#hiashi should have died lol

[megwritesnstuff]

Probably not even a hot take at this point but what happened to Neji was absolute shit and his death, the way it happened, undermines everything that happened between him and Naruto in the Chuunin exam arc and a lot of the events that defined his character arc between chuunin exams and his death.

Like the whole point was that Naruto told him he can define his own life and destiny, despite the curse mark, and we see some places where he (at least seems) to start to believe that and has interactions with Hinata and other people within the clan (at least in the anime) and other people like his team, and he seems to be less hateful, less of the "jerkish kid" we see him as in the chuunin exams. So it makes it seem like yeah okay cool things might get better

And then the war comes and he goes and dies. For Hinata. Like he was always destined to do because he's branch family and has the curse mark. Like

Come on. What was the point of inspiring him to go and have his own life if it was all gonna go just the same anyway? And the fact that he's smiling as he goes and does it like?

Idk. It feels like it undermines all of his progression. And idk yes he had a better relationship with Hinata at that point and he was friends with Naruto to sacrificing yourself to protect people you care about. Sure. Happens all the time in this story. But still. Idk

It could have been anyone else who was on that battlefield. It could have been Hiashi for christs sake.

That would have been REALLY meaningful. A main house family member, THE head of the clan, dying for his daughter that he abused and a branch family member? Totally the opposite of how its meant to go, finally being with his twin brother again in the afterlife, and maybe getting declarations about how he realizes he'd made mistakes but now he wants to set it right with his dying moments?

Would have been a lot better than how we see in boruto that he "has regrets" but we aren't shown at all weather things are actually... better... in any way shape or form....

[lesbiankoby]

11, 12, and 13 for the nrt ask game :)

already answered 11!

who should've died in war arc?

haha i’m gonna get burned at the stake for this— i actually think neijis death was fairly effective for the actual narrative reason he died, which was obito’s birdcage speech, which… is really good and mostly needed a more compelling resolution or smth lol. it mostly fails as a resolution to the hyuuga plotline specifically rather then “well somebody in the war arc needs to die and we need to care about it and it needs to validate obito’s ideology in the moment— ah, let’s use the birdcage symbolism and off neiji” which makes sense. lol. it worked.

…kind of wish hiashi had done a chiyo about it though. it would probably be a more coherent full circle on neijis actual arc and that part one bit if he had.

ALTERNATIVELY hinata could have died for neiji which is a way more coherent death for the hyuuga plotline but doesn’t serve the actual reason we had a major character death at that specific moment nearly as much.

anyway. i dunno whose deaths would have served something it’s been a while since i’ve read that arc. i don’t think kakashi should die, personally. most of the side cast could get sniped for stakes? while i understand there was a metric shit ton of filler endearing them to the audience way more then i got in a manga only run it’s not like dog boy was doing much. i dunno though! i’d really need to reread this arc to have specific opinions about character deaths.

was kakashi trying his best? / was he a "good" sensei?

yeah, and yeah? he failed on an interpersonal level (both bc the institution was against him at every turn and just bc the institution itself was the problem along with his loyalty to it) but kakashi was indeed doing his best.

and as a ninja sensei he was perfectly competent— the kids grew a lot offscreen, lol, he had them for at least half a year. the reason team seven fell apart was outside forces conspiring against them and, again, the very institution of “a genin team” (of which he was a competent sensei for) being kind of fucked from the outset— child soldierism and a corrupt institution, lol.

[ketchupratwrites]

literally!!! evryone is all cool with it and its almost never talked about again. like the 3rd hokage knew for years, at least since neji's father's death, and didnt bother punishing the main branch for slavary or create laws to prevent them from handing out more curse marks. (i hate the the 3rd hokage so much) why are curse marks not illegal? i dont remember any kind of human rights or international laws put in place but i guess every village does what they want. who cares about another shinobi world war.

and its so crazy that no one at the final chunin exams that hears about the slavary and torture of the side branch goes "oh my fucking god??? why the fuck has this been going on for so long and why is no one doing anything???"

the side branch deserved so much better and get a proper closure where neji doesn't die for the main branch. instead hiashi dies for neji and pays back the debt of his brothers sacrifice by saving his son. this couldve been the event that breaks the cycle of abuse and maybe even hiashi could make neji the head of the clan in his final moments. maybe in hiashis final moments we see him understand that the main branch and side branch are an outdated practice that should be abolished.

i think hiashi even mentions that hizashi and neji should have gotten the title of clan leader during the chunin exams? (i might be wrong lol) but because hizashi was the younger twin he looses that right. its so stupid.

No bc Neji really sat up here and aired out his clan for slavery and no one batted a fucking eye

[orionangeline]

Wow. Nejis death really does suck

Me, going into the episode: ok let's see if the memes were right

Me, after his death:

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Three Hundred Fifty-Five: Timer ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Hyūga Hiashi, Uchiha Itachi ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ] [ AO3 Link ]

She’s always thought of it as some kind of pseudoscience, like astrology or basing personalities off of blood types. While many of the other girls she grew up with looked forward to their sixteenth birthdays like it was some kind of rebirth, Hinata just...couldn’t bring herself to put much stock in it.

