Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 22-
Uchiha's Thorne

December 18th.

Winter weather walking annoyed him. They trudged back from the damn cave where Kabuto was found, still in a damn genjutsu. "We have nothing," Jugo lamented, sighing, breaking the silence.

Suigetsu shook his head. "We still have hell. That's something. Woe is me. We're going to hell," Suigetsu uttered.

"What's new about that," Jugo agreed, looking morose.

"That damned Orochimaru and Kabuto. They have nine lives, like cats," Suigetsu spat.

"Or cockroaches," Jugo supplied thoughtfully.

"Who cares, they're still snakes," Sasuke said. He looked at the photo of Hinata, contemplating. Does she always drink peppermint tea? I thought she'd taste like cinnamon, he mused.

Suigetsu said, "You don't have to always look at that damn photo,"

"Che," Sasuke said, putting the photo away. "What's it to you, Suigetsu?"

"You used to say nostalgia blinds the weak. Dude, you're looking at her every four seconds. I don't think it's nostalgia; you're just missing her. Look, I get it, she's a girl of all seasons,"

"She's a summer girl, a summer cinnamon girl but I'm partial to bluenettes," Sasuke revealed. "Her real identity is Natsukawa Momo but she prefers Nata or 'Hinata' for strangers. It's her make-belief identity when we're outside of Kagegakure. It reminds her of the vegetable fields her family used to harvest before they died. Konohagakure shinobi killed 'em,"

Suigetsu bared his shark smile. "Not that they haven't killed a whole clan before... But Konoha made her an orphan," Suigetsu nodded. "That's sweet. She doesn't have family and she makes one with you. You're probably the worst choice but that's devout. Like all your honey bee girls you attract,"

Sasuke offered a look that lacked brightness. "Orphans usually find each other. So don't bring up Konoha around her. Touchy subject. She's originally from Hareru; Kagegakure no Sato. All Natsukawa died there from an unknown cause. Hinata was a popular name in Kagegakure because the name is a representation of the sun-solared people. Her name all over the shinobi headquarters is Miyazaki Eren,"

Suigetsu scratched his head, confused. "Huh. I thought it was the Hyuuga Hinata. The white-eyed princess with a huge bank account. If men can get past the crush on Naruto, they'd appreciate her-"

"Shut up. I'd never want to be tangled up with the Hyuuga," Sasuke seethed. "Hiashi and I had a meeting- the worst time of my life. Such a dick. Anyway, we have to focus on the task at hand,"

"What difference does it make if Kabuto's alive?" Suigetsu complained, moaning again. "I'd rather look for my sword,"

"He would have been the one who's operating with Orochimaru behind the scenes, outside of Konoha," Sasuke replied. "Kabuto wants revenge and this is perfect. I'm not proud of it but he'd be out to kill me or Hinata and Benjiro,"

Suigetsu rose a brow. "What's a Benjiro?"

Sasuke scowled. "A stray kid Hinata's taken in. I have to protect him. Hinata will kill me if I don't," he studied at Suigetsu, poison in his tone. "Is Bunya Jimpachi on the list?"

"He's on the list of people I have to kill. I haven't yet," Suigetsu told him.

"Not anymore. He's my kill," Sasuke said, confirming what he wanted. Suigetsu looked like he wanted to ask questions so Sasuke said, "Don't worry about it. I have reasons,"

Suigetsu got the message and stomped, still vexed. "That whole trip was useless. My balls are frozen, Karin is still trapped with Bashimon, we have no new information about the DCA and my sword is still gone," Suigetsu expressed his grief.

"It wasn't completely useless. We know he isn't a hazard to anyone," Jugo said, ever the optimist.

Suigetsu clicked his tongue, dissenting. "If it's not Kabuto, who is telling the DCA all that information? Kabuto would never be a double agent to get information for Orochimaru. He'd probably never betray Orochimaru,"

"He can't keep up with the ruse. He'll answer," Jugo said, eyes shining with malice.

"Kabuto did his best just to exist for Orochimaru," Sasuke said. "This isn't drastic. We couldn't find any of the information about any sharingan users, Osamu or what his objectives are,"

Suigetsu sighed. "As I said, useless. We're already lost enough. Damn it. Where's the DCA resting? Big numbers draw attention- especially a cult, may not be a Hokage residence but still,"

"All I know is that they're on the outskirts of Otogakure. Maybe they're in Nami No Kuni, so we go there and investigate," Sasuke supplied.

"We're outcasted detectives now. Neat. I hate sleuthing around. I want a break. Hit an onsen or two, meet someone- take them home and we meet up in Nami no Kuni. Come hell or high water, I'm killing that snake," Jugo was quiet. "We know what Sasuke's coming home to. Eh, Jugo- what are you doing? Visiting your fantasy? Do your hips miss her hips yet?" Suigetsu teased.

Jugo hit Suigetsu on the back of the head. "I have to go back to Konoha and turn myself in," Sasuke said, scowling. "We have to meet up with Orochimaru,"

Come hell or high water. We're not soft in the head... We'll figure it out, Sasuke thought. Or we don't know what the hell will happen.

Jugo, Sasuke and Suigetsu all became quiet in the snow. Trudging along just ribbing on each other, he didn't know- it felt like the old days. Sasuke watched as their breaths were vape and their hopes were snowflakes being stepped on and melted by circumstance. It felt foreign, after all this time but not much was different. it was all the same, they were still insane, staying with their wicked ways but he didn't feel alone.

