Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 44-
Unforeseen

The first time Hinata saw Hanabi, her father had watched her with a mystified expression. Ordinarily, children would rush up to their siblings with reckless abandon, endless happiness and curiosity. Hinata wasn't sure of what to do, she hid behind the folds of her father's haori and clutched them tightly.

Hinata hadn't watched her with enchantment like the millions of women cooing and the men saying Hanabi was going to grow up to do marvelous things.

Hinata was completely horrified, he saw it on her trembling lips as she held onto his robes.

He tried to push her away gently, goading her to try and greet her barely month-old sibling. No matter what he did or said, she would tremble slightly with her half-lidded eyes, shaking her head.

His expression was one of absolute bewilderment. "Why must you be afraid of every little thing Hinata?" Hiashi demanded in a low tone.

She jumped at his resentful tone and didn't respond, instead just burying her red face in the fabric.

"Anata, have peace," her mother would say.

Her father was the epitome of men being wretched for over-working and showing small amounts of affection.

Her laugh was like wind chimes and her dulcet voice was almost as distracting as her velvety eyelashes. Hinata thought the hawking, scraping sound her mother's throat made didn't belong to her. It was supposed to be a laugh...

"How can I have peace, my great love, when you are ever so frail?" he asked. His expression mirrored his desperate tone. Both were pleading.

"Anata, there is nothing amiss with me," Hisana said softly. She always said lies softly.

Hinata wasn't sure of what amiss meant but she knew it wasn't true.

The recent weight loss of hers wasn't un-dramatic but it was discerned. The scent of death wafted off from her mother's skin like perfume from a jasmine flower. She looked ghastly. Her cheeks were hollow and her white eyes were fishbowl eyes. She always commemorated her mother as the poster-woman for appeal. She had an exquisite face and a soft smile that highlighted her sherbert-sweet lips.

Usually, Hinata's senses lived happily with her five-year-old self until she realized how ill her mother has gotten. Something in her stomach made her uneasy. It was a pit of despair. She knew her mother would die. Her mother's skin had been so pink, she peachy and now it's a lacking color of gray. In correlation with her mother's stomach deflating and her sibling being there, Hinata knew they were tied.

She couldn't know whether or not to be happy for the arrival of her new sibling.

Hisana died two weeks later.

-x-

One day, when Hanabi was seven and Hinata was eleven, it was a glorious day in May. Cherry blossom trees were tragically beautiful, Hyuuga men and women allowed their hair to flow freely in the breezy weather and everyone was outside.

The dry sun was wonderful but it burned Hinata. Hiashi decided to include Hinata in Hanabi's rigorous training exercises. He habitually left her to her own devices. Unless he wanted to make an example of her or even ridicule her, that was when they made contact.

This sudden connection wasn't out of the goodness of his heart, the yearning of a father for the attention of a daughter or simply because he wanted company. She was a punching bag.

This 'chat' really was to punish her for the Hyuuga Elder, her grandfather, criticizing just how weak and untrained Hinata was. Thus, in a moment of cruel brilliance, Hiashi included her in the training Hanabi usually did.

She didn't realize how strong or resilient her younger sister was.

This attention made her wince and blind. Neji watched passively and made snide comments, saying she was pathetic for losing. She was used to the fiery lashes of his tongue but she was beaten and hurt, so it pained her more than the rigorous exercise did.

She easily found refuge behind a Hyuuga shed full of gardening tools. She moved away from wooden sidewalks, linking different small buildings together.

She knew the surroundings so well, she could hobble to the shed with her eyes closed. She passed the laundry center, the training grounds, the hot springs, and gardens. She tried to breathe, ignoring the shame mixed up with the pain radiating off of her pale skin. Has she really not trained?

Hinata hadn't known she was tailgated.

Her younger sister's voice reached her ringing ears. "He went easier on me," Hanabi said, probably watching Hinata being bruised and blind.

Hinata panted, perplexed by the way her sister spoke to her. She looked over, locating the ebony-haired girl. At seven years old, she was quiet and perceptive.

Hinata flinched. "He didn't... I just haven't trained in a while,"

Hanabi didn't seem to agree. "He wants you to be ready for when you graduate the Academy," Hanabi whispered. "You're lucky you get to go,"

Hinata shook her head.

