#( uchiha matriarch ic. )

[intcritus]

Kenta steps into the kitchen, eyes seeking out his mother with ease as he speaks up, fresh from a mission and too tired to do anything else but have something to fill his darn stomach. "Hahaue, got any onigiri left?"

Moving around the kitchen with ease, ears perk up when she notices Kenta's familiar scent. It's nice to be able to cook for multiple people and truly, if her boys aren't eating the way they should, of course she was going to rectify that. And while onigiri was filling for some, it would only last them until dinner was ready. And the curry was currently simmering.

Cleaning her hands off with the hand towel, she puts about six of said onigiri on a plate along with cold, oolong tea, sitting it on the counter infront of him before gently brushing his hair from his forehead, pressing a kiss there. ❝ ━ After your snack, please go rest, son. Dinner will be ready soon and you look like you'll fall over any minute. Don't make me send Itachi after you to make sure you're actually napping. ❞ Which is a real threat considering how much they nap together these days. It's good to see how close the two of them are, it makes her heart swell with fondness. ❝ ━ And wash up, there's grime beneath your fingernails, ❞ she chuckles, wiping some dirt from his cheek.

motherly doting on kenta !!! | @nvrcmplt

[spield]

picking up v (suitor...s enter!)

Hey, hey hey!! So, here’s the latest installment of the picking up! verse! You can read the other “chapters” here.  In which Kakashi meets the other suitors.  part i - part ii - part iii - part iv

“I’m sorry about that.” Sakura apologized, settling the wine glass down. They’ve barely made it to their reservation, with the stare off that happened between Kakashi and Tobirama back at the lobby.

The two silver-haired (foxes) men kept their composure with small (non-existent) small talk, gauging each other. Sakura believed that the only thing that stopped them from going all caveman was the fact that they knew she hated it.

She was not a prize, damn it.

Good thing they knocked it off and Kakashi and Sakura went on their way. The restaurant they chose limited their capacity to provide a sense of privacy and exclusivity to their diners. Their table sat by the window, inside a small function room.

They just finished their main courses when Kakashi waved her off, “Don’t apologize. I didn’t know you were so popular, but I can’t say I’m surprised.”

Sakura’s smile strained, thinking of all the male guests in the wedding entourage. From what she heard, Pein will be there. That’s an entire headache right there and oh if only he knew.

“Ah, well. Tobirama’s an old patient. He got shot by one of  his client’s enemies after court.”

“Hmm,” Kakashi hummed, “I think I read about that in the newspaper. The Shimura case?”

“Yes —“

“Excuse me, here are your desserts.”

The waiter laid out a souffle for Sakura and a plain vanilla ice cream for Kakashi - which Sakura just found completely adorable.

Kakashi watched as Sakura’s eyes lit up at the first taste of the chocolate souffle, her cheeks flushing with delight. He could watch her eat forever. He’ll give her all the souffle she wants, if she asks for it.

Their conversation picked up, rounding with the details of the infamous Shimura case, and how it shook their nation. With the not-so white elephant in the room, Kakashi decided it’s time to bat it away.

Half-jokingly he asked; “So… are there any other suitors I should know about?”

The Uchiha family for all its riches is a subtle one when it comes to throwing parties. Which is the opposite of the Hyuuga clan. Glancing at the grand displays of 7 foot flower arrangements and number of tables for the pre-wedding party, Sakura guessed it was Hanabi’s family that won out when it came to decorations.

The wedding was tomorrow, this party, according to the invitation, was to allow the two families to get to know each other. Or, looking at the amount of passive-aggressive bragging, to one-up each other one way or another.

With the Hyuugas in politics and the Uchiha in the police force, Hanabi and Sasuke’s marriage seems like a political alliance to the untrained eye. But as Sakura sat waiting for Kakashi to return from the restroom, she could see the couple’s eyes soften at the sight of each other at their own table of honor.

It’s about love - and politics. Not the other way around.

“Please don’t tell me you’re not pining for your ex-husband at his own wedding party.”

Sighing, Sakura rolled her eyes at the droll voice from behind her. From her periphery, a red-head moved and sat across her - Akasuna no Sasori.

“Why are you here?” Sakura’s eyes narrowed at Sasori, “You hate Sasuke.”

