Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 34-
Moving Pains

"We can't just leave," Sasuke stated, upset and turbulent. "That's problematic and not to mention, idiotic,"

Hinata's lips twitched into a smile. "I think it's perfect,"

Someina inaudibly observed the pair, looking troubled. "We're leaving?" Someina asked Hinata, anticipating orders.

"No," Sasuke yelled.

"Yes," Hinata proclaimed, ignoring Sasuke's disapproval. "I'm going. Someina- pack the bags. You and I will go to Konoha tomorrow morning to prove that I am not dead,"

Someina nodded then moved. "Don't move," Sasuke hissed.

Hinata crossed her arms, not folding on this. "Hate my words but it's true. The kids never met my side of the family. Now that they've grown old enough and they are more aware, I want them to experience Konoha the way I did,"

"Living in Konoha gave you psychological damage as big as you are," Sasuke said.

"No, it hasn't been that bad,"

"Uprooting sucks but Konoha sucks more," Sasuke said loudly, truly appalled. "The kids are... they're used to Kumo. They're used to the monsoons, the excessive amounts of rain, the culture, the lifestyle, the paths they've carved into the forests behind us. They even like the treehouse we're starting to build for them,"

Hinata doused out the fires in her tone. "Anata, we're coming back. I just need to say I'm still alive. This wasn't a forever place. We are infinite but not in Kumo,"

"We could be infinite anywhere. Just not in Konoha," Sasuke debated.

Hinata was irrevocably offended. "You're really pushing it, are you? Uchiha Sasuke- no one has heard from me in months. Why are you opposing this?"

"It's better this way. That's why we stayed away from Konoha," Sasuke reasoned, pushing to get his point across.

"That doesn't mean that I just leave them to think I am impossibly dead! Why would you and Kakashi, I assume, allow everyone to think that I was deceased?! Shame on me for not realizing,"

"That's so stupid," Sasuke frowned. They quarreled for about twenty-one minutes in a summoned, soundless dome. Someina stood, gawking and sighing. She was too conflicted to do anything.

Once they felt and detected Benjiro's chakra signature and his steps on the wooden stairs, they got out of their bubble of anger and released the soundless seal.

He stood before them dueling in the living room. "Why'd everyone get so mad?" he asked, scratching his neck.

She watched her four foot tall son. He wore a black bandana that pulled back his ever messy teal locks. They were spiked and longer ( Sasuke didn't allow either Taiyo or Benjiro to cut their hair... It had something to do with being an Uchiha- which was preposterous).

Benjiro wore a blue, short-sleeved shirt that was draped and long with loose black sweatpants. He looked like a typical, younger pre-teen boy from Kumo. The military chain the Raikage gifted him reflected off of his neck. Taiyo and Benjiro have matching neck chains.

Benjiro's chain was extraordinary. A rectangular slab of a miniature rock with the Kumogakure symbol had distinctive qualities. Killer Bee came across the ancient temple and stole the stone by accident. His eight-tails jinchuriki acknowledged the bizarre skill and thought about Benjiro's cot enigma. Turns out, the rock absorbed most of the natural energy chakra in Benjiro's system and sealed it in the stone. With age, Benjiro must get bigger slabs of the temple ruin's rock until he learns to control his senjutsu-

Anyway, she discerned... he plausibly is habituated to this life. Sasuke assumed Benjiro might never awaken his sharingan because he was too happy. Which is a good thing. Maybe.

Still. He couldn't know that they were arguing. "Huh? Sweety, we're not mad," Hinata said in her best I'm-not-mad-at-daddy voice.

It clearly didn't work. Benjiro pursed his lips and stared at Hinata, black eyes knowing. "Your chakra feels mad an' Tousan's doing that thing when he 'hns,' or whatever,"

He could, hn, sense sentiments emanating from someone due to their chakra. Sasuke scowled, brooding silently. Benjiro rose his teal brows as his black eyes darted between his dueling parents. "What's happening?" he asked slowly.

Hinata glanced at her feet, thinking of what to say. Sasuke took this occasion to lash out some knowledge. "Your Ka-san's going to Konohagakure. Tomorrow,"

Benjiro's face lit up and he jumped in place. He threw a triumphant fist skywards. "Cool!"

Hinata beamed.

Then he paused, the expression of reflection congealed on his face. "Wait- Tousan, we're supposed to go surfin' tomorrow and Ka-san, what about the Aoi Matsu festival and the pancake store that opened on Watershed Avenue? And the Jidai Matsuri festival? An' I get sleepy on long trips," Benjiro said. "Do they even have oceans there?"

