Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 45-
Of Grief

She wished she wasn't pushing her hate for him in margins and tight spaces. 

A compilation of emotions ripped through Hinata. She inhaled a gust of air and felt waves of shock, guilt and desperation wash over her.

Is he dying? Her father- not her father. Hiashi is dying?

She felt the stab of unscheduled tears burning her throat. She wouldn't cry. She can't cry for a man she wanted... to forget just minutes prior. She felt so heavy with the knowledge because she wished she took back every last negative thing she's done.

She never got to know who he was. What was the tea flavor he liked? Now he will die. She wanted to know if it was true. Hanabi's a mess on the floor and Hiashi isn't exactly answering her pleading looks.

She didn't wish death upon him. Everyone made mistakes- just see all these parents.

Her eyes met Hiashi's snow cold orbs and his gaze softened.

If she had only said the right words and did the right things, maybe they would be falling into a state of ease, okayness. She was always so lost in the dark with him. She's drowning in this... slow drowning. She feels the loss already. She can't lose two parents... Not when she barely knows both of them.

Ino's low sigh indicated her sympathy. Hinata couldn't help but notice the downcast looks in all the Hyuuga clansmen's eyes. They seem terribly saddened by this... Is it true?

Why does her heart feel like it's getting cut out by a rusted spoon? Why does this feel like guilt? The scent of cedar and bergamot choked her.

"Is it true?" Hinata asked, her voice tight and high. "He's..."

Hanabi nodded.

Hiashi made an amused sound. Though endeared by Hanabi's concern, Hiashi was equally as annoyed. "Hanabi- I am not dying," he said slowly, mostly looking at Hinata.

Hanabi wrung the fabric of her red skirt in her hands, nose red and eyes darting all over his expressionless face."It was a close call!" Hanabi exclaimed.

The almighty Hiashi rolled his white eyes, not taking his favored daughter seriously. "Hanabi- that doesn't mean that I will die so easily," he looked directly at Hinata. "They coddle me and exaggerate the facts. A heart attack nearly ensued but I am well enough to run a clan, see my daughter's wedding and my clan thrive,"

The surrounding Hyuuga seemed confused by his statement. "My Lord... It is still good to be cautious. We do not want any mishaps, especially when the consequences of our neglect may lead to fatal outcomes!"

Hiashi huffed. "Ay me, ay, I am old, my clansmen. I will die and my heart became tired. It was just indicative, a sign of the times,"

Hinata's heart was calmed. "It would be a shame if you died before you apologized to me, Hiashi or me to you," Hinata said.

"Yes," Hiashi lowered his gaze. "It would be among the most shameful of all,"

She nodded, releasing a shaky breath. There is the pain but it is not all-consuming like it was before. "Hiashi, I need to tell you something-" she started. 

Suddenly, she heard someone's sandals slap against the tiles. "Hanabi- are you alright?" said a male's voice as the din became more turbulent.

Hanabi's eyes lit up when a man trekked over to her. Hanabi threw herself into his arms and sobbed. He automatically scanned the group of Hyuuga, eyes narrowed and so- powerfully blue. He bundled his wide-sleeves around Hanabi's body, shielding Hanabi from the rest.

Hinata has seen those eyes before- but on who? As the draft hit her nostrils, she got that- that whiff of smoke... It mingled with the citrus and wooden-scent with cinnamon.

"No one hurt her, Hiroki," Hiashi rolled his eyes.

"Lord Hiashi-sama, she is nothing but the most content in your presence. Why is she crying?" Hiroki practically growled. "Whose fault is it?"

Hiroki was surprisingly protective of Hanabi while his eyes were specifically trained on Hinata. Hiroki was accusing Hinata and only her.

"Roki-" Hanabi whispered, she waved her hands around her tear-stained face. "These, Roki, are happy tears-"

Roki or Hiroki looked at Hiashi. "What happened?"

Everyone's eyes fell on Hinata because Hinata happened. Hinata suddenly got uncomfortable when his whitened rapture-blue eyes landed on her.

"She came back," Hanabi whispered, smiling at the ground. "I'm so happy- I told you she wasn't dead! She didn't die. She- she was... somewhere for a couple of years, I'm just- she's back- she's gorgeous and different but it's Hyuuga Hinata!"

Hiroki darted his eyes to Hinata. "You are..." he asked.

In her rambles, Hanabi hasn't said who Hinata was. Hinata stared at the man and tilted her head. Something was off with Hiroki. Hinata hesitated, not knowing whether or not to answer.

Glaring a bit, Hanabi stared at Hinata and said, "Hyuuga Hinata... my sister,"

Hanabi just then was noticing her sister's apprehension. Hinata wanted to take apart Hiroki and find out his secrets, but now she oddly felt safer at a distance, with weapons. She wanted to figure out that strange flickers of resentment that crossed over his features.

Hanabi seemed displeased and Hiashi didn't seem surprised.

Under her sister's light glare, Hinata reached out her hand, staring at the man- questioning.

Hiroki stared at her with intensity and- want? He easily disentangled himself from Hanabi and lunged for Hinata's hand. He clutched her hand too tightly, it hurt, as if she were going to fade away. Then, he swiped his fingers over the back of Hinata's palm and a zap of chakra shot through her fingers.

"Glad to meet you, hime," he whispered.

