Sweet Dispositions

  -Chapter 37-
  Trusting It

In the hall, Someina scoffed. "Does no one recognize your skills as a jonin and top medical-nin in Konoha? Does anyone respect you both here? I haven't seen any degree of respect for you both, who come from noble clans," she said to Hinata.

Hinata tried not to frown. "Some people do respect me..." Hinata replied and adjusted Amarante on her hip. "but almost as much as the Rokudaime Hokage does,"

"You would wipe the floor with your opponents! Konoha lacks a brain or anyone with real smart thoughts. They're all daft," Someina huffed.

Sasuke stopped looking cross. "Che, it's always been like this. That's why I hate Konoha,"

Mitsuyo stared at the portraits lining the lower level walls. "Looks like Konoha has turned its back on you both," she after a look of introspective reflecting.

Hinata didn't want to feel upset about the recent treatment they've received. Instead, she looked at Sasuke and beamed. "Let's not focus on the negatives. Focus on the bright star who will win tomorrow's competitions! Our Sasuke will be fighting Naruto and the Raikage,"

"Do not bring shame to our clan name, Bozu," Mitsuyo said. "Or I will hack off all of your hair again,"

"What?" Hinata asked, appalled. "Why would you do that? Again,"

"It's an Uchiha tradition. If you lose a fight, you must cut off your hair. That is what Indra Otsutsuki did and we honor him," Mitsuyo smiled. "Snip, snip bozu,"

"Yeah right. Like I'd ever lose," Sasuke said.

Hinata nodded. "Speaking of Uchiha... we must meet your children now," Hinata told Mitsuyo.

Mitsuyo steeled herself for the encounter, reluctant to. "Very well,"

They parted. Sasuke and Someina went off to find a place to stay while Hinata split off with Mitsuyo to find her children. Hinata eventually had to let the secretary out of the barrier.

-x-

After looking for about twenty minutes, they landed on a haphazard rooftop.

As they cruised through the city, she noticed that the village has indeed expanded. There were many technological advances. It wasn't styled after the Edo era anymore.

The shinobi worked so hard to finish rebuilding the village. The civilians appreciated it. The wood jutsu user helped a lot. The artists and sculptors are working hard to restore Konoha to its former greatness. The village is so beautiful, in her opinion. Behind every window, there's a story. Always. She liked how history makes everything aged and familiar.

The people on the street down below hustled past each other. Kids held their parent's hands and the streets were flooded with people. She caught a flyer floating in the swirls of wind. The Bara festival was pushed back until tomorrow where there would be a huge fight between shinobi who volunteer. Naruto and Gaara were going to verse.

She looked at the chunin stadium. There were people already there.

Mitsuyo crossed her arms and Hinata showed her the flyers. Mitsuyo gripped it in her hands and hummed. "Sunagakure's and Konohagakure's mascots are versing. No wonder people are in a damn frenzy," Mitsuyo said, looking over the railing and to the streets down below. She crumbled up the piece of paper, throwing it.

"We should find somewhere to eat," Hinata said. The kids must be starving and none of them will eat her especially made trail mix packs of lunches.

"Got anywhere in mind?" Mitsuyo asked, scanning the crowd.

Hinata opened her mouth and pulled a blank. She had nowhere in mind. She didn't really go out with friends or suggest places to eat when she was with others. She worked herself to the bone without thinking of restaurants. Her father and Hanabi went to restaurants together- yes but never with her.

Mitsuyo just checked Hinata's expression. "What's wrong?"

She looked at her feet. Her feet, they know Kumogakure- not Konoha. She thought she'd be forever swaying with the coastline breeze of Kumo. She felt that... biting at her guilty conscious.

"Nothing- just... I don't remember anything about this place," Hinata whispered softly. "I barely paid attention. Everything looks different,"

Mitsuyo flicked back a strand of hair from her eyes. "Yes, indeed, dear," Mitsuyo agreed wistfully and studied at the streets. "I don't recall any of my childhood stores and parks being here. Perhaps we don't want to remember,"

Hinata looked over to the Hyuuga district. She really does hate the past before Mitsuyo and Sasuke. She's been thinking about her clan all day. She's wondering if they're wondering about her.

Mitsuyo eyed her. "You have to speak to your father, did you know that?"

"I'm a fan of avoidance," Hinata said.

"Why'd you come to Konoha if you want to stay hidden?" Mitsuyo asked. "At least I'm looking for my ungrateful kids,"

Hinata pursed her lips and concentrated. Maybe she's being ungrateful... Or she's being sensible. Maybe they don't want to see her. "Let's focus on finding your kids," She used her byakugan and looked through the crowd of thousands.

This competition was a marketing ploy. She saw Naruto's and Gaara's faces everywhere. Banisters and posters were plastered on wooden fences, strewn across the streets and even on the flyers that were everywhere.

The news had attracted many people eager to see their people win. This made for a mix of hard to find chakra signatures.

Hinata sighed. "This is the perfect time to hide in a crowd. There are hundreds of different chakra signatures. That's why we told Karin to stay with us," she grumbled.

Mitsuyo groaned and held the rusted balustrade of the roof. "I guess we'll have to try another time. Another day," she said calmly. Hinata watched as Mitsuyo's knuckles became a bloodless hue of white. She was eager and stressed out, despite how much she played it off.