Suigetsu got close to Sasuke, looking thankful. "Thanks for being nice to Karin? Talking to her a bunch, that was... nice. She's never smiled so big around us since then," he looked sincere, giving Sasuke a way-side glance. "Thanks for doing that, man. I appreciate it,"

Sasuke looked at Suigetsu, hiding his true expression. He was being nice?! That's not who Uchiha Sasuke was... Damn it.

Suigetsu voice got quiet and low. "I feel like a dick but you have to know that I wouldn't have purposefully brought you into trouble..." Suigetsu said, apologizing.

"I just want to raise my kid in peace. I know, the beast dares to dream," Sasuke said, depressed.

Suigetsu hummed, looking at the overcast gray sky. "I don't think peace exists for people like us, however, I feel like it'll all work out in the end because we have an evil plan. We succeed through darkness,"

"Or we do even better in light..." Sasuke added. Maybe we're not so evil anymore... doing evil plans, evil things while being evil. Maybe... we're neutral in the chaos for once and we're saving people for once, Sasuke thought. "And Karin'll... see you as more than a meathead,"

Suigetsu looked pleased. "And hold onto her and I'll hold onto mine. Hinata- er... Momo's the felon who would steal with you. If you were stealing a bike, she would steal one too,"

"So you're saying that she's a thieving felon," Sasuke said.

"No... I'm saying she would either buy you a helmet so you would be safe and/or she would somehow convince you to return the damn bike. Christ. Talking about feelings. I hate it. Even now, it's making me queasy,"

"Fine,"

-x-

December 19th.

She was knitting before Benjiro lugged over a book for them to read. She, of course, obliged. "Can you imagine our Sasuke as a girl? Amarante. It means he wanted a girl. What do you think the baby is going to be?" Hinata asked, relaxing with him on the couch, him pressed to her side while she read a book to him.

She had a lot of time to play and to simply be with Benjiro which she treasured. She also had a lot of time to get to know him. "Hn," he said, thinking. "I wan a sister,"

"Can you find the fox?" Hinata paused and thought about it. "I think I have a boy. How does a... brother seem?"

"Bleh! Sasu want a girl so I want a mango sister," he said, pointing to a fox.

Someina entered the living room and gave Hinata a raspberry apple smoothie. Hinata gave Benjiro a sip before he refused it. She shrugged and drank some of it. Someina gave him a smoothie but he didn't take it. She set it on the table in front of their couch after Benjiro denied it.

"I heard that you're starting with Fuinjutsu training in a couple of days," Someina said, just relaxing. Her usual choppy bob with jagged edges and gold eyes looked at Benjiro seeming aware. "Now that I see, he does seem familiar," Why did they keep on saying that? Hinata held her lower back. Why does it ache so much? Pregnancy pains! "Nevermind. Is your back okay?"

"Yeah. This looks delicious," Hinata drank the smoothie. Benjiro licked his lips and checked her expression. "Do you want some?" Someina asked, offering it to him. "I poured an extra glass just for you,"

He shook his head, burrowing in Hinata's side. "Blue! Has to be blue," he said, looking away, crossing his arms. Hinata knew he didn't quite warm up to Someina and Mitsuyo... It was at the point of not eating what they prepared.

Someina tried not to look hurt so she changed the subject. "Fuinjutsu training isn't easy. How do you have the chakra to do the jutsu?"

Benjiro took a sip of the smoothie, grinning. "You like it, no?" Hinata asked. He kissed her hand and nodded. Satisfied, Hinata turned back to Someina. "Mitsuyo said that I'll have to work on opening and increasing my reserves,"

"How is it with Sasuke?" Someina asked.

She looked at Benjiro who happily drank her smoothie. "Benjiro, would you like to play? Someina and I are having a grown-up talk, okay?" He patted her stomach and walked away. He nodded then scuffled away from Someina and Hinata. "I've never been with affectionate people- this is new," Hinata said, thinking about it.

"Being affectionate with Sasuke is your normal... You're a big, sometimes terrifying, softy. Kissing isn't new but everything else has been done for years. You laugh in bed. You guys belong on some level,"

Hinata laughed. "Ha. You don't know my family. Cold. Just cold. They are bad at love," she hummed, ignoring the sorry look on Someina's face.

Someina looked at Hinata, playing with embroidered pillows. "How is between you both?" she asked. Someina always wore traditional thin knee-length kimonos, she noted.

"We don't fight. He believes in screaming and shouting 'till we figure it out. It's a dance with distance. I don't want Benjiro to see Sasuke as a father figure if it only brings the both of them pain. We already have a baby- what's one more?" she asked, playing with her gray strands. "He won't even give him a chance,"

Someina cringed a bit while Hinata spoke. "To be fair, he isn't Benjiro's father... and you just dumped that on him. I wouldn't be surprised if he was mad,"

"Has the world ended... or Ikeda Someina defended Sasuke?" Hinata exclaimed, wanting to laugh. Weird.

Her gold eyes melted under the red on her mocha cheeks. "He's still an arrogant, sniveling idiot but I get it," Someina looked down, embarrassed. "I- I am not defending him- I am just trying to see it from his side. I get it,"

Sure, Hinata said sarcastically in her head. "Just saying- love is stronger than biology... He wants me to give Benjiro away. Sure, fine, don't raise him but I'm not giving him away,"

"Yeah. It's a progress. How is Benjiro?" Someina asked.

