Chapter 2
No one tried, to read my eyes. No one but.. you.
°∘❉∘°
Sasuke and Hinata continued to train together ever since, they had a whole routine going on. They both came together early in the morning, starting with taijutsu, then shuriken training. They even began to learn jutsus together, like the shadow clone jutsu. They were both going to start the academy together in just a couple of days. They barely spoke, but there was a quiet understanding between them.
There was one thing that irked Sasuke though..
It was the fact that Hinata was constantly holding herself back, bringing herself down. Sasuke wanted a challenge and he knew Hinata could give it to him, but she refused. Not like she said no or anything, she just lacked the confidence to show her strength.
“What are you doing.” Sasuke said as used the back of his hand to swipe away the sweat on his forehead. Hinata froze, panting softly. She leaned forward, palms on her knees while her eyes were fixated on the dirt. Then, slowly she looked up, their eyes meeting.
“W-What..?” Her lips were slightly parched, her breathing was heavy. Sasuke looked at her for quite some time, clicking his tongue.
“Why are you holding yourself back?” Sasuke said as he took a seat on the ground. Hinata looked up, he was glaring right at her which made her uncomfortable.
“I-I’ve been.. doing my all..” Hinata sat down right across from Sasuke who groaned, “No you are not.” Sasuke got up and walked over to Hinata, hands on his hips.
“Come on Hinata, If I want to be stronger than my brother I’m gonna need your help.”
Hinata blinked at him, she couldn’t understand what he was getting at. They’ve been training together for a couple of months now, they will be entering the academy together in just a few days. But they didn’t know much about each other, they spoke very little when they took a break but it wasn’t enough to close the distance between them.
“My help..?”
They’d train together for months, never talking or getting to know each other, they were both just tolerating each other really. But here he was, needing her
“Yes, your help. We were put together to train to help each other, didn’t you know that?” Hinata finally looked up, facing Sasuke’s scowling face as he looked down at her.
She looked back down quickly, afraid of what kind of face he’d have next to her next words, “I d-don’t think.. I could help you Sasuke-Kun.. I’m not.. someone to rely on.”
Sasuke groaned loudly, grabbing and pulling her up, “It’s annoying hearing you talk like that.” Her knees wobbled as he pulled her up, but she didn’t fall.
“We’ve been training together for a couple of months, I’ve obviously felt your strength before,” Sasuke’s voice wasn’t cruel. But there was a clear frustration behind it and sharpness. “So stop acting like you’re some weak girl.”
“But.. Sasuke-Kun..”
Sasuke clicked his tongue again, “Hinata, if you’re just going to talk low about yourself instead of training with me then I’m going home for today.” Hinata’s eyes widened slightly, she did want to get stronger, she needed to become stronger. She knew that Sasuke could help her get to the state she needs to be in.
Sasuke was the only one, the only one who could help her. She could no longer go to Neji for help, not after the cruel way he would glare at her. And her father was at a much higher level than her. The only option she had left was Sasuke, Sasuke was closer to her level than anybody else. Well, obviously he was stronger than her.. but she needed someone anyway. Someone to encourage her to become stronger, someone to push her.
She didn’t know anyone else, being the heiress of the Hyuga clan restricted her from being friends with other kids. But she was given the opportunity to train with Sasuke, an opportunity she cannot afford to lose.
Just as Sasuke turned his heel to leave, he heard Hinata call out to him, “W-Wait! Sasuke-Kun.. I’ll.. I’ll try harder.” Sasuke paused, letting out a big sigh before turning around again to her.
For a moment, there was only the sound of wind rustling through the trees.
“Alright, you better not hold back.” Hinata nodded, getting her stance ready.
———
After training, Hinata and Sasuke would sit together right by the water, admiring the scenery peacefully. This was something Hinata looked forward to everyday after training, she loved to come back there and let her body relax and daydream about the future.
Sasuke too, he wouldn’t ignore Hinata but he would pay no actual attention to her when they both sat there. But her just existing right beside him..was enough
But today, there was a slight shift in the air as they sat together. Well, for Hinata that is. Sasuke didn’t think anything was wrong. But Hinata made it obvious on the discomfort she was experiencing, she fiddled with her hands and her sighs slipped out a little too loud.
Sasuke tried to ignore it, but it was almost hard to do so. So, finally Sasuke spoke up, “What is it?” Sasuke’s voice was flat. Hinata turned to him, “W-What..?” Her voice barely above a whisper.
