#sasuhina slow burn

[flowerismi]

Experience Chapter 37

Sasuke had tried to watch Hinata when she was sitting at the bar with Kakashi. And he could feel his blood began to boil. Why was Kakashi all of a sudden so interested in Hinata. Sasuke had known Kakashi for many years now. Kakashi even mentored Sasuke when he was younger. Sasuke had never seen Kakashi with any form of partner. Kakashi never had any relationship. At least not official. Not someone anyone would have known about. So why now all of a sudden did this man give so much attention to Hinata.

Sasuke watched as they talked, and he noticed them moving closer together. He was about to jump up from his seat and let his emotions carry him. But his logical side kept his feet planted on the ground. Not moving an inch. What would he even say. They didn't have that kind of relationship. He needed to let it go. Sasuke could feel his blood gush over as the thought of leaving Hinata in the hands of Kakashi made him disgusted. He didn't want to share her with anyone.

'What am I thinking!'

Sasuke yelled inside himself. He could feel how the jealousy filled up his insides. The anger and resentment only grew more intense. He knew he had to let it go. Hinata could take care of herself. She didn't need him to protect her anymore. Kakashi was in the end a somewhat decent man in Sasuke's eyes. However, he had a hard time admitting it in the moment of hatred and jealousy.

"Hey! Earth to Sasuke!"

Kurotsuchi snapped her fingers in front of Sasuke's face. And Sasuke snapped out of his daze.

"What!?"

Sasuke hizzed back at her. And Kurotsuchi gave him a nasty glance before pointing to her grandfather.

"Sasuke... Can you show me the last two terms..."

Onoki insisted and raised an eyebrow at Sasuke whose head was someplace else.

"Yes... Sir..."

Sasuke said half annoyed, trying to hide it from Onoki.

When Sasuke finally had a chance to return his attention to Hinata and Kakashi, he couldn't see them at the bar anymore. Sasuke frantically turned his head around to look her them. But he couldn't see them anywhere. He got up from the table and continued looking around.

Sasuke knew he had promised himself to let it go. His feelings. Everything that had happened between them. He promised. He swore. So why couldn't he do it. Finally, he caught them. He watched as they slowly danced. Holding each other. And the world froze for him at that moment. He watched Hinata's soft smile. He could see her eyes were sad though. Her blushing face was in the warm light. And Kakashi was the same. Holding her too close for Sasuke's taste.

Everything was quiet for a moment in Sasuke's head.

Then Sasuke's head went into overdrive. Why were Hinata's eyes so sad. Why was she dancing so close to Kakashi like that. Hinata never got that close physically to someone. Not that Sasuke had seen. Only when she had feelings involved.

'Wait... Is she... Is she into him!?'

Sasuke thought for a split second.

'No!... No way!... Nah ah... That's not... That is not happening!'

Sasuke yelled inside his head. He wanted so badly to rush in and interrupt them. And Sasuke knew at that moment that he had fallen deep. He never realized just how bad he was into her. But in this moment it hit him like a train going 200 miles per hour. He had become obsessed with her again. And all this suppressed feeling from the last couple of months came flooding back in one big swing of emotions. His heart began increasing its speed. He felt his cheek blush, and his anger rose as he could tell he had finally reached the end of the line. In that moment he wanted nothing more than to take Kakashi down. Right then, right there. And afterward, grab Hinata and kiss her so passionately that they would both be gasping for air.

"Hey... What the hell is going on with you?"

Tsunade said as she interrupted Sasuke's roller-coaster of emotions and messed-up thoughts.

"Tsunade!... You startled me..."

Sasuke said in shock, as he was startled by her.

"... You're acting more unusual than normally... What's going on?"

Tsunade continued, ignoring his statement. Sasuke took a second to pull himself together before turning his attention back to Tsunade.

"I don't know what you're talking about..."

Sasuke only replied with a stern look on his face. Tsunade took a moment before replying.

"... Hey if you're nervous about tomorrow then don't be... It'll be stressful sure. But you'll be able to handle it. And it seems you have a wonderful secretary who's even more organized than you are."

Tsunade said with a grin, pushing Sasuke's shoulder. Sasuke looked back at Tsunade astonished. Tsunade's compliments were few and came very rarely. So he was surprised to hear her say that directly to his face like that.

" Well, I'm getting another cup of coffee before leaving. Are you joining?"

Tsunade asked and turned around to go back to their table. Sasuke looked in the direction of the table, where the rest were sitting. He could feel Kurotsuchi's resentful gaze at him.

"You go on ahead, I need to have a little chat with Kakashi..."

Sasuke replied with an apathetic look on his face. Tsunade shook her shoulders and went back to the table. While Sasuke returned his attention to Kakashi and Hinata. But he couldn't see them on the dance floor anymore. Instead, he watched as they were sitting by the bar again. Hinata got up from the chair and headed towards the bathroom. And Sasuke took this chance to confront Kakashi.

"What the hell are you doing huh!?"

Sasuke hizzed at Kakashi standing right in front of him with a furious look on his face. Kakashi only looked confused back at Sasuke.

"Don't give me that look! You know exactly what you were doing!"

Sasuke continued.

"Oh... You mean talking with Miss Hyuga while you and Kurotsuchi rip each other's heads off... Yeah... You could say I lent an ear as she complained about you and your behavior... I guess she's never seen that side of you... Mhm?"

Kakashi said in a tone that made Sasuke even more pissed off. Sasuke wanted to pull Kakashi by his collar and throw a punch in his face. But hearing Kakashi say that made him freeze up. So it wasn't just his imagination. Hinata had been annoyed with his behavior towards Kurotsuchi. In his younger years, Sasuke might have blamed Kurotsuchi. Claiming it was her who started it and that it was her fault. He even felt that way now. But he couldn't deny that he played along with her games. He wasn't some kid who could complain about other's actions. He was a fully grown adult at 30 years old. He had to take responsibility for his actions. Despite what others did or said. He was the one who continued the insults as well. Only fueling the fire between Kurotsuchi and him. Sasuke sighed and sat down in the empty seat Hinata left behind.

"Shit..."

Sasuke let out as he put his face in his hands and groaned out annoyed. Kakashi ordered Sasuke a drink and handed it to him.

"Why are you indulging her? You know she's only saying l that to get a rise out of you..."

Kakashi said and looked back at Sasuke.

"I KNOW! I know..."

Sasuke said angry and sighed as he saw the drink in front of him. And he gulped it all down in one go.

"She just pisses me off so fucking much!"

Sasuke said and hissed. Kakashi sighed and clabbed him on his back.

"Is it worth it though? To get into fights with her like that?"

Kakashi asked, but he already knew the answer. Sasuke sighed again and ordered another drink.

"What did she say?"

Sasuke asked embarrassed of himself. Kakashi looked confused back at Sasuke.

"Miss Hyuga?..."

Kakashi asked and Sasuke nodded while he blushed embarrassed. Kakashi smirked.

"She said she's tired of you and wants to work for me instead."

Kakashi said with a serious tone. Sasuke widened his eyes visibly distraught and clenched the drink in his hand so hard it might have broken.

"You're kidding right?..."

Sasuke said with a contemplative look on his face. Worried that Kakashi's words might be true.

"Relax Sasuke... She's not going to work for me..."

Kakashi said with a teasing smirk. And Sasuke let out a relieved sigh.

"But she is tired of your bullshit..."

Kakashi said as Sasuke took a sip of his drink. And he almost choked on it. Why would Hinata go to Kakashi with her complaints of all people. She didn't know him. He was a stranger to her until today. Why should he believe anything Kakashi said.

"You might not believe it but... I used to be a student of her mother's..."

Kakashi said and looked back at Sasuke.

"I didn't recognize her at first. But she looks so much like her mother. It was like looking at her and not her daughter..."

Kakashi continued.

"I've only met Hinata once or twice when I was her mother's student. But... I knew it was her..."

Kakashi said as he clenched his hands together on the counter. Hiding his still grieving face. Sasuke widened his eyes taken aback. So they did share a history.

"And I was there... When it happened..."

Kakashi said and held his breath. Sasuke looked confused at Kakashi. As he didn't know what he was talking about. Kakashi could see the muddled expression on Sasuke's face.

"I guess she never told you did she..."

Kakashi said and sighed embarrassed.

"Well, it is a very private matter... It's not my place to tell..."

Kakashi continued. He watched as Sasuke's face became more upset and frustrated.

"You two still have a lot to learn about each other..."

Kakashi said and smirked at Sasuke. And Sasuke frowned back confused and annoyed. Why was Kakashi all of a sudden so invested in their relationship.

"Have you never wondered what her story was? Why she is the way she is? Why does she behave the way she does?"

Kakashi asked and raised his eyebrows at Sasuke. Sasuke looked angry back at Kakashi feeling disturbed by the line of questioning Kakashi was presenting.

"Come now, it's written all over your face... It's not that hard to see"

Kakashi said with a taunting look in his eyes as he smirked at Sasuke.

"You don't know what you're talking about..."

Sasuke replied as he tried to hide his blushing face from Kakashi. The wine and the drink had begun affecting him as well.

"You don't have to lie to me or hide your emotions... All I'm asking is that you take your time to actually get to know her... I can see she means a lot to you... Just like, a certain other person did..."

Kakashi said and looked back at the table where Kurotsuchi and the others were getting ready to leave. Sasuke looked pouty back at Kurotsuchi. He snarled as he watched her get up.

"That was a lifetime ago..."

Sasuke replied.

"Even so... You're more mature now... I think it's time you let yourself enjoy whatever it is you have going on with Miss Hyuga."

Kakashi said and called the waiter to get his tab. Sasuke looked angry at Kakashi.

"Nothing is going on! She's my employee idiot!"

Sasuke hissed back at Kakashi.

"Yeah yeah... That never stopped anyone before..."

Kakashi replied only half listening to Sasuke.

Sasuke rubbed his eyes, as he felt his head get heavy and the light felt sharp in his eyes. It was like all his emotions subsided and left Sasuke feeling exhausted, tired, and very drunk. As if the emotions have been keeping the alcohol at bay, only for it all to hit him in that moment.

Kakashi got up from the chair and held a hand on Sasuke's shoulder.

"I think you would both benefit from talking it out... Perhaps even put it all behind you so you can finally move on from your fear of commitment."

Kakashi said.

"I! I don't- don't have commitments issuesssshh..."

Sasuke said as he stumbled through his words his mouth felt weak. Sasuke shook his head and turned around to face Kakashi once more.

"I don't have a fear of commitment!"

Sasuke said again, this time not struggling through his words. He tried to sound stern and serious. But he could see Kakashi holding back laughter. And Kakashi had to do everything in his power not to laugh at Sasuke. Sasuke had the cutest pouty face of any grown drunk man. His cheeks have become round and pink. His whole attitude could not be taken seriously.

"Yeah, I'm sorry buddy... But you should talk with her..."

Kakashi mustered to say without laughing or smiling too much. And Sasuke nodded back with his puppy eyes and pouty look.

To be continued...