“Everyone in my family swears by it!” Ino gushed at one point. “It’s how my mom met my dad, and several of my aunts and uncles! And guess what? My cousin’s timer is up in like...three weeks. He’s so nervous he can barely stand it!”

“Doesn’t it seem a bit, y-you know...self fulfilling?”

At Hinata’s quiet interjection, several girls turned to her with disbelieving expressions. “...what’s that supposed to mean?”

Squirming a bit under their gazes, she’d gone on. “...it’s just...people look at their countdown, and they trust it implicitly. Doesn’t anyone t-think for themselves? Or...or want to find love on their own, rather than be shoehorned into it…?”

Ino scoffed. “Y’know, ever since they figured out how to make these timers work, divorce rates, like..cut in half! People are meeting those they’re meant to be with and staying with them!”

“...if it’s so great, then...why are there still divorces at all?”

That earned a cacophony of squawking replies about disbelievers ruining the statistics, and...Hinata quickly removed herself.

She just...had her doubts, was all.

Her parents, and her only aunt and uncle met through their timers. Her uncle, sadly, died when his son was only four, and Hinata three. Therefore, she has no real way to know how their marriage had worked.

Similarly, her mother died not long after having her sister. Hinata was five. All she really has to go on are blurry childhood memories...and her father’s current attitude.

And she really can’t see how the woman she recalls being so kind, so soft, so gentle...could love and marry a man like Hiashi. Cold, calculating, and seemingly emotionally stunted. He rarely if ever smiles.

...she remembers her mother’s smile. So warm…

...so how…?

It’s why, as her sixteenth birthday looms closer, Hinata gets more and more knots in her stomach. The implant isn’t required, but her father has made it very clear that she’ll be getting hers. Likely so he can marry her off as soon as her timer hits zero, and be rid of her.

While so many girls in her year have looked forward to their birthdays...Hinata can do nothing but dread hers.

Like many young people, she attends a school segregated by gender. It’s meant to help avoid fraternizing with the opposite sex and therefore affecting a timer’s readings. Of course...not everyone is attracted to said opposite sex. Hinata herself doesn’t really mind if a person is one or the other, but...she keeps that to herself. Admitting as much would make just about every girl who isn’t highly uncomfortable.

...and yet she wonders what will happen if she’s already met her soulmate.

Will the timer just...not work? Will it already be at zero? If so...then how is she ever to know who they are? Not that she believes it...it’s really all a bunch of nonsense…

...and yet…?

Each day that passes in December sees her more and more anxious - more and more depressed. Hiashi has already arranged for her to have the day off from school, her surgery to implant the timer set for early in the morning. Set into her left wrist, it will allow her to return to school the next day, her dominant hand unaffected and allowing her to write.

The day before, she finds herself at the last stage of grief: acceptance. There’s no fighting it. No use in trying to say no.

This is just how things are.

“Good luck with your procedure!” Ino and Sakura call as classes let out for the day. “See you Thursday!”

She doesn’t answer, just waving farewell. While there’s excitement in her friends’ voices...she can’t bring herself to feel it, too.

Just...get it over with.

Once home, she works on her assignments, numbly browsing social media and not really taking anything in. All she can think about is the surgery. The stupid timer…!

Part of her wants hers to be broken. To prove that it’s wrong. But the rest - despite her stubborn belief that it’s all rubbish - is afraid, so very afraid that it won’t work.

That she’ll always be alone.

Too restless to do much else, she finishes the entirety of her homework, turning in to bed early...and yet unable to sleep, mind too full. Worries eddy in her mind like a slow-moving whirlpool: around and around, always circling back and starting all over again.

By some grace she falls asleep for a few hours, snapping awake at her alarm. Heart fluttering and stomach churning, she gets up, has a light breakfast...and then gets in the car for Hiashi to drive her to the hospital.

The ride is completely silent. Only once they park does he turn to her, expression - as always - unreadable.

“I know you’ve been dreading this...but best we just get it over with. Best to know for sure.”

Hinata doesn’t reply, just exiting the car and following him inside as they check her in. Prep doesn’t take too long. Dressed down in a powder blue gown, she’s wheeled into the surgery suite, given anesthesia...and then goes blissfully blank.

Waking is a slow process. First thing she notices is a dull ache in her arm, eyes dragging open to peer down at her wrist.

It’s wrapped in gauze, her IV in her other arm. The urge to peer at it itches like the skin beneath the wrappings.

Looking groggily around the room, she finds herself alone. Of course her father wouldn’t be here - probably off hounding a nurse somewhere, badgering them about releasing her so he can head home.

...the hospital has bitter memories, after all.

Going lax with a sigh, Hinata stares up at the ceiling. Well...it’s done. No going back now, unless she wants to try digging it out. But she’s not that desperate. She could keep it covered...never look at it...but even now, the temptation is great…

Why does it have to be so repulsive, and yet so enticing? It isn’t fair!

“Hinata.”