Hanabi was homeschooled, so she was well-versed in the Hyuuga political world ways before she knew how to play tag with other kids. Hinata wasn't needed in or around the house, so she was sent to school.

Apparently, school was babysitting for Hinata.

Anyway, Hinata wasn't stupid and Hanabi was not naive.

"He didn't want you out of the district," Hinata shared, palpitating. He really did a number on her this time.

"He didn't want to get rid of you, one-chan," she protested fiercely. "Otou-sama is a good man! He wouldn't be mean,"

Hinata shrugged lazily, lifting a shoulder.

Hanabi tried not to become sad. "Sorry, he hit you hard! He's not supposed to do it... Otou-sama treats you differently," Hanabi informed her, sounding affronted.

Hinata wasn't about to recount all the reasons why she should disagree. Hanabi still sees Hiashi as some God. She shouldn't change that or alter their relationship because Hiashi treated her like dirt.

"He's... nice... to you," Hinata gasped, feeling pain in her nerves and a throbbing headache was coming up. "I'm not certain if Hi- I-I mean... father loves me," Hinata said honestly.

"You know, I am not certain of otou-sama's love for you," Hanabi said. "But be certain that I love you. Always," she told her, smiling.

Hanabi hugged her, smiling.

It was the first embrace they shared in years. It was... nostalgic. It left her in a deep melancholy she couldn't explain.

She thought of that when she nearly lost her standing on the tiled roof. She couldn't waltz up to Hanabi in a casual way and complain that she wasn't invited to a wedding.

This encounter was just more and more depressing than she originally thought.

Presently, her baby sister was married- no getting married. Her engagement party was in March and she was now twenty years old. Her mind was reeling with all the possibilities and mostly her heart just clenched. Hinata wasn't there at all. She missed everything. She was so selfish for leaving.

She missed so much of her sister's life. She never really thought of Hanabi because it hurt too much. Her hope for them to reconcile was a fragile seed, not yet to bloom.

She looks so... good. She's taller and still slender, so she has been fed properly. She also seems happier, without the scowl or bruises from training too hard. She... she... she was always so, so lovely.

Her hair, like Hinata's, was notably long but cut at her navel. She walked gracefully like a queen moving to her thrown. Her hair wasn't as dark, sun-dyed by training in the sun for so long. She wore a corn-yellow kimono shirt tucked into a plaited red skirt. Over-top of her was a paper umbrella and she was accompanied by a man, following closely. He looked like he loved her.

Everyone there looked like they loved her enough not to leave. Surrounded by those who made her laugh, Hanabi went inside. Slightly doleful, Hinata was lost, staring at nothing and feeling like nothing.

Hinata sat down on the tiled roof, sighing. She couldn't keep up the strength to stand.

She set her sole kunai down, clenched her fist and growled to herself. "Hiashi- you will pay," she grumbled under her breath.

Ino regarded her discreetly. "What's up with you and your father?" she said after pausing a lot.

Hinata's frown became darker. "Now you care?" Hinata replied flatly. No... the real question is why does she care now?

Ino plopped down beside Hinata. Hinata didn't notice just how close she was until her clothed legs brushed Hinata's.

It made bile climb to her throat.

Ino's purple skirt was long, the meticulously trimmed hem ending at her ankles. It was now torn because of Hinata. Ino's midriff was exposed and her elbows were covered by black mesh. She was blemished by wounds Hinata gave her.

For some reason, Ino willingly followed Hinata to this place, still not deeming her as dangerous and capable of wrongdoings.

Hinata laid down, not wanting to look at Ino. The sun baked her skin and she felt the burn press against her exposed shoulders.

Ino seemed more comfortable than ever before. "You never talk about yourself, Hinata. You can't blame me," Ino rolled her eyes.

Hinata didn't talk because Ino never gave her a chance to speak. Ino was a vain woman, very vain and fancied boasting about herself. She hoped that changed.

Hinata hesitantly continued to the next subject, trying not to cause any fights. "To answer your question; I make him yell. He makes me cry. He treats me like a drowned bird, one that could never fly or chirp or defend herself. He also was a notorious believer that I brought him bad luck. So he always pushed me out of the nest. I broke all the bones in my body trying to please him,"

Ino sighed and held her arms as if to warm herself up. "My father was... always so kind and loving. I thought your father was... distant but I never thought it was this bad," she said.