Wild luck allowed the next moment to happen. Mitsuyo suddenly sprung off of the roof and into the masses below. "I see her!" she yelled, already gone.

Hinata quickly succeeded her and she saw Mitsuyo's daughter.

People could start wars over her visible beauty. Her vulcanite-black hair plunged over her shoulders. Her glossy skin was creamy and she had a delicate look to her. She held a brown bag of groceries since this street was filled with fresh produce.

The moment Hinata lept off of the home and down below, Mitsuyo's daughter became awfully aware of what happened. She knew she was being followed. Without much care for the civilians around her, she abandoned her groceries in the air and bolted away, pushing through people and disrupting everyone.

In the pursuit, she did not look back once. Hinata saw her vermillion eyes and the chakra she infused was molten-hot.

Hinata made a barrier and told people to brace themselves. Mitsuyo's daughter blew a large and hot fireball in the middle of the road.

The barrier she made contained most of the flame and no one got burnt. Thank kami.

Hinata summoned her sword and both Mitsuyo had to dodge people and things that the daughter tipped over to lose them.

After about three minutes, Hinata and Mitsuyo gained speed on the woman. "What the hell do you want with me?" Kokoro asked, speeding through the street in the shopping district.

"We just need to talk," Hinata yelled.

"Talking my ass! You just want to kill me! That's all you Konoha-dogs want to do!" Kokoro yelled and threw shuriken.

"No! Uchiha Kokoro, stop right at this moment," Mitsuyo ordered.

"Kozakura?" Kokoro asked, remembering her mother enough.

Kokoro faltered for a moment and Hinata took advantage of the hesitation. She caught the shuriken mid-air and molded them into senbon. She concentrated and used a seal to immobilize the woman she was about to throw it until she spotted the woman staring across from her at the street.

Then- something like a mystical force pulled her to look to her left. That chakra. That ever permanently scent of dried flowers and sweet, feminine perfume.

Ino.

Yamanaka Ino was alone, at the shop, looking... like the best friend she left behind three years ago.

Hinata looked at her and paused. She couldn't describe how words made her feel. She couldn't stay long. She watched Kokoro and Miirsuyo jump through the streets. She had a duty-

But... Ino is such a beautiful flower. Her hobbies hadn't changed. She's out in the sun, shopping. She was still twin-thin and wasp-waisted with revealing deep royal purple skirt that reached her calves and a cropped kimono shirt that exposed her taught pale stomach. Her platinum hair covered one of her rapture-blue eyes, tied back in a perfect ponytail.

Her varnished film star nails were marble-still and a plump peach rolled out of her dainty hand. It fell onto the dusty ground. For them, it was the only sound for miles.

She looked like she just saw a dead man rise again.

Ino had a mature air to her and a more ladylike personality. "Oh kami," Ino said, a sharp gasp spilled from her pouty nude lips.

Hinata opened her mouth to say something but Ino got out of her daze, moving quickly. She got the soiled peach and stuffed the bottom of her grocery bag. "Uh- I've. I've got to go,"

And just like that, she wobbled away. Her knee-length hair followed behind her.

"Come over here! I got her," Mitsuyo yelled.

Ino heard Mitsuyo's voice and they made eye contact again. Hinata tore her eyes from her old friend and left.

-x-

Hinata remembers, as a kid, when she got to the Yamanaka Flower shop a young, blue-eyed, pretty kunoichi Ino would be at the front desk, bored and probably thinking about getting out of there. The silver bells made a tinny sound as Hinata would push the glass door open, alerting the bored girl into helping. Hinata really hated making sounds then but it was alright when Ino gave her a small, sort of non-existent smile. Hinata used to visit mid-day when it was high noon and her sandals against the ground heated up

Those days are gone. Now Hinata couldn't pretend that there's something left. It would just be foolish to assume they can come back from this.

Hinta climbed into the apartment that belonged to she assumed Kaito and Kokoro. It was a bare house on the second floor. They recently moved in. There was no future, no electricity and the lights came from the large windows. It smelled foul in the house, not like summertime flowers.

"Who was the woman you talked to?" Mitsuyo asked as she observed Hinata at her side.

Hinata was unsteady, hit with a heavyweight. Something lingered in her, some emotions that she couldn't account for. She... only recognizes how awful she felt in Konoha. "No one of significance. At least not anymore,"

Kokoro's mouth was covered by a seal Mitsuyo made.

"Why would you, you are going to murder me?" Kokoro asked loudly. She looked at Mitsuyo. "You're my own mother, how could you?!"

Mitsuyo inclined her sharp eyebrow. "How could I what?"

"Kill me!" Kokoro yelled. "I"m your daughter! How sick are you? Dating Danzo, cheating on Oto-chan and working with Orochimaru-"

"That's enough badmouthing. This is an area of peace... Don't get any crazy ideas. We're here to talk," Hinata assured her.

Kokoro was having none of it. She was silent for a few moments then shouted at the top of her lungs. "Help! Help! I am getting tortured," she screamed.

Hinata sighed and made a soundless dome surrounding them. Kokoro's next yell died on her tongue. "That's just cruel. Make the soundless seal so no one will hear my screams?" Kokoro said, realizing what Hinata did.