Sasori shrugged, his indolence marking his movements. “It doesn’t change the fact that his father invested in our hospital.”

Ah, of course it doesn’t.

It’s love, politics and money - what a trifecta.

For a moment, it was silent between the rivals. They’d met at medical school, both studying under the heavy hands of Senju Tsunade and Akasuna no Chiyo. Sasori had been her senior for a year, before their tense rivarly started when Sakura dismantled his thesis paragraph by paragraph, making them graduate at the same time.

Their rivalry’s legendary. Rumor has it Tsunade and Chiyo still had a bet going on about when Sasori will confess his begrudging respect and hate-love for their favorite student - not that Sakura knew that.

“So should I keep my eyes peeled for a dramatic entrance of a scorned ex-wife tomorrow? Let me know, I’ve got to get my camera ready.”

Sakura’s eyebrow twitched, “I’ll peel your eyes for you if you don’t leave me alone.”

Sasori’s lips twitched upwards, satisfied with poking fun. “And here I was keeping you com—“

“Ah, Sasori-san, I didn’t know you were here!”

The Uchiha Matriarch, mother, or was it back to Mikoto-san now? was a lifesaver. Looking every bit of a matriarch with her pearls and beautiful dark blue dress, Mikoto still held an effortless elegance about her.

Sakura’s lips twitched at Sasori’s deflated expression, quickly masked with impassive politeness. He rose and kissed the matriarch’s hand. “I wouldn’t miss your son’s second wedding for the wedding, Mikoto-san.”

Mikoto took the insult in stride. Sasuke’s first marriage didn’t have a wedding - not of this magnitude of course. Given all the… circumstances surrounding it. The matriarch glanced at her former daughter-in-law, now shooting her a relieved smile.

What a pity she had to leave the family. Mikoto mused. Sakura-chan’s a great woman, smart as a whip with a backbone of steel - perfect for the Uchiha. With a glance around the ballroom, Mikoto could already tell the line of men wanting to steal her away, starting with this doctor. She also saw Congressman Uzumaki (yakuza, if she remembered correctly) lurking about and that lawyer Tobirama.

Mikoto smiled a practiced smile at Sasori, before placing her hand on the crook of his elbow, talking about the new technology Suna hospital has because of their investment -

They want her daughter-in-law?

They could try.

Hand-washing was one of the habits (or coping mechanisms) his former occupation left on Kakashi. Counting backwards from 100, he meticulously scrubbed his hands on the sink. From the cubicle behind him, a familiar figure emerged.

“I see that you lost the face piercings - good look. Must be a hit with the voters.”

Pein knew Kakashi, perhaps even knew what he was before he was a high school teacher (and even during that), and it really shouldn’t surprise Kakashi that he was here. A political gathering disguising as a pre-wedding banquet.

“And you lost the mask - you’re almost unrecognizable.” Pein said, standing next to Kakashi and turning on the sink - drowning out their conversation.

Kakashi picked off a few tissues and dried his hands, his customized face mask sitting snugly on his face. “Heh, it was going out of fashion. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date to attend to.”

“Does she know?”

Kakashi paused, his back facing the legislator. Slowly, he turned and faced the impassive face of the shadow leader of one of the oldest Yakuza families in Ame. “That’s none of your business.”

“I knew you prefer older men.”

Sighing, Sakura turned to Shisui and shrugged off his arm from her bare shoulders. “Hello to you too, Shisui. I’m assuming you’re the one who sent her?” Emerald eyes pointedly looked at the lady Kakashi’s politely twirling.

He’d gotten back right as the meals were served and was promptly whisked away by an overenthusiastic lady with a penchant for pointing out their age differences.

Shisui shot her a grin before bowing in front of her with flourish, offering his hand for a dance, knowing that propriety dictates that she can not refuse.

Soon, her soft hand slid into his and he whisked her away for a dance. As they sway back and forth to the orchestra, Shisui lowered his lips to her ear. “You’d be surprised who’s more devious between Itachi and I, Sakura-chan.”

Sakura’s eyes narrowed, roaming the room over Shisui’s shoulder. She found Itachi near the grand staircase, already looking at her with molten eyes.

“You two are persistent.”

Shisui laughed, leaning back an inch. “We prefer, determined. If you don’t mind.”