Overview

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Previous

[millywrites]

🎉 Survivors has officially reached 100k words! 🎉

This journey of emotional healing, complex relationships, and quiet moments between Sasuke and Hinata has been such a labor of love. Watching them navigate their scars from the past, lean on each other, and find strength in the most unexpected ways has been incredibly rewarding.Thank you to everyone who’s been with me on this ride! I can’t wait to share more as we get closer to the end. 🩷

[hinata6uchiha]

Lately, I’ve been feeling torn between my original work and my fanfics. I’ve been so focused on my SasuHina and ShikaHina stories that I haven’t made time to work on my original story, and honestly, it’s stressing me out a bit.

The thing is, if I shift my focus to my original work, I know I’ll get completely absorbed in it. That would mean slower updates (or no updates) for my fanfics, which I hate because I’ve finally found a good rhythm. I’ve been updating once or twice a week, and while I don’t have a set schedule, I’m doing better than my disappearing act days. I have a trail of abandoned stories haunting me. 😅 Please don’t judge!

But honestly, I hate the thought of leaving readers waiting too long. As someone who’s followed stories that seemed to disappear into the void for months (or even years), I totally get how frustrating that can be. 😭

Right now, I’m working on chapter 36 of Glass Tears and plan to push through to chapter 40 before taking a small break. Don’t worry—it won’t be a long one, maybe a couple of weeks at most! As for my ShikaHina story (Shadows in Bloom), I’m not too concerned. It’s almost done and will likely wrap up on the 10th chapter, and I’m already a few more chapters until it's completed.

If you’ve stuck with me this far, thank you so much for your support! If you’re interested in checking out my fanfics, you can find them here:

❤️Glass Tears: When marriages teeter on the brink of collapse, four souls find themselves caught in a web of emotional turmoil. As Hinata grapples with Naruto's neglect, she and Sasuke discover an unexpected connection, forging a deep and comforting friendship. Yet beneath this newfound bond, Hinata quietly harbors a growing affection for Sasuke, a secret that adds an undercurrent of tension to their lives. [No cheating. Slow Burn.] (Ongoing. Current chapter is 35/???)(Rated M)

❤️Shadows in Bloom: Shikamaru has quietly carried a crush on Hinata Hyuga for two years, watching her from the sidelines as she admired Naruto from afar. He kept his feelings hidden, knowing her heart was set elsewhere, but now things are changing. As fate draws them into each other’s orbit, he begins to see sides of Hinata that he never noticed before, beyond the shy, gentle girl he once knew. (Ongoing. Current chapter 5/15)(Rating M)

❤️Troublesome: Many things were troublesome to him...but she wasn't one of them. (One-shot) (Rating T)

Oh, and Glass Tears will be updated by the end of the week! I promise it’ll be packed with all the SasuHina goodness. 💜

[mika080]

GaaSaku AO3 2023 Yearly Wrap Up

List of Fanfiction COMPLETED in 2023, on Archive of Our Own.

[I'm trying something here. Tell me if you like.💞]

Prank War by GrimmoftheQueen Gaara walks into Naruto's apartment to find Sakura planning to shove cheese and bologna under Naruto's sheets and now he's got a front row seat to the pranks the two of them play on each other. He starts helping Sakura prank Naruto and ends up hanging out with Sakura more than he thought he would

Broom Closet Diplomacy by AviumR The first time Haruno Sakura manhandled the Fifth Kazekage into the nearest broom closet, she almost caused an international incident. Or: How Sakura chipped away at the Kazekage’s self-control, one broom closet at a time.

A small Help by Carnagebrattish Sakura e Gaara tomando banho juntos numa banheira e tendo momentos doces sozinhos após ajudar Sakura. [Not English]

Secret Love Song: The Sequel by Hina5enpai Idol AU (Direct sequel/picks up right where the first book left off) Endgame: SasuHina GaaSaku NejiTen SaiIno I just want to issue a warning: This story is significantly darker than the first book. It may seem like it won't for the first half, but it WILL have a happy SasuHina/GaaSaku ending. Thanks for reading! After fainting onstage during the last concert of their first tour, Hinata feels too guilty to face her bandmates. Unfortunately, something awful happens before she can speak to them again. Left with no choice, Hinata agrees to give up everything: Sasuke Uchiha, her friends, and even her career. Despite being asked not to interfere, Sasuke refuses to sit by and watch her give up. Even if she ends up hating him, he vows to fix things. Rated M for a reason!

Morning After by FallenInDreams After a night of debauchery, he fell asleep with her in his arms, slept tangled with her in the sheets, and woke with a stupid grin on his face. Gaara was not a morning person, but this, he could get used to. Written for GaaSaku-Fanfests Month 2023 on tumblr. Prompt: Day 22 | Morning After

Demon of Desire by EmmaLouiseLovesFanfiction She just wanted to have her deepest desires fulfilled. Can't blame a girl for trying, right? Even if she didn't think it would happen. Even if she didn't believe in such things. They still seemed to believe in her. He was a figment of her imagination. Until he became real. And his desire for her was only matched by hers.

the living cage by Binxxx Konoha falls to Suna during the Chunin exam invasion, and in the aftermath, Sakura discovers who her soulmate is. Now a prisoner, Sakura laments the day the universe gifted her the idyllic nightmare she calls her soul mate, who is more a labyrinth and beast than he is a man. But he is hers, all the same. The universe gave him to her for a reason…right? AU of "Words that Tie, Ties that Bind", or a "What if Gaara had successfully kidnapped Sakura after destroying Konoha during the Chunin exams?" ↳ Written for GaaSaku FanFest 2023: Day 21: soulmate/soul bond, “what will this cost me?” Day 25: sex pollen, scent/senses, “you smell so good”. Day 26: ptsd/mental illness, bad guy wins, “save me”.

Helping Each Other by QueenHimari Gaara and Sakura have phone sex to help them endure until they can see each other again. Written for GaaSaku Month 2023, Day 8: Long-Distance Relationship.

The "Q" Word Curse by NightingaleFlow Never say the "Q" word within the walls of the hospital. You will regret it.

No More Goodbyes by RiverOfTheSand She watched them saying goodbye for the umpteenth time, wondering how dense Gaara had to be to not notice Sakura's feelings for him. The way Tsunade saw it, she had two choices: get drunk on sakē for the rest of the day, or force Sakura into confessing her undying love to the Kazekage... decisions, decisions. *post-war*

A One Month Bet by Olly_BaaBaaChan A slow-burn, AU Shippuden-era romance. Sakura is sent to Suna to train the medical team, but the Kazekage is skeptical. They make a bet to see if Sakura can single handedly improve the entire unit, but the medic team's skills are not the only thing that blossom during her stay in Suna. Rated M for a variety of reasons. Come for the heavy petting, stay for the drama of a decently crafted plotline. GaaxSaku

Consequence by RiverOfTheSand AU GaaSaku. After three years they were finally over. She was finally free to find someone who deserved her. She just wasn't quite ready for the consequence of that decision. Rated M just in case.

Reason to Breathe by RiverOfTheSand AU GaaSaku. The train stopped suddenly and she fell into his arms. Her panic had disappeared, only to be replaced by a far more pleasant sensation; and she was falling all over again.

Sandbox by mika080 A haiku of undeserving love. . Sand swirls and flowers bloom. Friendship enduring through the sands of time. Kind, serene, acceptance of love.

Dreams of Sand by mika080 Warm fingers touched him. He could still hear her through the screaming.

Phantom of the Opera by mika080 A Phantom of the Opera inspired GaaSaku retelling.

Secret Love Song by Hina5enpai SasuHina/GaaSaku IdolAU COMPLETE WITH SEQUEL IN THE WORKS! Warnings include but are not limited to: Language, Underage-Consumption, Smut, Violence, Abuse Hinata gets the chance of a lifetime with a music contract. Placed in a 4-person idol group, she's on the road to living her dreams. She foresaw an adjustment to her lifestyle. What she didn't expect was to fall head-over-heels for her bandmate: Sasuke Uchiha. ENDGAME SasuHina GaaSaku (short-term pairings throughout) MAJOR Mature Themes/Complete with a sequel in the works!

back on the run (back to the blue) by SafelyCapricious Sakura is on a diplomatic mission to Suna when the coup happens. 

[lavender-long-stories]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. spread the self-love ❤

(not sure if you did one of these already but I can't find it!)

I did not do one. I found the ASK while scrolling about it and thought it would be cute to send to a bunch of friends. Thank you for checking. I didn't think I would get one back.

I will have to remember if there who I didn't send this to because I sent out like 10 already.

For myself rec, I will keep to completed fics.

Lavender Umbrellas

Pairing: Kisame x Hinata Rating: T Status: Complete Tags: Romance  |  Fluff  |  Alternate Universe - Modern Setting  |  Alternate Universe - High School  |  Big Brother Neji  |  Akatsuki Study Group  |  Disabled Character  |  Tooth-Rotting Fluff |  Happy Ending 

Hinata moves to her cousin's school and makes friends with a misfit study group, namely Kisame. Heartfelt relationship between a shy, small girl and a big, tough guy.

This one might be my all time favorite. It's an odd couple but the whole story came out so cute and fluffy.

Testing Success

Pairing: Sasuke x Hinata Rating: T Status: Complete Tags: Romance | Office AU | Family | Slow Burn | Fluff and Angst | Happy Ending

Hinata accidentally applies for the director's assistant position at Uchiha Industries. Though surprised when she gets the job it seems like the director has it out for her. His sons seem to be on her side though.

A roller coast from start to finish. Very fun to write.

Wheels

Pairing: Sasuke x Hinata  Rating: T Status: Complete Tags: Romance | Slice of Life | Friends to Lovers | Fluff | Happy Ending

After an accident, Hinata is bound to a wheelchair. She and Sasuke find common ground in their disabilities. Friendship-based love.

Pure SasuHina fluff.

Lavender Letters

Pairing: Hidan x Hinata Rating: M for Violence and Strong Language Status: Complete Tags:  Romance  |  Fluff and Angst  |  Hurt/Comfort  |  No Relationship Abuse  |  Alternate Universe - Modern Setting  |  Prison Pen Pals  |  Serial Killer |  Happy Ending 

Hinata signs up for a prison pen pal program and is assigned to Hidan, a serial killer known for his brutal murders. Hinata becomes friends with him despite his crass nature. And, oh yeah, they kill her father.

Weird couple, weird concept, some how works and I loved every moment of it.

Death Wishes

Pairing: Itachi x Hinata Rating: T Status: Complete Tags: Romance  |   Fluff and Angst  |  Hurt/Comfort  |  Happy Ending  |  Alternate Universe - Supernatural Elements  |  Alternate Universe - Modern Setting  |  Ghosts  |  Grim Reapers

Hinata finds herself the center of a mysterious being's attention, but what is she hiding that makes it so comforting to be not alone?

Dark concepts, but really sweet fluffy romance.

[i-would-have-come-for-you]

A Marriage of Convenience

The art does not belong to me. All credits go to @cyantasim for the beautiful work.

Chapter 1

The silence was almost deafening.

She felt everyone’s stares on her as she was presented the cup to drink Saké from. The same cup which had just touched her husband’s lips.

Her eyes were covered by the veil of her own hair. She clenched her jaw and took the cup. She sipped the sake like it was Poison. It burned as it went down her throat.