Hinata shook her head and Mitsuyo explained before Hinata had the chance. "No... it is because no one can hear our discussion about the Uchiha unless you want to die in the next few hours. Rumors have big teeth, I don't want danger to bite you,"

"Like you ever cared about us, Kozakura," Kokoro hissed. "None of the Uchiha deserved to die for loving their clan,"

"Precisely," Mitsuyo nodded. "We just want to talk about you about the Uchiha and where your place is,"

"It's never- ever going to be with you," Kokoro said and looked away.

"How lovingly parents guide you when kids go towards danger or freedom. Parents still get crap attitude from belligerent teenagers,"

"Hey, I am twenty-four. You weren't there for any of my birthdays,"

"That's not my fault. You left eight years ago when you were seventeen. How was I supposed to react? You both told me never to follow," she turned around and looked at the barren, shabby apartment. "You would have been living way better had you have stayed with me,"

They looked around the... worn down apartment. "It's rustic and retro," Kokoro hissed, suddenly nervous and self-conscious. "I like it,"

Mitsuyo laughed in her usual mocking and unimpressed way. She finished with a deep grimace. "This place is falling apart. It smells like a rat died in here," Mitsuyo sniffed the air and gagged.

"That's weird. You haven't died yet," Kokoro commented.

"Shut your ugly mug, you ungrateful brat," Mitsuyo gritted her teeth and Hinata shook her head. She redid the seal that immobilized Kokoro's lips.

"You have to listen here," Hinata said. "We have five perfectly amazing sharingan wielders with two byakugan users in this quaint clan we'd like to conserve. We don't want you to have kids... we just want you to know how to use your sharingan to protect yourself. Will you join us?"

Kokoro struggled to speak so Hinata undid the seal. "What is it?" Hinata asked.

"I know how to use it. Isn't Uchiha Sasuke dead? I don't want to be anywhere near Kozakura or Kaiya. The last straw for me and Kaito was when Kaiya killed an Uchiha who tried to get in contact with us. We discovered our sharingan eyes just prior to that experience then we saw our aunt kill someone and mother clean it up,"

Mitsuyo looked away. "I understand that I wasn't in the right mind then,"

"You had three children but you acted like you only loved one of them," Kokoro said. "We pretended that you weren't our mother when you went out in public, did you know that?"

"Yes. I was there, very aware of your resentful, snotty attitude," Mitsuyo said.

Kokoro rolled her eyes. "Uchiha Sasuke is very much dead and I want to learn how to use my sharingan but I do not want to be associated with you guys,"

"He is alive," Hinata said.

"How do you know?" Kokoro gasped.

Revealing that she lived with Sasuke was very risky. She didn't know who Kokoro would squeal to or what she would do with the information. She didn't seem very loyal to anyone but her brother. She outright hated Mitsuyo and was hostile to Hinata. Should they even be here?

"Because he's alive," Mitsuyo said, catching onto Hinata's hesitation. "Just trust it,"

"I can't trust you," Kokoro said.

Hinata crossed her arms and sighed. "Well, he really wants to make this work. He usually never sends invitations to outsiders," she said hopefully. "Will you join us in the restoration of the Uchiha clan?"

"I don't care about what he wants. It's my life, so I care about what I choose to. Doll-face, you just don't make it on the list," Kokoro said.

"Sasuke will be very disappointed in you and your brother," Hinata said.

Kokoro's gaze fell on Mitsuyo and they mirrored unimpressed scowls on their faces. "It can't ever be as much as you disappointed me, Kozakura," Kokoro said.

Tired of her attitude, Hinata couldn't ignore her irritation any longer. "Perhaps he will not want you in his clan. You have nothing to add but snarky comments and hate. Soon enough, nobody will," Hinata said and straightened her cloak.

"However, it is cruel to leave you in such a... retro apartment," Hinata said, regarding everything as dirty. She dropped a ninety thousand yen on the table. "Spend the money wisely,"

Kokoro's eyes widened and she sputtered into her seat. "Where did you get that?"

Hinata smiled humbly. "I work as a top medical-nin and jonin. My partner works. Did I mention we're not only the strongest but the richest clan in Konoha history? And my father owns the second richest clan in history," she said as she looked over her shoulder at Kokoro's open mouth. "But you... are comfortable living retro,"

Mitsuyo snickered as she walked out the door.

-x-

Hinata stood on the roof of Kokoro's house, overlooking the city. "That... was unpleasant," she admitted. "No offense,"

"She is an unpleasant person. It is just as much my fault as it is hers. Mostly mine. We have no kinship. I understand it was foolish of me to try," Mitsuyo responded as they stared at the depths underneath.

Hinata reached out and squeezed her arm. "No. Mitsuyo- I would've been over the moon if my estranged father actually tried to repatch things. He honestly doesn't care," Hinata said, calling it for what it was. He didn't care.

Mitsuyo seemed less heartbroken after Hinata's confession. "We've got to get to Sasuke, tell him about the news of this Kokoro's actions-"

She was interrupted by Hinata's loud gasp. Mitsuyo's confused expression faced hers as they stared at each other for a while.

"What?" The older woman said.

