Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 21-
Blue and Gray

December 12th. Noon-ish.

He thought that there was another man. Why did his stomach drop everytime he thought of anyone else having her?

Sasuke ignored that thought and torched it: Uchiha style.

"Who.. is this?" Sasuke asked as the little boy peeked from behind her leg.

"His name... is Benjiro," she said tenderly. "He's three. He has two birthmarks; two on his back and a heart-shaped one behind his ear. He loves vegetables and lemongrass tea. He loves the koi fish. He venerates the color blue. He fancies waking me up at six a.m... Oh. A small, teeny. tiny, small, the smallest thingthatIlikeleftout; he'skindofanorphan,"

"What?" he said. "Breathe. Don't faint on me,"

"Uh," Pause. She looked down because she was guilty. "He's kinda an orphan..."

"That would've been fine as the leading fact. Damn, Hinata-"

"Sasuke-" Hinata said loudly, feeling some pain. "Someina left over nine days ago. Please be easy on the language. He likes copying me on everything I do. He's clever but he doesn't talk,"

"Who cares?! Why is he here?!" Sasuke exploded.

"So- Tadashi tried to save my life. Yoki and Tadashi- those two monsters owned a bar that collapsed. They gave away a baby that wasn't theirs. His father ran and Benjiro's mom died from cancer. They offered me Benjiro and I refused- but they tried to release him down a river and I saved him. I almost died but I got over it," she spoke super quickly. She was hyperventilating a bit.

He looked like he would break the house or his jaw since he ground his white teeth so much. "You almost died?! Why- why were you outside of the house?"

"After Someina left, I was cast in a genjutsu that I think she was also affected by and I was lured out into the mudslide in downtown. I was released from the genjutsu and I went to a hospital," Deep inhalation and run on sentences. "Bunya Jimpachi believed that my name was Kaiya and then Tadashi helped me escape and he tried to give me Benjiro and I refused,"

"Rationality left the building while you left the house," he sighed.

She avoided his gaze, still rushing her words out. "I met Bunya Jimpachi by accident. The one who put cast the genjutsu is different from the one who wanted Kaiya. Someina is gone. Mitsuyo is out of town. I was taking care of koi fish and it all started... and now I have a child that I adore,"

He glared at the ground. "All of this happened because of Koi fish. Mitsuyo should have eaten them- I should've roasted them!"

Her eyes flashed. "That is morbid! Before you end the world for me- it wasn't Someina's and Mitsuyo's faults! I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And please explain- not explode,"

"Nevermind that. Why would we-"

Suddenly, Benjiro cried out, sobbing frantically.

They paused. Sasuke stopped yelling and their eyes met. Hinata sighed. Sasuke watched as the red-faced child looked between the two, distressed.

"Oh. Benjiro... I'm sorry," Hinata apologized, leaning down and scooped Benjiro into her arms. Sasuke would cross his arms if he had the chance. He looked that angry. She swayed back and forth and whispered things in his ear, soothing him.

"What's wrong with him?" Sasuke asked.

She took a while to answer, while his back in steady circles. "We're fighting. Arguing. You know the effects that it has on kids when their parents are fighting?"

"No, I don't and we're not his parents. We're parents- yes but not his," he said. She held Benjiro closer and regarded him reproachfully. "No. You can't,"

"I don't need your permission. I could take him back to Konoha and it'll be fine," she said, holding him tightly. Benjiro seemed annoyed that they were both fighting. Quietly.

"You don't plan on keeping him," Sasuke yelled loudly in protest. "Hinata-"

He paused and looked at the child. "We'll talk about this later," she said. She looked away from him and soothed the child. "I'm sorry that you had to see that, love. Darling, would you like to have a nap now? You were going to have one anyway. Let's take you to sleeping,"

-x-

Sasuke and Hinata stood outside of their room. "Why were you put under a genjutsu?" he asked, furious.

"It felt so real. It fooled me because the details were on point. As if someone... watched me since I was sixteen. It makes no sense," she said, shivering. He looked at Hinata and she looked back, worry evident in her countenance. "Just say it. You keep on looking at me. Just say it,"

Sasuke turned to her, fire in his eyes. "Fine but don't get pissed at me. I'll explain not explode. You want me to parent him as well. I don't want to do that. You could've consulted me on this but you didn't. This affects my life so much,"

"You're not planning on staying in my life after the year is done and you wouldn't miss me. I won't be alone with Benjiro here," she hissed.

"I'll be there and I would. You're more than you think,"

"And I adore you for thinking that," Hinata melted for a moment and remembered she was mad at him. "Hmmph. I could raise him by myself. I'm taking him to a new future. I am not going to let him go into a terrible life,"

"How do you make such attachments so easily? You're bringing a kid into our world while we're in deep shit,"

"He has nowhere to go. I would have loved for someone to take care of me but no one did," she exclaimed. "I regret that I'm like a child who belongs to nobody because of my setbacks. I wasn't strong enough and they left me,"

"You had Hiashi," he said.

"I had no one before you and Benjiro. Everyone was more concerned with impressing my father and the council. Kurenai was more concerned with Kiba and Shino because they showed more promise. No one of significance cared about me! I wanted to be wanted. I was disinherited twice by everyone who wanted to love me," she said quietly.

"Hinata..." he sighed.

She looked regretful as she whispered, "Someone should've caught me... not let me drop and break my back. I promised Benjiro won't be in the same misery like I was in,"

"I agree that we don't have charmed lives but we don't pick up strays. We agreed we wouldn't play the hero card,"

"This the parent card," Hinata told him. "I will gladly play that card any time of the day. I don't need your permission. We're just..."

"What are we?" he asked, wondering why she paused.

"Friends. Yes, friends. I should have asked but you would have said no. I'm the only person who cares," she finished.

"I'm not raising that kid with you,"

Hinata deflated but nodded. "I never asked you to and I never will. I'll love that beautiful, beautiful boy and give him the best that I could. It may not be gold... but I'm doing the best I can," she snapped. She went into the room by herself and shut the door. Quietly.

"Why didn't you just slam the door?"

-x-

Late. Midnight.

The day is gone and he sat in the darkness. When he heard her steps, he turned the TV on and the room filled with light.

She stopped before him, and he ignored her presence. She sighed, getting courage. She had a blanket, her unusually long nightshirt and gray locks hair was tied by senbon.

"Why aren't you sleeping?" Sasuke asked, eying the pillow and the quilt she and Mitsuyo worked on for weeks.

"Why aren't you?" she countered, still standing awkwardly.

"Reasons," he snarked.

"I'm... also not sleeping because of... reasons," she whispered.

He expected the coldness to turn her off but she still stood there, waiting with her opaline eyes. "What is it, Hinata?"

"Uhm... I don't want you to sleep on the couch. That's not what we do," she said. "Why not... because I'm not like that. I don't quite like sleeping alone,"

"Benjiro's there. You have plenty of company," Sasuke simply said.

"Not the right one. Not yours and I don't like that,"

He looked away, playing with the remote. "Hn. Good to know,"

They looked at each other in the moonlight, at a standstill. "Just come back to bed. I won't say a word," Hinata gathered the blanket and pillow and hesitated before turning.

"No," he said. "I'm good here,"

She pouted but bit her lip to hide it. Still, her biting her lip did strange things to his inside. "I'll be upstairs. Sleepless in Kumogakure because of reasons," she said.

Her footsteps. Going. When will she be gone?

"Wait," he said.

She turned to him, perking up. He sighed. "I know you won't sleep. Let's put on a movie- whatever. Your options are open. We can even watch the news. Politics are boring but it's fine," He sneaked a look at her. Made his heart... flip. He felt kind of nervous but not. More frustrated.

"You'd watch it for me?" she asked, smiling like a fool.

"Don't expect me to enjoy it," he said seriously.

"I would... never," she said, hiding that same smile. "Did you sleep enough?"

"Simple quiz; how much does an insomniac sleep?" he asked.

"Zero point one hours," Hinata sighed. He turned on the news, still tense. He didn't bother unmuting the television. She crawled to his side, hesitated and placed a blanket over the both of them. He shot a suspicious glance at her but didn't move away. "What? You have no blanket and you're cold, right?"

"Really. That's the reason?" he asked.

"Your health is at risk and I'd promise I'd save you," she said.

Sasuke just looked away, flustered. She just relaxed cause he wasn't talking and he cleared his throat. "Can I tell you something?" he asked. She nodded. "I'll be there. What else would I stay in Konoha for? You shouldn't assume I'll just up and leave you. I won't,"

He hasn't turned the volume up. "Can I tell you say something? I don't know if anyone misses me in Konoha. I do want to go back but what's the point? Even though you are mad at me... I wanted for you to know, I like it on the fringes. With you, it's fine," she leaned into his shoulder and stayed there. "It's less painful,"

"What inspired this?" he asked, concerned.

"I- nothing. I'll tell you later," she said, taking the remote from his hands.

"You belong in Konoha. You've got their... ways and will of fire. You shouldn't have uprooted your life for me. It's my guilty party. However, can you to enjoy this? For my sake, can you do just that?"

"Maybe I would if you didn't leave all the time," she ignored the butterflies when he wrapped his arm around her. "It's our... nirvana, right? But... I'm sorry for bringing Benjiro in without telling you but I'm not sorry for keeping him. It wasn't something I thought we needed to think about because it'd just be something we'd get. Us... shinobi we save everyone- that's what's supposed to happen. I think I could fix him. Back then, if I found a kid like you, I would have taken you in without a doubt,"

"You would have,"

"Would you have?" she asked, hopeful.

"I'm not good like you,"

"You are good... In a different way. You're good," she said. He knew his answer was too deep and too honest. "And... this is too heavy- let's sleep. Wanna go upstairs?" she asked, attempting to untangle herself.

"No. I'm fine," he said, tightening his grip on her.

"The TV... It's too loud and... no one likes the news anyway," she explained, sighing in relief and clicked the TV off.

"No one does," Sasuke agreed.

They both eventually fell asleep.

-x-

December 13th. 6 a.m

Sasuke opened his eyes and groaned. He ignored his paranoia until he noticed that a kid stood there, right there- staring at his face. He almost did something before he realized it was wee little Benjiro.

"Nata. I'm hungry," He nudged Sasuke's leg. "Sasu. M'hungry,"

Hinata was fast asleep. She looked absolutely tired while tucked into his side.

"Che. Fine,"

-x-

Thirty minutes later.

"Morning Benjiro and Sasuke," she smiled. They stood on opposite ends of the kitchen, avoiding each other and eating tomatoes pointedly. "Tomatoes?" she asked.

Sasuke shrugged. "It's a suitable breakfast,"

"Not really,"

"It's a fruit. Why not?"

Benjiro smiled, spotting Hinata and sprung into her arms. "Nata. Moning!"

"Aren't you my sunshine, though?" she laughed, smiling. "You haven't brushed your teeth or gotten out of last night's clothing. And we have to do something about your nighttime bath," He sagged in her arms and pouted.

"Dun like badt," he murmured into her shoulders.

He gave an exaggerated pout. Hinata laughed, caressing his cheek. "Hey now, don't give me that look, come on- we have to follow the schedule,"

"You have a schedule?" Sasuke asked.

"We just go with the flow," Hinata said, looking at Benjiro. "We mostly agree and I give him choices,"

Benjiro suddenly leaned into her ear and grinned. Hinata looked panicked but cracked a sorry smile. "No... Benjiro. Sasuke cannot give you a bath. He doesn't like baths himself," she looked at Sasuke then back at Benjiro, hesitant. "Uhm. I'll be the one taking care of you. Uhm. Always,"

Benjiro looked upset and sagged into her a little more in her arms.

"Hn," he said. There was tension... even after last night. "I'm going to go do sword practice. In case you didn't care, I leave later today,"

"That's a problem and I do care. Always," she said, ignoring how Benjiro was interested in her necklace. She looked down and saw that he attempted to put it in his mouth. "Benjiro, please do not do that. It is not food. It'll break your teeth,"

He shrugged and played with three other of her necklaces but ultimately left them alone. She focused back on Sasuke. Sasuke looked even more unimpressed. "Where are you going?"

"To find Someina, Mitsuyo, that genjutsu user and Bunya Jimpachi. I came back to see you and I found him," he looked at Benjiro. "but I have to leave,"

"Leaf?" Benjiro perked up, frowned. "Sasu's leafing,"

"Sasuke is leaving," she said.

He huffed and looked at Sasuke sadly. "Why?"

Benjiro pushed on her shoulders and she dropped him. He waddled over to Sasuke and wrapped his arms around his legs, causing Sasuke to jump but scowl at his leg. He really doesn't like to be touched, right? Still prickly.

"I'm sorry! I didn't think he'd do that," she said, watching his expression.

Benjiro laughed and rubbed his face against Sasuke's pant leg in affection. "Great. There's snot on my pant leg. Thrilling," he said as he pulled Benjiro off of his calf. "Keep him controlled," he grunted and stalked off in the opposite direction.

Benjiro tilted his head and looked back at Hinata, coming back to her. "Sasu doesn't like me?" he asked.

She leaned down to his level and picked the lint off of his shoulders. Ruffling his hair, she smiled carefully. "He... he likes you, of course. We're darling exceptions. It just takes time for him to warm up,"

"Wam up?"

"Warm up, can you say that?"

"Worm," he said. "Warn... Warm!"

She gave him a high five, smiling broadly. Even after that series of praises, he looked upset. "Yes... Yes. Bonds with Sasuke take long to form but once they're there, my dear, they are unbreakable on his part," she said. "Just... wait for him to like you more, no?"

He nodded, still upset. She took him into her arms, hugging him. "You have all my love. You don't need to wait for that, okay?"

"Sasu doesn't like me," he confirmed. "I'll wait!"

"Yes! That's the spirit," He laughed when she tickled his sides. "But we do have to fix your breath and your clothing, Benjiro. We do have to buy clothes for you... Sunbeam,"

-x-

She smiled at him, lathering him up in sunscreen and his usual floppy hat. "What do you want to do today?" she asked, putting on some shoes that fit him.

"Hmmm. Sasu is outside! I wanna see Sasu!" he suggested, bouncing on his toes. Hinata shushed him, quieting him a bit. She to put another pair of shoes on him. He didn't like them so he shrugged them off.

"Worry not. We will. We have to be quiet, without being a bother," she poked his nose. "Can you be a quiet church mouse for me?"

He grabbed her hand and grinned. He stopped when he noticed her holding back. Benjiro paused and walked around her, inspecting her carefully. She narrowed her eyes at him. What's wrong? Was it her outfit? Today, she chose to wear a long, loose green flowing tunic dress with her hair up into a high ponytail. She sported sandals and rings and necklaces, just to complete her look.

"What's wong?" He reached up to her stomach, poking it and pressed his palms onto her torso. "With your belly?"

He stood on his tiptoes and tried to wrap his arms around her. He was too short so he couldn't manage it. He was concerned whenever Hinata seemed to be nauseous or tired. He also was curious and rubbed her stomach a lot. He liked talking about her belly bun (belly button) and crawled onto her lap a lot, inspecting her belly.

She laughed. "Oh Benjiro-love, I'm having a baby!"

He scrunched up his face in confusion and stepped back, startled. "Huh? In there? The baby's making Nata sick!"

She smiled, shaking her head. "I'm having a baby, imagine that. My baby is smiling in my tummy. I'm not hurt, don't worry! Our baby isn't making me sick, I'm alive because of you both," he shook his head away from her stomach. She frowned. "You can't not like the baby. Benjiro, this baby is good,"

He regarded her stomach reproachful before nodding and patted her stomach affectionately. "The baby is a good baby now. Sasu likes the baby?" She nodded. He looked intrigued but then pressed his head to her stomach. He stayed there, listening and grinned. "The baby's quiet! Cool! You're cool, Nata,"

She picked him up and nuzzled his cheek, laughing. She kissed his cheek. "Now, Benjiro, my baby is almost the size of a mango," Hinata led him to the kitchen and got a mango. She pointed to the mango after setting him down. "That's how big our baby is,"

He looked at it in amazement. He picked up the mango and cradled it to his chest. "Baby nata!" he cooed.

"Benjiro-"

"Nata! Shhh! The baby's sleeping," Benjiro brought his index finger to his lips to shush her.