Hinata smiled. "Adjusting. He doesn't seem to miss his old life. He likes the house. He wrecks it, makes the house dirty and skips clean-up time but he likes it enough. The sweetheart called the baby in my stomach his mango sister! He hasn't called me his mom but I'm scared of that. Being called a mother; being responsible for another life- it's surreal,"

"I will be obligated to take care of you and your baby. By extension, I will protect Benjiro. You're his family and maybe Sasuke will feel the bloodbuzz. He'll come around," Someina said.

She looked at Someina. "With his chakra... I felt his memories. It's as though he left his soul in my vision. I saw his mind," Hinata whispered. "They were just simple happy stuff. Simple, the smallest things made him happy. The weather, being outside, Friday dango with his brother... Going to his mother and thinking about... kid stuff,"

"What else did you see?" she asked.

"He doesn't like being the victim, He didn't get addicted to sympathy. He hates false sympathy. And another thing I witnessed was him seeing Mitsuyo fighting men that tried to hurt him three years ago. They all dropped like flies. He sees her as fierce, strong and talented. He's also suspicious, seeing her as clan family..."

"How do you see her?" Someina asked.

"A mother figure. We bake, tell stories, laugh and cry at soap operas and geisha drama. We do pottery and it's what you with mothers, right? She guided me through pregnancy, gave me shelter and cheered me up... That's what mothers do,"

Someina just rolled her eyes. "You're basically the teacher's pet. I'm the whipping boy. She's just a teacher I can never, never please. There are never tests for you. She never yells at you. She does all these specific sweet gestures. She might even let you in the basement that I'm never going to be allowed in,"

"That isn't true,"

Someina shook her head. Her eyes darkened when she was jealous. "You guys ate an entire box of almond cookies when she came back. She let me have two bites of the rotting pickled radish. If we were her grandchildren- you'd be her favorite. After all these years of knowing her- she likes you,"

"I am her granddaughter," Hinata commented, not knowing how to do this. "And I am sure she loves you. We're all her favorites,"

"Yeah... But you're The One," Someina argued. "I'll know in the future. That's a plan,"

Sure, Mitsuyo has taken a liking to Hinata- but that doesn't mean Hinata is her favorite. Hinata can't... dismiss the fact she beat all those men with one look. Just how strong was she before she quit? And how can she get into the basement?

Then on, Someina and Hinata sat around. Quiet. Affected. To fill the silence with distraction, Hinata knit a scarf while Benjiro read the book alone, muttering to himself. He began drawing on the pages but it was fine.

"I didn't know you could knit... ha. Why did you choose the color red to knit a scarf?" Someina asked, curious.

Hinata hummed, thinking for a moment. "Red's the color of the string of fate, connecting everyone. Red string is everywhere. I like to think I'm connected to has a red ribbon that ties itself to me," she said. "They wrap me up like a scarf. This smaller one is for Benjiro. It isn't serviceable in Kumo but once we visit Konoha, it will be fine. The second one, I have no clue,"

"Seriously?" Someina queried, thin eyebrows sky-high.

"The gods tie a red string to the pinkies of those destined to be connected forever... no matter the distance. They stretch but not break. I'd have this faraway dream that my one true love would be runaways, getting tattooed fingers of red strings," Hinata smiled. "Even the gods want us to last, promising forever. Tattooed fingers are more intimate..."

"That's so romantic," Someina cooed.

Hinata shrugged, thinking about it. She laughed. "Yeah... I express affection by following, standing by the person I care about. Traveling with them through the world and through life. Sasuke isn't in love with me but shows me occasional moments of affection; his honesty... his protection and loyalty,"

"You always make him laugh- that's a good sign," Someina mentioned, encouraging her.

Hinata laughed, despite herself. "And... I think it's strange that he thinks I'm funny 'cause the one I liked never did,"

"You're perfect to Sasuke and that's all that matters,"

"Perfect?"

Someina nodded, having that same darkness in her eye that Hinata didn't see.

-x-

December 19th. Evening.

Hinata sneezed. She secretly hoped it was Sasuke thinking of her but she knew it was the dust. Benjiro was down for a nap while Someina took care of him. They were in their clean spacious library, Hinata at a low table and Mitsuyo at the shelves, choosing scrolls. "You should learn fuinjutsu. Not to be rude but your list of shinobi skills other than the byakugan and medical-ninjutsu isn't very long. All of which you cannot do since your chakra is stolen by your baby," Mitsuyo said, turning back to Hinata.

"It isn't rude. It's true," Hinata said, nodding. "My clan forced me into mastering the byakugan and Gentle Fist Art. I don't know how to use my lightning or fire affinity. Due to the casual brainwashing, I wouldn't mind learning about weaponry handling. I dropped taijutsu and ninjutsu... and became a better medical-nin. I would like to learn new things!"

"Sasuke conditioned you into using different ninjutsu techniques, correct?" Mitsuyo asked, her calculating poker face softened up. Hinata nodded. "You want to learn? Why the sudden interest?"

"I want to become a force to be reckoned with. A lion rather than a sheep," Hinata admitted. "It isn't a matter of self-fulfillment. Our children will be attacked and I must protect them when Sasuke is not present,"

"At least your spirit is there. My dear, fuinjutsu is grueling, all about calligraphy, details, chakra control, determination and sheer dedication. It takes a lot of work and blood and sweat. You cannot take this jutsu lightly. It is content heavy and awfully meticulous,"

"I'm ready!" Hinata said, eyes glowing with determination. "Teach me,"

Mitsuyo hummed. "You are the matriarch of the house and it's our job to protect it. Fuinjutsu will occupy your schedule, keep away the enemies and lets you have a wider range of skills. I will be gone but I entrust you, my dear, with the house. When I die, I expect you to keep this house's secrets,"

"You won't die," Hinata hissed.

