Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Y-You're so strong Sakura. I think you would be great in Anbu. Please do not pass up this opportunity, it's an honor that Lady Tsunade is recommending this opportunity to you.

Hinata smiled at Sakura as the two sat at the local dessert shop, meanwhile Sakura gave Hinata an odd look. "Hinata, she offered the same position to you, and Ino, as well. I understand considering Ino's family background with the, 'infamous' Shika-Ino-Cho, why she had to decline the offer, but I don't know why you would decline it. You're just as smart and strong. It's an honor for you as well."

An honor would be if Hinata had the support to accept such an offer.

Two days ago after Sakura and Ino's medical training with Tsunade, the female Hokage asked the two young women to meet her in her office. There they were met with the forever nervous Hinata, playing with her fingers as she waited for Tsunade to return to her office. Sakura gave Hinata a warm smile upon seeing her, and patted her on the shoulder to help the shy Hyuga with her anxiety. It took Sakura some time of being around Hinata to learn that Hinata wasn't like this because Naruto was around, she was a reserved and nervous person in general. 

Sakura didn't really know why though. She figured it was just Hinata's characteristic. 

As the three girls greeted one another, that was when Tsunade offered them the opportunity to train and try out for Anbu. Ino looked 100% caught off guard, along with Sakura and Hinata. It was an honor that the Hokage thought so high of them, but also...WHAT?! She thought they could cut it in ANBU?! They just all made Chunin.

While Ino was honored, she also thought the opportunity would be offered to Shikamaru or Choji instead of her. They were the ones that went on the life threatening mission to attempt to bring back Sasuke Uchiha. They were the ones to have their lives changed from that mission. They had way more experience than her at the moment for this type of field. Thinking about her two teammates, and the family history that they all shared, Ino advised Tsunade that she would have to talk it over with her teammates and family. Which Tsunade humbly accepted. This was all volunteer, she wasn't ordering them to do this.

It would seem that the main one to be all in was Sakura. This was an opportunity to prove herself to Lady Tsunade, and to show Naruto when he came back that she was just as strong as him, and Sasuke. This was a major motivation for her. All she wanted to do was prove her worth. To finally catch up to all of team seven.

It was like Sakura didn't notice how amazing she was already. Especially to the rest of her peers. She did phenomenal in the Chunin exams. Especially during the invasion. After Sasuke abandoned the village, Sakura has been beyond focused in studying under Tsunade. Proving to be a solid protege for the fifth Hokage. At this point, her peers that were ahead of her in the academy were playing catch up now to her. If only Sakura saw that worth.

After hearing Ino's silent decline, Sakura was a little disappointed to see that it was a good chance that Ino wouldn't be doing this journey with her. That being said, she was hoping Hinata would come out her shell at least, and take the offer up. It was an offer of a life time! The three of them could really make a big indent in history as being three female powerhouses. What if they even surpass the great Anko!

Sadly Hinata gave the same answer as Ino.

Sakura kind of understood Ino's situation, but Hinata. No way Sakura would let her pass this opportunity up. The girls had to stick together in this male dominate profession! That was when Sakura pulled Hinata into the dessert shop, and buttered Hinata up with cinnamon rolls and tea. She heard from Kiba one time that Hinata was addicted to sweets, cinnamon rolls in particular. Which, honestly Sakura found odd because she has hugged Hinata before, and under those heavy clothes was a very tiny teenager. So, where did all those sweets go?

Sweet foods for a sweet person.

Sakura thought about this and she smiled, as she spoke with Hinata. 

Now at the dessert shop Sakura watched as Hinata looked out the window to avoid her emerald gaze. So, while Sakura was pretty much talking to a wall at the moment, Hinata's eyes widened slightly as she looked out the window. Sakura following her gaze, and her eyebrows also skyrocketed from the scene.

Across the street just so happened to be Ino's family flower shop. Outside the shop stood Ino, with her work apron on, and with her arms crossed under her chest in complete disarray. She had a frown on her face, and was speaking to an equally upset Shikamaru.

"Their talking about the Anbu position Lady Tsunade offered Ino." Hinata looked a little confused. She thought Ino would be talking to her father first. Ino's father wasn't due to come back from a mission until tomorrow. Why was she talking to Shikamaru of all people first?

Sakura snapped her head towards Hinata as she heard what Hinata said. She realized Hinata was reading Ino's lips, and body language. That meant Hinata had great eye sight, which was a 'duh' factor, but to be able to read someone's lips while they were grumbling was a real talent. Sakura thought Hinata was one of those people that relied heavily on her dōjutsu. It was nice to see that Hinata had skills in other categories. This would be perfect for reconnaissance.

Sakura looked back out the window, and was thankful the dessert shop they were in had tinted windows. Ino was looking at nothing in particular, and looked to be trying to explain the situation to Shikamaru. The young Nara for once didn't look lethargic with the conversation, and actually looked upset. It wasn't uncommon to see Shikamaru upset with Ino, but the conversation subject they were on is what made it interesting. 

Ino turned to Shikamaru as she started speaking to him again, and he sent her a glare from the words that came out her mouth.

"Ino said Shikamaru shouldn't worry. Nothing is going to happen to Shika-Ino-Cho. Their families pack will still be able to work. Besides, Shikamaru is a Jonin now, and pulled often from team ten, so he's not being fair."

Sakura grinned. Ino was a firecracker, and Shikamaru would soon think the argument was too troublesome and let Ino have it her way. Sakura had doubted Ino while in the Hokage's office, but if Ino could get pass Shikamaru, who was clearly the leader of team ten, then she was SO joining Anbu.

Yay! Girl power.

Still the glare coming from Shikamaru, and the way he was now standing over Ino's shorter frame was making Sakura change her mind. 

First off. Ino always looked taller than Shikamaru. When did he get this height? Maybe he always slouched or let Ino appear dominant...because that was his mind trick to let Ino continue to believe she was leading. It made things easier for team ten to navigate. However, Sakura was seeing now, that in private, Shikamaru showed his height and dominance towards Ino. 

Yikes. Girl power was fading. 

"Shikamaru said to Ino that she was an idiot, and annoying. Ino said back that he was annoying, and didn't understand the opportunity given because he didn't care about her excelling."

Sakura's eyes widened. They were really arguing, and aiming below the belt at one another.

Hinata tilted her head as she watched the two teammates argue, "Shikamaru asked Ino, why she was talking like this was just about their families and their careers. He said…oh my."

Hinata had a tiny 'o' shaped mouth as she looked on, and a blush started to don on her face. Sakura leaned over to Hinata. Oh this was good! "What?! What is it?! Ya gotta tell me Hinata!"

Sakura whispered heatedly to Hinata. An opportunity to pry in Ino's life, and later rub it Ino's face was an opportunity Sakura couldn't pass up. Sakura and Hinata looked at each other before they broke out in a silly grin. Hinata looked back at Ino and Shikamaru to continue her, 'spying'.

"Shikamaru said this was about him and her. He told Ino to stop talking like this wasn't personal. It seems he feels as if Ino is only entertaining this opportunity to spite him."

Sakura's mouth dropped wide open, and she looked out the window to Ino and Shikamaru. Ino arms were still crossed and she had a defeated look on her face, but fire was still present in her eyes. She began talking to Shikamaru again. Sakura was sure to try everything she could to not lose this round in her argument with Shikamaru.

"Ino told Shikamaru he was doubting her abilities to make it, and wasn't being fair. That he just wanted to hold her back in the village while he traveled all he wanted as the diplomat between Sauna and Konoha."

Sakura watched as Shikamaru's face became dark. He walked away from Ino for a moment. It seemed like he wanted to calm himself before he said something he'd regret. He soon walked back to her, and invaded her space again. Ino still wouldn't look at Shikamaru, and didn't back down from his approach to her.

"Shikamaru asked Ino if she really felt like he was holding her back. Or was she even entertaining the option because she felt like he was giving Temari-san more attention at the moment. He's saying that him working with Temari-san is 100% work related, and that Ino knew that. Shikamaru told Ino he didn't think of her as weak, and he knew if she was in Anbu that they would train her, and place her where she belonged and fit in."

Sakura smiled at Hinata as she could see Hinata was proud of herself for being right about Shikamaru's body language, and how he must have felt.

Ino finally looked at Shikamaru. She snorted at his words, and gave him a sharp look, "Ino told Shikamaru if that was the case then there is no problem with her taking this opportunity."

Sakura watched as Shikamaru looked around the area before leaning towards Ino. His hands were shoved into his pockets as he leaned towards Ino's ear. "He told Ino that he couldn't protect her if she was in Anbu. That she would cause him to be distracted from strategizing, and from his missions, because he would be thinking about her too much."

Sakura looked at Hinata and noticed she had her Byakugan activated. She was realizing Hinata was just as invested, and nosey, as her. Sakura grinned as she looked on out the window. Ino had sighed, and Sakura was beginning to think Shikamaru had won the Yamanaka over. Ino unfolded her arms, and flapped them weakly to her side as she turned her head again from Shikamaru.

"Ino told him that he couldn't always protect her. That he had to let her grow."

Sakura couldn't help the squeal that escaped her. She tapped her feet on the floor, and held her hands to her mouth as the juicy gossip was sending her into an overload. Hinata smiled at Sakura. The cherry blossom always made it seem like Ino annoyed her when she gossiped, and the whole time Sakura was eating it all up.

Sakura and Hinata watched as Shikamaru took his index finger, and placed it under Ino's chin. He turned her to look at him, and he grinned at her, "Shikamaru has expressed to Ino that at first he didn't think she really wanted to do this, but he sees now that she's serious. He said that she could leave team ten, but she couldn't leave him."

With that Shikamaru took Ino inside the flower shop for better privacy, and Hinata deactivated her Byakugan. She didn't want to catch any make out sessions between her friends.

Sakura and Hinata both looked at one another before giggling between each other. "I knew that whole, 'let me talk it over with my teammates and our families' was a crock of bullshit! Ino-pig wanted her Shika-kun to approve! Man when did they even become a thing?!"

The two laughed among themselves, and Sakura gave Hinata a warm smile, "You have a sneaky little talent Hinata. There is no way I'm letting you pass this Anbu opportunity. Why are you so hesitant? At least you can try it out."

Hinata was a little more relaxed now, and went to take a sip of her green tea, "My father might not approve. I doubt I can be like Ino, and tell my family that they have to let me grow. Imagine that Sakura."

Sakura blinked for a moment before she realized Hinata was being sarcastic. The Hyuga's would never accept such 'dramatized' expressions. Hinata wasn't in a family that functioned like a normal, warm, loving family. Yet, Sakura cracked a grin, "Fuck'em Hinata."

Hinata almost choked on her tea, and her eyes bugged out as she looked at Sakura, "Excuse me? Sakura I couldn't…I-I couldn't say such a thing to my FATHER."

Sakura laughed at Hinata. The girl really didn't understand a 'figure of speech'.

"Hinata. I'm not telling you to go to your father and say, 'fuck you'. I'm just saying to not always care about what they think. You have to think about your best interest every once in a while. You train non-stop all the time. You never go out with me, or Ino…or anyone really for recreational purposes. Aside from Neji being beside your hip 24/7, and you occasionally with your teammates. Us girls have a tendency to be cast to the background, and treated as useless. We have skills Hinata. Show your skills."

Hinata looked at Sakura, and looked utterly amazed by Sakura's confidence. She wished she had confidence like that. Maybe she could? "Umm Sakura. Could I ask you a question?"

Sakura hummed at Hinata to continue while she sipped her hot cocoa, "You do not think you getting into Anbu, and excelling, is going to aid in Sasuke coming back do you? I am sure many of Anbu missions revolves around keeping up with the whereabouts of Orochimaru, and Sasuke. This could be damaging for you. I worry."

Sakura put her mug down, and sighed as she looked at her own half eaten cinnamon roll, "Please don't think I'm doing all of this over a boy Hinata. I'm so sick of everyone thinking that everything I do in my life is to make myself look good for Sasuke. Just like I'd hope you take this opportunity up for yourself. Not to prove yourself worthy for your family, or so Naruto thinks you look cool. We're 15 now. Still Chunin. If we pass the Anbu exams than they'll bump us up to Jonin, and with that rank, many doors will open for us. I'm doing this for me."

Hinata slowly nodded her head as she looked at Sakura with newfound determination, "I will be doing this for me as well. I'll figure out a way around my family."

"Lord Hiashi. Have you heard about lady Hinata? This isn't exactly the Hyuga I would have chosen to take the role in Anbu."

Hiashi said nothing as one of his elders spoke to him. He finally spoke up as he looked out the window in his study. "Don't you worry. I will make sure she is tamed and doesn't do anything to bring light to our situation."

"I see. If she passes the program and Anbu test. She will be the first in our family to accept such a brutal and yet honorary roll. Yes. I wish such an honor was offered to lady Hanabi instead. Can they not see how talented and more gifted your youngest daughter is."

Hiashi rolled his eyes at the man's words while he continued to look out the window, "My daughter just has to be re-introduced to her role in the family if she passes is all. This is all a BIG if, may I remind you. This is Hinata we are talking about."

The way Tsunade had the program set up were to have a handful of Chunin selected for the Anbu program that Anko set up to train under her, and in the end take the test for Anbu. Anko opted for her program to be a yearlong, and Tsunade agreed because it gave Chunin time to think whether or not this career was something they wanted. Wean out the weak and unmotivated she supposed.

Sakura, Ino and Hinata stayed the whole year in the program. All 16 now. They started the program with 10 Chunin. Five males and five females. By the end of the program it dwindled to Sakura, Ino and Hinata and two other males.

On test day all five Anbu prospects went into the testing facility early in the morning, and by late into the night four came out successful.

In the empty, late night streets of Konoha three females walked the paths tired, battered and sore. Hinata's infamous jacket was ripped, and wide open for the world to see she was a growing woman now. Sakura had a long cut that crossed from one cheek to the other, and looked like she wrestled with Anko's snakes for hours. Ino had bruises littered everywhere, and a black eye that she would have to assure her family and friends that she was okay.

Especially a certain Nara. He wouldn't admit it, but to see Ino so damaged like this would cause a permanent frown on his face for weeks.

Sakura was walking in between Ino and Hinata, and had her arms on their shoulders as they walked sloppy through the streets. A stranger would have thought them to be drunk. In a way they were. Drunk off their accomplishments.

Of pride, and fulfillment.

Pure, unfiltered happiness.

Ino was the first home that the three stopped at, and Sakura grinned at the young Yamanaka.

Ino rolled her eyes at Sakura, "Not a word billboard brow." Sakura took her arm off Ino, and still held a cocky grin on her face, because sitting on Ino's porch waiting for her was Shikamaru. Etched on his face was the frown Ino complained he would have.

"Oh I have nothing to say pig. You can play make out paradise with Shikamaru. While me, and Hinata, are going to enjoy the night! CHA! Right Hinata! We gotta celebrate! Right?!"

Hinata gave a warm smile to Sakura and looked at Ino, "Have a nice night Ino. Please say hello to your father and Shikamaru for me."

Ino grinned at Hinata, and held up her fist tiredly for a fist bump. Hinata blinked owlishly at first, and didn't really know what Ino wanted but once it clicked she gave Ino a big smile. She bumped Ino's fist, and the two of them both grimaced from the slight pain in their hands.

Ino laughed it off before slowly walking to her porch. The light inside her home was on indicating her father was awake, and waiting for her to share the news whether she passed or not. Shikamaru looked her up and down before he stood up from sitting in the porch chair, and walked up to her with a smirk slowly crawling on his face.

This surprised his typical loud mouth companion. In a good way because Shikamaru could see the heat rise to her cheeks even if her face was discolored from pain.

Oh how he wished nothing more but to make her a Nara right then and there. Even at the age they were Shikamaru still knew what he wanted in life.

Not wanting to pry in their moment, Hinata and Sakura kept walking the streets. The two young women giggled, and laughed whole heartedly at memories from the past year. How Hinata almost dropped out when they had to learn about seduction, and how Hinata felt as if Anko was trying to degrade her at some point in their training.

'Look Hyuga! Just fucking LISTEN! If you have to grab a man's dick, and put it in your mouth while on a mission to bed him, and slit his throat while he's sleep then that is what you're gonna do! NOW DO IT!'

Hinata looked at the unknown man that was more than likely a volunteer to be a prop during Anko's program. The man had a scarf wrapped around his eyes and a goofy smile plastered on his face.

Hinata looked around the room, and saw her peers staring at her as well. Her eyes uncharacteristically snapped back at her sensei with enough frost pointed at Anko that if she wasn't more skilled than Hinata, she might would have felt threatened.

'You only picked me for this sensei. Why? Why just me?'

Frustration was starting to be very evident on both Anko and Hinata's face. Sakura looked at Hinata with concern that her friend chose now to get a backbone, and was scared that Anko-sensei would kick her out the program. Meanwhile Ino held a proud grin, because honestly she would have done the same thing, and been just as challenging as Hinata.

They both belonged to well-known clans. This was beyond disrespectful. It felt like their sensei had a chip on her shoulder towards people in established clans.

Ino understood to demoralize herself for a mission, but she wouldn't demoralize herself in front of her peers. In Hinata's case she had never even touched someone of the opposite sex like what Anko-sensei was instructing. Their sensei was being such a bitch, in Ino's opinion.

Anko shot Hinata an equally frostbitten glare, 'Because you suck the most. Hate to say it girly. I have faith in your peers to get the job done, but out of everything being taught this is your weakness. As a female ninja…this can NOT be your weakness.'

Hinata remained silent out of pure respect for her sensei and this program. Feeling as if she was already treading on thin ice. She remained silent as Anko started to walk around Hinata in a circle, and had a smug look on her face. Like she was now annoyed with Hinata.

'The rich, upper class people like you Hyuga make me sick. You think because you have that last name, and those special eyes, that this eliminates you from doing missions like this.'

Anko reached out and took a lock of Hinata's hair and tilted her head at Hinata in utter annoyance, 'What. You think no Hyuga has been on these type of missions? Well actually I don't really know of any. These missions aren't really the kind that you go around and brag about. However these missions too range from C to S class. Now, wasn't your mother a kunoichi as well Hyuga? I'm sure she stumbled across these mis-'

Anko let out an amused startled yelp when she could feel Hinata use all her natural, physical strength to grab her by her collar and lift her up. Pushing Anko against the nearest wall.

Rage.

Anger.

Darkness.

This was the real Hinata. Hidden under all that annoying shyness. Anko's job was to pull it out of her. To show her what she was capable of.

This couldn't be done in a day. A week or even the remainder of the program. This work on Hinata would take extensive training to reverse the damage of what her clan and father had done to her.

Still. The fact that Hinata had it in her was enough for Anko to request to further train Hinata after the program was over.

Hinata said nothing as she looked at Anko with pure rage in her eyes, and just held her in place as she visibly shook.

' Umm. With all due respect Anko-sensei. I feel like a professional line was crossed just now.'

Anko dragged her eyes over to Sakura, and gave her a bored look. Like she had ruined the fun she was having. 'I suppose you're right. Alright Hyuga. My bad. Don't get your panties tied into a bunch. Let's break for today, and resume nice and fresh in the morning.'

"Oh my gosh Hinata I had never seen you look so upset in my life! The next day you were spewing all these noble words of Anko trying to make a mockery out of you, and how this was so 'undignified'! Preposterous, and insulting to your God given name as Hyuga Hinata. Oh my gosh, it was priceless! I had no clue you were so prideful of the Hyuga name like Neji is. You hide it so well!"

Hinata laughed at Sakura. It wasn't one of her best moments that she was proud to share, but Hinata could just as much be a prick as Neji could be.

"I never knew you had such a fear of snakes Sakura. Anko-sensei really enjoyed every morning hiding a snake in your uniform locker. I can't believe you never got used to it."

Sakura blushed at the memory and laughed at how gullible she was to wish one day Anko was going to let up. "Man some days she was a real bitch. She trained the dog shit out of us. I swear I thought she was harder on me, you and Ino, than everyone else in our program."

Hinata shrugged her shoulders a bit, and nodded her head. She could understand if that was true. Women were looked at so wrongful in their profession. Like a second class, or pure support sometimes. "I can't believe we get our uniforms and gear tomorrow Sakura-chan. I am curious how my father will take all of this."

Sakura snorted at the thought of Hinata's father. Over the year in the program Hiashi has made unannounced visits, and has been so suffocating towards Hinata. He would watch Hinata along with Anko, and critique her to their sensei.

Hinata did a good job ignoring him. Sakura had to remind the shy girl every now and then she was doing this for herself, and not the Hyuga clan.

Hinata and Sakura stopped at the cherry blossoms home, and Hinata smiled at seeing Sakura's parents outside waiting for her. It was about 11 at night, and her parents waited for her so proud and eager. Sakura flashed them a bright smile, and detached herself from Hinata. "I'll see you tomorrow Hinata!"

Hinata watched as Sakura flocked to her parents, and they loudly rejoiced over Sakura's hard work and success.

As Hinata walked to her home she looked up at the moonlit sky. It was a beautiful night. She felt at peace, and it was an odd feeling because she didn't feel this way often. Hinata felt invincible, like there were so many opportunities that were waiting for her now. All she had to do was reach the sky for them.

Chapter Text

"Sakura…Please stop."

Hinata looked over at Sakura. Concerned as her dear friend scrubbed adamantly at her hands in the nearby river. Sakura had been at it for a good eight minutes before Hinata decided to voice her concern.

All Hinata and Ino could hear in the dead of the night was Sakura mumbling to herself, and washing her hands in the river. Which was making quite a bit of noise and wasn't exactly a good idea. The point of them freezing in the dead of the night, without a fire, was to use the blackout night to their advantage. They were supposed to be unseen, and unheard. Sakura was interrupting that part. It was all understandable though. 

Sakura just couldn't get clean enough. "It's a lot of blood."

Ino, who was fully clothed in her Anbu gear, and had her mask secured on her face, dragged her eyes lazily over to Sakura. The only way Ino could make her friend out in the summer's night was the full moon light on the water, radiating off Sakura's flushed skin. Ino tilted her head at Sakura. After everything team seven had been through, all the stories Ino has heard of the graphic horrors and violence Kakashi's team has been through. Ino did not expect Sakura to behave like this. So traumatized. It was like she wasn't numb yet. 

A thought came to Ino. Maybe all medics didn't like the sight of blood? Perhaps Sakura really was an excellent pick to become Lady Tsunade's successor.

Sakura rubbed her hands over a rock, because her cleaning rag was tattered from her rubbing so hard against her skin. Her skin was an angry red and would soon peel. "Reminds me a little bit of when I was protecting that old man on the bridge. Ohhh shoot. It's still there! Still…the boys weren't as bloody back then as tonight. Naruto and Sasuke...they were so bloody. I almost lost them."

Ino clenched her eyes shut and tried her best to ignore Sakura's breakdown. She told herself that Sakura had to let these emotions run its course, and then Sakura would feel better. Ino just had to tell herself this was normal. That it was okay for them to express their sorrows.

Ino was categorized as the ninja of 'Love' in their graduating class. She was supposed to understand all human emotions and connections. Yet, at this very moment all she wanted to understand was pure SILENCE. What they had to do was not a typical ninja mission. So, no. Ino did not want to talk about emotions at this moment. She wanted Sakura to endure, and shut the fuck up.

Yet, it seemed as if Sakura was just falling further in her despair. "That scary boy Gaara. He made a lot of people bleed, but still...I swear nothing like thi-"

"SAKURA!" This was the last straw. Ino could take no more. They were all trauma shocked right now. Ino did not need this from Sakura.

Finally Sakura stopped her mumbling, and snapped her head over to Ino. Who was matching the equally annoyed face Sakura had. "WHAT INO?!"

What Ino? Did Sakura not read the room that her and Hinata wanted silence? That they didn't need added stress to this beyond stressful situation. "Shut. Up. PLEASE. Did you NOT hear Hinata ask nicely?"

Before Sakura could stand up, and correct Ino on who she was talking to, Hinata had stood between the two dominant women. One annoying trait about Ino that Hinata hated to admit. Even if she was outmatched by Sakura every time, Ino was still going to say whatever popped up in her mind. Hinata didn't know if this trait was annoying, or just extremely gutsy. 

"Sakura umm...has been on far more upper ranked missions than you and I, Ino. I am sure between the missions, and the…umm…umm…tensions of team seven, this has led to much post-traumatic stress. True Sakura?"

Sakura paused in her advancement towards Ino, and shot Hinata with a look of betrayal at first, and then it slowly turned into annoyance. "What are you trying to SAY Hinata?"

Said person raised her hand in front of Sakura, in a manner saying that she meant no harm what so ever. "It is just us out here Sakura. Please take no offense. I am by no means saying you are not cut out for this profession anymore. I am simply saying, as a friend, it is OKAY to talk to me. It is okay for the three of us, I believe, to share things with one another."

Sakura and Ino both were still silent as Sakura's attention went from glaring at Hinata and Ino, to glaring at the ground. Still trembling from the mission they had just completed two hours ago.

How the foreigners blood was still smeared on Hinata's feet.

It was a simple enough assassination mission. This was still a time in which villages silently infiltrated one another, and in some high stake situations, Village leaders would order to take someone out. Ninja's were still, in all actuality, 'murder for hire' workers. Some missions were easier than others. Sometimes blood was shed, and sometimes no one died. In this mission that Sakura, Ino and Hinata were sent on, many people lost their lives.

Anbu was a stepping stone for Ino.

An experience for Sakura.

It was all Hinata had at this moment.

Sensing that neither of her good friends would open up. Hinata decided to make herself vulnerable, "M-my clan…m-m-my father, he beat m-me growing up. That is why it is so HARD for me sometimes to get things right."

Sakura's eyes shot to Hinata, and Ino's mouth hung open. Both Sakura and Ino had a barely audible, 'What?' voiced out their mouths.

Hinata's eyes shifted from Sakura to the ground, "This stays between us. Yes?"

Sakura reached for Hinata's hand, that was held out to her earlier as a sign of peace, and immediately felt awful. She held Hinata's hand tight against her chest, and waited for the shy Hyuga to look at her. Hinata looked up at Sakura and Ino with guarded eyes.

