Hi every. It's an early update. And a really really long chap. Over 5.5k words!! Don't you love me?

So I've assembled few pics of how Kurama would look like in his human form. Also Naruto travelling with him by his side.

Okay,on with the chap.

Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto.

They said dragons were bad. That one should stay away from them. They also said that dragons hurt people without a reason because they were evil, cruel.

There was once a time that the little girl used to believe all that. Would cower in fear at the mention of their name. That's why the moment her eyes had landed on the dragon back in that cave, she had run away.

But why was it that she felt so bad for doing what she did? Maybe because the dragon hadn't turned out how she thought he would yet she had treated him like a monster.

She could still feel his warmth, could still remember how his wing had wrapped her body that night. She could even remember nuzzling close to him to protect herself from the cold. She wasn't very scared of him back then.

So why was she scared when she awoke? Was he attempting to hurt her? Was he being the monster everyone  thought him to be?

The answer was a big NO.

That was why she was feeling so bad about how she acted. Seriously, she should have thanked him for taking care of her through out the night.

Well she could do it now, couldn't she?

So it was decided. She was gonna see him no matter what. No matter what everyone else called him. No matter what she called him. He wasn't bad. She was sure.

Because that night, beneath that scaly skin, she had heard  a heart beat.
____________

The heavens were crying. They were crying along with Itachi. It was a good thing they were because he didn't want anyone to know that he was capable of this act. It was their secret, Itachi's and heavens'. And they were good at keeping secrets.

The rain poured over Shisui's coffin, singing him a lullaby to put him to eternal sleep. Itachi stared at the coffin. Any moment now and he'd wake up.

It was time to hand him over to earth, to mother nature. He could rest peacefully in her lap for eternity.

Alright Shisui, time to wake up.

His coffin was being lowered into the grave. His friends sobbed, loved ones cried. They offered him flowers and prayers.

They mourned over the loss of their prince.

Itachi cried at the loss of everything.

"Oye Shisui. "He yelled, kneeling down at the edge of his grave. "This isn't funny anymore. Wake up already. "

Whispers. There were whispers saying that the young prince had lost it. He had finally lost it.

Yet another addition to his list of 'losses'. It didn't make any difference though.

"Shisui! If it's some sort of riddle you want me to solve, I'll do it. Just wake up. "His voice finally cracked.

His father-the king finally stepped in, all dignity and calmness. "On your feet, Itachi. I do not expect this show of weakness from you. You are a prince, act like one. "Itachi simply stared at his father. Of all the people, his father should have understood him. He had gone through the same thing. He knew what it was like to lose someone precious. Yet he acted like he didn't care at all.

Itachi stood up, without a word of protest. He watched silently till the end. Someone had offered him an umbrella but he turned it down with a polite 'no, thank you'. Because he could bite his tongue and prevent his lips from forming words, but he couldn't stop those tears from leaving his eyes.

Silently, he cried with the heavens.
...

"NO! Absolutely not! I will not present Itachi to those wretched Hyuugas on a silver platter. We have already lost two kings. I will not allow another one to die, my son or not. "Fugaku yelled.

"So you want us to do nothing while they kill our kings one after another? Let them think that we are cowards who won't avenge their kings? Is that what you want, Fugaku? One of the senior councilman spoke.

Ever since the death of Shisui, the Uchihas were planning revenge on Hyuugas. Hyuugas had killed their king. Now it their turn to lose.

An eye for an eye.

An heir for an heir.

But Fugaku wouldn't agree with the council. They wanted Itachi, his son,  to sneak into the Hyuuga mansion and kill their heir. 

An assassination mission.

Not that Fugaku doubted that Itachi was not capable of doing so. Itachi was strong. One of the strongest fighters of their kingdom even if he was only fourteen. But it was too dangerous. Fugaku had already lost too much. He wasn't going to lose his son.