Sakura sighed, swaying in his arms, “You do know it’s odd if I get married to someone in your family again, right? Let alone my ex-husband’s brother or cousin.”

Shisui’s chuckle reverberated against Sakura’s chest, his lips grazing her ear. “Darling, once part of the family - always part of the family.”

“What are you doing?” Sasuke asked, eyebrow raised and arms crossed.

Finally, Sakura had thrown in the towel and bowed out of the reception with a goodbye and a hug with the newly-weds. She had whispered in Sasuke’s ears a request to keep his relatives away from her.

“You still love her?” Shisui asked, daringly, eyes sharp. They were in Sasuke’s room, lounging, some sort of last bachelor’s party with wine and business plans.

“Of course.” Sasuke answered with not a beat missed.

Theirs was a history too long and too sweet to be brushed away. They may have ended but the bitterness of that ending was nothing compared to what they’ve been through. They grew together, loved together, had a beautiful girl together. How could he not love her?

Shisui watched as his cousin’s eyes glazed over, looking inwards, his body language softening before hardening as his coal eyes narrowed.

Itachi stared at his brother as if seeing him for the first time. It seemed they’d underestimated Sasuke’s loyalty. “We’ll take care of her, otouto, you know that.”

“I’ll always love her.” Sasuke reiterated, pointedly ignoring his older brother. He poured himself a glass of wine, remembering how Sakura looked up to Kakashi when they left the banquet. “Which means if any of you fucks up Sakura’s happiness, there will be hell to pay.”

When they arrived in Kakashi’s room, Sakura spilled out all the “suitors” who suddenly emerged after her divorce. Kakashi was pretty sure they’ve always been around, but he kept that to himself. 

A doctor, nay, an owner of one of the biggest hospitals in the country - Akasuna no Sasori. Championed by many in their field, saying that he and Sakura are the next power couple of the field. 

A lawyer, nay, one of the best criminal lawyers and co-owner of the Senju Co law firm - Tobirama Senju. The contender of the whole Senju family, including Tsunade (who had no apologies to give to Kakashi, she wanted Sakura as her official relative - sorry) 

A legislator and a yakuza head - Uzumaki Nagato. Or Pein. Who was frankly just a pain in the ass to deal with. Kakashi still had some scars to prove that. 

And of course, the Uchiha cousins. Championed by their whole clan, judging by the way the matriarch and patriarch approvingly gazed at them while they whisk Sakura for a dance. 

And then there’s Kakashi. 

“I’m just a humble soon-to-be college teacher,” Kakashi started and Sakura almost rolled her eyes thinking that there’s nothing humble about a retired military man who may or may not still be covertly working for the government and instead let Kakashi continue.

“Are you sure you’re fine with me?” he asked. And though he said it with humor laced in his voice, there’s a hint of truth. 

Sakura’s heart clenched painfully, and she took Kakashi’s hands. “Are you okay with me? I’m dragging you from your peaceful life and well, into this.”

“Can’t say it’s not gonna be interesting.”

Sakura laughed, leaning against Kakashi. In turn, he wrapped his arm around his shoulder and smothered his laughter against her hair.  (He’ll have to make some calls. Get the Hatake estates and businesses up and running. He’s not just. And maybe he didn’t have a yakuza family or a corporation, but he had Sakura- and the only approval he’ll ever need - Sarada’s.) 

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Fifty-Nine: Renaissance Woman ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Itachi ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Healing Waters and Scorching Flames ] [ AO3 Link ]

As hard as her journey with the Avatar was...the last few years have honestly felt even harder for Hinata. The resurgence of waterbenders back into the South - the waterbending renaissance, as many have taken to calling it - hasn’t been as simple as releasing the Fire Nation prisoners and taking them home.

For many...there’s no home to return to. Entire villages have been wiped off the map, families torn apart, lineages destroyed. Add in the trauma those who have survived have been left with, and the transition isn’t easy.

At the beginning, many Northern benders come South to aid their cousins. Something akin to a refugee camp is established along the closest harbor to the Fire Nation. There, all imprisoned benders are brought, families flocking from all over the southern ice fields to reunite with their kin. To Hinata’s heartbreak...only a fraction are claimed. Many - far too many - are left behind without any word from family.

