Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Two Of A Kind ❯ Two of a Kind ( Chapter 1 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Two of a kind


"I love you... But I am unable to tell you... My heart pounds when you’re near and when you look toward me, I blush. We are two of a kind. I am not worthy of you... because you are a fighter. I am nothing... I will never change... At least, that’s what Neji tells me..."

A young Hinata wandered the desolate streets of Konoha. It was dark out; the only light was the soft glow of the moon.

Her heart felt heavy as she thought about the one person whom she truly loved and admired, Naruto. It hurt her deeply knowing what that poor boy's been through, but it hurt her more to know, she would soon betray him.

Hinata looked up at the dark, royal blue sky. She let out a heavy sigh then to look ahead, a shadowy figure coming into focus. She knew who it was. It was the one like her. A boy she deeply adored even though she knew, she might never feel his adoration in return.

She walked ahead, her eyes once more meeting the hard ground. She felt the boy's eyes digging into her head as she walked. That made her blush lightly. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder, and soft breath against her ear. Her body froze and her breath was caught in her throat as his words slid across her mind.

"We are two of a kind."

Hinata didn't quite exactly understand what he meant. They WERE different... But she didn't understand how they were alike. He was powerful; she was weak.
He had a life of torture and grief; she had the cushy life at the head of her clan. He was something; she was nothing.

She felt a silent tear fall from the side of her eye. She felt his hand on her chin, raising her face to his.

"You're not meaningless." He said, as if reading her thoughts. "You have something to prove to this world. You are someone, someone very special to me. Never forget that..."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was she dreaming? Was her mind just giving her some excuse to live? It felt real. She felt both his hands now softly grasping her shoulders. She gasped as she felt his breath now mingling with hers. She braced herself.

"Don't listen to him. His words are empty... Never change... You're perfect the way you are..."

He let her go and slowly slid away into the darkness. He looked back at her, his eyes filled with warmth and a smile that would kill all the girls in Konoha. She melted in his eyes, a smile slowly creeping over her face. She waved slightly and showed him that soft smile, her eyes filling with love... for him. If only he knew... If only.

As he faded into the darkness, she felt a new feeling surge through her little body. She felt worthy of him. She knew her purpose. To prove, not only to Neji, but to everyone, she is strong, but also determined. She will prove it.

"Bye Sasuke..." She whispered, letting the wind carry her words away.
--

Sasuke woke bleary eyed, as if he'd been up all night. He didn't exactly recall what had happened the night before, but he knew something had to have happened if he felt THIS tired. He greeted the morning with unusual laziness. He lay on his futon with his blanket draped over his tired body. He didn't want to train today, but he knew he had to. Kakashi-sensei had told him he’d be training both him and Naruto for the third phase of the Chunin exams. He’d also been told that Sakura would be there also, even though she did fail the preliminaries.

He rose with a glazed look in his eyes. He did what he usually did in the morning: dressed, ate, and left, heading toward the bridge where Naruto and Sakura usually waited for the Sensei.

He took his sweet time getting to the bridge though, seeing as random girls on the street kept asking him to go out with them or to talk or something stupid that the girls wanted. One girl out of the ordinary though, approached him as she usually did Naruto.

Hinata approached him, looking down slightly, and blushing. Sasuke couldn't help but smile at the girl. She was cute that way, so silent, so shy; it was he liked most about her. He could barely hear Hinata as she spoke to him. The most he could make out was, "H-hello Sasuke..."

He let out a soft chuckle and lightly grasped her chin, lifting her face to his, getting full view of her soft blushing cheeks. He smirked and a girl seemingly far away squealed. He rolled his eyes and moved his face close to hers, their lips almost touching. Hinata blinked and blushed, giving him an innocent smile. Sasuke chuckled again. "Meet me at the edge of the forest... I have something important to tell you."

Sasuke let go of her and smiled at her slightly, walking off toward the bridge. Hinata felt her heart pounding. She turned and ran off to prepare for their meet tonight.