Hinata briefly grinned. "I think I remember a restaurant,"

"Really?" Mitsuyo asked.

Hinata nodded. "Amaguriama! It's not exactly a restaurant but a sweet's shop with different types of dango and rice cakes. Neji liked the Rock Rice cakes and Kirin Nectar. We ate there constantly," Hinata said, trying to retrieve something else. She gave up. "Let's look at the menu!"

Mitsuyo didn't budge. She smiled and said, "I'll catch up,"

"Where are you going?" Hinata frowned.

"I have to speak to an old friend. She's probably drunk or at the hospital," Mitsuyo said, scanning the village, smiling hesitantly. "Go on, enjoy the life of the village. You haven't been very happy about being here. Get a smile while exploring,"

Hinata nodded as she watched Mitsuyo leave. "I'll go back to the... motel. Yeah,"

It's Hanabi's favorite restaurant. Maybe that's why she remembered it.

Unable to help herself- Hinata didn't go back to the motel yet.

Her feet did this on their own! She was reminiscing about her sister, the real reason she returned to Konoha. Not for the sights, the smells or the nostalgia- she just wanted to hear the laugh she would recognize anywhere.

She actually stood on the rooftop of one of the Hyuuga estate's communal houses. She knocked out the guards that were in the Hyuuga district, guarding the gates to her hell and heaven of a childhood home.

In her youth, she thought his place was absurd to sneak into or out of. She was wrong, so very, very wrong.

She recalls running around the largest district in Konoha with Neji and Kiba. Kiba loved mouthing off to the guards she easily knocked out. It was funny at the time.

Her bones ached when she remembered the Senbon Sparring ritual. The Hyuuga must spar one thousand times and win most of it. Hinata never really won. That caused her father to shun her during the embarrassment of other clan members mocking her.

This place is a fortress yet she managed to get through its defenses. She forgot how prestigious and luxurious it looked. The traditional houses looked like lined up beauty pageant contestants in the quiet, affluent area.

There was no crime. There was Hyuuga watching with their 360° vision. None of them noticed her yet, despite saying they have the best security in the whole of Konoha. Lies. It was subpar.

The streets were taken care of, it was very trim. She knew that was the work of the branch members. None of the main house members cleaned. Hinata tried to help out in the kitchen and clean the ever-polished brown floors from time to time.

She knows that she still despises the elders. And some parts of her father. She tries not to.

She balanced on the roof and got low, laying on her stomach while she watched the branch members of her clan in their average, everyday life. They probably didn't care that she "died," because most branch members openly hate the main branch family members. Even her uncle showed aggression and resentment towards her. She was just a babe.

Despite not having that closeness, she knew it felt good to see eyes like hers. It was... awkward being the only one with the byakugan while in Konoha, they were a dime a dozen.

She was calm until she felt Someina's chakra beside her. She managed to sneak into the Hyuuga district without being seen. Hinata knew she was a competent shinobi the moment the red-clad girl flopped onto her stomach and slid up close to Hinata without being heard.

Hinata wasn't very happy to see her. One calculated blow from the hands of a clan's member means a friend she'll have to bury. She couldn't put any of them in danger, that is why he came here alone. "What are you doing here?"

Someina cocked her head to the side, surprised that Hinata didn't want to see her. "You were alone and Mitsuyo returned to the motel in the Hotspring district," Someina said, whispering. Her eyes scanned the courtyard that was busy with Hyuuga.

"How did you get in here?" Hinata asked, knowing her nanny wouldn't leave her alone.

Someina smirked and it was blinding. "Sneaking into somewhere isn't that hard. After five years of living with you and Sasuke, one must sneak into highly guarded areas and jails," Someina said. She peered around, hissing lightly. "Security is tight. So, Hinata, how did you break in so quickly?"

"I grew up in this area," Hinata said dismally.

Someina just gasped, eyeing the splendid view. "This is where you grew up?" Someina gasped. "You are a white-sashed princess! Oh my,"

Hinata shook her head. "This is where the branch members of my clan grew up. I lived over there," Hinata said. Hinata pointed to the largest and most decorated mansion in the distance. "That is my childhood home,"

Someina was about to gasp but Hinata covered her mouth. "Hush, darling! We have to stay quiet. We have Konoha's fastest and greatest taijutsu. Believe or not, the branch members have better taijutsu since they practice it more than the main members,"

"Branch members?" Someina asked.

Hinata briefly explained the inner workings of her clan and Someina got upset. "The older ones have weird forehead tattoos. What's so bad about being in the branch's family?" Someina whispered.

"Those aren't forehead tattoos. Those are cursed seals. They allow my father and the main family to control the branch family, essentially making them slaves," Hinata said. "I was going to have to get one and have a suitor's child. There's a chance they may even brand me now,"

Someina's golden eyes glittered. "They won't. I will protect you,"

Hinata beamed. "The main family runs the clan while the branch family protects it. The branch hates the main family because of that. If any of them see us, we're toast,"

Just when she said that she saw her father. She didn't recognize him at first. He wore traditional clothing, a long-sleeved brown haori jacket in his hot weather.

Seeing him brought up hurt that should have been dismissed.

