Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 9-
Kumogakure

October 1st. Midnight.

HINATA FELT DIFFERENT.

More alive and like she had a purpose again. Maybe it was because of her baby...

Maybe it was because she wasn't working herself sick... She definitely grasped that it was because she wasn't thinking of Naruto as much. Relationships... non-existent or real... shouldn't consume a person.

Love isn't supposed to hurt.

¤¤¤

October 4th. Mid-morning.

It wasn't terrible in the wilderness. She reconnected to the wonderment of nature. They've seen it all: narrow valleys, mountain streams with and cascades, lakes, and beaches of small stones. She got to know the silence. She read poems while dangling tens of feet in the air... at peace.

She toured on the tinder of the forest floor. She found the perfect glint of greenness left in the world when it was autumn. She danced and sang but her voice scared away the birds. She spent mornings chasing butterflies and nights catching June-bugs that flew around the lanterns she lit. At sunrise, she woke up, refreshed to watch the tequila colors spread against the canvas of the sky, its rays like oil paints. In the evening, she watched galaxies pass over the skies.

These four weeks have been... exceptionally strange... Stranger than she wanted it to be. She understands... Sasuke on a basic but complex level. Things with Sasuke had improved.

He was undividedly avoidant. She assumed that he was one of the most confrontational people she's ever met. He says and does what he wants when he wants to without loathing it. It was remarkable. He was jaded but... so courageous in a way. He got angry but he wasn't emotional or open to speaking about his real, true opinion. He never talked about the serious things, like children and nightmares. Talking about things wasn't his style, either.

Someone was always more talkative than she was. He... was just as quiet as she was in a conversation.

During the month on the road, she's accumulated quite a bit of information about him. She composed a list named The Fundamentals of Uchiha Sasuke. She wished that he never ever saw it. Its home was on the back of one of her poetry books that he would never read.

He liked burning oak wood because it smelled clean. He chewed on barley stems when he's bored. He liked trying out all of the flavors of tea she prepares. He hated when Aoda took Hinata on trips around the camp or when Aoda let her sit on his head to touch the clouds. He liked roasted heart-nuts and throwing skipping stones on clear streams on slow days. They never kept score but he always won against Hinata. He enjoyed looking at the moon. She usually falls asleep on him at night. He didn't mind.

He liked sitting on meadows with flowers, daffodils and crystal streams nearby. His kunai were sharpened at night and sometimes she helped him and in turn, he let her throw some of them. He didn't mind when Hinata washed their gear, fished with him or filled his canteen but he never let her touch his sword. Only kunai, shurikens, and knives were acceptable. They played petty games of who could hit the target first or who has the best aim. He doesn't like walking at night but he says it's best for hunting. Sometimes they woke up at dawn, he liked the sun rises. He doesn't like the shoes that have laces. Sometimes, he snored but other times, he slept like a baby.

He liked the taste of caramel treats and the scent of scotch and whiskey. He did like drinking but he drank alone. She wouldn't drink with him but she sat there until she passed out from boredom. She usually got carried back by him. She could tell that he didn't like doing that very much.

They got into three all out bar-fights. Two of them were caused because Sasuke opened his mouth and pulled a Sasuke. Another bar-fight befell when a man groped her chest. She wasn't the pacifist in that situation. Much to her chagrin, she had to heal the man who touched her in the end.

He hunted and ate a lot of beef jerky. He liked really salty beef jerky. He sleeps on his back and never on his side, for some reason. In their sleeping bag, it was the same story. She'd wake up, head on his chest. She didn't mind- he was warm. He didn't like poetry all that much but he let her read out loud.

He liked letting his summoning animals fly around her and check up on her. He liked the rain and sat there, neutral and less sullen. He hated snow. He didn't like when Hinata stopped to pick the flowers but he did look twice when the flowers were braided into her hair. He hates ramen but likes the broth.

She finishes all of the mushrooms in his meals and he liked tempura. He would never admit it but he said he wouldn't mind onsens or living in a hot spring.

Since she got a somewhat clear idea of what he was made up of, she learned to think of Sasuke as someone who had a vivid personality- a peaceful, sarcastic bastard who liked sitting on the very, very top of tree tops. She stored these things in the back of her mind and applied these things when she spoke to him. Did she really know him? Probably not. The real Sasuke was hidden under the surface of the tea she prepares for them after a long day of traveling. At least the tea wasn't as bitter as before.

¤¤¤

October 5th. Afternoon.

Buzzzzz-

Sasuke slapped the back of his neck and sighed. "Fucking bugs," he grumbled.