Hinata looked off to the side, westward, so she wouldn't have to see the sympathy swimming in those blue orbs of Ino.

"It's worse than that. The nicest thing he's ever said to me was calling me a coward," Hinata announced.

Ino suddenly snorted, an odd sound in this situation. "You know... I can rewire his mind into thinking he's a drooling five-year-old," she giggled.

"You'd do that for me?" Hinata asked, avoiding her gaze. "That's frightening,"

"What... I wouldn't do is more frightening," Ino sighed.

Ino was withdrawn after Hinata didn't speak.

Ino's dainty hands were on her lap, and she slid her nails under the other. She seemed to be unconsciously healing herself while she was hunkered there. The scent of cherry blossoms danced under Hinata's nostrils and the breezes made the muteness more bearable.

Hinata laid down, arms crossed over her chest and allowed the ringing in her ear to get louder. It wasn't easy to think about Hanabi but she felt so bad.

Ino threw three quick looks at Hinata, mouth twitching. "It would've been hard to see Sasuke propose to you," Ino stated randomly.

"Excuse me? What is that supposed to mean?" Hinata growled. Hard?! For her? What?

Ino jumped at the ferocity in Hinata's tone.

"It means nothing! Geez! Relax," Ino snapped then Hinata pursed her lips.

As Hinata watched her former friend, a wistful expression on Ino's face, she noticed how weirdly tart Ino seemed.

"It's just that... Sai didn't propose to me," she admitted, a little bitter.

"Huh?" Hinata asked.

Ino nodded, wringing the bunches of the fabric of her skirt in her hands. Her eyes looked softer as she thought about her husband.

"There's something so magical about proposals. The woman looking down at her man so tenderly, the guy on one knee with a huge diamond and the love is in the air... He gave me a flower, a cosmos instead. Which is the flower my father adored but... he didn't get me a ring until Sakura danced up a storm about the formalities in a wedding,"

"He didn't know better," Hinata shrugged.

"I know but that infuriated me. Inspiration struck him when he woke me up, in the middle of the night when he saw me in white, surrounded by flowers and it was all too crazy," Ino laughed. "I didn't know I would fall in love with him,"

"Well, we never know where we end up," Hinata said vaguely.

"Why end up with Sasuke?" Ino asked.

"Sasuke is a good father, he's the love of my life and no one can accept my choices when they aren't made for me. It's crazy!" Hinata hissed. "You had a revolving door of boyfriends and I supported each and every one. Even when they smelled like sweat and they couldn't hold the door for you nor could they hold a stable job for the life of them. That... one we really hated,"

"You mean when my mother wouldn't pay for the medical books and he had all the money," Ino guffawed. "Oh... You're talking about Toshiba, right? The one with the uni-brow, the stupid pit-stains and how he was always, always looking so-"

"Greasy," Hinata finished, feeling nauseated at the memory.

Some emotions she couldn't recognize passed over Ino's face. Ino's lips, her spirit, and eyes all smiled at her.

Her tone bordered on melodious and tender. "That's what I was about to say," Ino said.

Hinata ignored her words while Ino said, "He was... greasy. It's not as bad as our actual spouses. I mean... I still love him though he leaves pots of octopus ink on the stove and it stinks! I feel so bad for all those octopie," she sighed.

"What about you? Does Sasuke do anything that infuriates you?" Ino asked conversationally.

Hinata liked that question so she answered. "I get that he's a shinobi but he leaves swords everywhere! And he doesn't put the dirty dishes in the sink, just right beside the sink. Then he complains about our koi fish! Once, he ate a koi fish! It was just mean!"

"I don't understand Sasuke! He just treated Sakura terribly. And he's a good guy?" Ino winced.

"Yes- not treating Sakura horribly but him being a better person! Why is that so hard to believe?"

"In one way or another, Sasuke broke all of our hearts. I'm sorry he didn't see the love we had for him," Ino said quietly. "Then he left and he never apologized and all that jazz. It's just... weird,"

"He's reckless in his grieving but... I don't think he should have acted that way," Hinata said. "None of us should have acted that way. Neji died. