor Hinata, I'm such an awful person. &amp; Sasuke may seem slightly out of character but it's the best this situation is getting from him, the guy is damaged and slightly demented give him a break. &amp; I apologize for the grammar mistakes if there are any! I'm tired and going to bed. - Belle_**


	18. Chapter 18

The next morning Hinata was woken up by hushed voices outside her tent. From what she could gather by laying there and listening, Suigetsu had decided to leave for a while. Hinata expected Sasuke to sound more upset than he actually did.

"You don't have to come back Suigetsu, Jugo and I won't hold it against you. This is more of my mission, it had nothing to do with you from the beginning. Thanks for hanging around so long though."

"I'll be back, I can't say when.." Hinata could hear the confusion in his voice as he continued, "But i'll be back even if its just to be nosey."

Just like that Suigetsu's chakra disappeared from her senses. She rose up and ran a hand through her raven hair. So why was she okay? Well she wasn't entirely okay, she still couldn't think about or remember half of yesterdays events. She didn't want to, she wasn't ready.

It's funny how the mind works subliminally for its own well being. She may not have been able to remember the events in detail but the fact stood that Karin was gone. She was just gone. Almost like she'd vanished with Suigetsu, maybe that's how Hinata would remember her parting.

She shrugged and stood but regretted doing so. Her muscles were heavily fatigued and sore. Forcing herself through the pain she managed to get dressed and join Jugo and Sasuke standing outside.

Jugo gave her a nod and turned to Sasuke, "I'm gonna head into town for some last minute supplies.. I'll be back in like an hour.."

Sasuke paused and looked back at Hinata. For a moment she thought she may have seen a bit of a small on his face. She blinked and almost rubbed her eyes, but it was actually there. Why was he smiling at her like that?

"How are you feeling?"

"..Sore."

"Jugo, go ahead and bring us back something to eat, grab yourself something as well."

Jugo looked slightly surprised, "Whatever you say."

Since when did Sasuke buy take out? Hinata remembered all the times Karin tried to talk him into it. He'd always say further more pressing financial situations were more important to their mission.

"You look like you need to sleep a little longer."

"No, I'm- .. I can manage."

"Come on." He walked past her and back into the tent behind her, "I'll lay down with you until you fall asleep."

"Are you sure? Don't we need to move on or something?" Hinata was genuinely afraid of slowing the group down.

"We can spare a few hours."

Just what did he have planned? Hinata hesitantly followed him into the tent only to meet his naked back. Thank god his pants were still on.

"What are you doing?"

he raven haired man turned around and as gently as he could manage he pulled her to his chest. "Sasuke?" Hinata furrowed her brows at him.

"Well, What'll it be?"

"What will what be? ..what?" Hinata was confused as his grip tightened around her wrists. He jerked forward roughly and picked her up much like a sack of potatoes before flopping her down on the sleeping mat. "Sasuke!" She yelled and rubbed her wrists. "What the hell is your problem?!"

Sasuke dropped to his knees on the mat and straddled her. Hinata inhaled sharply and sunk into the mat a far as she could in an attempt to dodge the worst. "Do not even think about kissing me. God knows where your mouth has been.." She hissed out.

Sasuke pinned her arms above her head and smiled down at her. "Serious Sasuke, don't. I'll scream. This is rape ya know!"

He only smiled more and Hinata arched an eyebrow. This bastard got a kick out of making her squirm! Well to hell with him! She thrashed her arms in sad attempts to break free while cursing him. "You are SO rude!"

She deemed herself pathetic when he used one hand to hold both her thrashing wrists down while the other trailed down her body and sneakily began to tickle her.

"STOP!" Sasuke laughed at her high pitched plea. The amused look on his face added to Hinata's distress as she began to kick her legs and squirm underneath him. She wasn't ticklish in very many places but Sasuke managed to accidently come across one of said places while trying to feel her up a few months ago.

He tickled her until her face as visibly red and her breaths were short. "Get. away...from. me."

He tried to think of something sweet to say without sounding cheesy or just plain weird, he never was good with that kind of thing. "Sleep with me."

Fuck.

Really?

He mentally slapped himself.

"W-what?!"

"Sleep with me."

"Sasuke.." She sighed in frustration. "I thought the deal was off, you can't just tell me to sleep with you now.."

"It is off.. and I'm asking you."

Hinata froze underneath him, "You want me to.."

Sasuke laid his forehead on her and took a deep breath. "What if Jugo comes back early."

Sasuke smiled a little and shook his head, "He's not coming back Hinata."