This wasn't the first time that he has openly sworn about the bugs. There were dragonflies, water spiders, and flying insects buzzing around. Fleas, mosquitoes, and biting flies that seemed to vex him nonstop around the clock. Hinata looked at Sasuke, rummaged through her mesh bag and offered some bug repellent.

He shook his head. "It'll drown me if I put some more," he said bitterly.

Still prickly, huh?

Hinata put away the bug repellent after spraying some on her body. That was the fifth time she's offered him the spray they picked up two villages ago. The bugs were quite telling of the dangers that were to come. She felt her fear like a sword hanging over her head, just waiting to drop. Hinata smelled the humidity and the sharp scent of stagnant water nearby. It left an unpleasant aftertaste on her taste buds.

Hinata heard the water. Running water.

Sasuke eyed her suspiciously. "You good?"

Hinata put on a brave face and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine," she lied.

"Hn," He turned away, still giving her non-covert glances. "You've said that word so many times, it no longer sounds like a word."

She looked at him then said, "It's fi- no... It's alright."

Hinata followed Sasuke closely. Sasuke used his long sword that slashed through the tall grass and plants. She stood close by. By now, the roads weren't roads anymore. It was overrun by green plants, tree roots and flowers she didn't know the names of. Hinata was too nervous to talk. Instead, she crept closer to her death.

She didn't dare use her byakugan because she didn't need to see what was happening.

The crystal river was like a strip of slippery chaos in Hinata's eyes. Ever since almost drowning in Shimogakure, Hinata has been terrified of rivers and large bodies of water. Sasuke knew about her acute fear, he was the one to carry her out of her misery every time they encountered a river. He still wanted her to get over her fear but... it was hard. So hard.

Sasuke looked at her and went through the river. The water reached his knees as he walked through it.

Sasuke paused and looked back at her. "Hyuuga, it's not going to kill you."

He pranced around for a few moments, just looking at her pointedly.

Despite him saying this, and looking affected, she still couldn't shake the feeling that something dangerous might happen.

"I can't do running... water..." she said quickly. "not... anymore."

Quiet eyes regarded her differently. "Hey, come on. It's only three or four feet deep," Sasuke reached his hand out so she would go with him.

She waved his hand away, looking nervous. "I'll drown... for real," she said. "I don't want to end up hurting two people."

He sighed.

"Uchiha-san... I'll be ready. Just... wait for me? Can we take a break now?" Hinata asked.

They settled down, doing whatever they wanted. Hinata chewed on some herbs so the taste of her morning sickness would disappear. Ginger seemed to help the most. Taking B6 vitamins worked as well. She had to go to the bathroom often. Her nose was clogged up and her feet hurt.

They set their stuff down and Sasuke set up some traps as a precaution.

Sasuke left to fish and Hinata rested beside him for a while until he cursed too many times about bug bites... She collected all the dried herbs she found over the weeks. With a smooth rock, she mashed them together. She got clean, boiled water and created a paste.

It was therapeutic to do something so repetitive and safe while nearby to a river.

After thirty minutes or so, Sasuke came back. The large trout he caught was flipping out, flopping about. Hinata felt upset at all the fish they've consumed.

They've developed a system, Hinata got the firewood and she boiled the water. Sasuke hunted, fished and prepared the sleeping bag. Hinata usually got to choose where they slept.

Hinata usually scavenged for special tree barks, flowers, leaves and stems that helped heal or hurt. Sasuke wanted to do a favor and find some plants that may help her.

In the end, he got curious and got an allergic reaction by gathering a bunch of herbs.

She scolded him for about ten minutes and got upset at all of the possibilities.

Other than that, he had been helpful.

She jumped up when he got back to their campground.

She stood and smiled at Sasuke. This might help. It should.

Hinata offered the green paste that she conjured and said, "Uchiha-san, this might help with the bug bites and all the irritation your skin has been resigned to."

Sasuke took one look at the green paste and recoiled, seemingly to reject it. "Is it going to make me sick?"

"No- I would never hurt you," Hinata shook her head. "I've worked with Shizune, my medical-nin instructor and she specializes in... poison. I know how to use it and either heal or hurt. Don't worry Uchiha-san, I intend to heal you and soothe your pain. I promise."

After all that she's known about the Uchiha... him never seeing a shred of peace was obvious.

"Hn,"

Hinata looked at him. He looked disquisitive as he regarded her and the paste. Why was he so hesitant? It... It smelled sort of weird and poignant. Maybe it did look suspicious but it was safe.

