Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 10-
Flirting

In the past. Memory of September 8th.

THE ROAD WAS CRACKED AND DRY.

The trees, bushes, and grassroots were taller. Ungroomed. Messy. Green.

She got so nervous. She was leaving. She was unsteady. Her knees were jelly and her brain mush because she finally left. Sasuke, however, drank in the distance like wine- getting calmer and calmer. His expression was satisfied and he seemed peaceful. She was starting to stand, beginning to crawl and he was running.

It was difficult, to walk away from Konoha when it was beautiful like this.

She hadn't gone long without looking over her shoulder. She ended up using her byakugan and walking backward. She hadn't liked it; seeing the tips of her village's buildings, homes, hospitals, izakayas and the Hokage monuments. Her village was covered by vegetation and trees then it was hidden by distance. She left Konoha hundreds of times, however, none of the departures had the finality that it did now.

She stopped once, halting completely. There weren't any people around them. They passed the Bara Festival goers ages ago. They were too far away.

She looked down at the road. From where she stood, it was impossible to see Konoha with her byakugan. She couldn't see what she really wanted.

Sasuke must have realized this too because he said, "Che," and let her gaze at the forest tops.

She let Sasuke walk away several meters until he hesitated and gave her a mildly curious look.

"Why've you stopped?" Sasuke asked guardedly.

Hinata narrowed her eyes and stayed put.

"Come on, you can tell me," goaded Sasuke.

"I thought I was being a bother..."

"You weren't. Everyone else... yes. I admit, Konoha doesn't put me in the... best mood."

"And you took it out on me," Hinata crossdd her arms over her chest. "Don't do that anymore. I am not a punching bag and I don't want to be treated like one... especially by the father of my child... Don't explode, just explain and communicate with me."

"You want me to treat you better. Got it. Be patient with me and you'll get it," Sasuke said.

Hinata nodded but she bit her tongue.

"Go on. You have a lot more from where that's coming from. So say it..."

"I don't have anything else to say. To you," Hinata whispered.

"Your nose twitches when you're mad. What else do you want to say? Lay it on thick."

"An incubator? That is so disrespectful to every woman across the five nations. I am not an incubator. That is just why we're not getting along! We will be in each other's lives for a long time and I don't like fighting with you!"

"I know I'm an ass. I've been working on it," he admitted.

"I mean... I do not agree but... You must figure it out soon or else... we will not be speaking until you change how you talk to me,"

"Now that we've said our peace, why've you stop?"

"You cannot... see Konoha from here on out," she replied honestly.

He seemed interested in her answer but he turned away and kept on going. "Hyuuga girl, know that soon, Konoha will be farther away with every step. If you are hurt by this then... Don't think about it," he said, taking a few steps of his own.

Was that a pep talk? From Sasuke? She almost forgot what to say but she managed, "It's... erm, hard not to..."

"Be hurt or not think about it?"

"Be hurt by thinking about it. Both... it's really both. It's not enough to feel the lack. So, I see it with my byakugan. That's why I've stopped."

"Ah... I see," Sasuke turned away from her. "Don't be delusional. The byakugan won't bring you back."

Hinata deactivated her byakugan... The byakugan... really wouldn't bring her back. He had reason there...

"But look to the future. That's where you'll see the most promise," Sasuke continued.

She hadn't expected any comforting words- it was Sasuke. She hadn't expected that either. His words... they were bittersweet. Sasuke only told secrets that bitterness knew. He also added to its collection of misery. With misery... comes hope. After a year, she will be able to walk closer and closer to all that she loves.

So, she wiped away the sweat from her forehead, held her chin up and walked behind Sasuke. "Yeah... Uchiha-san... that was a good pep-talk."

"I don't do pep-talks."

"You were good at it. I needed a dose... of reality," Hinata coughed away the emotions in her throat.

After that, they hadn't spoken a word.

Only sounds of nature and rocks crunching under her feet played on a loop. The only other thing she heard was her unsteady breath. Sasuke was without noise or conversation but eventually, she sped up to talk to him and he slowed to so they could walk together.

And yeah, they talked.

¤¤¤

September 29th. Sunset.

A few weeks back, they were at a child's park, sitting on a bench nearby. It smelled like laundry and warm sun distilled fresh air. The park was colorful and wooden. Squeals of joy and happiness were heard and appreciated.

Sasuke didn't really like staying in places like these. Why? Children... heh, not his cup of whiskey or tea.

Being responsible for another life was not the first thing Sasuke'd want to wake up to but he wouldn't have it any other way. A kid. A fucking kid. Now he sees them everywhere. Their squealing faces, their tiny hands, dirty cheeks and tufts of uneven hair. He sees what kids like and what they don't like.

He didn't want a therapist but Hyuuga's adamant about knowing what makes him cringe or what makes him drink late at night or what he likes to do when the winter's over. She still acts like Naruto is the sunrise and the sunset but whenever that happens, he changes the subject and she seems open to talking about what he wants. She likes to talk about what their kid will be like- it's something that her mind does. If it eases her mind and helps that damn pregnancy... then whatever.

