AN: I can't stay away from these two for too long. Evetually I always return. I do love Sasu Hina but the muses strike so infrequently that I can't be consistent with this pairing. There is a sequeal to Pretense, I promise I'm not mercilessly teasing you all, but I keep working through the glitches, and trying to figure out whether I want to extend that to a multi chapter fic or one long massive post in one shot. Also looking for a beta for that fic if anyone would be interested. Message me and I'll take a look at your beta profile. I'm catering to my other favorite pairing Neji Ino. Don't like it? Build a bridge.

Shorter update because life is about to get crazy.

Music of the Update: "In My Blood" by Shawn Mendes, "I will leave the light on"by Tom Walker

2 weeks after Sasuke had left, and she had talked with her father about medical training, Hinata had found herself on shifts at the hospital. After 3 days of training, and a week and a half of shadowing, walking through a day to day shift, Hinata was made a floor nurse. Shizune had given her the seal of approval, pleased with her medical progress. Hinata had flushed at such high praise from Shizune, but the medical pro had waved her off.

"Nonsense. Neither Tsunade sama nor I are free with our praises. So if I'm complimenting you that means you've earned it. But dont get used to it, or let it go to your head" She warned with a laugh.

Hinata would never be on the level of Sakura, but she could do something, and make a difference and that was really enough for her. She had spent the first few hours of her shift, the end of the working day for most ninja, healing and bandaging the chuunin from their training. Konohamaru had given her the thumbs up. Hinata was surprised how he grew more and more like Naruto every day. He had mastered the rasengan and was working on variations. Moegi and Udon, his teammates had stayed by his side the entire time. Hinata had complimented them for their care of their teammate.

"Of course. He's our responsibility" Moegi had clouted Konohamaru on the head to which the young Sarutobi had protested, leaving Hinata in giggles, as she covered her mouth as they left, waving their thanks.

After that her shift was relatively quiet.

Until Anbu slammed into existence through the doors. They slid their masks up and Hinata's alarm rose.

Kakashi sensei was the first on the scene, followed shortly by Naruto. Sai, Sakura, and Yamato.

"He needs medical attention-" Kakashi began "-Immediately-" Naruto replied for him.

Sakura, who had been using some sort of jutsu on Sasuke's unconscious form, passed out, clattering to the floor, arm guards fortunately protecting her head. Sai and Yamato struggling with the unconscious Uchiha as Kakashi turned to get Sakura.

"Also Sakura Hag-" Sai chimed in.

"Code red" Hinata murmured into the paper jutsu, summoning Shizune immediately, and using another jutsu had a hospital bed on wheels appearing.

Yamato and Sai shuffled the unconscious Uchiha on the bed as Hinata ran her assesments on Sasuke. They assisted her in removing his anbu padding, cutting through the mission cloth, to access the wounds. His clothes were in tatters, splatters of something across his body. What ever had happened? Brows furrowed as Byakugan summoned examining the material with her birthright. The two moved onto helping the unconscious Sakura into a bed, as another few nurses appeared.

"Get the hospital bed ready for both Uchiha and Sakura san." Shizune ordered, and Hinata got to work.

The other nurses hustled towards Sakura, taking her from Kakashi's arms as Hinata finished her work, strapping Sasuke in place, Naruto, pale but resigned, followed after as Hinata set up the I.V. Into Sasuke's arm while moving. The Hyuuga was surprised he was following after Sasuke and not Sakura, but then again Sasuke was in worse condition. Hinata worked quickly and with precision, allowing her training to take over. She had dealt with three emergencies last week with grace under pressure. She prayed she would have the courage to handle this one too. Naruto's worried blue eyes told her that she had to. He was counting on her. So was Sasuke. His unconscious form looked pained, his lips blue/purple. Poisoned.

"How is Sakura san?" Shizune asked, her own concern apparent as she worked with Hinata while they moved Sasuke's bed down the hall, her own chakra alight at work as she dealt with the poison. Hinata watched as she expertly tackled the invasive substance. It tried to fight back, shocking Hinata, but was no match for the Hokage's apprentice. What had he been poisoned with?

"She's a godsend. Just exhausted. I had to flash step us all here from Stone. Thank kami sama for the Kyuubi's chakra or we might not have made it. She used the entirety of her chakra to stabilize him, and do a blood transfusion while we travelled. Sometimes I wonder at the ability of Sakura Chan-"

"Naruto-" Shizune interrupted, annoyed.

"Sorry-She'll be fine with rest. He's been poisoned, and with Kabuto, its one of those impossible poisons. Even Sakura couldn't identify it, but she left me this scroll with her guesses for you." Naruto handed it over and continued as Shizune scanned the contents while they jogged with the bed.