They remain, and are given proper counsel. Old wounds are seen to, minds put at ease, and the group as a whole is brought up to speed on everything that’s happened since they were stolen away to the Fire Nation.

The work is long, and hard. Hinata toils each day from morning to night, even as the seasons shift and the poles are left either in stretching darkness, or days-long light. As exhausting as it is - as somber - she chooses to find hope in it. They’re alive. Broken...but alive. Hope remains for the South’s bending population. Many are old, but their knowledge is just as valuable as their bloodlines.

Bending schools are established - marriages seem to crop up everywhere. In a matter of years, the population begins to climb anew. And as they find balance in themselves, the benders slowly reintegrate.

Slowly...things get back to a new kind of normal. The scars won’t fade from those who bear them, and the memories - Hinata will make sure - are not forgotten. The sacrifices her people made will not be in vain...and they will be learned from.

Perhaps it’s her connection to the Avatar. Perhaps it’s her tireless work with the returned benders. And just maybe, it’s both. But Hinata is quickly elevated - despite her young age by the time the bulk of the work is done - to a matriarch. Her judgment and decisions are brought to the forefront: a leader to help guide the rebuilding South.

And though Hinata would have shied from such a burden and honor before her journey...she relishes in it now. At seventeen, she begins to her first steps to reshaping the South into something greater.

It’s tireless work...and in many regards, a bit thankless. But it’s necessary. And she’d rather do nothing else. Her mother gave her life to protect her - to protect a sliver of waterbending in their homeland. She wouldn’t mock that sacrifice with inaction. Not now.

Of course, the other nations too are hard at work. Naruto and Sakura attend mostly to the Earth Kingdom. And in the Fire Nation, both Uchiha brothers work to make amends...and help their land grow past their mistakes, and strive for a better, more peaceful future.

And eventually, Hinata gets a visit.

The other waterbender - kidnapped from the South to keep the ill elder prince alive - insists on seeing the efforts once they can be spared. The three make their way to the south, and Hinata gets to meet her for the first time.

They get along in what seems to be only a heartbeat.

Hinata tours them through the city that began as the chaotic camp to bring the stolen benders to. Though not as grand as anything in the North, it’s still become the largest settlement in the South. Many of those without family stay here still, and others have gathered from the smaller, fractured villages to band their people and resources together. The healer takes in all the sights eagerly, and can’t help but rejoice when finding that her people, too - unbeknownst to her - made the trek to the new city as well.

“...I can’t begin to say how impressed I am with your work, Hinata,” Itachi offers as his healer goes to reunite with her people. Alongside his somber smile, a few tears escape as he watches her cry in relief. “...and I can’t say what this means. To everyone, but...also to her.”

“It hasn’t been easy,” Hinata agrees softly. “But we’re making good progress.”

“Beyond good. What you’ve accomplished here is incredible. I’m only sorry I could only get away now to see it. What a marvel it must have been to watch this grow…”

“We’ve come a long way.”

To one side, Sasuke watches in silence, and Hinata can’t help a startle at his expression. Unlike his brother, who looks on with hope...she sees only grief in his gaze. And once Itachi moves to join the healer, she approaches quietly. “...Sasuke…?”

“...I’m a horrible person, Hinata.”

She jolts. “...w-what -?”

“I was the one who took her. I...I did this.”

He’s already admitted to this before, but...well, it’s clear that seeing the aftermath has him shaken all over again. Hinata looks to the tribe sadly before glancing back to the prince. “...you did what you had to. Itachi would have died without a waterbending healer. Think of how the war would have changed without him. How you would have -”

“No...I, I know that. I know she was necessary, but -” He cuts off, head bowing under a weight she can’t see. “...I threatened her. Threatened them. Told her I would...I would kill them all if she resisted. I tore her from her village…! I put her in bonds, in a cell, on a foreign vessel. Dragged her to a land she knew nothing of. And I...Hinata, I treated her so poorly…”

...she’s not sure what to say.

“...I was so angry then. So conflicted. And I…” His expression tightens into a grimace. “...I took that out on her. I had no right. I really...thought she was beneath me. A means to an end. A tool to be used, to keep him alive. And now...look at him. Look at them.”