Hinata ignored Sasuke's expression and spoke. "They don't have oceans but-"

"Pfft. Konoha's lame," Benjiro spat.

"Right?" Sasuke mumbled.

"Sasuke!" Hinata hissed.

"I can't lie to a child, especially mine," Sasuke shrugged innocently.

If Sasuke convinces their kids that Konoha is an awful place, they will have problems further along the road. "We do have all those things but we're better! Don't you want to see how our village is at the bottom of a deep hole?" Hinata asked.

"That's so cool! Impossible but cool! I'm gonna pack!" Benjiro yelled as he ran upstairs to pack his bags.

Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head in disagreement. "Not cool, Hinata. Not cool at all," Sasuke lamented, seeing this whole situation as an unnecessary bother. "C'mon, Hinata. This is illogical," he said.

"No, it's not. I want to go back, so I will. It's about time they learned the truth," Hinata said. She looked at her green-haired bodyguard. "Someina pack the bags. For real,"

Someina threw a brief look at Sasuke then nodded. Sasuke scowled. "Someina. Don't move," he directed sternly.

Someina's pout was depressed when they revealed an unmistakable divide in opinions. "I really do not know who to listen to," Someina said, getting agitated.

"Pack the bags. Sasuke is being impossible," Hinata said.

"Stay right here," Sasuke groaned.

She sighed and avoided looking at Sasuke's face. "You're a good friend but I ultimately serve Hinata,"

"Traitor," Sasuke hissed. She shrugged dejectedly and went upstairs.

Once everyone was gone, Hinata smiled warily and said, "We're coming back,"

"Che," Sasuke gnarred to himself. "Coming back is fine. Going there is the problem,"

Sasuke...

Sasuke just turned around, staring out the window. Bitter vibes filled the living room, emanating from none other than the Uchiha. "We don't make decisions like this when we're angry, okay?" Sasuke said composedly, his tone even and numb.

Why is he treating her like this isn't a good idea? He lied and said she was dead! For five years. She's never been surer of anything in her life. It may be ill-advised and stupid but it needs to happen. She has to go home.

Hinata's rage blazed due to his calm words. "I am not angry. I'll be fine,"

His stiff shoulders weren't straight. He slouched. "That's what you specifically say when you are not fine," he sighed.

She wants to go see her friends... her family... Apologize for everything and perhaps bring the thunder against her father. This was... what she has been waiting for. This was her ideal life. In Konoha.

He walked out, with his sword.

She was left alone... haunted by the silence that got louder and louder.

She smiled then summoned her forehead protector from Konoha. She still serves her dear Konohagakure and her Hokage... In Kumogakure, she serves her lovely but extemporaneous Raikage.

She looked at the black forehead protector, running her finger over the metal plate. She hasn't worn this in five years. She felt like she betrayed Konoha. The fabric was so... unused and felt clean. Oh... she betrayed her country.

Going back seemed to put her on a high until now. She really hurt a lot of people when she left... then she 'died'. Hinata sighed then asked herself; how are they going to get back with their friends and family. How are they going to move past this?

She absolutely has no idea.

¤¤¤

She helped the kids pack and let them choose what they wanted to take. Someina had to run to the store to buy more suitcases.

Then, she was pacing. Confused.

About three hours later, her mood dropped her environment's temperature. She felt ice water for blood and her limbs were icicles. Frozen with worry and doubts.

She never presumed she would honestly see Konoha again. There are some things she missed. All the familiar roads and ways. The festivals. The cherry blossom gardens. The training fields. The training hall and the Senju park. The ramen stands she used to hide under when it rained. The Hokage monuments. All the bookstores and temples. She missed her friends.

However... there were better things here. Her job took off, as chief of trauma surgery. The smell of sea salt and clouds was so astonishing. The clothes were so much better. The fish they ate- the food is amazing. She worked with politicians and the Raikage to improve Kumo. She was ultimately safer here. The hate has died down. It rained more so her gardens were so full and varied. The kids grew up here. The elders were much sweeter.

She liked the view from their windows. She adored the summer tourists and art galleries. The harbor is full of sailboats and people at the white beaches.

People took her seriously. Life was good.

Then again. She. Was. Dead for five flipping years to them. What would they say at her tattoos? What has changed since then? Who got married? Has anyone died? Has anyone had kids-

Oh, Kami! Her kids? What about her kids.

How will they take the news? How will they like Konoha? There aren't as many fish and lakes all over the place. Were the mountains inadequate compared to Kumo's peninsular land?