She laughed but quieted down. He put on his shoes, all by himself because he is not a baby- he is a big boy while he held the mango firmly. They planned to watch the clouds, enjoying a neat picnic. Suddenly, Benjiro didn't want to do anything but nourish that mango.

You are too pure... Benjiro, Hinata mused. Too pure.

-x-

They sat on a picnic blanket surrounded by fresh grass, little ways away from Sasuke. Benjiro ate cottage cheese and fresh strawberries while she laid down. He held the mango, trying to feed it. It didn't work. He soon gave up and watched Sasuke practice his sword-wielding. "Cool! What's that?" he asked.

"Sasuke loves swords. He is an excellent swordsman- he uses a sword for fighting,"

"He use a swod to beat bad guys?" Benjiro asked. "He's the coolest,"

"Yep... to save us anytime," she said, peeling an orange for him. "He'll save you and me and baby Nata," She dropped the orange and bolted up, almost tripping. She ran to Sasuke, still barefoot and yelled, "Sasuke! Sasuke! Where are you?"

"What? Is something wrong? What's happening?" he asked and they met halfway. He clasped her elbow and stopped her from zooming off to the moon. She was smiling and danced a bit with him.

Three more twirls. "Sasuke! Sasuke! Know that-" she jumped in place and beamed. "I felt our mango! I felt a kick! Movement!"

"You felt a kick," he responded, grinning.

She nodded frantically, her eyes scouring his face. "Yes. Two! It came in doubles. It felt like popcorn popping or butterflies kissing me! Oh, my Kami! I felt our baby moving!"

Sasuke smirked pleasantly at the ground. He looked down at her, thoughtful and tender. "Would you look at that? Your stomach is bigger now. You're glowing. How is that..." he asked, noticing.

"I am not glowing, don't kid yourself," she said, pushing his shoulder lightly.

He inclined forward and whispered, "I don't lie to you about things like that,"

She blushed gently, laughed quietly. Softly. She shone with joy. "I felt it- a flutter! A perfect small flutter like the pregnancy books say! Oh, my Kami Sasuke! Our baby is okay! I don't know if it's a girl or boy! But- finally! Some movement! It's my first and only pregnancy and I'm like other moms! Finally!"

"Congrats," he said, tentatively looking at her stomach.

Sasuke reached his hand to her stomach and she paused, waiting. Nervous. He felt a kick and atoms collided. It was the first time she really saw him smile. Scowling and that cold, calculating poker face is just his default state of being. He's busy processing negative feelings and smiling often places lower on his list of priorities.

He let his guard down and smiled. It was glorious-intense, even. "You... should do that more," she said, blushing.

"What?" he asked, his genuine smile accompanied by laughter.

"Smile more. It's magical,"

He looked at her for a few moments, still smiling before Benjiro interrupted them and grinned like wanting in on a joke. "Nata? Nata? What's happen?" Benjiro asked.

Sasuke shut down and moved away from Hinata. Sasuke glanced at him. "She felt her first baby kick. The babe's moved," he stated simply then went back to his own affairs.

Sasuke picked up his sword and turned away only to find Benjiro proudly offering him a mango. Benjiro grinned with missing teeth. "Here's baby Nata!" Benjiro nodded sincerely, dark eyes shining under his long lashes. "Your baby! Baby Nata,"

He held the mango, eyebrows raised. "My kid isn't a mango,"

Benjiro argued with Sasuke about that. Adorable. Hinata glanced at the both of them and ran back into the house, looking for a camera. She sprinted back and gave Sasuke a camera. "Okay! Take a photo of Benjiro! Then one of me!" she decreed.

Sasuke lamented, upset but corresponding to her whims like always.

Benjiro stood beside Sasuke, tall and proud. He stuck his little chest out and lifted his chin. Hinata thought it was cute. Sasuke sighed then noticed that Benjiro looked at him intently. He rose an eyebrow and Benjiro copied him. Sasuke looked away quickly. Hinata noticed and invited Benjiro over, "Benjiro- wanna sit with me to take photos? You could take baby nata into the picture,"

Benjiro studied Sasuke contently. Sasuke gave Benjiro an odd look. "I didn't know I'd be one of those guys. Taking photos of their pregnant... whatevers. Don't worry about it," he said, knowing she'd ask questions.

"Can I have my sibling back?" Benjiro asked.

Sasuke handed him back the mango, a bit worried but still did it. Benjiro patted Sasuke's knee and grinned at him.

Benjiro shuffled over to Hinata and sat. "Okay, Benjiro, smile big 'cause the baby can't right now!" Benjiro took this word of advice seriously and nodded, grinning. He cradled the ripe mango and shot happy looks at the camera.

Sasuke took the photo. He narrowed his eyes, leaned forward and took photos of Hinata in candid times. She buried her face in her hands. "Sasuke- please stop," she said, laughing a bit.

Hinata got up, Benjiro helping her stand. "Thank you, my gentleman," she said while standing beside Sasuke. She realized she hasn't done this in a really long while. "Can I see the photos?"

It felt better to be near to him, she realized. She relished in it for two seconds before Sasuke moved away, leaving her with the photos. "Benjiro- do you want to see the photos?" she asked, trying to mask her disappointment. "You look handsome,"

Benjiro gazed up at Sasuke and said, "Hn,"

Pause. Sasuke stared at Benjiro with a questioning but displeased expression. Hinata and Sasuke's eyes met. "What did you just say?" Sasuke asked.

"Hn," Benjiro said.

Sasuke scowled slightly then said, "Hinata- a word,"

She stood up then said, "Yes... Uh. Benjiro, will you look at the photos 'till I come back?" Benjiro nodded before she nodded.