Glancing to the door, she finds her father. “...yes?”

“Once the anesthetic has worn off, we can go home. The nurses say an hour or two. Do you...need anything?”

The question surprises her, even more so given his awkward tone. “...no, I’m all right. Um...thank you.”

As he goes, she wonders if he’s been made aware of what her timer said when it was fully implanted. Or maybe they weren’t allowed to tell him���? But something about him just now seemed...odd.

With nothing to do while she waits, Hinata does her best to doze and make up some of her lost sleep. After nearly two hours, a nurse checks on her status, and gives her the clear the go. Hinata changes back into her clothes, moving to leave on her feet...only to have another nurse approach with a wheelchair.

She immediately balks. “Oh, I...I don’t need that -?”

“It’s a precaution for anyone coming out of anesthesia to prevent falls. Just until you get to your car, miss.”

Rather embarrassed - it’s not like she can’t walk! - Hinata sheepishly obliges, head ducked as they pass by other patients, visitors, and staff. As they go, her bowed face is turned to her wrist. Maybe she can just…

Carefully fiddling with the gauze and trying not to be noticed in case she gets scolded, Hinata nibbles her lip as they approach the elevator to the main floor. Easing the material back, she doesn’t look up as the door opens, two other figures in the lift already.

That’s when it happens.

With a soft series of beeps, Hinata flinches back from her arm, holding it aloft as though it’s suddenly on fire. Both Hiashi and the nurse balk, turning to her in question.

And inside the elevator comes a responding chorus of sound.

Time seems to slow.

Looking up, Hinata finally sees the other occupants of the lift. At the front is a young man in a wheelchair like herself, arms loosely folded atop his lap. And behind him, pushing the chair, is a boy more her age.

But he isn’t looking at her. He’s looking at his wrist, which is rapidly trilling.

...oh...you’ve got to be kidding.

The little group remains frozen, half in and half out of the elevator. Hiashi’s face is aghast, looking between his daughter and the stranger opposite them.

Said stranger then looks up, clearly just as taken aback.

The only one calm is the man in the wheelchair, who simply quips, “...Sasuke, I believe you should introduce yourself.”

                                                           .oOo.

     So it occurred to me that I've never written a soulmate AU. Like...ever. At least that I can recall? Admittedly I have a slightly sketchy memory, but...yeah. As soon as I saw the prompt, I remembered seeing this AU floating around, and was like...okay sure, lmao      I know it's a cliffie, but I think I can make tomorrow's prompt work for a part two! So you won't have to wait long, lol - also...with this one done, we're officially down to just ten days left to catch up. It feels a bit weird, admittedly, but I know it'll be even weirder when we're all caught up! Finally xD It's honestly a bit embarrassing having it drag on this long, but...well, couldn't help Life's interruptions.      On that note tho, I really need to get to bed! Thanks for reading~

[elsakey]

Boruto Ep. 8: What I Liked

And trust me guys, there was a lot to like in this episode. More than usual!!!

So, here goes the list:

1. GRANDPA HIASHI AND AUNTIE HANABI

This just goes to the automatic top of the list this week. Oh my goodness. How can life be so good like??? How many of us Naruhina fans even dreamed of there being a canon ‘softie Grandpa Hiashi’?? How many of us even had a sliver of hope of seeing ‘Auntie’ Hanabi in the flesh?? Dreams came true this episode, folks!!!

Aren’t they adorable? Didn’t you just love how they kept cuddling their grandchildren/nephew&niece?? This is just...look, I better see oodles of fanfiction of Boruto and Himawari exploring their Hyuuga heritage after this. (Not that I haven’t seen any before...I may make a rec list later.) This is just too good. 

I love love love how affectionate they are with Boruto and Himawari, and how they obviously mellowed out over the years. Can I haz Hyuuga-Uzumaki family picnic next??

2. Naruto’s Interactions With Boruto

So Naruto has been mostly in the background these past episodes- which he should, seeing as how this is his child’s story. But it is always good to see him again, expecially in regards to being both father and Hokage.

What I found most interesting was his reaction to the possibility that Boruto may have the Byakugan (and in that case, Hinata’s reaction was interesting too). Though Boruto thought his reaction meant that he didn’t believe him, it’s obvious from Hinata’s shock and Shikamaru’s notice of said shock that something else is at play here. Especially with Naruto’s words: “You need intense training...and I know better than anyone that you haven’t gone through that kind of training.”

It kinda sounds like Naruto has done his best to possibly protect his children from Hyuuga politics, but there is a danger of them being involved if they have the Byakugan. Are both Hinata and Naruto reminiscing the hell that she went through as a child when training for the Byakugan? Are we going to see flashbacks of both Naruto and HInata adamantly refusing to put their own children through that? And what about the ‘Branch Seal’ politics? Will these next episodes touch on that a little, and the possible implications if Boruto has indeed awakened the Byakugan (which of course he has, so...)?

3. Shikamaru/Hinata Brotp

AAAAAAAAAAAAAH I AM LIVING!!!