What will they do to her kids? Will they like them? Will they hate him-

She slammed right into Mitsuyo, who tried to pass her in the hallway. Hinata was only five foot four, she was a small girl. Mitsuyo was tall and lean, so it hurt while she collided into the Uchiha.

Hinata bowed, apologizing profusely.

"Where's the fire, Hinata?" Mitsuyo snarled, brushing off her white kimono and scowling. Her black hair was loose, falling across her face. The jewelry she wore glittered on her finger as her hands moved gracefully. Mitsuyo stared at Hinata in the shadow of the dark hallway, carrying a book. "What are you doing?"

"We're going back to Konoha," Hinata admitted in a breathless rush.

"Bah. No wonder you're making a draft," Mitsuyo replied, her tone accusing yet subtly satisfied. She crossed her arms, smirking. "Well, well, well. You choose to return to that forsaken land?"

Hinata took a deep breath, ignoring how her hands trembled. "Everyone thinks I am dead. I have to show them- I'm here and better than ever," Hinata said. What if they do not like her? What if they get freaked out by her sense of style? What if they do not like her jutsu?

"There's no reason to see someone in public anymore. Send a letter. It's less personal and you don't have to explain yourself," Mitsuyo said. "I avoid human contact at all costs,"

"I don't do that,"

"Your loss. People are exhausting," Mitsuyo shrugged.

Hinata ignored the comment and bit her lip, a habit she's been trying to stop. "I don't think I want to do that. I want them to know me... I guess the different me and see me for the first time. As me,"

Mitsuyo's usual vacuous and underlit eyes showed a lot of warmth and affection while looking like an endless abyss. "You, my dear, have grown into your ears. Mature. Less dramatic. Less docile and submissive. We all taught you well. I love you now, then. Whatever time... I do not know if I could say the same about your petty little friends," Mitsuyo sighed, flipping through the pages of her book.

Hinata hugged her waist, trying to become smaller and more assured. "I honestly... do not know how to react or how they will... see me,"

Mitsuyo's smile faded a bit as she snapped the book shut. "If they do not see your beautiful and strong spirit... their I.Q's start in the decimals. You do not need their confirmation or approval to live your life- the way you please,"

"But my father-"

Mitsuyo interrupted, unapologetic and doubtful. "None of that nonsense. Let him be ignorant and blind. Look at you now. You're a mother of four miscreants... You are a jonin, a renowned doctor... a confident woman who does not care about the idiots. You have done well for yourself and raised everyone else up with love,"

Hinata smiled a bit, feeling her spirits lift. "I'm aware and Sasuke knows but they still remember me as that meek, submissive crying Hinata... not what I am now. The last time I saw them, my hair was navy,"

Mitsuyo raised a shoulder. "The vibes you receive will be different. Times change. I do not remember what Konoha looks like. I heard it's all technology and all that jazz,"

"Sasuke would hate that," Hinata chuckled.

Just by seeing the look on her face, Mitsuyo guessed what happened. That Sasuke also wasn't talking to her or helping with the packing.

"He would but he has to get over himself. You all have deep, heavy roots with some shadows but ultimately, there is a permanence to every love and friendship,"

"I don't think they liked me very much," Hinata whispered, feeling insecure and... hurt.

Mitsuyo smiled and patted her shoulder, holding the book closer. "Then return... not as a victim but as a victor,"

A victor... not a victim. Hinata liked the sound of that. She still knew how Mitsuyo hasn't said if she was coming with them. "But... I've still got one more thing to show you," Mitsuyo said, smiling tenderly at her surprise.

"What is it?"

¤¤¤

A map?

Mitsuyo glanced at the map laid out on a low table in the house library. Hinata sat across from Mitsuyo, also cross-legged and perplexed. "What?"

Mitsuyo flicked her black bangs away from her eyes. "That's why I called him a snake a while back. Do you notice anything particular? Anything out of the ordinary?"

Hinata gazed at the map. It was quite detailed and a meter long. It had little marks, where Mitsuyo has probably been. All in all, it was a map. Nothing special. "It's just a map," Hinata said plainly.

Mitsuyo laughed sincerely. "Hinata, dear, there's something strange about how long it took you to reach Kumogakure?"

"What? No," Hinata reminisced about the month-long trip from Konoha to Kumo. It didn't seem strange. It was the perfect length and she started to tolerate him.

Mitsuyo pursed her red lips, rolling her dark eyes. "Your trip. You told me you stopped in Takigakure then you went to the valley of the end. You traveled through that forest and went to Yagakure then Shimogakure then Kumogakure," Mitsuyo said... like it solved problems. "Notice anything strange?"