Hidden in the shadows, Neji spied his little cousin. He spat at the ground as he watched Hinata get seduced by the young Uchiha. He slid into the shadows, a scheming look in his eyes. "You will die soon enough… Disgraceful heir… "
--
Hours Later…

Hinata brushed her hair, letting it flow right above her shoulders. She wore something she never thought she'd wear, a short black skirt and a soft purple shirt with long sleeves. She neatly smeared on bloody red lipstick she'd borrowed from her sensei. After she finished touching up her face, she slid on fishnet stockings, only to be followed by a pair of black, high heeled boots. She quickly glanced at the mirror and stopped, the glance turning into a stare. She didn't look as timid or as reserved as before. She looked like a night creature. It frightened her, yet gave her a shiver of excitement. She was ready. She headed toward the door, but then turned. She opened a drawer and pulled out two kunai knives. Carefully, she tucked them into her boots. Her heels clicked against the hard wooden floor. It made a mischievous smile slide across her face. She left the house, only to be seen in the clear eyes of her cousin.

She made her way across the deserted streets of Konoha. No one was usually out at night, except maybe the occasional Gaara or that weird perverted sensei. She made her way through the forest. It was a long walk, and her boots were wearing her down. She sighed and tried to continue as quickly as she could, seeing as the sun had gone down more then a half hour ago. She winced as she walked, the kunai slicing at her ankles. She took the pain and continued through the forest. She was going to see him no matter what. This was for love. Love will take my pain away…, She thought.
--
Neji wandered around the Hyuuga mansion, where Hinata supposedly was staying at, and then he remembered something about her staying at her sensei's place. He stayed quiet, not wanting anyone to sense his presence. He wandered the streets of Konoha, his hands in his pockets. Then, he saw the dolled up Hinata leave a small house. A small vein popped out from the side of his eye, but not because of the Byakugan. Disgraceful... He thought angrily. His thoughts wandered in deep hatred of his cousin. She had everything being the head of her clan, yet she didn't want it. He wanted that life. He wanted to be in control of their clan. He wanted to be the heir. He was powerful. Hell, he had almost killed her during the Chunin preliminaries. If he could, he'd go after that little brat who was supposedly "stronger" then Hinata.

His hands were clenched into fists. He wanted power and he wanted it badly. He wanted her death, even at the expense of banishment. He didn't care if the villagers of Konoha overthrew him. He wanted them all dead. Every last one of those no good, stuck up bastard’s dead, starting with that damn dirty girl. No... He thought, I should keep the girl alive... Tie her down and make her watch me kill the clan... He shook his head, trying to calm his thoughts. I will not kill... I will not kill… He kept repeating that in his mind until he calmed, then he followed the lovesick Hinata into the forest. He took a couple of deep breaths and hid in the shadows, the only visible part of him were his eyes. His pupils stood out in the dark, like small stars that had gotten lost in the forest. He blended into the darkness like a quiet child in a crowd. Hopefully, she couldn't see his eyes in the darkness. His hands were cold and clammy as held onto a tree, hiding in its shadow as the moon cast a soft, comforting glow. His mind once more wrapped around the power-hungry thoughts.
--
Sasuke waited by the edge of the forest, looking down the mountains edge. He waited for Hinata patiently. He’d wait all night if he had to. He‘d always known that she was lovesick over Naruto, but, since this afternoon, he’d gotten an impression that she felt his unknown love. Somehow, she just felt it. That made him smile.

A soft rustling of leaves made him turn. His breath was caught in his throat. Hinata looked… different, but not in a bad way. She looked like a vampire, a beautiful creature of the night, only to be seen in the soft glow of the moon. It almost gave him a nosebleed. His heart was racing as she approached him. She looked magnificent. He stood, and walked over to her. He embraced her, his arms wrapped around her torso. He felt her chest press against him and it made him blush slightly.