“Don’t pretend there’s nothing wrong. You’re bad at hiding it.” Sasuke leaned in a bit forward to Hinata, slightly narrowing his eyes. He was searching in her eyes for answers.
“There’s nothing wrong?” Hinata looked away, ashamed that she had made it so obvious that there was something wrong. Sasuke groaned, rolling his eyes and pulled back. He let himself fall back to the grass, making a quiet thump sound. “Fine then, don’t tell me.” Sasuke closed his eyes, giving up on making Hinata talk.
Hinata felt bad for not saying anything to him, I mean they weren’t exactly close. They just train together without even actually saying anything to each other. But she still thought she had to tell him..
“It’s just.. we’re going to be starting the academy soon. In a couple of days..!” Hinata brought her knees up to her chest, laying her head on her knees.
Sasuke cracked one eye open and stared at Hinata for a second before sitting up again. “Yeah, So?” Sasuke watched with his one eye open as Hinata rocked herself, not replying back immediately.
“I’m.. a bit nervous about it. What if everyone else is stronger than me..?” Hinata’s words quieted down as she spoke. Sasuke pushed himself up, pointing his finger at her. Hinata turned her head to him.
“Hinata, you’re the heiress of the Hyuga clan aren’t you?” Hinata blinked but nodded her head slowly at him. “A heiress of a noble clan should not be afraid of some little kids.” Sasuke saw how close his finger was to her.
“A bunch of kids probably haven’t even learned how to throw a shuriken properly.”
Then, his hand moved on its own before he could stop it. Two fingers tapped her forehead gently. A gesture he learned from his older brother.
Hinata placed her hand on the spot he poked her at, rubbing it in confusion. “..What was that for?” Sasuke quickly got up on his feet, he looked up at the sky.
Hinata thought he was acting weird and she didn’t want to embarrass him so she didn’t question any further. Hinata got up too, looking at Sasuke as he continued to look up to the sky.
“We’re going to start the academy soon, I’m going to become the strongest.” At this point Sasuke wasn’t really talking to her, instead he was talking to himself.
Hinata opened her mouth to say something, but she was interrupted quickly. “Hinata-Sama, Let’s head out now.” Hinata turned her head and saw Ko running down the hill towards them.
“Ah.. Yes, I’m coming.” Hinata bowed her head to Sasuke, quickly running off to Ko’s side, gently taking his hand. Sasuke watched this scene happen, he stared at Hinata’s back until she couldn’t he seen anymore.
Sasuke knew that Hinata would be okay, but he would be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t at least a little worried for her. Maybe.. just maybe he could have a class with Hinata. And if that were to happen, he’d slide right next to her in class.
Sasuke kicked a rock on the way back home, scowling at the ground.
But he wouldn’t do this if she wasn’t in her class, or if she seems okay..
As Sasuke walked back home, he couldn’t help but get frustrated with himself. He couldn’t understand why he was being so overprotective? with her. Or.. Who knows. He doesn’t understand what he’s feeling.
The only excuse he had for feeling this way was the way Hinata was. She was a shy and timid kid, not to mention a bit of a crybaby. Who else was going to protect her if she couldn’t do it herself? Or maybe she was capable of doing this on her own.
Now that he really thought about it, maybe he did have to leave Hinata on her own. Maybe She could use this experience to become a more confident person. Maybe he was just going to leave her be.
There was one thing he was sure about though.
If she does end up alone, maybe I’ll let her sit with me. Just once
———
Hinata was hoping she could walk by her father and he wouldn’t say a word to her. But today, luck wasn’t on her side.
“Hinata.” Hiashi called out to her, Hinata immediately stopped her steps and turned her body towards him, her eyes were stubbornly on the floor. “Yes, Father?”
“Ko will be escorting you. On the first day you attend the academy.” Hinata bowed and was just about to walk away but to her surprise her father wasn’t done talking, “I as well, will be escorting you.” Hinata blinked at her father who had.. a softer expression than before. Usually he has this cold and stern look but this time, he seemed to be quite relaxed, her shoulders dropped a bit and she eagerly nodded her head, quickly running off.
But just as she was running off to her room, Hinata was pushed to the wall, nearly falling. She looked up and saw nurses and doctors running down the hall. Hinata held onto the wall, confused by the sudden commotion.