"There are many capable fighters in our kingdom. We can send any of them. Why must it be Itachi to serve vengeance? "

"For the honor of this kingdom Fugaku. And did you not send Shisui on a similar mission? So why are you suddenly against it now?  Because this time your son is involved? "

Fugaku glared. If only he could fire the old geezer. "What Shisui was assigned with and what you're asking of Itachi are two completely different tasks. I didn't ask Shisui to kill their heir. He was suppose to lead his troops. "The Uchiha king tried to explain. He had wanted him to know the pros and cons of being a king. That's why he had sent him to experience what it was like in a real battle. Shisui was a very smart child. But he had lead a sheltered life. After his father's murder Fugaku done every thing to protect him. But he needed that experiance to lead a kingdom. Unfortunately, he was killed before he could even reach the border. The Hyuugas had retreated immediately after his death so perhaps it was a trap to lure and kill him. Not to mention seven royal knights along with him.

Fugaku got up. "We're done here. And I'm not listening another word about this ever. "With that, he left.
...

"Akihiko-san. "Itachi approached the elderly councilman. "I accept the task."

"Pardon? "The older man replied.

"I want to avenge Shisui 's death. "Itachi stated.

"The king won't agree. "

"He won't know. "

Akihiko noded. "Very well than. "
...

An eye for an eye.

An heir for an heir.

That's what the elders believed. Elders who were wise. Elders who were always right.

There was once a time when Itachi believed them too. Now standing before the Hyuuga heir, he wasn't sure anymore.

The child slept peacefully, chest rising and falling in rhythm. Itachi sat down near the tiny form, not taking his eyes off for even a second. Could he really do it? Take the life of this small creature in the name of revenge, when this creature had nothing to do with it?

No. It wasn't.

But he couldn't back down either.

He stood up and unsheathed his sword. The blade shone in the little light that filtered through the open window.

They said that revenge tasted sweet.

To him, it tasted bitter.

Blood spilled on the floor.

The next day, Hyuugas mourned over the loss of their heir.
_____________

"W-what's this? "The bluenett inquired, taking the box from Naruto's hands.

"It's for the performance." He replied, watching her as she took the lid off to take a peek inside. She gasped audibly at the item it contained.

It was a beautiful lavender gown decorated with embellishments that shone in the light. The thing she loved the most about it was its long flaring skirt. She couldn't wait to put it on.

"It'll look nice on you. "He stated, scratching the back of his head and a blush tainting his cheeks. Yes, he liked someone else but that didn't change the fact that he thought Hinata was beautiful. And he couldn't help but imagine her in the dress. She would look... breathtaking.

Stupid, stupid baka! What are you thinking? Naruto mentally smacked his head. Composing himself, he asked, "So do you like it?" Not that he had anything better to give her.It had already cost him alot. But he wanted to get her something nice. Something she'll quite like. She was helping him out with his play for free. So he he wanted to repay her somehow.

"I love it, senpai. I-it's beautiful. "She stated with awe. As a child she always wanted a gown. Not that the kimonos Nii-san bought her were any less beautiful, but she always wanted one of these dresses. Her friends said it made one feel like a princess.

Naruto smiled. "Good, it's yours. "

Hinata stared wide eyed before flashing him a smile. She was afraid to go on the stage, being all shy and whatnot yet she wanted to perform just to put the dress on.

That is until she found out that Uchiha Sasuke would be a part of it.

I don't t-think that I should be playing the p-part of the princess, senapi ." She didn't want to be around him. Her brother had strictly told her to stay away from people like him. "They are dark people, Nata. They don't have any light of their own so they'll try to take yours. "

"Non sense. You're the perfect princess I could ever find Hina. Besides we have to do this together. You, me and Kurama. Isn't that right, buddy? "He asked the beast who simply shrugged.

"But-but I don't think I can do it. "She wanted to get away without hurting his feelings.

"Please Hina. Don't do this to me. "Naruto pleaded."you're the only one I've got. Don't leave me in the middle of all this. Pretty please with sugar on top."

Hinata sighed. There was no escaping this. They were short on both time and people. And she couldn't leave her friend when he needed her the most.
...

She stared at the eye mask she held in her hands. It would keep my eyes covered. She'd have to keep her light hidden.

"T-tadaima." She stated weakly, with absolutely no hint of her ever present enthusiasm.