All this made him feel oddly… happy. He had never hugged, let alone show this much affection toward someone before. It made him shiver with an abnormal sense of comfort, love and… joy. He felt happy. For the first time in a long time, he felt happy.

He leaned down and softly let his lips graze hers, making her blush madly. She was cute. His eyes soon would dart from each edge of the forest. He felt another presence.

"Hinata..." He said in a low voice, his eyes staring directly into the eyes of the shadow. "He followed you..."
--
Hinata's eyes widened as she realized who her beloved was looking at. She scrambled behind Sasuke and her eyes closed. She did her hand signals and her eyes opened with a fierce glow. Small veins appeared at the side of her eyes as she was staring directly into Neji. She gritted her teeth, watching her cousin with building anger. He'd tried to kill her once before, and she knew he'd want to try and do it again, but there had been a flaw in his plan: the unknown love of Sasuke Uchiha.

Her hands balled into fists and she stepped in front of Sasuke confidently, making the young Uchiha take a step back, his heel at the edge of the cliff. She took a fighters stance, readying herself for her Gentle Fist taijutsu.

"I love you, my brother. You know I do. But family or not, If you get in the way of my love, I will kill you." Her voice was confident and strong. It almost scared herself a bit. She was holding her ground, taking a stand for the boy she loved. It was almost like a new personality feature she'd recently gotten.

Thinking back on it, if she was still head over heels for Naruto, she'd still be the silent little girl he thought was weird. She'd still be alone, a nobody. Nothing to this small world but that unknown girl that likes the 'Future Hokage.' Now she felt like someone, because she felt love for someone who loves her in return. She is strong. She can fight him, for her love was stronger then anything.

"Face it, Hinata. You're weak. You will always be weak. No matter what you do, no matter how you may change your appearance, or your attitude for life, you will always be weak. Its time to face the facts, this boy just wants your innocence for his little game..."

Hinata glanced back at Sasuke, whose fists were clenched tightly. He stood by Hinata, his eyes now red and black. She thought it made him look cute, but now, anger replaced the soft eyes he looked at her with. It made her stomach twist, but most importantly, made her blood boil.

He hadn't done anything for Neji to say such things. Maybe he was losing it... He had seemed a bit off since the prelims, but she wasn't really sure what had gotten him so... crazy. It puzzled her, but with his new attitude toward her and her love, it also made her clench her fists until the veins popped out of her wrists.

"I'm not like that..." Sasuke said in a low voice, his head low. He stood by Hinata, his head slowly rising. His eyes burned through Neji, as he slowly pulled out of the shadows, an odd glitter of bloodlust in his eyes.

Hinata shivered. His gaze was hypnotic, and though her Byakugan was supposed to see through his through his chakra central and his soul, she couldn’t understand what this bad feeling was. He stood tall, his smile was eerie, and his eyes were filled with a hunger for what she thought was blood. It felt as if... He wanted death. She took a slight step back and he caught it.

"You're scared aren't you?" Neji smirked, his eyes wandering over her body. "Just wait until I take out your little boyfriend here. Then you'll get to witness what I'll do to the clan..."
--
Sasuke felt a sharp pain go through his very soul as he heard Neji speak. He'd seen this before, and he knew what would happen to the Hyuuga clan if he didn't get rid of Neji now. He avoided Neji's gaze, knowing he was going to use the ever famous "Gentle Fisted" combat he had used on his beloved Hinata. He looked away quickly, seeing as he could see right through him with that Byakugan of his, but to his surprise, Hinata had gotten to him first.

She had aimed for, what he believed, was a core points in the chakra central, but, to her displeasure, once she hit him, a could of smoke appeared, his body replaced by a log.

A replacement jutsu?! I should have seen that coming... But now... Where is he?...