Sasuke used to think that life was what people got because they did something good or their parents did well in life. For surviving, they are rewarded with more life. Was Sasuke a survivor or the opposite? What did he do to deserve a kid? He met a girl at a liquor table. That doesn't seem like much. He didn't do much good either.

But somehow, sitting beside Hyuuga and their child... made it okay.

Hyuuga hummed along, looking excited. He seems to like when she looks at him. He didn't want that much attention ever from big crowds, touchy people, loud places. He did like when she noticed him. And he looked away when she caught him looking at the side of her face again.

"Have you been to one of these places recently?" she asked, starting the conversation.

"I had no reason," Sasuke said casually. And it's creepy. What they're doing is creepy right now but Hyuuga insisted, saying that she needed to know what their kid would want to play on.

"Me neither... As a child... I was too shy to speak to the other kids so I never got the full experience. I've never really been in people's company until the Academy."

"Hn. I could have but I didn't like any of the other kids."

"Would you have liked me?" she asked. "Back then... if I talked to you?"

"If you weren't as shy and if you made me bento boxes again," he snorted, despite himself. "You would have been the biggest exception,"

She smiled a bit and darted her eyes away. "Aw, Uchiha-san... this place is truly wonderful," she looked at the park. "I reckon we'll be at one of these parks a lot in the future. Uchiha-san... look at all the swings... and the kids and all of their faces. They look so happy. Do you think our child will be happy?"

He looked at the side of her face, wondering why she didn't see it yet. If the kid has her, then they'll be fine. It was him who he was worried about- already, she'd sacrificed a lot. Staying in Konoha, being with her family and friends and her beloved job that she'd wanted to do badly.

So he nodded. "Yeah. I see it."

"Imagine... all the birthdays, the smiles, the lost teeth and the riding the bike alone moments," she clapped her hands together and smiled. Her eyes squint a little when she smiles... Why did he notice that? Damn. "Imagine those."

She suddenly looked distant and wistful, like she realized a major flaw in the system. "Ano, Uchiha-san... can you make a promise?"

"I don't do promises,"

"This promise is harmless. Really..."

"Hn."

"I don't ask for much... I expect you to be the best that you are and do what you are doing... But can you... be there for all of the birthdays, smiles... lost teeth and the riding bikes alone moments?"

"What else would I be doing?" he said.

An old bartender said being a father doesn't start when the baby is born, it starts when the mom is pregnant.

He's been observing her and watching the kid with a restless vigilance. He prepared her whatever she missed and they camped, stayed in izakayas if she wanted to or rested with civilians if she wanted a home-cooked meal. He bought her a lot of things, despite teasing her, she does know how to buy.

He was startled then felt like a simpleton. He didn't imagine she liked shopping. She was a Hyuuga- it runs in her blood to know the lavish. Don't all women like shopping? He hated shopping. He never used the bucks on himself and who greater to give it to?

Hyuuga wants a lot but says and gets nothing. The bite marks on her tongue must have been there from all that she hasn't said. He wanted to change that- so he let her say anything. It lets her live better.

Moreover, Sasuke welcomes the quiet satisfaction when he provides for her. He grasps that it's going towards a living strength. Buying her this and that and sleeping together- it sounds awfully domestic but it is. Maybe it is natural parental feeling.

For some reason, when Hyuuga talks about their kid, it reminds Sasuke of his mom.

Sasuke thought about Mikoto with love and that's nothing new. He's been excessively reminiscing about his parents.

They would have been real serviceable right about now. Is he doing anything right or is he securing himself a place in hell? His mother would be fraught with quandaries but she'd get along with Hyuuga just well.

At some point, he's got to let go of what should have happened and accept what did. All of his whole existence is meant for his kid. Fatherhood was like upgrading to a new level of manhood. It kind of shattered his existence in a bittersweet way.

Sasuke didn't want to end up like his parents with no path to reconciliation. He was alone without them at every moment of every day. All that time was gone and he's never able to get it back. There was no light at the end of any tunnel. In the past, he cut himself just one more time let the blood flow let him feel just a little better. He was so desperate.

He doesn't want his kid to end up desperate like he did. He will be present- for the moments when parents are supposed to care. He didn't want to add to the cycle of neglect.

He leaned deeper into the wooden bench, sitting back. "When I saw you in Konoha, I knew... I needed to change before I'm too old so I dropped old habits. I can't quit the kid. If I do, that will be when I'm damned."

"Yeah... you were never... damned, right?"

"No. The kid isn't keeping me hostage. Not like you think," he said. "The Uchiha will be restored as winners... and those who have sharingan children have my respect."

"You respect me?"

"I don't give it out often but yeah," he looked to her, sending a mysterious side glance. "Hyuuga, you have what it takes... to be an honorable mother and for that, I respect."

For some reason, she didn't blush. She was too shocked.

"Uchiha-san... That's very sweet... You are uncharacteristically sweet to me," said the Hyuuga softly.

And something happened to her eyes. They were like crushed opal gems then with that one laugh, the pieces came back together again.