Sakura still smiled at Hinata, and gave her a reassuring squeeze of her hand. "Of course Hinata!"

Ino came up to the two females, and took Hinata's other hand. She gave Hinata a serious stare, and her lips were in a tight line. "That shouldn't even be a question Hinata!"

Hinata smiled at the two females standing before her. "When my mother passed away. I was young, and-and that's basically when it started. When Neji's father…passed away it got worse. It went from my father taking his anger out on me, to what felt like everyone taking their anger out on me. I guess. I guess I kind of understand."

"Hinata!" Both girls said this as they looked at their broken friend. All along they thought Hinata's behavior was based on a strict upbringing, and extreme shyness. Never did they think Hinata's behavior was caused by this.

By abuse. Cruel, and heartless parenting. 

Hinata could have been so much different. She could have been happy.

Sakura frowned further in the darkened night. Just the utter thought of seeing Hinata in the academy smiling more than she did made her heart ache. So, Hinata didn't smile because she knew when she went home at the end of the day her father was going to…fuck that was horrible.

Hinata squeezed her eyes shut at Sakura and Ino yelling her name, and Ino immediately felt horrible. Hinata probably had her fair share of yelling at her home. Her and Sakura arguing all the time probably triggered the hell out of Hinata, and yet she never complained. 

Ino hated this for Hinata. "I'm sorry Hinata. I just. I just don't want you to feel like any of that was your fault. Hun. Your family are certified assholes. MONSTERS. So that means…Neji. Him too?"

Hinata just further squeezed her eyes tight, and seemed to not want to answer Ino's question. Sakura started to remember during the Chunin exams. What Neji was saying to Hinata. How she coward before him, and looked like a ball of anxiety.

He had to have been in on it too. There was no doubt of it. That evil Neji. That evil, horrible human being. So, because he felt like he was dealt the shit end of the stick he takes it out on Hinata? Freaking HINATA of all people?! She always supported Neji. Said nothing but amazing things about him.

Sakura leaned over to look at Hinata's face, because Hinata's silence was scaring her. "He did. Didn't he, Hinata? That's why you were nervous to fight him, because you were terrified of him. Not because he was stronger, but because he use to hurt you too."

Hinata looked at Sakura as she made the connections on her own. Hinata's eyes became unfocused as she looked from her friend to the ground, "That was the past. Neji isn't like that anymore. We love one another now. Besides, it was only during training that Neji would aim so low. Outside of training it was usually-"

"The way he talked down to you. Looked down on you. His overall demeanor that he suffocated on you on purpose to watch you stutter, and shiver before your father. Which made your father angrier, and more likely to abuse you. Look Hinata. Abuse isn't just physical. What you're describing, and or refusing to admit is verbal, and emotional abuse as well. It is NOT okay. They took away from you your childhood. Your youth. Man fuck your family. Prestige clan or not."

Ino said this as she looked at Hinata with fire in her eyes. Her eyes then snapped from Hinata to Sakura.

"Fuck the Hyuga clan, and fuck Sasuke. Since we're being so open right now. I want to get this out, and clear the air. Sakura. We did not having a stupid childhood falling out over Sasuke. We had a heartbreaking falling out because you were my best friend, and you acted different because of Sasuke. I can openly admit I'm a bitch, and do whatever I can to get back at someone that I feel like has wronged me. Still, you took the cake on that Sakura, and that is why we always walk on this weird thin ice between each other."

Sakura's lips grew tight at this, and she glared at Ino. "Now is not the time to want to talk about Sasuke."

Ino felt different. "Yes it is. He's an asshole. Okay, like we get it. I once was head over heels for that asshole with you. Like LET. IT. GO. He's left you feeling like shit multiple times Sakura. I have no feelings for that man what so ever anymore. I LOVE someone Sakura. I never LOVED Sasuke, I mean he was hot, but that's it. All this…trauma. Built up emotions. What you're showing us right now by washing your hands for 10 minutes straight in fucking water with a damn ROCK. You hold it in because SASUKE didn't want to hear it. You didn't want to look weak in front of SASUKE. When in reality you could have talked to a friend. For fucks sake if you weren't so busy pushing Naruto away you could have talked to him about how fucked up you guys missions were."

That's exactly how Ino started to fall for Shikamaru. He listened to her. Whether she was nagging or not. Whether he made it look like he wasn't listening or not. Shikamaru was there for her. Always. Ino would make sure the bond she shared with Shikamaru never faded.

Ino's eyes lowered to the ground in frustration as she continued to speak, "This career field we are is not for the weak. Our trauma will not lay doormat because we are ninjas Sakura. It will not lay doormat because we want to not be a burden Hinata."

The blond chuckled to herself before she gave Hinata a wet smile, "You know. We should have been closer. Our sensei's date for goodness sake. I've been around Asuma-sensei when Kurenai talked about you kind of being under her wing. I just…I just never connected the dots that she was taking you away from such a horrible thing. I'm so SORRY Hinata."

Ino silently cursed to herself as she wiped away a single tear that just wouldn't stay in, "Sakura. Our rivalry is forever going to be alive, because we are bossy, bad ass females. Still. Just know I am sorry. For making you feel you had to choose between me and Sasuke. We are kunoichi. We should all be uplifting each other in this field. I want you to know you can trust me. I'll always have you girls back. ALWAYS."

Sakura bit her bottom lip rather hard to keep a weep in. She was busy wiping away at her own tears that were like a waterfall coming down.

Hinata smiled at her two friends. Sometimes it was fine to have heart to heart moments while completing a mission. Yes she had to tell a dark secret that she rather have taken to her grave. However, it was worth seeing her two friends make up, and not fight one another.

As the night went on, Sakura finally opened up about what triggered her during the mission.

It was the death. The fact that they had to cause so much death.

The blood. The dying pleas for a chance of life. Seeing someone at their absolute weakest moment over and over again since she left the academy was beginning to take its toll on the cherry blossom. Reason why medicine was a passion of hers now. Saving a life was the best thing to be introduced to Sakura.

Ino listened to Sakura in silence, and comforted her friend when she felt like Sakura or Hinata needed it. As the night went on, and the trio was able to focus more on cleaning their used weapons and gear, and counting their rations the casual conversations picked up again.

Ino played with a small blade that she would tuck in her mouth for certain situations, before she stowed it back in her pack. "You know. I get that I'm the 'experienced one' of the group because I'm with Shikamaru and what not. Still it would be nice when it came to seducing and portraying myself as something I'm NOT, that we take turns on that matter."

Hinata wasted no time in agreeing, "You're right. I will do it next time something like that comes up."

Ino and Sakura gave each other a look of concern, and Ino was just about to wave the whole notion off, "You? No way Hinata. Not because I don't think you can do it either. Just…I don't want your family to find out, and things get worse at home. Ya know? I was really just trying to guilt trip Sakura."

Sakura gave Ino a pointed look, and almost snarled at her, "You asshole. I have no problem doing it! Ino's right Hinata. Besides you do so well with-"

Hinata gave a hollow smile, and closed her eyes as she spoke. "Anko-sensei has taken me up as her student even after we graduated the program. She would be livid if she found out I was not pulling my weight. Please. Do not worry about my family. Them being angry with me, and the punishments that follows, are not new to me."

Ino frowned at this, and gave Hinata a look of concern, "So you're in this for the long run huh? Anbu. It's not a 'stepping stone' like it is for me and Sakura. If Anko-sensei is taking you under her wing then that means they have some insane things planned for you Hinata. Long term things."

Hinata's hollow smile fell as she focused on the moonlit stream, "At this point in time. Spending more time in Anbu, and less time at home is what is best. I actually am happy you convinced me to take this route Sakura."

Said person balled her fist up in frustration. "There has to be something we can do. Lady Tsunade-"

"Was made aware of the situation. My family is not like a typical family Sakura. My family would destroy anyone in their path, if they opposed them. That includes the Hokage."

Sakura shook her head at Hinata, "The Hyuga clan is not unstoppable Hinata."

Hinata stared off into the tree line as she smiled in thought, "We are in dark times Sakura. The times we are in is not the best time to lose allies. Not the time for Konoha to fall apart, and pick sides between one another over one Hyuga that is an outcast. The village would weaken, and our enemies would zero in on us. All for what? For me? Who am I?"

Sakura laced her fingers with Hinata's, and the timid Hyuga flinched at the affection. Ino mimicked Sakura, and looked at Hinata with a warm smile.

Sakura leaned over and kissed Hinata's temple. "Who are you? You are a very, VERY dear friend of ours. You're our best friend. We need you. We would do anything for you Hinata. Not because we are teammates either. This has nothing to do with us being in Anbu together, and everything to do with just us being Sakura, Hinata and Ino."

Ino laid her head on Hinata's shoulder and looked off into the dark forest. Her heart felt heavy. Like it was being filled with pure black tar, "Yes. Don't forget we would do anything for you Hinata."

Hinata smiled at the comfort, and blushed at the affection, "Ino? Do you think you and Shikamaru will wed when you turn 18? Or will you wait it off? You are very much close to the age if you really think about it."

Ino blinked her eyes, and pulled away from her dark thoughts. She snorted her nose at Hinata in amusement, "Are you kidding? Shikamaru has the proposal, the wedding, the honeymoon, and us moving in already planned as soon as we hit 18. He's an impatient person actually. He's ready for us to start our life together...and honestly so am I."

Ino smiled a genuine smile when she heard Hinata give a joyful giggle, "I'm so excited for you two Ino. Shikamaru is an amazing person. I can't wait. Sakura if I may?"

Sakura just squeezed Hinata's hand as a way of telling her to continue, "I think…the Uchiha can be saved. I look forward to seeing how you, and him, go forward once he returns because I am positive he will."

Sakura gave Hinata a wet smile that she was sure Hinata's all seeing eyes could indeed see. "You. You are just too KIND Hinata. The nicest person I have ever met in my life with the purest heart. What about you? Will you ever try your luck with Naruto?"

Even in the dead of night Ino and Sakura could see Hinata light up like a supernova. "Naruto-kun is not interested in me in the slightest Sakura! I…I am perfectly fine being his friend. I just want him to be happy, and to find someone that makes him very happy."

Ino snorted at Hinata's words, "What about you? You want everyone to be happy, and have a happily ever after. What about you though, Hinata? Even if it's not with that brick for brains Naruto. I still want you to live your life girl. Matter of fact. Me, and forehead are professionals at having a good time. Don't worry Hinata. We'll show you the ropes. Just you wait till we get back from this mission. You are going to have one hell of a night."

"She has been on several missions Lord Hiashi and they have all been successful in Anbu. She is even being mentors by that snake woman."

Hiashi sat at his desk in his study looking at random, pointless, paperwork that had to be reviewed and signed. "I am aware."

"It's only a matter of time before your daughter gets a backbone sir."

Hiashi continued to not make eye contact with his fellow main house family member, "Yes. I am aware."

"Before she starts to feel confident enough to talk about our clan's inner turmoil."

Hiashi finally put his paper flat on the desk, and looked up to his fellow family member that was slowly working on his last nerve, "What is it exactly you are fearful of? Hmm? My now nuisance of a daughter finding her pointless way in life? OR the fact the branch family is starting to see hope? Don't you worry your polished nails off. I will have a talk with Hinata soon enough."

Chapter Text

To say the least. Hinata was TOTALLY out of her element.

It was a bar and lounge, that the younger ninja generation would frequent to. If you were old enough to drink or smoke you would do it here, and if not, you would still do it here. They were risking their lives every day for the people of Konoha. Every now and then it was okay to turn the blind eye for younger generation of ninja's. Plus if someone was getting out of hand there was always a senior there to straighten them out.

Tonight the music seemed to be louder than usual. Even Sakura could admit to that, but it made the atmosphere that much more fun. Believe it or not this wasn't Sakura's idea to go to this lounge. It was Ino's. Apparently her and Shikamaru come there often.

Who would have thought Shikamaru could be so…fun. Sakura for sure was shocked. It showed her why Ino was head over heels for him. Shikamaru had a different side with Ino. It was kind of sweet.

Just like the love sick person Ino was, she dragged said person with her to the lounge. Shikamaru tried to argue Ino down left and right that this was more so a girls outing, but Ino didn't want to go to such a place without him for some weird girly reason.

Shikamaru wasn't going to tell her no, but he would complain the whole way to the lounge.

Once Ino had gotten Shikamaru settled, and he had saw that his good friend Choji was there with a few more familiar faces, he relaxed. Shino and Kiba were even there, and Shikamaru was sure seeing an ACTUAL recreational outing for the first time in Hinata's point of view was a mixture between a culture shock, and it being very refreshing for her. Shikamaru could see it all over Hinata's face right now. 

Shikamaru watched as Ino went to the bar to order beverages. Sakura was sitting between Hinata and Kiba. The pink haired loyal friend clearly seeing that Hinata's former teammate already had a buzz going on, and was starting to look at Hinata in a different light.

Whatever happened to that, 'brother/sister' relationship Kiba was always boasting about? Gone, along with the three drinks that Sakura could see Kiba had consumed.

Sakura wasn't ignorant. Hinata was a very attractive young woman. Sakura didn't think anyone from their graduating class was unappealing anyways. Hinata was just a different type of attractive. She was very graceful, and had an elegance to her. At the same time she was naïve, and innocent to some people's true intentions.

That made Hinata fresh meat. Even to a, 'brother', like Kiba.

Don't get Sakura wrong. She trusted Kiba with Hinata's life. Team 8 has an amazing and unbreakable bond. They fit together, and functioned better than team 7 ever could. That was Sakura being completely honest.

Sakura over time has developed this, 'over protective', mindset with Hinata. She noticed Hinata would pay special attention to everyone, and their needs, and try to cater to them. Yet, who catered to Hinata's needs though?

If no one else, then Sakura would! This was one of her best friends, and Hinata deserved the world!

Sakura watched as Ino came to them with a tray of four drinks. When Sakura reached over and grabbed her and Hinata's drink, she sat back down between Hinata and Kiba. Tossing a leg over Hinata's thigh. She wrapped her arm around Hinata, and gave the quiet Hyuga her drink.

Hinata looked absolutely caught off guard, and flabbergasted. Her eyes were wide like an animal when you catch them in the dark of the night. If she had animal ears they would be lowered in utter fear and confusion.

Hinata heard light laughter and her head snapped over at Ino, who was sitting beside Shikamaru. Her own leg tossed over his thigh in the same intimate manner as Sakura was with Hinata. Shikamaru was more accepting to the affection though. He leaned back in the lounge chair, and just stared at Hinata and Sakura with a hint of amusement while rubbing Ino's knee.

So many thoughts were running through Hinata's mind. Like, what the hell was going on?!

Sakura was so CLOSE. Hinata could smell Sakura's body wash as if she was had washed in it herself. Even whatever Sakura put in her hair, Hinata could smell it strongly because Sakura was so close. Kiba was staring at Hinata like he was shocked at the close intimacy between her and Sakura. Like he didn't know Hinata was into these type of things, and now he looked slightly disappointed.

Hinata's eyes only got bigger. She was NOT into these type of things!

What if someone from her family saw them? What if NEJI saw them?! He would surely tell. Her father would surely lash out at her for embarrassing their family again. Plus…was that her Anbu SENSEI Anko in the corner of the bar grinning at her right now? Was she making FUN of her?!

She was about to pass out.

"Hinata. Relax."

Hinata's head snapped back over to Sakura and looked at her with a burnt red face. The two held a solid eye connection, and Hinata was slowly having a mental breakdown. Sakura just smiled at Hinata, and leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"You're so silly. Hinata. This is what friends DO. We have fun. We touch each other. Talk to each other. We joke around. We also intervene to make sure we don't get hit on all the time."

Sakura pulled away from Hinata, and took a lock of Hinata's hair, and played with it. It had grown and Sakura had to admit. Hinata looked really nice with longer hair.

Like a light switch went off in Hinata's head, she looked from Sakura to Kiba, and noticed the light blush on his face along with his lowered eye lids. Kiba was slightly intoxicated, and was talking rather different than he usually would to her.

He was tipsy. He was hitting on her, and Sakura intervened so it could be a friendly environment again.

A smile came across Hinata's face, and she finally let out a light laugh at Sakura. Said friend burst out laughing, and the two shared a laugh together. Hinata had never shared a laugh like this. She never had an outing experience like this.

The fourth drink that Kiba had ordered, and was about to drink, was gone in a flash, and replaced with a water. He double blinked at his missing drink, and looked at Shino, who would usually cut him off. His dark friend just shook his head annoyed at Kiba already being tipsy, and pointed over to Hinata.

Hinata just like that had taken the drink, and pointed to the water that was now in Kiba's hand. Indicating that she felt like Kiba should take it easy. Even tipsy Kiba gave Hinata that bright smile he reserved just for her, and started to drink the water.

Sakura had a girly alcohol cocktail, and raised her eyebrow at the alcohol drink Hinata now had since she switched with Kiba. It looked like a straight shot of dark liquor. This caused Sakura to smirk at Hinata, almost questioning if she was really going to drink it. Sakura looked at Ino, and noticed she was looking at Hinata the same way. So was Shikamaru, who was no longer complaining and now interested in everything happening.

Hinata held her drink up, and towards the center of the section they were lounging in, "Kanpai. To having good friends like you all. I appreciate you all so much."

Ino chuckled at Hinata. Even when at a lively place like this Hinata was able to make a toast sound as elegant and aristocratic as ever. Hinata was a special type of friend Ino wanted to keep pure as long as possible, "KANPAI!"

Ino yelled this, and the three girls laughed at the blonde bombshell, and her 'fuck you' personality, before chugging the drinks they had. Even with her girly drink Sakura gagged at the alcoholic beverage. Hinata was certain she was going to barf in that exact moment but kept the disgusting liquid in her stomach. It burned so badly!

Ino laughed at the two, "You guys don't get out much I see! Always keeping your heads up your sensei's asses that's why!" Sakura gave Ino the middle finger, and Hinata actually gave Ino a sour look, "That was so mean Ino. You could have told me it was going to be awful."

Ino eyes widened at Hinata's blunt wording. She was finally breaking out her shell. "Aww Hinata don't be like that. Shikamaru got me into actually tasting alcohol, and finding one that I actually like. One that doesn't make my insides want to turn inside out. You just have to find what drink works for you."

"Yeah take your time. What's the rush? We just got here anyways. Just do a tasting of a few drinks, and see what works for you." Hinata looked at Shikamaru when he spoke, and her eyes widened in shock that he was actually voicing his opinion when he so openly didn't want to go with them here.

He was a funny man.

Ino passed Hinata a drink menu, and went to sit next to Sakura and Hinata to explain the taste difference of light and dark alcohol.

"Mind if we join you?"

Sakura's head snapped up and her mouth hung open as she saw it was Neji-freaking-Hyuga standing over them with Tenten. For obvious reasons Lee was not present for he had a problem controlling himself when alcohol temptation was near. He for some reason thought he could hold his liquor well.

It was awkward to see Neji. Knowing what Ino and Sakura knew about him now. However, seeing the bright smile grace Hinata's face, and the comfortable eye connection the two Hyuga's had with one another, it eased the tension.

Hinata wasn't lying. The relationship between her and Neji was better than ever. She loved him, and frequently would label him as 'brother' in front of everyone.

Neji smiled when he heard Hinata softly welcome them to their section, and he went to sit near Shikamaru. The young Nara looked at Neji for a moment before a grin covered his face. "Couldn't resist and had to see for yourself that Hinata was actually, 'partying', huh?"

Neji slowly looked at Shikamaru before a subtle smirk appeared on his lips. "I couldn't pass this up Nara. I see neither could you."

"I'm not sure about this Ino."

Hinata watched as Ino got her arm wrapped up after Ino finished her turn getting her official Anbu tattoo. It had been eight months that they have been active in Anbu, and the three young women were excelling. Sakura was 17, and Ino had just turned 17. Both females mature beyond their years in Hinata's opinion.

They were respected young women. Made their own decisions, and had the freedom to voice their opinions within their family as blossoming leaders. Hinata. She didn't feel as if she was on their level. She had no say in her clan.

Sakura had just gotten her tattoo first, and Ino followed soon after. Now they looked at Hinata eagerly for her to hop in the chair and get hers. Hinata bit her bottom lip, and looked at the tattoo machine. "I believe the tattoos were optional. Also, no one in my family has tattoos. It's kind of frowned upon."

Sakura pouted at Hinata, "Oh come ON Hinata! Don't let your family have such an impact on your life! It's your life! We've talked about these tattoos the whole time in the program. You even said you liked them and what they symbolized. Out of the three of us you are definitely the definition of ANBU."

Ino reached behind Hinata and her arms circled her waist, "Come onnnn beautiful! Don't be like that!"

Hinata frowned at smelling the alcohol on Ino's breath. They were out celebrating a big mission Ino and Sakura accomplished together. Hinata had arrived in the village a day after Ino and Sakura came back from their successful mission, and the two motivated women begged Hinata to go out with them and celebrate.

Plus Ino and Sakura always did any and everything to keep Hinata from being home.

Honestly, they were around each other all the time really now, so it was easy for Hinata to agree to go with the females she now considered family. Hinata's sensei's Kurenai and Anko would make jokes about it all the time. There was no Sakura without Ino, and no Ino without Hinata, and vice versa throughout the trio.

This didn't go unnoticed by their friends. Neji often voiced that he thought Ino was a bad influence for Hinata even though Hinata showed no signs of corruption from the blonde beauty. Oddly enough Neji wasn't the only one from her clan against Hinata being around the Yamanaka, but there were other reasons for their dislike of Ino.

This Yamanaka in particular was a master of the minds like her father. She could pick up on things she had no business knowing.

The funny thing was everyone believed Sakura was the best influence for Hinata, when the pink haired female was the devil on Hinata's shoulder that convinced her to do the most daring things. Like get a tattoo.

After a few more moments of coaxing from Ino and Sakura, Hinata was sitting in the tattoo chair watching the artist work over her skin with the needle and ink. "It doesn't hurt like I thought it would."

Sakura snorted at Hinata. "I would hope not! You're a damn ninja girl!"

Hinata smiled as she watched Sakura raise her fist up at the declaration, and how Ino and Sakura leaned on one another for support from the many shots of alcohol they had earlier. Hinata told them she did not think it would be a good idea to consume so much alcohol, especially so early in the day.

The male tattoo artist currently doing Hinata's tattoo smirked at the females goofiness. "I get Anbu in here maybe once every couple of months. You three are by far the most humbled ones…and cutest."

Hinata looked at the man as he made eye contact with her. He looked to be around 19 or 20 years old. He had long red hair pulled up in a high loose bun, and looked to keep himself in shape. He was a nice looking civilian. His eyes were red like Kurenai's, and he had tattoos littered all over his body. His hands, his arms, his neck, and they disappeared down his white V-neck shirt. On a body that Hinata could tell had a chiseled chest.

He had a small diamond nose piercing, and small black gages in his ear. His face was clear of tattoos, and to Hinata he looked like trouble. A ladies man. He was handsome though, she couldn't deny that.

Hinata blushed at his words, and gave a shy smile back at the man. Hiashi would lose his damn mind if she ever took someone like him home.

Hinata blinked randomly at the thought of her father.

Who cared if she did though? What was wrong with how the man looked? Nothing. He wanted to live his life how he wanted, and he looked happy doing what he does.

Besides, as far as her father was concerned, since she joined Anbu, Hiashi has been nothing but spiteful towards her. It was fine to Hinata at this point, it reminded her of when he first gave her up to Kurenai, and thought she was utter trash. The punishment of her being seen with this man or not was going to be the same.

Hinata snapped out her daze when she heard Sakura and Ino give whistles and howls. They caught the tattoo artist flirting with Hinata, and Sakura had a giddy smile as she clapped her hands together. "Come on Hinata, this guy is HOT."

Hinata's whole face turned red at hearing Sakura's drunk declaration. Didn't she know she wasn't whispering in the slightest, and the young attractive man was literally sitting right beside them, tattooing her. "Sakura-chan!"

She heard the tattoo artist chuckle, and she looked back at him while he changed to a shading needle, he was already done outlining her. "I hope I haven't offended you. I know the Hyuga clan is very conservative, and I don't want to upset a client."

He smiled at her again, and Hinata zeroed in on the dimples on his cheeks. "I'm not o-offended."

Sakura and Ino were gushing at the scene right now. It was so nice to see Hinata come out her shell, and be absolutely ogled and eye fucked by the opposite sex. Hinata needed this attention. Sakura and Ino got it all the time, and Hinata would just sit in the shadows completely fine with no one talking to her.

No. Their friend deserved to feel pretty. Like a star!

Still.

Sakura just couldn't help but notice Hinata's blush just wasn't the same as it was with a certain blonde boy they knew.

The tattoo artist had a long loose lock of his hair that fell in his face as he looked at Hinata with piercing eyes, and a smile that showed his dimples off to perfection. This man could be a model. "Great. Hotto is my name. Nice to have you as a client Lady Hinata."

At hearing the name Hotto, Sakura squealed, and Ino made a sound of howling. Being the perfect hype girls for Hinata. The rest of the tattoo session went by with Hotto laying the flirtation on thick with Hinata.

Her barely accepting his attempts. Much to her friends frustration.

When she was bandaged up, Hotto looked at Hinata and offered to take her for some cinnamon rolls since he found out she liked them from their small talk. Hinata's face the whole time stayed with a light blush, and she looked ready to pass out from the attention and slightly PG-13 language.

Ino looked at her watch, and looked out the shop to see Shikamaru approaching with Asuma and Choji.

"Oh shoot. This was getting good too! Oi, Hinata come here for a moment."

Ino pulled Hinata close to her, and started to whisper in her ear. "Take Sakura with you. Don't go alone with this guy unless you feel 100% comfortable. This guy should purely be used for one night stands, and maybe good foreplay. Trust me. His type is not someone to get fixated on. Just have some fun with him. I recommend enjoying yourself once in a while."