The burning lessened the buzzing in her ear. It made her realize she was getting married. The numb feeling she’d had since the morning started to lessen. She took another sip even though she was not supposed to and handed the cup back to whoever would hold it.

Her eyes burnt with unshed tears. She would not cry. Not now. Not ever. “I now pronounce you both officially married.”

The priest started to recite a long prayer for the well being of them both and for a long lasting and loving marriage between them. She wanted to laugh at that.

That was not possible. Never.

She had not heard her husband say a word since yesterday, when he had curtly informed her about the arrangements and she’d nodded.

She did not care. At all. This might as well be her funeral. She cast a hateful glance at her father, who seemed perfectly content hiding his emotions behind that mask as always.

The prayer was over and they were both made to stand up. The traditional wedding kimono was heavy and uncomfortable; although all her friends had told her she looked beautiful.

Not like it mattered. She was sure her husband had not even noticed how she looked. Not that she expected him to.

This was merely a marriage of convenience for them both. Or more accurately, for him and her father. She breathed in sharply, expelling all the thoughts as she felt herself being walked to the carriage, which would take her to her new home.

Her father came closer to her, saying a traditional prayer of happiness for her before stepping away. Her sister hugged her, tears in her eyes. She did not know how Hinata felt. She was genuinely happy for her sister.

Neji hugged her last, his expression knowing and ice cold. He knew what was happening and he knew he would lose his cousin. His grip was tight on her shoulders and she felt a childish desire to curl up and hide with him.

But he could not protect her from what her fate was, could he? She sat in the carriage and felt it moving. She cast one last withering look to her former home.

Or her former prison. Since every breath in there had been suffocating. All the damn time.

The walk was silent. The carriage was set down when she reached her destination. Her husband came to stand next to her.

She did not look at him. Instead, choosing to look at the magnificent building in front of her. The giant gates and the lush green, albeit deserted garden inside. The infrastructure which had once housed a group of strong and determined individuals.

The Uchiha compounds.

Her new home.

Her new prison.

As if hearing her thoughts, her husband smirked cruelly, his hand on her lower back as he led her inside. The gates closed heavily behind them and Hinata’s eyes burned again.

The buzzing in her ears began anew and her body began going numb again. But the merciful darkness did not take hold of her like it used to when she was younger.

No.

She’d become stronger. Now, she would endure whatever was in front of her. Because perhaps, she was fated.

To be surrounded by monsters.

To become one herself.

She only wondered, how long would it take?

__________

Remember that sharing is caring. Reblog and Like :)

For anyone wondering if this story looks familiar, you might have read it on my Wattpad profile. To those interested in checking the profile out, it's @Kitaoblaze

[chillincucumber]

💘💘

Imagine, Sasuke and Hinata meeting each other at teahouses, like they meet twice a week. And they become friends and it’s amazing, because Sasuke learns to like tea bc Hinata chooses really delicious ones. And he goes out to buy some himself, but fucks up and buys something bitter. Hinata and him go tea shopping, AND he invites her to his house for tea, and impresses her with his tea set and tea making skills. Tea buddies, and slow burn romance. My heart is burSTING

[carol-effing-danvers]

Good morning my loves! Let's play a game - give 10 of your favorite tropes in Fandom and then show me the character or pairing you most enjoy it with! I'll start:

1. Slow Burn

Hell yeah. Barnes and Noble. Starbucks. Rogers and Hammerstein. However you put it, these two already have the slowest of burns in canon anyway. *chef gesture* it's about the pining, y'know? And nobody can do it like these two do it. Every word that comes out of their mouths to each sound like wedding vows and it makes me wanna punch myself in the face.

2. Idiots to Lovers

Buddie. Again, this is basically just Canon? They're so dumb and I love them. Buck is a Disney Princess and Eddie is a grumpy old man in a very hot guy's body but somehow it works?

3. Fake Dating

Spideychelle. "My wife is a bitch - and I like her so much", but in actual relationship form. These two are also young enough to make the fake dating thing even more believable.

4. Time Loops/Groundhogs Day

MattFoggy especially but Daredevil generally. Matt's life is such an unutterably fucked up mess that he could frankly use about 8000 of these do-overs.

5. Flower Shop/Coffee Shop AU

Imagining this man in any customer service job fills me with unspeakable delight.

6. Gender Swap

Harringrove. I support anyone this horny on main tbh - but I love any woman who can and will murder me, too. Steve swapped, Billy swapped, both swapped, I don't care. They're hot, they're mean, they're absolute badasses and I'm here for it.

7. Arranged Marriage/Marriage of Convenience

SasuHina - I'm a sucker the quiet ones and I can't see any other way these two would end up in the same space.

8. Different First Meeting

Inject this directly into my veins. Please and thank you.

9. Fix It Fic

Hellcheer. You know why 😭 Don't touch me.

10. Case Fic/Mystery

Deckstar. Again, basically canon but I always love the ideas the fandom has for explaining angel lore and backstory because I'm a big fucking nerd 😊

Show me what you got and have fun!

[flowerismi]

Experience Chapter 36

I finally fucking did it... Arh it feels great to post something... It didn´t turn out exactly how I wanted. But I´ve been looking at this chapter for almost a freaking year. I think it´s time to move on... Still hope you all enjoy the story. I will be posting the next couple of chapter soon. As they are basically done, I just need to check them an extra time.

"I’d love to see things from your perspective, but it’s almost impossible to get my head up your ass that far."

Kurotsuchi said.

"Why is it OK for you to be an idiot, but not OK for me to point it out?"

Sasuke replied.

Hinata could sense the intense atmosphere between Sasuke and Kurotsuchi. They were making pointless remarks at each other when the other spoke. And Hinata could feel it wearing her down. Along with the others. For the first time since meeting Sasuke, she felt exhausted and annoyed with him. Why did he keep acting like a child. Why couldn't he just shut up so everyone didn't have to listen to their bickering. It didn't help that Tsunade and A were bickering as well. But at least they were discussing their work. And they weren't making snarling remarks about each other, the way Sasuke and Kurotsuchi were.

"Good luck finding someone who will put up with your bullshit as well as I did!"

Sasuke said.

"I would tell you to go fuck yourself, but I'm pretty sure you'd be disappointed"

Kurotsuchi replied.

"Should we discuss your shares for this term?"

Hinata said, trying to change the subject and alleviate the tension. Their food had just arrived. Yet it felt like hours had passed already. Hinata could also feel Mei staring at her a little too much for her liking. It was just ridiculous. All of it. They didn't even hear her question. They didn't even try. Hinata looked down at her tablet. Clenching it hard her head began to ache.

"Acting like a dick doesn't make yours grow bigger."

Kurotsuchi snarled at Sasuke.

"Were you always this annoying or are you making a special effort today huh?"

Sasuke hissed back at her.

Hinata couldn't hear her inner voice. That's how much noise they were making. And the annoyance just kept building up inside of her. She felt like her mind was about to explode. When suddenly Kakashi clabbed his hands hard twice. And they all became silent. As they turned their attention to him.

"Now my friends... Let's not discuss business or our disagreements with each other. The food has been served and the wine has been poured."

Kakashi said. And lifted his wine glass.

"Cheers my friends."

He continued and encouraged everyone to do the same. Hinata sighed relieved and with a smile lifted her glass to his. And Kakashi smiled back at her as he clinked their glasses together. The others lifted their glasses as well and despite not feeling friendly, they all cheered with each other. Sasuke was about to reach over to clink glasses with Hinata. When she pulled away her glass to take a sip.

Sasuke widened his eyes as he saw Hinata staring at Kakashi. As they smiled at each other. She didn't even notice him. Her eyes were no longer in his direction. But focused on the silver-haired man beside her.

Sasuke felt a lump of ice form in his stomach. As he tried to pretend like nothing. He took a sip of his wine. Before deciding to take two more. And just a sip more. He hadn't touched his food before the first glass of wine was gone. Sasuke couldn't register what had happened. Normally Hinata would always look at him first. Her attention would always be in his direction. But now it was like a wall had come between them. He could sense it. Her body language and her tone of voice. She was turned away from him. And instead had her focus in Kakashi's direction. Her legs folded and her feet pointed in Kakashi's direction. Not towards him.

Sasuke took a bite of his steak. The meat didn't taste good. It felt bitter and unsatisfying. He took another bite but it was the same. Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food. Sasuke sat quietly for a moment. He then sighed and got up from the table.

"I'll be back in a moment"

Sasuke said as he went towards the restrooms.

"I suggest you do a little soul-searching while you're gone. You might just find one."

Kurotsuchi smiled sarcastically at Sasuke as he got up.

Sasuke looked angrily down at Kurotsuchi. But then ignored her as he tried to see if Hinata was following him with her eyes. But she merely looked at him as he got up. Then her gaze returned to Kakashi and she smiled as she talked to him and Onoki. It was frustrating.

Inside the bathroom, Sasuke splashed his face with cool water. He looked at himself and didn't recognize the man in the mirror. He was angry and irritated. Why did Kurotsuchi of all people have to be there. She was the last person he wanted to be forced to be around. They always brought the worst out of each other. Acted like fucking babies. He rubbed his eyes and slabbed his face.

"Don't let her cloud your judgment!"

He hissed at himself. Before going back out and sitting down at the table once again.

"Speak of the devil... What happened? You brought everyone so much joy when you left the table..."

Kurotsuchi said as she directed her attention from Mei to Sasuke who came into ear-distance of them. Sasuke forced a smirk on his lips as he smiled at Kurotsuchi and clenched his fist. He had to scream inside himself to not reply to Kurotsuchi with a snarky comment. And it seemed to work. As he noticed Kurotsuchi getting slightly surprised that he didn't go along with it. She narrowed her eyes as Sasuke sat down. She took another sip of her wine before continuing to eat.

"So Hinata- Oh I mean, Miss Hyuga. How long have you been in the business of secretary?"

Mei asked with a smile that seemed exceedingly fake. Hinata who had been mostly talking with Kakashi turned her face to Mei who was opposite of her. Hinata could sense that Mei was questioning her ability and skills. Hinata could feel a lump in her stomach forming. Confrontation had always been hard for Hinata to navigate. Hinata knew how she would have acted had it been her former self. She would have doubted herself and crumbled before these people. She would have stumbled through her words and not have known what to answer. Letting superior and older people intimidate her. Making her doubt herself and her skills. But not anymore. Hinata smiled and turned her attention to Mei. She straightened her back and looked into Mei's eyes.

"Mrs Temuri... I've been working as a secretary for directors and chief executives since I was 18. Before that, I worked part-time as an assistant to a bank manager. So, I'm rounding eight years soon..."

Hinata said with a smile.

"But of course, if you only count my full-time job, then it's four and a half..."

Hinata said. She looked away and smiled at Kakashi who was listening interested.

Sasuke smiled softly to himself hearing her speak with such confidence about herself. It was hard to recognize the woman who first appeared in front of him. Kurotsuchi saw Sasuke's smile and she widened her eyes in surprise. She quickly looked away from Sasuke irritated. But she could feel her cheeks blush. Mei raised her eyebrows impressed.