"If I die... I expect you to take over all of my affairs," Mitsuyo said. "All this- the house, my possessions, and jutsu would be yours if I die,"

"What about Someina?" Hinata asked.

Mitsuyo shook her head, scowling. "Someina... is not the best option. She isn't focused. You will probably be an Uchiha anyhow. Uchiha files are priceless. Their seals are also riddled with wealth and want. You are its last chance,"

Hinata gulped, wondering why she felt so nervous. She wanted to learn. She wanted to be better. Now it's time to change things and become feared. She never had inspiration. She wants to learn. She wants it.

Hinata had a brief remuneration before speaking up. "One request of mine is to learn to protect my eyes with seals. Ao, a man who was gifted one byakugan eye used a particular seal. Should that part of his body be targeted, the seal would activate and protect his eye. I can activate a seal that protects my left eye and learn genjutsu so that they do not suspect my right eye is a byakugan. So can you teach me genjutsu?"

"You want to be in the Uchiha clan that badly?" Mitsuyo asked, rolling her eyes.

"Maybe," Hinata blushed. "But Mitsuyo- you're good at genjutsu,"

Mitsuyo frowned, looking agitated. "What makes you believe I am good with genjutsu?"

"You helped Sasuke disable the genjutsu in the scrolls we read. You were faster at it than him. He complained for days,"

"Very well," Mitsuyo said, resigning herself to it. She placed all the scrolls on the table and said, "By the end of three months- you will know how to seal away items all over the house. In six months, parts of the house and in eight or so, you will know how to seal humans, living organisms, buildings, explosions, and chakra. In a year, I will teach you how to seal away evil and jutsu,"

Hinata gulped. Mitsuyo smiled, clapping her hands together. "Let us commence,"

-x-

December 20th.

Neji. Hinata visited his grave often and she was better for it. He treats her like shit but she tends to his grave and said prayers every week. She brought him damn sunflowers and lilacs. Why can't you be like her? Sasuke asked himself, frustrated. Just visit. They're not even her parents in law and she feels hurt for them and I don't. I'm always numb.

He asked, "Why do you visit graves... especially your brother's?"

"I visit the cemetery because it was the last place I saw him," she said.

That resonated with him for weeks.

The weather was fretful and it was unsurprisingly cold. He ignored the face-freezing blow. He went to a tea shop in Konoha's hanamachi, drinking sake while watching maikos and geishas performing. He turned his head and watched the snow falling in the night through the windows. The street was slightly illuminated by the lanterns outside the shop and he wondered about Hinata.

He felt guilty and avoidant. In his head, he did everything right but it felt odd to not visit the gravesite of the Uchiha. His parents. He hated being in the district but it was the only place he felt like an Uchiha- seeing his clan symbol, the streets that he'd roam when he was barely two feet tall.

Eventually, after dithering in the unforgivable cold, he stood on top of a building in the Uchiha district. Like some intruder, he crept into the Uchiha's biggest house- his. It was traditional, with many paper rooms. It was worn and the wildlife engulfing the streets would have even impressed Hinata if the place weren't so cursed.

Sasuke stood in his old house and found a photo of his mother. Mikoto. The air was frigid and it felt like time froze. This wasn't a grave but it's better than nothing. He couldn't force himself visit a stone. It would have been quiet, no crowd and he could watch the wildlife, forgetting about his life for a while. But he can't do it.

He looked at the framed photo, the pad of his thumb swiping away the glaced residue of dust and neglect. How has he forgotten how her face looks?

He squared his shoulders and lifted his chin up. He was ready. Clearing his throat, feeling congested and eyes hot in the snowy holiday weather. "Uh. Hey, oka-san. Am I allowed to call you that? Am I my mother's child anymore? I killed your son and attempted to destroy Konoha- your home. I... I got a girl pregnant out of wedlock and went to jail for what felt like years. You don't know the rest of my history. Orochimaru said that I was the worst parts of Konoha- the critical part, the angry part, the violent part and I proved him right. My biggest sin is I haven't visited your grave in thirteen years. Am I still your son?" He looked down, feeling the wetness in his eyes. It was a lot of self-loathing but also a lot of numbness. "I hope you... you forgive me. My... No, I met someone. She's sweet... like cinnamon. She's also really smart- kinda clumsy but she lets me catch her when she falls,"

Sasuke suddenly got out a photo of Hinata and showed it to his mother, coughing a bit. "This is her. She was raised like a soldier, proper and unforgiving... but I know she's softer. I miss her when we're breathing,"

He believed that he was the sole person with the worst case of grief. This empty feeling- it is in most people. It was the lack of self. Then he found her. She taught him to fill that hollowness and forget the grief. When she smiled- Sasuke felt it; health, happiness, liberty. He forgot what it felt like. It perhaps was a band-aid over a bullet wound but sometimes he needed her security blanket. Of love... or heavy delusion. He hasn't picked yet.

She made him feel nostalgic but in a good way, like something he has never lived. A poem he can't remember. A song that may have never existed. A place he's sure he's never been to. He wanted to be alone to find himself again. People are perhaps needed to feel alive... even though the very irony of their melancholic themes made him feel anything but light. He floats on a cloud of pent-up frustration and blossoming lust around her. He needed to feel ruined to feel the sweet taste of those things around.