Hinata doesn’t need to be told. The remnants of the other bender’s village all weep at her return, as she does. And Itachi joins them...lowering to his knees to bow and beg their forgiveness. She tries to haul him back up before kneeling beside him, embracing him.

...it brings a strange feeling to Hinata’s chest. Even as the others all do the same, forming a chain of love, strength, and forgiveness.

“...I don’t know if I’ll ever deserve that. To be forgiven.”

“Sasuke…! Look at all you did to help turn the war around! It doesn’t change your past...but it gives you a chance at a better future. You’re alive. We all are. Moping around in our pasts and our pain won’t help us. Learning from them, and doing better, will.”

He doesn’t look convinced, gaze dropping to one side.

“...I forgive you.”

“...right now...you’re not the one I need forgiveness from. And I can’t accept it.” A pause. “...not yet.”

“...well, someday you will. Besides,” Hinata adds, giving a small, wry smile as she watches the older pair. “...something tells me you won’t be rid of her quite yet.”

He glances back up, watching his brother and the healer speak. It’s already been made obvious. “...guess you’re right.”

“...I think they’re going to be here a while. Why don’t you and I keep looking around?”

“...I don’t know if I can.”

“Well, you should. You say you want forgiveness? You can start by making yourself see what’s come of your land’s efforts. And you can help make it better. Okay?” Stubbornly, Hinata holds out a hand.

Sasuke’s gaze snaps to it, something unreadable in his expression. A long moment of silence and stillness passes...before he takes it. “...you’re right. Time I see this renaissance for myself. And I guess that makes you the renaissance woman.”

“Just one of many. Doing my part.”

“...then I guess I will too.”

     Whoo, another AtLA piece! Fitting, given that I started marathoning LoK for like...the fifth time today, ahaha~ I really REALLY love crossing these verses. Which I say every time, but...it's true!      Hinata grows a lot on her journey with Naruto and the gang...but it doesn't stop there. There's a LOT of work to be done in the South Pole, but she's nothing if not determined. Yes, Sasuke was part of their pain...but she knows he can also help be part of their future.      And hers ;3c She just doesn't know it yet!      Anywho, that's all for tonight~ Still getting over this blasted sore throat / cold combo I've had for like...over a week. But! Either way, thanks for reading!

[intcritus]

Fingers gentle in tracing over Itachi's scars, warmth under the moon and humid nights ring around the ears with soft thunks of bamboo shoots and pond decore. Babbling that wasn't irritating but calm enducing to even his mindscape. Fushimi merely watched as his lover slept in his presence, like the shadow stuck to his very feet, the beast in human skin still screamed beauty and deadliness in his slumber. Gentle with each caress and movement of his wide palm to tenderly release Itachi's hair from his loose ponytail, a habit of the Oni's, the larger of two merely continued to pet and pamper his mate.

Though his gaze did lift upon the door shuffling in near silence. The Mother of his beauty, merely checking in on them, it seemed and he couldn't help but smile with the tenderness of a smitten fool for her son. Mikoto, was a divine being in her own right, and like Fugaku, he felt pride and over the moon to have such a beauty alike, in his own arms. The words didn't need to be spoken, but the door shutting was enough to allow his focus to return to his love. Leaning down to blot out the stars so he could press his lips to his lover's temple and adjust himself to lie just beside him. / @nvrcmplt

mikoto knew that fushimi was the man for her son. though her approval ranked above the rest, it was obvious that the uchiha was quite taken with fushimi and his people. to her clansmen, they were family, that was how easily they settled into this chaotic family. it didn't matter that some of them were different, nope. even fugaku, who was the most stubborn man hadn't taken but a day to bond with one of them. clarence, what a lovely child he was. fugaku was a stability that he needed. kenta, oh, that one was her secret favorite. he was a mischievous child, but so generous in his helping with her errands around the compound. though, she always urged him to rest, no need for him to be on go when he was safe here.

fushimi though, she had witnessed a great deal between her son-in-law and her child. the love between them was palpable, even their gods had approved and blessed them repeatedly. a very rare occurence, but then she had grandchildren to fawn over and that in itself still made her giddy. her aim had been to check on them, especially after itachi and sasuke had had, what oleg had appropriately called the zoomies, and had tuckered themselves out.

chuckling quietly to herself, she slides the door to their room open, stopping in the doorway at the tender scene before her and even more so at fushimi's sweet smile. it makes her heart warm knowing her eldest son had encountered such a love that he sleeps so soundly. yes, she truly had all faith that her son was well-loved. and fushimi looks at her son like fugaku looks at her when he thinks she isn't looking. smiling fondly, she steps back and shuts the door, slanting her gaze at her husband.