Hinata's eyes widened at Ino's sober words. She had played off being drunk to read into the intentions of Hotto. Sakura on the other hand was plastered. Hinata looked at the attractive man, and she looked at Sakura, who was giving Hinata a thumbs up the whole time with a bright, silly smile.

The young Hyuga was curious. If just for a moment. She was curious how it would be to just hang out with someone different from her usual world. Who cares if someone saw them. It was no one's business really. "I'd love to go, only if I could bring my friend, Hotto."

Hotto gave her a smile, and raised his eyebrow amusedly, "Of course."

When Ino walked out the tattoo shop she smiled at Shikamaru, and the rest of team ten. They were punctually on time. Asuma looked through the tattoo shop window, and saw this red haired tatted up man place his arm around Hinata's neck and rested it on her shoulder.

"What the fuck? Who in the hell is that Ino?"

Shikamaru and Choji followed Asuma's gaze, and Choji almost dropped his snack that was currently in his hand. Shikamaru turned and looked at Ino waiting for an answer. Ino just shrugged her shoulders. "He was our tattoo artist. He has a major crush on Hinata, and asked her out. I told her to go for it."

Now Shikamaru was looking at Ino like she was crazy, "Are you insane? If Neji sees that guy with his arm around Hinata like that, he's going to go to prison for murder. If her FATHER sees this. He's going to lose his shits more than he already has been lately. You know Hinata's been on thin ice with her clan since accepting this Anbu position."

Asuma went to walk into the tattoo parlor with the most determined, 'Not on my watch' face. "Fuck that. If Kurenai finds out that I knew her student was around this type of guy, she'll kill me."

Ino walked in front of Asuma, and at that time Sakura came out the parlor with Hinata and Hotto. Sakura's cheeks were flushed, and she looked tipsy, "Hey guys!"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes and looked at Ino. "You've got to be kidding me Ino. This is such a drag. You smell like alcohol too."

Ino couldn't help but to sweat drop with a guilty smile. "I can explain."

Hinata looked amazed at Hotto's artistic skills. With a napkin from the dessert shop, and a pencil he kept with him, he was able to draw a beautiful flower for Hinata. He was very talented, and was a true gentleman. His looks was a total opposite of how he carried himself.

Or maybe that was what he wanted females to think of him for a first impression.

Sakura leaned on Hinata's shoulder as she looked at the artwork and looked pretty impressed. She ordered some coffee, and it helped to sober her up from her day drinking.

Across from the shop was Shikamaru, Ino, Asuma and Choji, who was pouting that they were still there instead of eating BBQ. Asuma crossed his arms and frowned at Choji. "No Choji. We're eating here because someone thought it was a good idea to be a bad influence for their friend, and tell them to go on a random date. With some random punk looking guy with tattoos everywhere."

Ino sat tapping her manicured nails on the table, and avoided team tens glare at her. "I mean. What's wrong with her having a little fun? What is she supposed to do? Sit around and wait for Naruto to grow a brain and see that she loves him, and that she's smoking hot. You want her to confess to him? Just for him to turn her down for this weird obsession he has for Sakura. Or do you want her to take Kiba up on his annoying flirting? That he does with any female in this village mind you. Or just decide to allow her clan to marry her off since they stripped her of the title of heiress. It's not fair that Hinata always has to be perfect when no one else is perfect around her."

Asuma shot Ino an annoyed look, "You really think the answer to that is by hooking Hinata up with some play boy that probably bangs any girl that walks into his shop. The guy screams that he's going to use her."

Ino shrugged her shoulders. "It's not my business or anyone else business to determine who is right for Hinata or not. Besides I already gave her advice on this guy. Told her a guy like this in our age range was made 100% for fooling around, or one night stands. Not to go alone anywhere with him unless she was comfortable, and to have fun."

Asuma looked at Ino and then to Shikamaru before pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yes. Let's encourage the Hyuga heiress to live a rebellious life, and welcome the wrong men into said life. Perfect. This is bound to fix her home life crisis. Your genius is rubbing off on her Shikamaru."

Ino scrunched her nose up and snorted. "Former heiress. Her father stripped her of that title a long time ago. Remember? Screw him. Screw all of them." Ino looked at Hinata, and saw how she laughed around the attractive man. He was really pulling every trick in the book to get Hinata to be alone with him, and to leave Sakura, but Hinata seemed to be smoothly getting out of his advances.

She looked so free and happy. It was rare for Ino to see Hinata so carefree.

"I could care less what those jerks think about Hinata finally living her life. Besides…Sakura is there, and if it's not me then Sakura has Hinata's back. I'm sure that guy doesn't want to get on Sakura's bad side while she's intoxicated, or sober either. Ouch. Imagine the damage he'd take. Everyone knows about the Hokage's apprentice, and her all mighty strength and temper."

Ino sipped her green tea as she looked at Shikamaru. His annoyed face had left him, and he had a grin as he looked at her. Ino returned his grin, and Asuma rolled his eyes at the two. Still, Ino wasn't wrong. The Hyuga girl was well protected with Ino and Sakura by her side, it had been like that for over a year now.

After being gawked at, Hinata, Sakura and Hotto stood outside the dessert shop. Hotto smiled at Hinata as he politely took her hand in his. "I enjoyed your time Lady Hinata. I would love to be able to take you on a proper date with me not in my work clothes, but in regular attire. You deserve to have a proper outing. Tonight maybe?"

A proper date would mean a date where Hinata was alone with Hotto, and Sakura knew that.

Sakura cleared her throat from the heavy question Hotto laid on Hinata, and looked off to the side. Hinata smiled at Hotto, and tilted her head to the side rather cutely. "I am not yet 18, Hotto. I would still require my father's permission to go out with you. Even if it's just for dinner. I am sorry, please do not think I wasted your time."

Sakura raised her eyebrow at the smile Hinata was giving Hotto. This girl was flirting back. She was flirting with the flirter! Hotto blinked at Hinata before giving her a devious smile with his dimples glowing at her. "No time wasted Lady Hinata. I valued my time with you, and I hope you still come by the shop more so I can work on you. You're a perfect canvas to work on. I will be waiting for you…beautiful."

Hotto took Hinata's hand to his lips, and slowly kissed it. He paused and looked up at Hinata, and she blushed at the intimacy he was creating between them. "I…will be seeing you around Hotto. I do in fact love my tattoo, and your work." Hotto released her hand and smiled at her. He bid her a farewell and he left Hinata there with Sakura.

The two looked at one another for a moment before Sakura took Hinata's hand in hers, and squealed with Hinata at what just happened. "Hinataaaa! Oh man! Oh man!"

"Oh man indeed."

Hinata froze at hearing the familiar voice. Her skin instantly flaring lobster red, and she was just moments away from checking out from the world for the day. Sakura mentally cursed to herself, and was prepared to turn around and defend Hinata to the moon and back.

She slowly turned her head to see the sound of the voice belonging to Hinata's cousin Neji, who wasn't alone. A blonde haired, blue eyed, wild haired young man was beside him.

Oh God. Sakura immediately knew who was with Neji. Which meant she knew Hinata knew who it was.

"Neji and…N-Naruto-kun?"

Naruto looked to be totally caught off guard as he stared at Hinata for a long pause. He even squinted his eyes as he looked at Hinata like he couldn't believe it was her. Well Hinata said he was squinting, Sakura said he was glaring.

Hard.

Hinata's hair had grown longer, and she wasn't in her regular attire. She was in Anbu attire. Just like Sakura. Yet Naruto still knew immediately it was her and Sakura.

"Sakura…Hinata. Why…Why are you in that uniform?"

Neji looked at Naruto annoyed. The blonde had just came back to the village from his training mission, and Neji just so happened to be in the Hokage's building when Naruto arrived with Lord Jiraiya. Naruto had asked Neji if he had seen Sakura around, and Neji easily told him no. Then Naruto asked Neji to help him find Sakura.

Neji regretted even saying that he had the time to help Naruto. He was trying to be nice. He had turned a new leaf for goodness sake!

Now he can't un-see some punk face, lover boy from flirting all over Lady Hinata and kissing her HAND. That disgusting fucker put his vile mouth of Hinata's HAND. Where the hell has that man's mouth been?!

Now to top it off Naruto was asking obvious and dumb questions. Neji was about to lose it.

"They're in Anbu…you moron."

Neji mumbled the last part and was pretty sure Naruto didn't hear the insult since he was gawking at Sakura and Hinata so intensely. Naruto witnessed the same thing as Neji, and looked utterly surprised to see Hinata talking so openly to someone. Let alone see someone put their lips on Hinata's hand.

Neji looked at Naruto and arched his frustrated eyebrow, "Hello. Earth to Uzumaki."

Said person jumped slightly at hearing his name being called, and looked at Neji. "Oh sorry about that. Umm Sakura! Hinata! I can't believe it! I'm so happy for you guys! You two are such bad asses! I'm happy for you, and jealous all at the same time!"

Sakura smiled big as she saw Naruto. She hadn't seen him in ages! Naruto left when they were 13. Sakura was 17 now! Sakura ran up to Naruto, and the two shared a tight hug, "What?! Naruto! It's so good to see you. Are you here for good?"

Sakura separated from Naruto, and the two smiled at each other. She couldn't help but notice he seemed a bit off. She wasn't sure if it was from the way he found her with Hinata, and some man-whore, or if the look in his eyes were still hoping she'd look at him differently.

Just like that Naruto's conflicting face expression had disappeared. "Yep! I'm officially back! Seriously Sakura, I'm so happy for you! Granny didn't tell me any of this!"

While Naruto and Sakura conversated, loudly, Neji made his way beside Hinata, who noticed Neji inching towards her. To which she gave him a nervous smile. "Oh Neji. It was just harmless fun." Neji frowned at Hinata, and what she was starting to view as 'fun'.

"Why does this scream that Yamanaka girl's name all over it."

Hinata sighed at Neji's over protectiveness, "And is that what I think it is Hinata-sama? A tattoo?" Neji turned to look at Hinata fully, and held her shoulder that didn't have the clear wrapping around it. "This thing is huge. It covers your whole upper arm Hinata!"

Gone were the formalities. Neji was reaching the territory of being livid. At the end of the day. No matter how their clan viewed Hinata. How her father viewed Hinata. She was still the Hyuga princess to him. She earned that right. She was still his little sister, now and forever, in his eyes.

Neji begged the heavens for forgiveness. He's earned Hinata's forgiveness, and will forever work to honor it. They were Neji and Hinata once again. Meaning he would always look out for her, whether she asked him to or not.

Hinata looked at her arm, and looked at Neji with a frown. Neji thought she looked like a rebellious teenager. He had never seen this side of her. "It's not huge Neji. If I wore a long enough short sleeve shirt no one would even notice. It's a tattoo dedicated to Anbu. Please be respectful of it."

Neji frowned at Hinata, and the two seemed to forget Naruto and Sakura were there. To be fair, after seeing Neji take Hinata's arm, Sakura and Naruto remained as quiet, and as still, as possible. So it would seem they weren't there so they could watch the rare sibling argument.

"You know Hinata. I see you less, and less. Since you've been doing missions in Anbu it's like you forgot about your family, and the only thing you concern yourself with is work, and the people you work with."

Aka, her best friends.

Hinata was mute for a moment. Was this Neji's way of saying he missed her? Or telling her she was being careless? What exactly was she missing at home? Other than the toxic poison the main house was slowly pushing out throughout the clan.

Neji noticed Hinata was not even trying to say anything back, and this made his gaze harden on her. He gave her one of those looks where he stared down into her soul. It was an intimidating look, and many people feared it.

Matter of fact. When Hinata was younger she was very much fearful of that look.

This time around Hinata just stared at Neji, and tilted her head at him. Which in return threw him off a bit. It would seem some time away from the Hyuga clan, and Hinata's comfort friend group, has aided her with building some confidence.

He was proud of her. Genuinely proud.

Still. Neji stared at her sharply. "Just…don't burn out Hinata. Will see you at dinner tonight?"

Hinata smiled at Neji. Aww that's what it was. He missed her. "Yes, Neji. I'll be there. I'll walk with you back home now." The smile on Neji's face proved he was just very much jealous of Hinata's time that Ino and Sakura were stealing from him.

Hinata then turned towards Sakura and Naruto, who had paused talking to each other to watch Neji and Hinata have a miniature argument. She bid them farewell, and told Sakura that she would see her at roll call in the morning.

Naruto waved bye to Hinata, and said thank you again to Neji for helping him find Sakura. Naruto then turned back to Sakura, and grinned at her when the two Hyuga's were out of hearing range. "So…when did Hinata's type become the, 'bad boy'?"

Sakura looked completely thrown off that the first thing Naruto would want to talk about now that it was just the two of them was Hinata. A big smirk crossed Sakura's face, and she crossed her arms under her chest. "Why? Bummed out you could never match her type, baka."

The reaction she got from Naruto was interesting to say the least. He looked at her for a pregnant pause as his grin didn't waiver from his face. "Hmm. What makes you think I couldn't match it, let alone surpass it?" At this point Naruto's stomach decided to growl, and the dark grin he was giving Sakura changed to a frown.

"I'm STARVING. Please take me to eat, and say you're paying based off your Anbu salary!"

Sakura gave Naruto a side glance. Just like that he turned back to goofy Naruto, but she had seen that spark. That slight aggravation he got when Sakura challenged his male ego. All over Hinata too. That was very…interesting.

"Lady Hinata has the support of Neji. Without him strongly on our side…our chances are not looking good. We even offered him a chance to have his seal removed, and have him moved to the main house. He REFUSED. Also, Neji and Lady Hinata has been very distant from us since she has been growing in Anbu. This is not good Lord Hiashi."

Hiashi watched out the window of his study as Neji and Hinata walked towards the compound. They were casually talking, and Neji looked at Hinata lovingly. Like a happy family.

Hinata was a traitor in his eyes. She chose 'them' over her family. She was doing what was 'right'. That is how his oldest daughter put it to him when he last challenged her. To Hiashi, his daughter was no longer a Hyuga, and at this point she would be dealt with accordingly.

Chapter Text

Yamanaka Ino. Anbu name: Boar. Specializes in mind transfer genjutsu. Boar is effective in long range attacks, however, can handle limited hand to hand combat. Expert in reconnaissance and reading the human body language. Walking human lie detector. Works excellent in a team, but not great alone.

Hyuga Hinata. Anbu name: Eagle. Specializes in Byakugan. Master of gentle fist. Effective in tracking, reconnaissance, and hand to hand combat. Has a special ability to use nature to her advantage. Works great in a team, and even better alone.

Haruno Sakura. Anbu name Phoenix. Forceful powerhouse. Immaculate healer. Specializes in short and long range attacks. Can be beneficial alone, and placed on multiple teams in multiple environments. Shortcomings come with making the final deadly blow...and past relationships.

Thus, Boar and Eagle will have to separate from Phoenix. For a successful mission, this needs to be done.

Uchiha Sasuke has to be captured.

"With all due respect. I just do not understand how ANY of this is beneficial to Eagle. You want me and Eagle to conduct a background investigation on the Uchiha clan, but how is this going to be helpful to Eagle's situation? Also, this information that we gather. What exactly will we be doing with it?"

Boar and Eagle were in a meeting with their chain of command. Their Anbu captain, their former trainer Anko, Konoha's interrogation and intelligence captain weas also present as well.

All for Uchiha's. Boar was starting to harvest a deep resentment against the name.

"We're going to give the information that you two discover about the Uchiha clan to Sasuke. He's unstable now, and his main fixation is his brother. From what intel tells us, if we dig deep enough, and have concrete evidence to show off, then Sasuke will snap out of this manic mode he's in. It could very well aid in the capture of Uchiha Itachi as well. This will be our last attempt in bringing Sasuke back to the village. If that fails, well then when the information is provided to him, and if he still refuses, he will be terminated."

Boar slowly nodded her head. She looked at Eagle and knew she was frowning behind her mask for two reasons. One, their chain of command ignored their main question, which was about the Hyuga clan, and two, things just weren't making sense. 

Why the secret from Phoenix? Why did two low ranking Anbu have to do such a high ranking task?

Boar could read Eagle easily, and since Eagle wouldn't speak up, Boar would be her voice. "Okay. If I am allowed to inquire. How will the Uchiha be getting this information?"

Boar felt like her captain was grinning under his mask, "You and Eagle will be delivering the information to him. We need your skill Boar for this. You and Eagle have an excellent track record. The name Eagle and Boar were given to you two for a reason. Also, let's look at it this way. When this mission is complete we will 100% be able to focus on the Hyuga clan afterwards."

The two younger Anbu grew silent. It was a painful silence between the two of them, and Eagle noticed how Boar's knuckles were turning a solid white from balling her fists in anger. They were dangling this over their heads as bait so they would make sure this mission with Sasuke was successful. To ensure neither one of them backed out. Boar was pissed, she felt like no one cared at Eagles situation but her.

She had to do something about this. They needed more help. Boar couldn't be the only one on Eagle's side. She needed muscle...and she knew how to get it.

Eagle finally found her voice, and spoke up. "What about Phoenix? This will…ruin her."

Anko looked at Eagle, and gave her a sympathetic smile. "Has it finally hit you Eagle? This is what we've been working hard for. Remember? You have to be strong enough to pick up the slack for Phoenix not being there. She CAN'T be there for this mission. Do you understand? This isn't about your friendship with her anymore. This is about your village. Which is more important?"

The village or your best friend.

Hinata would always pick her best friend. Would Sakura do the same?

Hinata, Sakura and Ino sat in the Anbu locker room. It was a dark room with limited lighting, which fit the mood perfectly. Hinata leaned against the locker and said nothing as Sakura and Ino stared each other down.

The blonde bombshell never backing down from the cherry blossom. The three of them had such good chemistry together, but the fights in private between Ino and Sakura were explosive. 

Hinata and Ino worked together well, and has been the preferred duo when selected for missions lately. That is not saying Sakura was not leaving a mark in the Anbu ranks. She was, and was very successful in the organization, but Phoenix was rather curious why so suddenly Ino and Hinata were teamed up more. She kind of felt like the Anbu leaders were trying to divide them.

She wasn't too far off from her assumption either. Sakura found this out recently.

One day because her curiosity got the best of her, and she just HAD to corner her sisters and ask them to be 100% upfront with her. Sakura found out why exactly they were dividing them.

Uchiha Sasuke. They were using Ino and Hinata against her, because they knew Sakura would never try to approach Sasuke in an Anbu uniform. She wanted to bring Sasuke back with Naruto and Kakashi. As team seven. Ino and Hinata KNEW THAT.

Ino and Hinata's skill sets, they were perfect for spying, information gathering...and possible assassination. It took some time, and extra training from higher up, and their sensei Anko, but Hinata was now used as the combat fighter of the three cell team of Boar, Phoenix and Eagle.

Sakura felt as if their chain of command had been grooming Hinata to be less reserved, and more of a hands on fighter from the very beginning. She guessed that was fine and all, except for situations like this.

When it involved someone Sakura deeply cared about. This was personal, and her chain of command aimed low. This was the true lifestyle of Anbu.

As Sakura stared at Ino, she just couldn't help but feel as if Ino was hiding more than this from her. Ino right now was looking like a wolf in sheep clothing. Ino was perfect putting the pressure on Hinata to do better, where Sakura would just give Hinata her space. Ino was smart, and most of all Ino was over the Uchiha. Sakura was starting to feel set up. That they were offered Anbu for particular reasons.

To monitor Sakura and to use her friends against her.

Maybe they knew she would persuade Hinata into joining? That they knew Ino would push to join because of her rivalry with Sakura. Did they intend to ruin their friendship from the very beginning?

Is that why Anko pushed Hinata so hard in training?

Little doses of jealousy also started to sink in for Sakura. SHE was the one to point out Hinata's talent for spying. Not Ino. Yet Ino works so well with Hinata. You would think Ino came up with the idea. Sakura was the one to introduce this world to Ino and Hinata, yet now she was being pushed out!

Like how Naruto and Sasuke treated her.

Sakura closed her eyes tight, and fought off the negativity. She couldn't let dark thoughts like this cloud her. Not when the three of them shared such a close bond. She viewed Hinata and Ino as sisters to her.

She wasn't really being pushed out. Sakura was very much involved in Ino and Hinata's daily and work lives. She saw Ino more than Shikamaru sometimes, and Sakura saw Hinata more than ANYONE else. It was just with this case she felt left out, and Sakura didn't like it.

She felt like they were saying she couldn't handle the mission because it involved Sasuke.

It wasn't a fair assumption. During their field training when they were separated with their field trainers, Sakura and Ino were sent many times to Sound village while Hinata often spent time in Cloud village. Places that could bring out their weakness.

It would seem it was obvious that Ino had no feelings left for the young Uchiha, and Sakura still heavily loved him. From the notes written down from their Anbu trainers when it came to the young Uchiha, Haruno Sakura was not workable for the task.

She was exceptional at masking it, but when it came down to 'would she harm him', she failed miserably. A secret Ino promised to keep away from Hinata, for Sakura's sake. That's what Ino told Sakura, to make it seem sincere, when in reality Ino knew if Hinata discovered that Sakura was still heavily emotional about Sasuke, then Hinata wouldn't want to touch any mission regarding Sasuke. That couldn't happen.

At some point Ino became less a friend, and more of a leader of the three young women. Taking a note from her lover Shikamaru's book when it came to being a ninja. Less about emotions, and more about getting the job done. 

The three of them celebrated their first year being off probation in Anbu. Last month, and for the past two months, Sakura had noticed that the higher ups were pulling Hinata many times away from going on missions in teams.

If Hinata did go on a mission with a teammate, it was typically with Ino. Meanwhile Ino was being thrown in the lions den. She was being tossed left and right on missions, and Sakura would have to admit even she would have declined a mission by now. Ino was pushing herself too much, and Sakura didn't understand why.

Sakura didn't understand while she was physically spending time with Hinata, that Ino was working on Hinata's life behind the scenes. That being said, Sakura hadn't been on a mission with Hinata or Ino in over a month. Meanwhile Ino had been on a mission with Hinata about every other week.

Finally Sakura decided to approach them. Ino not being the type to lie to a loved one told Sakura the truth. Her and Hinata had been assigned to gather information on Sasuke, and his family slowly over time, so they would not be compromised. They were to gather as much intel as possible and send it to the head of the Anbu department, and the Hokage, to see if they would want to determine him a lost cause or not.

That's all Ino told her.

Sakura wouldn't exactly say she was upset with the news, but she damn sure wasn't happy about it either. She felt betrayed. She had the right to feel that way right?

"How long have you two been doing this?"

Sakura looked at Hinata first. The young Hyuga was standing up and leaning against her locker. Hinata was looking at the bench Sakura was sitting on, but she wouldn't look at Sakura at all.

Hinata then looked at Ino, who was sitting on the bench next to Sakura. She had her elbows resting on her knees as she looked at Sakura and spoke, "About three months. Maybe more."

Sakura stood up from the bench, and looked down at Ino. "Three months? You kept this from me for three months?!"

Ino closed her eyes for a moment before looking back at Sakura. "Do you see why?"

"Look how you're taking this Sakura-chan." Hinata mumbled this as her eyes stayed glued to the bench Sakura was sitting at. "Please don't be upset. This isn't about us. It's about Konoha."

Sakura looked at the two flabbergasted. "Don't be upset?! The only reason they picked you Ino is because you're with Shikamaru now, and wouldn't be biased. They couldn't use me, so they trained Hinata to be the combative one during missions for you Ino. They're using you two, and you can't see that!"

Hinata eyes lowered as she took what Sakura said as an insult. She turned around to her locker to gather her personal items, and place them in her assault bag. Hinata felt like she worked hard for her position in Anbu, and for everything she's gained so far. Just for Sakura to point out she would ALWAYS be second to her in everything.

In work. In socialization. In love.

Ino scowled at Sakura. Immediately annoyed by Sakura's words that was an unintentional dig at Hinata. "I get it. I get everything you're saying Sakura, but as ninja's, as Anbu, we shouldn't CARE. This isn't about our feelings or personal life. This is about protecting the village. Not the soap opera of Team Seven."

Ino slowly stood up and pointed her index finger at Sakura. "I'll let it slide this time what you've said, but don't talk that way again Sakura."

Sakura slapped Ino's finger out her face before pushing the blonde against the lockers. Hinata immediately came between the two when they got physical. "Please Sakura!"

Sakura immediately silenced Hinata with her sharp stare. Ino jumped over Hinata's shoulder, and landed a hardened fist on Sakura's forehead. At this point the two started wrestling in the locker room.

Hinata's eyes widened. This was horrible. "Ino! Sakura! Stop! Please, we'll get into trouble!"

Hinata struggled for a while, and punches were exchanged between the two hot headed girls, before she was able to separate them. Hinata held on to Sakura in a bear hug. Sakura was so strong, and almost broke Hinata's hold several times, and Hinata had to have her leg up to keep Ino at bay, but soon the environment calmed down. Leaving Hinata huffing, and taking large gulps of air, because the two females that were just fighting were indeed a force to be reckon with.

Still, Sakura took a mental note at how much physically Hinata had gotten stronger. Before Anbu, Sakura would have easily broken free from Hinata and probably would have tossed her across the locker room.

Ino tried her best to not let the situation push her on edge, but she wasn't that mature of a person. "Fuck you Sakura! Sasuke betrayed US! He hurt you beyond belief, and you are sitting here taking it out on us?! He literally said fuck you, Sakura. Fuck you, Naruto and Kakashi, YET you guys are so PRESSED for him. Why?!"

Hinata had to lift Sakura up to stop Sakura from gearing back up at Ino, "No, Fuck you Ino! You weren't on our team! You have NO CLUE what we went through. You never cared about how I felt about things. As soon as these people started giving you some type of attention you threw me under. You made me believe you changed! That you really cared about me!"

Ino looked at Sakura like she was crazy, "I'm the one that was openly honest with you when you ASKED me why we haven't gone on missions together. If I was EVER ordered to do anything other than information gathering I would let you know Sakura! I would NEVER want to hurt you. Do you really think that low of me?! After everything we've been through? I WAS THERE FOR YOU LONGER THAN THAT UCHIHA! DO YOU HEAR ME! IT WAS JUST ME AND YOU BEFORE THERE WAS A HIM!"

In all retrospect, Ino wouldn't be the one to eliminate Sasuke. It would be a superior Anbu, but Sakura wasn't ready to hear that either.

Sakura's eyes widened in utter mortification, and she started to grow heavy in Hinata's arms. She curled into herself as Hinata started to let her down onto the floor. Tears rolled down Sakura's cheeks, and she covered her face so Ino and Hinata didn't see her. "Why…why does he have to be like this?! He's…he's so SELFISH!" Sakura was referring to Sasuke. She lost her mind over him again. She hated this hold that he had over her sometimes. 

Hinata hugged Sakura, and hushed her while Ino stood looking at the two.

The young Yamanaka was STRESSED. Too much was going on. Sakura and the Uchiha situation was taxing. 

In the back burner, and behind closed doors, she was aiding Hinata with her personal dilemma. A dilemma that in all honesty Ino felt overrides the, 'Sasuke-rogue' situation. Ino personally felt Hinata's situation wasn't being taken as serious…or purposely being ignored.

To top it all off, Shikamaru was growing annoyed with this whole Anbu lifestyle quickly, and Ino didn't want to lose him. He was her rock in all this.

Ino was sinking here. How could she be sympathetic for Sakura right now when she needed comfort herself? Plus, now she sported a bruised face moments before she was supposed to meet Shikamaru.

This couldn't be her life right now.

After a few moments Ino walked over to Sakura and sat on the ground with her. The three embraced each other for what felt like hours before Ino stood up and had Sakura piggy back on her out of the locker room. Hinata walking close behind them.

The three walked the streets of Konoha in their civilian clothes. Ino received a few odd stares because she had a bruised cheek and a cut on the side of her bottom lip. Sakura's face was hidden from the world, buried in Ino's back, but Hinata had seen the nasty colorful bruise forming on Sakura's forehead and the bite mark on Sakura's chin.

No one could know what happened in the locker room. Sakura would be in so much trouble, and probably removed from Anbu if they found out she was still heavily connected to a criminal.

Ino and Hinata immediately dropped Sakura off at her home. Ino went the extra mile to take Sakura directly in her room, and Hinata helped Sakura in the bed. "I'll bring you dinner Sakura." Hinata smiled as she said this to Sakura.

Meanwhile Ino leaned over and kissed Sakura's forehead. "You need rest. We'll start fresh tomorrow."

Sakura gave Ino a wet smile. Clearly upset with the way she acted with her two close friends. She didn't say anything, but she nodded her head at them as she got comfortable in her bed.

Ino and Hinata left Sakura's home, and made their way to the strip that was littered with restaurants. It was fall outside so Ino had a purple sweater on with black tights, and black boots that reached her knees. Hinata had an oversized black hoodie on, and dark orange loose shorts along with her ninja sandals.

Ino absolutely had no idea how Hinata could walk around so boyish, but found it kind of adorable. She also refused to comment on the color choice from Hinata.

Tsk. More power to the girl at this point.

"You shouldn't have told her Ino. I do not believe Sakura is ready for such honesty. Even if you didn't tell her everything. Just this little bit of information pushed her into a meltdown."

Ino let out a heavy sigh, and looked at the colorful sky as the sun was setting and it was nearing evening. "I couldn't lie to her Hinata. Besides, she only knows about the information gathering. She doesn't know how extensive your role in everything is. Whether it is dealing with the Uchiha and his family background, or you and your family's…situation."

Ino watched as Hinata looked from the ground and made eye contact with her. Hinata made sure she matched the serious expression on Ino's face.

"In my honest opinion. A more experienced, non-connected Anbu should be taking on the Uchiha mission. The situation involving your family is way more taxing between me and you, and this Sasuke thing is just causing more burden for us and trouble. I just want to get his case closed so we can focus 100% on you Hinata, because to me, you deserve the help more than Uchiha Sasuke."

Just like that Ino slipped back into her easy going demeanor. Ino looked at her watch and smiled to see she was five minutes early from meeting Shikamaru, Asuma and Choji at the BBQ restaurant. Hinata followed her there because she figured she could get Sakura dinner from the well-known establishment. When Ino opened the flap to the restaurant she smiled when she saw Shikamaru.

Immediately her day was starting to get better.

Shikamaru grinned at her, but it slowly slid off his face when he saw how banged up Ino looked, "What the hell happened to you?"

Ino waved off the concern, "Work."

Asuma looked at Shikamaru confused with a dash of concern, and Shikamaru looked at Hinata. "You both were fine when I saw you this morning. When you came back from your mission together."

Hinata looked at Shikamaru, and then at Ino, then back to Shikamaru. Outside of work. Around their personal family and friends. Hinata was still just Hinata, and easily folded around them.

"Sakura pushed Ino into the lockers. Ino punched Sakura in the head. They got into a fight but they're fine now." Ino slowly looked at Hinata and gave her a, 'what the fuck', look before rolling her eyes and looking back at Shikamaru.

"It's fine. We made up. Hinata…don't forget the dinner for Sakura."

Hinata sweat dropped as she looked at Ino and the rest of Team Ten. "Yes of course. Umm, have a nice night everyone. I should be going!" Before Hinata turned to leave Ino reached out for Hinata's hand, and gave it a light squeeze before letting Hinata go. Indicating she wasn't upset with Hinata, and didn't want her friend to fret over being a 'tattle tale'.

Hinata smiled but doesn't say anything about the affection, and walked off to order Sakura's dinner.

Shikamaru looked at Ino concerned. His knee bumped hers under the table and she looked at him. Her eyes told him that she wasn't going to talk about it right now. Shikamaru was of course frustrated, but accepted it for the moment. He wasn't going to make a scene over this little matter right now. Not when she just got back home to him. 

It was just another tally mark that Ino knew Shikamaru mentally made for reasons she wasn't going to stay doing this for much longer.

Hinata ordered Sakura's food, and stood off to the side as she waited. She looked outside the restaurant and looked at the hustle and bustle of civilians trying to pick up dinner before they headed home.

Going home to their families that loved them. It must be nice really.

Among those people she saw a blonde wild mop of hair in the crowd. Naruto was walking alone and looked to be going to the BBQ restaurant she was currently at. Which was odd because Hinata knew for a fact this wouldn't be Naruto's first choice for dinner.

She blushed, and shook it off at the fact she still remembered his favorite food, favorite restaurant, and everything else he enjoyed.

At one point Sakura finally got Hinata to admit she use to follow Naruto around, and Sakura told her she thought it was the 'cutest thing ever'. Ino pointed out Sakura just wanted to normalize it because she use to do the same towards Sasuke.

However, Hinata couldn't think about such childish things right now. She wanted to. She was 17, and wanted to experience crushes and silly things of that nature, but she couldn't. If she even grew attached to another male her family would squash the idea, and marry her off immediately. She'd probably be sent to another village considering she was already on thin ice with them.

If it wasn't Hinata's family it was her job in Anbu, or Sakura, and working on the case file of the Uchiha. One of the three was stressing Hinata out. 

Naruto would be too much a conflict of interest. Plus Hinata KNEW, she always KNEW that Naruto just wasn't that into her like he was into Sakura. If he all of a sudden became into her, she knew it was purely off the fact that Sakura hard core denied him, and had him running off like a dog with his tail between its legs.

Just the thought of Naruto looking like that broke Hinata's heart. She was doomed to be alone.

Hinata turned back to wait for her food, and her back was facing the entrance to the restaurant when Naruto came in, but Naruto immediately stopped as soon as he came into the restaurant. Even after he spotted Shikamaru and Choji, who had invited him for dinner and were waving at him to come over. He didn't know what made him stop dead in his tracks like that, but he had this feeling to just stop at the entrance of the restaurant. He turned and looked at this female in a dark hoodie and looked at her curiously. "Hinata?"

He watched the figure stiffen slightly before turning to face Naruto. It was Hinata. Both Naruto and Hinata wondered how he knew it was her. "Umm. Hello Naruto-kun. What brings you here?"

Naruto looked Hinata up and down swiftly, deciding that he liked her relaxed fit. It was nice to see her outside of her ninja attire.

Even though he had to admit he did indeed like her in her Anbu attire as well.

"Oh, umm Shikamaru and Choji invited me for dinner! You should come too! Eat with us!" Hinata blinked at Naruto with a smile on her face, he looked so eager. Naruto was always so eager to make someone feel comfortable.

Still. She told herself she wouldn't be the second option anymore.

He obviously just wanted her to feel comfortable, and not left out. That was the only option Hinata could think of. Hinata didn't notice that Naruto had been asking around about her recently. That when he had been seeing her around the village, he always made conversation instead of a quick hello.

That he complimented her every chance he got recently.

That his eyes stayed on her way longer than his eyes would stay on any other friend.

No. In Hinata's mind all of this was due to Naruto not being Sakura's first option. There was no way he even wanted to be interested in her. "I'm sorry Naruto-kun. I have to drop this dinner off to someone."

Naruto blinked at her. He didn't say anything at first, and was just staring at her to the point Hinata felt a little odd. "Who? Who's the dinner for?"

Hinata noticed a light flicker of an emotion similar to jealousy and violence switch onto Naruto's face before both were brought back to reality as Choji started to yell Naruto's name across the restaurant.

Hinata giggled at this and at how embarrassed Naruto looked. At the same time Hinata's order was prepared, and she took the food and looked back at Naruto. "Well. I have to be going. I will see you around Naruto-kun."

At hearing her voice and watching how she gave him a light bow before leaving the restaurant Naruto couldn't help but want to follow Hinata's retreating form. He stared at her until she disappeared from his site.

For some reason Naruto felt frustrated all of a sudden.

Naruto walked over to Team Ten and was happy to see Ino had joined them. He sat in the booth and gave them all his signature bright smile. "Hey! Where is Hinata headed? She was in such a rush."

Ino raised her eyebrow at Naruto before a grin reached her lips. This could be fun. Boar has found her muscle.

"She went to bring that tattoo guy dinner." Ino watched to see if Naruto would take the bait and react to her words, but he just stared at her. His eyebrows knitted together slightly before a little smile came to his lips.

"Don't lie to me."

Ino's eyes widened slightly at this. He was being serious, and Ino could tell that Naruto's, 'don't lie to me', was more of a warning than anything else. "My bad. I couldn't help myself Naruto. She went to bring Sakura dinner. Sakura's exhausted, and needed a break so Hinata opted to bring her dinner."

Naruto stared at Ino a little while longer before coming to the conclusion Ino was being honest this time around. Naruto wouldn't bring up that he spent majority of the morning with Sakura and Kakashi before Sakura went to Anbu role call. Sakura wasn't exhausted at all. He could sense there was more to the dinner thing, but his main focus right now was Hinata's whereabouts. "Thanks!"

Just like that Naruto started to get out the booth. Ino looked utterly confused and looked at her team mates before looking back at Naruto, "What? Wait a minute! Before you go off on your hyper binges, skipping dinner and all, how did you know I was kidding about Hinata and the tattoo guy?"

Naruto looked at Ino for a moment with a face of mock confusion. "Uh? Oh! Sakura said something weird about Hinata liking bad boys. So, I knew if anything Hinata wouldn't be bringing dinner to that guy."

Ino's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "Why wouldn't she?"

Naruto tilted his head to Ino before turning to leave. A playful grin gracing his face. "That guy…he's not bad at all. If Hinata liked, 'bad boys', maybe she should have made visits to the orphanage when we were younger."

Ino's mouth hung open as she watched Naruto leave. She looked at Shikamaru, who rolled his eyes as he saw the taste of gossip had sent Ino into a frenzy.

Hinata walked out of Sakura's house content with knowing Sakura was eating dinner with her parents, and looked to be in a better state of mind. The subject of Sasuke was always very sensitive to Sakura, and Hinata feared that her friend would never start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Hinata had been working well in the Anbu department, and had caught the eye of many higher ups. Particularly because of her Byakugan. No surprise, it was hot on the market for people in and outside the village.

Literally…hot on the market. The black market.

Hinata shivered slightly at the memory. Something that would never leave her mind.

Anyways. She had been working hard with Ino on researching, and gathering information on the young Uchiha. The two split duties. Hinata worked alone most of the time gathering information on Sasuke's brother, Uchiha Itachi.

It was a messy thing really. Messy in the sense that she felt like she was betraying her dearest friend Sakura.

Messy in the fact that so many secrets were becoming unraveled. Like who Sasuke's older brother really was, and what torture Itachi has been through. What the Uchiha clan has been through.

Hinata found herself really spending less and less time in the village. After her conversation with Neji, on her days off she really did try to spend more time with him. Considering she was barely welcomed home now. It was all beginning to become difficult.

Yes she grew up in a ninja family, but Anbu was different. Anbu was nothing but secrets and lack of intimacy. Everyone was 'messing around' with the other in the department because it was easier that way. Everyone understood one another. They didn't have to explain their lack of humility with their co-workers, because their co-workers already understood.

It was easy for Sakura and Ino to separate themselves from the typical Anbu because they knew this wasn't going to be their world forever. Hinata didn't really know where she was headed career wise just yet.

Hinata sighed to herself because she was slowly seeing herself becoming like everyone else. The typical Anbu. She didn't find anyone in the department attractive as of yet, but she just saw herself draw away from the outside world.

Ino made it her mission to not let that happen to herself. She was using Anbu solely as a stepping stone. She wanted to be in the interrogation unit, and to work under Ibiki Morino. Ino didn't want to work in the hospital and she knew her best skill sets weren't on the field.

Learning in the medical field like Sakura proved that Ino could use that skill in interrogation. She could hurt you, and heal you at the same time. Just to start the torture all over again. That was if Ino didn't want to do any mental damage.

Hinata smiled at the thought. Ino had plans. She was always a planner. Shikamaru was rubbing off on her a lot. Hinata could see it when Ino went on missions. She always made it a goal to be one step ahead of everything they did. Hinata believed Shikamaru was just waiting until they turned 18 to officially marry Ino, and wean her away from Anbu.

Away from Hinata.

Sakura. Hinata didn't really understand Sakura's goals. Sakura wanted to be head in charge of the hospital. That was very much obvious. She wanted to build up the hospital, and make Konoha the best place to get medical care and conduct medical studies. That involved the knowledge of understanding science, medicine and anatomy. Nothing Anbu related really.

Deep down Hinata believed Sakura really was just in Anbu to save her former teammate. Or to see with her own eyes if he was savable or not. Sakura didn't let Anbu get under her skin because she didn't need Anbu. Sakura excelled in it, she excelled in everything she wanted to do in Hinata's eyes.

Sakura still kept her regular life active. Ino and Hinata encouraged Sakura to have a separate life because their first mission with Anbu showed the mental scarring Sakura had. Sakura still spent time with her parents. Still hung out with Naruto regularly, and sometimes she would take time off from Anbu to go on missions with the newly activated Team Seven. Sakura knew how to separate her life the right way.

Hinata envied that. She was mentally being dragged down a hole that she found that she might not want to get out of. Ino was starting to notice the change in Hinata, and told Hinata that it was only going to get worse if she didn't find something to ground herself. Ino and Sakura could only be there for Hinata but so much.

However, Hinata was growing comfortable in Anbu. Comfortable in the solitude.

"Hinata?"

Said person slowly turned to look at Naruto. She was aimlessly walking the streets, and noticed she barely had made it down the street from Sakura's house. She was that much lost in thought. "Oh. Naruto-kun. What are you doing here? I thought you were eating dinner with Team Ten."

Naruto tilted his head and looked at her curiously. When they were younger Hinata would have jumped out her skin if he would have called her name out the blue like that. Now she looked like little to nothing scared her.

That made him proud, excited and concerned at the same time.

"Did you eat dinner Hinata?"

Hinata stopped to think to herself. Wow, she hasn't eaten dinner yet. She had literally stopped at the BBQ place with Ino, and hadn't stopped to think about eating herself. "I haven't eaten actually. I honestly forgot."

Naruto raised an eyebrow and smiled at her. "Every time I ask Sakura about you, you're out on a mission. You work too much. Do you umm…want to stop by a stand and grab a bite? That way we could eat where ever you want."

From what Naruto gathered the last time he saw Hinata interact with Neji she seemed to be avoiding her home. So he didn't bring up the idea of eating and walking her home. He just wanted her to be comfortable, and talk to him.

Hinata looked at Naruto for a moment. They were the youngest people in their academy class. So they were still both 17 years old. Hinata had turned 17 a few months ago and Naruto was about two months older than her. The rest of their peers were going to hit 18 in the next month or so.

She didn't really know what to think or how to feel in this moment. "If you don't want to Hinata, I understand. I just...ya know, wanted to see you and all. Catch up."

Hinata's eyes widened as she caught herself being rude. "No! I-I mean, I do want to eat. With you Naruto-kun."

Naruto smiled at the formality. The two made their way to a Yakitori stand and got something to eat. Naruto then followed Hinata as she walked into the woods. They walked in silence for a little while until Hinata led him to a lake in the middle of the forest.

It was so quiet out here, and Naruto could see the little wildlife around them frolic. This must be a quiet spot of Hinata's to hide out from everyone. Made sense considering what their careers were.

Naruto stopped Hinata from sitting on the ground, and quickly took his jacket off before laying it on the ground for them to sit on. Hinata gave a nervous smile at the gesture. "Thank you Naruto-kun. Umm, please tell me of your travels."

Naruto grinned as he looked at Hinata. "Training, training, and more training. Plus sprinkle that with having a pervert as a sensei, and ending up dragging him out of bath houses and brothels. All of that for three years straight." He waved his hand in a bored motion like what he was talking about was no big deal what so ever.

Hinata giggled at Naruto's quick paraphrase. The two ate in silence before Naruto spoke again. "Sakura doesn't like Anbu as much as you and Ino huh?"

Hinata looked at Naruto for a moment before turning to look at the lake. "No. I do not believe so, which is funny because she was the one to convince me to take up the program, and join Anbu. If I'm being honest Sakura's personality conflicts with it sometimes."

Naruto finished chewing a rather large piece before speaking again. "Really? She's so mean I would think her big personality fits right in."

Hinata smiled at this, and looked at Naruto. It was dark out now and the moon was high in the sky. Naruto caught Hinata staring at him, and didn't say anything about it. Besides Naruto himself was sneaking his own glances at Hinata. He thought Hinata looked mystical and alluring in the moonlight.

He didn't know where these thoughts were popping up from. Why he was thinking this when just the other day he was shooting his shot with Sakura as usual. He knew nothing was going to come from that. He knew that Sakura loved Sasuke, and more than likely the feeling was mutual.

Did that mean Naruto was just now 'over' his crush? Just like that. Hell no, he was fucking heart broken. In all honesty he felt pretty shitty for now being in Hinata's face, giving her his best charm. It was like he was saying she was a rebound. Something to help him move on from Sakura.

He still found Sakura beautiful. Breathtaking when she wasn't yelling at him. She was the strongest kunoichi in their class in his eyes. That's how much he looked up to her still.

If Sakura accepted a date from him, Naruto would probably stop pursing Hinata immediately.

Probably.

Honestly he didn't know. He liked this chase Hinata was giving him now. Like she was out of his reach, and in a different league than him. Like he wasn't good enough. Hinata was a challenge that he liked.

It's just…something was pushing Naruto to be selfish and keep Hinata within his grasps. He didn't want her to just join Anbu and forget about him. To end up having another slime ball kissing her hand.

He was her only slime ball.

The confusing thing with it all was that Hinata was just as beautiful as Sakura. Naruto easily was sexually attracted to both of them. It was just like…when did this feeling come up for Hinata? Why was he so fixated on making sure she stayed glued to him, and only him?

"Maybe she's use to Team Seven's methods, but in Anbu Naruto-kun you cannot save everyone. Everyone does not get redemption. Being loud and strong is not what makes you successful in Anbu."

Naruto slowly nodded his head at Hinata's words. Her voice now. He could compare it to calm ocean waves. Yet those calm waves could swallow you up, and drown you. He wanted to be smothered by it. "Makes sense. I understand."

Hinata looked taken back. Amused even. To Naruto it looked like she didn't believe him. "Naruto-kun understands?" Of all people she wasn't sure if Naruto would understand. He was such a pro-life type of person. "I do not believe Sakura likes that saying in Anbu. Especially if we might come across your former teammate."

Hinata was testing the waters a little with bringing up Sasuke to see if Naruto was on the same level as Sakura when it came to their former teammate. He caught the side glance from Hinata like she was trying to pick him apart. It was rather interesting to see that he was not the only one in this conversation that was trying to get something out of the other.

Naruto wondered if Sakura caught the picking and probing from Hinata. Clearly Hinata brought up the Sasuke topic because she was in some type of way working some type of case against him. Naruto wasn't stupid. He would play along with Hinata though, because she was proving to be better company than Sakura he was learning.

She was using him at this moment. To see how he felt, and what he knew. To see if she could trust him regarding Sasuke, or if she would have to keep an eye on him. Maybe he should make her feel like she had to keep an eye on him, that way he would have more of her attention.

Naruto slowly nodded his head before a tiring smile came to his face. "I'm not like Sakura, Hinata. I wish Sasuke was back in the village, and that he came to his senses, but I know better. Teme has made his bed, all I can do is protect the village and the people I care about. If I come across Sasuke, then I have to deal with him accordingly. That doesn't mean I wouldn't TRY to get him back, but I wouldn't let him continue doing what he is doing either."

Naruto had grown so much over the years. However, Hinata missed that playful, loud and innocent Naruto from their younger years. She gave Naruto a warm smile as she backed off with her probing. "I'm sorry if I offended you, Naruto-kun."

Naruto chuckled at her. She wasn't sorry. She just realized she needed to probe lighter now is all. Hinata had a Sasuke connection now, and her Anbu training wouldn't allow her to just let Naruto slip.

Little did she know, Naruto had no intention of having her slip from him.

Hinata turned to look at the lake so she wouldn't blush. Naruto had such a dazzling smile. She wanted to tell him that. To kiss him, and tell him the little girlish imaginations she had about him at the moment. For him to lay her down and kiss the night away.

Then the next day act as if they were nothing more than comrades, because she didn't need to be in a relationship with anyone.

This was so wrong. Just them conversating the way they were could lead to something that shouldn't be. Hinata knew that.

"Hinata, I'm sorry that I made you think I was so sensitive and weak. You must think of me that way considering how you were beating around the bush on the 'Sasuke' topic." Hinata snapped her head back at Naruto, and her mouth hung open as her eyes widened.

The devious smile that was playing on Naruto's face was a sign that he was having fun probing her as well.

"Oh no! I didn't think that at all! No, no Naruto! Not at all!" Now they were playing games with each other. It was fun flirting with one another, and at the same time crossing boundaries in their friendship.

Naruto chuckled at Hinata before waving it off. "Naw I'm messing with you. It's okay. So Anbu huh. How is it going for you? Obviously it's going pretty good because I don't see you around as much, and if I do you're always around Ino or Sakura."

Hinata finished her food, and looked off to the lake again. "Hmm. It's a different atmosphere. It's made me a little different."

That selfish bug was eating at Naruto again. Even though he told himself not to move closer towards Hinata. To not focus on her lips, and to not wonder how soft her skin was. He just couldn't stop himself, and his selfish greed to keep her to himself.

Just for the night. Tomorrow was a new day. That's what he kept telling himself.

"Different is good Hinata. You've always been different, and I never thought it was bad."

She looked at him in disbelief. Like he was trying too hard to reel her in. "Really?"

Naruto laughed because he could tell Hinata wanted to do an un-lady like move and 'snort'. He grinned at her and shrugged his shoulders. "I'm different. Very different actually if you only knew. Do you think of me as something bad? After all the pranks and absolutely stupid shit I've done, and all the bitter shit the villagers say about me. Am I bad? Do you see me that way?"

Hinata shook her head quickly. "No. Never...although you are a bit of a, 'bad boy', Naruto. Like you said, you did a lot of pretty disobedient things."

He flashed one of his dazzling smiles at her again, and Hinata's heart felt like it dropped. Did she say the keyword or something?

She was falling for his charisma all over again. This time they were older, and she wanted more than just his attention.

"I'm glad you don't see me differently. Do you think it would be okay if I spent more time with you Hinata? It could just be when you're free, or at night time like this if you want."

This sounds a lot like a, 'friends with benefits' type of thing. Like Naruto was creating a proposition to use Hinata, and dare she say the feeling was mutual.

Because at night are they always just going to hang out and eat from the food stands?

Hinata knew what Naruto was hinting at. She also knew she was being hypocritical to her rule of not being the 'rebound' girl. She didn't want to be second place. However, it wasn't like she was seeing him as first place. Like she wanted to flash him around the village as hers. That's the last thing she wanted.

Hinata wanted his intimacy. She could admit that, but nothing more.

Her blush still forced its way onto her face at the thought of someone she cared about for so long, and grew strong feelings for, was asking to spend more time with her. Not only was she being a fool, she was being a selfish fool.

What if she used Naruto and took such innocence from him, and he in return actually wanted a relationship with her? She'd have to break his heart because she just couldn't.

She remembered when Ino told her that she had to find a common ground between personal life, and Anbu, because it was all starting to mold together for Hinata. Ino had her family, teammates and Shikamaru. Sakura had her family, her mentor, her teammates and her career at the hospital.

Hinata drifted from everyone, but this feeling she always had towards Naruto never let her drift from him when he was around.

She wanted him, but she didn't want to be like the rest of Anbu and use someone to feed their craving for affection. Naruto was offering though. They both knew Sakura was his first choice. They both knew Hinata would never openly say that she was in a relationship with Uzumaki Naruto to make him feel for once loved.

For her it was because of work and family. For him it was because he was utterly confused on how to move on.

"Ino told me I was working too hard. Getting too deep in Anbu. I do not want to be like some of the people in Anbu that never find happiness and use other people just for their body, Naruto."

It amazed her how much Naruto had matured. He didn't grow flustered at what she was hinting at, and kept staring out at the lake. It was truly a beautiful scenery. "I never thought you were that type of person Hinata. Even after seeing you and that tattoo artist. He was trying so hard by the way."

Naruto laughed at this before looking at Hinata, and seeing that she was also giggling at the funny memory. Hinata laughed even more at the memory and Naruto thought it was a beautiful sound.

It was over for him now. No more fighting to do the right thing. She was practically offering the same deal anyways. Naruto made up his mind that Hinata was going to be his for selfish reasons. They both needed it anyways. He could tell even when she was trying to deny it.

"Maybe Ino's advice wasn't so bad Hinata. Don't overdo it. You do need to find common ground."

Hinata pulled her knees to her chest and rested her head on them. She looked at Naruto as the night's wind started to blow in her face, and move her bangs slightly resulting in them covering her eyes.

She wanted to spend more time with Naruto. Hinata wanted to discover parts of his body she was sure no other female ever discovered. There was no relationship between them. They both will make an agreement with that rule of hers before she fully dived into this.

This was so, so wrong. Yet this was so needed for the both of them right now. It's temporary. That's all it is. "I don't want to use you Naruto." She would give him one more chance to change his mind.

Naruto reached over to move her hair out of her face. "I'm okay with it Hinata."

He gave her no chance to change hers. Little did Hinata or Naruto know, Naruto had no intention of following her rules.

Chapter Text

"That is definitely a hicky. What do you think Ino?"

While in the Anbu locker room, Sakura walked close up on Hinata to examine her friends collarbone. In her civilian clothes Hinata was able to hide many things from the human eye. However, she was getting dressed for duty right now, which made it almost impossible to hide anything from her best friends.

Which showed love bites. From a possible lover.

Or bruises from an angry father. That was what Ino and Sakura was used to seeing.

Still, Hinata usually kept herself fully covered for some time, on and off duty. Unfortunately, she thought the mark had faded enough that her close friends would not notice. It's been well over two weeks since she had gotten it.

Sakura was a very attentive person though. She prided herself on recognizing her two best friends discrepancies if Hinata or Ino were not being themselves. If this was Ino, it would be no big deal. It happened quite a bit actually. Surprisingly enough, Shikamaru was very touchy, and a bit of a perv. No wonder Ino got over Sasuke so quickly.

Now Hinata on the other hand, with a love bite out of the fucking blue.

No. This was something BIG, and impossible to miss.

The look Ino was giving Hinata said that Ino had a pretty good idea who was the culprit for said hicky, but she would play along for Hinata's sake. Plus it was fun teasing Hinata. "Oi Hinata, don't tell me you've become like everyone else around here and started playing kissy faces internally. You start going on missions without us, and all of a sudden you start popping up with passion bites."

Hinata frowned at the accusation. "Of course not Ino. Please don't think that way of me. Still…umm, I'm not saying what everyone else is doing is wrong! I just do not wish to see anyone within my work place on a romantic level."

Well Hinata, and her secret partner, had the same careers. They just worked in different departments to put it simple. If Naruto was in Anbu, Hinata was sure they would have been caught doing naughty things by now.

Ino slowly nodded her head in understanding, Hinata was so fun to pick with sometimes. "Soooo, it is a hicky then?"

Hinata's eyes widened at being caught. The look Sakura and Ino were giving her was so scandalous. "Please don't ask me about it. Not now at least." She gave Ino and Sakura a pleading look, and Sakura just couldn't deny such a puppy dog look from Hinata. Maybe she was feeling shameful for having a quick hook up with that fellow, Hotto?

Personally, Sakura thought Hinata was just really good at pulling the innocent card, and was using it. So, she didn't have to give up the gossip!

"Aww it's okay Hinata! It happens to the best of us. ‘A moment of weakness’, is what some people call it. I've had a couple of them. Which by the way, don't ask me who, what, when and where, because like you, I'm willing to take it to the grave. Now come here, and let's cover up that passion bruise."

Sakura looped an arm around Hinata's shoulder and pulled her close to her as the three left the Anbu building. They had duty as roaming guards around the village today, which could be considered a mini break for some Anbu members.

Not really for the ones that were trying to run away from their problems.

Sakura had been slightly on hiatus as she was out on missions with Team Seven multiple times lately. Weeks ago there was word that Sasuke had killed the legendary Sannin Orochimaru, and Team Seven was sent out to investigate it. So, it had been a while since she's been around her Anbu family, and just being around the girls felt exhilarating again. Even if they were just monitoring the village.

Ino had just finished a three day solo mission, and Hinata had just finished a two week long solo mission. Hinata told Ino that she should have denied the solo mission if she were her, since Ino had just came back from a not so successful mission just days prior.

Well technically, Ino’s team mission was a success, but it had its consequences. The bottom line of the matter was Ino was not okay at the moment, but she had yet to ever decline a mission in her ninja career.

Maybe this will be her downfall down the road.

Both Hinata and Sakura would like to call Ino the most stubborn woman they have ever met. Joining the club with Shikamaru.

Hinata was worried about Ino, and ironically Ino was worried about Hinata more than herself. At this very moment both of their lives could be better. They needed some joy and sunshine in their life again, and right now the two could use the sunshine Sakura was bringing in. Sakura had a break from Anbu, she was the breath of fresh air that Ino and Hinata needed.

So, to have inhouse duties was a break for them. In a way, for Sakura too. The atmosphere of being on a mission with Team Seven was different than the atmosphere of being on an Anbu mission. Sakura needed a break from Team Seven from time to time, so checking back in with Anbu was perfect for her. She advised Ino and Hinata to do the same with team ten and team eight, but they never took the mental break, and Sakura didn’t understand why.

During their rounds, Ino oddly kept her mask on her face while walking the village. While in her Anbu attire, and set in the mode, Ino picked up a rather quiet and conservative persona. She wasn't alluring, or attention grabbing. She just wanted to do her job when she was in this uniform.

Get in. Get out. That was Ino's motto now a days. Especially after her previous mission, when she lost a fellow Anbu member. Her disconnection with everything was getting more and more obvious.

Ino remembered very clearly how she felt when she came back from that mission. She remembered it like it was yesterday. How she refused to leave the corps behind. How she carried the hollow body with her all the way back to Konoha. How she arrived back to her apartment, to see Shikamaru while still bloodied and just void to the world.

How Shikamaru said nothing, and just held her. Bathed Ino clean. Got her dressed, and held her as she stared blankly at a wall in their bedroom, until she couldn't hold it in anymore and screamed the night away.

Just for Ino to wake up the next day, and accept another mission like nothing happened. She said nothing to Shikamaru about it, because she knew if she did he would tell her to start looking for another department. Ino knew her days with Anbu were coming to an end.

Hinata always felt their Anbu masks were suffocating. She was never a fan of closed spaces, and if she was given the opportunity of inhouse duties she would opt for her mask to hang on her duty belt. Meanwhile, Sakura kept her mask on the side of her face.

Sakura was refreshing for Ino and Hinata. Oddly enough she created more conversations than Ino, and kept things lively. Aside from being around Team Ten, Ino had slowly sunk into solitude. She told Hinata on the last mission they did together that she had been speaking a lot with Ibiki, and was in the works of going into the interrogation unit.

She didn't need Shikamaru to tell her she was burning out. She already knew it, and was planning accordingly.

The gloomy atmosphere of the interrogation unit wasn't really any different in Hinata's opinion. It was more of a, ‘9 to 5’ gig sometimes, unless there was an emergency. Still, Ino would have more family time for her now husband Shikamaru and their future family.

Hinata didn't fault Ino for it. Many people burned out within 24 months in Anbu, plus this just wasn't Ino's end goal, it was purely a stepping stone. Hinata didn't see Ino being in Anbu in the next three months.

Hinata wasn't sure where she was headed. This lifestyle so far…suited her. She liked the freedom. The quiet, and being left to her own thoughts.

Also, it was a blessing to be away from her family for long periods. Aside from Neji, Hinata didn't really feel at home in the Hyuga compound. It stopped being a home for her a long time ago.

There are some things that time cannot heal.

As they walked through the village, Sakura clung to Hinata and talked about any and everything. The two caught up, and the, 'bff', life they grew over the years continued as usual. Sakura was Hinata's rock sometimes. If there was one thing Hinata would not tolerate from Ino would be if she was on bad terms with Sakura, and bad mouthed her. The same for Sakura towards Ino.

They were family. All Hinata had left in her world. She didn't want family to fight. She wanted them to stay close, and to love each other as long as possible. Even after they all go their separate ways from Anbu.

Ino was walking beside Hinata and Sakura, giving little bits of her opinion here and there on Sakura's conversations. Before they knew it, the trio ended up walking by some of their peers.

Shikamaru was talking to Asuma and noticed the three walking towards them. He was with Asuma, Choji, Kiba, Shino, Naruto, Kakashi, and the new edition Sai. Sakura had told them about Sai, and this was Ino and Hinata's first time seeing him. Still, it was nice to see so many familiar faces, Hinata felt like everyone had been so busy lately.

Kiba and Shino didn't get to see Hinata that much really. They weren't very keen on Hinata joining the program for Anbu, but after learning of her success they were happy for their teammate. They just wished they could see more of her.

Sakura had noted that Kiba had stopped his light flirting with Hinata lately too. She asked her shy friend if she had spoken with Kiba about the issue, and Hinata said she hadn't. Hinata didn't really see the flirting, or that Kiba was into her. Sakura picked it up a while ago, and was curious why it all of a sudden just stopped.

Or more so why did it stop when a certain blonde was around. Did Naruto say something to Kiba?

Kiba gave Hinata a toothy smile when he saw her. "Hey Hinata! Long time no see! How have you been?"

Hinata gave Kiba and Shino her usual reserved smile and waved. "It is very nice to see you as well Kiba. You too Shino." Kiba walked up to her, and Hinata loosened herself from Sakura as she gave Shino and Kiba big hugs.

Kiba pulled back from Hinata and gave a low whistle. "Man, you look legit in your Anbu get up! Like a real badass…and is that a tattoo?!"

Hinata looked nervous about the tattoo, and waved it off.  "Umm yes. It is something everyone gets in the department. It is optional though! Just…umm…Sakura got it, and then Ino got it, and-and-"

Shino held his hand up to Hinata politely. "You do not have to explain anything to us Hinata. It looks…cool." Hinata smiled at Shino, who she could tell was smiling back at her.

Ino looked down at her watch before looking at the group. While in Anbu she became a stickler for time, and for keeping busy.

Shikamaru noticed Ino was fidgeting, and made an annoyed 'tsk' sound at her. He shoved his hands in his pockets and quietly walked over to his wife. He nodded his head up the road signaling he would continue to walk with her. Ino looked at him through her mask, and he noticed she started to relax more with him beside her.

Ino had definitely reached her burn out.

"Come on woman, lets finish your rounds. I want half your pay for today though." Ino tilted her head, and Shikamaru could tell she was giving him a, 'Yeah fucking right', look. "At least pay for dinner tonight." He heard Ino snort at this and he smiled before he waved off to the rest of the group and walked away with Ino.

Sakura made a grumpy face at Ino. She was so serious at work. Outside of work Ino was the same loud mouth pig. "What's the rush? We literally just started our shift."

Hinata didn't want to vocalize in public that Ino was just in routine now. That Ino always wanted to keep moving or she would feel stuck when she was in Anbu uniform. Hinata sometimes caught herself feeling the same way. You felt dead when you felt stuck. Also, a few weeks ago when Ino had lost her first teammate on a mission, Hinata could tell it really bothered Ino. Unfortunately Sakura and Ino haven’t had a chance to talk about that.

Asuma covered his concern with a grin. "You know Ino. She wants what she wants, when she wants it. Everything has to be on her time. Bless Shikamaru's soul. She rushed him to the alter as soon as he proposed."

"How has your missions been Hinata?"

Hinata looked at Naruto and contemplated his question. She had seen him before she went on her last mission. She saw him that night actually. He was the source of her hicky that night, and was the reason she was almost late to roll call this morning, because Hinata had that itch to see him.

Hinata was beginning to learn Naruto was a sneaky one. He was flirting with her in a way no one would notice. He just wanted her attention, and for her to look at him. Every time they saw one another, Naruto wanted Hinata to look at him.

If he didn't get that attention he'd make sure she begged for his attention when they saw each other in private.

"Oh! Fine. I just came back from a mission actually. So I am a bit tired. Happy to have in-house duty for a little bit." Hinata saw Naruto raise his eyebrow for only a second when he heard her say she would be in the village for a while.

They didn't really talk much that morning when she whisked in his apartment for release from her tension. They haven't crossed the line of actual sexual penetration, but they were giving each other orgasms. You'd be surprised how creative one can get when it came to pleasuring their partner without actually having sex.

Naruto could very much be creative, and has gotten Hinata to come around more from said creativity.

Naruto didn't say anything else. He just gave her a bright smile, and nodded his head as an acknowledgement of what Hinata said. Many seemed obvious to the silent exchange between the two, except Kakashi and Asuma. Sakura was busy talking to their other friends that she wasn't paying too much attention to Hinata and Naruto.

Besides. There was nothing to acknowledge right? They were just releasing some built up tension.

Hinata let Naruto push her against the wall of his apartment living room as she ran her hands through his hair. It was later in the evening, and the girls were done with their shift. Instead of going home to the Hyuga compound, Hinata went elsewhere.

Hinata had just knocked on Naruto's front door, and he had pulled her inside within a second of her knocking.

He immediately let his hands roam her body, and wasn't shy when it came to groping her from head to toe. Hinata pulled Naruto into a desperate kiss, and he groaned at the feeling of her tongue coming out to explore. Hinata was definitely in a mood. The more they had these…hanging out…moments, the more she came out her shell.

Making Naruto crave her more and more every encounter.

They engaged in sloppy wet kisses, and Naruto took Hinata's thighs and hiked her up against his wall near his kitchen.

"I missed you Naruto-kun." She had pulled away to look at him with a silly smile, and low hazy eyes. Her dim milky orbs were so alluring, Naruto had a hard time focusing on her words.

Hinata wasn't thinking with her head at the moment at all, and that's exactly what they wanted to feel like whenever they met up.

They wanted to feel nothing but flesh. Nothing but pleasure, and nothing but a good fucking time.

Naruto looked at her with the same sexual high look before he went back to kissing her sweet lips. Murmuring against them just briefly. "Good." Naruto left Hinata’s peach lips, and smiled as Hinata whimpered from the loss of connection. His lips trailed her neck, and latched back on to her collarbone that he left his mark on over two weeks ago.

That was the last time they really got to pleasure each other. This morning was nothing but a,  'quickie', to just get off from a two week build up.

Hinata gave an airy moan and whimpered slightly from the feeling of his lips. "You can't do it there. Sakura saw it. I'm sure you do not want her to see. What if she finds out that it is you that has been marking me."

Naruto looked up towards her with smoldering eyes. He picked up on the teasing coming from Hinata. Trying to rub in his face that Sakura was not in his reach. The joke was on Hinata now, because he could care less about anything Sakura was doing. If Hinata's self-esteem was just a little bit stronger, then she would have noticed that.

Naruto knew that what they were doing was complicated to explain at the moment, and they didn't want to put a title on anything. Where it got complicated was neither of them were seeing anyone else. Naruto didn't interact with other females, and Hinata didn't interact with other males. They just didn't really have time for a healthy relationship with anyone. At the same time they only made time for each other.

Once, Naruto had tried to pursue another. He really did. Like four months ago. When he felt that he had fully moved on from believing he had any chance with Sakura, and Hinata wasn't coming to see him as much. He couldn't just sneak into the Hyuga compound and get frisky with their clan leader’s daughter either.

Him and Hinata had just started their…whatever this was…and they had reached a dry spell maybe 8 weeks in.

So, he did flirt with this girl. At the ramen stand. She was around his age, maybe a year or two older, and was openly talking to him. Naruto didn't know if she was into him because of his personality, his looks, or the fact her parents would be mad that she was flirting with the village outcast.

She flirted heavily with him too. She had a nice perky set of breast on her, knew exactly when to poke them out to him. She had long platinum blonde hair, and beautiful emerald eyes. Perfect. He used to love those colored eyes anyways!

She was obviously trying to disobey her parents. Naruto picked up on that when their conversation continued, and her flirting turned into her inviting him for sexual relations at her parent's home, because they were gone for the week. She didn't have boundaries like Hinata. She wasn't pushing him away like Sakura. She was openly saying, 'Fuck Me'.

Too easy.

Yet it wasn't.

He turned her down, and power walked the fastest he ever has from someone. WHY? WHY did he imagine her with pale skin instead of the sun kissed skin she had. Why did he only see lavender, grayish eyes that looked like a fucking pool that gave him a milk bath.

Why the fuck did his chub immediately go away because this girl wasn't Hinata?!

What made matters worse. Hinata found out. Hinata had found out because Sakura, his amazing friend SAKURA told HINATA. She told Hinata that she saw him flirting with some girl that was clearly groping his thigh, and trying her luck.

That was when Naruto learned Sakura's friendship with Hinata had reached a status that some would label, 'best friend'. Meaning there was no way he could keep anything from Hinata if Sakura was around.

He didn't think Hinata would care. What they had going on had nothing to do with them dating outside. Right?

Wrong.

Hinata didn't come see him for an additional week. Matter of fact. He had to see her. At the freaking Hyuga compound. Did she know the type of hell she was putting him through? Naruto just couldn't handle feeling like she was upset with him. He had to see her.

However when he did see her, the look of utter jealousy on her face made him want to laugh.

So, it was okay for her to go on missions for long periods of time, never tell him when she was coming or going, and to only come see him when SHE had urges? She received, and he rarely walked away with anything. He could tell Hinata wanted more. To do more, but she was holding back, and it was causing them to reach a block, and was ruining the chemistry they built.

So, Naruto went the extra mile to build the chemistry back up. Naruto would always tell Hinata his schedule. He didn't know why, maybe so it would be easier to see one another. He was gentle with Hinata, and didn't push for her to be as intimate with him as he was with her. He knew Hinata was delicate, and wanted to treat her as such.

However, the longer they started doing this…again, whatever the fuck they were doing, the more Naruto was seeing that Hinata was kind of getting away with murder here. According to her, 'rules', he had grounds to go with another female if he wanted to. They were, 'only comrades', after all.

Naruto asked Hinata that night he snuck in her room why she was upset, and her Hyuga pride wouldn't let her spit out the words that she was jealous, and more than likely hurt. During that time of night she was sitting on her bed, in her pajamas, and getting ready to call it a night.

Naruto decided that night he was going to alter her rules.

He wasn't forceful, and didn’t make her uncomfortable when he approached her, but the icy look he gave her told Hinata not to move. To for once let him show her what she was missing by being, dare he say it, a prude.

He was quick when he got her to lay on her back on her bed. To his joy Hinata let him lead the way, maybe she was tired of fighting the urges of going further in what they had going on, or maybe she was just extremely aroused.

Still, the way he covered her mouth with one hand made Hinata feel exhilarated. Naruto using his skillful fingers, along with his mouth, over her clit took her over the edge, and made Hinata agree the rules were stupid to begin with.

She just made these rules because she didn't want to fall for Naruto harder than she already had, but the way he worked her over, she would openly admit she didn't care anymore at this point.

The next day she started coming to him again, and they both learned the joy and pleasures from both of them reaching an orgasm together. All that was missing now was the actual sex of it all.

Even though things between them were shifting over the past few months. Naruto was either training, or gone on a mission multiple times, and Hinata was no different. It was like things were changing, but still the same. Neither were willing to make that big step, even though it was obvious what they both wanted.

It had changed from them not really seeing a relationship between themselves, to them believing if they ever committed to one another they would show each other the right amount of time and love they deserved. They were just scared. Afraid that they would lose what joy they were having right now.

The feeling that one another belonged to each other was present between them now. Naruto spoke to no other female now, and Hinata no other male. Hinata learned Naruto grew jealous very easily, and she couldn't say she was any different. Oddly enough Hinata had noticed that one male Hotto, that she went to the bakery with once, every time he saw her in the village he would make an immediate U-turn.

Naruto gave Hinata an sinful grin as his tongue ran up her neck to her ear. "I want her to see it. I want everyone to see it. Let them guess about you. Let them wonder who you belong to, because you do know, that you belong to me. Right?"

Naruto slowly slid back down to her collarbone and nipped her. Hinata hissed at the feeling, and pushed him further to that area. Accepting the passion bite. Naruto did things like this frequently during their meet ups. He would tell her she was his. He started doing this about a month ago, and Hinata wouldn't return the affection or respond to his claims at first.

Now she would. She would let him mark her as he pleased, and she would wrap her legs around him, and whimper in his ear that no one else in this world was for her but him.

The night Hinata and Naruto had dinner. Naruto didn't kiss her, but she kissed him. Hinata was almost ashamed of herself at how fast she moved. Naruto hadn't been back in the village that long, and the two barely spoke since he had been back . Yet here she was kissing him in the middle of the forest after saying she didn't want to appear like a loose girl.

Hinata had no clue how to go about 'using' him. Naruto would now roll his eyes internally every time Hinata would try to say it wasn't anything serious between the two of them.

Naruto didn't say anything about her forwardness when they shared their first kiss. He just gave her a warm smile, and pulled her into the most mind blowing kiss that she never even thought could exist. Hinata could only dream about a kiss being so hot and intense. Hinata had told Naruto that night that she had always thought of him as someone special, strong, caring and very handsome. Naruto told Hinata that she was one of his special people, and recently he had been thinking a lot about her.

Yes. After they admitted to each other something so pure, they both decided to use each other's bodies for some tension release, and thought nothing emotional would come from it.

Naruto admitted that he wasn't sure where he was going at with all of this, but he knew he wanted Hinata. He knew that he wanted to pursue her, to know her more, and to do whatever she wanted him to do so he could keep her.

That was over six months ago. Naruto probably had seen Hinata more than anyone else in her small circle, including her family, and including her 'best friends' as Naruto would put it.

Especially that fucking family of hers. He was starting to learn about the so called, ‘unified’, Hyuga clan.

Now they had gotten to a point that when Hinata came back from a mission she sought Naruto out, and when he came back from a mission, he sought her out. They didn't care if it was late in the night or the crack of dawn.

As long as they could touch each other. Kiss one another, and explore each other's bodies, that was all they cared about. Sometimes Hinata felt absolutely awful. Like she was using Naruto, because sometimes she could see when they were in public that he wanted nothing more but to pull her to close to him. To have her just for himself.

Yet Naruto told her that he understood, and actually expressed this was better for the both of them this way. Considering neither were ready for a full on relationship or had the time to make a healthy one.

It was hard sometimes though. They would go from seeing each other every day to seeing each other once a week. That two week break period was absolute torture between the two of them, and was starting to push them to explore one another more and more.

Physically, emotionally, spiritually. They were just growing more into one another.

It was closing in on seven months that they’ve been doing this, and the two were gradually growing frustrated with the lack of penetration. At this point, Hinata was beginning to welcome the pain of losing one's virginity. The little respect she had held onto for her clan had slipped away, and she no longer cared about making them look good.

Naruto finished leaving his mark on Hinata, and went back to kissing her and Hinata moaned at how much heat Naruto gave off from a kiss. She felt his hands lower pass her waistline and start to sink into her pants, and into her underwear. She immediately bucked into his hand, because she was waiting for this moment to ease off the tension.

Naruto moaned when Hinata wrapped her arms around him, straddling him and spreading her legs so he'd have better access. Lately, maybe a month or so, his self-control was starting to waiver, and he was finding himself wanting more than just oral and hand jobs. He wanted it all.

Hinata was showing signs that she wanted the same thing. Her being gone for two weeks seemed to be the switch that the two needed to want to advance further. No title. No understanding of what they were. Just the need for more from one another.

Naruto's head immediately started to spin, and he bit his bottom lip hard when he felt Hinata cup his erection through his pants, and rub it while she was nodding her head at him. He looked at her, and leaned his forehead against hers. Hinata was still nodding her head and gave him a loving smile.

That was all he needed. That was her permission to go all the way.

Then there was a knock on his front door.

Hinata, still lost in the moment, whimpered at Naruto when she felt him retract his hands and heard him growl. Naruto rested his head on Hinata's shoulder for a moment to gain better control over himself before he held Hinata and carried her to his bedroom.

He leaned over his bed so Hinata could lay there. "Stay here for a minute. It's Kakashi-sensei at the door. Don't you think about slipping out or anything. Stay with me tonight. Tonight is our night okay?"

He smiled when Hinata nodded her head, and he sat up and straightened his clothes out as he shut his bedroom door and made it to his front door. He opened his door to see Kakashi giving him an amused look. "Took you long enough to open your door."

Naruto looked at Kakashi like he was being weird. Based off how Kakashi was staring at him, like Kakashi had just got Jiraiya's latest novel, Naruto gave his sensei a deadpanned look. "Just say it." Naruto knew he was caught.

"You and Lady Hinata huh? Took you long enough."

Naruto let out an audible groan and rolled his eyes. "Please…do you have to do this NOW?"

Kakashi looked behind Naruto to see that his bedroom door was closed. "Are you using protection?"

"We're not doing that."

Kakashi quickly responded. "Yet."

Naruto frowned at Kakashi. "Not anytime soon either. We're just…spending time together." Naruto had no clue why he was lying to himself and his sensei.

Kakashi had to stop himself from laughing. "Oh yeah, okay. Just don't go crazy with your two days off. We have a mission soon, and I need you in tip top shape." Naruto looked at Kakashi for a moment before he leaned his head on his door frame as he let out a sigh.

"We don't know what we're doing."

Kakashi smiled at Naruto. "I know. You'll figure it out. Just be responsible."

A small blush came on Naruto's face, and he closed his eyes. "She's on birth control, but we don't plan on taking it that far right now."

Kakashi nodded his head slowly, his hands buried in his pockets. This was a time in Naruto's life where a father would be wonderful to have right now. So, he would try his hardest to be what Naruto needed at the moment. "Don't plan on it? Or trying your best not to?"

Naruto mumbled the words, 'the last part', to Kakashi.

Kakashi smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "Well. Do you care about her? Love her? What are you two exactly? Since you're not vocalizing to the world what you two are. I would hope you're not just using her while she's trying to establish herself in Anbu to get over your childish obsession of Sakura."

Naruto opened his eyes, and looked at his bedroom door before looking at Kakashi again. "I really do care for her. I know I don't want to lose her…like ever. I don't want her with anyone else either. I'll lose my shits, and I KNOW she'll lose hers if I was with someone else. Which I oddly like. I…just want…Hinata. I don't know about love or anything else. Does that make sense?"

Kakashi chuckled, and put his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "That's…some strong emotions Naruto. You're knocking on that door of love. Some people will say, 'you've got it bad'. You will be okay. Just…follow your gut. Not your heart. Your gut. Don't make her feel as if she's second to anyone if you plan to keep someone as special as her."

With that Kakashi turned to leave Naruto to enjoy the rest of his night. Kakashi smiled when he heard Naruto swiftly shut his front door as soon as he turned to leave.

Naruto was thankful for the brief moment Kakashi came to his door because it helped him calm his raging hormones. Naruto could sense that Hinata was still in his room, and powered walked back in. He opened his door and immediately looked for Hinata in his dark room. He wanted to talk to her, maybe they could finally figure their situation out.

However, his eyes widened at the scene she blessed him with.

Hinata was laying on his bed under his blanket with nothing on. He could see her clothing folded on his dresser, and she looked at him with guarded eyes. She wasn't sure about tonight. She was being open to him, and she was terrified right now. At the same time she wanted him.

Hinata had plenty of time to cool off and rethink things while he was gone out the room. Yet this is the decision she stuck with, and he never felt so…loved.

Naruto started to take big deep breaths. Earlier memories of passion flooded his mind, and he bit his bottom lip while staring at her. Hinata reached out to him and Naruto cracked. His heart was telling him to do everything right. To wait, figure things out, and properly take the time to build a solid relationship before taking Hinata.

His gut was saying fuck it. Hinata wanted him, and he wanted her. They'd deal with everything else as it came.

Naruto closed his bedroom door, and walked to his windows and closed his curtains before he walked over to Hinata and engaged in a passionate night of both being each other's first.

Chapter Text

Naruto loved Hinata's laugh.

The last few months he has explored her body many times, but to find her tickle spots just opened another level of intimacy for Naruto. He didn't know if Hinata saw it as going another step further in their tangled relationship, but he did. If their relationship was just based on sexual intimacy, then why were they cuddling in bed after the climax? Why were they talking so intimately? Why were they trying to bring joy into each other's lives?

Hinata was confusing both of them, and it frustrated Naruto. Yet, everything about her intrigued him. Naruto went over Hinata's traits almost every minute of every second.

Her eyes were number one. Then her hair. Her voice, her gentle nature, how she just COULDN'T let anyone down. How she was so GIVING. He had never met someone so giving in his life! He feared how Hinata handled herself out there in the real world. Beyond the walls of Konoha, mainly because Naruto couldn't really imagine Hinata in Anbu when she was like this with him.

So pure, and oh so beautiful. Just perfect for him.

So while they snuggled in bed confused on their title, Naruto poked and tickled her a little more just to save the beautiful sounds she made, in a storage bin in his mind. When he selfishly took all the sounds he wanted, he stopped, and just pulled Hinata close to him. He loved that she just let him do this.

He watched as she struggled a little to catch her breath as she mock pouted at him for his tickle assaults. "Too much child's play Naruto."

Naruto grinned at her, and watched as a blush graced Hinata's face. She wasn't mad or even remotely serious, Naruto could read her that well now. "You like it though. Am I right?"

Hinata's eyes averted from his and just looked at his chin. She stayed silent, but Naruto saw her about to cross her arms over her chest in another effort to try to be annoyed with him. Aww, Hinata was pouting. She was so adorable.

Naruto chuckled at her, and snaked an arm around her hips. "Besides. Look at the life we live Hinata. You're in Anbu, and you know how it is outside our village. It's like you can't even go on a stroll for a day out the village without having to be on your tip toes. Death and depressing shit is all I see sometimes when I look at this world. Why not share the good times with someone special?"

Hinata leaned into his touch and relaxed on her pillow as she looked at Naruto. She loved his honesty when they were alone. When he wasn't always trying to be the strong, optimistic one. It was like he let his guard down around her, and Hinata respected that. Hinata wouldn't say she loved it because she didn't feel as if she had his love. She just knew this was all one sided love from her, and temporary passion to Naruto.

Ugh, she could be so complicated sometimes.

"You think this world is depressing Naruto? Filled with death?"

Naruto looked at Hinata with a raised eyebrow. "I know you feel the same way. I think I could count on one hand how many times I've seen you smile while we were in the academy. Tsk, even when you thought I wasn't looking at you. By the way, since we're talking about our younger days, you've gotten better at being relaxed, but back then you had nubs as fingernails. When I was a kid, and I saw you actually fight and train. I just thought your nubby and blistering fingers were due to your training style, and how hands on the Hyuga fighting style is. Now…now I just know better."

Hinata let it slip every now and then how her family actually was. Except for Neji, as far as Naruto was concerned, her family could fall off the face of this earth and he wouldn't bat a lash.

Naruto watched as Hinata's cheeks puffed, and how she scooted away from him a little. She was offended.

Instead of pulling her back to him, he followed her. "Hinata. I'm not saying this to offend you. Just know I saw you too back then. I wasn't truly an idiot stuck under Sakura's ass you know."

Hinata's eyes widened, and she looked at him directly in his eyes. "I NEVER thought you were."

Naruto smiled at her. He knew that. He never had doubt with Hinata in that department. "Yes. You never thought I was an idiot, but I'm sure you thought, and still think, I never see you, and that I'm still stuck under Sakura's ass."

Again he was met with silence, and Naruto just had to chuckle to himself at Hinata's trust issues. Honestly Naruto felt like the only person in this world Hinata trusted was Neji. Even after everything Neji's said and done to her. It always bothered Naruto that he couldn't really figure out why Hinata bonded with Neji more. Why Neji of all people? Why not with him? Naruto has never hurt Hinata, and never would. Why put so much trust in Neji?!

His jealousy was getting the best of him right now. Naruto took Hinata's innocence. Shared bonds with her that he was sure no one else in this world has shared with her. Yet, he was still jealous of a family relationship. He still wanted more of Hinata. He wanted all she could give.

He'd take it and never give it back.

Naruto's eyes dimmed, and his aura darkened. He had to get to the bottom of this. "If you were going on a mission, and granny wanted you to pick between me or Neji as your partner. Who would you choose?"

Hinata gave him a curious look. Not really sure where Naruto was headed with this question. "I-I would choose Neji."

Naruto blinked several times as he looked at Hinata. Oh really?

It was controlling him right now. That green eyed monster named jealousy. Naruto's eyes hardened on Hinata, and she found herself frozen in place. Naruto could be so dominating without even realizing it. When his dark energy would seep out his body, it was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. "Why is that Hinata?"

Why wasn't he good enough for her, or anyone else he cared about. Why was he always the second option?

Hinata picked up on the jealous look and demeanor Naruto was starting to emit. "You do not understand why Naruto?"

The glare coming from Naruto was not a pretend glare like Hinata was doing earlier. He was genuinely upset and losing it. "No. I do not understand Hinata."

He was waiting for the harsh blow to come from her like, 'Because this isn't real. What we're doing together isn't real remember?'. Naruto was waiting for Hinata to crush his heart, just like the others.

However, Hinata didn't frown at him, or look annoyed that he questioned her. Instead, she gave him a soft look with a saddened smile. "Neji understands me. I know you understand me too Naruto. I know you encourage me, and make me feel invincible. You comfort me, and if I fail you will butter me up and take over my battles."

Naruto's frown still hung on his face, but his glare lightened when Hinata took his hand and lightly squeezed it.

"Neji knows about…the pain. The fear that me and him BOTH have been through. To be beaten into submission. To be terrified to speak your mind with people that are supposed to be family. Neji overcame it by becoming the best. Becoming strong. I survived by hiding. Becoming a wallflower, and deciding if I was quiet and plain enough my father would stop noticing me. If I just kept good grades in the academy, and never failed that he'd overlook my stutter, and my many other failures. Then maybe I'd stop getting beat down every…single…day."

Naruto squeezed Hinata's hand tighter, and placed her hand to his lips. He noticed how she didn't cry. How she didn't look…miserable. It was like she was just numb to it now.

He knew how it felt to be hated. To be beaten. To be an outcast of the world, and it made him horribly dark inside, but no one would ever know. Was Hinata the same? Was she just as angry inside as him, but just too scared to show it like him. Naruto wanted Hinata to show her dark side. They could both show their true colors to the world together.

"Neji. He's my family. He's my brother, and he just understands that I don't need to be babied, or help when I fall. He would watch me fall, and make sure I didn't die, but I better get up and save myself because he wouldn't accept me being a victim. Neji could understand me being weak at home, but he'd be furious if I let an enemy or stranger get the best of me. That's what I need when I'm on a mission. Sakura and Ino understand me the same way Naruto-kun."

Hinata looked at him with a smile now. She tilted her head so cutely at him, and Naruto couldn't help but smile back at her. "You're wrong. I'm an idiot Hinata. Every single day I prove it, and for some reason you reject the proof."

Hinata looked at him like he was crazy now. "You're not an idiot. Please stop saying that about yourself. You're a protector. You want to be my first choice for a mission, because me and you both know I wouldn't be harmed the whole time because you would protect me. It's just who, Uzumaki Naruto is."

Naruto's smile quickly turned into a sly grin. He pulled Hinata back closer to him, and watched how her cheeks turned a light pink again. Oh how he loved this effect he had on her.

"So, Ino and Sakura know you pretty well huh? I mean, I learned the hard way Sakura was more so your friend than mine. Ino has your back like that too?"

Hinata gave a smile like she was proud of the claim, and lightly nodded her head. "Yes. I believe they know me very well. We have been through a lot together. Of course not the same connection that Sakura has with you, and the Uchiha, within team seven."

Naruto nodded his head slowly in understanding. Ignoring how Hinata addressed Sasuke, she clearly did not like him. "Soooo. Any…you know? Girl 'bonding' while you were out in the fields. You can tell me your mission secrets, ya know!"

Hinata pushed Naruto away to the other side of the bed, and looked at him completely flustered. "WHAT?!"

"Oh come on! You can tell me! Maybe you guys were somewhere cold, and couldn't make a fire, and needed to…you know…body heat!"

Soon Hinata's hot red face just burst out into a fit of un-lady like laughter. "W-W-WH-WHAT!?"

Naruto soon followed her as the two just laughed for what felt like forever. To be emotional and go through the ups and downs in just moments, and talk about ANYTHING with someone felt good. It felt therapeutic and relaxing. The fact it was with Hinata was icing on the cake for Naruto.

Hinata wiped a joyful tear from her eye as she looked at Naruto. "Is that what you boys sit around and fantasize about?"

Naruto gave her a dark grin. "Aww is it really fantasizing if it's true? So, is it true or not!?"

Hinata still held a playful smile with him, but cleared her throat to speak. "Only for body heat. No other intimacy was done. Ino is tall and thin. Not really the best for body heat, so Sakura always comes to me to cuddle. Which sometimes annoys me, because I do not like to be cold, and I feel as if I always prepare for cold weather unlike Sakura and Ino."

Naruto held this goofy grin on his face as he imagined his Hinata being sandwiched by Ino and Sakura. The two other females happy and content that they were now getting warmed, and Hinata stuck in the middle silently miserable because he knew she would never complain.

Yes. Naruto said his Hinata.

"Man. I couldn't believe Sakura told you about that girl that was hitting on me. When you just suddenly vanished on me, I guess Shikamaru started noticing I was asking around for you, and he told me what Sakura did. I was like, what the hell?! Sakura was my friend first! What happened to that friend-bro type code!"

Hinata laughed at this. Naruto really looked confused, and a little annoyed. "Ino, Sakura and myself just so happened to be doing duty in the village that day, and Sakura was complaining about catching you. I-I didn't really understand her frustration. I wasn't sure based off the energy she was giving off if she was upset for my sake, or her own. If she was mad at you because of me, or if she was mad at you because she was jealous herself. It was very confusing on how to take it. I know Sakura loves Sasuke, but…if she is confused on her feelings on you, I do not want to interfere or hurt her."

Naruto's eyes widened. THAT'S IT. That's why Hinata was avoiding him. She thought Sakura was finally going to reciprocate his feelings.

Naruto inched closer to Hinata, and at this point she was all out of space. It was either let Naruto consume her personal space, or fall on the floor. "Is that why you really disappeared on me? Because you thought me, and Sakura, were going to become a thing?"

Hinata nibbled on her lip. This conversation was starting to make her nervous. "Mainly because you were flirting with too many females."

Naruto arched an amused eyebrow at Hinata and grinned. She was trying to call him a man whore. Meanwhile she just gave him her virginity and vice versa. Sure, in the past, he was ready to just give his virginity to some blonde floosy, BUT he didn't. The fact he couldn't even get his dick hard without Hinata in his mind spoke VOLUMES to him. Gave him an insane reality check. "Are you calling me a man whore Hinata?"

Naruto wrapped an arm around Hinata again, and this time pulled her into him. She felt his erection rub against her, and honestly she missed his body heat and masculine smell on top of her. They were so immature in the field of sexual penetration, yet Naruto still managed to make her reach an orgasm. He was still able to make her crave and chase after his body. Oh how he knew how to make her flustered.

"Wouldn't you agree Naruto?"

Naruto didn't say anything at first. He just looked at her. He invaded her space, and Hinata knew he was smelling her. His nose rubbed against hers before he dove into the curve of her neck, where his head rested for a moment. "Maybe if we weren't doing this together, I would be a man whore. Unfortunately for you, I've learned that only you can make me feel like this. So, I'd say you're stuck with me."

Naruto took Hinata's hand and placed it on his firm erection. Hinata whimpered at feeling him, and closed her eyes when he started to nibble on her neck. Her hips moving without her permission towards him in heat. "I'm very much sure not even Sakura at this point could make me like this. So you didn't have to disappear Hinata. You had nothing to worry about."

Hinata kept her eyes closed. Like this was helping her get the courage to speak. "S-So we can keep...d-doing w-w-what we're doing then?"

Naruto maneuvered on top of her, and continued to kiss her neck to her jawline. "What is that? What are we…doing? What am I to you?"

Hinata automatically wrapped her legs around him, and Naruto groaned at the friction she was creating. How she was yearning for the same thing he was. Nothing was one-sided with them. They were very much still nude, and it would be very easy for them to start another session.

Only if Hinata continued to feed into their fantasy.

"You're…my protector Naruto-kun. You protect me from all the…depressing things in this world."

Naruto pulled away to look at her. It was a small step forward that he would take. "I like that role." He smiled at her as he leaned down to claim her lips.

Naruto had his mission tomorrow with team seven, and the past 24 hours had been amazing. He couldn't get enough of Hinata, and he knew even if Hinata didn't admit it, she couldn't get enough of him either.

She was still hesitant. Maybe not for the reasons Naruto thought about in the beginning either.

Naruto got out the shower after Hinata, and dressed himself in lounging clothes before walking out his room. He saw how Hinata was in his tiny kitchen making them breakfast. She was in one of his white shirts that were too large for her frame, but just screamed she was all his.

He smelled the air, and could smell some fish and rice. The rice had a chicken type of smell to it. It smelled delicious. He wasn't really used to eating such freshly prepared food in the morning. Hinata had given him a grocery list a few days ago of groceries she'd like for him to buy for himself, and now he understood why she did this. So she could cook for him.

Naruto saw hot tea waiting for him at his small table, and tried his hardest not to roll his eyes at Hinata's wifely behavior even though she refuses to admit they were anything more than comrades.

What was the problem at this point? It has been months. Going on a year really of them being in their 'situation'. He kind of felt like yesterday solidified everything, BUT he would continue to play along with Hinata until he grew tired of her torturing the both of them.

Naruto waited for Hinata to get to the table with their food before he leaned over to kiss her. "Thank you. I really appreciate this Hinata!"

Hinata gave him a bashful smile in return. "Oh, umm it's no problem really."

They started to eat breakfast, and Naruto wouldn't be him if he didn't strike up some type of conversation. "So do you like seafood? This fish is really good, ya know!"

Hinata scrunched her nose up in displeasure, not at Naruto, but it in general. "No. I don't like shrimp or crab actually."

Naruto looked a little surprised. He wouldn't have guessed that. "So, what are your favorites to eat?"

The wrinkles in Hinata's face smoothed out and she took a quick, but subtle bite to eat before she answered. "I like sweets. Almost all of them. My favorite is cinnamon rolls, and sweet red bean soup."

Naruto blinked as he looked at Hinata for a while before gaining his composure again. Sweets? All that heavy dough is delicious, but where does she put all of that? She's curvy yes, but Hinata is just so TINY at the same time. The smallest in their social group.

"Umm. What about you Naruto-kun? What foods do you not like?"

Naruto had a mouth full of rice at the moment, and gave Hinata a caught off guard look. He quickly swallowed the hot food, and thought of an answer. "Me? Oh I'm not really sure. I guess I'm not a fan of vegetables. Healthy food I suppose."

Hinata puffed her cheeks at his words. She didn't believe him.

"You like my cooking, and I cook vegetables with our meals. I…I-I think maybe you feel like you don't like vegetables because you never had it prepared for you the right way. I am not a fan of raw vegetables either. When I learned to cook for myself, and learned how to steam vegetables, I started to enjoy them. How I learned was by watching the cooks in the Hyuga compound when my father…umm when my father didn't want me around him at the time."

Naruto took a drink of his tea as he listened to her. Noting on how Hinata tried to avoid talking about her family. Specifically her father, "I can agree with you. When no one introduces to you how to try certain foods, you tend to not know how good it can be. Hinata. Can I ask you something? It's pretty personal, but it's just, I just have to know."

Hinata nodded her head before sipping her tea for him to go on and ask.

"How old were you when your father first started this? When he first started abusing you?"

Hinata looked up from her cup, and Naruto then realized she was using the cup as a distraction to not speak. Like some animal avoiding human interaction. "I just…I don't want you to think I'm nosey or going to think differently of you for this. I just gotta…please tell me Hinata. It's just between me and you, I swear."

Hinata placed her cup down and continued to look at the liquid instead of Naruto, "I was six years old. It wasn't too long after my mother died. I honestly think that's when my father died as well."

Naruto let her words settle. She was six years old. She was so little. "When did he stop?"

"He never stopped. That's why I do not spend much time at home now that I am older. The physical stopped around when I was 12, but the mental still goes on. Kurenai-sensei made it a big deal that if she saw me bruised up during training again, that wasn't due to training, she was going to report my father. She reported him because he didn't stop. There was an investigation that ended in nothing happening, and as a thank you, my father dropped me off to her with more bruises and told her he didn't want a loser anyways."

That's almost 12 years of insanity. She looked so numb to it all.

"It's okay. I learned a long time ago my father will never stop. He almost had a change of heart a few years ago, but running a clan is stressful. The elders in the clan provide so much pressure on him that he just snaps-"

"Hinata that's not an excuse. He's your dad." Naruto looked at her flabbergasted. Growing up like that was not okay. It was not something you just brush under the rug. This was WRONG. Hinata was so broken she was beginning to make excuses for her father.

While Naruto saw this as wrong, Hinata saw it as everyday life. "A man that has wealth, power, and the force to back him up. He has strength and my father and the Hyuga clan simply cannot be touched Naruto. I don't really feel bad for myself. I feel worse for Neji, and the branch family. They are the ones that cannot leave. They are the ones bound to the clan."

Naruto was deep in thought as he thought about options for Hinata. This just couldn't be her life. "Does granny know about this?"

Hinata continued to sip on her tea nonchalantly. "She does. Now is not the time to deal with one young girl home problems. The village is being threatened by other villages, and terrorist organizations. Not only that. My last name is not Uchih-".

Hinata stopped right there, and her eyes widened. She didn't mean for those words to slip out. For her dark thoughts to take over. It just happens whenever she starts to talk about her family. Only Sakura and Ino have seen her get like this, and Hinata always felt SHAMEFUL when she cracked like this.

She quickly placed her cup down, and started to babble. "T-t-that's n-n-not what I-I m-meant at-at ALL!"

Naruto gave her an amused look, but still didn't have a smile on his face. "It's how you feel Hinata. I'm not going to get mad at how you really feel. Besides, I know a lot of people feel as if a lot of attention is being geared towards Sasuke, and they don't think it's fair. I mean. I kind of feel like that's my fault."

Hinata felt absolutely horrible. Rarely did she ever just smoothly say something so hurtful and insulting. Hinata held her head down, and refused to look at Naruto. "I'm sorry. I'm ruining everything."

Naruto actually rolled his eyes this time. "Hinata stop. If anything you're making it better."

Hinata slowly raised her head, and looked at him confused. Naruto just smiled at her, and gave a wicked chuckle. "I mean you're just showing that you're not perfect. You're not this fake ball of shyness. You do have massive anxiety, and horrible nerves. Still. It's nice to know you don't like people. It's oddly nice to know that I don't ever have to worry about you blushing around Sasuke. Still, it's horrible to know that you…are really not happy."

Naruto's eyes lowered as he looked at his crappy table. "All this time we could have been not happy together. Misery loves company right? I could have really used your company."

He laughed at himself when he said that. Hinata continued to stare at him before she placed a hand on his knee. "We were children Naruto. We couldn't have saved each other. This world shouldn't have been cruel to us."

Naruto slowly nodded his head before the two finally made eye contact. "I'll make sure it's never like this for us again."

Hinata smiled at him. Taking his words as encouragement, and nothing malicious. "As Hokage. I have faith in you Naruto."

Naruto placed his hand on top of Hinata's and squeezed it. "Hokage or not. I'm done with this happening to us."

Chapter Text

"So you're certain she's at Naruto's place? Please entertain me, and tell me how you know this Ino?"

A tired Shikamaru, who was just woken up by the intrusion of Anbu for Ino, was looking at his now wife very skeptically. Ino was currently getting dressed for a last minute mission order. She received a personal message from an Anbu messenger, which stated that they actually couldn't find Hinata for the mission, and Ino has been assigned to locate Hinata and report for back for the mission breakdown. Which Ino replied back that she would find Hinata.

Ino internally rolled her eyes at Shikamaru's investigating. Honestly Ino felt like she was the only punctual, and mature one of the whole rookie nine. If it wasn't her teammates on team ten, it was always another ninja that Ino felt she had to micromanage.

Where to be. Make sure they were on time. Make sure they were healthy. Make sure they have a life outside of work, so they don't self-destruct. It was easy for Ino with team ten. She knew them heavily, and was married to one of them. They were all family.

Everyone else, it was hard. Especially with Hinata.

Do you know how HARD it was to push Hinata to pursue Naruto when Sakura was giving Hinata hints to NOT pursue Naruto. How hard it was to convince Sakura to start dating again. How hard it was to pretend you didn't know either of your friends were having intimate encounters with people. Ino loved this type of gossip, but right now it was killing her!

All because she was the 'mama bear' of the team. All because their chain of command needed their two powerhouses, which were Sakura and Hinata, to be mentally fit to continue to work in Anbu.

Ino was honestly getting sick of being this person Anbu wanted her to be. It was making her into this soulless person, and she was beginning to hate looking at herself in the mirror.

When the Anbu messenger left Shikamaru did something he said he wouldn't do when it came to Ino and her work. He asked her about it. More specifically he asked her where was Hinata since she wasn't in her home at the crack of dawn.

Ino simply told him she was in Naruto's apartment.

It honestly slipped from Ino's mouth. She was in this state of utter annoyance that Hinata almost forgot her role when it came to team seven. Then Ino remembered that Hinata didn't know her role, because once again, Ino had to keep that from her friends as well.

This wasn't who she was. This ugly, vindictive monster.

Now the gears in Shikamaru's head were turning. This is what Ino did not want to happen.

Shikamaru stared at the wall near Ino for a moment before everything started to click within seconds and his hardened eyes looked at her. This made Ino close her eyes and mumble the word, 'shit'.

Naruto mentioned nothing of this. Sakura looked as if she knew nothing of this. Matter of fact she was just boasting about how nice it was that Naruto hasn't been asking her out lately. So, Shikamaru knew Sakura had no clue about this…affair. Or whatever Naruto and Hinata had going on.

Hinata didn't look like the type to tell Ino and not tell Sakura. That would be scandalous and that wasn't Hinata. Actually none of this screamed Hinata. So, how the hell did Ino know?

Ino started to tighten her weapons pouch on her thigh. "Before your brain figures it out, or you start to think too far in advance. I know they are together because when Naruto came back to the village, and Hinata was kind of hitting a burn out without realizing it, I gave her the idea to be with someone, preferably Naruto. Sakura was rejecting Naruto, and I knew he was in a vulnerable state because he was actually starting to notice how beautiful Hinata was. So, why not? It was also pushed onto me to, 'help' Hinata get out her rut for the sake of future missions. Hinata is very much need-"

"That's enough Ino."

At the tone of Shikamaru's voice Ino knew he wasn't happy with her. Well, he just had to get in line. She wasn't happy with herself either, because her chain of command told her to, Ino created the Naruto and Hinata whirlwind romance. She convinced Sakura to move on. Ino made Hinata believe she could indulge with Naruto, and not fall more in love with him, and Ino knew Sakura was nowhere near over Sasuke. Yet, she pushed for Sakura to pursue other men. When did she become this cold, insensitive person?

"Look Shikamaru I'll try to explain as much as I can when I get back." She looked at him, and immediately felt a lump in her throat. She had never really seen Shikamaru look at her with anger. Annoyed yes. Angry like he was actually willing to argue with her? No.

She knew she was wrong. One of her biggest fears was everyone finding out what she did. If Shikamaru found out how lifeless she's become, and how she can't find her way out of it. How mad he would be. Judging by his face right now. All Ino's fears were coming to life. He looked utterly sick of her.