He had to be hurt to be healed. He should have visited. Said something- at least prayed and gave one look at his parent's grave. Looking at her photo was a way for him to tiptoe into dark territory without having to talk about these things to anyone. They wouldn't even recognize her but Tsunade told him never to abandon the living for the dead. He's done that way too often. He should apologize. Everything they say makes him want to stay but everything he has done makes him want to skip into the next town.

He really didn't catch feelings? Did he?

He wanted Sakura just exactly like he used to. Then he realized that wanting someone isn't the same as loving them. He wanted her but it was toxic to her. Toxic to the both of them. She said she was bad too but she couldn't wait forever to trust him. He forgot that he wanted her. When there are flowers in Hinata's hair and his breath smells like perfectly brewed tea.

Sasuke looked at Mikoto's kind face. "Maybe... you should meet Hinata as well. Forget about Sakura. I don't think I'm going to marry her. 'Cause I've been wishing for Hinata,"

And he spoke the photo for ten more minutes and threw up from the stress of it.

-x-

December 20th.

Sasuke went to the Hokage office, knowing the ANBU followed him. His hopes burned faster than the damn cigarette in the guard's mouth. "Why are you confessing?" An uncouth ANBU guard asked, shocked.

"Sasuke-" Kakashi said, standing up from his desk.

Sasuke scowled, unimpressed. "This is not a confession because I don't terrorize people in Kumo," he said. "Before we talk, I want to have a steady conversation with liquor in my hand and my hands-free,"

He knew that chakra signature. Sasuke drew his sword. "What are you doing here?" he pointed the tip of his sword straight at him. "Why are you here?"

Kakashi sighed. "Stand down, Sasuke. It's Sai. He is on team seven with Naruto and Sakura. You cannot draw swords on your teammates,"

"I learned to tolerate you. Not like you," Sasuke said, not lowering his sword.

"Be civil," Kakashi warned, easing the tension. "He is the captain of the ANBU headquarters and a Chubu. You both will be working together either in interrogations or missions. You have to work together to defeat the enemy and support the common goal,"

"What the hell is a Chubu?" Sasuke asked. Kakashi opened his mouth to explain. "No. I don't need to know. I'm not guilty. I wouldn't terrorize Kumo anyway,"

"We'll see about that," Sai said and Sasuke kept from slicing off his pinkie finger.

Sasuke sighed.

-x-

December 25th. Noon.

"She hasn't changed states since the morning. Benjiro is not eating. It's been two days. It's not good for the baby. Miyana and Taiyo both showed up for Benjiro- to play but after they left- he's acting like a demon child," Someina said, clutching the phone tightly.

Hinata was a vegetable, staring at the ceiling, with cpouded eyes and a dazed expression of horror frozen on her face. She was absent... mentally but physically there. It terrified Benjie and Some inability, who was without Mitsuyo or Sasuke.

"Can you calm him down with nap time, toys or TV shows et cetera? Is there a specific book he likes?" Mitsuyo asked through the phone.

"Hinata didn't tell me. He's reluctant to anyone's help- mostly mine," Someina said, stressed out. Someina glanced at the small blue-haired child, fretful over Hinata and used her best soft voice. "Sweety, she needs to rest, would you like to go downstairs?"

Benjiro shot Someina a glare and crawled to Hinata's side. "Nata- Nata... Pwease. Pancakes? Nataaa," he whined, getting desperate.

Hinata was a human log, staring off into space, trembling but unresponsive. Someina was worried to death as she stared at the Hyuuga.

Benjiro sprung off of the bed and went to Someina. "I wanna talk tuh Mitsu," Benjiro said, scratching her leg so he could reach the phone Someina held. Taking it, he held the device to his ear. "Nata okay?" he asked, sucking on his thumb. "I dun wan Nata sad. Wha' can I do fix it? Can Sasu fix it? Fix Nata. She alway smile wound Sasu. Where's Sasu?"

"Hinata will be okay. She isn't sad... She's fine. Sasuke will come back... soon. Yes, he makes her happy but I don't think that will fix it. Sasuke is in Konoha, saving people," Mitsuyo answered all his questions.

He looked upset. "But Mitsu... he pwomised,"

"Hey- kisses but I have to go," Mitsuyo said, hanging up.

Someina looked worried. "He's not here, babe. He's been gone for three weeks, remember? Wanna go play with Taiyo? He came again to visit you," Someina suggested.

"I don wanna play with Taiyo. I wan Nata," Benjiro said, stubborn. "What happen? Where's Sasu? What happen to Nata!? I wan' Sasu 'n Nata! Now," he asked, on the verge of another tantrum.

"Benjiro... I wish the world for you but I cannot give you Nata right now,"

"Why?!" he cried. "Nata! Nata! I wan play. Nata!" he yelled.

Someina looked at Hinata and carried Benjiro out of the room, down to the kitchen to calm him down. His crying was overwhelming and confused. She hated that.

Sasuke casually walked into the kitchen, looking bruised. His lip was split and his eye was bruised. He seemed to not to be hurt but inexplicably annoyed. Sasuke looked at the fuming Benjiro.

"I just got back. Where's Hinata?" Sasuke observed the scene and narrowed his eyes at Benjiro. Sasuke was curious of why the boy didn't seem sunny and happy.

Well. As sunny and beaming as possible.

"Uh,"

"What's up with you, Bozu?"

He immediately got happy, dashing towards Sasuke. "Nata sick! Not moving. Catonica," Benjiro said, cherry-faced.

Sasuke crouched down to the toddler's level. "What? Catatonic... Hinata's sick? What happened?"