"Mission report is that all of Orochimaru is officially dead, but Kabuto's last dick move was to try and launch Orochimaru's D.N.A. at me. Sasuke sliced the head off the snake, but it exploded with acid venom splattering him. The head grew back from a piece. He was able to summon amaterasu and scorched all of the pieces using amaterasu, but not before one of the things grew a sword, and sliced him in the gut. He took the blow meant to kill me and the Kyuubi- Kakashi and I made sure each and every piece was destroyed as Amaterasu torched the place to the ground while Sakura healed Sasuke. He passed out within the first 20 minutes."

"NARUTO-" Shizune's scolding tone chided, and shot him a look towards Hinata. He looked shocked that such information was not privy for the Hyuuga Heiress. Her eyes widened, as it was information she wasn't supposed to hear. She finished the I.V. Needle, monitoring his vitals, running alongside the unconcious Uchiha.

"His burns are third degree, Shizune san." Hinata said finishing the diagnostic. The acid was burning through his skin and tissue at an alarming rate, but Hinata and Shizune were working hard, keeping it at bay. She wouldn't run from this. She would help save him.

"Very Good, Hinata san. Begin healing those, I will handle the posion, thats the root of the problem. With Sakura's help, I know exactly what we're dealing with. That saved us precious time. Get prepped for surgery, he might need to undergo-"

"Surgery?" Naruto exclaimed.

Hinata prepped herself, placing the gown, and gloves on, snapping on the mask, and helping Shizune into her surgery gown as they continued to move forward through the hospital towards the surgery floor.

"His intestines are damaged, Naruto, even with Sakura stabilizing him- In fact, Go see to Sakura and let us do our job. He'll be alright, but we'll need her soon-" Shizune's words had the whisker cheekd kage to be moving.

"Understood." Naruto replied, disappearing to go check on his intended.

Shizune breathed a sigh of relief as the two got to work. Naruto would be able to do more for Sakura than for Sasuke at the moment. Hinata assisted Shizune, using her Byakugan to isolate the problem areas, and assisting in healing damaged tissue. Shizune summoned Tsunade sama to leech the poison from the Uchiha, which she did with great care.

"How is Sakura san?" Shizune asked, as they contained the last of the poison, sealing it in the jar. The poison to their consternation whirled, spinning in the glass vial. She shed her surgeons clothes, placing them in a special sealed bin. It glowed golden, wth chakra, and then stopped.

"Recovering. She's under strict orders to stay in bed for the next two days, and Naruto is under orders to watch her. She depleted all of her chakra to keep him stable, the idiot. She should have summoned Katsuyu, but she wanted to get him here quick utilizing Naruto's jutsu and was worried the acidic material would eat through his skin inspite of Katsuyu's abilities, before they got him here. It's impressive that she's grown that much in such a short time, but annoying nonetheless. I'm not willing to loose even one medic in this age" Tsunade spoke so freely as if Hinata wasn't even there.

Hinata continued her work, trying to remain as quiet and motionless as possible.

Hinata handed Shizune the sterilized needle and thread, and she sewed up the cleansed wound quickly and efficiently. His skin abrasions had healed once they'd removed all of the acid, but the acidic material was tainted. It appeared even from a molecular level, Orochimaru was trying to rise. He would die this time. Hinata was sure of it.

"Hinata san, you have worked so hard already." Tsunade told her, handing her food, water bottle and a medical pill. Hinata removed her gloves, mask, cap and gown into the bin, sanitizing her hands, and took both greedily, realizing that it was just after midnight. She felt the hokage summoning some sort of seal, but couldn't focus as she was too hungry. She gulped the water bottle Tsunade had given her, surprised by just how ravenous she was. How had time gone by so quickly? Tsunade smiled in approval.

"Being a surgey nurse is no small task. I am proud of you. You did well." She praised. "Unfortunately, you will need to stay here, not only because this room is now quarantined, but also to monitor him until the next nurse comes on shift. The room is quarantined, until we can assure that Orchimaru is truly gone. His condition is stable, and all of the toxin has been burned from his system so you need not fear further contamination. I will remove the vial of poison and take care of the surgery tools and gear."

"The tools must be discarded?" Hinata said with regret. She knew how expensive that was.

"Aah. We will take no chances when it comes to Orochimaru." Tsunade replied forlornly. If Tsunade was willing to go as far as to even get rid of the tools then it was serious.

"Have Shizune and I been infected?" Hinata asked concerned.