"Well, you must have so much experience by now! That kind of work ethic is hard to come by"

Mei said enthusiastically smiling at Sasuke and Hinata.

"I'm so jealous. I wish my assistant was as hardworking and ethical as you."

Mei continued. Pouting jealously. With a glimpse in her eyes. Hinata smiled feeling weird about the situation.

"Yeah I've heard quite impressive things about you"

Kakashi said and smiled at Hinata. Hinata looked surprised at Kakashi.

"Really?"

Hinata asked. She felt slightly flustered and her cheek blushed.

"Yeah, you worked for the Hyper Corporation before right?"

Tsunade commented and folded her hands together.

"Yeah."

Hinata replied and nodded. It felt so weird getting praised by people who were much older and with such high status in their industry of work. She could feel the smile grow on her lips. But she tried to hide it and be humble without downplaying herself.

"I used to work with one of your employers. Mhm, what was his name again..."

Tsunade said as she tried to remember the name of the person. Sasuke enjoyed watching Hinata brighten up the way she did now. She seemed to almost glow. He rested his face in his head as he leaned to enjoy her company. The others kept complimenting her on her hard work and good effort. How she handled the court case. Many of the efforts she had made were complemented. And her eyes lit up with pride and joy.

"I enjoy the work I'm doing."

Hinata said as she finally turned her attention to Sasuke and smiled at him. And Sasuke smiled back softly. Feeling his heart skip a beat he saw her smile to him like that.

"What was it... Ah, now I remember..."

Tsunade said.

"Otsutsuki... Otsutsuki Toneri"

Tsunade said as she finally remembered the name of the man.

"Otsutsuki Toneri? You've worked with him?"

Kurotsuchi asked impressed. Kurotsuchi and Onoki looked surprised at Tsunade.

"Who's that?"

Kakashi asked and looked curious at Sasuke, Mei, and A who also seemed to have no idea who that was.

"Of course, you guys wouldn't know anything. He's a very skilled and talented man in our field of work!"

Kurotsuchi said and rolled her eyes at the others. Onoki nodded in agreement with his granddaughter.

"I would have loved to work with him!"

Kurotsuchi said and sighed vaguely in jealousy. As she took a sip of her wine. Tsunade looked at Kurotsuchi.

"I only met him like five times or so... He seemed as skilled as everyone was making him out to be. But you used to be his assistant and secretary right?"

Tsunade said and looked down to take a bite of her steak. Sasuke was surprised to hear Hinata had worked for such a well-known and skilled person as this Otsutsuki Toneri seemed to be. Since even Tsunade seemed to respect his work and talent.

But the table went silent. As Hinata became quiet. Sasuke looked back at her. He could see she was trying to hide her emotions. Her smile got more intense and seemed overwhelmingly fake. He noticed how she clenched the dress in her lab as she breathed heavily.

"Miss Hyuga?..."

Tsunade asked as no answer had come from her. Hinata finally looked up at Tsunade with a forced and fake expression on her face.

"It's been quite some time since I've heard that name..."

Hinata said and reached her for a glass of wine. Which she chucked down in one go.

"Yeah... I used to work for... That man..."

Hinata replied. She went quiet for a bit. As the others kept eating.

"Will you excuse me, I think I'll grab myself a drink from the bar..."

Hinata said as she got up and proceeded to go towards the bar. The others didn't seem to notice Hinata's bizarre behavior. But Sasuke could feel a strange feeling form in his stomach. Like something was wrong. He wanted to go speak to her.

"But no really, he has made some incredible discoveries... I mean he's still fairly young."

Tsunade said, and Kurotsuchi seemed fascinated and listened to her about this person she admired. Sasuke was about to get up. But to his surprise, Kakashi got up before him. And walked towards the bar where Hinata had sat down by the counter.

"May I join you?"

Kakashi asked as he came up beside Hinata. She gasped quietly as she was startled by Kakashi.

"Oh my apologies, you startled me."

Hinata said and giggled softly. And Kakashi gestured an apology.

"... Go ahead."

Hinata replied and gestured for Kakashi to sit down on the empty bar chair beside her. And he did.

"Can I get you anything?"

Kakashi asked and looked up at the menu. Hinata shook her head politely and smiled.

"No thanks, I'm good."

She replied and pulled her blue drink to her that was on the opposite side of her. Out of view for Kakashi.

"What a fancy color, I don't believe I've ever seen that one before..."

Kakashi said as he saw the clear blue cocktail with a lemon slice hanging from it. Hinata giggled slightly and sighed exhausted.

"It's quite the scandalous drink... I don't think you'll like the name..."

Hinata said and stirred the drink. Kakashi raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Adios Motherfucker... That's the name of it... "

Hinata said and laughed vaguely out loud as she said the name. Kakashi widened his eyes surprised to hear her say that out loud.

"It must be quite the drink then..."

Kakashi said and chuckled along with her. Hinata nodded slightly and sighed with a forced smile.

"I know it might not be my place to ask... But are you alright?"

Kakashi asked as Hinata took a sip of her drink. She didn't answer at first.

"Hey... I know it's been a long time since... Well... You know... You probably hardly remember me do you?"

Kakashi asked as he sighed. Hinata looked exhausted back at him.

"No... I do... A little bit... You were my mother's favorite student after all..."

Hinata said and looked off to the side as she sighed again.

"You were there when it... happened... And I remember seeing you at the funeral..."

Hinata continued and chucked down another large sum of her drink. She could feel how the alcohol from the wine and the drink began making her cheeks hotter and more flustered. Kakashi sighed and ordered himself a drink. They both sat in silence for a moment.

"How are your father and sister doing?"

Kakashi asked mindful not to mention something that might be painful for them both. Hinata looked back at him with an empty look in her eyes. While she continued to force her smile.

"... My sister is doing good... She got accepted into a very prestigious boarding school. It's about two hours away I think."

Hinata said and ate some of the peanuts and other snacks that she had ordered along with her drink.

"I can't speak for my father... We fell out around a year ago..."

Hinata said, continuing to eat the snacks.

"I'm sorry to hear that..."

Kakashi said and looked back at her worried.

"Don't be... We had our differences... We both made our choice."

Hinata said looking away. But she turned her head back as she felt Kakashi's hand on hers. Words weren't needed. They both looked into each other's eyes. And they both recognized the pain they saw through each other.

Kakashi could see the live jazz band playing quiet tunes. And some people had gone up to dance. The lights were a dime, and right now they both needed some comfort without words or explanation.

"Would you like to dance?"

Kakashi half whispered. As he felt he might be overstepping her boundaries. But to his surprise, Hinata left out a soft chuckle. And she nodded with a caring smile on her lips.

Kakashi held out his arm. And Hinata let him guide her to the dance floor. She reached for his shoulder. As he put his hand on her back. And they held each other's hand, as Kakashi guided Hinata slowly. And the music filled Hinata's heart with warmth. She closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest. She could hear his gentle heartbeat. Everything became so quiet. She could only hear the jazz and his heart. It had been a long time since she felt so relaxed and safe.

When was the last time?... Who was it?... Hinata opened her eyes. She moved her head away from Kakashi's chest. And she felt her heart sink. Something felt off. She looked up at Kakashi. Deep into his eyes. And it hit her. She smiled softly and chuckled unsure.

"What's on your mind?"

Kakashi asked as he looked back into Hinata's bright soft eyes. She had a forced smile again. And her cheeks were pink.

"... I finally remembered..."

Hinata whispered. And Kakashi looked back at her questioning with a smile.

"I shouldn't be speaking with you about this but..."

Hinata continued.

"I just remembered why I enjoy working with Mr. Uchiha so much..."

Hinata smiled.

"I think this evening made me forget for a moment..."

She continued

"I've been so annoyed at Mr Uchiha and his behavior around Miss Kurotsuchi. He acted like such a child... It really agitated me. I've never seen that side of Mr Uchiha before..."

Hinata said and furrowed her eyebrows. Kakashi looked wondering at Hinata.

"Oh, I'm sorry.... It's just... I guess I just don't understand it... And it irritates me that he acts that way... I've always thought of Mr Uchiha as a mature leader... But seeing him like that..."

Hinata said with a slightly angry tone.

"Yeah... They both acted like children didn't they..."

Kakashi said with a defeated chuckle. And Hinata returned the chuckle. But then looked off to the side.

"But then I remembered all the good things... Why I decided to work there. Why I put in the extra effort..."

Hinata said with a smile.

"I've always felt respected by him... I've always felt appreciated. My voice gets heard, and my work is seen..."

Hinata said and closed her eyes in happiness.

"I've always... Felt..."

Hinata opened her eyes, and all light disappeared from her eyes and face.

"... Safe."

Hinata whispered. Her smile was gone and her face was empty. Her body all of a sudden felt ten times heavier. And she clenched Kakashi's shoulder, and his hand which was intertwined with hers. Kakashi looked worried down at her. He couldn't recognize her face or emotions anymore. She felt so far away. Like all happiness had left her for a moment. Only darkness and despair were left.

"... Hi-... Hinata?... Hinata are you alright?..."

Kakashi asked carefully. Stopping the dance they had continued while talking. He reached up and held her shoulder with his free hand. While Hinata was clinging to the other.

Finally, she snapped out of her daze and looked startled up at Kakashi.

"Oh... I-I'm so s-sorry... I-I... I don't know what happened..."

Hinata said in embarrassment. Her breathing increased and she heard herself stutter through her words. Which she hadn't done in a long time. She was startled hearing herself talk like that again. She shook her head and looked back up at Kakashi.

"I think I dozed off... Sorry about that..."

Hinata said uneasy. She looked away from Kakashi appalled by her reaction. But she only heard Kakashi chuckle softly back.

"Hey, it's all good, sometimes our head wonders off. And the body gets left behind."

Kakashi said and laughed quietly. He smiled down at Hinata, and she smiled back with a slightly forced smile. It went quiet again between them, as they let go of each other.

"... Hinata... Have you considered asking Sasuke why he acts that way around specifically Kurotsuchi?"

Kakashi asked. Hinata widened her eyes.

"No! I couldn't ask that! He's my boss! That would... That would be too personal!"

Hinata said while blushing. Looking distraught. Kakashi laughed again and stroked her head.

"I think you both still have a lot to learn about each other..."

Kakashi said. Hinata looked astounded back at Kakashi. What exactly did he mean by that. The two of them headed back to the bar and Kakashi sat down.

"... Mr Hata-... Kakashi.... Thank you... It was nice seeing you again... "

Hinata said, finally smiling genuinely. And the warmth had returned to her face. Kakashi smiled back. Hinata took a deep breath and headed towards the bathroom. As the jazz number finished playing.

To be continued...

Overview

First

Next

Previous

[millywrites]

Listen, I take building romance VERY seriously. You can’t expect me to have Sasuke and Hinata kissing after like, one awkward conversation and a shared cup of tea.

And no, Sasuke isn’t about to fall head over heels just because she has long hair—he’s out of character enough as it is trying to process his feelings!

I live for the slow burn 🔥. If it doesn’t make you scream into a pillow after 30 chapters, did I even write it? 👀

[hinata6uchiha]

Long time, no see...