She backed down as she looked away from him. "When the irritation gets too much, the salve is right here for your use, Uchiha-san," She got the Calendula and certain chamomile fragments just so it would soothe his skin. "Trust me."

He turned away from her after giving her an odd look. "The fish'll be ready in an hour's time."

"The tea will be prepared in twenty minutes. I have a new flavor for you to try!"

"Great," he said drily. "When have I become a guinea pig?"

She turned around, not hearing what he said. "What was that?"

"Nothing," he said, oddly calm.

She nodded at him.

Hinata smiled when out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sasuke using the paste.

¤¤¤

They went about their usual routine.

It was just Hinata and Sasuke with the occasional reminder of the fetus.

Hinata almost forgot what life was without waking up at dawn or preparing tea in the morning for the both of them. She couldn't remember a time when she didn't remind Sasuke to set his traps or when she didn't do their laundry. She didn't remember a time when she didn't talk to Aoda and count the stars.

It was strange- she was used to Sasuke. She wouldn't dream of him in any of her lifetimes. She was used to constantly being around him. When has his presence become so... familiar? She didn't mind that they were always together anymore...

What- why would she be slightly okay with this? It baffled her.

Hinata shook her head and refused to think about it. This was the same man who put the ningendo on her and calls Hinata rusty on a daily basis.

Sasuke isn't supposed to be... familiar. Sasuke's the guy who took her away from Hanabi-love and Naruto in Konoha.

Sasuke's not meant to be thought of as okay, stable... and thoughtful...

Sasuke was also the guy who protected her on many occasions. He got all of the craved foods she liked. He let her sightsee and be a tourist. He looked at the ground and made sure she didn't stumble. When she was tired or showed signs of it, he let her rest on Aoda or any of his summoning animals.

He let her read all the books she wanted and stay in the villages for an extra day if she liked it enough. He got the money to pay for their travel expenses.

This -staying in different motels and going from village to village- was hard and expensive. Hinata was nine weeks pregnant and- and since when has he done all these things?

When has she noticed? When... was it so... okay?

¤¤¤

The birds sang their songs. The sun stained the earth. Cool breezes warmed her up. She didn't want to talk to him, she wanted to be alone so she went to the edge of the river bank, watching the water flow.

Sasuke showed up and snuck up behind her.

Sasuke snapped his fingers in front of her face. "Hyuuga girl,"

"Yes?" Hinata asked, startled and confused.

She was leaning heavily against a tree, looking at the water. So dangerous... but so pure.

"You give me a heart attack every time you do that, Uchiha-san..."

Sasuke shrugged as he stared at the river. He wasn't looking at her. "You zoned out, what's that all about?"

Hinata blushed. "It's.. uhm, nothing. Nothing that's important,"

He didn't look too convinced and she offered a reassuring smile to him.

"I'm fine," Hinata said.

"Hn," he said.

Sasuke looked at the river.

Knowing that he would bring it up later, she distractedly changed the subject. "Uchiha-san... once we get to Kumo. Can we go around? Be like tourists again?"

"Not this time, we have to meet people," he watched her face then said, "To answer your next question, we meet them after we cross this damn river. More specifically, two or three days from now unless they get into trouble,"

She gave a sharp gasp as she looked at the horrid river. How did he know what she was going to say?

"You'll have to pull through or we'll never make it to Kumo," intoned Sasuke.

She nodded. "I will... It is why... we traveled. So... the child will be safe."

He nodded in agreement. "The man we'll meet... he might like you," he said.

Hinata's face brightened.

"He likes forest bathing and playing with birds, like you. He is harmless when calm. He is loyal to me. He has sage jutsu and a hell lot of strength. When near Jugo, don't leave my side. Unless it's an emergency. It has consequences..."

"Is he dangerous to me, you or the fetus?" asked Hinata.

"I'll make sure that he doesn't touch you. He is dangerous in some cases. When he's contained by me and maybe his other companion, then yes. Otherwise, villages may suffer should he lose control..."

"Why are we meeting up with him?" Hinata scrunched up her expression.

"Ah," he said like he wasn't going to announce anything. "He needs to help me find some other people. Important people."

She tilted her head and eyed him. "Important people are protected by dangerous, skilled shinobi. Will you fight these dangerous enemies? Are you going to get hurt?"

He watched her before catching her anxiety. "Slow your roll, we aren't scheming. We won't get killed either."

Hinata sighed a little, feeling relief. I kind of need you, thought Hinata.

"Need me?" Sasuke coughed.

Huh?