Hiashi Hyuuga doesn't neglect her... he avoided her at convenient times. Neji didn't bother trying to appease him when she was young. She still tried. He has never been a shoulder to cry on, he never reads to her, he doesn't offer her congratulations nor does he notice her accomplishments. He is serious, hardworking and busy. He has a clan to run or is that an excuse not to love her?

Still, he does avoid her. Even when he is near to Hinata, in all of its situational rarity, she feels like she is standing with to an army. She has to admire the fearsome man from afar.

Despite his unfatherly attitude and his harsh words and punishments, he so good at his job, which is being the clan leader. He keeps everyone in line, he maintains the respect and dignity of the clan, trains Hanabi and a lot of the other Hyuuga while being so unbeatable and respected. He's the best at his job.

He was such an awful, awful father. He didn't care if she died, he was going to brand her and her children and he ignored her for most of her entire life. The only real reason she turned out mostly fine was that of her friends and leaving Konoha. He took care of everyone but his own children...

She felt like moving away until she noticed a spring Hyuuga move frantically towards Hiashi.

"Lord Hiashi! Lord Hiashi-sama! This message is urgent!" The Hyuuga cried, his long black hair flying behind him.

Hiashi noticed the commotion and stopped moving. He was about to move inside with an entourage but stopped.

He was a bit interested. "What is it, Tokuma?" Hiashi grumbled. None of Hiashi's entourage seemed happy to see the young Hyuuga flail across the courtyard with the news.

Tokuma stopped at Hiashi's feet, panting heavily. He bowed several times, trying to catch his breath. A sheen of sweat brimmed his upper lip. "Sir... Lord Hiashi-sama... pant... pant... we just got sightings of a woman with byakugan eyes and a daughter with similar eyes,"

It was dead silent in the courtyard. Everyone burst out in rambunctious, turbulent laughter. Tokuma's cheeks reddened and he apprehensively fiddled with the printed photo in his hands.

Hiashi leveled his cold, featureless white orbs.

He scoffed and stood taller, miffed at what the younger clan member shared. "Once again, you have wasted my time, Tokuma-san. A Hyuuga woman and her daughter in the streets of Konoha has been an everyday occurrence for over two hundred years. Excuse me, I have important matters that require my attention," Hiashi said harshly then turned away.

"Poor boy," Someina said. Hinata nodded in assent.

Tokuma jutted out his arm and bowed deeply. "N-no. You must listen to me. This is urgent and it is an emergency,"

"This is not the time for games or cocky shenanigans. We must prepare our Hyuuga competitors to verse in the Bara competition tomorrow. We shall win the respect of many villages when we win the fights. If I do not oversee the training and correct bad habits, it will lessen our chances of victory,"

Tokuma nodded and seemed eager to share his information. "I fully understand but this is important. This woman and child descended off of a summoning hawk with none other than Uchiha Sasuke,"

No emotions of Hyuuga Hiashi-sama seemed stirred by the revealed secret.

The rest were intrigued. Hinata gasped internally. Everyone has eyes. They're not good at keeping their eyes closed. They're talking about her. That's why she felt a random flash while dismounting from the hawk earlier today. She understands.

Someina's hand reached out to hers and tightened her iron death grip. She's nervous.

Hiashi's mouth settled into a hard line as his entire body tensed up. It was like watching a viper readying to strike. "Uchiha Sasuke, although it is not preferred, collaborates with our clan-members from time to time. It is rare but it does happen," Hiashi stated.

Tokuma nodded, delighted at Hiashi's prolonged attention. "Yes... but we couldn't recognize this woman. She resembles our clan's members but her hair is white with teal highlights and she wore the Uchiha crest on the back of her cloak,"

Hinata and Someina shared fearful glances. Someina began panicking. Hinata could hear her battering heart in her chest.

Hyuuga Hiashi finally seemed outraged. "That is impossible. There has never been a Hyuuga across the five great countries that I do not have knowledge on. None of them have silver hair. It is against clan protocol,"

The other Hyuuga were whispering, a cloud of mystery had been put over their heads. Hinata knew, painfully, that they were talking about her. This is bad. This is so bad.

Tokuma shoved a printed photo into Hiashi's hands. "This is her with the four children that seem awfully similar in facial structure. It is not the best since I was in a rush so the image is blurred,"

Hiashi snatched the image from his inferior's hand. He squinted at it.

"Who is she?" Hiashi pondered aloud, confused.

"The most frightening thing about this encounter shortly after I took the photo, a man also watching the strange Hyuuga woman told me that Hyuuga Hiashi is a grandfather. That you, Lord, have grandchildren,"

Hinata's heart stopped.

Hiashi's stone-cold face was blank and he was unmoving. He didn't seem bothered. However, his eyes betrayed him. It was an epiphany.

It was a manifestation of-of the impossible; Hinata being alive, Hinata having children and being caught in an innocent moment with Sasuke. Hiashi was with nowhere to run as if he was at the edge of a cliff. Even him, a realist, became a seeker to the possibilities of Hinata not being dead.

"What I am really saying is that Hyuuga Hinata-hime may not be deceased after all,"

"Oh this is so daft," Someina cursed. She looked at Hinata. "What the hell do we do now?"

Hinata couldn't speak or move. She was transfixed with his reaction. Or lack thereof.