They went a little ways away from Benjiro. "He imprinted on me before we met. He has an infinite amount of affection for me,"

"I explained my opinion about you. He applies it to your interactions. That's maybe... why," she said. "I know what you're mad about. I'm keeping him. I made up my heart and choice. It was impossible to return to the main village and find an orphanage. I can raise him here and offer him a life,"

"We're just mere visitors... guests. Mitsuyo or Someina could take him back," Sasuke said.

"They wouldn't! I'm not giving up on him. I don't want to be a temporary fix. I want to be... a mother figure to him,"

"I'm all for parental guidance but Benjiro probably isn't allowed in Konoha. He isn't a citizen. The Hyuuga won't accept our kid let alone Benjiro from Kumo. You and Kumo do not have good history. It's not a good idea. We probably won't be allowed in Konoha for political reasons of Benjiro won't be allowed in Konoha. I'm not the bad guy in this. The timing is. There are so many implications,"

"Fine. I'll stay here. This is my home. Who cares about Konoha? No one misses me there so I won't return," Hinata said.

"Why do you think no one misses you? They do. What happened to missing Konoha?" he asked, furling his brows.

"I met Benjiro and the truth. I am ready for the responsibility! He's my beau. I can protect all of us. I will become stronger. I'll be remarkable- memorable,"

"Hinata. Don't be like that,"

"I can and will," she said, giving him a small look. "Benjiro, would you like to go play in the creek with Nata?" Hinata asked, walking away.

"You can't avoid me about this,"

"It's going to be fun! Come, come, Benjiro!"

And that's exactly what she did for the next five hours.

-x-

Evening.

It was the evening and Sasuke was in the kitchen, thinking. So the Hyuuga took in an extra kid. This kid likes Sasuke. There are so many problems that come with this. Kabuto might be alive. That's a terrifying thought. He'd want to have revenge on Sasuke, Hinata, their kid and then Benjiro.

The fucking Death Chess Association.

The DCA is kidnapping experiments and Orochimaru wants to kill them before they get to Akuma-oo-sama. Why does he want to do that? Orochimaru has someone on the inside giving the DCA lists, names, information about the experiments. When they get the lists of failed experiments, the brand them with the tattoo "KPPF," or Kingdom, Part, Place, Forever.

If the DCA want the experiments, why are those people dead? Why do they live long enough for Suigetsu to ultimately kill them?

Is the DCA a safe place? Damn it Suigetsu. Orochimaru was always making him enemies.

Why was the rebirth animation jutsu files stolen? Did Kabuto steal them? Who's giving the DCA information about Orochimaru? Was there other sharingan users? Why did Orochimaru want them? Has he found any? What's he going to do about finding them?

Orochimaru still wants Sasuke to be at the hideout... He doesn't know whether or not he should because of Hinata. She wouldn't want to. What is he going to do about Kumo's relationship with Hinata and byakugan users? What was he going to do about that?

She came into the kitchen and avoided looking at him. She did try to finish the dishes as well. She looked... different. She didn't have a bounce in her step and she bit her lip making them an angry red rather than a baby pink. She's always nervous and... antsy. Even around him and that's not normal.

"What's up with you?" he asked.

Her shoulders didn't stop being tense. She got even worse. Damn it. "You want me to give Benjiro away. That's what's up... and on top of that... I think I'm having an existential crisis,"

Existential crisis? No wonder she's a wreck.

"Come here," he said.

She came to him after hesitating. "Forget it! I shouldn't have said anything," She was two feet away from him and made an effort to pass him, scurrying a bit too close. He pulled her arm and gently pulled her back.

The sheer force of the action made her stumble into his lap. This... is different. Noted. He expected her to take a shaky step away from him but she collapsed on him, tired and broke. "What happened while you were out in the village?" he asked, getting over the shock.

It was a motion of intimacy, at least a little. An indication of subtle interest.

She slung her arm around his neck and melted a bit. Relief through a sigh. "I met an old colleague; Keisuke. He said, "She's good but not great," Me. That no one missed me or that anyone noticed my absence. Everyone thought I dropped out of the program because my boss recommended it so many times. That I'm not memorable," she admitted.

Sasuke sighed, as he has been doing a lot lately. "Idiots. You're surrounded by blind, deaf, unintelligent idiots. Christ Hinata... What makes you think you're not? Assholes don't appreciate what's in front of them," he said. "You promised. You brought the thunder,"

"Yes... and the lightning," she said, still sluggish but offering a smile.

Fuck! Where should I put my hands? Sasuke thought. However, this is nice.

He smirked and she smiled at him. They stayed like that until Hinata looked away. "Your eyes. Are you still seeing the light? 'Cause they look darker than usual," he said. The eye contact she made with him was so proximal. He got lost in those eyes and forgot the surroundings.

"I'll find my own bravado. I like to see the world through rose-colored glasses. I'll stop. I have to... so I can be respected and known. Remarkable. I won't be weak. I'll be good," she said.

"Hinata... You don't need to prove anything to them. Konoha. Me. Anyone. You're already good 'cause nothing's wrong with you," he said firmly.

"I want to be brand new and make a new chapter. I was raised to be admired and noticed. I will live up to it,"

"You're not supposed to be a creature of pride," he said. "If you are- I've spoilt you,"

"I'm not spoilt. I don't want to be sweet. I want to be strong, fearless and sensual. I won't stutter and I'll stand up to them. Who cares if people don't notice my change? I want to know I'm remarkable,"

"What if I say it again? Would you believe me?" Sasuke asked. She shook her head. "Too bad you'll hear it anyway. You're remarkable and any and all synonyms of that. I'll shout it off of Kumo's mountaintops. Better yet, the Hokage monuments-"

"Train me," she said her eureka moment.