❝ ━ did he eventually fall asleep ? ❞

fugaku grunts in response but even he can't hide the fondness and tenderness in his gaze. when his wife raises a brow, his shoulders slump, a faint grin, ❝ ━ it took a bit, but they're resting. wouldn't let me go for awhile. ❞

mikoto shares his grin, knowing that the growing bond between him and clarence was a delicate one but as far as the uchiha was concerned, clarence was one of them. ❝ ━ i'm glad, you enjoy being a father once more, don't you ? ❞

he shrugs, but the faint grin doesn't leave his features and he tugs his wife in close, kissing her forehead. there's no need to linger here, their child was in good hands, just as their other child was resting peacefully for the moment. family was everything to him as the patriarch, and it was finally complete and he was humbled by it. guess it was time for him to relax a little when it came to his children, but then he'll always want to protect them from the world and themselves. regardless, he's grateful that his oldest....ah, one worry assauged.

❝ ━ it's nice, isn't it ? there's so much to look forward to with our family expanded. they fit in quite wonderfully....❞ more gentle prattling fades with their parting footsteps, the moonlight casting a glow over the compound. and somewhere, being pestered by an immortal is sasuke, who is putting the older male into a chokehold, quietly calling him brother. what a good night....

[intcritus]

❝ you don’t want to know the real me.❞ //Clarence

❝ ━ Is it me that doesn’t want to know, or is it you, who does not wish this ? ❞  Mikoto speaks softly, gently brushing Clarence’s hair from his features as his head rests in her lap. Even if what he speaks is heavy, she will weather it with him. He is her child and anything he cannot shoulder, then she and Fugaku are here. ❝ ━ I’ve seen you, my son. Protective fury, small and vulnerable, playful and pampering, they are parts of you as much as the real you. But you know what I see ? My child who aches for family, one that will touch you gently, who will hold you and whisper that it’s okay. A child who needs safety, one who seeks us out and knows we will be there no matter what. So whether its Clarence or the real you, whoever that is, is my child. ❞

  Her fingers continue to comb through his hair, bending down to press a kiss to his brow, a gentle smile on her lips. Mikoto didn’t need anything, no fallacies, no protests, because in her heart, Clarence was here, he needed them and for that alone, she couldn’t care less who fronted, she wouldn’t change how she loved her child. ❝ ━ Hush your doubts now, child. We’re not abandoning you. Whether it’s an ugly moment or you attempt to push us away, we’re here. I would fight the world for you, so why would I give you up so easily? I wouldn’t. It’d burn and I’d still choose you, my child. ❞ 

gonna smother him with love forever. | @nvrcmplt

[intcritus]

Clav watching the cousin' braid away at SuJin's hair but curiosity makes him speak up. "Is it an Uchiha tradition to keep ones hair long?" Why don't they ever cut it?

Aina hums in amusement at the question -- somethingthat tended to pop up quite often with those that came across the Uchiha. Long hair was a common thing for most of them and truthfully, it was more out of habit than anything else. ❝ ━ For some of us, it's to honor those who have moved on. This idiot, does it to honor our late Obaasan. ❞ Su-jin makes a strangled noise of protest but stays still because he knows his cousin will tug his hair if he moves wrong.

Smirking, she continues to braid down, being careful since this idiot cousin of her's tended to get knots if his hair wasn't handled properly. ❝ ━ I guess, it's a defining trait. A long standing tradition of our longevity as a people, as a Clan. We've lived a very long time, for many generations and our hair tends to highlight that. ❞ Slipping a hairtie around the end of Su-jin's hair, she lets his hair go before resting a hand on his shoulder then lifting her gaze to meet her brother in laws, ❝ ━ There are some traditions that are inherent to us, and probably won't make sense. But you're more than welcome to question it, we're alwats happy to share these things with family.❞ / @nvrcmplt