"No. But I'm not taking any chances" And Tsunade pulled out the slug from her pocket. Katsuyu slid up to her shoulder, Tsunade muttering about mucus trails.

Golden chakra scanned her body, Hinata trying not to giggle as it tickled.

"You have been cleansed Hinata san. It would be best though if all articles of clothing were removed, and you thoroughly showered to ensure the quarantine process." Katsuyu told her.

Hinata was startled to find the room she, Tsunade, Shizune and Sasuke were in had completely shifted. The walls looked like a regular medical room, but the areas glowed green. The hospital bedroom, now contained a shower, bathroom, and kitchen facilities.

"W-where are we?"

"We are inside of Katsuyu. She will ensure that Sasuke stays stable and that the Quarantine will be permanent so that no trace of Orochimaru will escape. I will take care of Shizune, because she's needed for the next surgery. I am going to need to burn your articles of clothing and surgery gear. There's a change of clothes in the closet over there, and you can shower and change in the bathroom. The kitchen should have everything you need, I assure you it's fully stocked." Tsunade replied.

Hinata nodded. She scrubbed her hands clean with the surgeon's sink, golden chakra lighting up across her arms. Still glowing, she made her way to the closet, picking out articles of clothing. She headed into the shower, shedding her layers of clothing as Tsunade and Shizune collected all of the materials, placing them inside the same sealed bin. Golden chakra gleamed across her skin and body. Hinata wrapped the towel robe around her.

"Thank you Hinata. After your shower, feel free to make some food and rest. I'll send relief for you after this surgery." Tsunade told her.

Hinata nodded, and made her way into the shower. Hot water streamed down muscles that she hadn't realized were aching. Closing her eyes and allowing her birthright to dissipate, she realized how tired she was and just how good the shower felt. Tsunade sama had praised her. Hinata beamed, feeling proud of herself. Even if she couldn't be with Naruto, she could be proud of herself and her accomplishments.

Feeling much better, she exited the bathroom, noting that her skin had never felt so clean before. Katsuyu healed all of the impurities it seemed, as Hinata brushed her silky hair dry. It gave her hope for the Uchiha. Tsunade's skill was legendary and she had continued to advance her skills She would be able to surpass Orochimaru and keep Sasuke safe. Hinata believed in the Godaime Hokage.

Comfortable in a lavendar sweater and leggings, her hair dry, and feeling renewed, she decided to make dinner. Contents for Miso soup, with stir fry and rice were all easily made. Full and content, Hinata made her way to Sasuke.

He was attached to the machinery, heart rate and pulse steady, his health stable. The I.V. Drip gently pouring into him from it's place on the hook. She would need to change that in a few hours or so. Gently, she reached trembling hands to his face. It almost felt sacrilege touching him, but her job required it. He was a little warm, temperature up to fight off infection, and foreign matter in the body and his energy was drained from the toll of the surgery. He was pale, and at her lightest touch, he shifted in his sleep, tousled black hair shifting with him. She retracted the hand, and grabbed a bowl and a moist cloth, bathing his face. He quieted, but she double checked the straps on his bed just in case.

Hinata considered the Uchiha before her, pearlescent eyes taking in the details of him. She was used to noticing the details. His hair was unkempt, he needed a haircut and a wash. Years he had suffered as a missing nin and that was evident in the harsh lines around his eyes and mouth, and bags under his eyes. Inspite of such things, he looked as if he had been carved from marble or stone, such were his features. Hinata could hardly imagine such a life, having to constantly look over your shoulder, to learn to be afraid of your own shadow. And Sasuke had thrived on this life, had been at the peak of his ninja career. He was so strong, so capable. But he had come from such tragedy.

He had grown up alone, his brother having murdered his entire clan. Sasuke was always so alone, and that aloofness must have been constant for him, so constant that he preferred to be alone rather than a part of a team. It was not surprise that he had run off as an adolescent. Being alone was easier than to acknowledge such bonds. Naruto and Sakura had fought tooth and nail to reach him. They had finally succeeded in bringing him home. Now was the hard part. To convince the rest of Konoha that he was trust worthy. He was trust worthy even when villagers called him a traitor, or tried to complain about him. He had followed every protocal, had undergone the psychiatric and physical evaluations as well as the constituants they had placed on him as if he was a parole and not a villager. He had stayed, and continued to stay even though foreign mercenaries came after him for his days as an S class missing ninja.

Hinata's heart wrenched. He wasn't alone any more. Bonds, she had teased him. But those bonds were stronger than blood, than death, than isolation for him, which was his natural inclination what must have become home for him in the absence of true family. Stronger than his instinct to go it alone. Her heart wrenched a little for him, and she felt hr eyes water, sooty lashes kissing her cheeks as her vision blurred.