Crap! Hinata said that out loud?! And he heard... Arrgghhh. She was careful not to look at his face because she was blushing.

"So do not... die. Your responsibilities... need to be upheld," Hinata mumbled.

Now she's nervous! He hasn't said anything... She hoped she didn't scare him off. He's weird about feelings. She is too but he's almost emotionless... It's weird.

Hinata peeked a look at him and saw the curl of a smirk on the side of his face.

Ah. He isn't getting angry.

"Don't underestimate any Uchiha," said Sasuke, still defending his ominous clan. He does that a lot. She thinks it's about... pride.

"I'd never... underestimate you... or your clan," Hinata shrugged.

For some reason, it was hard to look Sasuke in the eye so Hinata studied the nearest plant that poked her leg.

"Just be careful. Anytime... " Hinata finished off.

"Don't tell me you're concerned," he said, still amused. Teasing.

"Would it be wrong? You and I have a child you need to survive for so I need for you to come back... every single time... to me," she stated nervously and finally looked at him. "I'm realizing our mortality... We are shinobi... The ones who risk our lives every moment and I'm pregnant. I cannot stress your safety as my concern enough. I believe that it's one of the things I ask of you. Just be safe and sound."

"Hn, I'll be careful. That is if you're worried," he nodded.

"Thank you," she bowed slightly and looked back at the river.

It was quiet for a few moments. "You worry too much about nothing."

"I worry when I care... And... yes I worry a lot," she winced. "Even about you."

"Hn. I won't play the hero card like we discussed."

They stayed in the heaviness of the promise for a moment before Sasuke cleared his throat. Hinata felt like he seemed calmer than before.

"Onto the next dobe, he's dangerous but the worse he could do is hit on you..." Sasuke sneered the last part'

"Wait, Uchiha-san..." Hinata said. Their eyes met. "You haven't told me your plans. What would I do when I get there? Will I have I help you with these missions? Where will these two men be? Around me... around you?"

"They won't be around you. Their names are Jugo and Suigetsu."

Jugo and Suigetsu? What type of jutsu did they have, what were their medical histories, what are their weaknesses?

"Uchiha-san... What are their profiles? I know... I know that you're clean now but are they missing-nin?"

He looked at her, suddenly intrigued. "They are missing-nin. Maybe Suigetsu is morally lost but Jugo is a missing-nin because of his unchangeable anger... and Orochimaru experimented on all of us so everyone has bones to pick with us."

Hinata gasped. "Orochimaru is dead and he experimented on children! Children and... men like you... He is a terrible man who hurt you."

"Orochimaru... was once my sensei but he changed. I've seen him... He's different," Sasuke shrugged.

"How so?" she asked, still fuming. She didn't know why she was so mad for him. It was the pregnancy hormones.

"He's the one... who changed our lives for the better or for the worst. He did change but we're all just experiments to him; nothing more than lab rats that feed his macabre immortal objection. His zeal is what made us modified killing machines. Disgusting as well."

He is disgusting. Why would these people who got tested on want to... stay together? It's unfortunate.

"Why... why have you formed a kinship with them?" Hinata furrowed her brows.

"The ones who have been ousted stick together. The misfits and the displaced end up meeting," he looked at Hinata with a side-glance. "Haven't you been familiar which such internal banishment?"

Hinata nodded, catching on to what he meant. "You speak of the Hyuuga? Yes... Yes, I have."

"Through ningendo... I see how they've treated you. It's easy not to like them after what I've heard."

"Do not... hate something because of me... Please," she said and looked up at him.

His brows were knitted up and she knew he... was thinking really hard again.

"We all like to think about it. I know all about the dreams of fitting in. After all that- why would you want to stay? In Konoha with all those who have the power to cut away those who don't mold to their standards?" Sasuke questioned.

He told her to look underneath the underneath.

This wasn't about her... and the Hyuuga.

It was about him and forgiving Konoha. He struggled with that. She would too.

Hinata honestly wanted him to so they could go back to Konoha after a year and he would stay with her and the child that will have been born by then. She really wished for that.

"Uchiha-san... Have you read the work of Hachimitsu Shinichi?" she asked, suddenly getting soft.

"You're the bookworm. You know I haven't."

"Maybe one day I'll read it to you," she said softly.

Sasuke scoffed. "Don't."

"Take a chance on the world of literature... Every heir must know the politics of their village. Hachimitsu said, 'The actions of a few may hurt and continue to open wounds but they do not represent the whole ideals of the populace,' And also, 'The shared opinion of everyone may not be the honest one'... I like to apply these teachings to myself... I think this might... apply to your situation as well."