Guys, I have been secretly stanning this brotp ever since I started liking Shikamaru more. (Typical reaction of mine: get all my favorite characters to be the BEST FRIENDS EVA~~) This little moment of Hinata thanking Shikamaru for looking after her husband was gold, I tells ya, GOLD. 

And then there were those chuckles they shared at Naruto’s expense concerning his past antics, haha. I love this brotp! I don’t expect to see much more, but I am so glad we get a glimpe at how well the Hokage’s wife and Hokage’s advisor get along. YUS!

4. Naruto/Shikamaru Brotp (y’all saw this coming)

Shikamaru and Naruto doing Hokage/Advisor stuff? Awesome.

Both of them talking over the threat to Boruto (+ bonus Naruto being concerned for his son and Shikamaru giving dad!advice)? Again, Awesome.

Shikamaru being concerned over Naruto’s health and walking him home?  PRICELESS

“Thanks for always taking care of him.” THANK you HInata, didn’t I just say this in my last review?? DIDN’T I?? :DDDD

5. Boruto/Shikadai Brotp (again, ya’ll saw this coming)

Wasn’t it cute how Shikadai was able to call Boruto out on his supposedly finding that movie hero ‘boring’? And how they both ended up at the same convenience store for a late-night snack? 

I also liked how their brotp-ness was kinda paralleled with their fathers’ (again) in this episode. Their discussion about the strange happenings almost sounded like an advisor and his hokage once more. It’s just so nice how well they get along with each other. Come on, SP, I’m still gunning for that Uzumaki-Nara family picnic!!

6. Toneri’s Return (PS: This isn’t the thing I least liked, I just forgot about it until now lol)

Whoooooaaaaaaa. 

So DIS BOI IS BACK HUH??? And what’s up with that prophecy he was talking about? How does he feel about contacting the living proof of his NOTP like that? So many questions, but it sure is interesting to see him again!!

What I Am Looking Forward To/Not Looking Forward To: 

- So...Is Boruto’s Byakugan gonna show itself next episode or nah? I really don’t want it to be ‘nah’ because I don’t want to have to see my baby go through all the angst that may occur. But then Hanabi’s dialogue in the preview seems to hint that they will see it, so there’s hope!

[fruitysmellz]

Naruto: The Last RETOLD

Alright, so I caved in and watched Naruto: The Last because I’ve heard both good things and bad things about it. All in all, I thought the movie was “okay-ish”, I mean it really did have its good and bad points. 

Good points: DUDE THE INTRO WAS AMAZING! Also, the designs? Everyone looked GORGEOUS!

Bad points: The story was… heavily lacking, in my opinion. They should have studied the characters more because it almost felt like… well, it felt almost like everyone wasn’t themselves at some point. I wouldn’t call them totally OOC, but there were just some things that needed reworking.

That said, this post’s aim will be… TO REWRITE NARUTO: THE LAST, fruitysmell version (LOL).

Now, I’m going to cut this post. If you’re curious about how I’ll rewrite the whole movie, click ahead! If not, feel free to ignore. But please, bear in mind this is all an opinion. I would like to read your thoughts, just don’t start with flames because I’ll end up ignoring it.

Also, this will still follow canon couples. 

Lastly, this is tagged as an opinion. If it somehow waltzed in your ships’ tags, again, feel free to ignore this.

With that said, let us begin!

Like most canon pairings, NaruHina (NH) has had its development. Compared to others – say, NaruSaku, SasuSaku, NaruSasu/SasuNaru – however, this ship’s moments are pretty scarce. 

But that doesn’t mean this ship can’t sail. 

With good writing (and proper execution), NH could have been a wonderful pairing. Unfortunately, Naruto: The Last (NTL) failed to deliver, and I believe the first mistake Kishi (and maybe SP too?) did was kill off Neji.

Neji fans: *standing ovation*

Now let’s review the dreaded chapter that was 614, shall we? When Hinata once again tried to shield Naruto from the incoming attacks, Kishi should have made her actually defend herself and Naruto. I mean, she did the whole “I will shield you with my body” routine way back in the Pein arc, you think by now Hinata may have learned a thing or two, amirite?

Now, in that scene, there could have been two plausible scenarios.

(1) Hinata uses Kaiten or her Twin Lion’s Fist (??). I’m not really sure if I remember correctly, but Hinata hasn’t learned Kaiten, right? So this was perfect opportunity for her to let the readers see that she managed to overcome this weakness by (a) finally showing off her Kaiten or (b) making a point that her Twin Lion’s Fist was just as formidable as Kaiten.

This opens a new door for Hinata’s character. One that will make her a perfect candidate as the Hyuuga heiress.

(2) Her father defends her and dies in the process. When NTL started, we see Hinata being bullied by… unknown children – which was questionable, mind you, because Hinata isn’t just a Hyuuga, she’s from the MAIN. She should have been escorted at least, seeing as she is from the Main and she is a child. 

But I actually want to delete that scene in NTL because Hinata’s main bully isn’t an unknown child (or children) making fun of the Byakugan. It was her own father (and maybe Neji, but Naruto took care of that).