Hinata hasn't been called 'hime' by a Hyuuga for over five years. She was simply shocked and a little freaked out, reproachful. He was staring at her with such intensity, it made her uncomfortable.

Then, to make it worse, he leaned down and kissed her knuckle. That was wildly annoying.

"Once you depart, I will run out of things to say, I will be without a sunny flower to stare at," he whispered into her fingers.

Huh?

Hinata pulled her hand back, tugging lightly but he was insistent on holding on. No one could see the struggle until she used a small bit of Chidori to burn him.

The opposite effect ensued and there he was, allowing his wounded lips to be burnt by her touch. Then Hanabi took her hand and with one appraising look towards Hiroki, Hinata waltzed off, wary and annoyed. What's wrong with him? Why was he hitting on her?

Ino and Hinata exchanged glances, wary and stern about whoever this Hiroki might or might not be.

¤¤¤

Tea that the Hyuuga served was bitter and strong in taste, just like them. She hates this flavor of the tea.

There was a small coffee table and darkness shrouded the atmosphere. Hinata sat across from Hiashi, unknowing and unfeeling in a small chamber for dinner and breakfast.

He usually asked to eat here because of the privacy. Hanabi liked the decorations and the intimate setting. Hinata hated how closed in the room was. She was claustrophobic.

Normally, her heartbeat wasn't calm and unwavering- that's why she liked listening to Sasuke's battering of his heart. He honestly stayed calmed. She must channel him and she wanted to hear Hiashi's distinct beats of his heart. He's alive. Alive. Alive.

Much to her surprise, Hiashi's heart was fast...

She spoke first, despite the risk. "Your heart... sounds strong but... are you nervous?"

He shook his head. "A shinobi learns to dismiss nerves early in his life for battle. A life on the field is not a place for second-guessing, tarring and doubts,"

He hasn't answered her question but Hinata couldn't quite feel his statement being complete and true.

"Nerves and fear are a good thing. It reminds a shinobi there is life to live and things to survive for. That they are not finished yet," Hinata refuted.

He chuckled but it was a hollow sound. "Even now, I see my faults,"

"Faults? You are the last of which to notice, clan leader,"

He narrowed his eyes before shaking his head. "You've never had a scolding tongue, my, my how the times have changed,"

"What do you want?" Hinata asked.

Hiashi pressed his lips together, feeling the tension in the room build. "Reconstruction. Parents give their young two things; roots and wings. Roots are a foundation to a newer base on which children commence their life on. And we give... wings and take off from their elevated place of being. That is our lasting gift. A parting gift,"

His words rattle through her.

"Scars. You hadn't given me wings. You gave me scars," Hinata whispered, staring at her limp hands on her lap. They're so pale against the darkness of her black skirt. Beside the gray of her blade glinting beside her.

He smiled gently. "My knowledge of war was what I could offer. Harshness... I assumed you could be and act and live as I did. Hisana said you were different. Gentler like the whisper of a chinook sweeping down a hill instead of a hurricane push we see in other souls. You hadn't grown up in my time, where a five-year-old could kill, maim and strike because that is what was asked of them,"

"I hated fighting and hurting people. That was tearing flesh. My flesh."

"I hadn't understood that until I saw our time of unrestrained peace. I would hate for conflict to arise,"

"Why haven't you been understanding?" Hinata asked, hurt and pain squeezing her. She stopped and waited until it was gone to speak again. "Our relationship wouldn't be fraught with difficulty!"

"I hadn't tuned my parenting and to your flight, your path, your way of life. Me training you as a carbon copy of myself... That's like a blind man telling a phoenix they are a Mockingbird and treating them as such,"

Sometimes, objectively, she thought he sounded like a man... reaping the consequences and seeking touches of redemption. However, she was still plagued with parasitic doubt that ate up any hope she had. He wanted to be a good parent. He just got lost or hardened when his great love died.

She can't... She can't forgive him. 

"After mother died... It was like you died too. My mother is dead but my father is killing me. Do you blame me for the death of your brother? Is that why-"

"No,"

"No?"

Hinata felt like a century's worth of worrying was lifted from her shoulders. He doesn't blame her. It was a relief... She wanted that to be the reason, the cause she could easily identify and blame. The reason why he hated her is something else. Something worse.

"That's unfortunate," she said. She clasped her hands together, her nails digging into her palms. Why had he treated her so unfairly? Why?! "Then- Hiashi, do you have a heart? Do you even know about love? Do you know your soul? "

He nodded tersely, offended by the very nature of the question. His expression softened but he was scowling. "Yes. I met Hisana, the embodiment of the sentiment and through you and Hanabi... I got to know kindness and what kindred souls roam this planet,"

Why must they sit here? As if they had peace! Her hands went numb and she's panicking, just not in her normal way.

She fought the urge to yell. "Then why have you scorned me my entire life, Hiashi?" 

"When you die... or come close to it, your mother said she'll go back to the sea. Because it humbles you. Your mother visited me... during the heart attack," he said. "I was still looking at you as something you were not and I was power hungry. Power is an illusion... Pain and mistakes I have caused are not. You and Hisana both are... deeply emotional and spiritual, I believed in my teachings until I found a letter of yours..."