"Okaeri, Nata."Nii-san stated, emerging from the kitchen wearing an apron. He had a smile etched to his face that quickly disappeared once his eyes landed on her downcast head. "What's wrong? "He inquired.

Hinata shook her head. "N-nothing's wrong. Every t-thing's j-j-just fine. "She cursed the stutter in her voice that gave her away.

Nii-san sighed. "Were those kids at school teasing you again? "He could read her like an open book. She gave him a timid nod. He sighed again"Hinata, why do you let it bother you? "

"I-I can't help it Nii-san. T-they s-s-say my e-eyes are s-scary a-and I l-look s-stupid. "She mentioned between sobs.

Nii-san pulled her in a hug. "And you believed them? "

"I d-don't want t-to. But it's n-not just them. E-every one's saying it. T-they say it's n-not normal. "She rubbed her blurry eyes.

"Even when I keep telling you that you're pretty, you believe them over me. "He said, pretending to be hurt.

"N-no. I believe you more Nii-san. "She replied, earning her a smile.

Nii-san was quiet, as if deep in thought before saying. "Nata, I've never told you but I think it's time you knew about the secret of your eyes. "He stated with utter serousness.

"Secret of my eyes? "She stared at him, her distress, forgotten.

He noded. "You see, Nata everyone's made of something like Shizuka-san, whose made of kindness and Mr, Gardner whose made of, well, umm... flowers. "He told her. He sounded really stupid and he was sure Hinata won't buy it even if she was only six.

Fortunately, she did. "Ooh. That's why he likes f-flowers so much. "She seemed to be deep in thought. "Ne, Nii-san, what am I-I made of? "She asked.

"I was getting to that. You see you, Nata, are made of light. "

"R-really. "

"Yes. God made you with the light from moon and cinnamon buns from Nanami-san's shop. You can ask her if you want. "

She looked surprised but happy. "I-is this why m-my eyes are w-white, like the moon? "She asked.

"Uh-huh. "

"I am m-made of light. Light is pretty." She beamed. " When i-it's coming through the s-small holes in the w-window and those l-little sparkles f-flying in it, I-I think it's r-really p-pretty."

"Yes. So no matter what those kids say to you, don't ever doubt that you're pretty." The girl noded, happy with the new knowledge. "Come on let's get you something to eat. "He offered her, his hand which she gladly took. Together they walked into the kitchen.

"I'm made of light, Nii-san."She flashed him a toothy grin.

"And cinnamon buns. Let's not forget cinnamon buns. "

"I love cinnamon buns! "

"Good, because that's what I made for lunch today. "

She sighed again. She knew that it wasn't true what her nii-san said. There was no such thing as light or darkness inside of a person. It was just to convince her to keep a distance from certain people. She was a child than, it was easier to make her understand this way. Though it's been a while since she had grown out of it, however, she believed that there was a reason her brother wanted her to stay away from them. So she would comply. Her brother wanted to protect her from people like the one who almost hurt her during the festival. Like Sasuke. And if that's what her brother wanted, so would she.

She put on the eye mask and walked out of the dressing room to the grand hall where she could hear Naruto and Sasuke talking.

They paused once they saw her then Sasuke spoke. "What the hell is that thing? "

"It's an eye mask, I think. "Naruto answered for her.

"I know what it is. Why the hell is she wearing it? "Sasuke stated rudely. "What does it look like to you, a freaking costume party? Take it off. "He comanded.

"Oh come on, Sasuke. Let her keep it. Besides, it doesn't look half bad. "
Hinata's eyes shifted from Sasuke to Naruto and than back to Sasuke.

"Take. It. Off. "He gritted between clenched teeth.

A chill ran up Hinata's spine, listening to Sasuke 's authoritative tone. Sasuke could be quite... indimitating. And she knew there could be dire consiquences if she didn't listen to him. Her hands rose to remove the mask but she stopped. Would you let a guy like him push you around? You're not obliged to listen to him. Be strong Hinata, stand up for yourself . Her hands dropped on her sides.

"What are you waiting for? Take that damn thing off. "Sasuke commanded. Seriously, what was she thinking? Had she no fashion sense? That's all girls her age talked about. Fashion

"N-no. "She squeaked.