He shook his head. "I've already spoilt you. If you learn from me, you'll be corrupt,"

"Stop seeing yourself as some criminal! You're allowed to be messed up," she said. "I'm surprised that you're not catatonic. You are a real strong man with an iron mind!"

"I'm manic and a hysteroid, I know. I'm in a constant state of denial. You nailed it, pretty well," Sasuke gritted, looking away. "Your writing isn't as messy as you think. I have a problem and it's probably hard to pronounce," he said.

"We're healing. Things are different. You'll be fine, the watched pot never boils. Besides, we're all messed up. Some people are better at hiding it,"

"We're all broken birds, you said,"

"My brother said... that to me when we'd watch the birds. He said that I was stronger than I knew. Train me so I can get better!"

"I won't. What if I hurt you? I would never forgive myself," Sasuke argued.

"You would never. I trust you," she said, her breath brushing his face. Peppermint. Is that what her kiss tastes like? Burned that thought. "I want to know your fighting style and tricks! I'll be an esteemed shinobi under your aegis. I'll trade you another year in Kumo if you train me. I'll be your perfect student. I'll learn it all. Using swords, kenjutsu, kayakujutsu, fuinjutsu... Whatever you want,"

"I can't keep you here for another year," Sasuke said. "We wouldn't be partners in that; you'd just be my prisoner,"

"It's not prison... It's home. I have nowhere else in the world I'd rather be,"

"Hinata-"

The doorbell rang. She got off of him and scurried to the door, Sasuke on her heels. The door opened and Hinata couldn't believe her eyes. "Mitsuyo- forgive me!" Hinata looked at the woman. "Wait- who are you?"

"The name's Miyana. Natsukawa Miyana,"

Mitsuyo does have a sister. Tall, beautiful, lithe and smiling. Her sister is awfully 'rude'... She called for Sasuke and he showed up, looking annoyed at Miyana. "Who's this?"

"Hello, Natsukawa-san... What are you doing here?"

"I want to speak to my sister," Miyana said. "My child, Taiyo, is worried about his aunt, Mitsuyo,"

"Mitsuyo isn't here," Hinata said, eyeing the silver-haired child with aquamarine eyes. Gray runs in the family. The child was about three years old.

"Where is she?" Miyana asked.

Benjiro rushed beside Sasuke, holding his green dinosaur. He hid behind Sasuke's leg, nervous. "Well. We've got to talk anyway. We have a lot of things to do. So I'll be coming in anyway," Miyana said.

She just... invited herself over and walked in as if their answer didn't matter. "That was classy," Sasuke grumbled sarcastically beside her ear.

She nodded in tandem.

Miyana nodded and looked down at her cautious kid. "Taiyo? Would you like to play with him? Soothe your mother and be a good boy while I talk to the grown-ups,"

"Oh. His name is Benjiro," Hinata said, smiling.

Benjiro gazed at Taiyo. "Hn," he said, sizing him up.

"Do you have toys?" Taiyo asked, breaking the ice.

"I got a lot," Benjiro said. "Wanna build a tower?"

"Yeah!" Taiyo agreed.

"This way!" They ran over to the living room where Benjiro probably had millions of toys.

"Tea?" Hinata offered.

"Yeah," Miyana said.

-x-

"How do you know who we are?" Sasuke questioned, sitting beside Hinata at the table in the kitchen.

"You're Uchiha Sasuke, right?" Miyana said, sipping her tea. "Mitsuyo and I healed you! Taiyo was young when he saw you lose all your blood. He hates the sight of it or watching me work after that,"

"You're a doctor?" Hinata asked.

"Yeah, a medical-nin... you're Hinata," Miyana said. "Mitsuyo never mentioned a toddler. Super cute! You're the couple she made me promise I wouldn't ever visit. Classic Mitsuyo. Always a bitch,"

"Yeah. Classic her," Sasuke agreed.

"Well. I was worried about her," Miyana stated. "She's neurotic but I love her. When she was fifteen, my parents disowned her. Her children were spawns of demons. He brainwashed her! She freely offered him children because she of that fake, forced 'love',"

"Her husband is not a monster," Hinata protested.

"Her husband was gentle but she never returned his love," Miyana explained. "The one she loved damaged everything. She became... a senile hermit. She's forty-one. She has a lot of life left,"

"She's always going on about how old she is," Sasuke murmured thoughtfully.

"She is just nostalgic. Nostalgia makes one feel old," Miyana told them. "Anyhow, her husband was a shinobi, a master in seal making, fuinjutsu. One of the best fuinjutsu masters in Kumo. The seals in and around the house are complex and well-refined. The seal around the house is the most impressive. There are sealed weapons and barriers to enter certain parts of the house. She has to get DNA or blood samples for that person to enter the area around the house,"

"What? How did she get the blood samples for all the kids in the neighborhood?"

"She's lived here forever. Eventually, exposure to the generations before the kids have come across her late husband or Mitsuyo herself," Miyana explained.

"How was I allowed to be inside of the forest surrounding the house?" Hinata asked Miyana.

"She got his blood and since you're pregnant with his child, that's his DNA and your other child, has your chakra?"

"Yeah. When you healed him..." Sasuke turned to Hinata, who understood. Hinata nodded. Someone that was allowed through the barrier put the genjutsu on Hinata. Sasuke sighed.