I haven’t been active on Tumblr in years, but I’ll be using this account to post updates about my SasuHina fanfics. I originally wrote on FanFiction.net under the username Hinata6 and now also post on Ao3 under the same name.

While I primarily write SasuHina, I’ve explored several other Hinata pairings, including NaruHina, HinaGaa, and more. However, my absolute favorites are SasuHina and ShikaHina (with a soft spot for adult Hinata x Kakashi, lol).

(I couldn't find a ShikaHina gif ;-;) Currently, I'm editing chapter 3 of, Shadows in Bloom. <- You can find it there. I have a few chapters completed, but I'm giving chapter 3 a final once over before posting. IAfterward, I'll be focusing on chapter 34 of Glass Tears, a SasuHina slow burn. I mentioned in a previous author's note on Ao3 that I would have both chapters up today, so I'm pushing myself to get chapter 34 started, lol. ^ ^' That said, I'm determined to publish chapter 34 tomorrow morning before I head out of town, or I'll work on it while I'm on the plane. Either way, the chapter is coming! Until then...

[omoiintensifies]

Yo Sasuhina fans, I'm blatantly promoting a fan fiction 😂 Here: Tsuki 🌙

Apart from Sasuhina, the fic explores one of my favorite concepts from Naruto, which I think was simply not executed well. The concept of Infinite Tsukuyomi.

This is such a bold concept. I think the fact that we create Naruto art and fan fiction despite several years down the line suggests the important of fantasy that Madara couldn't sell that well 😂

The fact that we're obsessed with stories over real life is also just Tsukuyomi for me.

So do give the fic a read especially if you're into meta, angst, slow burn and the concept of pain.

Thanks!

[lavender-long-stories]

Slow Burn >.<

-> Wheels [SasuHina] → FF.net  | AO3

-> What He Left Behind [SasuHina] → FF.net  |  AO3

-> Testing Success [SasuHina] → FF.net  |  AO3

-> Lavender Sand [GaaHina] → FF.net |  AO3

-> Lavender Clouds [SasuHina] → FF.net  |  AO3

-> Death Wishes [ItaHina] → FF.net  |  AO3

[utsus]

Hi! Your writing is amazing! I love everything I've read. I was wondering if you'd be willing to write Sasuke x Hinata? Prompt: Unexpectedly in love. Thanks so much! (even if you don't write them)

Part 1. AO3

(Like the tide; push, and then pull.)

✧

Mornings in Konoha were each of them a spectacle, bright andblazing. The sun finely caressed the crests of the mountains, a lover’s morningkiss, filled entirely with heat.

Hinata blinked her eyes open and pointedly ignored the crickin her back, just there above her right hip. She could feel grains of stonepricking her palms as she pushed herself up, rising none too steadily beforeclutching the still-healing wound over her ribs. She rested her shoulderagainst the rocks, waning, lightheaded. An inn would’ve been much preferred, asfar as halfway houses go, but she’d been weak and bleeding and so damned tired; this small cutout cave was heronly option.

She’d dreamt of home, hot and bright and overcast with everyshade of welcoming morning. Now, she lifted her fingers in front of her tiltingvision and watched them shake. There was a coolness, here, amid nothing butrock and stone; It leeched into her body, her bones, and she thought of thecolor blue.

It was bound to happen sooner orlater, this.

Hinata pressed her eyes closed for a moment, pushing pastthe pain in her temples until her periorbital veins dilated. She opened hereyes and she could see it all; the flickering of a bird’s wings over the cave;the quiet ambush of ants over the carcass of some long-abandoned prey; theblood splashed over the dirt path several kilometers west.

Noticeably absent, however, were the bodies the bloodbelonged to. Hinata could feel it under her nails, a wasted thought, but theirabsence didn’t surprise her. She extended her vision as far as she could,unimaginably far, and after a tense moment of suspicion she sagged with reliefagainst the rocks. No one, shethought. I’m alone.

The blood rushing through her veins calmed, her vision andfocus narrowing back to that subdued blur at the edges. She knelt andconsidered healing the laceration on her ribs, which she could feel had bledthrough her hastily applied field dressing, but decided against it. Her chakrastores were nearly depleted, and it was a wonder she’d woken as early as shehad.

Having used too much time already—though for properpurposes, nonetheless—Hinata traced her fingers through the gritty earth beforeforming the appropriate seals. She pulled a scroll from the pouch on her legand unfurled it with a flick of her wrist, a single practiced motion. Exceptthat something in her wrist suddenly garnered her attention with a pulse ofpain, causing her to flinch but not falter. Ugh,she thought, frustrations curling her expression into something creased withlines. She’d thought her condition better than this.

The scroll unfurled and responded to her next set of seals,a message rapidly scrawled in code, and sealed itself in a single quiet fwip. She balanced it in the earth,surrounded by her hand-drawn seals, and used what precious chakra she had leftto transport it directly to the Nanadaime.

“There,” she whispered with a shaky smile, sitting back onher heels and wiping the fine sheen of sweat over her forehead away with aheavy forearm. She allowed herself a moment of respite, a single flicker of abreak from what she would have to do next before her thoughts returned to thecontent of the message and her smile slid away, stoicism replacing it. Itwasn’t a complete message, and it wasn’t good news. It was too important totransport with a scroll, which could easily be intercepted. It was also a majorcomplication, and Naruto wasn’t going to like what it meant for hisfast-tracked plans for peace between the villages.

Thinking of Naruto still brought warmth to her heart, but ithad been a long time since she had felt anything more than friendly admirationfor their newest Hokage. He had never responded to her confession, and Hinatastill wasn’t sure if that was because he didn’t know what to say, or didn’tunderstand the true meaning of what her confession had meant.

What it should have changed,between them.

Hinata shook thoughts of the past off her with a littleshake of her head, and stood to her full height. She made quick work of hertemporary sleeping area, returning it back to an appearance of untouched wildthat had never felt human change. She hefted her field pack onto her back andpaused at the lip of the cave, closing her eyes to listen to her surroundings,confident in her senses.

She knew to listen for the silence of a waiting predator,rather than the rustling of a moving creature. Shinobi had a practiced quiet totheir steps that Hinata was attuned to, having grown up beside Kiba and learnedfrom him and Akamaru about enhanced senses—and how to utilize them.

She could count the number of shinobi that could sneak up onher on one hand. Those that made the cut were familiar to her in name only;stand outs. She felt chills race down her arms at the thought of theirpracticed silence, the utter and absolute lack of presence they assumed whennecessary. Outliers.

She opened her eyes and wasconfident, then, that she was the only shinobi in the area.

Shinobi had a practiced quiet to their steps, a single scuffhere, a subtle pressure there. She would have heard it.

She should have—would usuallyhave prepared for the worst, but she was so damned tired, her chakra scrapingthe dregs of her potential, and maybe that’s why she missed it. Maybe she wasdistracted by her own exhaustion, so far from home, tired enough to be kickingup the dust of the past in her thoughts. She was waning, shaking, bleeding, andit just did not occur to her to look closer, look harder, find in thefluctuation of wildlife around her the one isolated statue of frigid absence;truly—

She had not expected an outlier.

✧

Hinata had been jogging back towards Konoha with adetermined but lilting pace for hours, with only a few breaks in-between. Itwas not an unfamiliar or unfortunate distance, from the borders of Mist, butHinata had several unattended wounds and aches that arose with the jarring ofeach step. Most concerning of all, however, was the way that her visioncontinued to blur at the edges.

She’d been ambushed by a troupe of Mist Jounin afterattaining the information she’d inadvertently stumbled upon during herreconnaissance mission, and one of them had carried a club. Hinata had madequick work of the first two men, had taken a few slices from a vicioussharp-toothed woman with fin-like blades before disarming and disqualifyingher. The lithe man with the club larger than his own body had snuck up on herand clocked her right on the back of the head, her reflexes getting her mostlyout of the way, but not enough to completely miss the blow. She could feel theraised skin there, still aching as she slowed to a walk.

How the troupe had discovered her presence, completelyveiled and hidden in the underbrush several kilometers away from their basecamp, she had no idea—but it reeked of duplicity. With the information she’dcaptured still whirling around in her mind, she didn’t have to wonder why.

Hinata stumbled, and it was a testament to how exhausted shewas that instead of catching herself, she instead fell to her knee. A stonejutted into her skin but not deep enough to worry her, even as she hissed. Hervision swam.

She hadn’t considered poison, until just that moment. Shehad a general pack of labelled antidotes and herbs in her pouch, her medicaltraining always present, but it suddenly seemed so far away. She brought herright hand up in front of her again and watched it swim before she clenched itinto a fist and forced herself back to standing position. She swayed slightly andmanaged to find her pouch, but when she pulled her medipack out the labelsswam, too.

“Damn it,” she cursed lowly, trying to steady her vision.Calling the Byakugan was unthinkable at this stage of exhaustion, and shewasn’t about to make herself faint on enemy land with no chance of aid orconcealment. She bit her lip hard enough to make it bleed, and focused on thepain there. Her vision cleared with the sudden change in focus—pain, as always,the champon of attention—and she pulled the vial for a broad-spectrum Mistantidote from her pack. It wasn’t easy but it was possible, after that, toprepare the syringe and inject it into the muscle of her thigh.

She waited a moment to feel the effects, which she soonrealized were not forthcoming, and felt the first pinch of tears begin to format the exact moment that she realized something all the more criticallyimportant.

The stillness.

The birds were silent, and had there not been a forthcomingbreeze, Hinata thought even the trees themselves would’ve been loath to move.The creatures of the underbrush were decidedly absent from view, the forestsnormally crawling carpet suddenly so spine-tinglingly motionless. Hinata could hearnothing but the sound of her own racing heartbeat.

She froze, every inch of her tensed in sudden realizationthat she had become prey. I can do this,she thought, trying to keep herself focused on positives rather than the truthof her situation: that she was easy pickings in the middle of enemy land,poisoned and hunted.

She tried to pinpoint where it was coming from, but it waslike trying to find the lowest frequency of light in a kaleidoscope of color,with blurred eyes and muddied senses. There was something about the air,though, and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Her mind tried to come upwith an answer, but it was tired and sluggish, and all she could think was thatthe air felt suddenly electric.

“Show yourself,” she called steadily, her voice in directcontrast with her hands. Even if she could not find them exactly, she would letthem know that they’d been found, regardless. She straightened slowly, herevery movement smooth and unhurried. She was too smart to startle a predatorwith rapid, escapist behavior.

Her heart raced so heavily she could feel it in her throat,could almost swallow it back down. The longer she stood, the weaker she felt,but adrenaline corded in her a new spine of iron. If she was going down, itwouldn’t be without a fight. She thought about the message she’d sent, just aglimpse of what was to come, and she knew that there wasn’t even an option ofchoices.

She had to send the message toNaruto, in full.

She used every ounce of adrenaline coursing through her, herleft hand flying through the seals as her right dipped and reached for anotherscroll, already unfurling with inked lines of code disappearing into theparchment before she’d even removed it fully from her pouch.

And then, it stopped.

Fingers like cords of steelaround her wrist, a breath away from breaking bone.