"I'm not sweet," he admonished.

She just giggled, covering her mouth while she was at it. Her hand muffled most of the sound -but- but it sounded like wind chimes on a breezy, warm Saturday night.

She wasn't laughing with him- she laughed at him.

Sasuke didn't mind, as long as she kept on looking like that... he might as well laugh too. But he was Uchiha Sasuke and he doesn't laugh. She stopped with a relieved sigh.

She looked at her folded hands. "I wish to know you better."

"Don't. It'll drive you away," he looked at her. "You see, salt still looks like sugar."

"I have very good eyes. I would be able to tell the difference," she squinted.

Hyuuga looked at him for a long time.

"What are you looking at?" Sasuke asked.

"I don't see it. Who said you were salt?"

Sasuke looked at her, scornful. "I don't need to answer that question..."

"Who knows? Maybe you're denying your sweetness," she offered a shrug with a knowing look.

Sasuke looked at the delusional woman and began to say something. But just then, something else caught her eye.

Hyuuga grabbed for his arm. "Uchiha-san- look. The baby's laughing," she whispered.

Sasuke killed any enjoyment he felt from Hyuuga's touch.

¤¤¤

Now. October 11th. Nighttime-evening.

Her eyes were a dazzle with wonder.

The clouds were gray but the sky was navy blue. The moon was bright and round. The stars are in the sky despite it being close to seven p.m.

There is movement. Business. Conversation. People look different. Their clothes are different and their skin is darker. Tanned. There's the enticing smell of fish and the ocean salt on her lips. The buildings were all glass and dark. It was evening but not dark enough to change plans...

This was Kumogakure. And now she was at the doorstep of one of those houses.

Hinata was vacillating as she stared at the entry. The door was painted royal blue. The handle was a copper-gold hue. The house was clearly in excellent shape. It was tall and old fashioned. There was a chimney that smelled of burnt paper and wood. The lights were on, indicating a presence.

This house was pacifying, as it was colored with calming shades. She smelled incense and burnt tatami mats already wafting around the house as an aura. The grass was green, like asparagus and tall like successful pesky weeds. It was like a cottage- a mansion, with lots of plants, flowers, and trees surrounding it.

They settled at the door, pestered with the previously overgrown grass they tangled through.

Sasuke said, "Go on. Knock. The door's not going to bite you."

She shouldered her mesh bag which felt lead-heavy. "Can I take the offer of living... isolated in the woods now? You could live with me as long as you agree that we have flowered gates."

"Why do you want flowered gates?" Sasuke shook his head. "That isn't important. Stop worrying."

"Uchiha-san..."

He shook his head, already not listening to what she was saying.

"Just... listen to me," she said mildly.

Why were they here? She didn't know.

"I'm... not sure of this, Uchiha-san. I thought we'd be staying in an izakaya like normal and you'd try the special and throw up and we'd try their food and I'd like it and order seconds or thirds," Hinata laughed.

"You prefer an izakaya over an actual home? And I only threw up one time," he hissed.

"No... That's not what I mean..."

Hinata looked uncertain. Hinata toyed with the apex of her hair strands. Sasuke raised his eyebrows. He wheeled away from her and looked at the house.

"You're not going to go rogue on me, right?" asked Sasuke, anxiety sneaking up in his tone.

By rogue, she knew he meant whether or not she would leave him again.

Hinata shook her head, quieting him.

He tipped his head to the side, intrigued but troubled. "Then what's wrong?"

She looked away from him, feeling timid. "This wasn't... exactly what I was expecting."

"Don't expect anything because even then, you'll still be let down."

"That was... quite despairing, Uchiha-san."

"I try. Just- it'll be fine," he assured her.

Hinata paused then turned back to him. "I thought that wasn't a word," she said, hiding a small smile.

"Hyuuga, you're stalling," he said in his usually staid tone. He did seem amused by her.

She broke and gave a familiar sweet smile to him.

She stood back and knocked on the door.

As soon as her knuckles hit wood, Hinata stumbled back, behind Sasuke.

She didn't like knocking because of the woman who pushed then verbally attacked the both of them in Shimo. Sasuke had no problems. She had to play the part of the blind woman but something was off today. She would have been at his side but today she felt suspicious of this house.

Something was off. What was she doing? She wasn't supposed to hide behind Sasuke, that was foolish and wimpy! She stepped from his shadow and narrowed her eyes.

Normally, Hinata would have to persuade Sasuke to spend the night in a civilian home.

He would grump and complain until they left. Tonight, he seemed eager. He never liked being eager for anything or anyone. He was like Shikamaru in a sense.

Did Sasuke want to be here? Did he know someone from here? What's the big deal? Was this... another fight? He also didn't want her to have her blindfold... Strange.

When no one answered, Sasuke went up to the door and knocked again. Hinata's muscles were taught with anticipation just as the door opened a crack.

The smell of sweet rice and grilled fish permeated through the air. The house owner had made a fire and it emanated coziness. Good. The person who unlocked the door was a woman.