So when Hiashi puts his life on the line for her, this makes the readers understand that her father is asking her to forgive him for all the things he has done and said to Hinata. Also, this is good drama. Imagine, a father and a daughter finally reconnecting, only for the father to die. Wow. What a way to go Hiashi. Number (2) is actually my favorite route, you know?

Anyways.

With either scene happening, the new route opens. Hinata becomes the perfect candidate of becoming the new heiress to the Hyuuga.

And this is where I want NTL to happen – setting the movie not in the moon, or whatever, but in the Hyuuga household itself.  

Now then, remember one of Hinata’s biggest lament? It was not being to stand by Naruto’s side, and instead, hiding behind his back. And although Hinata wants to fulfill this wish of hers, she is now the Hyuuga heiress, and as such, has too much to handle in her hands, even if the war already ended two years ago. So Hinata vows that to stand by Naruto’s side, she will lead the Hyuuga and make sure that she and her clan will support Naruto (who will be Hokage some day) fully. 

Hinata thus introduces her plan of abolishing the Caged Seal. Naturally, this causes an uproar in her clan.

(This also explains that Hinata and Naruto hardly interact by this time frame – Hinata is too busy with the clan, while Naruto is slowly being trained as a future Hokage.)

Both Neji and Hanabi are her firm supporters (I kind of want these two to be a part of the Hyuuga council, if there is such a thing tbh), and this sort of creates a rift in the Hyuuga. The Main want their privileges still – the Branch want equality. So while Hinata has the Branch’s full support, the same can’t be said for the Main.

So what does the Main do? They plan to overthrow Hinata. This is where Toneri is introduced.

Toneri is a Hyuuga from the Main, and like everyone else doesn’t want his privileges taken from him. So he disguises himself as one of the few Main members that befriend/support Hinata. However, he is merely doing this so he can gather information. You know, sneaky stuff that sneaky villains do.

Basically I’m just irked that the movie subtly implied that the Branch, if uncontrolled, would spark a revolt that’s catastrophic and this is why the Main subdue them via the Caged Seal.

Anyways.

I haven’t really ironed out all the details, but I just want to set NTL in the village of Konoha and not anywhere outrageous like the moon (how did they even breathe there? and why was there gravity???). I want NTL to showcase Naruto’s strength in politics (because we already know his strength), thus making him a perfect Hokage candidate. I want NTL to be the movie where everyone in Konoha 12 (and Sai) get to have a role and where teamwork happens.

I just want NTL to be the movie where we get to see what happened before they all grew up and had kids.

(Like Chouji and Shikamaru becoming both the clan leaders of their respective families and also functioning as representatives of Konoha to Cloud and Suna, respectively – thus explains how Chouji and Karui met and all. Ino and Sai are pretty much covered with their novels, right? Kiba and Shino helping out Hinata, thus strengthening their bonds and their families’ bonds.)

And lastly, I just want NTL to show Neji all grown up too, becoming the rival of Lee when it comes to playing with Boruto and Himawari with Gai cheering on the both of them. And then Tenten wins the match anyway by giving the kids real kunai (LOL).

To summarize, I just want NTL to be the movie that ends a few of the plot holes. Not making more of them. 

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Two Hundred Thirty-Nine: Pure ___ ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: We’re Not in Konoha Anymore... ] [ AO3 Link ]

“GET OUT!”

Gasping for breath, Hinata bursts through the door, feet tangling and collapsing her into the snow. Cold quickly bites at her exposed skin, clothed only in a gown and shawl, boots barely laced as her father rages behind her. The warmth of her breath plumes in the frigid Winter air, curling like steam as she tries to find her footing. Gathering up her skirts, she stumbles from the manor toward the stables. There was no time to grab any supplies, but she’ll be damned if she leaves her horse.

Shaking fingers work at the latch of the stall door, the mare within snorting at the commotion. “Easy,” Hinata murmurs, trying her best to calm the beast. “We’re leaving. Now.”

Not even bothering with tack, too afraid to linger any longer, Hinata simply hops up bareback and urges her mount from the barn. Once clear of the door, she kicks heels into her side, earning a gallop into the swirling snow.

She doesn’t look back.

Clinging to the palomino’s cream-colored mane, Hinata buries her face into it to hide from the cold. For now, she has no goal, no destination...beyond leaving home as far behind her as she can manage. No longer can she abide the anger, the disappointment, the abuse. Let Hiashi have his perfect second daughter. She’ll find a way.

...she has to…

Through the night she rides, the horse slowing to a trot as the estate fades behind them. The frosty breeze is pervasive, slipping through her garments with ease. She wasn’t exactly dressed for a midnight ride through the snows, but...there’s no helping it now. If she can just make it to town...find someplace to stay...come morning...she’ll…

Thoughts seem to congeal like ice in her mind, slowing and sluggish as her body loses warmth. Struggling to keep her eyes open, Hinata’s last sight is the blur of the forest as she topples from her mount and into the snow, oblivion taking her into darkness.