“The lady needs assistance, hurry!” Hinata’s eyes widened in horror, hearing the nurse yell that out caused something uneasy to build up in her chest. Hinata straightened her posture, quickly running to the same directions the nurses were going. But as she was running, she was swifted up. She immediately recognized the pair of arms, it was Ko.
“Lady Hinata, It’s best we don’t disturb the nurses.” Ko ran in the other direction, away from the nurses.” Ko made it to Hinata’s room and he placed her on the edge of the bed, squatting down to her level. “Lady Hinata, I want you to prepare yourself for the worst. But whatever happens, you must stay strong, okay?” Hinata’s hands were shaking by then.
Fat tears poured out of her lavender eyes then, she had no actual idea of what was going on with her mother but she thought it was bad. She knew her mother was going through some health problems after the birth of Hanabi, but Hiashi always told Hinata that her mother would be fine in no time.
Ko’s eyes softened, he placed his hand on Hinata’s cheek, squeezing it lightly before he leaned in, embracing her into a hug. A hug she much needed, she didn’t believe her father would be giving one to her.
“And, I will always be here— until you are ready to stand on your own.”
———
Sasuke was remembering how Hinata was during the recent training. He noticed how pale she had gotten, how skinny she got and the shine in her eyes was barely there anymore. Her physical appearance was not the only thing affected, but her mental health as well. She seemed less determined, less motivated and with every strike Sasuke did, it looked like she was going to cry.
Had he done something that caused her to be at an all time low? Sasuke knows he could be a little harsh sometimes but he didn’t think Hinata took it to heart. But she has to know that not everybody will always be so kind, the real and shinobi world is nothing but a cruel world.
Sasuke clicked his tongue, annoyed.. not at her. He hadn’t said anything to her. I mean, what would he say? Are you okay? He can’t just say that, it wasn’t like him at all. And it wasn’t like they were friends or anything, they just trained together.. That's all.
Sasuke was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn’t notice his mother calling for him.
Then, the door slid open, “Sasuke,” Itachi said. “Mother’s waiting.” Sasuke snapped his head and quickly left his room to go to the living room.
In the living room, Sasuke’s parents sat close. To the side Itachi was also there, he was just there to listen. Sasuke took a seat with everyone, feeling the sudden heaviness in the room.
Fugaku spoke first, “Sasuke, how have things been with.. Hinata. Has she been okay lately?” Sasuke opened his mouth to say something but his mother spoke first, picking up on what Fugaku said, “Yes, does she look drained? Tired?” Sasuke noticed the way his mother brought her hands up to her chest, he then noticed that there was a handkerchief in her hand.
Sasuke looked closely at his mother, noticing the redness around her eyes, a clear sign that she was crying. For some reason, Sasuke felt a sudden heaviness in his chest.
Sasuke looked down at his lap, clenching his fists, “Did something happen to.. Hinata?” Sasuke asked.
“No, don’t worry Sasuke. Hinata is okay. Well.. kind of.” Sasuke lifted his head. Mikoto pulled out an envelope, pushing it towards Sasuke. He blinked at it before reaching out, he opened the envelope and read it.
Suddenly, that heavy feeling in his chest disappeared.
“So, Hinata’s mom is.. dead?” Mikoto nodded, trying to hold back her tears but failed. She leaned over to Fugaku, letting her cries be muffled by his chest. Fugaku lightly patted Mikoto’s head, nodding his head.
Sasuke knew that his mom and Hinata’s mom were rather close, some would say best friends even. It was a valid reaction from his mother. He wanted to comfort his mother, but he felt too awkward to do so. “And.. we’re going to the funeral, tomorrow?” Sasuke questioned
Mikoto uncovered her face, wiping away her tears and nose with her handkerchief. “Yes, we were invited by the Hyuga. We must go.” Sasuke nodded and stood up, he headed his way out of the room until his mother spoke.
“Sasuke.. be there for Hinata, okay? I’m sure she’ll be there for you whenever you need it.” Sasuke froze mid-step, looking down then letting out a heavy sigh.
That strange heaviness returned. He didn’t turn around to face his mother.
“..I’ll see.” He muttered before walking away.
———
Sasuke spotted Hinata immediately, she wore a short black blouse dress. The entire Hyuga stood here today, just for her mother.
He noticed how she was holding the hand of some one-year old. She had mid-length brown hair, obviously a bit smaller than Hinata. The little girl seemed to not have a clue of what was going on.