Benjiro suddenly grabbed Sasuke's hand, pulling him up the stairs and to Hinata. "Nata in trouble. Save her. Save Nata. Fix Nata,"

He was startled at the touchy-feely boy but allowed himself to be dragged. He stopped at the doorway to Hinata and Sasuke's bedroom. The boy threw anxiety-filled looks at him and at the room. Sasuke realized the kid didn't follow close behind him when entering the navy room.

"Aren't you coming in?" Sasuke asked.

Benjiro shook his head, staying at the door frame. "Fix Nata!" his black eyes were so huge, he looked like the world's smallest hesitant owl.

Sasuke looked at the strange kid but went into their navy room anyway. In the room, Hinata sat there, trembling.

"Hinata-" he asked.

As soon as she heard Sasuke's voice, she got out of her trans.

She flinched then blinked, five times. "Oh, my gods- Sasuke. You're alive. Alive!" she yelped.

"Why wouldn't I be?" he asked.

She ran into him, her arms wrapped around him tightly. She had short shallow breaths and red, puffy eyes. "Please don't go. I don't want another Uchiha dead. I saw it from in your memories," she wept.

He pulled away and slid an index finger under her chin so she could face him. "Saw what?"

She held her breath, staring at him, all depressed and sorry.

"Please breathe," he warned as she hiccuped and had waterfall tears.

Her eyes roamed his face. She pressed her head against his chest again, breathing uneasily. "The massacre. I saw what happened to your family. Everyone. He made you watch your parent's death five hundred eighteen thousand and four hundred times. You're in so much pain. I'm so... happy you're still alive," Hinata placed her ear against his ribcage, finding exactly where his heart was. "You have a heart... pumping blood. Alive,"

"I'm still alive," he said. "I'm safe. We're safe, Hinata. You're okay now,"

"Barely. I didn't know about your suffering," she said between tears, mumbling against his chest. "There is a war in your mind, your heart... everywhere. I knew you were suffering... just not how much. I knew it and I left you alone,"

He whispered into her hair, shaking his head. "You didn't leave me alone... You found me. Hinata- breathe in the future and breathe out the past," he echoed, petting her hair. "Remember. Reflect. Release..."

She shook her head. "I'm sorry. About Konoha. I never want you hurting. I don't want another dead Uchiha," she said, pain fresh.

Sasuke stared at the gray softness holding onto him like a lifeline. What a traumatized child he must have been. "You shouldn't say sorry. You hadn't caused it nor could you have prevented. And pain everyone hurts... feels pain. We just find the ones worth suffering for. Remember I'm the second last right now in time, third last. There's less wars, more peace, less hurt. It's in the past. We're here, now, happy, with Benjiro, our six-month-old prenatal kid and me,"

Hinata stopped trembling and looked into his eyes.

"Say it with me. Remember... reflect... release," he said.

"Why... why should I?!" she yelled, looking at his face.

"Because I did," Sasuke revealed. Maybe a half-truth. Maybe a full one. However, it resonated with her. She was shell-shocked, breathing slow. "If I can get my sorry ass to reflect and release... You can too,"

Hinata nodded, lip trembling. "Remember... reflect... release," she said, her breathing in sync with his, like he wanted her to. She repeated it until she relaxed.

He swiped a thumb under her eye, nodding. "That's it. Breathe. You got it," Hinata took even breaths.

"You... have?" She held his hand against her cheek and leaned into his touch.

He eventually nodded. He held her, like a safety blanket. They stayed like that for a while, rocking and saying soft words.

"Fix? Nata fixed,"

She looked at Sasuke and cracked a sorry smile, looking embarrassed. "Thanks,"

Benjiro laughed and grinned, bubbling with happiness. "Nata! You okay!" Benjiro came out and hugged her leg, wanting to be held. He paused then turned to Sasuke. He held his thumbs up, paused and hugged Sasuke's leg. "Nata fixed. Thanks,"

Sasuke looked down at the kid and rose an eyebrow to Hinata.

He rubbed his face into Sasuke's leg, grinning. "Nata fixed,"

Sasuke nodded and Hinata carried him, peppering his face with kisses. "I'm sorry my love. I just needed time," Hinata said.

He began crying into her arms and she patted his back. "I'm sorry. I'll be better. I won't scare you again like that. I was just processing," she whispered.

"Nata... don't be sick. I don't like dat," he cried and stayed in her arms until she was done rocking him.

Someina rushed up the stairs and said, "Hinata- you're okay! You're fine," Benjiro's head rested on his shoulder and she smiled. "Thank Kami... Benjiro... hates us,"

Hinata's lower back stung and she offered Sasuke Benjiro who looked like he would... take him.

Sasuke ducked away at the last second.

Someina interjected and tried to hold him Benjiro scowled.

Benjiro shook his head and recoiled into Hinata. "No. Nata hold me," he said, rudely. "I don't wan you,"

Hinata and Sasuke exchanged looks. "He doesn't like me anymore," Someina frowned.

Hinata set Benjiro down and said, "Respect Someina. She's very nice to us. That was rude, Benjiro,"

He showed guilt and hid behind Sasuke's leg. "Meina made me bad pancakes! Red! Mhm! And no blueberries. Just red. Bad,"

"Hn. He doesn't like you, Scar," Sasuke looked at Benjiro then smirked. "You and me... we're more alike than we think,"

Someina frowned and Benji rock beamed.

"Really," Benjiro asked.

"Tremendously," Sasuke responded.

-x-

December 26th.

Maternity books. Maternity bras. Maternity clothes. Her boobs were huge. She craved strange food. She wanted a pickle and peanut butter sandwich with matcha. She's sore while carrying Benjiro. Her stomach was peeked out and she can't see her toes. Were her feet always going to be balloons?