"But Hinata... is dead. It cannot be," Hiashi said. He was ready for the emotional impact of the statement.

"The Hokage was the last place she visited," Tokuma said.

Ko, her especially chosen bodyguard since she was six, was also transfixed by the pain of hearing her name. "Hinata-hime is alive?" he asked.

Hiashi seemed pained too but he looked over to her old bodyguard. "I do not know. We must investigate," Hiashi said.

Oh, cheese and crackers. Hinata yanked on Someina's slacked arm and took off. They jumped through Konoha until she found was directed to the motel they stayed at.

-x-

Sasuke was swindled and had to pay extra for this room. It was no secret that no one wanted to offer him a room for obvious reasons. He was good with sleeping in the trees and it was a bad habit Hinata scolded him for. He just felt comfortable in the branches, high up, where he was all-seeing.

But- it was hard to get service here. In Kumo, everyone got over him living there and accepted it. In Konoha, the wounds of his betrayal were fresh. They didn't accept his presence. This was salt in the wound.

Even Hinata felt unwelcome. She hasn't necessarily reached out to any of those she so desperately wanted to seek out. Now, she's hesitant to approach anything. It is his fault but she didn't want to cross over to them. Maybe she doesn't forgive them or she's scared to. Sasuke couldn't tell.

Man. He hated this place already. From Kakashi being an asshole to just the general flood of memories that washed over him. This is by far the longest period of time of him being here.

The kids were having a ball, being in Konoha. They liked all the colors, the confetti that was released into the street, the fun everyone seemed to be having and the food. They liked the television, the channels that played. They also liked the food Mitsuyo brought for them.

Sasuke spat out the talc-tasting water. The damn tap water tasted weird and less clean than the water in Kumo. Mitsuyo watched as he collapsed on the couch, grumbling. He misses their old couch but it's burned into smithereens. He tried to be covert with his strategic brooding, so the kids don't notice but it was hard.

"Bad day?" Mitsuyo asked.

Sasuke was about to answer with "Bad life," but that seemed too dark and despairing. He left the village for the atonement of his sins and accidentally knocked up a Hyuuga instead of actually focusing on Kaguya and the ten-tails. He said that he would look for threats to Konohagakure's safety but he honestly didn't want to be in Konoha.

He also didn't mind someone ruining Konoha to find the rinnegan. He admits without a doubt that he'd rather choose to save Kumogakure over Konoha. He did save Konoha's cursed existence from time to time but the rinnegan was too powerful. He knows many people who would readily rip it from his eye socket. Then again, he knew that Taichirou protected him, inadvertently, because of Hinata.

Still. Bad life. He still wants to visit the Uchiha district. It was beside the Hyuuga district.

Would Hinata agree?

Benjiro eyed Sasuke and made long, drawn-out strides towards him.

He was acting suspcious.

Until he pounced, moving with the agility of a graceful panther, onto Sasuke's stomach. He winded Sasuke and got comfortable. "Konoha's lame like you said," he admitted.

Sasuke felt the twitch of his facial muscles. He couldn't smile. He really couldn't. "It is, isn't it?" Sasuke said neutrally.

Benjiro nodded and poked his forehead. "Ka-chan's not always right," Benjiro concluded.

Sasuke nodded. "But she is ninety-nine percent of the time,"

"I thought you were the man of the house," Benjiro said, crossing his arms. "You aren't, are you? Ka-chan's the strong one. Bleh! Are all women like that?"

"No," Sasuke shook his head.

"They are chatty and follow you around lots," Benjiro said then widened his dark eyes. "Suigetsu said you're whipped during poker. What does "whipped" mean?"

Suigetsu just needs to stop talking to his kids, that's what it means. However, Sasuke does know why. He was still pissed off, though. "Anything that Uncle Suigetsu tells you is wrong,"

"Wrong?"

Sasuke nodded. "Because of him, I know just how stupid someone can be without dying," Sasuke shared and Benjiro grinned, poking his nose. "Girls aren't too bad to talk to,"

"Why kiss 'em so often? An' say pretty words and dance with them in the kitchen like you guys do?" Benjiro asked.

He saw them dancing in the kitchen? Weird. The answer was simple and concrete. Even after five years, she still makes him nervous. "Cause you'll love 'em," Sasuke shrugged. "Plus, you'd be nowhere without women,"

The sex is good, too. Waking up and looking into her eyes in the morning was better.

Benjiro narrowed his eyes. "I don't get it,"

"That's okay," Sasuke shrugged. "You'll get it when you're older,"

"I don't wanna grow up," Benjiro said. "and pay taxes, and go on missions. I wanna stay here, with you and Ka-san an' Hiro and Ama and Taiyo,"

Sasuke nodded. "Then stay forever young. Enjoy today, 'kay Ben?"

Taiyo eventually joined them and they all relaxed on the couch, watching tasteless movies. Later on, both Hinata and Someina tumbled into the motel they currently rented. Now, though, Hinata looked panicked and Someina was breathing hard.

"Ka-chan!" Benjiro yelped excitedly. He sprung off Sasuke and laughed. The kids ran to her and cheered, all talking at once.

"Hello loves," she said when they tipped over her. They always loved her more, he supposed. He's alright. Benjiro smiled a bit, rejoicing in his mind. Mitsuyo seemed alarmed and eyed a pale, nervous Someina.

