Chương 52: Chapter 52
-Hinata's POV-
Only after Matsuri insisted multiple times that she didn't require professional medical help did I accept it and drive her home. As I pulled into the driveway at home, nearly four in the morning at this point, tears were in my eyes in response to the pain my injuries caused. All the anger and excitement from earlier are gone and no longer numbing it.
I gritted my teeth when I turned off the car and looked down in the low light to see both of my hands were still bleeding, and they were the least deep scrapes, so I knew my face and knees were, too.
The moment I walked through the front door, Sasuke was in front of me with barely-guarded bewilderment as he looked over my appearance. As if seeing him broke the dam, all the terror from being attacked by not one but two men suddenly hit me, and I burst into tears. He seemed too stunned to react for a long moment but eventually grabbed my arm and pulled me along as he headed upstairs, gesturing for me to sit on the side of my bed.
After grabbing the first aid kit from the bathroom, he returned and knelt to closely inspect my knees, "Start talking."
He's livid. I can tell by the flexed state of his jaw and lack of emotion.
My face warmed as I stared down at my bloody palms and tried to stop my tears, "I-I told you. M-My friend asked me t-to pick h-her up."
Dark eyes glared up at me in disbelief, "You've got to be fucking kidding me, Hinata."
I shook my head, bringing my arm up to wipe my eyes into the crook of my elbow, "G-Give me a minute. I'm trying."
"Change your clothes."
I raised my head and saw him turn his back before looking down to realize he couldn't do much about the cuts on my knees with my ripped jeans in the way. Shaking like a leaf, I obeyed his request and changed into shorts and a t-shirt. When I gave him the go-ahead, he knelt back down and began dabbing the cuts with rubbing alcohol that stung like crazy.
As I watched, I realized I'd better suck it up and start talking because he's likely sitting there making terrible assumptions. "I should start at the b-beginning, I guess…." He nodded, not looking away from his task.
The tears falling down my cheeks got thicker and faster as I forced myself to admit that I'd lied, "A-At that party a couple weeks ago…It was H-H-Hidan."
Immediately, he froze and met my eye, "What did you just say?"
I nodded, doing my best not to break down, "I-I'm so sorry for not telling you the truth, b-but-" I trailed off, realizing I needed to backtrack or else he won't understand. "I walked in on him r-r…h-he was hurting someone and t-that's why he attacked me."
Those dark eyes widened further, and his voice was much louder, "What?"
He'll ask a million questions if I stop explaining now, so I forced myself to keep going. "I-It was Matsuri, the girl he was hurting. She's Sasori's ex-girlfriend." He absently began bandaging my now-disinfected knees. "I told Tenten, a-and she and I have b-been trying to convince Matsuri to testify against Hidan in court so we can turn him in."
Sasuke's mouth opened and closed a couple times as he obviously tried to figure out what to say, but he pulled my hands into his so he could begin cleaning the cuts there. Either way, he's obviously very hurt and angry that I'm just now telling him all this.
Before he could decide what to say, I continued, "M-Matsuri is who called me earlier. She said she was in trouble and stuck somewhere, so I went to pick her up."
His eyebrows rose, "You helped her, and she did this to you?" He gestured to all of me.
I shook my head, only realizing now that he would find out what Sasori's really like and would likely infer what happened to Sakura.
Please, Sakura, please, please, please forgive me for this.
"S-Sasori and H-H-Hidan did this. That's who she needed help getting away from."
Then Sasuke was on his feet, glaring down at me with his hands in fists, "They were there? Why the hell would they…?"
My crying swiftly turned into sobs, but I tried to keep talking as I got to my feet, so he wasn't looking down at me, "I-I-I lost my temper and yelled at him!" He gave me an enraged look, saying I'd better elaborate, or else he was leaving to hunt them down. "S-Sasori knows about what Hidan did and also has…-"
"...Sakura…" The look of realization on his face was heartbreaking when everything finally clicked.
One moment he was quiet with disbelief, and the next, his hands were gripping my arms tightly as he all but yelled, "How could you keep all this from me? Why?"
My shoulders shook as I cried, "I-I'm sorry, Sasuke! Tenten told me-"
"I don't give a damn what Tenten said, Hinata! Tonight, you could've been-" His mouth clamped shut as though saying it aloud would be too much.
Slowly, I nodded, "I-I know, but she was so scared. I couldn't just leave her there!" I searched his face, trying to communicate my desperation for his understanding.
He stared at me for a long time before eventually shutting down all his emotions as though a switch inside him had been flipped. Then he made me sit and silently finished bandaging my hands before moving on to my face. I winced when he grabbed my jaw and guided it to the side so he could see more clearly, making his eyes narrow.
He didn't need to say a word as he returned to work. In his eyes, I betrayed his trust on a deep level. Guilt ate at the inside of my chest. Even if he's doing all he can to ice me out right now, I can tell he's really hurt.