“...mngh…”

Eyelids pinch, orbs beneath them flickering as if plagued with visions. Beyond, she can see flickering warm colors, like...fire?

Struggling to drag them open, she realizes she’s...no longer out in the snow. The previous night plays slowly, fragmented through her mind. Her father’s anger, her desperate flight, her fading energy, and now…?

Laid upon her side, she’s before a large hearth, crackling and roaring with flame. Rough stone frames it, the rest of the room dark and cold as she hovers near the heat. Struggling, she props herself up atop an elbow, attempting to look around. Her clothes are a touch damp from the melting snow that clung to them, boots removed and settled near the fire to dry. She’s in...some kind of sitting room. It’s large, filled with furnishings and utterly black beyond the halo of the firelight.

Where on earth…?

Grunting as her body protests - still sore from her tumble from horseback - Hinata forces herself to her feet. A torch within a sconce is taken, gingerly held to the fire until it lights. Holding it aloft, her free hand gathers up her skirt to better walk unhindered.

Time to investigate this place.

Gingerly navigating the room, she finds more and more evidence that this is a place of someone hoarding decent wealth. Bearskin rugs, fine tapestries, graceful furniture...but some is toppled over, all of it covered in thick layers of dust. Wherever she is...it hasn’t been properly lived in for quite some time. An abandoned manor, perhaps…? A tentative story shapes in her mind. Someone must be squatting here, using the empty halls as shelter from the cold. They must have found her, brought her here...but to what end? Was it generosity? Or with far darker purposes in mind?

Given her clothes, her unmarked skin, and other features, it’s not hard to guess she’s of the gentry. They may have her here for ransom, figuring someone will be willing to pay a pretty penny for her back.

How disappointed they’ll be.

Once she’s gleaned all she can from the immediate room, she moves to a heavy oak door. Carefully, she pulls at the steel handle, flinching as the hinges protest. A crack lets her peer through. Beyond seems to be the main hall of...wherever she is. The only light streams from a glass atrium along the two-story roof. Open, with a sweeping staircase leading to a second floor, it’s nearly barren. And beyond, to the other side, great double doors that are surely the entrance, closed and barred. Above, a partially-broken chandelier still hangs, several strands broken and the entire thing askew as support lines have snapped.

...perhaps this is more than just a manor. It’s almost big enough to seem like…

Still curious, Hinata pulls the door further, ignoring the screeching metal and stepping out. The stone floor is cold against the bottoms of her feet, but goes largely unnoticed in the wake of her eagerness to see more. But where to go from here…

“...you’re awake.”

A sharp breath disappears down her throat, spinning around. In the large, echoing room, it’s hard to know where the voice came from. Decidedly male, it seems to dance around her. “...I...I am. Where am I…?”

“In the ruins of a place long forgotten...that died with those who inhabited it.”

Turning slowly, torch lifted as she tries to see, Hinata attempts to puzzle out the voice’s meaning. “...people...died here?”

“Many. All but one. And he who remains...is cursed.”

That earns a pause. “...cursed…?”

“He begged a witch to save his brother, one afflicted with an illness unrelenting. But the magician’s wording was vague, the promises two-sided. In the end...rather than save his brother, he doomed his family. And he was left to wander the ruins of his kingdom as little more than a monster…”

In her chest, Hinata’s heart quickens. A monster…? Kingdom? Then...is he…? “...and what will become of this...monster?”

Silence falls, and just as she assumes she’s been left alone, answerless, Hinata hears, “...there is no hope for him. As it should be. This is his penance.”

“Was it you who saved me? Pulled me from the snow?” Her question redirects the tide of conversation, fearing it may end before she learns what she must.

“Foolish to be so lightly dressed in the bowels of Winter. What were you doing…?”

“...fleeing a father who no longer loves me. I was headed to town, trying to escape. But then...I collapsed. Did you save me…?”

Another pause. “I couldn’t let an innocent perish in the cold. But you cannot stay. This place is a breeding ground for sorrow.”

It’s then she hears it: shuffling, up above her. Brandishing her torch, she tries to alight the banister above her on the second floor. A shadowy figure prowls just out of sight. “...and what of this curse?”

“...what of it?”

“Every curse has a key. A way to break it.” Though an echo of fear beats in her chest, Hinata has come too far, lost too much to be afraid now. This just might be her only chance. “...you’re him, aren’t you? The one who lost his brother, his family. You’re the cursed man.”

A growl sounds softly from above. “...there’s nothing you can do.”

“I’ve nothing left. No home, no money, just the clothes on my back. And...my horse…”

“She did not flee. A brave creature, withstanding what she saw.”

Following the figure with her eyes, Hinata asks, “...please, let me see you.”

“I’ll only frighten you.”

“I’ve very little left to be afraid of.”

More silence, stretching further and further until, “...very well.” Above her, she hears the shuffling footsteps. Moving to the center of the hall, Hinata stands in the halo of moonlight. Down the stairs the figure moves, tall and hunched. Hesitating at the light, it then lets slip a foot into the white.