"Che. You're ignoring their past actions... Dismissal is not confrontation..." Sasuke shifted.

"Dismissal is one of the finest coping methods some use. I don't like it. I do not ignore what they did, I know of all the pain I held. I know of all the actions they did. Rather, I accepted it and moved on."

"Did you forgive them? In Konoha?" Sasuke asked.

"Of course..." she nodded.

He moved in front of her so she was looking up at him. He was... inadvertently getting angrier and angrier with the words she's saying.

"Why? Those who believe in forgiveness... Are the ones who have not committed the sin. I do not believe in going back to those who hurt you. If we all did that... then we'd all be dead!" exclaimed Sasuke.

"Uchiha-san... They're what I know and what I want. I would rather see the world in color rather than in black and white... It makes the eyes clear and your heart less heavy. I hope the same happens to you," she nodded at him.

He looked away. "What do you mean by that?"

"Sakura... Has said how... sad your eyes look-"

"I don't want to talk about Sakura," Sasuke said, deadpanning once again.

Hinata suddenly wondered if Sasuke was still in love with Sakura... They've still got a long way to go. She frowned a bit. A very long way.

"It isn't about... Sakura. She said that I had the same eyes as you, Uchiha-san. For us, our eyes are the windows into our souls. They show mirrors of how the soul feels. I hope that... your eyes clear once again," continued Hinata, trying again.

"What about yours?" Sasuke asked as he looked straight her into her eyes.

She could smell the taste of his breath. He was that close.

"What are you going to do about that?" he challenged.

Her eyes... Her eyes have seen many things... good and bad. She's seen the cursed seal being used but she has also seen Neji smiling with her.

"Oh, uhm... That's not important," she looked away. Right on schedule, the tea started to boil. "Oh, I must... check up on the tea. It's ready."

"Hn," he said. He closed his non-rinnegan eye and focused on something else.

Hinata looked at him for a moment. "Uchiha-san... I figured that since I am having your child- we should be familiar with each other..."

"Familiar?" he looked inquisitive as he regarded her. "Why?"

"Children are the best judges of what the parents feel towards each other. Now, you are no more than a stranger/acquaintance to me," she said softly.

"A stranger, huh?"

Hinata smiled at him. "Yes, and I would like to change that. For the sake of the child, of course."

Sasuke nodded and she didn't know what he felt. She supposed that it was easier that way. If she did know, she thinks that it would tear her down. She believed that the mystic surrounding Sasuke should disappear sooner or later.

She has heard about kids who think that their parents aren't in love. It's strange to think that one's parent doesn't love the other. She knows when parents don't love each other and what it does to other people. She likes to believe that her father loved her mother. If he didn't, why would he be so bitter and callous after her death?

They later sat down under the same sun. When it was time to go, she climbed onto his back and he let gave her a piggy backpack ride until he let her down.

¤¤¤

October 9th. Orange sunset.

Her nose was stuffy and she was dizzy. That wasn't even half of the evil pregnancy put on her.

Morning sickness shouldn't be called morning sickness. It's just sickness. Cold, hard, idiotic sickness! She throws up so much, she is used to not eating as much.

She's trying to walk around, steadily. She's just so tired! Why is she tired?! She sneezed and sneezed. Sasuke got concerned and told her to whip up something that would stop her sneezing and sickness. She still took her folic acid pills and all of her medication.

The next day, Hinata and Sasuke walked along a path. They went with a flow on a whim under the golden glow of the early afternoon then that was ending soon. Days went by so quickly.

People passed by, with horses on carts and people with different baggage. There were houses, farms and different types of trees. She was slightly overwhelmed. Of course, she had her blindfolded eyes, Sasuke as a guide and her hands curled around his arm. He was escorting her like a gentleman after much gruff grumbling.

He didn't want her passing out from chakra exhaustion just to see what was there nor did he want her to take off the blindfold, so he described the scenes he saw. His voice was close to her ear. She ignored the thrill in her stomach.

He sounded like whiskey and warm baths when he spoke in a low voice, explaining what was there. It made her picture a busy but cozy space and gentle touches.

Not that Sasuke is capable of being gentle.

Hinata looked at Sasuke, activating her byakugan. "Uchiha-san?"

He looked down at her. "Hn?"

"Are all Kumo villages in the mountain range on the hidden in the clouds?" she asked, referring to where they would go. The sun was starting to set and they were under a marmalade sky.

He nodded. "So you go from snakes to mountains. Are you also afraid of heights?"