"What! "Sasuke said a little too loudly.

"I-I don't w-want to take i-i-it off. "She stuttered out.

"Oh you'll take it off alright or I'll make you. "Sasuke retorted. He took a step towards her making her back away instantly. His hand found its way to her face. Hinata gulped, feeling his cold fingers on her skin

Her heart thumped frantically against her chest. Her face turned a hundred shades of red. She squeezed her eyes shut as he slipped his fingers under the mask to tear it off, tears forming at the corner of her eyes for letting him push her around.

Feeling a, hand on his shoulder, Sasuke stopped. He turned to look at the culprit. "Sasuke. Don't. "Naruto stated with utter serousness, giving his shoulder a squeez. Sasuke stared at his friend. He looked so different without that ever-present-grin on his face. He'd admitt that he'd rather have his goofy friend than that stranger before him.

He retracted his hand and sighed. "Fine. She can keep it for now. But don't think I'll let her go on that stage with it."

Naruto smiled. "Thanks Sasuke." He told his friend who mumbled a whatever. He turned to his crew(that consisted only of Hinata and Kurama ). " Alright everyone. Let's get this over with. "

The practice continued for the rest of the day. They worked hard to perfect their performance for tomorrow , they'd be presenting themselves before the audiance.

Naruto fell on the ground with a thud next to Kurama. Every muscle of his body ached from over use but the smile on his face remained intact. "That was good, ne Kurama? "Naruto asked, smiling at his friend.

"Yeah, for once. "Kurama said in an attempt to piss his friend off but he was in too good a mood.

"Tomorrow is the day we'll be seeing each other. It's been years. I wonder if she'll even recognize me. "

"She will. "At any other time, he would have said something to extinguish the spark of hope inside of him just for a laugh, knowing that the idiot won't stop even still. But Naruto had worked long and hard for this and Kurama wasn't going to spoil it.

Naruto's stomach growled, demanding to be fed." Man, I am starving. Lets go get something to eat. "Ramen-chan, here I come. "Hey, where's Sasuke? And Hina? "He looked around. "Kurama, have you seen those two? "He asked his friend who simply shrugged." Oye! Sasukeeeee! Where are you! "He yelled at the top of his voice. There was no reply hence he assumed he didn't hear. So he set out to look for them.

"Hinaaaaaaa!! Hey where are you? "He asked searching all the rooms on either sides of hallway. His stomach let out another growl. "Oh come on guys. Come out. "

A scream echoed and Naruto was running in the direction of the sound.

That sounded like Hinata.
...

Sasuke followed Hinata to the dressing room. There was something off about the girl. She was too guiet, too reserved as if trying to hide something. But the thing he found most suspicious about her was she was absolutely friendly around Naruto and even Kurama, who didn't seem to stand the girl.

Quietly, he walked with several feet distance between them. She didn't seem to notice.

Sasuke wanted to hit his head with a wall. I'm acting so ooc. Following a girl ground, if anyone was to see, he'd think that Sasuke was some sort of stalker. Or a pervert who peeks on girls changing. No! I'm just curious, is all. But what am I looking for?

As if answering his question, the girl took of her eye mask, revealing her milky white orbs.

He froze at the sight of her eyes. His eyes widened as he stared at her.

Those eyes. Those disgusting eyes...

"Where's my nii-san, father? What did you do to him? "

"YOU! "He spat. Hinata, who had been oblivious of his presence, turned. She watch as his hand moved to the hilt of his sword that rested on the side of his hip. As if possesd he launched at her.

Screaming, she stepped out of the way just in time to avoid the blade. She tried to run but lost her balance at the last moment and tripped.

She watched as he approached her with slow steps looking utterly disgusted by her presence. Her eyes welled up.

I am sorry, Nii-san. I should have never-

He stood right before her, staring down at her with nothing but hatred in his eyes. The muscle under his eye was twitching. He was growling, she heard. He swung his blade sideways, eyes red and the tomoe in them spinning. He reminded her of a beast about to devour its prey.

In a sense, he was.

The blade rose in the air, she shut her eyes as the climax approached.

I guess this is it.