"But you told him to bring us food."

"Like I would waste money on food, Jugo thought he was lying to me Hinata. But I'm not stupid, I have the money."

"W-what? You mean he lied?"

"That was his was of departing, I just played along."

Hinata looked shocked, "You just let them go?"

"You can go too if you'd like."

"What will you do?"

"Who knows.. as soon as I finish this last deal I'll probably settle down somewhere."

"Last deal?"

"Can we talk about this later?"

Hinata blushed and bit her lip, "Well sure."

Butterflies were making a mess of her stomach at the realization that they were officially alone. Of course the circumstances leading up to it were horrible, but they were finally alone and getting along. Never would she have believed that she would ever get along with the man she once despised most. She never thought she would have to say goodbye to her first and only friend, Karin.

Her heart beat was thumping uncontrollably within her rib cage and her eyes were glazed with a tired sense of want. Sasuke smiled and lowered his lips down to hers. She could feel his own heart beat through his lips and it matched, if not rivaled, her own. Her mind was screaming and running around in circles as red flags burst unpredictably behind her eyes.

Hinata felt Sasukes grip loosen around her wrists as he allowed her to slip away. She didn't go far. Her arms wrapped around his neck just as tightly as her legs latched around his waist. If it was such a bad thing to do then why did it feel so natural? If he was such a bad person to get close to then why did his touch feel so good? If Sasuke Uchiha was such a monster, why did she look at him like he was an angel?

When they pulled apart for air it was only for a brief moment before they were tearing clothes off of one another. Sasuke liked how the years of being ran over and shoved around made her feisty and ill tempered. It wasn't to the point were she was obnoxious, she just stood her ground firmly now and quite frankly a woman that talked back to him was a turn on.

He trailed love bites all down her neck and harassed her chest roughly, if she wanted gentle then he wasn't the guy for her.

* * *

2 p.m. rolled around and Sasuke was pulling his clothes on and packing things up while allowing Hinata to continue sleeping. The only thing left to be packed was the tent around the still naked Hyuuga woman. In some ways Sasuke envied how she radiated natural beauty underneath the black blankets. On the other hand he was very boastful, he just slept with that hot mess and she was still in his tent. Not only that but he was also her first, that was something he could smile about for the rest of his natural life. Cocky? no. Proud of himself? Yes.

Though he was surprised Naruto hadn't taken advantage of her while he had her, it just confirmed his theory of him being a complete idiot.

Hinata began to stir lightly and he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "We need to get going, want me to take you to the falls to wash up?" She noted how he was so uncharacteristically nice and strangely talkative. Had he never been laid before? Hinata smiled and allowed him to escort her to the falls where she washed up and hummed an age old tune she'd once heard her mother sing.

She tried to take her time but she could sense Sasuke's chakra becoming uneasy. He was growing tired of her antics rather quickly.

Because of her careless time wasting they were forced to travel late into the night before they made it to a hotel on off the coast. Sasuke didn't say much but she knew the fact that it was 2 am irked him and disrupted his coordinated schedule.

"Never again."

Hinata smirked and shrugged her shoulders. "Hey.. it's hard bein' a woman ya know?"

"No I don't."

He took the key to their room and ushered her up stairs.

His body ached and it was partially his fault for not planning better. H should have allowed then one more night to camp in between their last destination and the hotel.

Hinata yawned and followed Sasuke into their room. It seemed like to her that the further out in the country they got the weirder shaped the hotel beds became.

He headed straight for the shower while she dropped her weapons and clothes and crawl into bed. Who cares what shape it was, it was a bed.

* * *

The next morning Sasuke was sitting in the floor in front of the bed reading over scrolls. Hinata stretched and forced her eyes open . "Its too early for you to be up and study or whatever.."

"It's noon."

"Too early."

"You can sleep for about an hour more but I need you up. We have things to do today."

"We?"

"Yes, we."

Hinata sat up and popped her back, "You mean I actually get to do something?"

"Its about time.." Sasuke mumbled and sat the scroll down. "I'm going to give you a key, and a ticket."

"Alright?"

"At five, no later, pm you need to use the ticket and get on the next ferry. This ferry goes many places but you will get off the ferry at Mt. Denkou to Kaminari , understand?" He waited for her to nod before continuing, "From there you follow the stone path at the foot of the mountain. There should be a sign that says 'Raijin Shrine ahead'**. **When you come to this sign you will stray from the path and go exactly 300 steps scaling north east of the mountain. There will be a cave entrance shaped like a serpent, climb into its mouth and use the key. Wait for me there."