Hinata trailed the line of her trip with her fingertip. She went a long way... with twins in tow. Wow. Hinata was a bit concerned about the total disregard Sasuke had for her pregnancy... she wasn't supposed to walk that far. "I don't know why I allowed myself to walk all that way. A pregnant woman on a trail like that. Not safe," Hinata whispered, feeling stupid.

Mitsuyo shook her head once again. "No. Hinata- focus. The trip from Kumogakure to Konoha usually does not take that long. Nor is it that complicated," Mitsuyo revealed, much to the shock of Hinata. "It customarily doesn't take a full month. At most, for people like you both, it is normal for a week or two to pass if the shinobi is particularly lazy,"

Hinata laughed, feeling deceived. "It takes about a week to get from Konoha to Kumo? But it took a month for us,"

Mitsuyo suddenly seemed unsure of herself. She hesitated then sat up taller, hiding her hands in the sleeve of her white hemp kimono. "Yes... You've never been to Kumo. Sasuke has traveled here due to his consistency to run with the wrong pack of idiot hound dogs,"

"When?"

Mitsuyo sighed, holding her temples in annoyance. "He was here with the Akatsuki to assassinate Killer Bee at the five Kage Summit after attacking a Daimyo's home,"

Hinata's stifled a gasp with her hand.

Mitsuyo nodded, also seeming disappointed. "That is one reason, along with actually handicapping our current Raikage, why he wasn't welcome in Kumogakure,"

Well. No wonder... the Raikage hates when Sasuke comes to their tea dates. Sasuke tried to kill his adoptive brother because of his affiliation with the Akatsuki. That... makes a lot of sense.

Hinata realized that almost everyone in the house except for the kids- were criminals. Including herself... Hinata slouched in her spot.

Mitsuyo smiled with mirth sparkling in her tone. "Then he chose Kumogakure for two reasons," she held up her pale manicured fingers. Up close, Hinata saw a ring with the Shimura clan characters and the name engraved on the silver. "Me and second of all, you,"

Hinata stayed quiet.

"He suspected that I was an Uchiha, noticed all the signs. He could have me or Kaiya... after I healed him. I didn't call the ANBU or better yet, the Raikage and I hid him from danger. Lucky bastard,"

Hinata rose a brow. He could have killed Mitsuyo... It was just the way he was then. No bonds. No ties. Mitsuyo seems to have no hard feelings.

Mitsuyo played with the expensive, precious gift Danzo probably gave her. "Surprisingly, he kept me alive... and he decided to stay in contact with me and mooch off of my resources,"

Hinata bowed slightly, in giving her silent thanks. She couldn't help but ask... "What was he like back then?" Before Kumo. Before kids. Before her?

Mitsuyo's expression became thoughtful and sullen, like reviewing a bad memory. "Quiet and self-isolating. In a week at most, he said three words. He was either notoriously drunk or locked in a self-induced genjutsu coma most days,"

He could... do that?

She sighed, heaving her busty chest. "I imagine he tortured himself in his memories because he felt he deserved it. I tried helping him while Kaiya consciously did the opposite," Mitsuyo got sour and she clicked her tongue. "She wanted me to kill the bozu,"

It makes sense. The second day after Mitsuyo returned, Hinata told her everything about the leather booklet and the money Kaiya got from being a part-time coroner and a mercenary.

Hinata thought back to the time when they first met. Mitsuyo was noticeably absent and Someina was gone. She acted so nice... aside from inviting herself in... and trash talking Mitsuyo. "Wait... if Sasuke met Kaiya beforehand- why didn't he recognize her since she tried to kill him?" Hinata asked, genuinely curious.

Mitsuyo stared at the map, looking dour and put down. "That fool Kaiya made an attempt on Sasuke's life when the lad was unconscious. She didn't want to be exposed by the Uchiha curse, so she left,"

Welp. That left Hinata feeling puzzled and furious at the same time.

Mitsuyo continued. "After five months of staying in my house, he bet that I was an Uchiha. He trusted that... so I could take care of your dojutsu babies. He trusted me with his future because of his arrogance. He was right but... still,"

Hinata smiled lightly. He does have talent. He is the strongest person she knows. Literally and emotionally.

Mitsuyo spotted her countenance then stated, "The second reason he came here was you. He wanted to know what you were about, as a mother... a person or even a potential partner," Mitsuyo chuckled. "He's a closet romantic like yourself,"

Hinata's heart swelled. A closet romantic? He wanted this... with her. Even though he never seemed to appreciate her until she set boundaries and stood up for herself- he... wanted her first... wanted her badly. He hoped for her. She held her heart... Wow.