When he was done, he gathered everything and returned it to the bathroom before disappearing into his room. The door to his room shut more softly than usual, and the lock clicking was unmistakable. His not being loud and full of rage is somehow scarier than if he was. I've seen him get mad, and he's usually quite hot-headed, but this time it's different.
There's no point in waiting to see if he'll come back out and talk about things because I know he's not. After going downstairs for an ice pack to rest atop my swollen hand while sleeping, I went to bed and tried not to cry because it won't help anyone. This bed feels so much bigger without him, somehow.
-Monday-
-Sakura's POV-
Seeing Sasori while filming Top Tier really put things in perspective for me. I decided it was time to stop letting what happened control everything I do and every relationship I have. It's time to start the healing process and ensure he doesn't get a chance to do this to some other poor girl. I called the therapist Dr. Nobu recommended and scheduled an appointment.
Over the weekend, I visited my mother and came clean about what happened. Naturally, she wanted to immediately drive to his condo to murder him herself, but Sam and I managed to calm her down enough to devise a plan. With her help, I contacted a lawyer and sent in all of the proof I had about the incident. The man said he'd be in touch to let me know his thoughts on what we should do next, so I'm just waiting for that call.
When at home or out and about as a group, Gaara sticks to me like glue now. His protective nature is flattering, but it also makes me feel like an awful person because he wouldn't be so on edge if I'd been honest with him from the start. I can see it occasionally on his face that he's worried he's annoying me by being ever-present, but it's the opposite. Ever since Sasori and I began dating, Gaara and I have been distant, so it's like I have my old friend back, and now we get to be together to try and make up for lost time.
He's doing a great job keeping me distracted and positive, too. Somehow, he can tell when my mind begins to wander to the awful things that happened and smoothly pulls my attention in a different direction. With every word he says to me, every reassuring glance he sends my way, the line between friends and something more seems to get closer as though tempting me to cross it.
We haven't cuddled since he found out the truth, but I have slept over in his room each night after. When he asked me if I felt comfortable doing so, we both had bright red faces, but I couldn't even consider turning him down. He'd likely just sleep in my room without mentioning it if it didn't have so many windows.
I don't know what to do now that it's been a week. If I keep casually climbing into bed at night next to him without mentioning it, he might feel obligated to allow it even if he's uncomfortable with it. On the other side of things, though, if I stop without saying the right things, he might feel hurt, or like he's been forcing me to do something I don't like.
"Let's run through that section one more time!"
I glanced at Sai as he instructed us to return to our beginning positions for the sequence we had just learned. Once I was in my spot between Gaara and Sasuke, the music began again, and we started moving.
A minute later, when we were finished, our choreographer clapped, "Much better that time! Let's call it a day, shall we? Good work today!"
I wiped some sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand and teased Sasuke with a grin as we all walked toward our bags, "Not so handsy today, Uchiha. Did you finally get laid or something?"
He shot me his usual glare for a moment, but then it disappeared and was replaced with an uncomfortable one. I gave him a confused look, but Ino shot through the studio door and distracted me from his odd behavior.
The model looks gorgeous, as per usual, with some high-waisted jeans and a purple crop top. The sliver of stomach that showed was slim and attractive, just enough to tease any man she wanted while still coming off as not-too-slutty. Sai, the man she wants at present, sure seemed to appreciate the view and grinned shyly as he dabbed his face with the towel around his shoulders, "Fancy meeting you here, beautiful."
Ino grinned flirtily at him, holding up a finger to signal for him to wait a moment as she came towards me with her blue eyes bright and wide, "Saku, baby, I need to cash in a favor!" I gave her a look, noticing Sai's appreciative gaze as he waited patiently for her to return her attention to him. She noticed and did a poor job of pretending not to. "It's not a super big one, Forehead, so don't look at me like that!"
I rolled my eyes, a hand on my hip, "What is it?"
The supermodel put her hands up in a begging position and pouted her lips almost mockingly, "Will you pretty please let me give you a makeover? Tenten and Temari don't believe that I can do a good job. If I win this bet, they agreed to a sleepover!"
Since Tenten introduced her to Gaara's older sister at the Halloween party, the three have been casually hanging out. The three women are the same age, so it's not too much of a surprise. Gaara perked up when he heard his sister's name and approached to find out what we were discussing.
I glanced at him before giving Ino a hesitant look, "Pig…."
She waved her hands frantically, "I already asked Kakashi, and he said it's fine. If I fuck up too bad, you can just go to the salon and get it fixed, anyway! Come on, babe. Please! I wanna play truth or dare with everyone!"
If I disagree, she's never going to shut up about it, so I sighed in defeat, "Ugh, fine, but you owe me big time!"
Ino jumped excitedly, her heels clacking loudly on the floor, "Sweet! I won't let you down!" Then she turned to grab Sai's arm and pulled him to the other side of the room as she started jabbering about something that happened at a photoshoot over the weekend. Our choreographer didn't seem to mind and followed her like a puppy follows its owner.
Hinata handed me my water bottle with her uninjured hand, "That sounds…fun."