While sitting before, Mitsuyo stood up in alarm. "What's wrong?"

Someina's hands trembled. "Some Hyuuga creep took photos of us getting off your hawk earlier today. Then, he went to Hinata's father and told him he had grandchildren," Someina explained frantically. "Then he was like, "We must investigate," to some Hyuuga and they all went to the Hokage tower. Panicked, we knew they'd see the footage of Hinata and she panicked. She went to the powerline nearest to the Hokage tower and we cut a bunch of wires with reckless abandon. Then we broke every camera in the city,"

That's one way to deal with this problem.

"First of all, why would you do that? Second of all, why would you do that?!" Mitsuyo asked loudly.

Hinata jumped at Mitsuyo's tone and got up after kissing their faces. She sent them away. The kids filtered out of the room and went off to play.

Hinata finally answered the question. "I didn't want him to meet them this way- without you guys there. They could have done some serious damage to me or Someina,"

"Or you could have bonded and revealed the truth," Mitsuyo said.

"My father didn't seem happy at finding out about me. He's probably upset at the news of my being alive," Hinata whispered.

It is still sad that Hinata can't speak to her father about her problems. They were both looked down upon by their fathers. He commiserates. He knows. Her pain is still there physically and presently. His pain isn't.

"Either way, I didn't want to see him. Our kids do... though,"

Mitsuyo pursed her lips and gathered Hinata in a hug. Hinata allowed the prolonged embrace to happen and was soothed.

Sasuke wished he could do more.

They agreed that it would be safer to stay inside. They knew going outside means confrontation. It was shameful to be under a roof so Mitsuyo and Sasuke left with the kids, to enjoy the games and carnival fun.

Hinata and Someina cuddled beside each other, eating their favorite Kumo comfort food; tomatoes and dried fish sticks.

-x-

Sasuke woke up to the sound of Hinata cursing in the friendly, mother Hinata way. Like, "What the clams?" and "I bet your fish sticks," and his personal favorite, "What in Kami's name is this carnation?" Get it, a substitute for damnation? She should stop. It's very cute.

He looked out of the window. It's like five a.m. Why is she awake?

The kids were piled overtop of him. Mitsuyo was asleep in a comfy chair and Someina was curled up on the floor. Both with blankets.

The layout of the motel was an open one so he could see Hinata's shadow looming over what he recognized as... peanut butter and freshly picked vegetables.

He silently got up near the night owl, not bothering to alert her. He crossed his arms and yawned, sending her a forlorn look. "Ocha. What are you doing?"

She jumped and turned around, smeared peanut butter on the corner of her thin, red lips. She's biting them again. She pushed the package of- carrots behind her back and stuttered. "N-nothing. Ano, d-do I look suspicious?" she asked. He heard her breathe speed up and her eyes dilate.

"Very," he nodded.

She looked at her feet pointed towards him. He stared at the chalky fists that clenched the edge of the counter too tight. "Did I wake you?" she asked softly.

He wanted to say yes but he wakes up during calculated times of the night. He is paranoid, yes but for good reason. Besides, he felt cold and she was his natural little heater, a light. It's natural to follow the heat source. He drops his arm around her waist and inhales the addicting scent of her hair. It's his security.

However, she didn't wake him up. "No," he said, finally.

She didn't seem any less happy. "Well. I'm sorry for making noise,"

He shrugged. "It's whatever. Come back to bed. You're too stressed,"

"Stressed?" Hinata laughed awkwardly. "Stress? Never heard of it,"

"Then why are you awake?" Sasuke queried.

"To watch the... er, sunrise," she lied but she was a terrible liar.

He scoffed. "You hate the sunrise. Besides, you have this rule of no one bothering you until 10 a.m or someone is getting a byakugan hit,"

"That was in Kumo," Hinata argued. "You don't know when I am stressed,"

"Oh really, Hyuuga?" Sasuke challenged.

"Yes really, Uchiha,"

"I do," he protested.

She crossed her arms. "Hmm. Then try me. Tell me when I get stressed," Hinata said. "Be my guest,"

He stepped forward and began talking. He knew her. He knew her like the back of his hand. "When you were stressed during your pregnancy, you climbed out of bed and ate a lot,"

"And what would those snacks be?" Hinata asked.

"Hn. Full jars of crunchy peanut butter and carrots with sea salt sprinkled in under the kitchen sink,"

"Go on. What else do you know about when I am stressed?"

He reached out and traced a hand starting from the tip of her finger and to the soft spot of her elbow and back down again. "You get a stylus pen or octopus ink and draw on me. They wouldn't be beautiful... they're mad scribbles and I am left with the weirdest tattoo,"

He recreated a random pattern she messed up on her arm.

"You said you liked them," she playfully smacked his hand away.

He captured her fingers in his and tugged at her. "Yes. But they were awful,"

Her eyes twinkled. "Then?" she asked.

Sasuke recounted the evidence. "You steal... multiple and hold them super tight. Just like how you stole the carrots from the home across the street," he said. "I could smell the fresh dirt and you left the window opened,"

Hinata giggled and looked over at the partially opened window. "What else?" she laughed, trying to cover it up.