"Oh heavens no... I love heights. Snakes are not a concern anymore. Your summons are... quite the opposite of menacing. Aoda would never eat me. Aoda is sweet and kind," she said. "My brother said... I'm like a bird... when I am closer to the clouds... the happier I get. I would like to fly away and be free as long... as he flies with me," Hinata offered a shy smile to her feet, thinking of memories.

Sasuke didn't look convinced but she did like being up there. Figuratively.

"Being closer to the clouds may offer me that sense of liberty I never get," Hinata looked at the sky, enjoying the sun on her face.

Sasuke wondered why she was so weird, probably. That's why he was looking at her that much.

"Hn," he said, looking away. "Once we get to Kumo, we need a break."

"A break? What does this... break do for us?"

"Yup, a break. Don't you prefer an onsen over a river now, anyway?" Sasuke asked.

"I... I haven't been to an onsen in a very long time. Thank you, Uchiha-san."

"I don't go to them because there are people but you seem like you go to them," Sasuke said.

Hinata shook her head, sighing at how much work she did. "I work and work and work. Once you are a full-time medical-nin, any idea of relaxation is gone.

"Why didn't you take time off? You need to take time off, because of the fetus," he warned. "Take it easy."

She gasped. She knew she took a month off but that was supposed to change.

"Then I would... be behind. I cannot fall behind nor can I fail as a shinobi or a medical-nin. I needn't fall behind in such a competitive job," she looked away, thinking about it. "It'll be the death of me."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at her as she became shy... She suddenly perked up and looked at him. She accidentally squeezed his arm to make him may attention of her. He paid attention and he didn't look happy at her newfound enthusiasm.

"Uchiha-san... I believe that I have a condition for me staying in Kumogakure for a year," Hinata announced. She looked his tightening jaw.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I work," she said. "At a medical center. I could work as a trauma surgeon again. It's perfect, Uchiha-san? Isn't it?"

"It's far from it," Sasuke shook his head and said, "You can't. We have to keep a low profile. Don't pout."

Hinata frowned. Oh look at that, she's pouting.

"But I could help. I haven't practiced in so long..."

Hinata flexed her wrist and imagined having a scalpel. Hinata picked up some scrolls from the libraries they often visited and read shout surgical mysteries but she hasn't operated.

"Imagine all the people I can save and do surgery on," Hinata hummed.

She could admit that she missed it- she missed the surgeries, she missed suturing, she missed talking to her patients or hearing the steady beat of the heart monitor or the smell of a fresh OR. She missed coffee smelling staff rooms and the cluttered hallways filled with people and patients to help.

"You seem awfully eager to cut people up, Hyuuga-hime," Sasuke said drily as he gave her a keen side-glance.

She ignored his look and said, "It's my job and we do not cut people, we heal them. Well, for the most part. I'm already rusty," she cocked her head to the side. "Uchiha-san, you even say so yourself."

"Hn," he said, cool and distant. "What I say doesn't apply to you."

Her fingers sprung apart. She turned around and said, "Then I must return to Konoha. Good day to you, Uchiha-san, I'm leaving,"

Hinata crossed her arms and went down the same trail.

Sasuke looked at her, annoyed. "You're bluffing," he called out to her as she kept on walking. "You childish being!"

"I'm not a child. I can't be one because I'm having my child. I'm mature enough to make my own decisions," She looked at him, mirroring the same expression. "Working in a hospital. It's one of my demands. I deserve to be working in Kumo as well. How will I support the child?"

"I'll help in that department. I have funds to support hundreds of you, even with your expensive taste,"

"I do not have an expensive taste!"

He looked amused and talked like she made a joke. "You like the finer things in life. Your bank account allowed you to do that."

"My bank acc- this has nothing to do with how much money we have to spend," She slowed her pace. "Kunoichi and female medical-nin everywhere drop from their shinobi duty because of pregnancy and they leave it up to their partners to fill in the gap. You are not my partner and I should be able to hold my own ground. As a woman, I do not want to stay out of sight in the kitchen, I want to work and have something that benefits society, my baby and myself. So I'm not bluffing."

Sasuke's chakra changed. "Do you believe that I will be there in the coming weeks, months?" he asked, his tone low and serious.

She looked down. "I do not know. You... actually take action and leave, you're as mobile as a bird. Flighty," she caught his gaze and nodded, looking determined. "I must work harder! To compensate for my absences."

Sasuke scowled. "You don't know what happened the last time you worked? You worked until you collapsed. That isn't working- that's self-inflicted torture. I don't want that for you."