"The news has been saying that the rain, the thunderstorms, and the mudslide was man-made. Shinobi- made. The Raikage exclaimed it was an attack on Kumo. Sasuke they think that it's you," Miyana sighed, getting antsy. "Kumo placed the blame on you, Sasuke and some other criminals. The public is comfortable with using you as a scoundrel. The people have seen sightings of you in Kumo recently on multiple occasions, so they want you to be questioned,"

"They have ground for believing that," Sasuke said. "But I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't risk Hinata or Benjiro or our kid. I wasn't in Kumo while the mudslide hit. If I'd known about it, then I would have helped prevent it,"

"I know you weren't there but Uchiha are scapegoats," Miyana said. "They want you to be rightly punished, for your Hokage to hand you over to Kumo to be questioned. And for your Hokage should remove your sharingan and rinnegan... They think you want war. Groups want tension between Konoha and Kumo so there could be conflict," she sighed, blue eyes shining like sapphires. "Kumo and Konoha do not have good relations. Whatsoever,"

"Because of Kinkaku... and Ginkaku no?" Hinata said. She looked at Sasuke, explaining. "They're shinobi's... history's most notorious criminals. They staged a coup during a meeting between the second Hokage and the second Raikage. They halted a peace treaty ceremony. However, it was Kinkaku who killed the second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. Along with his brother, they are seen as disgraces to shinobi-kind. Many older Konohagakure inhabitants hate Kumogakure because of Kinkaku,"

"Ever since then, the relationship between Kumo and Konoha has been at a hard stalemate," Miyana flashed her eyes. "Sasuke, you tried to murder the Raikage three years ago. The public believes you bring the weary and night to the bright. They believe you're a copycat or reincarnation of Kinkaku with revenge against our Raikage. We need to talk about where you're going and what to do about this situation,"

"You came to warn us, huh," Sasuke said.

"Yeah. So why are you both still here? You guys should have fled, now that Sasuke is under suspicion. The Raikage is against you. What is your next course of action? Will you return to Konoha or will you be gone?" Miyana quizzed, waiting for answers.

"I'll be leaving to sort this out with the Hokage and by extension, the Raikage. I have to clear my name and obviously, get away for a while," he said. "Don't pout, Hinata,"

"Sasuke..." she said. "Please don't,"

"Hinata," he said. "I have to,"

They looked at each other, defiant and stubborn. She pursed her lips and he furled his brows. Miyana chuckled awkwardly. "I'll leave you both to discuss this," Miyana stood up. "They're probably most likely... in the living room, right? I'll leave you both to talk."

She left.

Their purplish-onyx and opaline eyes met. "You shouldn't have chosen me. I'm the villain. We're always the villains," Sasuke chuckled but it was empty of happiness. "It's best to think about the baby and Benjiro. The babe hasn't fully developed. Your father and clan will take action. I also have to meet with Suigetsu and Jugo in Konoha. I can't stay in Konoha or Kumo. I'll endanger you. I can't have that. I'd be a lousy protector, wouldn't I, Hyuuga?"

"You'd be an even lousier protector if you die," she argued, blocking him from leaving. "I don't want you to die! Or go. If you go, they'll hurt you. They're always hurting you,"

"When it comes to pain, darkness, and hate- I'd rather it hit, hurt me, affect me... me than you. Always," he said, eyes sincere.

"This is all false! They're just looking for someone to hate and I don't think it's right for you to be a scapegoat! A target," She ran her fingers through her hair, frustrated. "This isn't helping me! If you turn yourself in, they'll torture you and hurt you, a lot,"

"They have nothing on me," Sasuke said nonchalantly. Sadly.

She sighed and flipped out. "Stop looking at me like that! Like you'll never see me again. Just- please act like you care what I'm talking about! Stop acting like you're not returning from this! Kami,"

"You're my best side. This is affection. My leaving is saving you and that to me, my distance, is affection. This is me caring,"

"Fine. But you have to come back to me. Promise me,"

"You know I can't," Sasuke objected. Her eyes flashed. He debated but honestly gave up and agreed. "Fine. I promise,"

He made way for the hallway that led to the living room. "And read the scroll. It gives an even more in-depth summary of who Natsukawa Momo was/is. Memorize it and it'll be fine," he mentioned casually.

He paused at the doorway, not looking back. She wished he did. He never does. She didn't reach for him.

"Amarante," he whispered thoughtfully. "That's the name I chose for a girl. My mom would have named me that should I have been a girl,"

He was gone in the next few hours. Benjiro sighed when he noticed how sad Hinata looked. "Nata? You okay?"

"Mhm. I will be,"

Just come back alive, Sasuke. You owe me that, Hinata said.

-x-

December 16th. Morning.

Benjiro drank some apple juice while he and Hinata put up some laundry in the yard. "Benjiro... I told you not to touch the sheets if you like spilling your apple juice, darling. You have to choose one, dear. Either you help Nata with the chores or you finish your snack,"

He shrugged. "Apple juice is good and choes is good,"

There was a doorbell ring. "Please stay here while I go help check if there's someone at the door,"

"Sasu?"

"I wish," she said. "I wish for that every moment," He pressed his head to her thigh and squeezed her leg. "He'll come back to us, he promised... and what do I always say?"

"A pwomise is a pwomise," he said, dark eyes sparkling with hope.

"Yes. His promise is always a promise,"

-x-

Both Mitsuyo and Someina were at the door. Mitsuyo wore a thick gray kimono that made her look monochrome and had a pack with her. Someina had the same raincoat and sorry expression on her face. Hinata looked at Mitsuyo, she knew that she looked forty. She was very beautiful, like her sister.