Hinata had never meant to think so deeply about the Uchiha heir. He thrashed in his sleep, muttering, in some unknown battle with his nightmares. Whether he was winning or loosing she did not know, but it did not matter. Hinata, out of instinct grabbed his hand, threading her fingers through his. He settled, stilled, and returned to quiet slumber, muttering a name she thought she had mistaken at first, but she knew she had heard it.

Mikoto. He had said Mikoto.

…...

Hinata had fallen asleep, dozing as she laid her head to rest on the medical bed. She could sense something on the outskirts of her subconscious. She awoke with a start, realizing she'd fallen asleep on her shift. She immediately removed her hand from Sasuke's with a start, and rose to attention. Alarmed, pearlescent eyes shot to his vitals, and she breathed a small sigh of relief that he was still stable. She replaced the I.V. Drip, rebuking herself for being so unprofessional when she was the only nurse on shift, and proceeded to finish her responsibilities.

The door opened. Long blone hair greeted her, in the tall buxom Yamanaka. Hinata smiled in relief. Ino would be a welcome relief.

Ino grinned. "Guess I'm your relief staff" She said with a laugh. Her rounded belly was growing, and Hinata could not be more excited that the blonde was going to become her family, even if the way was unconvential. Neji and Ino were an unlikely pair, but they were so wonderful together, their harmonies flowing well. Ino balanced out the seriousness in her cousin, and Neji helped Ino to focus, honing her skills and helping her grow into a capable, responsible ninja. It had happened after a group mission, the two discovering their common ground in loosing their fathers. Neji ni sama and Hinata were close. She had discovered the blonde leaving his rooms early one morning and Ino had given her a big wink and a sly grin much to Neji's consternation. Hinata had kept their secret, pleased the Neji ni sama had found someone.

They had been quietly dating for a number of years now, and then Ino had found out she was pregnant. It was an accident, but a merry one, because new life was always celebrated with the Hyuyga. Neji was a branch member and therefore his future marriage was not vital to the clan. As much as Hinata disliked the prejudices in their clan, it benefitted her cousin in this instance. Neji could make his own decisions, and choose who he would love, and the fact that he had a child out of wedlock did not shame the clan. He and Ino would eventually marry, had discussed such plans. Her father had been less than pleased, but he would not deny his nephew.

Neji ni sama was so proud as he talked about his unborn child, his hopes and dreams. And there was a chance that it could be twins as it had been in their family.

"Cousin in law" She greeted, hugging the blonde. "H-how are you feeling?"

"Pregnancy has me feeling tired, but maternity leave is around the corner, so I'll manage. Its so weird to think about everything. I'm going to be a part of the Hyuuga soon enough. Everything has happened so quickly, you know" Ino gushed. Hinata could see her beaming, practically glowing in her incandescent joy.

"I am so happy for you both." Hinata beamed.

"Thanks. It's weird that Tsunade sama assigned me to be his relief nurse, all things considered but then again with Sakura out of commission for a while and with Shizune in surgery, there wasn't much of an option. Neji wasn't thrilled about it" Ino grinned. "But it's probably good for him. Makes him appreciate what he has." Her wink made Hinata laugh.

"He has nothing to worry about." Hinata replied.

"Not a thing." Ino confirmed with a love filled smile. "I gave up my crush long ago. But what about you Hinata? Are you holding up since the-..." Ino didn't finish the words.

"The engagement. I-I am slowly coming to terms with it." Hinata replied, feeling safe enough with Ino to tell her. Ino had become a treasured friend and a confidant for Hinata.

Ino impulsively hugged her, her grip warm and tight, and Hinata blushed, but appreciated the unexpected support from the Blone Yamanaka.

"There's gotta be someone for you out there Hinata. You're too wonderful and nice not to find someone." Ino told her. Hinata felt touched by the remark. And then those periwinkle orbs grew mischevious as a wicked chesire grin split across her face.

"Ya know..." She gave a sidelong grin, and a glance at the unconsious Uchiha.

Hinata's face flamed. "N-no." She protested as she stammered and put her hands up to protest. Ino recognized the look well with the Hyuuga.

Ino snorted. "Fine. I'll try to avoid my match making tendencies, but even you have to admit Tenten and Sai are goddamn adorable."

"Thank you Ino san. I will be heading home now. Oyasumi." Hinata told her.

"G'night." Ino waved.

As Hinata settled into her futon, her hands itched, pulsed, as she remembered the feel of Sasuke's warm calloused hand in hers and the various callouses along his palms and fingers.