He slid this aforementioned letter carefully in Hinata's direction. He treated it like the finest silk and jewelry he could ever gift someone. She treated it with caution. She was nervous. Why would he put so much emphasis on a flimsy letter she wrote? The paper was yellowing, the printing was messy. She is a fuinjutsu specialist and she cringes at her old handwriting.

She sniffled and stared at her unread letter. "Before I read it... I haven't told anyone but Hiromitsu was named after you, Mitsuyo and mother."

"Alright..." he said, looking down. 

"Mother's last name was Roshi before she married you. It took it from you all. The 'Hi' from you, 'Ro' from mother and 'Mitsu' from Mitsuyo's name," Hinata admitted, rambling. "Taiyo was named after the sun, Benjiro was named after the peace he gave me and Amarante is what Sasuke's parents' would have named him had he been a girl... Hiromitsu has your name," she got enough courage to look at him. "Despite how much you want to cut me out and I want you to disappear, you have pieces of me within you and they are all broken,"

Hiashi's lips turned up and she scowled. What did he want her to smile back? She huffed and focused on the letter, to avoid his odd reaction.

This will be painful, she noted as she read the first words.

Dear mother,

Iruka sensei said I was illogical and out of touch with my peers. Perhaps it's true but I was thinking of visiting your grave, filling it with jasmine flowers. I miss you. I forgive you for leaving me but the photos of you would never become real.

And Father trained me too hard today. I wish I never had the byakugan eyes! Perhaps father would leave me alone but alas, I am stuck here, without you on your birthday.

This is the first year my father refused to celebrate it with me. I burned incense with your perfume in the library. It was your favorite room so I spend my afternoons there, trying to find your essence.

I don't think Hiashi's name would spell out father. If father weren't so fickle, I think he would notice he hates me. He said I was worthless the other day. I guess I agree with him. I'm worthless.

Love, Hinata

Hinata heard the distant murmurs of her father's rather monotone voice but dismissed it as her lunacy. It wasn't. Just as she finished the last sentences, she realized he had been reading it to her. His eyes were closed, so she wouldn't see his anguish. Did he have that pain?

"If father weren't so fickle, I think he would notice he hates me," Hiashi repeated and Hinata gawked at him. "I'm worthless, you said,"

He quoted every last word from memory and she wondered why the paper was crinkled at odd spots. She activated her byakugan and surely his watered down chakra signature was left on the page.

Had he shed tears?

"I didn't know how much you grieved for Hisana or how alike you were to her and you believed I made you worthless," he said.

Hinata folded up the letter and pushed it away, shaking her head. "I'm not eleven anymore. Actually, I know my worth. I'm worth a lot. Do not take this as a representation of what I am or who I have become for it is inaccurate,"

"It's very accurate to how you felt when I pushed you the hardest. When the clan looked for its next generation leader," Hiashi coughed, in reluctance to look at her. "All... All alone by my side, you were,"

"All alone, I was," Hinata echoed.

Memories of her youth rushed past her. Hanabi favored their father and training. The clan favored Neji. Her mother and only ally was dead. Naruto didn't know who she was and her friends, Kiba and Shino, were more interested in battle and warfare than emotions and therapy. Then she dismissed it all. She's so different now.

Hinata is actually having a conversation with Hiashi. She has kids. Hinata doesn't care about Naruto and Hanabi was getting married, spending time with her soon-to-be husband and Neji... Neji is dead.

"Some things hold true. I was about to throw all your things away until Hanabi told me you always felt like a ghost because it was always like this," he said and Hinata winced. "Isn't it true?"

She nodded. "It is. A lot of the complexes I have are due to you," Hinata said thickly, "but not only you. That does not dismiss the fact you were terrible to me... Did you hate me?"

"I never hated you. I was just disappointed in you," he said. "You... couldn't be an heiress and for that, I believed that Hyuuga who could not be an heiress was... weak,"

That stabbed her. To hear him say it made it real, not speculation.

"You have seen our years of peace. I realize that having a strong heir isn't as important as keeping a daughter... I believed that the false circumstances of your death- Orochimaru and Uchiha Sasuke killing you was due to my not preparing you for enemies and not protecting you from those who have evil in their hearts. I did grieve but I didn't hate,"

Hinata refused to fall apart here. "I thought of this conversation many times. Just with mother forcing it out of you and me dunno, her being alive,"

"If Hisana were here... she would be ashamed. Of me. My actions. My ways of life. I do believe in militaristic parenting in our shinobi society. I was dying... and I haven't met the children Hisana would have loved to see. Many have said that I am not the man Hisana married and I would like to revert back to that. My emotional prime," he nodded to himself.

If he will try, she will try... Amarante has the byakugan but she acts exactly like Sasuke. Amarante would be especially happy and interested in the Hyuuga district. Her boys, Benjiro, Taiyo, and Hiromitsu have the sharingan.

"What about my children not being pure? So you accept the kids? As something, a part of me?"

He hesitated and Hinata was heading for the door. "Wait -" he cried out.

"You don't want them. Me. My kids. My legacy, my chosen clan!" she exclaimed.

"I would. Hinata, you never give a chance before you decide what others feel. Your stubbornness is formidable."

Hinata shifted in her spot. "What about what you said a week ago?"

"I was angry and spiteful! We both were angry and spiteful,"

Hinata sighed and trudged back to her spot across from him. "I guess so," she looked at him after a period of silence. "My kids... They know of you, they want to meet you,"

She was possessed by an impulse, a want for everything to be okay. She also wanted to let go of the heavy hate she carried. And she didn't know who he was.