A paw, shrouded in dark fur, with bends like a dog’s. Breaching completely into the moonbeam, a creature of legend looms over her, clothed only in a tattered, makeshift cape.

A wolven beast.

Pale eyes widen, but more in shock than fear. “...you…?”

“Am a monster. A wretched thing with a hunger and temper that gnaw at my insides,” he growls. “It’s not safe for you here.”

Not replying, Hinata takes a slow step forward, a hand daring to reach. He flinches, but in turn holds out a padded paw-like hand.

“...here is better than catching my death in the cold,” she murmurs, gently laying her palm atop is own. “As I said...I’ve nothing to return to. So tell me: do you know the curse’s cure?”

“...I cannot tell you.”

“Why not?”

“To do so would...sully the chances. As slim as they are. There can be no knowing, no...bias. Otherwise…the conditions may not be met.”

“...I understand. But...may I stay?”

“...if that is truly what you want, I won’t stop you. I have nothing to offer you…”

“A roof over my head is more than I had,” Hinata offers, smiling softly. “...may I know your name?”

“...Sasuke. Of the line Uchiha.”

Somewhere deep in her mind, the name rings a bell. “...and I am Hinata. Of the Hyūga. Perhaps we were meant to find one another - maybe...we can be each other’s keys.”

Dark, bestial eyes consider her warily. “...time, I suppose, will tell.”

                                                           .oOo.

     Welp, this is a day late, but yesterday was abysmal, so hopefully you can forgive me ^^; I'll get to today's two owed drabbles later. I'm slowly playing catch up, aha~      Anyway...in case it's unclear, the prompt I made this out to be is pure love: the condition for Sasuke's curse. Hence being unable to tell her, in case she tried forcing the feeling, which wouldn't work. Beauty and the Beast is my FAVORITE Disney movie, so I had to do something based on it once the idea hit me. I might do more when given the chance! But any continuations will likely have to wait until next year. This challenge, with SHM on top, has been veeery draining, lol - I love them both, but I'm going to need a break after this year over, and before I can make anything else xD      But yeah, here's...yesterday's entry, lol - I'll be back later with today's SMH and 365 day entry. Trying not to burn myself out~ Thanks for reading!

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day One Hundred Six: Suburban Sprawl ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ] [ AO3 Link ]

Plink.

Plink.

Plinkplink.

“Mmph…” Rolling over to lay on her back, Hinata drapes an arm over her eyes. What time is it...and what on earth is that noise?

Plink.

Looking toward her window, dark brows furrow as she realizes that it’s...the glass? Watching, she seeks something gently plink against it.

What the…?

Sitting up, she abandons her bed, inching along the wall to avoid being seen before peering out around the sill’s edge.

Across the rather small gap between their houses, Sasuke is sitting in his own window, throwing...something at hers. Squinting, she realizes it’s...coffee beans? Yeah, he’s got a can of coffee beans. What on earth is he doing?

Opening the pane, there’s a flinch as he throws one more, which bounces harmlessly against her middle. “...hey!” she whispers harshly. “What are you d-doing?”

“Waking you up.”

“Why?”

“I can’t sleep.”

Hinata gives an incredulous stare.

“Go for a walk with me.”

“Sasuke, it’s -” a pause to glance to her floral-print clock. “It’s four am!”

“So?”

“So?! I -!” She heaves a curt breath through her nose. “I can’t just leave the house at four am!”

“You’re sixteen, you can do what you want.”

“N-no I can’t!”

“Come on, Hinata. When was the last time you broke a rule?”

Cheeks puff in a pout. She can’t think of one.

“Exactly. Go. For. A. Walk. With. Me.”

“Oh...f-fine! But if we get caught, you kidnapped me.”

“Fair enough.”

Shutting her window, Hinata looks about her room. Never in all her years has she snuck out of the house. Down to the kitchen for a midnight snack, sure. But she’s never dared to break curfew, too terrified of whatever consequences her father might impose. Most rules in the Hyūga household are unspoken...because neither daughter (so far) has had any rebellious tendencies.

But with Sasuke back in her life, it seems that’s going to change for the elder.

Dressing in shorts, a tank, and a sweatshirt, she slips on sneakers and tiptoes her way downstairs. She takes leave by the back door, a spare key hidden nearby she can use to get back in. Goodness knows she’s not going to leave the house unlocked.

Hair tie in her mouth, she puts up long locks in a high tail before creeping around the side of the house. Any moment, she just knows Hiashi is going to pop around a corner and start yelling at her, and wake up the whole neighborhood. But all she finds is Sasuke standing out front. He’s got a baggy pair of shorts of his own, and a tank...but no jacket.

“So...now what?”

“Now, we walk.”

“Um...where?”

“Wherever our feet take us.”

Expression still unsure, Hinata glances back home before trotting to catch up as Sasuke leads the way.

At least it’s not a school night.

“So how come you c-couldn’t sleep?”

“No real reason. It just happens some nights. I don’t get tired. Tried playing some games, but...nothing caught my attention. Too restless.”

“It’s still better to lie down and rest than nothing,” Hinata insists.