He trailed his finger over the contour of his lips. "You also... bite your lip when you're nervous and... your pinky finger's curls when you lie," he reached out to her hand and brought her hand up to his lips. He kissed her pinkie.

She blushed. "What else do I do?"

They locked gazes. "You drink more than three cups of distilled coffee because the caffeine makes you concentrated. Two sugars, no cream and you pace and walk and pace and pace. I especially like the part when you pace," he said. "into my arms,"

She reached up on the balls of her feet and threw her arms around his neck. "And?"

Sasuke's hands were on the curves of her waist. "We'd play a record you stole from the Raikage's house and we'd laugh because we got away with it for three years and counting. You kiss me and we lay in bed for hours and I trace your flower tattoos till you feel better,"

She laughed, her head dropped into the crook of his neck. Eventually, he wrapped his arms around her and she steadied her breathing.

"So come back to bed," he whispered into her hair. She shook her head.

"Let's stay here, shush,"

He abided to that plea, swaying gently and holding her. Once she was a bit better, he kissed her temple. "What's on your mind, ocha?"

Drawing a hard sigh, she gave up the truth. "I liked it better when we were harder to find," Hinata whispered. "What if coming here was a mistake? And they don't want to see me?"

"Oh. They'd love you. You're Hinata," Sasuke said.

"Keisuke was kinda right. No one remembers me when I was there... so why would they remember me now?"

"Because you're great and annoying," Sasuke reminded her.

Hinata pushed on his arms. "I miss the time when it was only me and you and the kids. It was the best," Hinata told him.

He held onto her tightly. "It was, wasn't it?" Sasuke said honestly.

They were silent again, eased and tangled in each other's thoughts of other times. Hinata swayed a bit. "Our house burned down. I miss the old house. Where are we gonna find that again? We have the money, yes but the geography and location must be perfect,"

"I liked Kumo," Sasuke shared. "Though I left a lot, it was a good place to settle down. Konoha is usually the place people turn to for raising their kids... At least that's what the studies show,"

"When have you read studies?" Hinata inquired, wanting to call him out for lying.

"Since forever. I was at the top of the class. I know those scrolls like the back of my hand," Sasuke shrugged. "Konoha... can, sometimes, maybe... be a good place to raise kids,"

His usual eloquence was gone and he struggled to say positive words. She kissed him lazily. She looked so proud of him and he tried to play it cool. It was hard but he couldn't deny the truth.

"Just for that- you get to choose the spot for our retirement,"

That's suspicious. "Anywhere?" Sasuke rose a brow.

"I won't even say a word,"

"You are a closet chatterbox... Nothing at all?" Sasuke tested the waters, wondering at the consistency or truth in that half-lidded statement.

He thought for a moment... Just reflecting on the inner-workings of the past five years. If Hinata ends up being happy here and... the kids are here. Mitsuyo's kids are here as well... It would only make sense to build a new life on the ruins. He could put aside... his past and get over it. Not that he isn't that over it... he wants to work towards that.

He played with an alabaster strand of hair, suddenly nervous and... hesitant. Why was there a lump in his throat? "What... if I chose... uh, Konoha for our retirement space?"

She momentarily widened her eyes then hid her shock, for his sake and sanity. "Ano, Konoha? I'm under the misconception you don't like anything from Konoha,"

"It's not solidified or... you know, permanent... but if I did, would you like to stay here? I like you and you're from here. That's all I really need, huh," Sasuke said, expertly avoiding her gaze.

She thought for a moment then nodded, cheeks blushing. "Yes... Yes, I would like staying here, when we're old and smiling. Can we plant watermelons and tomatoes? With flowergates and gardens and koi fish," Hinata said. "I want my old garden. It had many medicinal herbs. My greenhouse was so wonderful,"

"Anything you want," Sasuke promised. "within reason. Wait. Wherever did Mitsuyo put those Koi fish?"

Hinata laughed. "In a pond we found. They're fine," Sasuke just sighed.

"Konoha has good fish despite having no seaside," Sasuke said randomly. He thinks he can survive the weeks here.

"How was the festival dinner?" Hinata asked suddenly. "The leftovers were good,"

Sasuke paused thoughtfully. "The ordeal was safe but tedious because I placed a genjutsu on everyone to make me look different. The food was good. No one started stuff. It's a win,"

Hinata grinned, lips pressed against his neck. "I'm glad you're happy,"

He couldn't say happy... but satisfied.

"You're actually very comfortable as a cushion," she whispered. "Comfy,"

"I'm not a piece of furniture,"

"Oh, you know what I mean.." Hinata yawned.

"Comin' to bed?" Sasuke prodded.

"No," she said, refusing like a child would. She suddenly laughed, closing her eyes. "I accidentally kissed Akuma-oo-sama or Taichirou in the rain and now he's obsessed with me and Benjiro and Taiyo. We've got a crazy life, huh?" Hinata asked.

She told him all about this the other day... It's completely messed up. Their lives are strange. He never thought he'd seek comfort in Hyuuga who kept her nose clean. Or an arm. He doesn't know. So he loosened up, held her close and rocked a bit, side to side to calm her down. "Yeah. I wouldn't have it any other way,"

"Me neither," Hinata agreed, nodding off a bit.