"I would like to meet you for the first time," she finished.

Hiashi gave a tight nod. "It shall be prepared,"

Silence.

Hinata didn't know what to do. Her anger was nothing and they cleared the air. The problems were still there but it wasn't an impediment to their conversation anymore.

"I was alright. Uh, mine and Sasuke's... our house smells like waffles and tea, we lived somewhere woodsy, with three kids. And that birthday and holiday decorations are still up since I won't let Sasuke take them down. Hiashi... he treats me well."

He nodded. "He was a diplomat's son. I thought you liked cities. Urbanisation. And for the business aspect," he started, sitting taller and sounding more confident. "Have you noticed someone strange following you around?"

Hinata narrowed her eyes. "Aside from your men, no,"

Hiashi scanned the room, obviously alert and on guard. "There is someone with dark chakra in Konoha that is especially fond of you. That is why Hiroki is so protective of Hanabi. He fears the threat of the dark chakra will get to Hanabi," he said.

"Hiashi- do not mistake me for skeptical but Hiroki is a... peculiar fellow. Is- he perhaps the strange, dark chakra?"

Hiashi banged a fist on the table, shaking his head. "Have you lost your senses? He has been screened and family for years, an excellent citizen, and nobleman who has been fascinated with Hanabi for years. He loves Hanabi,"

"Has he changed?"

He considered her question and let go of the anger. "In the last month or so, his actions became erratic but that is mainly due to his wedding nerves. He enjoys... your company a lot and spoke of you more in this past month. He was eager to meet his sister-in-law,"

Alright. She still does not like that Hiroki man. She will be damned if she's in a room with Hiroki- alone. Then the more glaringly obvious question came into play.

"Am I really getting married?" Hinata asked, holding her breath.

"No," he shook his head. "It was just a ploy to get you here though Reo may think it is real,"

Was he that desperate for Hinata that he... lied to all of Konoha for her attention? She didn't know whether or not to be flattered or angry. She settled on angry. Then she noticed the strange, also angry expression on his face. He didn't... do it? He seemed guilty.

"What? Who... suggested it?" Hinata asked.

"Hiroki. I knew the news of marriage would send you running unless you were betrothed to that Uchiha. There were reports of you and Sasuke being... understandably content with your decided, chosen life,"

"So you knew of me and Sasuke?" Hinata blanched.

"No one fakes looks of love and no one can ever say what and what isn't love," Hiashi's brow popped up. "You remind me of Hisana and me when we were young,"

That made Hinata brighten. It was nice. "Do you approve of Sasuke?"

"No," he added a sardonic chuckle. Hinata frowned. "But.... but he has kept you alive. Are you both in danger? Sasuke has probably amassed many enemies and you cannot be caught in this... war he caused," he said.

"I am not defenseless as you probably assume and second of all, Sasuke has kept out of trouble for the better part of the last five years. However, there is the threat of the DCA," she said.

"The DCA?" he repeated. "They wrangle with Orochimaru..."

Hinata gave him a rundown of the situation and he nodded, not interrupting to ask questions. Hiashi was perturbed but he kept his head.

Hinata nodded. "Akuma-oo-sama kidnapped Shigeko, the mother of Orochimaru's child. Kabuto, Orochimaru's most trusted ally and Kaiya, whom Akuma-oo-sama says he is related to," she explained.

Hiashi thought hard for a few moments. "The pawns and the others you mention- victims are linked to Orochimaru, you said. Orochimaru worked with Kaiya to eliminate Uchiha and take their eyes, right?"

"I think Kaiya wrecked their eyes before giving them to Orochimaru, that is why Orochimaru had hunted for Sasuke so hard," Hinata said.

Hiashi nodded. Konoha has had problems of flyers being dropped over Konoha filled with propaganda against the Kage and Konoha itself. It was always curated to make arise fear and dismissal of the government... with the sign KPPF and a skull with a king chess piece.

"Thus Akuma-oo-sama... seems to be fixated on you. Taichirou anyway, why is that?" Hiashi asked.

Hinata looked down, suddenly hot and awkward. "I spent a total of three days tending to his wounds. He became attached,"

"Attached?" he winced. The dismissive look she shot him said enough, she didn't want to speak of it anymore. He cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Enough of that, I just coveted a civilized discussion with you,"

Rage and hurt surged through her. "Is that really my fault, Hiashi? You do not like talking unless it's to command a person,"

He sighed like he was tired of her. "Hinata- you avoid all forms of contact and conflict. You run away from your problems," Hiashi accused.

She slammed her hands on the table. "I get that from you! Have you ever went to Hisana's grave? Mentioned when it was her birthday? You erased the very memory of her! I don't even know if she byakugan eyes or not!"

"You've seen her before when she lived and loved and laughed," he snapped. She could hear the simple animosity he has for her. She doesn't care.

She couldn't believe him! He's acting like it was her who wanted to be broken by this. She doesn't heal by forgetting. She can't. He's stubborn in his ways and he doesn't want to heal them.

"Hisana is no more than a name on my lips. A memory. Not a mother because of you! When she died, you took all the photos of her down. There's nothing. No little pieces of her that I could fall in love with," Hinata said.