I accepted it with an exasperated look, glancing at her bandages as I took a big drink. She said she fell while practicing independently, something she's done in the past, but she really got scratched up this time. So now I'm debating ordering some mats for the studio downstairs so that she won't hurt herself if it happens again.
With nothing left to do at the agency, all members of Prestige left in individual vehicles, minus Gaara. He carpooled with Sasuke. They said a new game they both want just released, so they're headed to the only store in Konoha that had it in stock, the one in the mall halfway across town.
Hinata said she was going to see if her father would see her. He apparently just got released from the hospital and has refused so far. In my personal opinion, she shouldn't keep giving that man her attention because he doesn't deserve it, but I can't make her choices for her, so I just told her to call me if she needs support.
Since I'm the only one with no plans, I decided to treat myself to a nice, relaxing bubble bath when I got home. As the hot water filled the tub with suds and the room with steam, I lit a couple candles and clicked the lights off. Then I remembered that Sasuke bought a lot of wine at a big tasting event a couple months back because it was on sale, and even celebrities can't turn down a good deal.
Rather than get a glass, I just took one of the bottles into the bathroom with me after popping the cork. We don't even have dance practice tomorrow, so it'll be okay if I drink a little. On the off chance I have a hangover, I'll survive.
As I slipped into the steaming hot water, I tossed back a swig of the drink. I've never really been a fan of wine, but Sasuke swore Gaara, Hinata, and I would like this one because it's sweet. He was right! It tastes just like regular juice, despite the bottle stating clearly that its alcohol content is fourteen percent.
Over the next hour, I scrolled through Twxtter and Xstagram, replied to many fan comments on my social media accounts, and let myself bask in the comfortable aura of the room. When I reached over to take another sip of the wine I'd been greedily drinking, I giggled when I realized it was empty. I killed an entire bottle.
The warmth on my face suddenly felt different from the heat of the bath, and I touched my cheek with an embarrassed grin, even though no one's home to judge me for acting so carelessly. It's high time I get out anyway. Maybe I'll spend the rest of the night watching some soapy TV shows. That sounds absolutely perfect!
So I stood up with the empty wine bottle in one hand and my phone in the other, only to nearly tumble over when my drunkenness hit me, and I lost my balance. The neck of the glass bottle slid out of my wet fingers, and I cringed when it shattered loudly on the linoleum floor.
Before I could even react to it, I heard quick footsteps outside the room and looked over in time to see Gaara burst through the door to his room with a look of extreme concern. We just stared at one another, but then he snapped out of it and turned back out of the room with his face redder than his hair, "I-I'm so sorry! I thought…I thought something else happened!"
I'm extremely embarrassed that he just saw me naked, but I'm also quite tipsy, so I don't care as much as I usually would. I'm not too drunk to not wonder when he'd gotten home, though. "Um…Gaara?"
There was a long pause before he responded; his tone sounded as bashful as he had looked just a moment ago, "Yeah?"
"Can you help me out here? There's glass everywhere."
He seemed hesitant, "How…How can I help without…?"
A giggle past my lips at his adorable, shy nature. I bet he's a panicked mess on the other side of that door. "Do you have your shoes on? Just pick me up. I'm not that heavy!"
"Sakura, you're naked! I can't-"
"Well, if you hand me my towel or robe, I won't be! Come on, Gaara, I wanna watch tv!"
"...Where is it?"
"On the back of the door."
I heard his defeated sigh from where I stood in the tub. "I'm coming in."
I hid behind the shower curtain but giggled when he entered the room with a hand over his eyes. He found my robe and held it out in my direction. Blush flaring up wildly, I snatched it from his grasp and quickly pulled it on, tying the waist before grabbing his hand and pulling him closer so I could reach his shoulders.
"S-Saku-!" I wrapped my arms around his neck and didn't hesitate nearly as much as expected, causing him to fumble to get his arms under my shoulders and legs. Teal eyes glanced down at me, seeming brighter than usual against his flushed skin.
I smiled at him, "Hello."
His brow furrowed, and he turned to carry me into my bedroom, "You're drunk." The almost irritated tone of his voice struck me as amusing for some reason, and I snickered.
After sitting me on my bed, he turned to leave with a mortified expression, but I stopped him as I sat up, "Wait!" The redhead looked back at me with dread heavy on his face.
The heat in my face rising to the hottest temperature yet, I shamelessly asked what's been on my mind since he first walked in on me a few minutes ago, "Did you like it?" His body turned to face me more fully, and he tilted his head slightly in confusion.
I ran a hand through my wet hair, pushing it out of my face as I tried to keep my nervous gaze on his, "D-Did you like it? You don't think I'm ugly, right?"
The red in his face turned pale white before returning with a vengeance as he stared at me in surprise. After a moment, he raised his hands to cover his face with a groan, "You know, I think you're pretty." Then he turned and returned to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. I heard the glass crunching under his shoes for a moment before he went back into his own room.
Smiling happily to myself, I got dressed before heading out to find the broom and dustpan to clean up the bathroom mess.
He told me he thinks I'm pretty. That makes me really happy.
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