Nii-san. I'm sorry

A clash of metal against metal was heard. The pain she had anticipated, never came. She peeked open an eye to see... orange?

"What the hell are you doing, Sasuke? "She heard a voice.

Naruto-senpai!

"Trying to kill her, isn't that obvious? "Sasuke stated with absolutely no shame. "Get out of my way, Uzumaki. If you don't want to get hurt. "Naruto stood between Hinata and Sasuke, holding the raven haired prince back.

Naruto was pushing the blade back with a kunai in his hand, but Sasuke was just as strong. He wouldn't budge easily. "What the hell Sasuke , why?

"Are you blind Naruto? She's a freaking Hyuuga. Can't you see? "Yes, Naruto could. He had thought the very same thing the first time he saw her. But unlike Sasuke, Naruto wasn't driven by hatred to the extent where he would hurt someone just because he or she belonged to rival clan.

He hadn't gone through all that Sasuke had.

"She's not. Trust me. "That was a lie. Naruto wasn't sure. But if it was the only way he could get him off poor girl's back, so be it.

Sasuke pushed Naruto back. "Oh yeah. How do explain those ugly eyes than? "

Ugly eyes.

"Even when I keep telling you that they're pretty... "

Hinata slowly stood. She turned to leave, not even meeting eyes with the two of them. She had enough of it. Just now did she realize how tired she was.

"Where do you think you're going? I am no-ugh", a punch to his face and Sasuke ended on the cold wooden floor.

"What the hell Naruto? "

"Hinata. Go get some rest. You must be tired. "He told her nicely. Hinata didn't need to be told twice. She almost ran out of the room, holding back the onslaught of tears.

When Naruto was sure she was a safe distance away, he turned to his friend. "The hell Sasuke, what were you thinking? "

Instead of answering him, Sasuke shot a question of his own. "Why did you get in my way? "

"You were going to kill her, teme. I couldn't let that happen. "

"WHY? She's a fu*king Hyuuga! They don't deserve any mercy. "

Naruto couldn't believe his ears. His friend had totally lost it. "Do you even hear yourself. Just because she's a Hyuuga you think she deserves to die? "

"So you admit she's a Hyuuga. "Sasuke said.

Naruto sighed. "She's not Hyuuga Sasuke. I found her in this freaking kingdom. And last time I checked, they were allies with your people not the Hyuugas. Why would a Hyuuga be living in this kingdom? "

"For spying. "

Naruto sighed again. "Whatever Sasuke. I'm done convincing you. You're not laying a finger on her. She my responsibility. Got it. "With that Naruto turned to leave.

"They killed Itachi. "Naruto stopped in his tracks. It was said barely above a whisper, but he had heard it, Naruto tilted his head to take a look at his friend. He was looking away, refusing to meet his eyes. The blond couldn't help but feel sympathy for his friend. It wasn't easy losing the person closest to you. He loved his brother more than anyone in the world. And he knew why he was acting the way he was. Sasuke wasn't the type to act out of his emotions. But he could never bring himself to forgive those Hyuugas. Those Hyuugas who killed his brother.

"I know. But it's unfair to blame Hinata for it. It wasn't her. " Without waiting for a reply, Naruto left, leaving behind a very distraught Sasuke.
...

Hinata stared at her reflection in the mirror, stared at her milky white eyes.

"Oh yeah. How do explain those ugly eyes than? "

Sasuke's words repeated in her mind over and over again. Hinata always thought she wasn't very pretty. It was her nii-san who thought the other way and she wanted to believe him. But perhaps it was his love for his sister blinding him.

Nii-san...

Her eyes welled up. He was lost, maybe waiting for her to find him and here she was goofing around. She wiped her eyes with rim of her sleeve.

I'll find you nii-san. I promise.
...

"Oye Sasuke, you ready? "A very hyperactive blond asked the dark haired prince who simply hmphed in reply. "Are you still sulking Sasuke? Aw man, come on, don't be like that. We have a performance in a few minutes. "Naruto pleaded.

"You have a performance, not me. And leave me alone dobe. I'm not in mood. "Sasuke replied gruffly.