"Don't be too happy, Hyuuga. It's romantic until you realize that he counted on the fact that either you would fall in love with Kumo or you were too pregnant to walk back alone... so you would both stay,"

Her train of thought crashed and fell over a cliff. He... manipulated her into staying in Kumo? "Oh,"

"Yep," Mitsuyo said, letting Hinata absorb in the fact... just infusing in her mind.

"Can you blame him? He wanted his clan... and he was just an ass. But he really does like it here with you. He liked you since the second week of knowing you, despite how bratty you were. He liked you first,"

Hinata sighed. She's finding it harder to be neutral when he does this. Making a deal with Hychu Taichirou then manipulating her into going so far away from Konoha so that... she couldn't get back without assistance! That was a snake move.

"I am so angry at him right now," Hinata said, trying to keep calm. She felt like bending metal or doing something- like yelling at him. The last two times she tried to speak to Sasuke, she was left with either silence or yelling. Now they aren't speaking to each other. She couldn't just start another one...

Grrr.

"Did you notice that your eyes change from purple to clouded silver when you get angry?" Mitsuyo remarked so casually, it was like a distraction.

Hinata didn't believe it.

Mitsuyo bestowed a genjutsu of what Hinata looked like at the moment. Hinata released the genjutsu and sighed. Her eyes. They do. They get silver and darker... like her hair at the moment.

"Tell me something good. Like you're coming with us to Konoha," Hinata begged. Slightly.

Mitsuyo frowned and suddenly looked up from her ring. "Konoha?" She burst out laughing. "That place is where all of my people died and the government did all of it... especially Danzo,"

Hinata's gaze fell on the glinting silver ring Mitsuyo caressed. She loved... Danzo. It was an intoxicating toxic relationship. She still remembers what he was wearing and what his hair looked like the first day they met. It was kind of... like the... way Sasuke and Sakura... were... if she remembered correctly.

Mitsuyo smirked and this devious look of satisfaction appeared... showed on her lips, filled her face. "Alas, my incorrigible daughter moved to Konoha with the hopes that I would never, ever visit,"

"That's... excessively spiteful," Hinata murmured.

"Yes. And awfully passive-aggressive," Mitsuyo added. "If I am there, perhaps Sasuke will be able... to reconcile with another member. It must be a sweet opportunity because her brother... is also in Konoha," Mitsuyo finished with a gold laugh.

"Well... I'm leaving- are you coming with me?" Hinata asked.

"I'll go... only for Sasuke... I couldn't care less about the vile place. I'll make sure that everything will go critiqued and scrutinized in the fire country," Mitsuyo said outwardly... apathetic. Internally, Hinata knew that there was excitement burning in those black eyes of hers.

¤¤¤

Sasuke observed the rippling pond filled with varying sizes of spotted Koi fish gliding past each other under the fragrant lily-pads and around the algae. The freshwater fishes were stunning with its different colors, patterns, and scales. Benjiro fancied swimming with them, which wasn't good because Koi fish produce ammonia, which isn't beneficial for maturing boys.

The foot-long fish remembered Sasuke while he dropped bite-sized pieces of boiled eggs, peas and lettuce into the sparkling water. The fish liked chicken, which scared Sasuke. Apparently, the koi could live up to one hundred, which scared him more.

He put down his sword and sat at the edge of the pond, grinding his ivory teeth. Going back to Konoha. He did not want to do that. He should have known that she would find out. He expected it and knew it would happen. He's not mad that she knows.

He knew exactly what would happen should she find out about the secret of Hychu Taichirou protecting them. This.

He saw a shadow behind him and threw three kunai at the source.

"Fuck Sasuke, it's me. Hōzuki Suigetsu," Suigetsu yelped, probably able to dodge all of the individual kunai. He hoped or Hinata would become angry.

"I know," Sasuke grumbled.

Suigetsu scoffed, offended. "Then why the hell did you throw that shit at me? You coulda killed me,"

"Hn. I dunno. You're being bothersome," Sasuke muttered.

"And here I thought only my man Jugo had homicidal urges. You too, huh?" Suigetsu asked. "What's got you mad?"