"That was nothing. When I'm not pregnant... I could double those shifts. I could do twice the work. I will not slow down..."

"Yeah, but you are pregnant now..." Sasuke let out a low breath of air. "Why do you want to work more if you've already worked so hard?"

"Uchiha-san... I am in the position where everyone doubts me, my shinobi skills and my medical capabilities. Uchiha-san, you have a lot of respect. In the shinobi skill's department. You are... high and mighty and known. Nobody knows who I am, I still have so much to give and prove. I do not need to prove anything to myself, just them!"

He looked at her with an expression that seemed sorry but... sad. It was so different from his usual blasé expression.

"My word of advice; live, work and breathe for yourself- not them. Whoever they are," Sasuke sighed.

"Yeah... I should," she said then she looked shy. "I didn't plan for a child. I never did. I planned on focusing on my future and career. I could still achieve that here before I plan on my future with my baby."

"Hn," he said. She could hear him thinking. "I don't think you could walk back to Konoha, honestly. But you're a creature of pride like me, huh?"

What did that mean? Hinata kept on walking. It was true that she didn't need his approval but his approval would be greatly appreciated.

"Stop. You'll eventually blow our cover and we'll both pay," he grumped.

"I get to work?" Hinata smiled and turned around, still looking serious. "Do you promise?"

"Do promises amount to anything?" he asked, scratching his head.

"Yes, kept trust," she said. "We eventually have to trust one another... Promises take us there," She could hear him hesitate. "Uchiha-san promises make me believe in the good of the world,"

"Still believing in the light?" Sasuke asked idly, to himself. "Fine then. I promise."

"Really?" she asked.

"My word is good."

Hinata let out a happy sound and rushed back to him. She wrapped her hands around his arm. She went onto the wrong side of him and gripped his elbow. She jumped back and gasped.

"Uchiha-san! I-I'm so... sorry! I should have never done that! I am sorry!" Her cheeks were a blush as she bowed slightly.

He looked at her, curious. "What are you apologizing for?" he asked, a puzzled expression on his face.

"Sorry... because..." she said while he gestured to his arm. "I chose the wrong... arm."

He still looked confused. "Why does that merit an apology?"

"I... I reminded you that you didn't have an arm. Some of the patients I worked with get sensitive about that. Amputees... do not like to be reminded because it brings them emotional pain."

"I'm not sensitive. Never have nor will I ever be," he said.

She knows he isn't sensitive but she still was sorry.

"For a moment... I thought I brought you emotional pain and for that... I did the opposite of what I intend to do," she looked away.

He paused and surveyed her expression. "Another word of advice, stop apologizing for every little thing that you do. Have a bit of confidence in what you do and stop saying sorry," he said sternly.

"Sorry-" she said and shook her head. "I mean, I'm not sorry."

"Are you still sorry?" he asked.

She looked away while nodding. "Yeah..."

"You think and care too much. I tend to say sorry every 17 years."

Hinata tilted her head and did the math. "Uchiha-san... You've only said sorry once?"

"Yes and that was worth it," he stated quietly.

His tone became distant and yearning. Hinata listened closely; he's never sounded like that before.

So, the man does have feelings. She was somewhat surprised that he has openly apologized. What... what if he apologizes to her?

She looked at him, suddenly happy and shy. "When you apologize to me, I know it will be meaningful and true,"

Sasuke looked dumbfounded but she went to his other side, and nervously held his arm.

Hinata and Sasuke walked on for a while. All malice and arguments were set aside and peace prevailed.

Hinata looked around. "Uchiha-san? You... you know there is no one around. I could let go of your arm."

There was no need to hold any facade...

"Nah," he said. "It's whatever."

¤¤¤

Sasuke and Hinata relaxed in nature more than she thought. He let her go at her own pace. He let her do... whatever really. He got her all of her cravings, her desired treats and they got to sit in the libraries she wanted. He let her meditate, read, draw and plant. He also let her heal people. It was fine. They were fine.

For the next few hours, much to Sasuke's delight and Hinata's chagrin, there were lots of rocks and mountains to climb. Hinata hated it.

It was annoying. Hinata was unsteady a lot of the time. She kept on holding onto Sasuke for support. She slowed him down and she felt heavy. She knew that Kumo was on a tall mountain range but getting there was a hugely difficult task that she didn't want to do. Sasuke loved it. Eventually, after Hinata kept on taking breaks, looking gray, he carried her anyway. When they moved too fast, she felt motion sickness. It was terrible.