Naruto sighed. "Look, if it's about Hinata than-"

"Naruto, leave me alone. I'll do my part so don't worry."

"You think I'm worried about you backing out on me? Do you think so lowly of me? "The blond planted his hands on his hips. Sasuke didn't reply. He simply looked away. "Sasuke, I hate to bring it up but what happened to you're brother wasn't Hinata's fault. "

"I know. "Sasuke didn't look angry. He was just.. sad.

"Than why? "

"I just can't... they remind me of him. I can't forgive what they did to him."Sasuke whispered.

Naruto sat down next to his friend. "You know Sasuke, you and her are very much alike. "He mentioned after a few moments of silence.

Sasuke glared at him. "I'm nothing like her. "She's weak and pathetic and a pushover.

"Deny all you want but she is. Do you know why she's travelling with me?" He asked. No reply from the raven head so he continued. "She's looking for her brother. "This seemed to have caught Sasuke's attention who finally decided to look at his friend. "Her brother's lost and she's looking for him. "

"How do you know? "Sasuke asked.

"She told me. "

"And you believed her. Leave it to you to go on trusting strangers. "Sasuke scoffed.

"She practically begged me and Kurama to take her with us, Sasuke. I don't think she would lie about something like that and for what? There's nothing she'd want from me. "

Sasuke didn't say anything. He simply stared at him.

"If there's anyone who can understand you, Sasuke, it's her. "

"What are you implying, dobe? "

"Nothing. I'm not implying anything. It's just... maybe you two should become friends."Naruto said, expecting a punch or a kick from the Uchiha prince.

Sasuke sighed. He got up. "I'm not befriending her. But I'll stay out of her way. However I can't say the same about others so here. " He thrust something in Naruto's hand. "If you don't want her to get in trouble. "Sasuke didn't wait to get out of the room. Naruto's speech was giving him a headache.

Naruto looked at the item in his hand. It was... a pair of contact lens. But why would he...

Than it all clicked.

He wanted to keep Hinata's identity hidden. Whether or not she was a Hyuuga, she did look like one and could get in trouble because of it.

Naruto smiled. As much as his friend tried to act cold and distant, deep down inside he had a heart that cared for others.
...
(A/n : the text in bold letters is the play Naruto and the team had been preparing for.)

Kurama flicked his red hair in a manner that left the fan girls squealing. His eye lids rose to reveal a pair of foxy eyes. He smiled devilishly at the blond kneeling before him with exhaustion." Is this all? I'd say I'm disappointed in you. I expected more of a fight from the great wizard. "

The wizard looked up at the creature that called himself the king. Slowly, he stood up, frown never leaving his face, proof of his undying spirit. "The fight isn't over yet. "He announced before busying himself with forming the seals. A pop and a lot of smoke later, several clones of the blond wizard stood over the stage.

There was complete silence in the hall. The audiance was left completely speechless. Never had they seen anything like it. Sorcery mixed drama-now that was a rare combination, but not a bad one.

They watched as the wizard did his very best to free his beloved hime from the clutches of evil king Kurama-the beast. But Kurama was too strong. However, with sheer will and 'power of love' he was able to defeat the beast. The overgrown fox fell with a thud on the grown, unable to move. "Give it up, beast. You have lost. Tell me where hime is, or I- ", the wizard stopped mid sentence as he heard the king chuckle. His laughter grew louder and louder. "If I can't have her, " He declared, "nobody shall. "

"Narutooooo!!!!! "He heard his beloved call for him. He looked around frantically to locate the source of sound.

"Hime! where are you my love? "He heard himself say. That's when he saw her in the window of castel's tallest tower. "Himeee!!! "

Dark chuckles could be heard. The audiance gasped as the demon king rose to his feet. "Look all you want, wizard, because this is the last time you'll ever see her. "

The pinketti shifted in her seat on the balcony to get a better view of the stage. She watched in horror as the beast formed several hand seals, preparing for the next spell. She gulped audibly. Her eyes followed the wizard, running in the direction of the tower, that held the love of his life. "Lady Sakura... Lady Sakura! "She zoned in, as if waking up from a deep sleep. The performance was just... she had no words to explain it. It felt like she was under a spell.