At this point Hinata was highly concerned. "Why am I going here?"

"Because it's safe."

"I want to help you though!"

"You are! More than you actually realize.."

"How?"

"Well this whole time you've been helping me remember what it was like to have all those bonds in severed in fear of being weak, you helped me see that it wasn't the bonds it was the fear that made me weak. You showed me that love doesn't come along in betrothals and foolish clansmen pride. You're helping me learn how to someday be better.."

Hinata stared at him blankly. There wasn't much she could say to him, she was just shocked to hear such grown up words coming from his mouth. Is this what happened when Sasuke opened up to people? Was he this mature? Maybe she had been selling him short for a while..

"Sasuke.."

"Anyway, I have to get ready to meet for this deal."

"You make it sound like a drug deal." Hinata giggled, "So I this the last one?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

Sasuke paused for a minute before shrugging, "Does it matter?"

"I guess not."

"Make sure you take my stuff as well as yours with you, don't forget anything."

She watched him gather a few scrolls and disappear. It sounded like he would be gone a while..

She wasn't exactly fond of boats either..

* * *

**On the Ferry..**

So Sasuke didn't mention that Mt. Denkou to Kaminari was the very last stop. Which meant she had to spend three hours on the Ferry of death. She was nauseous and paler than usual. The food sucked and not to mention to awful bathroom conditions. When the Ferry docked Hinata nearly jumped off and swam to shore.

However, she didn't fail to notice the oddity of the Ferry captain and the ominous aura the mountain emitted. "Thank you." She scurried off the boat and watched it set back out to sea. What in the hell did Sasuke expect to accomplish on this mountain?

Following his instructions she made her way to a well carved snake head coming out of the side of the mountain. "That's totally not obvious.." The structure had Orochimaru's handy work written all over it. Was this another one of his hideouts?

The key fit the door perfectly, which was placed in the back of the serpents mouth. The doors hinges were eerily squeaky and the inside was pitch black. She stepped in to find a light source of some sort but the torches along the walls lit up having sensed her presence. She closed the door behind her and followed the long hallway in front of her. There was another door at the end of the hallway that the key didn't fit into. She soon realized that it wasn't locked in the first place so she swung it open cautiously. Her eyes widened in disbelief at the very well lit of room before her. The furniture and marble pieces gave of a glare from the fire place, as well as the pillars. The stairs were spiral shaped and they ascended up many feet. Where was she? This was a mansion.

* * *

**Sorry for any grammar mistakes, no matter how many times I correct them my fanfiction isn't saving any of them sooooo I dunno what's going on? - Belle**


	19. Chapter 19

**This is it guys! _Hope you've enjoyed it! Going to be finishing up 'Madness' next, then working on 'Valedictorian'. I'm open to suggestions on other stories &amp; I also do oneshots in my free time. _**

* * *

Hinata wasn't quite sure she was in the right serpent cave at first, but how many could there really be? There was no doubt in her mind this was done by Orochimaru. Even if she didn't know much about the man status wise his image always screamed snake to her.

Sasuke's orders were pretty clear, stay here in this mansion like place until he got here. She didn't usually take well to a lot of his orders but this one didn't seem so bad. As she progressed deeper into the large structure she noticed the lack of lighting.

The further she got, the darker it became. It was somewhat eerie.

Hinata placed her hand on the nearest wall and concentrated her byakugan. There were no other chakra signatures lingering around and the perimeter looked safe. As she scanned the area behind her she caught a glimpse of something moving behind at least fifteen walls to the east of her position. She squinted at the large moving body and was almost taken aback. It was heading in her general direction at an alarming speed, and what was worse was the fact that it wasn't human at all.

It was a large mass of odd colored chakra crawling on its belly. It was a snake. Sasuke must have forgotten to mention that part.

* * *

This was it, this was the very last time he was helping him. If the idiot got into more trouble then he was Tsunade's problem. He leaned back against the nearest tree.

Onyx eyes stared up at the sky in anticipation. He was pathetic. He didn't deserve the name he was carrying around. After the fight he'd led so many into blindfolded he didn't even deserve to be called a man. He was a monster.

Of course, the only way he could go back to the village was if he accepted probation and agreed to their terms. He was a menace and a threat to Konohagekure. Lady Tsunade made it very clear that the only reason he wasn't dead was because of the hope that Sakura and Naruto kept alive for him back home.

But still..