She had gray hair, like the hue of ashes from a forgotten fire. There were suggestions of ebony tones and richer browns but that color was from her youth. She wasn't old either- about a few years older than Kurena-sensei. Her face was long but you could tell she's beautiful. A real heartbreaker.

She had intelligent eyes and a tense exterior, though. A hard shell to crack. She made Sasuke's poker face look emotional and expressive. She took one glimpse at Sasuke then at Hinata and her eyes eclipsed slightly.

She had austere gray eyes and a scowl on her face. But that was all Hinata saw before the woman hurled the door shut with a hard snap!

Hinata blinked, in shock.

They got repudiated by that woman!

She didn't give them a chance for Hinata to speak or for Sasuke to ruin their chances by speaking.

Hinata was startled but nothing was lost. They could go back to the village center and she could take a bath in the onsens like he promised.

Then she would be a tourist in Kumo and they would get to choose a house tomorrow. She really wanted a big garden, like the one this woman had. She will have to tell their realtor that.

Well, today was a good day. Hinata turned around and held her hand out, wiggling her fingers to him. "Uchiha-san? Are we going now?"

Sasuke shook his head. His stare lingered on her hands, then at her face.

"Not just yet," he said.

Huh?

She was ready to turn around and leave but Sasuke looked beyond mad. He looked frustrated as he intermingled his eyebrow and grit his teeth.

Sasuke cursed under his breath before glaring at the door. "You can't turn your back on me now!" he said vehemently.

"Uchiha-san?" Hinata asked softly. "Are you alright?"

He shifted to peer at her. He had red in his eyes. What just transpired? Why was he so irate? He could brush off people calling him not very kind words about the Uchiha and not bat an eye at someone loathing his continuation but he reacts to this? Why was this woman relevant? Have they talked before?

Hinata waited as Sasuke pounded on the door. He'll get bruised knuckles... What is he doing?

"I know you're in there," Sasuke hissed. "You can hear me as well. You can't deny us!"

Us? Why was he so persistent? It bothered Hinata; his indifference was gone and he was determined. Almost as loud and as determined as her Naruto.

Hinata was curious. Sasuke's nose was pressed onto the oak door and Hinata was a little farther away. She could see the house's framework.

The woman peeped from behind the curtain. She made eye contact with Hinata, grimaced, placed the curtains back in place and whirled away, crossed.

Sasuke hadn't seen this for he was occupied with attempts to break the door.

"Uchiha-san? I think you should... stop and see this," Hinata said.

He looked back at her then stood alongside her. It seemed as though the woman locked the door and turned off all of the lights. Hinata watched, dismayed as the lights systematically went off.

The woman doesn't want them near to her that much? It was hostile and resentful at the same time. Mocking, even.

Hinata glanced at Sasuke who steamed. "Uchiha-san? Why does this woman hate you and I?"

"We're not special. She hates everyone," Sasuke stated as if he tasted vinegar.

More lights shut off as she gulped. "Ano, Uchiha-san, why are we here? There are plenty of places we could visit."

"We can't go anywhere but here."

"Hmmm? I'm not being a burden, am I? If you're staying here because of me, it's alright. We can move along. It's not too late to find an onsen, ne?" she said.

His hand twitched and she knew she was getting through to him.

"Uchiha-san... if it makes you upset. I don't want to stay here. We could leave... I don't mind it."

Sasuke let out a resolute sigh as he glared at the woman's house. "As irksome as it may be, she's the person we have to meet. The one we've traveled all this way for."

"Her?"

Hinata did a double-take as she glanced between the house, which was emerged in darkness and Sasuke, who didn't look proud of the fact.

He nodded calmly.

"Uchiha-san... Why-"

The door finally opened. The woman held a candle. Her fingers were nimble and long around the oil lamp's handle.

The woman looked unimpressed. "Children, to what do I owe this displeasure?"

Hinata inched closer to Sasuke. The woman was tall and subtle. Her yukata was pink, cherry-blossomed colored. It flowed with the wind that picked up and tossed some folds of the yukata.

Sasuke looked away from Hinata then said, "I'm still alive."

The woman sighed. "I thought you would be doing better things with your life, Uchiha Sasuke," her gray eyes flicked towards Hinata who stepped behind Sasuke a bit, "not getting women pregnant."

"It's not a mistake," Sasuke stuck his nose in the air.

Hinata stood at Sasuke's side, putting a look of indifference on her face. She readied her weapons in the palm of her hand and stood taller, to make a valid presence. Just like he taught her.

"Is this the one?" she said, eyeing Hinata with caution and twinkling interest.

Sasuke nodded stiffly.

"Oh, Sasuke. You've caused a lot of problems for me, bozu."

She went back inside.

Sasuke noticed Hinata's opening and closing mouth.

"I'll answer your questions later," he said.

"Now is still a great time, Uchiha-san," she whispered.

He offered an apathetic look.

The woman came back outside after a few seconds, looking fretful. "Come in, come in! You both need to come inside."

Sasuke seemed at ease again. "That's what I've been waiting to hear."

Hinata looked at Sasuke, suddenly wondering what their relationship was. Why did Sasuke suddenly seem fine when the woman invited them in?