“Don’t,” the voice said, just over her shoulder, and Hinatawanted to laugh. She twisted in his grip, trying to dislodge her wrist even asher left hand reached for the kunai at her hip.

It happened so fast, she wasn’t even sure she would’ve seenit even if she had been firing on all cylinders. One moment he was there, ather shoulder and the next he had her back to a tree, both wrists held againstthe bark. Hinata blinked and felt a wary combination of relief and warinesscurl within her as she recognized her opposition.

I should’ve known, shethought dazedly, a moment before her adrenaline fizzled and consciousnessescaped her.

Silence that made silence stand out.

What was Uchiha Sasuke doing onthe borders of Mist?

✧

Hinata blinked her eyes open once more as consciousnessreturned, and found herself staring at wooden walls. She sat up abruptly andher vision swam for her trouble, even as Sasuke walked into the room and gaveher a disapproving look. Hinata felt the hairs on her nape stand up in responseto his proximity, even as he walked around her wordlessly and set a tray offood in front of her. He was dressed in shadows, obsidian from head to toe, andHinata felt even more uncertain about his presence here.

He moved to the opposite side of the room and crouched tosort through a pack, her eyes never once leaving him. She was pleased to notethat her vision no longer swam, and there was only the slightest pressurebehind her temples. She held up her hands and found them steadier, though shestill felt weak. She reached for the dressing on her ribs and felt that it wasdry. She wondered if the bleeding had stopped and the blood had dried, or ifher bandage had been changed.

If it was the latter…Hinata feltherself blushing, despite herself.

She opened her mouth to call outto him, to draw his attention, but the words tangled and dispersed on thesurface of her tongue. What should she call him? They were not friends. Theywere not even really acquaintances, nor were they really even compatriots. Hehad left the village at a young age, betraying everything she protected,everything she cherished.

Including the members of Team 7,who had grown to be like family to her. They were family.

And he had walked away fromthem.

So she was at a crossroads ofidentifiers; what did she call the betrayer of her loved ones, who had also,however inadvertently, just saved her life?

“Uchiha-san,” she offered, a neutral in-between. It was anattempt to try out her voice, which she found to be hoarse, too-long unused.She cleared her throat and was about to try again, before he glanced over hisshoulder at her. There was a curiousness to his posture, muted and buried underjaded ennui.

“Drink,” he said, and turned away from her once more. Hinatafrowned, turning back to the tray he’d brought her. She had no reason tosuspect it, given that he was now a fellow Konoha shinobi, semi-newlyreinstated under the Nanadaime’s order. But Hinata had always been wary ofUchiha Sasuke, prodigy and sole survivor of the Uchiha clan, traitor to hervillage, brother to the man she had loved for more than a decade. She was waryof this man, and for good reason; she knew from Sakura’s exasperated butwarning testimonies that Uchiha Sasuke could wield words and looks as efficientlyand lethally as he did blades.

Words that could cut. Eyes that could kill.

But then, she realized withrenewed confidence, those were not reason enough for her to be frightened away.A cascade of brown hair came to mind, a handsome and jarring expression ofindifference that clashed with the blade of a quick tongue. Neji had never beenafraid to cut with his words, either.And as for eyes that could kill, well. Hinata’s younger sister was a prodigyherself.

Hinata reached for the drink he’d left her, and was pleasedto feel the water cold and refreshing. She tried to take it in slowly, but shewas dehydrated, lips chapped, and couldn’t remember the last time she’d had icecold water. At best, she’d had tepid water from her pack, or cooked from astream.

“Thank you,” she said quietly, with silence as her onlyanswer. She took several more swallows before setting the cup down and feelingout her limbs, still aching but less so than the day before. Had it only been aday? How long had she been out? She turned again to ask Sasuke, and foundinstead an empty room.

She hadn’t even heard him leave.

She was growing ratherfrustrated by that.

She rose slowly, getting her footing steadily beforeproceeding towards the door. She tried to listen for him, avidly focusing, butall she could hear were the chirps of birds, the groans of tree trunks swaying,and the soft babble of a nearby stream. She pushed open the door and there hewas, within hearing distance, but so unquestionably reticent. He sat on thefront steps with his blade on his lap, sharpening it meticulously.

Hinata didn’t want to startle him, her own self-preservationat the forefront of her mind, but she wasn’t arrogant enough to think that she was silent enough to escape his notice. She may move quietly, butshe was no Uchiha Sasuke.

She came to sit beside him, her every movement carefully controlled.She found herself approaching him quite like the predator she’d thought him tobe, slow to grow out of that response.

“Thank you for the water,” she said quietly, not wanting todisturb the peaceful air around them. “And the food.”

Sasuke didn’t say anything, but she saw his movements slowfor only a moment, as if considering. The next moment they returned dutifullyto his work, and Hinata glanced around them to better gauge their surroundings.He had brought her to a wooden cabin, only so big as the one room she had wokenin. There were trees touching the sky on every side, and no sign of the streamshe could just barely hear over the metallic slide of Sasuke’s blade. The grasswas tall enough to tickle her elbows, swaying ever gently, caressed by thebreeze. She frowned.

“What is this place?”

“A safehouse.”

Hinata turned back to him, pursing her lips. She watched hismovements for a few moments, hoping that he didn’t feel uncomfortable under hergaze. His body language was relaxed, his shoulders comfortably languid, muchlike a lazing cat. He didn’t seem to mind her staring.

“I don’t mean to be rude,” She prefaced, careful as always,“But how safe would you say this area is? Considering our location.”

Sasuke didn’t hesitate. “Safe enough.” He waited a momentlonger, almost reflecting, before he offered: “We are further South than youpreviously understood.”

Hinata’s eyebrows jumped, and she found herself glancingaround again, studying the types of trees, the position of the sun, the weedsat their feet. He was right, she realized. This vegetation was lesscharacteristic of Mist. They were closer to home than when she had lost consciousness.She wondered how far her cave was from here, and was amused that suddenly aformation in the mountain had become hersjust because she’d taken shelter there. This, she thought, was Shino’sinfluence. The man had a connection to the Earth that was unparalleled, and she’dfound herself attuned and receptive to that outlook early on in her girlhood.

“Oh,” she said, nodding.“Alright.”

And then, realizing her own rudeness, she flushed and added,“Thank you for bringing me here.”

At that, Sasuke’s eyes drifted over to her. She felt pinnedunder his gaze, sharp and barbed, endless shadows. His eyes traced herexpression, the heat of her cheeks, and she watched the shift in him; it wassomething immeasurable, she couldn’t put it into words. He moved withoutmoving, his dark eyes roving, and she felt mixed parts at ease and trapped.

She almost expected him to simply accept her thanks and returnto his work. All she knew of him was common knowledge in the village, and whatthe rest of Team 7 had shared with her about their experiences with him. If shewas honest with herself, she had always felt the slightest tinge of outsider’s resentmentfor Sasuke.

She understood what it meant to be a piece in a game,manipulated by higher powers—any shinobi did, though especially those who grewup in clan dynamics. She could not understand, however, how he felt losing hisclan. Having them taken from him. Shethought of Hanabi, of Neji, of her father and Ko and all the women who hadhelped her grow and her heart ached.She didn’t know if she could’ve lived without them, had they been taken fromher at such a young age, as he’d experienced.

But she could not realistically imagine betraying herclosest friends, her village, and all the people who tried to get closer tohelp him heal after the fact. That was not even an option for her. But Sasukehad done that and gone several steps further; he’d teamed up with an evil manwho had murdered a beloved Hokage, and he had even attempted, thoughhalfheartedly, to harm the members of his team when they had sought him out.

Hinata wanted to think, unforgivable,but she couldn’t. Hinata had never struggled to forgive, and when she thoughtof Sasuke the child surrounded by murder at his kin’s hand, her anger waned. Hewas a product of what had been done to him, and that didn’t excuse his past darkbehaviors, but there was something to be said for him coming back to Konoha andtrying to make it right.

She decided that he was just…complicated.

Now, sitting beside him, Hinata was reminded of the talesSakura had told her about Sasuke’s stoicism, his aversion to idle conversation.Hinata was more confident in herself and her worth than she had been as a younggirl, but even still, she did not expect Sasuke, a relative stranger to her, towant to pursue conversation with her any more than he had to. She waited forhim to turn away from her, maybe to nod his head or at the most, to say you’re welcome. He did none of thosethings.

“What were you thinking?” He asked instead, and there was anedge to the question that almost tasted of frustration. Hinata frowned,wondering at that.

“I’m sorry?”

And there was the temper she had heard about from Sakura allthose years, flashing in the depths of his eyes. It was there one moment andgone the next, extinguished under indifference. Fascinating, Hinata thoughtabsently, even as she felt her heart thump against her ribcage. “What were youthinking, walking around in that state?”

Understanding curled around her, and she felt her cheeksflush even as she straightened her posture further. “I was returning home.”

“You were limping to yourgrave.”

Her own anger prodded, Hinata turned towards him further andmatched his stare as best as she could. She ignored her heated cheeks, rapidlyspreading to the tips of her ears. The realization was sudden, then, that Sasukewas unquestionably beautiful, in a way that almost hurt to see—but Hinata wouldnot back down.

“I was okay,” she began, but before she could continueSasuke’s gaze sharpened, heavy with disapproval. After a moment of pause sheargued, “Maybe I was a little worse for wear, but I was up to the challenge.”

Sasuke shifted, and if Hinata had known him better shewould’ve said that there was a softened edge to that expression that was almostfond, but this was Uchiha Sasuke andthe only thing he’d ever been fond of was vengeance. And, if Sakura’s drunkengossip was true, maybe cats, too.

“Hinata,” he said, not unkindly, “You tripped over a treeroot, and it brought you to your knees.”

Hinata bristled with indignation and a little bit of shame,that he had seen that moment of hers. Simultaneously, in a darker and less familiarcorner of her, another kind of heat flared. He had remembered her name.

“Well!” She sniffed, turning away from him so he couldn’tread her like the open book she was. “Maybe I wasn’t doing so great after all.”

Sasuke allowed the silence between them to last, his handsmoving carefully, his wrists delicate but strong. Hinata glanced down from thecorner of her eyes and noticed scars, there.

“That being said,” he muttered at last, voice so low shefelt herself leaning slightly towards him to better hear it. “I still don’tunderstand what you were thinking traveling like that. If I had been Mist—”

“I know.” Hinata whispered, acknowledging the unspokenstatement. It unfurled within her, overcame her, the knowledge she’d beendenying herself since she’d left the cave. Had she been intercepted by anenemy, she would not have lived. She had been in too poor a state.

“Foolish,” Sasuke added, almost as an afterthought, andHinata wondered at the expression that grew across his face at thatword—something nostalgic.

“Yes,” she admitted almost silently, scuffing a sandalagainst the hardwood step below her. She glanced back to him as he continuedsharpening his blade, and really let herself look at him.

She had always been blinded by Naruto, the bright figureheadof her heart’s desire. Where the village had highlighted Sasuke’s prodigiousskills and handsome looks, Hinata had only had eyes for Naruto’s unshakingfaith, his square fists. She didn’t remember much of Sasuke, back then; onlyrumors, and gossip, and her friends’ daydreams.