"What is it, Shizuka? "She asked, fixing her gaze on the stage once again.

"Are you all right? "The maid asked in concern.

"Yes I'm perfectly fine. And please do not call for me while I watch this. "Her attention was once again on the stage.

The wizard was struggling to get to his hime before the king did. She was calling for him, asking him to save her from this beast. But before he could get to her, a beam of light wooshed past him and in the direction of the blunette.

He watched with widened eyes as she got hit. Than suddenly there was smoke all around. Dark laughter echoed. Behind The curtain of smoke, the silhouette of the demon could be seen shifting. The wizard coughed and did some hand signs to clear the smoke. But when it did, his hime was gone. "Himeeeeeee!" He cried in agony.
...

"Look all you want, wizard, because this is the last time you'll ever see her. "This was his que. Sasuke quickly formed hand seals, preparing for a summoning jutsu.

Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram.

"Kuchiyose no jutsu. "He said out loud out of habit than anything else, slamming his hand on the ground. Several characters formed on the floor, arranged in a circle. Smoke erupted before he heard a gasp.

Hinata gulped in air, hungrily. Summoning jutsu can really take its toll on you. Hinata took her time to gather herself. She looked up at her summoner. Crimson eyes stared at her but unlike before, there wasn't hatred in them

Still she wasn't comfortable around him.

"W-when will Naruto-senpai summon me? "She asked for the umpteenth time.

"You'll find out when he will! "Sasuke snapped. This seemed to have shut her up. Finally, some quiet.

"I-I'll wait o-over there t-then. "She announced after a small stretch of silence. She was about to leave when Sasuke caught her wrist.

"Why is that you're absolutely comfortable around the dobe and his mutt while you can't stand me? " Sasuke asked pulling her closer to him.

"Be-because y-you're always y-y-yelling at me. "Hinata gently  uncurled his fingers around her wrist.

"So is Kurama, but you're fine around him too. "Sasuke replied. "Look, if there's something I hate more than a Hyuuga than its a lying Hyuuga. So don't even bother. I can tell a lie from truth. "I've spent my entire life surrounded by liars.

"I-if you really want t-to know than I'll tell y-you. My Nii-san told me to s-stay away from people l-like you. "She said in a moment of courage.

"Oh. And why would he do that? Maybe because he knew he'd get his ass kicked if he faced one. "He could only imagine his brother with same ivory skin and pupiless eyes.

"Dont you dare!"Hinata yelled, surprising Sasuke to no end. So she does have a backbone. "My Nii-san k-knew people like you are bad. T-that's why... that's why... "

Sasuke smirked. "You're Nii-san sounds like a smart guy." He took a step towards her making her back away. He smirked again, liking how she reacted, eyes wide, full of fear. He took yet another step making her back hit the wall. She tried to run but he slammed his hands right next to her head, on the wall, trapping her in between. "So give me a good reason why I shouldn't show you how bad I really am. "He wispered in her ear.

He expected her to whimper, to cry or cower with fear but nothing like that he saw in her eyes. She fearlessly stared back at him with her now indigo orbs, a scowl marring her features. "I have a brother o-out there, Sasuke-sama. He maybe l-lost but he'll find o-out if you h-hurt me. And y-you'll be answerable t-to h-him. "She stated with utter firmness. Her eyes showed that she really believed what she said.

She believed in her nii-san more than she belived in herself.

He hated her yet he envied that about her.

Nii-san I wish, you had given me something to keep believing in you.

He turned away from her unable to see her in the eye. "Be ready. Naruto would be summoning you any minute now. "He told her.

Hinata stared at his turned back, at how his shoulders slumped. He looked... broken. She wanted to ask him about it. She hadn't missed how he had looked at her at the mention of her brother. But before she could form any words, a blanket of smoke engulfed her. Sasuke turned to see her gone.
____________

I realized that I was dragging the whole play thing for too long now so I wanted to end it hence the long chap.

A bit of sasuhina in it. Tell me what you guys think.

Leave me some love please. Seriously I want to hear from you guys. All my chibi shy readers, come out come out wherever you are.

Until next time.

tayyabalaraib.