Sasuke noticed her thinking and said, "This is what we made our month-long trip for."

In his eyes, she could see a flash of everything from mischievousness to distrust shining in them. He's been here before.

"You coming?" Sasuke asked.

Hinata blinked. "Yeah... always," she said absently. "Don't ever worry about that."

Sasuke gave Hinata the weirdest look. He allowed her to continue on by his side. Just who was this woman to Uchiha Sasuke?

¤¤¤

They went inside and got settled in the dining room. The woman had a nice, big house. It wasn't as furnished or as fancy as her father's house. It was a bit smaller with only two levels.

Everything was sparkling clean and the firewood burned. The interior design was a traditional Konohagakure house, like in the Hyuuga district but with modern touches here and there. Technical appliances like stoves, microwaves. Technology was everywhere...

It was cozy. Bright. Open. The color scheme of the house was sky blue, indigo, and a nice yellowish pastel shade. There were antique models of items. Scrolls. Shinobi weapons hanging on the walls. Picture frames. Memories of other times.

Hinata was curious but nervous as she sat there, bubbling with hesitant energy.

Sasuke was still calm and stoic, like always but Hinata couldn't take the silence anymore. Hinata didn't like this easy comfort Sasuke and the woman had hanging in the air. They knew something Hinata didn't.

Hinata sat across from the woman. She held her mesh bag tightly under her cloak, feeling her fingers turn white from the strength of holding on too tight.

Sasuke was settled beside her on the low table. This table was nice and worn but in good condition. Just telling from the deep scratches and the faded color, Hinata knew that the table was probably older than her. The tatami mats smelled nice and had a hint of bamboo.

Hinata scratched at her cuticles as the woman and Sasuke looked at each other.

"I'm honestly surprised you let us in," Sasuke said calmly.

Hinata bowed slightly, showing her silent thanks. He was obviously beside making sure that Hinata wouldn't bolt for the door. He reacted to every time she shifted.

The woman raised a faded brow and looked between the two. She focused her eyes on Sasuke before clicking her tongue, her disapproval evident.

"I knew you'd visit again eventually. Sasuke, you're a troubled troublemaker who cannot keep his nose clean. You bozu boys... and you," she pointed towards Hinata. "I thought you'd keep him out of trouble! How did you fail? You made a vow."

Sasuke frowned and opened his mouth to speak but Hinata cut him off.

"Me? I made no such promise," Hinata said, shocked to have been asked. "And-"

"That was Sakura," Sasuke gritted out.

"And that Sakura is sitting right here," the woman said. She looked at Hinata. "You promised him, didn't you, Sakura?"

"What?" Hinata gasped as her jaw dropped onto the old table.

Sasuke just sighed, like he was in chronic pain.

Hinata looked at the woman who dropped her finger before squinting at Sasuke.

"You'd said that the girl you'd bring to me the next time you saw me was your wife and the mother of your kids," the woman looked at Hinata wonderingly. "Sakura."

Hinata looked at Sasuke, surprised and confused. He turned back to her.

Sasuke watched the woman, stiff. "Things didn't work out the way that I'd like to but this woman isn't Sakura."

The woman scowled. "What happened to that girl?" she questioned.

Sasuke looked away and kept quiet. Hinata opened her mouth to say something but the words didn't come out so great.

"Sakura-" Hinata started.

"Haruno," Sasuke said.

Hinata narrowed her eyes and corrected him. "Uzumaki Sakura got married two months ago to another... man"

The woman looked back at Sasuke, listless.

Hinata looked at the increasingly agitated Sasuke. "Uchiha-san... What happened the last time you both met?" she asked in a low tone to Sasuke.

Sasuke had just ignored her as she turned away, upset to be scorned.

The woman looked at Sasuke and Hinata and cleared her throat. "This bozu was dying of large wounds. I'm no healer but I've been in wars to know how to heal. He collapsed in my garden and his blood watered my plants for half a day until I found him. He had fought, gotten outnumbered and some shinobi attacked his body, interrupting and damaging his chakra flow. It was probably a skilled Hyuuga. He lost control and almost died. I saved him."

"You saved him?" Hinata looked at the woman, bowing deeply. "Thank you-"

"Don't look at me like that! I do not owe this spoilt Uchiha anything. Anything! I saved him because of necessity and not because of the kindness within myself. The man spent weeks moaning about a woman, his flower Sakura and cried about how he'd marry her and how he would make sure that I'd see her with his child. So naturally, I'd concluded it was you. He said he would be here, so I could see his Sakura."

"Stop talking about Sakura," Sasuke said calmly.

The woman gazed at Sasuke, unsympathetic and uncaring. "Bozu, you know that only fools fall in love. Only the idiots get lucky and the rest are stupid."

The woman leaned in to inspect Hinata a bit better. "So, if you're not his Sakura- then why are you here? More importantly, what's your name, child?"

"Hina," Hinata whispered, still taking her codename. She didn't trust this woman.

"He already talked about you being a Hyuuga. Are you Hyuuga Hina? Definitely not a Sakura."