The young Uchiha looked around frantically, praying to every god he’d heard of that Neji hadn't gotten to Hinata yet. The smoke had yet to clear, and though all this, he had yet to realize, his Sharingan had subsided. In his frantic worry over his young lover, he hadn't tried to use his Sharingan. He heard a soft gasp, and a muffled scream. He felt as though his heart had stopped.
--
Hinata's eyes widened as she felt Neji's cold hand over her mouth. She struggled helplessly, until the smoke started clearing, and she saw the kunai he was pressing against her neck. She screamed at the top of her lungs, hoping Sasuke would hear. He pressed the kunai deeper, and she almost felt it tear her skin.

As the smoke cleared, so did the image of Sasuke. She looked into his eyes fearfully. His eyes were filled with anger, and worry. It made her heart break, knowing that he was worried about her, whether she lived or died. She hadn't felt anything but fear since they’ve connected. She knew this would eventually happen so... It wasn't much a surprise. The heir of the Hyuuga clan is running off with the youngest and, probably, last Uchiha. It wasn't a secret that a member of a lesser branch was trying to destroy the 'heir' as he called her. Though she was worried about the 40 cm kunai pressing against her neck, she knew what he wanted. If she could, she'd give him what he wanted.

Though she'd never witnessed it, she knew the main branch of the Hyuuga clan looked down on the lesser branches with disgust. They laughed at them, knowing they'll never measure up to their standards. Though the other members of her main looked down at the clan with disgust, she looked at them with pity. She saw the power hungry flame in their eyes, and it broke her heart. So many of people, all of the same clan, fighting for the praise of the head of the main branch. All searching for praise. All working for a good reputation. Not wanting to end up 'that disgraceful clan from Konoha.' Though gladly, they were glad they didn't end up as sad as the Uchiha clan.

She felt a soft pierce in her neck, then felt something slowly sliding down, onto her collar bone, and onto her soft purple shirt. She felt like screaming but her breath was caught in her throat. She looked toward Sasuke helplessly, her eyes welling with tears. She knew he was going to kill her, but she wished it wasn’t in front of Sasuke.

As tears slid down her face and as a droplet of blood crawled down her skin, she remembered the kunai she had tucked into her boot. She had one chance. If she moved quickly, without Neji’s knowledge, she’d have a chance of freedom, but if he caught her in the act, her throat would be slit. She took that chance, and quickly, she pulled up her leg slightly and grabbed the kunai, aiming for Neji’s side.
--
Neji smirked as he heard the young heir’s soft cry. It made a small shiver of pleasure run up his spine. His Byakugan was still in effect, and he saw through Sasuke’s soul. He saw fear, hatred, and love. Despicable… That boy has nothing on his mind except revenge, hate, and this pathetic girl. He should only achieve what needs to be achieved… Instead of wanting this pitiful excuse of a being… His thoughts were soon interrupted by a sharp pain in his side. Hinata had moved. Why hadn’t he noticed? Why hadn’t he sunk the kunai in her neck when he had the chance? His vision started to blur, and he started to fall backward. He held onto his side, trying to pull out the kunai that’d been thrust into him. He had no luck pulling it out. It was jammed deep into one of his internal organs. Blood poured onto his hands as he fell backwards. He landed on the hard ground, his head slightly leaning off the edge of the cliff. He felt lightheaded, the pain in his side immense. His eyes closed, and he no longer felt the presence of his cousin, or the Uchiha. All he felt, was the pain in his side, and the burning loneliness in his heart.

He felt alone. No one was going to help him now, especially not his family. Power… wasn’t as important to him now. As he lay there, dying, his mind lived to its fullest extent, playing how his life would have turned, if he had gone on the massacre he wanted. It would be a replay of the Uchiha clan, no one living except him and Hinata. Well… it would be just like the Uchiha clan, except the little detail of killing the heir. He probably would end up a member of Akatsuki, probably become an S-class ninja, Akatsuki‘s number one assassin, then be KIA during a massacre. The story in his mind continued. What would have happened if he DIDN’T go on the rampage? He would have loved, lost, and then loved again. He would have become a Chunin. Probably become a part of the deadly ANBU black ops and had a few children to carry on his talents, bloodline and, of course, his Byakugan. His life would be near perfect, if he had only forgotten about this rage toward the main branch. He would still have his feud with Lee, but still, if he had only forgotten about his thirst for the heir’s blood, he’d at least live to see tomorrow.