Nevermind beauty!

She felt a rush of anger, love, and worry. Hinata stood there, gaping at them. "Wh- what happened to you all? And I'm so glad you're okay! Wait- Sasuke is looking for you," Hinata said, pointing to Someina.

"I saw her in the streets of the village, showing her sister's picture to the people of Kumo," Mitsuyo scowled, distaste evident. "That was as dumb as leaving Hinata. That's so unprofessional of you! You are incompetent but you can't ever be incompetent around Hinata-"

She ran into Mitsuyo's arms. "Kami. I missed you. Tremendously," she sighed, feeling herself uncoil a bit.

Mitsuyo seemed to have a smile in her voice. "It's alright child. I have the same feelings," Mitsuyo eventually peeled Hinata off of her and clicked her tongue at the guilty Someina. "Why would you ever want to leave this sunflower? She's the one you stay for, not blindly leave. I tell you, she's incompetent,"

Hinata soon crossed her arms.

"I'm not incompetent!" Someina shook her head, her green hair shaking with the movement. "I received word that my sister may have been alive. I needed to check. I thought... And everything would be alright,"

Hinata figured hugging Someina made better use of her arms. "I'm glad you're alright," she said, holding onto her. "I thought you died. I am so, so, so angry at you for leaving but I am happier that you're alive,"

"You're not mad?"

"Yes but I don't care since you're here," Hinata laughed.

Benjiro stomped into the foyer of the house. "Nata? I spilled some apples on the laundy," he said, avoiding her gaze. "Sowwy,"

Hinata sighed, rubbing her temples. "Good grief, Benjiro. Now we have to do the laundry over again. That takes a full morning,"

He burrowed his face into her thigh in humiliation, apologizing profusely. "Sowwy, Nata. Sowwy,"

Hinata sighed. "Well. You have to have early bathtime, love,"

Both Mitsuyo and Someina wore the same expression. "Who is that? Why does he look so familiar? Daycare... perhaps," Mitsuyo concluded, uneasy.

Benjiro looked guilty as he hid behind Hinata's leg. "Meet... Benjiro..." Hinata smiled.

-x-

Hinata used a cloth to clean Benjiro's hands, sitting in the living room with Someina and Mitsuyo. "How does a healthy drink leave such a residue?"

"Nata..." He laughed, squirming away. "S'ticklish,"

"Hold still, please," she said. "I know it's ticklish but stay still,"

"So the bozu's name is Benjiro?" Mitsuyo said, drinking some juice. "His face... he reminds me of someone lost to time. Bah. I imagine that Sasuke... isn't very happy about the circumstances,"

"He will be," Hinata said, avoiding their gazes. "If he doesn't- then so be it. He's just... in for a rude awakening. One just as rude as he is,"

They exchanged a look. "What exactly happened to you both? He never acts hostile or rude to you," Mitsuyo asked.

"We're not exactly on the same page, Mitsuyo," Hinata said, pulling Benjiro onto her lap. "I think this is our second... disagreement,"

"Sasu and Nata fight?" he frowned, understanding.

"No... No, we never fight. Not like that first day," Hinata said, whispering into his hair. "We never bicker... We promised to explain, not explode. Your arrival was just a shock. Just wait... my dear, for him to create bonds. Be patient with him as I am," she looked at Mitsuyo, shy. "Am I allowed to keep him here?"

"I feel as though you are on the way to loving him," Mitsuyo said. "I believe that it's not my place to say who can't and who could take children in. If you consider him your kin, then Someina and I obligated to take care of him like any of your children. You are allowed to keep him here, as long as you promise to be the perfect parent,"

"I think I will... Be more than perfect," she said, hugging him close. "You hear that, love? You could stay,"

Benjiro jumped in her arms. "Yay! You, me, Sasu and the baby,"

She smiled. She did notice Mitsuyo gazing at Benjiro with worry and curiosity. She shrugged it off. They relaxed and Hinata told them everything about their situation. "You were put under a genjutsu... by someone who was allowed through the seal? And Kaiya isn't my daughter. My daughter's name is Kokoro. I had three kids... Two sons. One of them was talented in genjutsu but he is dead," Mitsuyo said.

"Ryouta isn't dead! He helped me escape from the DCA," Someina cried out. "He's my savior,"

Mitsuyo huffed. "Someina- how many times have I told you? Ryouta is dead. And my other son won't even look at me,"

"Why does he not talk to you?" Hinata asked.

Mitsuyo's stern eyes were heavy with pain. "When Kaito's father died, he wanted nothing to do with me or the Natsukawa clan. All my children favored their father. They debilitated my role as a mother since my husband's death. They hate the way he died. They haven't forgiven me. He perished due to a mistake I committed in my youth. I pay for it every day. The only one who is harder on myself is them. He sacrificed himself for me. I can't say the jutsu caster's name. My children, Kaito, Kokoro... wanted their father to live. They struggle with grief but they wouldn't hurt you, my sister or Sasuke," Mitsuyo shrugged away Someina's sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "I've updated the seals... They refused to learn their father's jutsu. No one is knowledgeable about the seals in the house. Those who were close to my husband could disable it but. We should revisit the idea of re-doing all the seals. That way, we will control who has access. When they come back, we will know is guilty. But Hinata, you're going to have to open your reserves up and... perform the jutsu,"

"Why can't you?" Hinata asked.

"I don't have the time and I am not here as much as you. If you learn, then no one can infiltrate our forests ever again," Mitsuyo said, determined. "Now we have to master Fuinjutsu,"

Oh dear but this is perfect to make them miss her.

"I'm in,"