Sasuke huffed. Good question. "My domineering girlfriend wants to return to Konoha,"

"Oh. I thought little Sasuke didn't have his naptime so he'd go around pissing in other people's sippy cups," Suigetsu commented. "You actually have a legitimate reason to be an ass today,"

"Shut up,"

"That's why Karin dragged me here today," Suigetsu sighed. "Someina asked Karin for extra suitcases and explained the situation. Who knew she'd want to be with her Hyuuga people? Mind-blown," Suigetsu said, smug.

Sasuke turned his neck to look at the pale man. "You know?"

"Yeah. Give me credit," Suigetsu shrugged. "That whole story of Kagegakure... and her past very, very clever. Thought it was true until I realized Hinata is such an uncommon name everywhere since it's associated with a very, very scary re-incarnation of Kaguya,"

"Whatever," Sasuke just looked away, staring at the koi flopping around. "Why are you here?"

"Karin figured that the only way we could get out of this hellhole is with you guys, the Uchiha bunch. Mainly because we know you will break out of the country... in style... illegally at night," Suigetsu eyed Sasuke. "You already have a plan to escape? Right?"

"Fourteen different routes," Sasuke said slowly.

He thought of all the escape plans that ranged from safe to extremely dangerous but he wouldn't take chances with their children. Never. He looked back to Suigetsu. "We're just counting on the Raikage allowing us to leave since Hinata's been making nice. He'd let her get away... with literally bombing Kumo," Sasuke muttered.

A and Hinata have been close. He's unsure why the Raikage finds her so pleasant. She is awesome but the Raikage uses nepotism to get her the best, highest paying missions and gives special priviledges to her.

It's quite mysterious but Sasuke didn't want to worry about that. Perhaps Hinata reminds A-sama of the daughter he never had. The Raikage danced with her during the latest father-daughter dance she forced them to go to. Amarante looked adorable, so he excused the overall awfulness of the event.

Anyway, he's counting on their friendship and dual citizenship to let them get back to Konoha.

Suigetsu grinned at Sasuke. "We need to hop on that train and leave with you guys since we'll have immunity,"

"I thought you guys liked it here," Sasuke asked. Karin seemed to enjoy the everyday things in life with Kameya and Tsugetsu... the newer kid. She started a book club, she went clubbing with Hinata and Someina the other day. Both Suigetsu and Sasuke are positive the women were all wallflowers while the music blared... wondering about their children without getting drunk.

Suigetsu likes the coastline and Karin enjoys the slowness of this place... according to Hinata.

Suigetsu seemed to really ponder Sasuke's conversational words. "We did until Jugo stopped coming to visit. My dojo got destroyed and Karin doesn't want to waste money fixing my dojo up. Tsugetsu and Kameya should be in Konoha- it's safer,"

"What if we don't help and the Raikage says no?" Sasuke said, exploring the options.

"You have to. It's just being a friend," Suigetsu protested.

"Hn," Sasuke said, understanding the sentiment behind those words. He could admit, without a grimace, that Suigetsu and Karin are more than shinobi co-workers/associates. Maybe that's why he actually likes them now. They were actually friends.

Without understanding Sasuke, Suigetsu took his vague words the wrong way. He crossed his arms and scowled, baring his sharp teeth. "We were your tools, just objects of power a while ago. You used us... now we use you. You've gotta admit, we were pretty advantageous back in the day,"

Sasuke stayed silent... accepting this verbal beating. The lack of retort seemed to anger the Hōzuki even more.

He went further to explain his distaste for Sasuke. "I'm surprised that she forgave you... for driving a Chidori senbon through her gut. You could have sliced through her ovaries and I wouldn't have two mini-Suigetsus in my house," Suigetsu gritted, glaring at him. "Just because she has forgiven you, doesn't mean that I do,"

Turns out his mistakes weren't water under the bridge.

Sasuke felt pinches of guilt which -ask anyone- was rare. The sentiment was present in limited situations. He felt the acute remorse when he reminisced about Naruto and Sakura and Kakashi. He hurt so many people... So many people.

After giving in and allowing Tsunade to lecture him about getting his arm, Tsunade was a bitch while influenced. She kept up with him while drinking, which was an extraordinary feat in and of itself.

She said that if he wanted to learn what love was or how to love better, he had to start with a friend he hated. They both knew, after the drunken rants and the absolutely random chat, she was talking about Naruto. It didn't take a drunken idiot to figure that out afterward. She told him that the people who are hardest to love are the ones who need it the most. Him. He was so hard to like.

He abandoned all the living people he cared about to grieve the dead. All of them. He ended up stunted and terribly wrong. Alone. Maybe not alone, but with the people he'd never thought to think twice about. Maybe all of the people he'd talk to were pawns in some bigger shogi game. He'd never thought he'd need them after using them. He used them to vent his frustrations or to further his goals or just as inspiration for getting better.