“I know. But I get tired of doing that. It’s nice to just...be out at night. It’s quiet. No one around. You can think. Or not think.”

Hinata hums, looking out ahead. “It...is sort of peaceful. I’ve never really been out at night.”

Around them, the suburb sprawls. A bit of a higher-class neighborhood, the houses have decent-sized yards and multi-car garages. There’s a park a ways down the road, and it’s there they start to head.

“I go out a lot.”

“...so I’ve noticed.”

“Oh really?”

Hinata glaces away sheepishly. “...yeah. I mean, I’ve p-pulled some late nights for homework, and...I’d hear you leave. I always wondered where you’d go…”

“Just around. Clear my head. What, think I was out to cause trouble?”

Cheeks go pink. “N-no!”

“Well, that makes one person. I’ve had many a stern talking to from my aunt about it. She thought I was going out to get high or drink or...whatever.”

“...have you ever?”

“Nah. I like having my head clear.” Sasuke’s brows furrow ever so slightly. “...for a while, I was on meds after my parents died. They always made me feel...fuzzy. I hated it, so...I started refusing to take them. I don’t want anything else doing that to me again.”

“Were they...trying to sedate you?”

“No idea. Not that there was any need. I was listless as hell back then. Not like I was acting out or angry. All I knew was that I hated how they made me feel.”

Hinata shrinks in on herself a bit. “...I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault.”

“No, but...I feel b-bad you went through that. All...of that.”

“...me too.” Sasuke gives her a glance. “...you don’t have to be so timid about it, Hinata. It’s been almost a decade now.”

“S-still -!”

“It’s fine.”

After a small pause, she looks away from him, gaze turned downward. “...I still think about my mom all the time. I...guess I just thought...”

“I think about them too. And it still hurts, in a way...but not like it used to. I can talk about it no problem.”

“...okay.”

Stepping into the park, they look the play equipment over. A huge multipurpose toy still dominates the center, with slides, stairs, rooms, and monkey bars. Swings, teeter-totters, and bouncy animals surrounding it in a fine bed of soft sand for any falling tykes.

The pair glance to each other, then grin. Taking off, they climb up into the center, each taking different routes before cresting the top.

“I beat you!”

“In your dreams, I was up here first.”

“No, I totally -”

“Shh!”

Putting a hand atop Hinata’s head, he ducks them both down. A police cruiser slowly rolls by, headlights cutting through the dark not illuminated by streetlights. She can hear her heart pounding in her ears, fear flared at the potential of being caught and marched home to face her father’s wrath. Nerves make her feel like she’s going to jump out of her skin at the thought.

And maybe a bit because he’s still touching her.

“...okay. I think they’re gone.” Peering up over the side, Sasuke stand upright. “We’re fine.”

“M-maybe we should head home…”

“But we just got here.”

“I-I don’t want to get in trouble!”

“We’re not gonna get in trouble. You just worry too much. Little goodie-two-shoes ‘nata.”

For the second time tonight, Hinata pouts.

“I just wanna sit for a while. Then we’ll head back. No one will ever know you were gone. I promise.”

They sit along an edge that leads to a wide slide, not really speaking. Just sitting and taking in the scenery. It surprises her how...different things look this time of night. It really is peaceful. Like they’re the only two people on Earth. Part of her wants to just...keep walking. All the way into the city and its lights.

...but they’re a little young for that.

Glancing to him, Hinata watches Sasuke for a moment. Arms braced atop the bar atop their perch, he leans his chin atop them, looking lost in thought.

...he looks so different in this lighting. With this expression. So...unguarded.

“Something on my face?”

She startles. “Oh, n-no. I...I was just -”

“C’mon, I better get you home. Starting to feel tired, so...maybe I’ll sleep some.”

Blinking, Hinata nods.

With a grunt, Sasuke just...goes down the slide. “Coming?”

A bit embarrassed, she hesitates a moment before following. “I...can’t remember the last time I did that!”

“Well, now you do.”

The walk back is quiet, Sasuke’s hands in his pockets and Hinata’s hands woven behind her back. They reach Hinata’s house first.

“Got a way in?”

“Yeah, I know where the spare key is.”

“All right...g’night.”

“Goodnight, Sasuke. Hope you get some sleep.”

Already leaving, he lifts a hand in acknowledgement.

Unlocking the rear door, Hinata stashes the key back and tiptoes in. The house is quiet and dark, and she makes it to her room unnoticed.

She...honestly expected to get caught.

Dressing back down to get back into bed, she peeks through her window one more time. Sasuke’s light’s on, but soon flickers off.

A small smile graces her face before crawling into bed.

...maybe she’ll do that again sometime.

     Another wee sequel to day sixty-three: more random fluff, lol      I've never really lived in a suburban - or urban - setting. Mostly I've lived out in the country, or in teeny tiny farming towns. So I never really had a chance to do this sort of thing when I was a whippersnapper. Kinda sad I never got to, so maybe I'll live a bit vicariously through Hinata for this one x3      But yeah, that's all for tonight - I'm sleepy~ Thanks for reading!