Once they were at the summit of the mountain, he promised they would have lunch. Hinata normally ate scanty snacks, to lessen her queasiness. She habitually gathered nuts and berries for Sasuke to eat. He approves of wild strawberries and sweet tasting berries, usually the ones that have a tangy aftertaste. So, Hinata collects them and dries them. She taught him how to identify them. Despite that, he just left the work to her. She had a pack of dried grapes for him since he liked them from Shimogakure.

Hinata looked through her mesh bag.

Now, she had accumulated stuff and souvenirs for everyone. Every time she missed someone, she got things that reminded her of them. Neji's kunai. Poisons. Medicine. Snacks. Poetry scrolls. Soap. Iodine. Books about medicine and babies and their development. She had all of her original items as well: two filled canteens, a photo of Hanabi, one of Ino's hair ties, folic acid pills, Hinata's favorite scalpel, two hair brushes, and her Konoha forehead protector.

She wondered why she carried all these things. Sasuke said she liked carrying around crap. She doesn't think she likes crap. All of it was necessary! She wasn't ascetic like he was. All he needed was his poncho, his headband, his sword, his pockets because of money, and the small backpack which held a folded sleeping bag, one pot and a tea kettle that Ume offered to her.

Her outfit changes were frequent, as well. She got a new cloak, this time it was a nice violet color. It was fancier than she would like. Sasuke didn't like getting expensive things for himself but he spends money on her. It wasn't okay. She would pay him back. Soon! Anyhow, she still wore navy pants and her traditional purple kimono shirt with a black obi and knee-high shinobi sandals. Her hair... was a colossal mess. Tangles, twigs, dirt and curled waves. Too much and too long.

She wouldn't cut her hair, Neji would be disappointed.

Either way, she was okay and lunch was good.

It seemed as though there were large boulders, and rushing brooks, tranquil streams everywhere. Sasuke didn't carry her this time but she held her own weight on their next walk. Hinata liked the trip uphill and more uphill until they encountered new sights. It was like they were on top of the world and something bubbled in her, making her nervous and determined.

The wind blew, its speeds making an audible whistling sound against her ears. Sasuke's worn poncho flapped in the wind. From here, she saw it. Kumo. The bunches of little towns and different buildings, clusters of trees and people with sheep and cattle. Farms. People. Nature.

She could do anything that she wanted. While she was here, she felt as though she could see everything. Flying above the world, seeing different sights.

Sasuke noticed how she marveled at everything. "What's got you so excited?"

"We're up so high... and here... looking down there are no problems... It is as if you are able to gaze at another time, another land entirely. As if flying... seeing peace on earth... Truly breath taking," she smiled. "Imagine the life our child will have if everything is peaceful like this..."

There was sun on her face and as she reached up and untied her hair, the wind went through her curls. Sasuke stopped and watched her feel the wind pulsing past her, cooling her skin.

"You want to live out in the woods, isolated?"

"No... just somewhere where my little miracle... will know they're safe," she looked back at him. "Down there... there are a million possibilities... All of them including us,"

They were on the rocky road, on the mountain slope and her steps echoed louder than before. Another day was done and she said goodbye to the setting sun.

They twisted and turned on a lonely road. The undergrowth was annoying, brushing on her legs. He was steady and strong. She slept on him. Sasuke was comfortable. Plus, she was constantly tired.

¤¤¤

October 11th. Nighttime.

Sasuke nudged her awake. She opened her eyes and took a deep breath. In front of her was an unfamiliar building.

Hinata tried to shrug him off. "Uchiha-san?" she mumbled. She sounded agitated. She yawned and cuddled onto the pillow even more. "I'll check the traps later. Five more minutes," she leaned into the cushion and tried to get back to sleep.

"We won't need traps anymore," Sasuke pulled back his arm, she jostled. "Enough napping, Hyuuga girl. We've made it," he said in a low tone.

She rubbed her eyes and stretched, pulling away from Sasuke. "Uchiha-san? I'm going back to bed," she grumbled and leaned back into his arm. "'M tired."

Sasuke took a deep breath. "We've made it to Kumo. We're in Kumo," he said casually like it didn't change her world. "Figured you'd want to be awake for the grand reveal."

The words filled her with pure adrenaline. She got to her feet and smiled, chirpy and alert. "We're in Kumo? Really? Uchiha-san, if you're joking... like the last time, Kami has to help me-"

"I'm not kidding," Sasuke said as she stepped away from her. "See for yourself."

Oh, how she saw. Sasuke stepped back and revealed Kumogakure. Everything was exciting and new. Kumo was nothing like she'd thought it'd be.

¤¤¤

-End Chapter-