"Stop talking about it," he said, twice as cold.

The woman turned to Hinata. "I know of your existence because of the notes Sasuke sent to me. I exclusively got two and they told me basic information like when you would show up and that you were pregnant."

"You're telling people?" Hinata questioned sharply. She didn't know that.

Sasuke shrugged. "She had to know," He looked at her but she couldn't meet his gaze.

She folded her hands in her lap, looking at her nails, thinking. Hinata felt betrayed in a sense. Why would Sasuke tell people? Wasn't that supposed to be reserved for later? Also, Sasuke was the one who told her to keep the secret. This was hypocritical and a risk. How many people has he told in this short span of time?

"That doesn't answer her question, Sasuke," chided the woman.

Sasuke looked into the woman's eyes. "Why you had to know is important..."

Hinata looked at Sasuke, confused. She felt the woman mirror her expression. The woman looked sour about it, though. What was he doing? Why was he talking to them like that? Why didn't he say anything? They were going to have to discuss this sooner or later.

Sasuke looked at Hinata's tense form and said, "Relax," but she couldn't do anything but seem uneasy.

She couldn't decompress and relax.

"Now that I see you both, I know that Sasuke didn't just come around to show off the girl he barely knows. He has a schedule to follow and a plan to complete," she looked at Sasuke, intrigued. "You wouldn't trouble yourself for a woman you'd never thanked. Why bother going on this long trip, Konoha-nin? It wouldn't be to simply soothe my loneliness?"

What's this woman have to do with me, the baby and Sasuke? Did Sasuke lie? Hinata thought. She wondered about those questions before Sasuke cleared his throat so the woman and Hinata would look at him.

Hinata avoided his gaze and he waited for her to pay attention so she finally looked at him.

The woman seemed mildly amused by Hinata's actions but she quickly snubbed the playful feelings and looked austere. Defensive.

"Just now, Sasuke boy, why have you visited an old woman like me at a time like this?" the woman asked.

Sasuke looked at Hinata then back to the woman. "I believe that you should help provide us a place to stay until the deal is up and we leave."

"What?" Hinata gasped. "We're staying here?!"

"Is this place so appalling you do not want to stay here?" snapped he woman.

"No, no. I apologize, this place is lovely-"

"Save your reactions, Hyuuga, because you are not staying in my house! Not for a second time, Sasuke," The woman laughed. "No, I owe nothing to you both. I have nothing you want and you have nothing I need."

"Is our company enough?"

"Ha ha. No," she laughed.

"Hn," Sasuke tilted his head, a challenging look in his eye. "You told me you'd see me again and take care of my needs."

"That's preposterous! I believed that you would make different decisions that wouldn't affect your health. Not take care and provide a place to stay. The favors end here. Sasuke, you were a dying child when I met you!"

"I was eighteen-"

"Still a child! You had a lot of time to change your life plans. I only saved you because of Konoha's horrible, horrible massacre. If I hadn't done anything- the bloodline of the sharingan would have died out!"

Sasuke looked at the woman, beyond furious. "You know that wouldn't have happened," he said, angry and his tone was measured.

Everything went tense.

"Why is that? You think there are other Uchiha running around here? You're wrong," the woman chuckled but Hinata felt uneasy.

Sasuke defused the situation. "I know it wouldn't have happened because you saved me, helped me save my life."

The woman looked at Sasuke and back at Hinata. "Why would I help you both?"

"Because we have nowhere else to go," Sasuke snapped. "Hyuuga is pregnant with my child and this is what I need."

"You sow what you reap. Had you been kinder, then you would have the world to be helped by but you are rude and solitary and a stubborn bozu. You didn't let me heal you until death knocked on your door," the woman scolded. "People tried to help you but you pushed away everyone, even the hands that feed you," she looked at Hinata skeptically. "You're actually pregnant or you have other things to lie about?"

Hinata nodded and avoided Sasuke's gaze.

"Yeah. With my sharingan child so you can't deny us because you know the complications of being me. They will kill her. I can't lose her. You are aware of what the Hyuuga are. She was supposed to be married to a suitor right about now. They told her that her child would get a cursed seal. They might as well just kill her because of the Uchiha blood that runs in her baby's veins. She needs a place to stay safe and this is the place to do it!"

"Hina, I believed that the Hyuuga reformed themselves after the war, was there no change?" the woman asked.

Hinata focused on the cuticles and shrugged a shoulder.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow to her quietness and watched her for a few seconds.

Sasuke shook his head. "They hadn't."

The woman shook her head. "I'm not letting you both use my house as a charity case so run along to somewhere else in Kumo. Bring an umbrella because our thunderstorms." she winked.

Hinata decided that this woman was kind of obnoxious. Very much so.

Sasuke said, "We have another thing to offer."

Hinata watched as he pulled out money and placed it onto the table. There were a lot of bills. A lot of money.

The woman looked intrigued. "This is all the money that I calculated you would need to take care of her. All the funds for a year."

The woman looked at Hinata, expectant of a reaction. "Why do you talk like you're not going to be there?"