He shook his head. "She's gone. Accept it. You cannot keep on living in the past, Hinata. You mustn't," he said slowly.

Hinata wasn't having any of it and she got to her feet. "I learn from the past, unlike you. I would rather feel agonizing pain every day than forget everything about my past and feel nothing at all-"

He furled his brow and pointed a shaking finger at her. "Do you know how frustrating it is to be around someone with the likes of Hisana?" he roared, clambering up to his feet.

She froze when they were eye to eye. He hasn't cared enough to yell at her in years. He has a calm disposition and she felt every syllable carve into her bones.

"Do you know how hard it would be to lose her again?" he continued bellowing. "How impossible it would be to love again the whole way I loved her?"

"I understand. You decided you didn't like me, as a daughter before I could break your heart, didn't you!"

"Who in the right mind wouldn't?" Hiashi asked, exploding. "It's shameful! A shinobi afraid of pain and love!" He came down from another rage and deflated like a balloon. "That was my weakness... and I forgave myself for that. I don't see why not I cannot do the same for you,"

Tch. What a mediocre excuse. He wanted her to forgive her for her weakness... 

Another long, long silence. She sat back down and the feelings between them were heavy and confusing.

"May I meet the grandchildren?" he asked in a small voice.

"It will be prepared," Hinata said and tears filled her eyes. She tried to dismiss the happiness but that's all she wanted- him to want her.

Silence.

He met her eyes and she fiercely wiped away tears with the back of her hand. "I see it was wrong and my guilt outweighs whatever I could give you in repayment," he said, defeated and sounding like a war happened in his mind.

"I don't want money or gifts," Hinata said quickly. She doesn't want to owe him anything.

"Ah... okay. You never cared for money or luxurious things. Hanabi thinks our Hyuuga pockets are endless... and treats us like so,"

Hinata brightened again, knowing her sister's habits. If they can't relate and talk about normal things, they could speak about something they both loved and knew- Hanabi.

A shinobi afraid of pain, huh, she whispered to herself. Maybe she's the same. She didn't think so. Before, she was. 

"Mother... would hate us fighting," Hinata said, sighing.

Hiashi's expression was water. Like her mother's name had no rippling effect or he's too in pain to register it. Hinata didn't know which she hated more.

"Neji would too," Hiashi replied.

He hasn't said Neji's name to her since the funeral. Eight years ago.

He cleared his throat and sounded happier. "You also... believe I haven't moved on from your mother... It's partially true-"

Hinata got up and shook her head. "Hiashi, I am really struggling with everything that happened today. From surprise marriages to honest betrayal... I do not want to think about mother and to be honest... you, right now. I would like to leave in peace. Without a headache. Without tears... You're killing me,"

Hiashi nodded and remained seated.

She wiped away the wetness. "Shinobi are also afraid of pain and love that I think fathers, mothers, and parents all take in stride... Don't be a shinobi when raising whoever..." she got up and rushed to the door.

She heard the sigh he released. A breath he has been holding in. He's crumbling apart because he wants her to stay.

She stopped. "For what it is worth, Hanabi grew up splendidly. You were a good parent to her. I was not there to witness her coming of age. That brings me great sorrow," she looked back. "Perhaps you could recount her stories to me. I'll bring tea..."

Hiashi looked shocked and closed and opened his mouth like a choking fish. Hiashi wounded her very soul but she could stop the bleeding. Maybe they could stop the bleeding.

"That would be nice..." he finally said.

She nodded, forcing herself to not look back as she left. The door shut behind her.

¤¤¤

She wasn't paying attention to where she was going and bumped into someone she hadn't expected; Anko. Her spiked purple hair was down and she was in a loose, baggy trench coat. Anko was shocked to see Hinata but she didn't recognize Hinata.

"Hey, sorry, Hyuuga," Anko apologized, a cheeky smirk on her lips.

Since when has Anko been allowed in the Hyuuga District? She's in here, trekking through the halls as if this were normal.

Anko gave a salute to Hinata and sidestepped the gray-haired woman.

"Off to see Hiashi," Anko said, whistling.

Anko walked away, confused at Hinata's muteness.

Hinata was thinking of that short but awkward encounter so hard that she hadn't noticed Hiroki looking at her intently from inside the shadows.

Her instinct screamed at her to continue her promenade but she remembered Hanabi's glare and how her sister wanted Hinata to like Hiroki. So, begrudgingly, Hinata nodded at Hiroki and passed him.

Then, as quick as a shadow, he slipped in front of her. His arms were crossed and he towered over her. His eyes were gleaming with trouble. His eyes roamed her body up and down, making her shift uncomfortably.

Her voice was low and barely audible. "Do you need something, Hiroki-san?" she asked through gritted teeth.

"C'mon Hyuuga Hinata... soon enough you'll scream that name," he scoffed.

"Excuse me?! What did you say?"

"I couldn't hear you, Hyuuga. Your voice is quiet... and mellow. My ears continue to fail," he said, feigning innocence.

"Excuse me, I have a quite busy day ahead of me," Hinata tried to get past but he blocked her path. "Move," she ordered, glaring at him.

He didn't move an inch. "The day dies as it goes on... but everyone is so enamored with the light; with the good; with the clean. They seem to forget what potential the darkness have. Its endless possibilities. The night is young and fresh. Shinobi don't need the night, they do however need protection. A new world, a new Hokage. Hokage is a title that is meaningless but useful at the same time. Would it be nice if a pseudo-Hyuuga was on the throne," he looked over at her.