As he lay on the ground, he spoke his final words clear.

“Hinata… I… I’m sorry…” he spoke softly, still clutching the kunai. It was driven so deep, it reached his stomach. The only part that stood out was the ring. He coughed up blood, and then went motionless.
--
Sasuke watched as Neji coughed out a large amount of blood. He knew he was dead, but he hadn’t figured something. How could a mere kunai knife kill this all-powerful genius? He pondered that thought until Hinata rested her head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her and softly kissed her cheek.

They spent the night there, well, after they buried Neji and said a prayer among his behalf. Sasuke, after hearing Neji’s last words, got a crazy thought. He thought that Neji would have wanted the two to be together. He would’ve wanted it. Somehow his mind clarified that thought, and they spent the night together, looking up at the moon, his arm wrapped around her waist.

They let their legs hang off the side of the cliff. They were staring up at the glowing moon. He blushed as Hinata turned to him, and softly kissed his cheek. Her voice comforted him, though at the same time, made him nervous.

“Sasuke…” Hinata said in her usually shy voice. “W… What was it that you wanted to tell me?…”

Sasuke turned to her and blushed. He smiled warmly.

“…I love you.”
--
Hinata blushed as he kissed her quickly. She gave him a surprised gaze. Those words he had said… It was unbelievable. She looked deeply into his eyes, his beautiful dark eyes that shimmered in the moonlight.

“I… I love you too, Sasuke…” And with all the courage she could muster, she leaned forward, and kissed him deeply.
--
The next month went as planned. Sasuke had taken the Chunin exams and passed successfully, while Hinata stayed a Genin. They had their moment of love, and even then nothing had changed their attitudes. Sasuke was still on his way to killing the remainder of his clan, and Hinata was still shy and quiet, but now paranoid. She had been trying to hide the fact that Neji was dead. The Hyuuga clan had officially announced that he went MIA from his last mission. That lie made Hinata a bit more paranoid then she usually was but she learned to deal with it.

Every night she paid her respects to Neji. The first night she visited his grave, she was surprised to find three beautiful purple lilacs resting on his grave. She knew who was here before her, and that made her smile. She placed the small tiger lotus onto his grave and looked up at the sky, the clouds a soft gathering around the moon. It was a beautifully calm night. She dug in her pockets carefully and pulled out a handful of sunflower petals. She showered his grave with them, for when the morning would come, the wind would carry the petals toward the sun.

She felt another presence. She knew who it was, so didn’t bother turn around. She faced the moon with confidence, and a forlorn expression. Would they ever have a night of love again? Would they ever express their love in public? Or would everything stay the same? Her mind was filled with questions.

“Don’t ever forget what I told you, Hinata…” She heard her lover whisper. She turned sharply, looking around the edge of the forest. She looked around, but no matter how hard she looked, she couldn’t see him. She closed her eyes, did her hand signs and opened her eyes. Veins slithered out from the side of her eyes and she looked through the forest, her eyes were almost like heat vision. She saw a couple of snakes, a bunny, and an owl, but not her Sasuke. It was almost as if his words were being carried by the soft breeze. She left his grave, her heart feeling heavy once more.

As she walked back to Konoha, she was deep in thought. Her lover hadn’t spoken to her since their meet, though at certain times, she swore she’d seen him take a passing glance at her. Maybe we’ll meet again… Maybe we won’t… Only time will tell… Right, My dear Sasuke? She thought with a little smirk as she looked toward her smiling Sasuke as they entered the village. She grabbed onto his hand and softly kissed his cheek, as he guided her into the village. Only time will tell… She thought. Only time will tell…