The Hyuga compound was completely silent, almost completely silent. There were silent sobs heard from the other Hyuga members, prayers and sniffles.
Sasuke walked beside Itachi, keeping his eyes forward. They both noticed how their mother hadn’t said a word since this morning. The redness around her eyes darkened, cheeks slightly hollow.
Hinata continued to gently hold the hand of her little sister, Hanabi. If she could, Hinata would break down and cry for her sister. Hanabi deserved a mother, but that was taken away from her. She so desperately wanted to face her mother’s gentle smile again. Not a mere picture frame.
Sasuke’s eyes lingered on her, noticing that her bangs partially hid her face. She looked even more fragile than ever.
But yet, she didn’t cry.
Which surprised him.
He thought of Hinata as more of a crybaby, but yet she was there standing with a child holding onto her hand, not letting a single tear roll down her cheek.
In a matter of minutes, Sasuke’s family was up. Fugaku gave a bow to Hiashi. Mikoto stepped forward, leaning forwards, placing the lilies she had carried at the altar. A few tears ran down Mikoto’s cheek, she quickly turned away and turned to Hinata and Hanabi.
“You girls.. are so very strong.” Mikoto knelt down, hugging Hinata and Hanabi. Her head was in the middle of the two girls. Hinata didn’t know what to say but she hugged Mikoto back. Hanabi on the other hand, was a bit more confused, she didn’t push Mikoto away or hug her back.
Then Mikoto let the girls free, walking away sniffling.
Then, Hinata finally looked up.
Their eyes met, for just a second. Hinata’s lips quivered, quickly looking back down.
During the whole ceremony, Sasuke kept on stealing glances at Hinata. Seeing if he could spot a tear running down her chubby cheeks.
———
After the ceremony, guests left one by one. Sasuke’s family was outside, Mikoto was talking to Hiashi. Tears streamed down her face as she spoke to him.
Fugaku nudged both Sasuke and Itachi, signaling them to leave without them. They both nodded and left the adults alone.
But just as they were leaving, they passed through the tombstone that was right around the garden.
Then, he noticed her.
She was kneeling down, her tiny hand was on the tombstone. He noticed what she was holding onto with her other hand, a small bouquet of bellflowers.
Sasuke paused, watching as Hinata placed the flowers right beside the tombstone. It stuck out more than the other flowers.
He saw how her hand was trembling, lips quivering.
He didn’t know what he was doing, he took a step forward.
But then he stopped.
She has her dad. And other people.
But then he took another step.
What do I even say
Then another.
He stopped, he was just a few feet away from her now.
Hinata heard the footsteps coming towards her, she slowly turned her head. She didn’t say anything, just blinked at him.
Her eyes look glassy.. but
Hinata softly said, “..Hello, Sasuke-Kun.”
Sasuke shoved his hands into his pockets, not responding right away. He took a few steps forward, now he was right beside her, “Hey.”
He stared down at the flowers for a moment, then at Hinata, “Your mom was.. nice. I didn’t interact with her much but.. she was nice to me.” His voice got lower the more he spoke.
Hinata nodded, her voice was almost too quiet. “I’m glad.”
Then there was silence.
Hinata looked down at the ground, her eyes didn’t sparkle. Sasuke’s eyes lingered on her as she stared down at the ground, seeing if she would break.
And she did.
Sasuke saw her tear drops from her eyes hit the ground, he could hear her breathing become shallow. He noticed how her jaw clenched.
He looked around, seeing if anybody else was around.
Sasuke dug into his pocket, pulling out his handkerchief.
He knelt down beside her, putting his hand on her chin, lifting her face up. He lightly dabbed her area around her eyes and cheek with his handkerchief. And when he finished, he grabbed her hand, putting his handkerchief into her hand, forcing her to just take his handkerchief.
“We’re going to start the academy soon,” He stood up, “Try not to fall behind.” Sasuke turned his heel, leaving her alone now.
Hinata’s eyes were stuck on the back of his head, watching him leave, she muttered, “I’ll try.”
Sasuke made his way back to the gates of the Hyuga compound, finding Itachi leaning on the wall, waiting for him.
Itachi ruffled Sasuke’s hair playfully, “You’re a good kid, Sasuke.” Sasuke looked up at Itachi, puffing his cheeks up. “She’s a girl, girls are such crybabies.”
Itachi lightly laughed, “Not all of them are, be gentle with her, okay?”
Sasuke looked down at his feet, muttering, “Whatever.”