"Yes. Make sure your mission is a success, and focus on making it back safe. Something tells me this will be the last of these missions you'll be taking with Anbu, because right now, how you're talking, this isn't the Ino that I know. This isn't the Ino I grew up with, and married."

Ino snapped her lips shut, and didn't say anything else. All she did was nod her head.

Hinata whimpered as Naruto pulled away from her lips. She was laying on his bed. Her naked body intertwined in his sheets. The view alone would tempt any man, and Naruto was no different. He didn't want to leave her. At all.

She ran her hands through Naruto's hair because she knew he loved the feeling of his scalp being massaged. Her nails then started to trail down his back. Naruto groaned at the feeling. His eyes rolled in the back of his head, and he bit his lip as he pulled himself from her. He was partially dressed in his mission gear, and was ready to reunite with his team. Hinata quietly watched Naruto get cleaned and dressed. Just having that calm and loving energy focused all on him made Naruto feel alive. His energetic energy was replaced with complete tranquility, and fulfillment.

Naruto didn't feel like he had dark demons yelling in his head. He didn't feel like he could lose control to the nine tails and harm her or anyone at that. He felt confident, and totally in control. He felt like, Naruto Uzumaki was unstoppable.

Naruto felt whether this mission he was about to embark on was a success or not, that it wasn't going to make or break him anymore. His new agenda was making sure the person that made him feel so complete was always safe, happy and smiling at him like how she currently was.

"Hinataaaa! We've been at it for two days. An awesome two days, but I have to go on this mission."

Hinata didn't say anything to Naruto but her eyes told him she wanted him just one more time before he left. She was too shy, and too much a refined woman to request such a thing out loud though, but Naruto knew what she wanted.

Naruto looked at the clock on his wall before looking back at Hinata, and grinned at her as he slowly started to undress what clothing he had put on. "Okay you win. When I leave though just lock everything up when you head out."

Naruto wanted to leave his apartment an hour and a half early to fill up his stomach before leaving out the village. He ended up leaving his apartment 20 minutes before the time he was supposed to meet his teammates, and was eating instant ramen as he was rushing to the gates. Sakura was standing there waiting with Sai, and it looked like Kakashi had just showed up.

Naruto inhaled the rest of his ramen, and tossed the container in the trash bin near the gates. He jogged up to his teammates, and Sakura looked at her watch to see that Naruto was right on time, so she had nothing to say about him being the last to arrive.

Maybe he overslept like always. Or maybe the rumors were true, and he was whoring around now. Sakura and Naruto made eye contact for a moment and she internally rolled her eyes. Tsk. Naruto was turning into Kiba, she expected more from Naruto. 

As they walked out the village, Kakashi fell back to talk to Naruto while Sai and Sakura walked ahead. He lightly nudged Naruto's shoulder in a nonchalant manner. "How have you been? Haven't seen you in two whole days. Very unlike you to be harbored up in your apartment." Naruto shrugged his shoulders, and looked ahead to where Sakura and Sai walked. "I've been good. Doing fine. No real reason to need to leave."

Kakashi hummed at this. "And how's your friend?"

Naruto had a poker face on for a moment before he couldn't stop the goofy grin from crossing his face anymore. "She's perfect." Kakashi whole heartedly laughed at this, and the two refocused on the mission at hand. They had the location of Sasuke, and the possibility of bringing him in unharmed were looking promising.

Back at Naruto's apartment Hinata had just stepped out the shower, and was drying herself when a knock came to Naruto's door. Hinata paused briefly before she walked to his door, and looked through the peephole. She saw Ino standing there in full gear, and she swiftly opened the door with her towel wrapped around her to let Ino in.

Ino tossed Hinata her duty bag with all her equipment and clothing in it. "We were called in. It's about team seven, and the Uchiha. Let's knock this out so we can put this Uchiha shit behind us."

Hinata looked a little lost, Ino was being rather brute. Something was going on. "Just us?"

Ino shook her head, "No. Two other seniors will be there with us. You know the plan. We went over this a million and one times on what to do if we got a chance to encounter the Uchiha. You've got my body covered right? I only trust a select number of people with my body Hinata, and you just so happen to be one of them."

Hinata nodded her head before she turned away from Ino to get dressed. Hinata could see lately that Ino was becoming more and more distant, and less like herself. It was like something was eating away, and breaking Ino down. Hinata just couldn't figure it out. Something Hinata could see that was obvious is that Ino was feeling guilty about something.

Hinata often stripped and dressed in front of Ino and Sakura, so she didn't feel any type of way about doing it this time. They all did it to each other, because they felt comfortable, and trusted one another. Ino looked at Hinata with her mask on, and was silent for a moment. Maybe looking for a way to start the conversation and show Hinata she was okay. When in fact, she was not okay.

A grin graced Ino's face even though Hinata couldn't see it, she could still hear it in Ino's voice. "Finally bagged your bad boy huh? No one's more bad than the nine tails host."

Hinata didn't say anything as she threw her clothes on, and arranged her equipment and duty belt on her frame. She put her mask on, and looked at Ino to see if she was ready. Ino shrugged her shoulders and adjusted her mask on her face as well, and the two silently left Naruto's apartment.

Well. This is not what Naruto envisioned when he met Sasuke again.

Someone that he once thought was a prodigy. A class act, and untouchable, looked absolutely insane and broken. His former teammate, and friend, looked sick in the head as he gave an evil laugh when he attacked Naruto.

Sometimes Naruto found it hard to see the good in people, and Sasuke was no different. This cat and mouse game the two played with one another was tiring. Especially considering there was a terrorist organization out there to end the world. In addition to that, Naruto was finding other meaningful things in life.

Sasuke and Naruto had been delivering blow after blow to one another. Sakura, Kakashi and Sai had been busy with the new teammates Sasuke had acquired for himself. They weren't really expecting these people to be with Sasuke, and Naruto found himself growing frustrated because he didn't feel like they would be getting Sasuke this time around either. He was going to get away again.

At this point if Sasuke was going to snake his way away from them, Naruto might as well give him the ass whooping he was starting to deserve. Then maybe next time Sasuke would think twice before underestimating him. Naruto couldn't help but think to himself that it was so depressing out in this real world. He'd much rather go back to the makeshift world he created for himself at home. The world that him and Hinata created together. In the midst of a fight, when someone was trying to really harm him, Naruto thought about Hinata. 

Just when Naruto and Sasuke were going to collide once more, Naruto noticed Sasuke falter, and stop moving, causing Naruto to almost collide into Sasuke. Out of curiosity, and caution Naruto stopped in his steps. "What? Sasuke?"

Naruto looked at Sasuke before turning to Sakura, and noticed she was no longer fighting the red haired woman of Sasuke's group anymore. The girl by the name of Karin, was plunged from the back by a sharp blade, and the culprit behind it was an Anbu ninja with long dark hair.

Naruto knew that body figure from anywhere.

"Hinata?"

Said person didn't acknowledge Naruto as she dug her kunai deeper in Karin, and started to slide it up her body with all the natural strength she possessed. The Anbu seemed to ignore the bloody gargle coming from the red haired woman, but everyone else in the surrounding area heard it loud and clear. Wondering when this ruthless ninja was going to stop, and just put the enemy out of her misery.

Hinata's Byakugan was active, and she didn't stop her assault on Karin until there was no more life visible in her. She was use to seeing one's life fade away by now. She was use to taking someone's life. Sometimes it was quick, and sometimes, like situations like these, Hinata dragged it out. Determined to make sure there was no coming back from this injury.

"Don't be upset?! The only reason they picked you, Ino was because you're with Shikamaru now, and wouldn't be biased. They couldn't use me, so they trained Hinata to be the combative one during missions for you, Ino. They're using you two and you can't see that!"

Hinata was so offended when Sakura said that.

Hinata was chosen over Sakura because Hinata would take lives. Hinata felt no remorse. Sakura felt remorse, trauma, and guilt. Sakura was never assigned as the assassin of any of their Anbu teams. So, Sakura was the one that wouldn't understand!

Even now. Hinata watched Sakura fight before intervening. Sakura's tactics with the red headed woman was to take her down but keep her alive. Sakura knew better. They were not trained like that in Anbu! Go for the kill Sakura. Hinata knew Sakura could have ended her opponent quickly, but she didn't. Sakura didn't have it in her.

Hinata had it in her to take many lives. Whether she knew them or not.

When Karin hit the ground, Hinata looked at Sakura before turning her attention to the other two males that Sai and Kakashi were battling. She was happy to see two of her senior Anbu mates were aiding them. Not that they needed the help. The legendary Copy-nin, in Hinata's opinion, was just busying himself. "What are you doing here Hinata?"

Hinata wanted to ignore Sakura, but she owed her friend, and teammate, more respect than that. She turned to Sakura before looking at a stilled Sasuke that Naruto perched upon a tree. "Ino has him locked in. I have to go back to her body now."

With that Sakura followed Hinata into the tree line where Ino was slumped against a branch alone. Sakura looked down at Hinata's bloody hands, and Hinata looked at Sakura, and waved her hand to dismiss the concern. Sakura knew it wasn't her blood, but that wasn't exactly why Sakura was concerned.

Sakura was just now seeing that her best friend was not okay.

Hinata leaned over to observe Ino to make sure she was okay, and the Uchiha wasn't getting the best of her. Ino had to deliver the collected information to Sasuke, it was the only way to weaken his will to fight any further against Konoha, and from pursuing his brother, Itachi.

In Ino's defense. She tried very hard to wiggle herself and Hinata out of the Uchiha mission. The now female Nara wanted no parts of anything that dealt with team seven. However, being constantly given hollow promises that Hinata's situation would be dealt with after this matter was finished, it was the only thing that kept Ino and Hinata focused to complete this mission successfully.

It took them months to gather information on the Uchiha clan, and according to the Hokage if this information didn't change Sasuke's heart than an all-out assassination would have to be attempted on him that very moment. Team seven feelings no longer being in consideration.

Hinata zeroed in on Ino's heart and watched her intently to make sure she was not in danger. It had been over three minutes Ino had been away from her body, and Hinata was growing concerned. Ino was also important to Hinata just like Sakura was. Plus, Shikamaru trusted her with Ino, and Hinata didn't want to let him down.

"If you don't get out of my mind in five seconds. I'm going to kill you, Yamanaka."

Sasuke looked at Ino with an impassive face while Ino kept her distance from him. "I am here solely as the messenger Sasuke. Haven't you've heard of the old saying, 'Don't kill the messenger'."

Ino pulled her mask to the side and cracked a smile. Sasuke did not return the amusement. Perhaps now was not the time for jokes.

"Just, 60 seconds of your time. That is literally all I'm asking…BEGGING for you to give me! I get it. You are the all-powerful Uchiha. I promise you that this information will be EVERYTHING you've been wanting to know, and more Sasuke! All I ask for is TIME."

Sasuke didn't answer Ino. However the deadly silence he gave her was permission enough for Ino to hurry up.

At that moment, Ino started to alter the young Uchiha's mind. She shared information, and memories, of what Anbu had been gathering for months relating to Itachi and the Uchiha clan. Documents of Itachi's actual role being instructed to eliminate the Uchiha clan based on the fact that the Uchiha clan was going to betray the village. How his brother stated that he wanted no harm done to Sasuke to the ROOT leader Danzo.

How his brother was following orders, and how it RUINED Itachi.

Sasuke eyes widened at the information being flooded in his already twisted dark mind, and gave Ino a look of disbelief mixed with anger. "LIES!"

Messing with a ticking time bomb was not the best of choices for Boar. 

Sasuke's Sharingan activated as he snarled at her. "I'm going to make you regret the day you came in here."

Hinata's eyes widened in panic as she saw blood start to come from Ino's mouth, and how Ino started to convulse. "No. No, no, no!" Hinata quickly picked Ino's body up, and violently shook her. "Ino. Please. PLEASE. Leave. Abort! Leave the Uchiha! If you can hear me…PLEASE."

Hinata looked at Sakura, who looked just as concerned, and then Hinata's head snapped at the slumped Sasuke.

Hinata knew how to take a life, and how to preserve a life. She could just take down the Uchiha, and leave him for the others to save. She knew Sakura had the skill set to save him from a minor penetration injury.

She COULD do a lot of things…but what she wanted was for this monster to stop hurting Ino!

Sakura followed Hinata's line of vision, and before Sakura could stop her, Hinata made a beeline to Sasuke's unmoving form. Sakura was close on Hinata's tail but didn't anticipate for Hinata's hands to glow blue, and form into what appeared to be electrified lions. The sparks seemed like they were aimed at Sakura because mini shocks hit her, and threw Sakura off balance.

Everything was happening frame by frame to Naruto as he seemed frozen. He watched as Hinata sprinted by him, and made head on collision to the slumped Uchiha. He watched as Sakura screamed at him in anger for letting Hinata get by him.

It is true. Naruto could have stopped Hinata.

He slowly turned to see that Hinata's hand had made it to Sasuke, and through his abdomen. That was when Naruto finally snapped back to reality. "Wait! No!"

"HINATA!" Sakura's screams fell on deaf ears as Hinata looked at Sasuke with rage she didn't know she carried. Rage that her trainers and superiors knew she harbored, and that was why they worked on her so much. She was becoming their little deadly weapon. Hinata didn't even know it. Couldn't even see it.

Sakura saw it, and said it all along.

Hinata watched as Sasuke's eyes widened at the pain as he came back to reality, and he looked at Hinata straight in the eyes through her mask before his eyes rolled in the back of his head. Coming back to her senses Hinata gasped before she sharply recoiled from Sasuke.

She ruined everything. Sakura was never going to forgive her again.

Naruto made it to Sasuke first, and noted how he was still breathing. Hinata was never aiming to kill him. Naruto could tell. "Sakura! He's gonna make it, but we need to get him back to Konoha."

Said person looked at Sasuke before she snapped her head to look at Hinata. She glared at her friend, and the betrayal was evident in Sakura's eyes as Hinata silently looked at her. If Sakura could see Hinata's face she would have seen how afraid, and ashamed Hinata looked. "Sakura. I-"

Hinata's words were cut short as a hard slap stunned her, and made her head turn. Sakura retracted her hand, and turned to Sasuke to render him aid. If they could see Hinata's face they would be able to see the shock course through her before the anger from earlier crawled back on Hinata's face.

How could Sakura? She was Hinata's best friend. Hinata would do anything for her. 

Naruto watched the whole thing, and didn't miss how Hinata's hands made a fist covered in electrical sparks. She was losing herself. He knew Hinata would never forgive herself if she lashed out at Sakura.

"Hin…Eagle. Remember where we are. This…this isn't you. This isn't your fault."

Hinata didn't react to Naruto., but she stopped. She began taking big gulps of air to calm down in this moment. Ino. What about Ino? Didn't Sakura care? Why was this Uchiha always the first priority for Sakura? Hadn't they proved ENOUGH to Sakura?! That they were the better choice than SASUKE!

Hinata wouldn't be second to Naruto and Sakura. Not anymore. "When you get his vitals stabled, and his life is no longer in danger…back away from him Haruno."

Sakura hands glowed green as she worked Sasuke over, but she looked up at Hinata to answer. "What?"

Hinata wasn't looking at Sakura as she spoke. Sakura noticed Hinata's bloody hands were balled into fists, and how sparks wildly surrounded them. Sakura could see that Hinata was trying not to lash out in this moment. "You've done enough Hinata. You should make sure Ino-"

"He is under arrest Haruno. He is a traitor to this village, and a criminal. He is under arrest and will be treated as such. Provide him the medical services, and…leave him. You are not operating as an Anbu at this time, and you have no such superiority over me. So I am ordering you to stand down. Or you can be in custody along with him."

This was bad. Both females were under emotional stress. Sakura was frustrated, and for once Hinata was on the same level of anger as the dominating cherry blossom.

Naruto got in between the two, and looked at Sakura. He didn't really know the strength that was within Hinata, however, he knew Sakura trained under a legendary Sannin, and was not someone to challenge. He didn't want Sakura to get angry in that moment, and for him to have to step in to make Sakura stand down, because he would. It wasn't evident, but Naruto was on Hinata's side. 

"Hey. Let's just take care of Sasuke, and get him back to the village. Then we can hash out what will happen to teme over there. Okay?" Sakura huffed at Naruto, but went back to healing Sasuke. "Fine. I have him stabilized now anyways. He's going to survive."

"Umm excuse me."

Hinata turned to look at the man named Sai. He was carrying Ino. "Your comrade. She seems to be stable now."

Hinata's eyes scanned over Ino to see she was indeed breathing normal, and appeared to just be unconscious. Her heart was fine and just had accelerated beating. That was the best part of it all for Hinata.

Kakashi walked up beside Sai. With Kakashi were Hinata's two superiors, and they seemed to have the two males traveling with Sasuke in chained chakra restriction handcuffs.

They looked at Hinata and Ino, and took in the scene. The male with his hawk mask on looked at Hinata. "Did you secure the scene, and deem it our mission?" Hinata only nodded her head. She watched her second superior in an owl mask take Ino into his arms from Sai. "I will be taking boar back. I will see you two back in the village with the traitor."

With that owl vanished with Ino, and Hinata waited for hawk to speak again. "Is the Uchiha dead, Eagle?"

Naruto watched as, 'Eagle' straightened her posture, and confidently answered her superior. "No. I'm looking at his vitals now. He will recover, and be available for interrogation once treated properly in the hospital. I made sure to not make it life threatening."

Eagle watched hawk nod his head satisfied. "Successful. As always. Good job Eagle. I'll be taking the Uchiha when he's stable enough to move."

Hinata turned to look at Sakura, and noticed Sakura was glaring venom at her. The feeling that the three woman team would no longer be the same weighed heavily on the both of them.

The seed was planted. Sakura had warned them that Anbu was trying to pin them against one another, but her best friends didn't listen. Or maybe Sakura was the one not listening? Maybe she was the one that abandoned Ino and Hinata.

Hinata leaned against the outside of Ino's hospital room. Ino had woken up once, and had already gone back to sleep. Sasuke had done a number on her, and Hinata wasn't exactly sure what genjutsu Sasuke put Ino under to cause such damage to her mind and body.

Still Lady Tsunade said while it would take time, Ino will bounce back just fine.

"Hinata." Said person looked up from her thinking position against the wall to look at Shikamaru. He was with Choji and Asuma and Shikamaru looked…horrible. You could tell he stressed and worried the whole way to the hospital. His eyes were red, and Hinata wondered if he had been crying.

"Ino's sleeping. She had just fallen back to sleep."

Hinata tilted her head at the strange looks Asuma and Choji were giving her until she noticed she had not showered or changed since the mission. So she was still coated with blood from the Uchiha and his red head comrade. "It's not Ino's."

Shikamaru slowly walked up to Hinata. "What about you? Are you okay?"

Hinata nodded her head, "This is not my blood either. I am fine." She was caught off guard when Shikamaru pulled her in a tight hug. A rare moment of public affection from both Shikamaru and Hinata. "Thank you, Hinata."

Hinata froze in Shikamaru's embrace, and awkwardly patted Shikamaru's back. "I would do anything for Ino. I'm sorry I couldn't prevent this from happening. I…I still don't understand how all this happened so fast."

Shikamaru pulled back from her and looked at Hinata like she was being annoying. "Shut it. You and Ino are in Anbu. Ino knew what she signed up for. I'm not mad at you, so stop being annoying and trying to apologize."

Hinata nodded her head at Shikamaru, and he rolled his eyes at the fact Hinata still had her mask on. He gave her one last grin before heading off to see his wife.

In a room in the back of the hospital, that was heavily guarded, held Sasuke Uchiha. In his room stood Sakura, Tsunade, and Kakashi. Sasuke was awake, chained to the bed and was listening to everything Tsunade was saying to him.

Tsunade asked Sasuke if Ino delivered the information to him regarding his clan, and his brother. Sasuke told her Ino did and that he didn't believe her. Tsunade growled in annoyance at this, and asked him what proof he needed for him to get it through his thick skull. Tsunade had physical documents that she retrieved from Anbu, and dumped it all on Sasuke's hospital bed.

It had took some time. Hours of going through files, pictures and documents. Tsunade stressing to Sasuke that Danzo in no way or form represented Konoha, and was on her list to be investigated as well. Sakura sat with Sasuke as he looked through all the information. She was there for him when he held in his tears. As he ripped some pictures up. As he cursed, and as he fell back onto the hospital bed, and gripped a picture of Danzo in the shadows talking to a young Itachi. Tainting him.

He swore he would kill that man.

Why? Why didn't anyone STOP this? Why collect evidence, and take pictures of an event that was going to change history? Who took these pictures?! It's like they knew Sasuke was going to leave the village, that he was going to go insane.

As they spent hours in the room talking to Sasuke, Naruto slipped inside the room quietly. Kakashi and Tsunade acted like they didn't notice the intrusion, but Sakura and Sasuke looked at him. Where was he? Why was Naruto just so…off. He's been off for a while Sakura had noticed. Ever since he's come back to the village.

Sasuke noticed the difference in their fight. Naruto was just so different now. He was there, but yet he wasn't there. More malice in the way he moved and fought too.

Naruto said nothing as he sat in the chair near the door, and looked at all the papers on Sasuke's hospital bed. The only reaction Naruto made was one arched eyebrow. Really? This is all it took? All it took was the truth. All this chaos. All this depression that has been caused. It almost disappointed Naruto that Sasuke changed his mind so easily.

Naruto looked at Sasuke briefly before shifting his gaze to Sakura. "Shikamaru is with Ino. He got her to wake up for a while to eat. I don't know if you want to talk to her or anything but, Hinata is standing outside Ino's room with Asuma, and Choji."

It almost seemed like Naruto wanted Sakura to leave. Like it was a passive way of telling Sakura to leave, so Naruto could speak to Sasuke without her. 

Sakura did want to talk to Hinata and Ino as soon as their blonde friend regained conciseness, so she missed the 'nice-nasty' way Naruto redirected her. Sakura looked at Sasuke for a moment before standing up, and heading to the door. Naruto gave her a smile that she returned before she left out the room.

Naruto ran his hands through his hair as he looked at the bundle of pictures on Sasuke's lap. "Man…and you called me dobe all this time. Turns out it was you all along." Sasuke slowly nodded his head, taking the insult because after it was all said and done, he deserved it.

"Yeah…I guess you're right." Naruto internally rolled his eyes at Sasuke. For some reason the defeat on Sasuke's face annoyed Naruto. How…boring. Where was his rival?

Naruto yawned and stretched his body. "I'm sure I'm right. So…what are we doing?" Naruto's attention then went to Tsunade's. She was the ultimate decision maker when it was all said and done. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow, impressed with Naruto's maturity. Not noticing the dull look in Naruto's eyes.

"There can be a reduction of time to serve, if Sasuke cooperates, and gives up all the information in that twisted head of his. We got to him before he did any major damage that would force us into a trial, or other villages getting involved. So this can be done all in house."

Naruto didn't really react to what Tsunade had to say. He didn't look happy nor sad, but he looked at Sasuke and flashed him a playful grin. "I'll be glad when you get better, and get your shit together, teme. It would be nice to have a friendly spar with you again."

Kakashi finally gave Naruto his full attention. That statement, as childish as it sounded had an underlining meaning to it that Kakashi wasn't sure Sasuke or Lady Tsunade comprehended. More of an aggressive meaning. Like Naruto was genuinely upset with Sasuke, and wanted real punishment against him.

Kakashi heard Tsunade give a hefty, manly laugh at what Naruto said as she walked out the room, and closed the door. Naruto stood up and looked out Sasuke's window for a moment. "I'm starving. I'm sure you don't want hospital food all damn day, that shit taste terrible. Want me to grab you some lunch, Sasuke? I gotta get some fresh air anyways. Hospitals annoy me."

Naruto knew Hinata didn't like hospitals either, considering her upbringing. She must be miserable forcing herself to stay here. Naruto wanted to get them both out of here.

Sasuke looked at Naruto confused for a moment. He was acting odd. Maybe this was the older Naruto that Sasuke didn't know about. Kakashi sat in the chair Naruto had been sitting in, and pulled out his infamous book.

Kakashi looked to be starting a new chapter before he chimed in. "Naruto's girlfriend pretty much put a hole in your stomach Sasuke, and Naruto wants nothing more than to check up on her. A hospital with many prying eyes is hardly the place to console your lover in their case. You know, since no one knows about their rendezvous. Plus, Naruto's risking a lot of lonely nights by just coming in here to check on you. Especially if his lady friend is still angry that you hurt her comrade."

Sasuke watched as Naruto's whole body stiffened, and how Naruto's face turned beet red. Naruto snapped his head over to Kakashi, and gave him a dirty look, "Why are you like this?" Kakashi shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, and continued to read his book.

Naruto rolled his eyes, and willed the color to return back to his face. "So, are you hungry or what?"

Sasuke continued to look at Naruto. He was different. Sure they were older. They were all 18 years old, and Sasuke hasn't been on team seven since he was 13. Still, Naruto had this sense of calm about him. Maturity and seriousness. "Yeah. I am."

Naruto went to the door, and looked back at Sasuke before closing it. "I'm glad you found this stuff out about your family before you fucked up your life even more. Welcome back, teme." With that Naruto closed Sasuke's door, and the young Uchiha was alone in the room with Kakashi.

"I'm a little glad it was the Yamanaka girl you attacked instead of Hinata. Naruto would have killed you if you would have hurt her."

Chapter Text

"Did you hear Lord Hiashi?"

Hiashi almost groaned to himself as he looked up from his desk to look at an elder. This was becoming very annoying. "About my so called daughter getting the 'best' of the unstable Uchiha? Yes. I'm not impressed. No honor in taking him on face to face."

The older Hyuga in front of him paused for a moment. "No. About her and the demon boy."

"Hinata. You should go home and shower. Clean up."

Hinata turned to the sound of Sakura's voice, and Sakura was sure Hinata wasn't smiling under her mask while she was looking at her. Sakura felt…ashamed how upset she got with Hinata. Hinata didn't deserve that. She should have controlled herself a lot better with the situation at hand.