Hinata narrowed her eyes.

A strange smile was in his voice. "This body- I mean, life is fun. I get a nice woman, a nice life and I am becoming clan head... Hyuuga Hinata, would you like to know why I am so satisfied with the now?"

"Why?" Hinata asked.

A wide smile graced his lips. "You have returned. Don't you believe that it's fate when stars align and things fall into place?" he chuckled. "My job is so much harder when you're not around..."

Hinata's fingers twitched and she was ready to use her metal affinity.

He cleared his throat, looking put upon and happy. "Konoha obviously needs a powerful and beautiful queen, right? Don't get me wrong, Hanabi is strong but she needs something small. Something like the clan. We are visionaries, I am. You are muscle with status. You would be good in the shadows with someone like me. There are currently six Kage level shinobi in Konoha; Uzumaki Sakura, Uzumaki Naruto, Hatake Kakashi, Senju Tsunade, Uchiha Sasuke,"

"That was only five..." Hinata pointed out.

"Yes," Hiroki paused. "And me,"

Huh? Hinata stood up straighter. Hiroki intends to be Hokage?

"I want you," he said.

"Excuse me?"

"I. Want. You," he repeated. "When chaos engulfs Konoha, would you like to be a second in command to me?"

Hinata shook her head. "I have no desire to serve you or remain in Konoha that long. Besides, someone with the likes of you will not make it in office by election,"

"By-election. By force is a means I intend to use," he told her.

"Force?"

"Force is a coping mechanism that everyone uses when events go wrong. Battles ensue. Humans love war. Shinobi couples don't love each other when they don't give each other scars," Hiroki told her, tapping his lips, where she burnt him with the Chidori.

"Relationships aren't founded on violence," she said. In an instant, a sword was pressed to his neck, sliding. "If you are abusing Hanabi then I will slit your throat here and right now,"

"Wouldn't you love to?" he asked. He leaned close to her ear and said, "Soon. Soon that sword will be used to slit the throats of those who wronged us,"

And he was gone. A puff of smoke that left her alone in the hallway. The Hyuuga halls felt more huge and unknowable but it's more daunting when Hiroki is out there, flirting with her and wanting her as a second in command.

When Hinata joined up with Hanabi and Ino again, they looked over wedding magazines and chatted lightly.

The wedding was on the 16th of December. Mighty odd feelings passed through her. Snow made everything pretty and fresh, with no mistakes in it yet. However, she promised she would attend though she knew that she may not survive that long.

For Hanabi and everyone else was immensely charmed by Hiroki and accepted his show. Hinata will play along but she won't let him hurt what is precious to her. Hanabi.

¤¤¤

At the motel.

Hinata's getting married? To some Hyuuga man? Sasuke tried his hardest not to yell at Karin but his efforts fell short when she began laughing.

"Why are you laughing?" he asked.

Giggles fell from her mouth and she bit her lips to try not to titter away. "When you get angry- I'm torn between thinking everyone is going to die or thinking it's so funny when you get mad," she laughed. "Ha, ha,"

His mind is feeling like a cinder block but also stretched out like a chewed up glob of caramel. He should have proposed first. Why didn't he just make it official if she's already something close to his wife?

"Marriage... to a cousin?" Sasuke sighed.

"You can't deny the advantages of marrying close within your family. Business stays within your lineage, you know them and money stays within your family. And the byakugan gets passed along..." Karin rambled.

With every single one of her words, Sasuke's glare intensified. She noticed and coughed, adjusting her glasses on the bridge of her nose. "And I'm shutting up now," she whispered.

"Good idea Hozuki," he grumbled. Stop defending incest. 

"Yep," she replied weakly. "It's an oldie but a goodie,"

She squeaked when he stared at her sharply. What should he do now? He thought Hinata would always be his and vice versa. That's what they were saying. That's the purpose of this. He liked the way things were. That's... Why change it? And now she's getting... sent off.

Mitsuyo came running into the living room. "Where is that Kage? I have to talk to him about the orphanage..." Mitsuyo faltered off when she noticed Karin's awkward movements and the broken door. She paused and folded her arms, scowling.

"What did you do Sasuke?" 

He was near blameless for this situation! "I didn't do anything, it was this idiotic fireball," Sasuke gestured towards the guilty Karin.

"Hey- uh, uh, Mitsuyo... How's it hanging?" Karin said, looking at everything but the hoary woman and Sasuke.

"The kids made the whole bathroom engulfed by baking powder," Mitsuyo rubbed her temples. "I don't know where they got it from or why they thought it okay to throw it everywhere. They wanted to see their winter wonderland and now I deal with your mess, Hozuki, a grown woman's. Che,"

Karin sighed. "They've never seen snow and all of our kids haven't experienced winter," she whispered and with the look in her eyes, you could tell she's been reminded of a good past. "It was winter all the time in Kusagakure... The sun was too lazy to come out for nine months..."

Welp. He's never going to Kusagakure. "I hate snow," Sasuke said lowly.

Karin swayed her body, angry. "Why? Snow and the frost- it's so pretty!"

"My mother loved it."

Karin clammed up, not very enthusiastic anymore. She probably noticed the pain in his voice but wisely didn't comment on it.