And- he didn't want to end up in that rut. Never again. Not with anyone or anything.

Now he has to see those people again. All those idiots he hurt to advance himself. He's surprised he hasn't had a mental break down or a panic attack. It just made him sick to his stomach and he is mentally screaming on another dimension at the irony of it all.

Suigetsu probably hates his cynical and bitter way of seeing life but... he really does understand what he did wrong.

He just stayed silent until Suigetsu sat beside him. "Even with that said, golden boy, I know that I can count on you... You'd give out a limb or an arm for Karin and me," he patted Sasuke's shoulder.

Sasuke released a sigh... not sure what he was expecting with Suigetsu.

He unfolded his arm, just watching the fish with him. "I know you don't want to go back... but it's alright. I think if I can forgive you for almost killing my wife near three times- I'm sure they would forgive you as well," Suigetsu stated kindly.

"Hn," Sasuke said.

They wouldn't... They really wouldn't.

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Word spread that Hinata's leaving and now they're packing up, Mitsuyo's leaving... Someina even wants to go. Karin's finished feeding Tsugetsu and Kameya was all packed.

The kids are excited. They mostly packed up their toys and Taiyo and Benjiro packed books. They all seemed to think this was an adventure, not hell. Never hell. He was pessimistic about this.

Everything looked so empty and not cluttered. Hinata sealed away most parts of the house, for protection and safety while they were gone. Mostly everything's barren.

It's like... he's shoving away a part of his life. Packing it away. He doesn't want to stagger back into Konoha.

Despite the fact Hinata was dead tired, Hinata was still as crisp and happy as a clam.

Moving items was hard and emotionally loaded. He didn't want to take part in the not-so-subtle nostalgia trip. Hinata went on one when she looked at an item and burst into tears. Something about the 'memories'... got to her.

Someina and Hinata packed and sealed away many boxes. Sasuke and Mitsuyo ultimately refused to help. Sasuke said it was an inane waste of time because they were returning and Mitsuyo just didn't try. Hinata, although angry at the lack of aid from the two adults, understood. It was Mitsuyo's house and they reduced it, stripped the lovely home to nothing more than the bone.

He admits now he does not favor change. Hinata knows that- why is she making him do this?!

He sighed. Her usual soft voice was jarring.

At the moment, Hinata yelled at this bookstore manager through the wall phone. "Yes. Do not send any more of this particular series. I don't approve of what they show in this manga! It's so gross! And my sons are reading this stuff? At eight years old?"

She paused and listened to the manager. "You recommended this series to my eight-year-old boys! What is wrong with you? This is a perversion of their pure and delicate minds!"

The manager seemed to apologize.

Hinata made an incredulous sound, scoffing. "No, I will not ask Someina if she wants to go out on another date for you! Ask her yourself! Wooing her with books only- what? Control my sons better?! How dare you!"

Footsteps were heard and Someina ran to the phone. "Heyy, Hinata- don't yell at him,"

"Tell him he's out of line," Hinata said.

"Hinata- just leave. Go. I'm telling him off," Someina said.

Hinata shuffled away and into the room where Sasuke was. Sasuke looked at the empty suitcase Hinata left for him. He wasn't sure what to do- yell and fight or get mad and say nothing. Either one seemed toxic.

Hinata stayed at the edge of the room... watching him, as if afraid of his reaction. "The kids... are set. I... uh, fixed the suitcases," Hinata said, unable to look him in the eye. The blush dusting her face was evident.

Sasuke crossed his arms, eyeing the bandages on his left arm. Everything in Konoha relates to his pain. It was his clan's doing, Itachi's doing and the leaf's doing. All the tragedy and heartbreak was all their faults.

He was supposed to protect Konoha and honor its legacy because that was Itachi's will. Every single one of his thoughts disagreed with the trip back to Konoha.

He still felt angry like he needed to eradicate Konoha again. It would go against his selfless brother's ideals- and ruin what he built and left. Itachi said he would love Sasuke, no matter what he does...

He wouldn't...

The way Tobi described Konoha... as the motherland of evil who used Itachi and threw him to the wolves. He sacrificed everyone for the greater good.

The elders, the civilians... even Danzo had no regard for Itachi's life. He was so... good. Everything Itachi has done was for Konoha, even when he chose to stay away from Sasuke. He was branded as the worst part of Konoha when he was, in fact, the best.