She looked now and it was not difficult to see why hispresence alone had carved out a place in the village only the sun could rival.There was a chiseled kind of beauty to him, all angles and edges, the sharparrow of his nose. He seemed a statue come alive, so pale he early glowed underthe rays of heat. His dark hair looked soft, though Hinata would never dare toreach out and test the theory—for every angle of Sasuke that was beautiful,there was an added edge that was dangerous. There was no questioning his power,even now with his posture relaxed, shoulders hunched over his blade, and hiswrists unhurried with ease of movement. There was not a doubt in Hinata’s mindthat even though he moved languidly, slow and easy and drawing to the eye,there was a caged panther lurking beneath.

Hinata could understand the draw, there. She still hadchills over her skin just by sitting this close to him, and she had neverreally looked twice at Uchiha Sasuke. Now, she found it was difficult to lookaway. And the chills? They remained, though she reflected that could’ve beendue to the weird electric current to the air around them. She still hadn’tidentified that added energy.

The sounds of stone against steel disappeared, and Hinatablinked at the sudden change only to find Sasuke had stopped working and wasmeeting her stare with a muted expression. Embarrassed, she quickly jerked hergaze away and returned to assessing their surroundings. How long had she beenstaring, lost in her own thoughts? She didn’t care enough to consider that shehad fled from that little confrontation, however small it may have been.

A moment later, the slide ofstone and steel returned, just like that.

They sat together in relative quiet, allowing their bodiesto heal in a rare moment of relaxation. Hinata couldn’t help her mind fromcrawling back to the enigma at her side, who seemed all too suddenly confusingto her. Her friends had described him differently than this. Harder, moreguarded. Less abiding. Less conversational.

Hinata wondered again what he was doing on the border ofMist, and why he had intercepted her. How had he found her? How long had hebeen following her? Was his mission in conflict with hers? She wouldn’t give upinformation as critical as—her message!

She leapt to her feet immediately, and for the first timesince she’d woken, Sasuke’s posture became tense. He didn’t hesitate in hismovements, but his shoulders became defined, the muscles in his arms tense withforetold movement. The electricity in the air snapped, and Hinata’s chillsraced down her spine anew.

“My mission!” She exclaimed, her heart racing. She turnedbut didn’t look at Sasuke, didn’t see him. She strode back into the house andswiftly gathered her belongings, strapping them back on to her person andheading back for the door. She found Sasuke in the same spot she’d left him,still sharpening his katana, still stiff and ready to pounce.

“I have to go,” she explained, without really explaining. Therewas something to be said about the regret she felt, for having broken the calmatmosphere they’d shared. She ignored it, however, and hesitated in front ofhim, unsure of this strange thing between them that had allowed them to sharepeace and quiet with each other despite the chaos of their careers, theirlives. The moments felt strange, somehow, already so far in her past butuntouchable. Pure, in a way.

“Thank you for—everything.” She said, beginning to walkbackwards and away from him. His movements stopped and he watched her silentlyuntil she turned and he was removed from her sight once more. She started at ajog, and when she realized she already felt stronger, she began to run.

Had Sasuke given her an antidote? Had he known the poison?She felt healthier, stronger. He must have done something, and that, she realized, didn’t sit right with her if shewas just going to leave. She stopped at the edge of the trees, hesitating foronly a moment, before she turned back to him. He was still watching her, thatstrange prowling stillness strung tight like a bow in every line of his frame.She waved a hand and called, “I owe you one, Uchiha-san!”

And then she turned, and ran forhome.

✧

Hinata had run the entire way back to Konoha and felt adifferent kind of exhaustion as she finished her debriefing in the Hokage’soffice. Naruto looked on at her with clear concern, an open book as he alwayswas. Hinata stood straight and tall and her voice was steady as she spoke.Hinata had long since lost the feeling of awkwardness standing in front ofNaruto, the man she had once confessed to. All that was left for her now washer duty to her Hokage, and her admiration and love for her friend.

Naruto concluded their briefing with a long, drawn-out sigh,running his hands through his hair. He looked handsome, but so tired. Hinataworried for him silently, hoping that he was getting enough sleep. She must’veprojected that worry onto him, because in the next moment he asked, “Are yousure you’re okay, Hinata?”

Hinata tried to stand straighter, to dispel any signs of herweakness. She was a Jounin of Konoha, she had done her mission, and she wasready for the next. Hopefully she could have a few days in-between and get somesleep and tend to her garden and go play with Mirai—but her duty to her villagealways came first.

“I’m fine, Hokage-sama.” Shehesitated, wondering if it was okay to share such a thing with her Hokage, whojust so happened to also be her friend. In the end, she decided to go with it. Sheadmitted, “It was a long mission.”

Naruto’s worry didn’t wane in the slightest. “That’s true,”he agreed, starting to stand from his chair. Hinata blinked, wondering if hewas going to come around the desk to comfort her. She had to shake the mentalimage off, surprised at it. She had not thought of Naruto romantically foryears, and yet ever since she ran into Sasuke, Naruto had re-surfaced in herthoughts. Ino would probably say it was some sort of revival in her romanticside, or something, Hinata thought wryly. Sakura would probably say that Hinatawas simply thirsty.

She wasn’t sure she wanted either of those things to betrue. She was doing just fine on her own.

“Hey,” Naruto said, and her intuition had been right. Hecame around the front of his desk and moved as if to cup a hand on hershoulder, but his eyes leapt from hers to somewhere over her shoulder and hefaltered. Blinking and curious, Hinata turned and jolted when she saw Sasukestanding there, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.His eyes were heavily lidded, watchful, and Hinata wondered how long he’d beenthere, and how soon after she’d left had he followed.

“Bastard,” Naruto greeted him suspiciously, but with a smallquirk to his lips. “You’re back early. Like reallyearly.”

Hinata turned back to Naruto, unsure of where she shouldlook. In fact, she realized, she’d probably been silently dismissed. Moving onthat estimation, she bowed slightly in Naruto’s direction and turned, droppingher chin slightly to acknowledge Sasuke before moving for the door. Before shecould even make it, Naruto called, “You sure you’re okay, Hinata? I could makea clone to walk you home?”

Hinata frowned, turning over her shoulder with a look ofdisapproval. Naruto rubbed at his nape and laughed self-deprecatingly.

“Okay, okay, bad idea,” headmitted, and Hinata felt herself smile.

“I’m perfectly fine,” she said, and then bowed once more,dismissing herself. “If that’s all, Hokage-sama?”

“Ah, Hinata, I told you not tocall me that!”

“Dumbass,” Sasuke interrupted,unfurling from the wall. “Let her go home.”

“Don’t call me dumbass,dumbass!”

And with that, Hinata, smiling, moved out of the Hokage’soffice. She headed down the hallway and nodded to fellow Jounin, and those whorecognized her as the Hyuuga Clan Head’s Advisor. Hanabi would probably be in ameeting when Hinata returned home for herdebriefing on their clan happenings. She winded down the twisted staircaseand took a deep breath of fresh air at her first step outside the building. Shewas looking forward to her bed, and the probability that Neji would make her ameal, despite her telling him he didn’t need to. If he was not on mission, ofcourse.

The sun was just barely starting to set as she made her waythrough the village, winding in and out of the foot traffic. She allowed hermind to trail in the clouds for only a moment before her thoughts returned toher stolen intelligence.

The likelihood of a traitor inNaruto’s midst, feeding Mist Intel.

She was only a few blocks away from the Hyuuga manor whenshe felt a presence at her side, almost deliberately so, and turned to seeSasuke slouching beside her, perfectly in tune with her steps. She startled toa stop, so surprised at him being there, and just blinked up at him. He met hergaze and she could read nothing of his expression, just that he was there, forreasons unknown, and he wasn’t about to explain it, either.

“Uchiha-san,” she greetedcautiously, nodding her head. “Did you need something?”

“No.”

“No?” Hinata reiterated, and got nothing in return. Shepursed her lips, nodding slowly. Then, she simply started walking again. Amoment later, she felt him at her elbow, not close enough to touch, but almost.His hands were tucked in his pockets and his footsteps were as silent as thegrave, but he was letting her know he was there even though she could see himout of the corner of her eye.

“You know, Uchiha-san,” she said conversationally, after itbecame clear that he was not going to separate from her. “With all due respect,I distinctly remember telling Naruto-kun that I don’t need an escort home.”

“That’s true,” he agreed easily.Hinata waited a moment.

“Must I repeat the samesentiment, even though you were in the room for the first?”

Sasuke didn’t falter. “What ifthere are tree roots in your path?”

Hinata’s cheeks flared, her lips parting around an almost-silentgasp. Was he—being playful? She turned to gauge his expression and foundnothing noticeable but for a swift gleam in his eyes as he glanced down at her.It appeared he was laughing at her.

Hinata turned back ahead and was left speechless with therealization that Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura’s teammate, known for being ice coldand as emotionally expressive as a moldy stone, was playing with her. And what’smore, he had saved her life, brought her to a safehouse, had let her see a sideto him that she was uncertain the world knew about.

She was, at the very least, confused.

And, though it was strangerstill to admit it: she was intrigued.

They turned a corner and she was home, the skyscraping wallsof her compound rising before them. She turned to Sasuke and didn’t know whatto say, how to remark on his behaviors and how curious they made her. Instead,she offered him a shy, questioning smile that he did not reflect. He simplywatched her, head tilted slightly, as she said, “Have a nice night, Uchiha-san.”

And Sasuke, the beautiful, but emotionally stunted stone she’dgrown up hearing about, reached out to tuck some of her hair behind her ear asif it was the most normal gesture in the world. His expression didn’t change, boredand indifferent even as she froze in place, every curve of her tense. His eyesflickered between her own, and his voice was heartbreakingly small when at lasthe responded.

He said, “Goodnight, Hinata.”

And then he was gone.

[i-would-have-come-for-you]

A Marriage of convenience

The art does not belong to me. All credits go to @cyantasim for the beautiful work.

Chapter 2

Hinata Hyuga was not stupid.

So when she came home to find Sasuke Uchiha in her house, talking to her father privately, she knew something was wrong.

Neji was also there, strangely. Hinata was anxious. She was pacing in the garden, waiting for their private meeting to be over so she could ask what the hell was Uchiha Sasuke doing in the Hyuga compounds?

“Lady Hinata, you must calm down. It is merely clan business.” Ko, her care taker since she was a child, advised her.

“I just-It’s unsuaul.” She stumbled for words to express what she thought. She did not stutter anymore. No. she’d outgrown that phase along with the shyness.

She’d expressed her feelings to Naruto and she’d been understanding when he’d told her he could only be friends. She was okay with the fact that he was engaged to Sakura Haruno, her close friend now.

Since the war, everyone wanted to rebuild. Together. That’s why people did not hesitate to celebrate small things and small mercies either.

The war had been cruel. But that was 3 years ago. Hinata was a 19 year old now, strong and ready to take over her clan as head.

She’d become Jonin and then ANBU along with a few of her old classmates. Naruto was training to become Hokage under Kakashi’s wing. Sakura was the head of the Konoha Hospital. Ino had decided to become a Jounin teacher along with managing her flower shop.