Karin hugged her stomach. "Mitsuyo- the door... It was me. I broke the door. Someina has gone to the evil side with Orochimaru... in exchange for the life of her sister. Now, Someina's getting tortured by Ibiki,"

"It's an understandable exchange," Mitsuyo whispered, hollowed out, "but unacceptable,"

"Aren't you mad?" Karin asked.

Mitsuyo looked out of the window. "Some loves last despite death, logic or reason and Orochimaru preys on that. I remember falling into Orochimaru's arms though he couldn't give me anything. Someina's naive enough to be fooled, Karin and I can't blame her for that..."

"I can! She's trying to kill Hinata and your daughter?!"

"Orochimaru has the frightening quality of knowing exactly what people want without ever meeting them," Mitsuyo shrugged. "I knew he... was more or less going to target Someina... It's my fault,"

Weighing her words for truth, Karin just scoffed.

"He does have that skill," Sasuke said.

Karin was still incredulous and angry but glaring off to the side.

"And apparently... Hinata is going to be married to some loser from her clan," Sasuke said, sitting on the floor. He kept up with so much but now he wants to sit, be a half-formed puddle of questions and loathing.

Mitsuyo approached him slowly, like a deer who's easily frightened. "You have to go to the Hyuuga district and take what's yours," Mitsuyo said, kicking away some debris. "You know Hinata will fight and fight against this because that's what she's like- she's probably over there now, breaking the clan elder's nose,"

"I know... I don't know why she has to follow her father's words and conform to those standards," Sasuke whispered.

"It's tradition... Fathers have been choosing their daughters' wedding grooms for ages," Mitsuyo laughed. "In my parents' time, that was the norm. The ever advanced Konoha has changed but people keep traditions. We'll be seeing a lot more of him because he's the kids' grandparent," Mitsuyo tilted her head at him. "Their his only grandchildren left,"

Their only grandparent... As a parent, Mitsuyo understood Sasuke's reactions but as a breathing, functioning sympathizer of Hyuuga Hinata, she wants to gut Hiashi with a ladle...

Kami. Konoha is such a kid. A kindergarten country that never learns from its mistakes. 

"Sometimes I think I want to burn Konoha and sometimes I want to save it from itself. Yeah, Naruto would kill me... Hinata would never look at me in the eye,"

"I bet all the fires I've counted in your sharingan eyes that you wouldn't because Naruto or Hinata said not to."

"Ah. It's whatever,"

"It's not whatever. It's you having more bonds than you think with Konoha itself,"

"Shut up," Sasuke said warningly.

"Konoha, a wrathful mistress, hasn't been good to you or me but you still protect this place nonetheless. You drink from her waters, cross her streets and you serve her people. I think you love Konoha more than you care to admit,"

"I do not!"

"Why would you rebuild and restart your life here, otherwise? Today is another day for you to find love for your motherland and Konoha comes for your love anyway though you shy bastard is stumbling away,"

"Shy bastard? I'm not fucking shy!"

"Maybe... not," She settled beside him and sighed. "You're clueless. A genius who isn't a genius,"

Sasuke shrugged, retreating to his thoughts. If we only get one life... Don't you want to live with her? You know you couldn't keep her fingers empty for long... Sasuke told himself.

"When the hell will you propose to Hinata?" Karin asked softly, leaning on the kitchen counter and startling the two.

He didn't want to answer but he surprised himself. "Soon..."

"I don't want... you to not be with her but you will lose her with this flighty attitude," Mitsuyo said to Sasuke. 

"If something happens, would you honestly leave me to go with Hinata?" 

"If that is what you ask for, Sasuke. You do have permanent easement into my life. Yes. Yes I would, only if you asked,"

"If Someina is Hinata's servant, that means you're mine?" Sasuke asked, flashing a smile in the otherwise morose situation.

She tapped her chin. "Yeah. Don't take it to your head." 

Sasuke laughed.

Karin watched them, skeptical and disappointed. "From power grabs to twisted leaders to hickeys, we aren't even fazed. Orochimaru really fucked us all up, didn't he?" 

Mitsuyo and Sasuke nodded. Everyone fucked them up.

"You guys don't care about Someina's act?" Karin continued.

Mitsuyo shrugged. "We care. There mustn't be indifference where there is meant for rage. A betrayal is honestly an act of self-perpetuation that I understand but she will probably never be let into our lives again," Mitsuyo said.

"Fuck this. I need to get to Hinata," Sasuke announced, standing up. He will get to her and sort this out.

Mitsuyo laughed. "Stay. Trust in Hinata,"

Sasuke just huffed. All he could watch Karin do is glare at the leaking tap and watch Mitsuyo's black eyes pounce from corner to corner of the room. Then Mitsuyo got up and prepped herself a tall glass of cranberry juice. 

"Since Orochimaru is after Kokoro and Kaito... can I bring Kokoro into our protection?" Sasuke asked Mitsuyo.

Mitsuyo's smirk was undeniably mischievous. "She most definitely deserves a talk. Finally, she must come home to me. My sweet love."

¤¤¤

Sasuke appeared outside of Kurenai's window and perched himself on a branch and watched the innocent Uchiha flit around. He had to admit that this was awkward. Seeing this Uchiha- her, was honestly a strange happening.