Who would've thought that the bond he meant to break would only turn out stronger. As much as he hated to admit it, he could never tell Hinata the truth. He could only lie to her. He lied to her about Naruto being in danger and about hatching his plan with Tsunade. The truth was that he and Tsunade weren't even on speaking terms.

In all reality, Naruto had asked him for help but he wanted to keep it a secret from Sakura and anyone else who would be in the way.

This plan was put into motion long before Hinata even came across his squad of four, including himself.

Sasuke wasn't protecting Naruto, he was assassinating someone for him.

* * *

Hinata decided to put some distance between her and the large mass of chakra heading her way. If there was one thing she didn't do it was snakes. She cleverly set up a series of barriers between them and armed herself with a shuriken. Why would Sasuke send her to a place like this?

It was close now. She could hear its large scaly body dragging along the floor. She was mentally shaking but kept reminding herself that years of training had prepared her for confrontations like this. The bold glow of lights reflected off of black leather like scales. This creature was massive, but yet it appeared as calm as a house pet.

She noted all of the scars and missing scales along its body and the horn like structures on the base of its skull. Its eyes were a sharp purple trimmed in black.

"You're not SSSSSSSasuke. But you ssmell like him."

Her body tensed in reaction to the speaking cold blooded being. She had always been told to not look into the eyes of a snake but it seemed almost impossible. She stood still for what felt like forever before the snake smiled and rose its head. "Ah, I know who you are..do you?"

"Do I? Of course I do."

"Then why do you look lost?"

"I'm not."

"You are. Your eyes tell a great deal of things. "

"What's your name? Why are you in here? Sasuke said nothing about a snake."

"But I am Sasuke."

"No, you're a snake."

"We are what we are."

Hinata glared sharply before catching on to what he was saying. "The Sasuke I know isn't a snake."

"Oh but isn't he? I have lied to you many times, Hinata. "

"I've never spoken to you! Shut up with that talk!"

"Don't scream at me from behind a barrier, Hyuga girl."

Her gripped tightened onto the shuriken and she gritted her teeth. "Then I'll come out and make you shut up!"

"Tessssty tesssty, well come then."

She bolted so quickly that she almost lost her footing. The shuriken was held high above her head, her plan was to shatter the barrier at the same time throwing the shuriken. Quick and easy. As she came upon the barrier she stopped abruptly. Her byakugan picked up something odd within the creature. This wasn't an ordinary snake, it really was Sasuke.

Or, an embodiment of his power would be a more precise definition.

The entire mass of the being was made purely of his chakra, she could see it clearly now. There was a seal hidden in the serpents left eye. But why would Sasuke have this much power sealed away?

* * *

As usual, Sasuke was left waiting an extra hour for Naruto. Sure their relationship was rocky because of Hinata's choice to go with him, but they were managing. He made Naruto a deal so he would fulfill said deal and be done with it all.

Hinata's presence wasn't a burden but it was a lot to work around. She was captured and the plan Naruto and Sasuke had going was almost foiled but they managed to pull out some excellent acting skills.

In the end her presence began to pay off. She effectively killed the information gatherers he had met up with, though his plan was not to get Karin killed..

He was able to take advantage of the kill and obtain the informative scrolls from their dead bodies while Hinata was still in her depressive state over Karin. Nothing wrong with getting free information.

Of course he was slightly glad that Karin was killed by someone else other than him. If she kept putting ideas in Hinata's head then he had planned to kill her, he didn't want to but she was jeopardizing the entire mission and quite frankly aggravating him.

Same went for Jugo, the night before he expressed the overdue departure to him. Told him he needed to move on just as Suigetsu had planned to. It was good to have them with him for man power, but now he didn't need it he needed stealth.

Some leaves rustled and he sighed, "I'm tired of you always being late."

"Well I'm further away than you."

"Hn."

"How's Hinata?"

"She's great."

"Safe?"

"Yes."

Naruto stared at him with dull blue eyes, "Look, after this I'm not asking for your help again."

"Good because you wont get it. You're a big boy now, Hokage. Clean up your own messes."

"You going to tell Hinata about all of this when it's over?"

"If I survive? No."

"You can't keep lying to her."

"Why don't you mind your own business, Dobe."

"No I'm not going to stand around while you do this to her."

"You're such a hypocrite, shut up. You openly had an affair with Sakura and you're going to chastise me. You have a whole village to look out for, you can't protect her like I can."

"You're only hurting her."

"Naruto. She's not going back to you."

"I know that, now if you would stop being jealous long enough to see that's not my goal here.. You'll lose her just like I did, in fact you probably already have."