Her lower back keeps on stinging and lifted her shirt. She shifted a bit and saw it in the mirror, clear as day. Hinata shrieked. Someina rushed into the room and she smirked, nodding at the sight. "I didn't know you had a tattoo. That's so edgy. What does it mean?" Someina asked.

"It doesn't mean anything! I must've gotten a seal wrong. She said the effects have dangerous repercussions. What is this?!" Hinata yelled. It was a black vine plant with six leaves and a pink flower in the middle of three of them.

"It looks like ivy leaves. But it has flowers," Someina hummed, still impressed.

"It's the clematis archway. I attempted to pull flowers from a seal. This occurred because of my mistake. The more chakra I use- the more this grows. I can't learn any more seals,"

"They're the size of three ryo. It's not noticeable," Someina asked, looking somber. "Are you okay? You blanked out on us,"

When... a monster of a man finally reveals his true intentions.... we all go blank. Damn you Itachi, Hinata thought. "I'm fine! Pregnant but peachy. I have Sasuke and Benjiro. I'm fine. Either way, I feel alive,"

She smiled, really meaning it for the first time. And suddenly, the pain stopped like a heartbeat after suffering.

-x-

September 8th.

Hanabi sighed. At least five more months to go. It's fine. Hinata will come back safely. She promised. Stay cool. Hinata always keeps her promises.

-x-

November 8th.

Hanabi stormed through the Hyuuga Manor and into her father's office. The Hyuuga guarding the door shot apologetic looks at the clan leader when he sinched his eyes in annoyance. "Apologies my lord, Hanabi-hime wouldn't listen to us,"

The barely five-foot-two girl crossed her arms and observed her father with a critical look in her lilac-tinged eyes. Hiashi didn't look up from his work. He did sigh and ask, "Hanabi- why aren't you with Ena or Ko?"

"Otousan, Ena smiles too much and I don't need a protector," Hanabi protested quickly.

"I believe that you do," Hiashi said, casually ignoring her presence. "I am not having this argument again. Go train and make use of yourself instead of bombarding me with questions,"

"Otousan- may I have a minute of your time?" Hanai asked. Hiashi looked unimpressed and vaguely gesticulated for her to continue. "Thank you... Hinata is never on these long missions. The Hokage knows that she hasn't been... active in the shinobi line of work,"

"I requested for the Hokage to offer her more chances to prove herself in her true line of work," Hiashi explained in a low tone.

"You wanted her to work? She barely came home as it was," Hanabi argued. "When she did, each visit became less and less lengthy. Her boss wanted to make her pay rent because of how often she slept in the on-call rooms. Now, she was off on a five-month mission?"

Hiashi got angry at this, his cold eyes narrowing. "Many Hyuuga elders believed she was two parts depressed and one part irresponsible for the longest time. Our shinobi are groomed to support the will of fire and serve Konoha to the best of their ability. Notwithstanding, her sudden interest in being a shinobi began when she was supposed to meet her suitor,"

"She's getting married? To a young man of the council's choosing?!" Hanabi yelped, utterly stunned. "There's a reason why she never interacted with me... Mystery solved,"

"That's how she is supposed to act anyhow. Hyuuga refrains from admiring or having an infatuation with outsiders for this exact reason; their arranged marriages. Hinata left the Naruto fellow and accepted my terms of action. They will be married in July... perhaps when she returns in February,"

"Otousan- I don't understand- why does she have to get married to the suitor of your choosing?" Hanabi asked, angry for her sister. No wonder she ghosted!

Hiashi noticed her fury and smiled lightly. "With the clan, you will be representing in a couple of years, I believe that the line of births should be byakugan and solely byakugan. We have an image to maintain and Hinata wasn't interested in any males at the present date," he said. "I am giving her a little nudge. We are saving Hinata and Hyuuga-kind,"

"This isn't helping Hinata," Hanabi boiled.

"I do care for Hinata in the same way that everyone else in the Hyuuga does. I am concerned about her mental state as well. She fell behind in her shinobi studies, she doesn't use her byakugan anymore, she does not care for our traditions and she openly defies my orders. Those are great reasons for concern. Her chakra was different. It was darker. Has Hinata ever been dark to you?"

"The path to hell is always paved with good intentions," Hanabi bit out. "This isn't a path to take,"

Hiashi scowled. "When it is your clan, you will make decisions. For now, you are merely my daughter and a nuisance. Hanabi- let me be. She will return. It shall be joyous then we shall enjoy it. Leave my chambers. I have work to do,"

Hanabi nodded and bowed in his presence. "Of course, Otousan. I will be on my way," Hanabi gritted her teeth. Damn it.

-x-

November 18th.

Shino sighed as Mirai cried. "What got you both stuck with babysitting her?" Hanabi asked, visiting Shino's house and Kiba to ask about Hinata. Again. Akamaru rested.

"Kakashi is on a date with Kurenai," Shino said. Hanabi hid her secret excitement, he held a girl who squealed. "No, we haven't seen her,"

Kiba said, "Hinata doesn't come around here anymore. Ever since she became a medic-nin, her interest in her real friends outside of Ino and Sakura didn't seem to matter as much as that damn scalpel. She didn't check up on her own sensei or baby Mirai. Mirai doesn't even recognize Hinata anymore," Kiba pulled out a photo of Hinata and showed it to baby Mirai. Mirai shook her head in distaste and lost interest. "See. Not even a smile that she'd give the rest of us. She'd have to be here for all of us to know her,"

"Why do you have a photo of her on hand?" Hanabi asked, suspicion evident.