"I am going to be there. I just have things; missions from the Hokage and bigger threats to shinobi-kind."

The woman looked annoyed. "Are you buying my loyalty, Sasuke?"

"I'm paying as well so take the offer."

The woman turned and looked at Hinata's downtrodden expression. "How many weeks are you along?"

"About nine weeks," Hinata said.

"How did you get pregnant by the Uchiha if the Hyuuga were marrying you off?" the woman asked.

"It just happened," Sasuke said because Hinata didn't answer.

"Is she always this quiet?" she asked.

"To be candid in this, more... on bad days."

"Is this a bad day?"

"I guess," Sasuke shrugged.

The woman laughed. "I am sure that if I am right, you both are irresponsible buffoons. Every child doesn't know how to be parents, and this child will suffer without the preparation you would get from me."

"So, is that a yes?"

"No. I'm doing this for the child that will be here in seven months. Otherwise, I would have left you both in the dust,"

The woman took the money off of the table and left for a few moments to store it away.

Sasuke looked at Hinata. "Why are you so quiet? I'm used to being the conversational one but this is too much."

Hinata sighed and looked away after shrugging.

The woman came back and said, "My name is Natsukawa Mitsuyo. But call me Mitsuyo. Also, if you're staying, don't eat any of my almond cookies."

¤¤¤

Sasuke and Mitsuyo talked about the arrangements while Hinata stopped and stared.

Hinata was left to walk to look around at everything. She was upset, angry and betrayed. Why would Sasuke do this to her?

First, they show up at this house and Sasuke made deals with the woman to stay in the house for a year. Secondly, he didn't tell her any of this. Thirdly, he's not going to stay here for the majority of the time. And she was angry!

Why would she stay here? She didn't want to be here anyhow. They were away from the village, dropped in the middle of the forest and isolated from life. Would she be able to go anywhere? What would her child benefit from here? And how long has Sasuke been planning this?

Sasuke looked at Hinata, cautious about doing anything. "I know you're mad at me," he said casually like he knew this was inevitable.

"I'm not mad," said Hyuuga.

Sasuke shook his head, obviously unconvinced. "You're obvious, Hyuuga."

Hinata gasped and brought her hands and covered her nose.

"Just spit it out and give me the silent treatment later. Explain not explode."

She turned on her heel, still agitated. "Uchiha-san- I just... I never took you as a liar! Maybe morally confused and closed off but never a liar."

He smirked. "I'm a liar now? What happened to me being sweet?"

She waltzed right up to him, hating that smirk.

"You know what I mean," Hinata said mildly. She pointed to his chest. "When you'd said we'd be going to Kumo... I believed you meant that we'd be living together and choosing different houses and going in the village and not being around bitter women like Natsukawa-san."

"So, the domestic life?" concluded Sasuke.

"Exactly, and this isn't it," she pressed her index finger to his chest with every word. "And I would have as an exception for you."

"It's what's best. She's the one I could trust in this," he justified.

"Uchiha-san! I don't trust her much less with our baby. And you lied about what we would be doing. That's why you didn't tell me anything during the trip. You didn't want me to run away back to Konoha nor did you want me to make objections like I am now," she said loudly.

"It's what's best for you and the baby."

"Only I know what is best for me, Uchiha-san!"

"Is this place not it?" he said, noticing just how close they were.

She paused, smoothing out his poncho. "I didn't say that. I just wanted you to tell me. I'm not a mind reader and I am sure that we could have worked it out, together- like a team. I'm not going to follow you if I get dragged through the mud..."

"I'm not doing that."

She played with the folds of his poncho, avoiding his gaze. "Uchiha-san... I feel lied to. You didn't bother telling me and for that, I am upset. Why would we stay here when these things could have easily been done somewhere else? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because... you wouldn't have accepted it. The place and that old git," Sasuke looked painfully indifferent. "Because it's not safe anywhere else and it's my responsibility to keep you safe."

"You're not going to be here to take responsibility. You... you're leaving again, right?" Sasuke nodded. "For how long?"

"Three weeks maximum."

Hinata sighed. "I don't want anything bad happening to you, now. Please do not do anything incredibly irresponsible or... risky," she said.

"Then tell the truth for this; do you want to stay here?"

Hinata shook her head. "No... it's stressful to wake up in a place where nobody knows you... or you with them. But it's what's best for the baby. I am mad that you hadn't said anything but it's best. Why did you have so much yen?"

Sasuke looked interested in talking about this. "You know that meeting I participated in weeks ago with Kakashi? He made it my mission to protect you. He offered me money to do just that. I used some of it for your frivolous spending but the rest was supposed to go to Mitsuyo. It went to her as a bribe."

Hinata nodded. "Oh and you and I- we're a team and that's all we need. Not this. Uchiha-san, I do not want to be familiar with liars. Please, no lying."

"Fine. I promise," Sasuke looked back at shuffling for an extra moment. "As you wish."

She sighed as he gave her another look.

"Wait-" she said.

"Yes?"