They all live in peace because of Itachi. They exploit it, breathe in it yet they choose to disgrace his name! It made him angry. All the half-lies and fake stories he's been told- he can't handle it.

There are demons everywhere! And they haunt him. Forever... Why should he go back if all the will of fire reminds him of is Itachi's betrayal and loyalty? His betrayal and lack of loyalty.

"I don't want to go," Sasuke whispered lowly. He tried to be a void of emotions but that didn't work.

"I do," Hinata said, crossing her arms. "You don't have to come with me. It gives you too much turmoil,"

That's the first thing she's said all day that he liked. It'd be dangerous without him there. Hinata can tidy up a group of criminals and kick their asses but he knows they'll be more threats in Konoha. "You go, I go," Sasuke said simply. It was true. He'd follow her anywhere... "But not to Konoha,"

Hinata rolled her eyes, immediately upset with him. "You go there and stay for a couple of days- all the time? What's so different about being there for a month?"

"Everything. I don't interact with people. I never speak to anyone but Kakashi. I don't pay taxes and I don't have a house there," Sasuke hissed. "It's just not the same. I'm not living there, with the will of fire,"

"Sasuke... It's my homeland! Yours too if you'd stop ignoring it," Hinata said firmly.

"Don't ever call Konoha my home," Sasuke said softly. He meant to have an edge to his words but it came out weak. Hurting. "That's just worse,"

Hinata lowered her gaze again, looking tired by this fight. "Well, it's... somewhere. Somewhere you're from," Hinata said quietly, rubbing her forearms.

"Somewhere I'm from. Call it a mistake. That's where my entire clan got killed. So excuse me for being on the rocks about returning to a massive graveyard site! You're being insensitive," Sasuke said.

"Me? Sasuke- I understand that you are in immense pain but... please... I have bonds I can never sever with them. Imagine how awful Hanabi-love must feel,"

In retrospect, Hinata feels their absences. She has so many ribbons tied to the people back in Konoha when the ribbons cut her up. She actually misses them. Even when they treated her like dirt... she wants them.

"You love them... I hate them, perhaps I'm being insensitive," Sasuke said.

At that admittance, Hinata walked in front of him, close. A sigh from Sasuke's mouth ruffled her silver bangs. Sasuke swallowed the lump in his throat and looked down at her.

"Still... we're being insensitive to each other," Hinata said, grabbing his hand, twining their fingers together.

Sasuke let out a dry laugh. Perhaps. Being in Konoha seems like decent torture. Temporary torture.

"Come on. At least do his for me. It wouldn't feel right if you didn't go with us. We're a family, the true one. If you're not there, we'll miss you dearly. I'd walk back cause it'd be too much without you there,"

For her? Is this an evaluation of what he'd do for her? He'd stop time if she asked him to. It doesn't feel right when she's not there. She's right, she makes things a bit more bearable. When the pressure and responsibilities feel like anvils on his chest, she makes it better. The smoke from all the burned bridges Hinata and Sasuke left in Konoha was enough to choke the both if the other isn't there.

Man. If Hinata weren't there... she doesn't know she's the reason he's alive.

Konoha would be painful- actually moreso if Hinata weren't there.

Maybe... he could discover Konoha again with her, by his side.

Sasuke stayed silent and stared at the suitcase. She came closer and the globes of her breasts pressed against him. "Please," she unconsciously squeezed his hands tightly with the anticipation.

Before she got any chance to crush his fingers, he caved. "Fine,"

Oh. Shit.

She jumped at his words. "Really?" Hinata gasped, her big doe eyes wide and astounded. She didn't think he'd agree.

He nodded. It was painful. Going.... to Konoha. Ha. A hellish place where all souls go to die.

"We're going? Or it's like we're literally going to Konoha in less than a month with all of us packed and ready to go?!" she said in one huge breath.

Sasuke nodded. "Yeah," he said.

"No way!" Hinata yelled. She got really enthusiastic sometimes. Loud and high-pitched. Some parts of his ear-drum are gone because of her. She thought he would agree to this when it rained cats and dogs.

"Oh kami. Oh kami. Oh Kami! We're actually! We're.... wow!" she said, gazing up at him like he changed the world. She stifled her giddy laugh, pulling him incredibly close.

In a moment wrapped her legs around his waist, arms around his neck, kissing the edge of his bottom lip. "Thank you, anata. Thank you," she whispered, her ankles hooked together.

She kissed him deeply, without stopping. His breaths were shallow and she moved her hair away so he could nip her neck. She is his home, sometimes. If she went, he'd be homesick. He just supported her and allowed her to have her way with him.