Sasuke was, and would forever be, a soft spot for her. As Sakura was healing him out there Sasuke had woken up a few times. Sasuke actually looked at her with remorse. Genuine remorse. When they arrived at the hospital he apologized to her countless times. This did not dismiss the fact that Sasuke betrayed the village. That he hurt Naruto, and herself, countless times. It would take time, and a lot on Sasuke's part, to mend what he had done.

Sakura was willing to see where it took her. She had gone this far, and waited for Sasuke this long. She might as well give it a try with him, if that is where things took the two.

Sakura just felt…hurt she guessed when it came to Hinata and Ino. She expected the secrecy from Ino. She expected all of this from Ino, but Hinata, she was just taken back. Hinata didn't want to even do Anbu in the first place, and now she was so balls deep into the organization that Sakura was starting to not recognize her dearest friend.

"Hinata. Talk to me."

"There is nothing to talk about. Please stop using my name in public while I'm in uniform with my mask on."

Sakura resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Hinata. They had actually spoken each other's name numerous times while in uniform, and with their masks on. "Eagle. I shouldn't have lost it like that out there. I was unprofessional, and I wasn't there for you like I should have been. I feel like absolute shit, and I'm so very sorry. Never in a million years would you deserve such treatment Hin…Eagle."

Hinata looked at Sakura for a moment before she nudged her head for Sakura to look through the miniature window into Ino's hospital room door. Sakura poked her head up to look through the window, and saw Ino awake with Shikamaru. Asuma and Choji also in the room with her. Ino looked towards the door and saw Sakura. She grinned at her and winked.

Sakura smiled back, and waved before deciding to give the team their privacy. This was Ino's family. Her true purpose and dedication. Those people in the room were the reason Ino didn't end up like…Hinata.

Sakura started to feel that heavy feeling in her chest again. The feeling of guilt, because she was supposed to be the reason Hinata didn't fall into that black hole in Anbu.

Why didn't she see Hinata was falling? Could Sakura even help her get out?

Hinata continued to lean against the wall near the door. "Ino's done with Anbu. She's not coming back."

Sakura looked a little confused towards Hinata. The official news was out that fast? "Just like that? No notice or anything? I mean I knew she wasn't going to stay too much longer, but just like that. At a drop of a hat? Usually it takes a few days or weeks to have it ran by chain of command."

Hinata nodded her head. "She told me a few weeks ago that if Shikamaru told her that he wanted her to leave Anbu she would leave. I heard him tell her today that he was done with Anbu. She said okay, and delivered the message to the captain when he stopped by. He understood perfectly."

Sakura leaned against the wall near Hinata. "Crap."

Hinata slowly nodded her head. "What will you be doing now Sakura?"

Sakura didn't know whether or not to take Hinata's question as an insult. Hinata believed now that Sasuke was back that Sakura had no real motive to be in Anbu anymore. That was an unfair assumption considering Hinata knew that this was just temporary for Sakura as much as it was for Ino. It was just something for Sakura to have under her belt.

"I think I'll continue what I'm doing now. Hospital, Team Seven and part time Anbu."

Hinata didn't say anything from what Sakura said for a moment. She honestly didn't believe Sakura. There was no reason to lie to her. They were best friends. Sakura could be honest with her.

Hinata shifted her legs, and turned her head to Sakura's direction but still was looking down. "You should know. It wasn't my intention to hurt Sasuke. I…I didn't mean for any of this to go this far. I thought Ino would be able to hold off against Sasuke, or at least make it back to her body before he became aggressive. It-It wasn't even my plan-"

Sakura held Hinata's hand and squeezed it. "Hinata. I'm Anbu too. I understand. Sometimes I forget the boundaries we have to make from our personal lives and Anbu. I made everything too personal, and I dragged you down with me, and put my pain and misery onto you and Ino. I really am sorry, and I promise from here on out what happened out there between you and me will never happen again. I got your back, Hinata."

Hinata squeezed Sakura's hand back before letting it go, and straightening herself up off the wall. She didn't want to get Sakura dirty. Sakura was too pure for her to taint with vile blood. Still. Hinata didn't believe Sakura understood everything the way Sakura was saying she did. The way Sakura was looking at her was different. That trust just wasn't there between them anymore.

Hinata never had a best friend. Is this what they do to one another? Are these trials and waves of emotions something best friends are supposed to go through? Her relationship with Ino wasn't so emotionally draining. Sakura was always there for Hinata though. She lifted her up when she thought she was nothing. This was all so confusing.

It broke Hinata's heart. Didn't Sakura know how important she was to her. "I think I will take my leave, and go back to the Hyuga compound to shower. Will you be staying in the hospital longer Sakura?"

Sakura smiled at Hinata, and nodded her head. "I'll probably be doing an all-nighter here. No biggie. If I get tired or hungry there is a spot in the employee lounge to sleep comfortably. I'll see you later girly."

Hinata promised Sakura she would be there when Ino gets discharged, and headed out the hospital. She smelled strongly of iron, and did wish to get the smell, and sight of blood off of her. She barely made it out of sight of the hospital when she felt a familiar presence. "Naruto-kun?"

Hinata looked around and finally looked up and saw Naruto coming towards her from the rooftops. He had some takeout food in his hands, and looked down at her with a smile. She watched him make familiar hand signs, and summon a shadow clone. She watched him give his shadow clone the food, and send it off to the hospital.

"Hey Hinata!"

He jumped down to her eye level, and smiled at her. "Going to clean up?"

Hinata nodded to him before she looked off to the side and back to Naruto. He gave her a knowing grin and looked to be itching to play with Hinata's fingers. Instead he shoved his hands in his pockets, and leaned over closer to her. "Why don't you go to my apartment and shower? Wash your clothes, and hang them up to dry. I'll bring dinner over, and we can talk."

Naruto spoke to her in a low, whispered voice and Hinata felt herself get goosebumps. She didn't know if Naruto was upset with her or not, but he understood her. He understood her a lot more than if she went back home to the Hyuga compound. "Okay."

Naruto looked down at her with smoldering eyes, and nodded his head. "Okay. See you in a bit."

So instead of walking to the estranged Hyuga compound, Hinata changed her direction and walked to Naruto's apartment. It was evening so she took to the shadows to not be noticed, or to alarm any villagers by her appearance.

When she arrived at Naruto's apartment she used the spare key he gave her and let herself inside. Being so green, Hinata didn't even understand the significance of Naruto giving her a spare key to his home.

The first thing Hinata did was strip and hand washed her clothes to make sure the toughest stains were removed. She hung them up outside to air dry, and made her way to the shower. Most of the dirty, grime and blood was on Hinata's hands and arms. She shouldn't have let it go this long without washing it off, because it took quite some time to remove it.

When she was done with her shower she came out to see a black shirt and orange shorts folded neatly on the bathrooms sink. Naruto was home and laid out the smallest, oldest clothes he owned for her to wear. When Hinata walked out the bathroom and towards him, he held in a smile because she was still swimming in his clothing even though they were clothes from his younger years.

Hinata didn't know she was so hungry until she smelled the food Naruto had gotten and her mouth started to salivate. He got ramen, he had pork added to hers, and just knowing the warm broth was going to hit her stomach had her feel at ease and she could feel herself start to relax.

The two ate in silence for the most part. Mainly because they were both very hungry, and all the traveling along with fighting had taken a toll on their body and mind frame. Naruto finished eating first and told Hinata to hang tight while he went to shower.

Now she was alone. To her own thoughts finally.

When Hinata finished eating she found herself pacing in Naruto's apartment. She was fed, cleaned and in a more stable environment. Now it seemed like everything from the past two days had started to crash down on her.

The utter look of betrayal on Sakura's face. Why was Sakura looking at her like that? Sakura has been looking at her for a few weeks now like she didn't trust her. Didn't Sakura understand that she was very important to Hinata? That she would lay her life out for Sakura's sake. Why couldn't Hinata receive the same respect and affection from Sakura that she gave her? Maybe. Maybe Hinata was imagining this. Maybe Sakura hasn't changed, and it was Hinata who was losing it. Maybe this was the burn out Ino has been feeling all along.

Hinata was starting to feel like time was moving slow. Like she was stuck.

She brought her hands up to her face. Blood was shed with these hands. Hinata washed her hands in the hospital before touching Ino again, and she was able to get some of the dry blood off her hands. Now after taking a shower, the blood was completely gone.

Still.

It wasn't off her hands. Even with her special eyes she could see it was gone, but yet her mind was telling her it was still there. That it was still there, and it was Ino's. It was Sakura's. It was Naruto's. The blood she was sure she washed away was still there, and it belonged to her precious people.

Why did it feel so fresh and warm. Why was her mind trying to play games with her?

Ino's body convulsing, and the psychotic state Hinata felt when she thought she lost Ino. How her world felt like it was crashing down. The bond Sakura, Ino and Hinata made was so important to her. She shared things with them that she shared with no one else in her life. They were her true family, and they were almost taken from her. She lost it. She didn't mean to appear like some monster!

Didn't they know?! Don't they understand?! If she loses the few people she let in her life she would be left with only her 'FAMILY'. Once her family got their hands on her the way they wanted…

No. She was terrified to even think that far.

Anko had been working with Hinata for some time on controlling this rage that would take over Hinata when she started to have a breakdown. Anko taught Hinata how to turn her adrenaline, and fear, into rage and power. Now Hinata couldn't control her rage, and felt like she needed more power.

Why couldn't she move? Why was she so stuck?

"Hinata."

Naruto watched as Hinata almost hopped out her skin. Her eyes were wide, and she looked so detached to where she was. She looked at Naruto for a moment before she looked around his apartment to take in her surroundings. Like she forgot where she was. Naruto would say that he believed Hinata thought she was still out in the field for a moment.

Then again. She looked terrified. So maybe she thought she was alone. Or with her family.

Hinata was quiet for the most part coming back to the village. Only talking to her superior when he asked her questions. At the hospital she was just as quiet, and Naruto knew something was wrong when she didn't leave after the first day to go shower and change.

He understood. Hinata had lost her composure and snapped. She thought she lost Ino. Sakura, Ino and Hinata were basically best friends, and Hinata was someone that just didn't do 'Anger' or 'Killer Intent'. She was typically mellow and always in control of herself. This was the first time Naruto saw the reason why Hinata was in Anbu. What they made out of her.

"I'm sorry Naruto-kun. I was…out of it."

Naruto was in a pair of dark orange pajama pants, and a white shirt when he walked over to her. He tilted his head to the side as he looked at her. His hand came up to cradle her neck, and slid up to cup her cheek.

Hinata closed her eyes, and leaned into his touch. She let out a sigh of being comforted, and feeling safe. That warmth that she felt on her hands, she now felt in her chest. She felt so protected from all the dark thoughts currently running in her mind.

"I…I want you to know that I didn't know about the mission to cross paths with you and Uchiha. I hadn't known about it all those days we were together. Ino found me, and told me we had to leave, and that's when I found everything out and-and-"

Naruto leaned towards Hinata, and kissed her. It was a hot kiss. Intended to take the pain away. To bring her some peace, and to make the dark thoughts, saying that she was everything her family said she was, go away.

Hinata whimpered into the kiss, and pulled him closer to her. She then shook her head, and separated from Naruto reluctantly. "No. You should know that I didn't use you. That I would never use what we have to try to obtain information about Sasuke. You're important to me, and I would never jeopardize that."

Ah. Another boundary Hinata created has been crossed just now.

Naruto couldn't help but give her a wicked smile as he leaned his forehead against Hinata's and shushed her. She said it now. He didn't force her, and Hinata took that first step. She said what he wanted to hear for some time. She was his now. Somewhere in his own dark thoughts he was thinking about how Hinata had no clue what she got herself into. It would be his absolute joy to show her.

"Hinata. I know that. I'm not like everyone else. I'm not your family, Sakura, Ino. I'm not them. I see you for you. I see who you are Hinata. I don't think you've changed."

You're mine Hinata. I see the real you. You don't need to worry about them hurting you anymore. Don't fixate on them anymore. Fixate on me. Naruto.

Hinata bit her bottom lip, and closed her eyes. She leaned closer into Naruto, and their noses rubbed while her hands went to play in his hair. "Why does everyone think I'm different then? Sakura says she's sorry and says she will be there for me, but I can tell, I can see in her face that she thinks I've changed. Ino is leaving me now. Sakura will push me away. I just know it. I'll be pushed back to my family. I-I…I feel so alone."

Naruto growled at her words. He felt like she was breaking right in front of him. In his heart all he could do was blame. He mainly blamed her family for creating such anxiety in a beautiful soul. The darker side of him blamed many people that were in the hospital at this very moment.

Some of them swore to be there for Hinata, and in the end they broke her.

He'd put her back together the way he wanted to. He'd make her never feel the need to apologize for being herself ever again.

Hinata leaned into Naruto's lips, and kissed him this time. It was a desperate kiss. Like she just wanted to have a purpose again. To live. To feel wanted because right now she felt wanted by no one. "Tell me you won't leave me Naruto-kun. Please, tell me you care about me."

Naruto returned the kiss with just as much desperation. The two molded into one another, and their passion came alive. Naruto and Hinata. Now it was official. Just the two of them against the world.

Naruto picked Hinata up, and she wrapped her legs around him. "I'm not going anywhere Hinata. I care about you more than I've ever cared about anyone in my life."

Naruto carried her to his bedroom, and laid her on his bed. Her damp hair fawned over his pillow and she looked like a fallen angel. She looked at him with eyes that he told himself was reserved just for him. So pure, and all his. "Can I be yours, Naruto? Only for you, and can I say you are only for me?"

FINALLY. She has given in. He was patient enough. He waited long enough, and played along with Hinata's 'rules'. Naruto leaned over to give her a bruising kiss, and when he pulled back he looked at her with hungry eyes. Eyes of the nine tails. "Do you know what I am, Hinata?"

He felt like Hinata had known all this time. Given her roll in Anbu. He knew she knew something. Hinata took deep breaths, and her chest rubbed against his as she fell more madly in love. "I do Naruto. I don't care about the nine tails."

Naruto slid the shorts she was wearing off her, and soon after exposed himself. Just like that he slid inside her, and the two took deep breaths as they stared at one another. "You're mine Hinata. Only for me, and I'm only for you. Forever and ever."

Hinata’s mouth hung open at Naruto’s girth invading her with no warning. Filling her, and taking her breath away. She clung to him while Naruto moved within her, and this pain was what she needed. Hinata never experienced pain giving her so much pleaser. Naruto making her cry out in pain that she didn’t want to stop.

Just like Naruto had crumbled for Hinata, she had crumbled for him. Her wet walls clinging onto him. Growing a heavy addiction to the feeling of Naruto hitting every nerve in her body. Making her feel free for once in her life. Making her feel alive.

Over, and over again. Naruto made Hinata see life in a new way. Her body hungrily clutching to his, and milking him until her stuttered. 

They spent that night promising themselves to each other while making love. From now on Naruto's problems were Hinata's problems, and her problems were his.

Whatever problems the Hyuga clan had with Hinata. They now had with Naruto.

"I can stand on my own Shikamaru! Stop treating me like I'm handicapped or something!" Ino barked at Shikamaru as he wheeled her out the hospital's main lobby, and towards the exit. He had this annoyed look on his face as Ino complained in the wheelchair.

Funny. She complained but he didn't see her getting up to walk.

Pfft. She was just as lazy as him.

Sakura was walking with Ino and Shikamaru. At the exit door to the hospital stood Hinata waiting for them. She was standing next to someone they couldn't really make out because that person had a giant bouquet of bright daisies and peonies covering their face. Hinata was in her typical Anbu attire, and had her mask attached to her hip. Odd. She should be in plain clothes since she went home a few days ago.

Ino and Sakura smiled at Hinata until they finally got close enough and noticed who was standing beside her. Another odd thing. Why was Naruto there?

Ino arched a perfect brow at this. She grinned at the sight, but said nothing when Shikamaru leaned near her ear and told her to not harp on Hinata.

Hinata gave a relieved smile to see Ino in better spirits, she took the bouquet that Naruto was holding and gave them to Ino. "I'm so happy you are being discharged today Ino! You look beautiful as always."

Ino smiled at Hinata and was happy to see that Hinata herself was in better spirits. The girl was practically glowing. When Ino first got admitted in the hospital, Hinata had been so out of it. Detached from life, and looking as if she was still in mission mode. So, Ino was relieved to see Hinata had found a way to…work out her emotions outside of work.

Having been out of the loop more than Ino, Sakura gave Hinata a big sneaky grin. "Whattt is this we have here?"

Naruto blinked while he looked at Sakura. Ino finally stood up from the wheelchair and while she was doing a lot better, Shikamaru still held her hand for support. He noticed that she leaned into his hand slightly for help to get her balance and frowned to himself. There was no need to put a brave face on just because they were around friends.

Shikamaru wouldn't comment on this though. He knew when dealing with Ino, you think really hard what's worth arguing over and what's not worth it. Seeing his newlywed wife battered up and in and out of consciousness was worth arguing over when it came to her career choices. He understood their career field. However, why increase your chances so soon in life?

He was beyond grateful Ino gave him no fight when he told her Anbu had ran its course. He didn't care if it had only been two years for Ino. That was long enough, and Ino had paid her dues in all the missions she's accomplished and never turned down.

Ino stood next to Sakura and they both looked at Hinata. Ino bit back a grin, "Sakura. You told me Hinata went home to go shower and freshen up. What happened?"

Hinata's hands clamped together over her chest and she looked off to the side with a slight blush on her face. PLEASE. Now was not the time to pull the big sisters card and make her flustered.

It felt nice having Sakura and Ino around her like this again. Hinata would be lying if she said she didn't miss moments like this. She knew that these moments were fleeting though.

Naruto looked at the two gossipers of the village, and weighed his options whether to answer or not to their probing. They could be so nosey and relentless with it sometimes. Especially Ino. Sakura too, but she was better at hiding the fact she enjoyed gossip and drama.

So, what though? So what if they found out right now?

They had no idea how PATIENT Naruto was. How SILENT he was for so long about the fact he was the one leaving all the love bites on Hinata. When he wanted the world to know Hinata was his.

So, in the end Naruto's mischievous, with a dash of possessive, side won. He figured he'd mess with the local gossip mill.

"What are you two talking about? She did go home."

Ino and Sakura this time looked confused. Hinata wouldn't be wearing her Anbu uniform if she went home two nights ago. "What? No she didn't." The two females said in unison.

Naruto gave a cunning grin showing his canines as he looked at them. He placed his hand at the bottom of Hinata's back. Flirting with the idea to touch her bum, and he got her to turn with him to walk out the hospital. "Yes she did. My home is her home. It's been for a while now."

The look on Ino and Sakura's face was a perfect kodak moment. Shikamaru even wished he had a camera to snap a photo of everything happening right now. Two females that never shut up, were left speechless with their mouths hung wide open, and their eyes big as saucers.

Naruto walked from across the street back to the flower shop. He had just ran the errand of going to get sweets and hot cocoa from the dessert shop. He then leaped up to the second floor balcony that led inside the Yamanaka resident. Ino and Shikamaru were watching her parents' home while they were out of town.

Hinata and Shikamaru were waiting for him on the balcony. She took the desserts and tray of sweet beverages inside while Naruto and Shikamaru opted to lean against the balcony for a moment. She shut the balcony sliding door closed to allow them some privacy but not before giving Naruto a sweet shy smile that she was happy he was there with her.

Shikamaru had ordered for black coffee, and leaned against the balcony while Naruto ate a cinnamon roll beside him.

"So you and Hinata finally decided to make it official huh?"

Naruto nodded his head and shrugged his shoulders. He wasn't surprised Shikamaru knew. According to Hinata, Ino kind of pushed her to pursue Naruto. So he figured Shikamaru knew at this point that they were SOMETHING. "Yeah. I guess we felt like now was a good time. So, Ino is done with Anbu huh? Hinata told me about it the other night."

Shikamaru resisted the urge to make a joke that Naruto and Hinata were having 'pillow talk'.

This was interesting to say the most. Naruto and Hinata. It was almost too good to believe it was happening. Both Naruto and Hinata, in Shikamaru's eyes, deserved so much better in life. He was happy they found happiness in each other.

Shikamaru nodded his head, and looked back at Ino who was sitting on her couch talking to Hinata and Sakura. "I told her I think Anbu has ran it's course. It's been two years now and she has gained the success and recognition she needed to be accepted into the Interrogation program. There was no reason for her to continue, especially since I knew she didn't really want to stay. I don't see Sakura staying much longer either. Hinata staying?"

Naruto chewed on his cinnamon bun for a second before his brows knitted together. "Wait…Hinata said Sakura said she was going to stay part time, and be there with her. She's thinking about leaving?"

Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders. "That's the impression she gave me and Ino. She didn't say it out her mouth, but she said something was going to have to give between her juggling Anbu, team seven and the hospital. The hospital is her thing though, so common sense could see she was talking about Anbu."

Shikamaru looked at Naruto when he heard him mumble, 'what the fuck'. Naruto looked back at Hinata for a moment before he looked back over the balcony. "I mean. Hinata knows Sakura doesn't want to stay in Anbu. I think Sakura is really just staying to watch over Hinata. Hinata knows that Sakura doesn't think it's good for her to stay in Anbu. It upsets her that Sakura hides the way she feels. Like Hinata can't function, or take care of herself, without Sakura. Just because it was Sakura's idea to join."

Shikamaru took a drink of his coffee before speaking, "What do you think? You think Hinata's good to stay in Anbu?" Naruto looked over at Shikamaru like that was a weird question. This was Hinata's choice. What say did he really have?

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "I'm not saying you tell Hinata what to do. I'm asking do you think she's had enough? As her support, as her partner, do you have the balls to pull the plug before she gets too emotionally scarred. Ino is a lot of things, but she's no quitter. She pushed herself long enough. Took on too much too soon, and got burned out. I saw it, she saw it, but she's no quitter. So as that partner…Ugh. This is such a drag, but also because I love her, I stepped in. Can you do the same for Hinata?"

Naruto didn't hesitate. "Of course. I mean…we've talked about Anbu a lot actually. Hinata did have a…ya know…she had a breakdown the other night. Still, any ninja in her situation would have had one. She thought she lost Ino. She loves Ino. She thought she let you down, and she thought Sakura hated her. It just made her crack. I would have snapped too. In our field we need stability and support to be successful, or we'll sink into the dark. Hinata needs the right support is all. Ino was good support for her, now I'm here for her."

Shikamaru nodded his head satisfied with Naruto's answer, keeping in mind that Naruto was taking sole responsibility for Hinata.

Still.

It was very much obvious from the moment Shikamaru saw Naruto and Sakura interact in the hospital to now that there was animosity. From both Naruto and Sakura. The first day Ino and Sasuke were hospitalized. When Shikamaru left Ino a few times to just get fresh air he saw the two teammates send one another frustrated stares in the lobby.

Naruto's frustration was obvious and validated, but what was Sakura's? Did she finally see the competition?

How Naruto would casually walk out Sasuke's hospital room, and go talk to Hinata. How he could get Hinata to remove her mask and smile. How Sakura hadn't been able to make Hinata smile the whole time they were in the hospital, no matter how much she tried.

Sakura clearly had no feelings romantically for Naruto. However, it was evident she was very protective over Hinata, and didn't want the blonde to get too close to her best friend while Hinata was vulnerable. "So, you don't think Sakura is good support?"

Naruto groaned at the intense question and leaned his elbows on the railing. Leave it to Shikamaru to catch the tension between him and his teammate. His genius was outstanding.

"Sakura is her best friend. I can't say Sakura was never there for Hinata, because there were years I wasn't around, and Sakura was. Hinata is thankful everyday Sakura convinced her to join Anbu. That's how dedicated she is to the department. This Sakura right now though. This Sakura is emotionally drained, and going through it with her own personal stuff. Meaning no, she is not the best fit for Hinata right now as support."

Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders. "I agree. I don't know what's going on with Hinata at home, but how protective Ino is of Hinata, and how she always wants Hinata to spend the night and things like that. I know there are problems, and I know no matter what Ino is going through personally she makes time for Hinata."

Both males turned to the sliding door when they heard a knock on it. Hinata was on the other side smiling at them and waving for them to come inside. Naruto smiled at Hinata and gave her a wink making her blush before she turned around swiftly to go sit back down. "Hey, Shikamaru?"

Said person turned to Naruto before he made his way to slide the door open. "What's up?"

Naruto had his hands in his pockets and his back turned from the girls as he looked at Shikamaru. "I put in a packet for Anbu. Granny said I could excel through the program and move up ahead pretty fast considering my skills right now. I mean, we'll see and everything, but I just felt the need to let you know I won't be around as much. Plus it's just between me and you. Only you, Hinata, and Kakashi-sensei knows."

Shikamaru raised a brow at this. "Are you doing this for Hinata?"

Naruto figured that question would be asked. Considering she was already in Anbu. "Naw. I need a change ya know. I need to have something on my resume. Need to build up my rank and make a name for myself. Find my place. I'm not sure if that'll be in Anbu, or if this choice will even be a good stepping stone. I just know I gotta do something. I can't keep this reputation as that, 'brat', 'idiot' or 'DEMON', ya know."

Well, well, well it looks like Naruto had finally grown up. Just hitting the door of being 18, he's finally figuring things out. Shikamaru smiled at him. "If you need help with anything, just let me know."

Naruto smiled at him before the two made their way inside. Shikamaru was a good friend. Like a best friend. Naruto will remember this loyalty later.

The demon of the village. His daughter had reached a new low for her useless life. Hiashi watched from across the street, some blocks away at his oldest daughter. Hinata and her new…family. The Nara and his new, loud wife. Ruining the Nara and Yamanaka family relations and…that fucking demon brat.

What was she thinking? Hinata. If anything Hiashi could say he raised her right in knowing to not find her own suitor. He knew she couldn't even do that right. Was she even pure anymore?

Hiashi frowned even deeper. This was becoming annoying, and a bigger problem for him by a useless offspring of his. Action would have to be taken now. Anbu was one thing but being with the nine tails host. A nobody. That was a bigger problem that he could not allow.