"After... this year is finished... Can we have a house... in nature but close enough to the village? Like on our travels... With trees... and flowers. And maybe... maybe we'll have tea in the mornings and fish in the afternoons. And maybe, maybe we'll have a super nice, peaceful view of the sunsets..."

He looked away, amused. "Do you want a library?"

"Maybe?"

"Hn. I'll think about it."

He hesitated before going out the door. "We meet downstairs in twenty. She needs to talk to us."

Hinata dreaded that talk. "Why?" she winced.

"Mitsuyo can be bitter and annoying but she saved me. I owe a lot to her," Sasuke said quietly. He turned to leave after a short nod.

"Wait-" Hinata called out to him.

Sasuke stopped to look over his shoulder. "Yeah?"

She dropped her gaze. "I know you did it on purpose. Some Hyuuga and other shinobi were bragging about beating you one day. I paid no heed to it but... Please, you have a child now. If the Hyuuga attack you next time, Uchiha-san... Please fight back."

He smiled in a sorrowful way. "Hyuuga-"

"You could beat anyone with your hands behind your back. You could have done something but you didn't."

"Sometimes, you want them to hit," he said.

"And I want you to heal, alright? So, no more flirting with death,"

He nodded then left the room.

¤¤¤

Twenty minutes later, Hinata was lectured until she wondered if her ears would bleed.

The ground rules Mitsuyo had were reasonable. Mitsuyo mostly talked about rules surrounding her house. She wouldn't allow Hinata to leave unaccompanied or without Sasuke. Sasuke wasn't allowed to drink around Hinata or to get drunk/swear/smoke/yell around Hinata. The baby who arrives will have to be hidden from the authorities.

During meals, Hinata regularly stole some things off of Sasuke's plate.

Sasuke usually lets her take them, feigning that she wasn't a lousy thief. Hinata repeatedly eyed his food and he pushed his plate over, watching her eat.

Hinata had a mini staring contest with Sasuke, questioning whether to take it.

He regularly... did this; he ultimately put up the white flag and sent peace offerings.

She didn't covet his food this time but Kami knew that her appetite was mightier than her temper.

So, she ate whatever he offered while Mitsuyo complained about Hinata's tendency to vacuum for food.

After dinner, when Mitsuyo did the dishes and Hinata helped, Sasuke remained at the base of the stairs. She found him, not knowing that he was there.

"Were you waiting for me?" she asked.

"Yeah. When are we going to bed?" He tipped his head over to her.

Hinata turned away. "Oh- uhm, maybe Natsukawa-san needs help in the kitchen-"

"She doesn't, Hyuuga," Sasuke rolled his eyes and pulled her back. "You done hiding out? You didn't have to hide out in the kitchen."

A champagne-rose blush ran over her cheeks. She was hiding from him.

Almost four inches were between them at most. She stepped back and he released her arm.

Something else was bothering her, though. "Does Mitsuyo mean it when she called me a vacuum? Vacuums these days... are big..."

Ere her pregnancy, she noticed herself feeling insecure about her pregnant body. Everything was bloated and over exaggerated. What if she resembles a lumpy dumpling? Her body has taken on a lot more... chubby appearance...

Hinata didn't want to get that much bigger. She looked down at her shirt. Everything was becoming tinier and tinier. Soon enough, she won't be capable of seeing her toes.

He saw her looking doubtful of herself and leaned over slightly, mouth beside her ear. "Don't listen to her. You look fine," he said as if reading her mind. "Good even."

She looked away, confused and blushing. His breath tickled her ear and was so close. She felt better as he praised her. It was unusual that he could do that. Of all people. Sasuke! Right now.

"I'm beyond this. Let's go to bed," he said and she followed him.

They were in the hallway before Mitsuyo soon came sweeping in from her room. Mitsuyo carried towels and Hinata's mesh bag.

"Oh... My bag!" Hinata reached out for it, wanting to get a good glimpse at it.

Mitsuyo gaped at Hinata like she was criminally insane. "No, you will not be getting it yet," Mitsuyo said as she swung the bag out of reach. "Before you do anything, my dear, have to wash up. You have not touched a shower in a while. I want you both to be clean."

"Both?" Sasuke asked. "I'm not-"

"Not you! The baby. Hygiene is at its utmost importance. You must be spotless and immaculately sanitized. I have some lotions and creams that may help and soothe some of the skin problems that may come up sooner or later," Mitsuyo insisted as she inspected Hinata's pearly skin. "I have never seen something... so white and translucent. Do you ever get some sun?"

"Yes... I get a lot of sun," Hinata said, lying.

She never got the chance to be outside before her trip with Sasuke. Her sun tan was supposed to be noticeable...

"There's nothing wrong with her skin, Mitsuyo," Sasuke said. "Or anything else for that fact."

"Your time in Kumo will aid in that department," Mitsuyo said as Hinata opened her mouth. "Anyhow, time for a bath. Enough banal chit-chat."

Mitsuyo dashed away.

Hinata looked at Sasuke then said, "Do you mean it?"

"Yeah," he said.

She smiled.

¤¤¤

-End Chapter-