Kokoro looks like Mitsuyo- beautiful, yes, but honestly, a fucking brat who Orochimaru wanted dead. Kokoro acts like a kid, a teenage kid trying to go too far.

Before he could do anything about Hyuuga Hiashi, he must complete his task with Kokoro and save her stupid ass. It's like he's always saving those who want to die. Suigetsu. Jugo. Karin- all super suicidal. This is just great.

Kokoro is reckless and she doesn't even seem concerned with staying alive. Kokoro left the door open. Her windows are open. There are no protective seals. She's goddamn humming while cutting up food with looking at the board and making her presence painfully obvious with flares of Chakra in her system.

He needed to keep her safe. Those eyes- he needs them. He also needs her to have kids- which is less creepy than it sounds. Continuing his bloodline is for what it's worth- above everything else. Hn. What shall he do?

¤¤¤

The food Mitsuyo left for them was also good and the kids were taking their naps. Everything else the kids could postpone, argue against and skip but not taking a nap. Uchihas become hyperactive when they don't have a chance at a good night's sleep.

They sat at the low table and Sasuke hummed to the snazzy music that originated from Kumo. He liked some aspects of Kumo's culture; the festivals. The drinking culture there was amazing. People were more or less better and they had a lot more privacy. There were so many hidden nooks and crannies and dark parts of Kumo's society, though.

"Would you be a dear and untie me?" Mitsuyo grunted.

"No," Sasuke said, crossing his arms and shuffling his cards. He looked over to Kokoro, she was scared to death and quivering in her spot. "I won't untie you either,"

Mitsuyo rolled her eyes.

Sasuke set the cards down. "I think our plan worked quite well considering what was going on," he said to himself.

"It did. I wish I had more use of my arms though," Mitsuyo said.

"You know I can't give you that," Sasuke grumbled.

"I guess she'll have to wait until the night falls," Kokoro snickered.

Sasuke used his rinnegan to tighten the ropes around Kokoro and she huffed angrily to herself. She's such a bitch. Kokoro's pale face and darting eyes reminded him of Hinata but Kokoro wasn't all shadows and curves and love and lust.

But she did have Hinata's chakra. Sasuke noticed the mark on Kokoro's forehead. "That's Hinata's chakra. Why do you have it stored in you?" 

Kokoro looked embarrassed. "Hyuuga Hinata? She's been coming over to my house... just training me. She said I don't have any control over my chakra," she finished with a frown.

"People are just naturally weak but Uchiha come out on top," Sasuke gave a pondering look to Kokoro. "Sometimes, there are exceptions. Big exceptions,"

Kokoro gasped. "You're so rude!"

"And you're weak, we all have things to work on,"

"You Uchiha are really annoying,"

"Yeah yeah, shut up," Sasuke shrugged. "Don't make me cover your mouth,"

Kokoro stuck out her tongue and looked around. "You're just going to keep me hostage? You have violence lurking in your eyes, Uchiha but everything around here is influenced by a female presence though there are swords and scrolls everywhere. Has Kozakura been living with you? Or is there another woman you keep hostage?"

Sasuke shook his head. "You're completely unpleasant, did you know that?"

Kokoro was unbitten by the venom in his tone. "How do you even know Hinata?"

"How do I know Hinata?" Sasuke said. Every koan, moan, every inch, every single kiss. "She did me a favor and raised my four kids. Oh, traveled the world with me for, eh, five years,"

"A mistress?"

"No, are you dense? You and Naruto should meet up for ramen and just discuss dumb shit. She's my girlfriend, the future of all Uchiha," Sasuke scoffed.

Kokoro's face drained of any color. "Four kids... That's quite a lot. I heard you were celibate- and dead. Isn't that disappointing..."

Sasuke scowled. "It's like watching siblings argue. Sasuke's kids... Two of them are adopted. The other two are twins," Mitsuyo said. "After a while, they become the light of your life, not the sun..."

"Hinata said her partner is the only one who answers to her heartbeats. A heartbeat for each 'I cherish you' she wishes to say. A poet's heart and a murderer's hands..."

Sasuke chuckled, bright and reassured. "That's Hinata for you," he shot a dark look in Kokoro's direction. "Kokoro, I don't know why she bothers with you... However, you are in danger because Orochimaru wants you dead,"

"Why me?" she gasped.

"What happened?" Mitsuyo asked.

Kokoro was sheepish and small. "Well... Uchiha Sasuke, I got curious about his track record. I hit up my friend Shiho who babbled on about Orochimaru. She was fascinated by his crimes. One thing I noticed was that he met with a man with a mask. This make figure reminded me of someone I knew- Kozakura, he had your chakra signature and it wasn't Kaito. Then I maybe might have told him off and threatened to go to the Hokage," she explained without looking at him in the eye.

Sasuke facepalmed. "Idiot. You should stay with us, we're literally the only people you've got,"

"Fuck!" 

Sasuke winced. The kids might hear. 

"Kaito's run off to the sand village. He says he found true love but she's probably out for our family money. Hinata's just a mean sensei and you are into bondage and my mother is a loose woman. My whole family sucks," Kokoro complained.

"Well. We're the only one you have," Mitsuyo said.

"I know, don't make it wrose!" she sighed.

And just like that, Kokoro began living with him. He was worried about Someina and also annoyed of Kokoro but she proved to be a great errand girl when she wasn't bitching.

But she bitched a lot.