Sasuke tightened his jaw, "Will you just pass along your information and go?"

"You're just as selfish as always I see, fine. You'll have a short time window to get in and get out. It'll be during tomorrow night's banquet.. Do what you have to do.."

Sasuke nodded and disappeared.

Hinata was eye to eye with one of her worst nightmares. Snakes were so ugly and they made her skin crawl and it was odd to sense Sasuke's chakra coming from the large clump of flesh.

"Why would Sasuke do this?"

"I'm only temporary, as sad as it sounds, as soon as Sasuke decides he needs me I will disperse and he will be restored to his former glory."

"Glory?" Hinata arched an eyebrow and turned her head. She caught a glimpse of an odd black symbol on the snakes belly. "What is that? On your belly.."

"It's called a curse mark, girl. You wouldn't know anything about it."

Her eyes widened. She vaguely remembered being told during the chunin exam that Sasuke suffered from the mark of Oriochimaru, or what Kurenai sensei called the curse mark.

"He sealed the power given to him by Orochimaru away.. that's what you are.."

The large snake hissed at her and coiled its body.

"If he can do something this advanced then I have severely underestimated his ability to perform jutsu.." To actually be able to pry every ounce of the curse mark from his body was difficult enough, but then to seal it in the form of a snake for his convenient disposal...that was unheard of. Clearly he has surpassed his teacher tenfold.

"Why would Sasuke stay here?"

"This is his hideout, the mountain is infused with lead so once your in no one can sense your presence from outside. Surely you noticed, Hyuga."

Hinata calmed herself enough to stand straight and further check her surroundings. The snake was right, she couldn't see outside the thick walls.

"Clever.."

"Sasuke is a borderline genius." The snake hissed proudly.

"Can you stop talking? You freak me out."

"I will not." The snake widened its eyes in disbelief, "How rude of you."

Hinata leaned against the wall closest to her and crossed her arms.

"You seem so content in my presence girl, don't I scare you?"

"Yes it's weird you're a talking embodiment of Sasukes power. But I wont back down from you."

"You have all the confidence in the world in Sasuke don't you? Well would you like to see what he's up to now?"

"I know what he's doing, no secrets."

"Ah but there is.. you're just a foolish little girl."

Hinata hesitated for a moment trying to decide if the being could be trusted. After all he was technically a part of Sasuke..

"What are you talking about?"

"Look into my eyes."

"Yeah I'd rather not.."

"To trust Sasuke is to trust me, no?"

Hinata blew out hot air and rolled her eyes, "fine but you're up to something."

In just a few short minutes she pulled her gaze away from the large serpent. She saw Naruto with Sasuke talking about some plans that apparently Sasuke had no intention of telling her about.

"You look upset, Hyuga."

"What..what did I just watch..? Did he say he way going to kill Karin?"

"No those were his thoughts..You see if you really want to understand the man you love you must master me."

"Master...you? Where is Sasuke?"

"He is fulfilling the mission you were never meant to know about."

"So.. if i want to get close to Sasuke.. I have to.."

"Accept me."

"I'm not understanding.."

"I know what you want, you want to understand Sasuke but more than anything you want power, you want to be stronger than your opponents. Why settle for one when you can have both?"

Power and Sasuke.. but in what order. The serpent before her was clearly ore powerful than she had ever dreamed of becoming and it was a part of Sasuke.

"What do I have to do?"

"Just hold still."

* * *

The rain poured down on his shoulders as he slipped away from his most recent assassination. It had been done. He could only hope that the rain was thick enough to wash away the trail of blood he was leaving for anyone in pursuit.

It was an amateur mistake really. He left himself open and earned a kunai to the rib cage. Never mind that though. He had much more pressing matters at the hideout.

Even though there was nothing he could do now but try and stop her. She was an idiot.

His neck began to burn worse as the now imaginary curse mark seared itself away. He saw the look in her eyes rght before she caved, she wanted power so she took his, what a stupid decision. Who willingly lets a snake bite them? Doesn't matter now, Hinata Hyuga was now in possession of Sasuke Uchiha's curse mark and she was going to pay for it. He should've known better than to leave her there with that burden.

She was moving.

She was leaving.

He was sure she knew he was coming after her, after all she was a part of him now. There was no escaping each other, the bond they shared now was upon those of the unbreakable.

"Well I guess she finally got all of me." He mumbled to himself as he passed the hideout in hot pursuit of the woman he undeniably fell in love with, the woman his best friend left behind.


End file.

Naruto, Adventure, Romance