And Sasuke…he’d left Konoha for a journey as atonement of his sins. He’d come back a few months ago after 3 years. Hinata had been one to welcome him back along with his friends as she felt bad because everyone was wary of him.

He’d flashed her a look of intrigue before resuming his mask of cold indifference. She sighed. She’d drive herself crazy, over thinking this.

She decided to shower and change to calm herself. She showered and changed into comfortable clothing before deciding to read the mission report for her previous mission before presenting it to the Hokage today.

She knew it would be dinner time soon so she walked downstairs, clad in her T-shirt and yoga pants. As she reached the lower floor, she almost bumped into Uchiha Sasuke. She stopped herself just in time.

She looked up at his face which was weary but showed no hint of any emotion. Hinata just stared at him for a moment. “Uh-I’m sorry.” She told him softly.

He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply before walking off, not gracing her with a response. What the-?

She saw Neji, white as chalk come out of her father’s study. “Neji nii? What’s wrong?” she asked him carefully.

He looked at her and almost freaked out. “Nothing.” He breathed out heavily “Nothing at all. Please excuse me.”

He walked off. She wondered was wrong with him. Her father did not come out of the study at all. Hinata shrugged it off, determined to ask why Sasuke was here later.

For now, she had dinner to eat since she hadn’t eaten anything all day.

Hinata had just returned from presenting the Hokage her mission report. The Hokage had praised her good work.

She was still smiling from that, relishing the praise. She’d been happy with her performance on the mission. Her mind tracked back to when she was a young Genin. She’d been weak.

She remembered her father’s mission before most of her missions.

Try not to be a burden for anyone else.

That was always great encouragement, she thought bitterly. It was no use thinking back on that now. Once she was clan leader, she would surely change the ways of the Hyuga. She’d make sure there was no more resentment between the two branches.

She just finished taking off her shoes when the servant informed her that her father wanted to speak to her in his study.

It was something regarding Sasuke’s visit yesterday, Hinata was sure. She walked to her father’s study and knocked softly.

“Come in.” his voice rang out.

She entered and closed the door behind her. He stood besides the window in the room. As if anxious. Which was surely not possible.

“Good evening father.” She greeted.

“Good evening Hinata.” He said. She waited for him to say more.

“You called me here. What is the matter?” she got straight to the point as her father disliked beating around the bush.

“Hinata…I have some news for you and I hope you will take it well.”

Hinata’s heart beat faster. She had a feeling whatever the news was…it was not going to be very pleasant for her.

“What…?” she could not manage anymore words. Hiashi looked at her gravely, as if announcing her death.

“Uchiha Sasuke visited yesterday as I am sure you know. He presented me with a blood contract, sealing your engagement to him.”

Hinata’s breath was knocked out of her body as her father calmly informed her of this. “It was a marriage contract. Between you and Uchiha Sasuke.”

Hinata still could not grasp what he was saying. “The engagement was arranged by me and the Uchiha head Fugaku. It must be fulifilled.”

“No…” she breathed out.

“I’m afraid that is the arrangement. You will be married to Uchiha Sasuke with in the week.” He said it like he was not ripping her life apart right there and then. Like it was a good thing. Like it was routine. Maybe for him, ripping apart lives was not a big deal.

“You can’t do this to me.” She said angrily.

“It is for the best.” He told her.

“You can’t do this to me.” She said through gritted teeth this time. Hiashi sighed, like she was a child, stubbornly asking for a toy she could not have.

“I cannot break a blood contract. And besides, it is a beneficial match.” He said, eyeing her carefully. Her eyes burned with tears.

“You can’t rip my life apart just like that! What about my life? My ambitions. I don’t want to be a breeding mare for him!”

Hiashi flinched at this. He could not help but notice how alike she looked to her mother. It sent a pang through him. Clan before family, he reminded himself.

“Hinata…I expect you to understand.” He told her slowly.

“NO! You’re destroying my life and you expect me to UNDERSTAND?!” she said, raising her voice in front of him for the first time. Her tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Hinata…”

“NO! What about being clan head? I was trained for that all my life. I endured taunts from you, snide remarks from the elders, beatings from Neji only to become clan head and change this clan. What about that?!”

“Neji will be clan head.” He told her softly.

She stopped dead. Her breathing became very slow for a second. Neji. Clan head. Her mind wrapped around the fact that she was so replaceable.

“You…you think I’m so useless that you can replace me in a minute?” she whispered out. Hiashi’s head throbbed.

“It’s not like that. You need to understand…”

“That I’m going to be Uchiha’s breed mare, you’re selling me off, appointing Neji as the clan head and getting rid of me for good.”

“I trained all my life for naught. For this. Only to be married off. You never loved me, it hurt but it was okay. If it meant it would not happen to another under my watch, it was fine. This…death would be better than this.”

Her voice was chocked with tears and Hiashi felt something inside him break. He urged his demeanor not to break. He was clan head dammit.

“Yes.” He forced out.

She looked out and smiled without mirth. “I see.”

“You are expected to be married this week.” He informed her.

He looked at her, as she broke from the inside. He hated that he could do nothing about it. That he was the reason she was always hurting.

“After I’m sold to the Uchiha to be his whore” he flinched at her words for she was never one to use crude language “Do not expect me to visit. I will leave this compound, this clan and your lives forever. No coming back. If anyone tries to seal my Byakugan, I will kill them”

“And since you never played the role of a father anyways, what’s the use of the title alone? You are no father of mine Hyuga Hiashi. I hate you. You didn’t deserve my mother and you certainly don’t deserve me. Good bye.”

She walked outside, slamming the door shut, tears still streaming down her cheeks. Hiashi sat down on his chair, unable to support himself. He looked at the portrait of his wife, who looked as young as Hinata.

She’d always been like her mother, he mused. He’d lost Hana and now he’d lost Hinata for good too.

Hinata wiped her tears as she walked outside. She hated Hiashi. She hated him. She hated Uchiha Sasuke for barging into her life when it was finally becoming better.

She hated him. She walked to her room as her world collapsed around her.

________

“WHAT?!”

Hinata flinched at the volume of Ino and Sakura’s combined voices. She nodded wearily, not wanting to look at them.

“Your father is marrying you off to Sasuke?” Tenten asked, astonished as well.

“That’s what he told me.” She said bitterly.

“What about being clan head and changing the Hyuga?” Sakura asked softly, knowing it was her friend’s dream.

“Apparently marrying me off is better for me so Neji is going to be head while I will bear children for Uchiha Sasuke.” Hinata spat out.

Ino’s blue eyes filled with tears. “Hinata…I’m so sorry. That’s terrible.” She said, hugging her blue haifred friend.

“Ino…life is not fair. Who knows, maybe I even deserve being treated like nothing all my life.” Hinata shrugged sadly. At least her friends knew how she felt.

“Don’t say that.” Tenten scolded almost harshly “You deserve all the best things in life Hinata.”

Hinata chuckled bitterly. “That’s why I really am getting the best things.” Sakura had never seen her friend so down and it made her extremely mad at Hiashi.

“Hinata, I’ll go and kick your father’s ass if I have to. You won’t marry Sasuke if you don’t want to. You will become clan leader.” She said, taking Hinata’s hand.

Hinata shook her head. “He’s not my father anymore. I have cut ties with my clan and I will not force any bonds once I am married.”

“You’re actually accepting this ridiculousness?” Ino asked, angrily. Hinata shrugged.

“I am.”

“Hinata this is crazy.” Tenten said. Hinata did not say anything, staring ahead. She got up instead. “I should go tell the Hokage. I might need a few holidays for the preparations.”

“Hinata please-don’t. think about it. Don’t throw away your while life because of your asshole father.” Sakura urged her.

“Sakura, Ino, Tenten…it’s alright. Things will work out, I am sure.” She lied to them and herself “But more importantly…you’ll attend the wedding, right?”

Ino forced a smile and the others nodded glumly. “Of course.” Tenten said.

“You’ll regret coming to shop with us.” Ino said, grinning despite the fire burning in her heart for Hinata. Hinata let out a genuine smile.

“I am sure I will. I’ll see you tomorrow for shopping then. Good bye.”

She was gone in a flash, leaving her fuming friends who cursed Hiashi collectively, feeling bad for Hinata.

______

Sasuke was training by himself in a secluded area of the outskirts of Konoha when he felt Naruto’s chakra flash nearby. He stopped and looked around.

Naruto appeared in front of him in a flash. He grabbed Sasuke roughly by the collar of his shirt and slammed him against the tree.

Sasuke could shake off his hold but he wanted to know what had caused Naruto to be frustrated this time. “What is it now Dobe? I told you I did not steal your ramen coupons.”

Naruto’s glare did not fade. “Sasuke…what is this rumor about you and Hinata getting married?”

Sasuke rolled his eyes. That. He shook off Naruto’s hold and turned his back on him. “So you finally heard?”

Naruto growled. “Is it true?” he asked instead. Sasuke nodded.

“How could you, you bastard?!” Naruto yelled, lunging at him. Sasuke dodged his lunge and stood a distance away, an eyebrow arched perfectly.

“She wanted to be clan head! She had a life. How could you?!”

“Well her father did not really object. Plus the blood contract helped.” Sasuke shrugged. “What do you care?”

“I care because she’s my friend and Sakura told me she’s really messed up about this.”

“That is none of my concern.” Sasuke shrugged.

Naruto’s brows furrowed together as he aimed a punch at Sasuke. “Do you really want to go now?” Sasuke asked, grabbing his hand.

Naruto’s kick was the only answer. Sasuke sighed before the spar began.

____

And so Hinata got married to Sasuke by the end of the week. Sasuke offered her any room to sleep in. He noticed her surprise.

“Am I not your breeding mare Uchiha-san?” she asked, raising her eyebrows in a mocking gesture. He did not waver as he said.

“No. You are my wife, not a common whore. After all I did go through the trouble of marrying you.”

“You’re not going to bed me then?” he noticed there was a hint of relief in her voice which almost made him smirk at her fear of sharing a bed with him.

“I am not going to rape you, if that is what your indirect question means. If we sleep together, ever, it will be because we want to…not because of obligation.” He doubted it though. And he knew she did too.

He walked off, tired. She watched his retreating back with a slight admiration. But hate burned inside her. Why could he not be a complete demon to her so she’d hate him? Why did he say this? Why did he behave nicely?

She’d thought he was a sex-crazed, power hungry, obsessed and crazy bastard.

She cut the sex-crazed off the list.

As she lay in the unexpectedly soft bed in the room across from his, sleep engulfed her. She dreamt of demons, Uchihas and darkness.

________

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[sasuhinagalore]

Hello, lovelies. I finally got to update my fanfic; did some mini fixings and whatnot. I’m also currently writing the 2nd chapter sooooo. I have to be honest, I didn’t really plan a cool ass plot for this. I just thought of it as slow burn with some kinks and unconditional love kind of fluff which I hope, you guys can enjoy. Anyways. I’m linking the platforms down here.

The Better Half - (SasuHina fanfic thru fanfiction.net)

The Better Half - (SasuHina fanfic thru AO3)

The Better Half - (SasuHina fanfic thru Quotev.com)