Spring Memories

Chapter One: The Awakening

CHAPTER 1: THE AWAKENING

2 YEARS LATER:

Hinata fell into another bout of coma right after her operation two years ago and within that two years, her condition became less dangerous and all the wires and machines were taken away. Itachi had her moved to another exclusive private centre, to evade from unwanted gossips and rumours. It was not only for his sake, but also for the young woman who might one day wake up with tongues wagging uncontrollably. No. That was not he wanted for her.

At the Konoha Medical Centre, it was almost everyday Itachi visited Hinata and brought her flowers. Itachi felt a nagging responsibility for taking care of this mysterious young woman. He only found out that her name was 'Hinata' and was advised to constantly talk to her by the doctors. And that was what Itachi did.

He talked to her. Itachi was never much of a talker, but talking to this 'Hinata' made him feel much better. He talked about his dreams, ambitions and also his childhood. Several times he helped the nurses and Ino to give wipes to Hinata by cleaning her arms and legs.

Itachi told his situation to Ino and graciously, Ino helped him to keep Hinata a hidden secret. Only Ino and the Akatsuki knew about Hinata's existence and kept it a secret from everybody.

Once a while, Ino came to see Hinata and cared for her. Itachi even prepared to give a raise to Ino for the help. To Ino, even if he did not give a raise, she would voluntarily help out. Throughout the times, Ino began tease Itachi for secretly 'liking' this mysterious girl whom he got into accident in the first place.

"You know Hinata," Ino was grinning, helping to give Hinata a sponge bath. "I'm glad you came into Itachi's life. He's always been a loner almost all his life. He's going to need a woman to fill that void in his life."

Ino then continued to wash Hinata's long indigo coloured hair as she continued her conversation. "I just hope one day you'll wake up Hinata. We can't wait to meet and get to know you in person. I believe….you're a nice person…..Hinata and I believe we're gonna be great friends!"

After Ino was done bathing her. She wrapped Hinata in a bathrobe and had Sasori to help her carry Hinata onto the bed. After Sasori gently placed the comatose girl on the bed, he left the room. Ino then helped dressing the comatose Hinata into a white muslin sleeping dress which was designed exclusively by Deidara.

Yup. Deidara's a fashion designer and he frequently visited Hinata. He nicknamed her 'Muse' for Hinata became his source of inspiration in designing to-die-for dresses and attires.

It was two years after Hinata fell into coma. Itachi, took on upon his shoulders, the full responsibility to care for Hinata since nobody put out a notice for a missing person that fit Hinata's description. He then moved her into one of his homes in the outskirts of Konoha City with the help of Ino and Sasori and a few of the Akatsukis. It was a beautiful place right on top of a hill that overlooked the wide blue of the ocean.

Itachi loved the view from the hill top and will occasionally bring Hinata out on a wheelchair and will roll it outside from the patio that faced the beautiful scenery. The two of them will sit together facing the sunset and Itachi will constantly talk to her about the beauty of the sun setting down.

"Winter is almost passing, Hinata," Itachi said. "I do hope you get the chance to see the sunset. It is really beautiful from here."

Little did Itachi know, Hinata could listen to him, very clearly. She had been listening to his voice everyday.

Day by day, deep down in Hinata's sub-consciousness, her feelings for Itachi have grown. She only knew this 'Itachi' through his 'voice'. She knew what his favourite food was, his favourite colours and hobbies, she knows everything. She yearns to reach out to him, but felt too weak for that because her body refused to obey her command. She only remembered one thing in the past two years. A pair of obsidian black eyes looking right through her soul, and she felt that those eyes belong to the voice that spoke to her for the past two years. She was sure of it. It was this 'Itachi'. The voice deep in her darkness.