Chapter 16:

This is it, the final chapter. Just to warn you there will be some darker themes in this one.

The ceiling swirled and stretched as Hidan lay sprawled over a sofa, eyes heavy and thin lips curled. Passers by dance clumsily sloshing their drinks in the process. Unfortunately for him, he happened to be in the centre of this junction. A loose grip was all it took for the icy liquids to fall and abruptly snatch him from his daze and onto his feet.

"Fuck's wrong with you!" He cursed to the unsuspecting victim.

"Ah s-so sorry Mr Hidan!" Cried Tobi instinctively curling in a fetal position.

Hidan sighed, too tired to continue. The man stumbles a little ways before stopping for a second to look around the still lively crowd. He rubs the tired from his eyes then reaches a hand through his messy hair. He stomped to the kitchen sink and gulped the much needed water straight from the tap.

He pulled up a chair and took a seat by the island. Hidan held his head in his hands and allowed his eyes to fall for a few seconds. His comfort was disturbed by the sickening smell of coffee. He scowled a little as he traced the stench's source.

"How can you drink that shit?" He nagged.

"It's better then then cheap stuff you call alcohol." Itachi smirked back.

"Oh wadever..." Hidan didn't bother starting an unnecessary argument and changed the subject, "hey you seen Hinata around?"

The Uchiha took another sip before replying, "She was here a while ago but, I can't say I've seen her since."

Hidan unintentionally let out a grunt then slid out of the stool. A little more composed, he persisted to question the guests, well at least the ones he could stand, getting the same answer. That was until he was more mad then concern and just grabbed the hood of a certain blond.

"Oy! Whaduya fink your doin!" Deidara spurted.

His slurring nonsense was quickly nocked out of him along with the wind from his chest as he was rammed to the wall, "where's Hinata." Hidan commanded, tone darker then expected.

It took his prisoner a good ten seconds until he remembered, "oh yea! Um let me... Leme think. She said to uh tell. Ah to tell you she was goin to your place."

"What? When!? When did she go?"

"About ten minutes ago." Interrupted Saorie emerging from the corner.

"At this hour?! Ok. Ok. Uh tell Pein I'm going now." He said.

Hidan slammed the front door open and began to sprint outside only to be stopped by his stomach gurgling. He took another three steps before heaving all over the lawn. He grabbed his pulsating head and tried to rationalise.

Okey she has a key so she'll be fine. It's not that far so I don't get why the hell I'm panicking so much. But, then again it's the fucking witching hour and who knows what kind of creeps are out there. No stop jumping to conclusions she knows the way... So why then do I feel so... Strange?

He wiped the orange liquid from his mouth then began to pace back and forth, battling with himself. What if she was in trouble or she had a heart attack or- fuck stop, she can handle herself she's not some little kid. But Hinata did just get out of hospital. Right that's it, he yelled mentally.

Hidan jumped back into a jog but could feel the liquids resurfacing again. He stopped again this time at the sight of a very tempting black sports car with a licence plate that read, "UCH 1H4" An idea popped into his slightly disorientated head and as fast as it had come, he was already back at the house. He bumped into Tobi and gave the kid like guy a twenty dollar bill then whispered in his ear.

Tobi face lit up as he nodded then stormed into the room and yanked Itachi's wallet from his back pocket. Instantly, the older man chased after him threatening to kill the poor guy. Once gone, Hidan sneaked by the island and rummaged around the Uchiha's discarded jacket and quickly got back out with a set of keys.

He swung the door open, inserted the keys and sped off onto the road. While the car swerved from one lane to the other, Hidan frantically searched the streets.

Elsewhere...

Hinata was nearing her destination, home. She walked, close to the wall of the alleyway. It was nothing special just a dumpster and about twenty feet of equally spray-painted walls. Although there was a lamp post, it's bulb flickered a sickening yellow that barely illuminated the otherwise void space. For an instant she through she saw a shadow but, it quickly vanished along with the last of the light.

Instantly, she felt uneasy and so quickened her pace. There was a noticeable delay in her footsteps as if they echoed just a second after her foot had tapped the ground. Something was off and could feel the hairs back of her neck stand. She couldn't take this tension any more so just had to look. Her eyes darted to the side where something suddenly burst into the yellow glow.

"Meow." It was just a cat. Relieved, she gave the little kitty a pat before it elegantly leapt away, probably to catch its next meal. Hinata smiled at the brief encounter then readjusted her ribbon back into a bow. As she pulled the neat circles together, she was roughly pushed up against the wall. Something pinning her face to the bricks.

The girl struggled but the grip was strong and had no intention of letting her go. She began to scream but after a second a damp cloth smothered her mouth. She tried to bite the cloth but was met with a bitter taste. She attempted another scream but her yelps were muffled in the vile smelling rag. Hinata struggled to breath through the intoxicating cloth and felt herself more desperate for air with each breath. But there was no choice, holding her breath was futile. When the Hyuga had to in hail she could feel herself growing drowsy.

The kicks and wriggles were became slower and she could feel her limbs growing numb. There was little resilience and eventually she could no longer even stand. Her attacker grabbed her immobilised body and began to drag her. The world around her grew blurry and the last sensation she recalled was the sound of a car door.

"Mmmm..." Hinata groaned.

Her eyes opened slowly, struggling to adapt to the harsh lighting. The surroundings were not familiar and no where near from comfort. It was cold, her skin felt unhealthily numb. She tried pinching her fingers but still little sensation. Her muscles ached from what must have been hours in a acute position. She tried to stretch her arms out but found they were tightly secured to a chair.

The rest of her body was too. Rope bound her wrists, legs and even stomach. She tried harder to move but; could still feel the drowsy effects of the drug. She began to hyperventilate, not knowing where or why she was here in this... I'm not even sure what you'd call it, a warehouse perhaps?

Once she had gotten used to the brightness, she could finally see the space around her. It was clear the girl was in the middle of the large area. The walls were smothered with a collection of photos and newspaper cut outs. To her horror all featured her. Some read, "girl wakes after four year coma." "Blockbuster butcher thrashes local store." "Terror strikes teens at Blockbusters." "Surviver of Blockbuster attack fights for life after hospital complications." There were several others with similar headline.

After these followed an even more sickening discovery. Photographs of her just days before the accident. Most were taken from afar. There was even one of her in her flat with Conan. This one must have been taken from a tree as the angle was high. A string hung above these pictures. It was set out like a washing line but, instead of clothes, hung newly developed photographs. These ranged from extreme close ups on her face to burry distorted ones where she must have moved.

When she could see all of her she realised she had the very same dress on now. Hinata felt her stomach drop when she continued to follow the trail of photographs. There were ones of herself and Hidan walking. Every picture had his eyes scratched out with such force that some of them had his entire head ripped or torn off.

"You like my little collection?" Interrupted a dark voice.

Hinata felt a sense of familiarity to the voice's owner but, she could not instantly picture the suspect. It was more bitter and twisted than before. She could feel her blood run cold as footsteps grew nearer. They echoed loudly with every slow, Pat... Pat... Pat.

"Why didn't you come see me, dear?" The voice had a lighter undertone but still hinted sinister motives.

Two hands rested on her shoulders. She could feel the weight shift onto her's as if they were leaning closer. The hand brushed away an escaped tear. He was smiling, she knew he was. The hand glided away and its owner persisted to circle the girl like a tiger sizing up its next meal.

When the figure came into view, Hinata was able to distinguish three features. One: they were male. Two: he was probably around her age. The slim figure and voice was enough to denote this. Three: despite being hidden behind a black hoodie, she could see his smile grow, as if finding amusement at her failed attempts to try recognise him.

"What, has it really been so long you can't even recognise me. (Sigh)... Well how about I give you a clue then? Let me see.. Oh how about this?! You're little stunt those four years ago is the reason my family's homeless and my father committed suicide."

Hinata gasped, "Sa...suke?"

"Give the girl a gold star." He clapped sarcastically, then removed his hood.

His face was paler then before. His black hair had grown long and hadn't seen a brush in months. Under his sly eyes hung dark bags. If not for theses flaws, he would have likely been rather handsome.

"I never knew your dad... I'm sorry."

"Aww it's fine he deserved it anyway. I'm not really mad about that."

Millions of questions popped into her head. But the one that came into words was, "why, why are you doing this?! What happened to you!?" It came out more angry then expected, sending her capturer aback.

He smiled, "Heh, you've changed. I was expecting you to be bawling tears by now but... No matter." He signed deeply, "Do I really have to spell it out for you?"

He waited for some reaction but, continued after a a brief pause, "Oh dear. That's even worse, you don't even know what you've done. Where should I start?" He pulled a small flip knife out and persisted to toy with its blade while pacing back and forwards.

"Well for starters you stopped seeing me. I thought maybe you weren't feeling so great or something and then the accident happened. So like the caring boyfriend I am-"

"Caring boyfriend?" She interrupted, "you... Cheated on me-"

Sasuke lunged on her, tightly clutching her shoulders. He then dragged the blade across her cheek, drawing blood.

"That was rude. Interrupt me again and I'll cut your fucking ears off." He then sat on her and continued, "as I was saying, I waited for you to wake up. I even went to the hospital only to find some idiot was already there talking to you and you just sat there with that little smile on you face."

Hinata could feel a Knott tightening in her stomach but allowed him to continue, "I decided not to jump to conclusions so did some digging around. Turns out he's called Hidan, but you already knew that didn't you. He was the guy that supposedly harassed you earlier. I remember you cam crying to me about him. But still, I kept an eye on him, just to be on the safe side."

"You mean spied on him?" Instantly she regretted her words but she couldn't stop them from escaping.

This only made him smile and tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Hmmm..." He then planted a kiss on her forehead. His tone deepened, "then came the day of your release. Yesterday... I didn't want to believe it but, I knew what I saw."

His hand brushed through her long hair, "you were there with him. That same smile on your face... You love him don't you? Just say it. I won't be mad."

Hinata averted her gaze. She could feel her face growing hot.

"Go on admit it. Admit that you love him and not me. Let's see what happens."

Unsatisfied with her lack of response, Hinata winced as she felt his grip tighten. He held a fist of her hair and yanked her head back. The same blade traced circles around her neck then stopped. A little force pushed the knife further and further threatening to tear the delicate skin.

Hinata swallowed then, hitched, "I-I did."

A little force was taken from her neck. He looked at her, intrigued to know more.

"I really did love you S-sasuke... B-but-"

"Go on."

"When I saw you with Sakura, I just couldn't anymore. You hurt me and I don't think I can forgive you for that."

Sasuke's expression dropped. He resembled a child who'd been scolded. His lip scowled and eyes narrowed. Hinata whimpered as the sharp weapon pierced her skin. She could feel the warmth of her blood trickled down to be absorbed by the blue of her dress.

"STOP!" Screamed a voice other than the two. It echoed loudly bouncing from the walls.

Immediately, Sasuke retreated the knife and stood up. A sickening smirk grew on his lips. His prisoner was stuck with opposing emotions. She wasn't sure wether to be relieved or terrified.

"This day just gets better and better." He remarked, taking a step towards the intruder.

"I always thought you was a weirdo, but I never imagined you'd be this psycho?" Said the other.

"What are you doing here, Hidan?" Whimpered Hinata.

"What can a guy not save his-" Hidan started.

"What part of this is funny?! I don't want you here! You could have lived a normal life! Why would you want to throw that away!?" She spat, blood also in the mix.

Only when the red hit the floor did Hidan realise the full extent of her injuries. Instinctively he ran to her but, stopped when Sasuke extended his knife, drawing a metaphysical barrier between the two.

The Uchiha sighed and smirked, "Well isn't this ironic? It seems the girl doesn't even want the guy she ditched me for." He then turned to her, "What do you want Hinata? Is that all? After all this trouble I've gone to make you happy, you leave me and don't even want him? You really are a slut, you know tha-"

Hidan sprinted forwards, jumped and slammed his knuckle into Sasuke's face, knocking him out cold. The knife skidded across the concrete and he ran to grab it. The Akatsuki member then proceeded to cut Hinata's binds. There were so many things each had to say to the other but the words were silenced by tension. He sawed faster cutting a good half of the ropes around her wrists.

"Behind you!" She screamed.

Her saviour was ripped away and forcefully pulled to the ground. His back ached from the impact and he tried to get up but was kicked back down. Two hands wrapped around his neck and squeezed hard. Hidan opened his mouth desperately gasping for air but, all that came out were disjointed gargles. His face grew redder by the second. He clawed at the hands but to no avail.

Meanwhile Hinata struggled free of the ropes. She just managed to wriggle her arms free but couldn't yanks the rest off. She was secured too tightly. The knife lay inches from herself, but it was only close enough to brush with her index finger. She tried to stretch again but still couldn't reach.

The chokes became raspy sputters, and his magenta eyes grew wild.

The girl began to rock sideways, the timber creaking with each swing until it fell to the right. Without a moment of hesitation, she clasped the knifes handle and furiously cut through her remaining bonds.

Once free, she stood up, knife in hands. Hinata shakily raised it but couldn't bring herself to do it. The weapon frightened her. How many lives had it already ended? The scene in front of her was growing more dire. She began to shake even more, clumsily releasing her grip. A metallic clang snapped her out of the daze.

Quickly she picked up the chair and with all her strength slammed it against her assailant. He howled, rolling to his side, while the other man scrambled to his feet, coughing like mad. He staggered over to the Hyuga and sloppily supported himself on her shoulders.

She held his face and asked, "are you ok?!"

They exchanged equally concerned looks, briefly examining each other's faces. He gave a slow nod followed by a weak smile. Their concentration was broke by the sound of scuffling. Immediately Hidan turned to find its source- Sasuke. He was crawling towards the knife.

Hidan lunged forwards kicking the weapon away. As it clinked and clanked, the same hands latched onto his feet and pulled with such force that his whole world spun and he fell with an equally painful thud!

While down, from the corner of his eye, he spotted Sasuke get to his feet. He broke into a clumsy jog. Hidan too pushed himself up and ran. Understanding the situation, Hinata also followed suit.

It was a life or death race: three people for once knife.

Hidan ran as fast as his legs could carry, closing the gap between him and Sasuke. He sprinted harder until he was able to grab his opponent's hair and tug it backwards. The Uchiha lost balance and stumbled. It was a dirty trick but was enough to slow him down.

After a few more strides, Hidan could already hear Sasuke's sharp breaths and quick steps. He was getting closer. There was no hesitation. If he was to get this knife he had to poor every ounce of his strength into it. So Hidan took a mighty lunge and slammed into the ground. His exposed skin was grazed but it was worth it. He finally held it. The knife was his!

He mentally cheered, he had won! Hidan spun around, weapon readied, blood pumping. But his victory was short lived.

Before him stood Hinata in the clutches of her capturer. Sasuke's arms wound around her small frame. She winced as his grip tightened. His mouth grazed her ear and whispered cruel intents. Instantly her eyes widened then shamefully dropped. Her cheeks grew sickeningly warm. His lips lingered for a moment before retreating and turning to Hidan.

"Okey, Hidan." Sasuke said slowly, "this is how it's gonna go. I'm gonna give you two choices. One: You can walk away and, well " he paused then looked to him directly. His hands wondered seductively, "me and Hinata here will have a little fun.-"

"You sick bastard!" Hidan yelled stomping forwards.

"Or!" Sasuke raised his voice, stopping the Jashinest. "Option two: you can use that knife there to kill yourself and I'll let her go."

"What?!" Squeaked Hinata.

Hidan clenched his fists, bringing them to the sides of his head. He paced restlessly, kicking and cursing.

His frustration only made Sasuke chuckle, "Ha! Did you actually think you could just waltz in here and save the day like some hero? Ahahaha!"

"Go." Said Hinata, "just leave, this is my mess you shouldn't have to suffer for my mistakes."

"Do you hear what you're even saying?! No way am I gonna let that fucking lunatic have his sick twisted way with you!" Said Hidan.

"No Hidan. I don't want you to get hurt." She yelled

He protested, "Im not worth that! Im scum, I'm-"

She interrupted, "You're not! If anything you're one of the best people I've met. You were the only one who stayed by by side, so please I'm begging you. Just go!"

He cringed, wanting to say more but he could see how much pain it was causing her. She also noted his lack of response.

"No matter what he does, it won't hurt me. I'll be fine." Hinata said with a forced smile.

"Oh really?" Sasuke sang.

His hand roughly clasped her chest. All of her confidence was choked out in a single gasp. Hidan lunged forwards. Rage exploding from his face. But he couldn't do it. As much as he hated this monster before him, he couldn't risk Hinata being further violated.

Sasuke unclipped two buttons "Take another step and the rest comes off."

His smile widened sadistically, and added, "Why don't you just do it already. End you pathetic life. Or do you want me to continue?"

"Even! Even if I did k... Kill myself, what's to stop you from doing it anyway."

"Oh that is a good question. Well to put it simply there isn't- but then again there's still a chance I'll have a change of heart. So why don't you stop keep us waiting and do it already." Sasuke continued.

Hidan raised the knife admiring it. This time, there was no shimmer, it only reflected the Hyuga's dead eyes. He held it tighter and contemplated where he would put it.

"Am I seriously think this?!" He thought.

"Do it! Do it already!" Sasuke chanted.

He swallowed want little bravery he had left and made a decision. His arms brought the tip to his stomach and then he reached it out. Hidan took, what may be his last, breath. After lining it up he clapped the handle tighter and locked eyes with Hinata.

"I'm sorry." He sighed.

In almost slow motion, the knife drew closer to his stomach. He crushed his eyes shut, not wanting to see the woman he'd loved cry any more. This was for her. If even there was a chance that it could save her, he had to take it.

"Put down the knife!" Commanded a new voice.

From around the wall stepped a man holding a gun. It trailed from Hidan to their surroundings then landed its gaze on Sasuke. The second their eyes met the man stumbled slightly. He was unable to process any words at first. Just horrific sharp gasps.

Then he managed to sputter, "Sasuke. What... What have you done!?"

Tye Uchiha shoved the girl to the ground then stood up to face this intruder, "Great even you're here to ruin everything. Well its nothing knew, is it Itachi?"

"I've let you off with the drugs, even the mugging but this- this is too far! Look at what you've become!" Itachi then took out a pair of handcuffs and held them out, "I'm going to have to take you to the station."

"Oh fuck off Itachi. We both knew this was gonna happen. I was always meant to be the disappointing son while you be the pride of the family. Well let's see who's best when it comes down to this!" Said Sasuke.

He turned to the wall and kicked a pipe repeatedly until it eventually snapped. A foul smelling substance began to fill the room. Hidan used the opportunity to help Hinata up and he held her close. Once he recognised the smell, Itachi raised again and had it trained on his brother. All the while, Sasuke removed a little silver box and flipped the lid. His thumb rested on the little wheel of the lighter.

"You can't be serious! You do understand if you light the fuse, this whole place will blow up." Said Itachi

"No shit Sherlock." Replied Sasuke

Red and blue lights flashed past the window, followed by the sound of sirens. Time was running out. The officer had to make a choice fast.

"Sasuke. I'm giving you a chance. Please stop this now. I've got back up coming and they will shoot. I'll make sure you only get a prison sentence if you put the lighter down." Added Itachi.

"Where's the fun in that? I mean everything's over for me anyway right? If I can't win then I'll just take you all with me!" The thumb twitched.

There was no flame. Instead, Itachi tackled his little brother to the ground but, struggled to free the lighter. Well he let go as soon as his face was kicked by Hidan. He went to take another one but Itachi yelled, "that's enough." And soon had him in cuffs.

The other officers stormed the building and Sasuke was dragged out. He only turned his head once to give Hinata one last look. In less than a minute he was in a car being driven to the station.

"Gas! Everybody out!" Yelled an officer.

Those closest to the door evacuated first then out ran Itachi, Hinata and Hidan. As they were the furthest back, they were last to escape. Hinata tripped, her ankle hurt from when she was tackled earlier. Still, she tried to hobble onwards.

"I'm fine." She stated.

"No you're not. I'm helping you whether you like it or not." Hidan then scooped her up and ran to the door.

Before he could even take a step out, they were both thrown forwards by the impact of the blast. The deafening sound left them with a ringing in their ears. He held her tight, shielding her from the rough tarmach. His back scrapped hard as they crashed, most of his shirt was torn.

Hinata stirred, and winced at the sight of his battered body. He still held her even when they had crashed into a fence.

"Hidan!" She said.

He hovered above her, then rested on his elbows for support. He smiled to reassure her but she know he was in pain.

"You idiot." She yelled, "you were going to do it weren't you? Weren't you?!"

He averted his gaze, a little ashamed at the truth, "I couldn't see you suffer like that..."

"Why? Why would you-"

He crashed his lips into hers. Her face grew warmer with each second. Only when they broke for air did she understand. Hidan chuckled at her reaction then brought his face closer to her's again.

"W-wha. Since when d-did you?" She began.

"From the start." He smiled, "I'm pretty sure I told you."

"Y-you were dying. I-I thought you were hallucinating or something... So you..."

"Yea."

She couldn't help but smile, all the while her face grew brighter and brighter. Any more and she was sure to spontaneously combust. Without realising it, she had placed her hands on his well defined abs.

"Well... I um, also..." She said

"Also what?" He grinned knowing exactly what she meant.

"You know..."

"Nope, I haven't a clue what your on about."

Her hands gripped tighter to what little fabric remained, "I l-like you."

"Oh so you only like me." He frowned, loving the obvious frustration it was causing her.

"No, no! It's more then that! Do I really have to say it?"

"Yup."

She swallowed then slowly admitted, "I also... L-love you."

He leaned in closer and kissed her again. She also responded and deepened the embrace. They both smiled at the exchange and got up as more sirens approached. They both stood there, in each other's arms watching the flames consume the building.

Yay! Another story complete! Honesty I had something entirely different planned for the ending. I actually wanted to end it in chapter 14 but that would have been identical to my first story in A damsel in distress and I felt as if all loose ends hadn't been tied. Then half way through writing the meet up between Hinata and Neji I thought, what if she was in a coma instead. And things just progressed from there. I made Sasuke a bit of a dick in this story but to be honest he's one of my favourite characters and that's not to say I don't ship Sakura with him because I do. Whatever the case, I thoroughly enjoyed writing this but even more so the support you lovely people have given me. So thank you for your likes, follows and comments and hopefully I will continue to write more.