"What? You don't," Kiba asked Shino.

"No. That'd be weird. Why do you?"

"We can't deny that we miss her. If she'd stop by for two seconds then she'd probably know how much we mean to her. Jog her memory. Isn't that right, Akamaru?" Akamaru howled in agreement while Kiba stroked his ear. "She'll notice what she's missing out,"

"You mean... who she's missing out on," Hanabi commented.

"Shut your trap," Kiba said, showing a bit of fang.

Hanabi narrowed her eyes. Shino noticed then said, "Ignore him- he's just bitter,"

"I am not bitter, Shino. Don't play around with words you don't mean," Kiba dismissed.

"She hasn't been exactly active in any of our amalgamated lives," Shino said.

"What he means is that she dropped off the face of the earth after Naruto started banging Sakura," Kiba elaborated.

"She's over him," Hanabi said. "She was the one who planned everything at their wedding.. and the dress, the flowers that would be there- even what the chairs would look like,"

"That sounds like an overly supportive best friend or just someone who's covering up her seething jealousy," Kiba said.

"I know my sister," Hanabi insisted, emphasizing Hinata being her sister. "She wouldn't dare to lie to me and me to her,"

"She wouldn't dare lie to us either but hell, people change," Kiba said. "She used to be on it. She would come to every practice. She would take care of Mirai with Kurenai. She would take any available mission that would impress us. She wavered a bit when Neji... passed away but she would always try. She would be a damn team player. She would just be a sponge, soaking up any bit of information but ever since Naruto dated Sakura, that all changed. She just left completely,"

"So you blame Naruto," Hanabi concluded."You're implying that she was a shinobi to impress Naruto. That's so dumb!" Hanabi snapped.

"She only cared about when Naruto watched her perform," Kiba said.

"That's not true. She wanted to please my father and the clan like she should," Hanabi protested. "She didn't live for Naruto,"

"She found what she loved and let it kill her. He made her happy in a sad way. That's what I call melancholia bliss," Shino supplied.

"Pfft. She's not in love with Naruto. There's another guy,"

"Another guy. Seriously?" Hanabi asked, smiling. "What is his name?"

"Well. One night, I was out, thinking. I visited the Hyuuga Manor to check if Hinata was there. When I was walking back, I smelled her scent. It was so strong and poignant- it was like she rolled over him. It was gross. I could only do nothing but just breathe and stare,"

"What?" Shino asked.

"Well, who was it?!" Hanabi said.

"It was Uchiha Sasuke. Uchiha flipping Sasuke,"

Shino shook his head, sighing.

Hanabi paused before she burst out laughing. "Uchiha Sasuke would never near Hinata. Hinata would never touch that seething heathen and betray our clan," Hanabi laughed and laughed. "Come back to me when you have real stories about Hinata,"

"I'm telling the truth," Kiba snapped.

"They make the strangest bedfellows. The most unlikely couple. Don't make your sap fiction become our truth. Please," Hanabi giggled, her ebony hair flying everywhere.

"I have the strongest nose in Konoha. I'm not making this up. Sasuke and Hinata may have slept together. If you just trust me, then I'll be able to find to her and what that bastard is doing then I'll be able to bring her back,"

"She's on a mission. Hinata would never dirty her hands with Uchiha Sasuke. She's coming home safely. That's what she promised and she keeps her promises,"

"If she's associated with him... That's just the worst thing she could ever do to herself," Kiba lamented, feeling angry.

"It's not true so she's safe. Don't give me false hope. Please. That's the second worst thing you could do to me," She gave him one last laugh. She blew a kiss to Mirai and left.

"Your infatuation with Hinata is killing you," Shino said. "My feelings are killing me too. But most of all, maybe... Perhaps we're all just missing her,"

-x-

January 28th

Hanabi paced around, ignoring what her servant said. "It's been like five months. Where is she? It's January. She's supposed to be here right now. What happened to her?"

"She's fine. The Hokage said that she's fine..." Ena attempted to soothe the distraught fifteen-year-old by offering roses to inhale. Ena always had a smile painted on her face, a constant happy person but it annoyed Hanabi. "Hanabi-hime, please. Relax. The messenger is coming to tell us good news. There's nothing wrong. Our dear Hinata will return for a marriage celebrated by the gods," she beamed. "I love marriages and weddings!

"I just feel like something went wrong!" Hanabi insisted, still pacing.

"That's just the worry in you. Everything is perfectly fine," Ena repeated. The door of her chambers was knocked on and Ena naturally went to open it. She shot Hanabi a breezy smile and handed Hanabi more roses. "See, Hanabi-hime, we will receive the best of news and you both will be reunited,"

Ena pranced to the door and shot a reassuring glance to Hanabi. She spoke to the messenger, voice low. "Yes. What is it? Hyuuga... Hinata? She... Alright. That's fine... Thank you,"

The messenger left.

"So the good news, what is it?" Hanabi asked.

She turned to Hanabi, her disposition changed. She wasn't smiling. She looked like she would never smile again. "There is no good news. During her mission, there has been a mishap... Master Hiashi wants to tell you personally,"

"What? No. Tell me now," Hanabi commanded.

"Hanabi-hime..." she pleaded, shaking her head.

"Tell. Me," Hanabi demanded.

"She's dead," Ena announced, eyes cloudy. "Hyuuga Hinata is dead,"

Hanabi closed a tight fist against the thorned rose stems in her hands but she didn't feel anything.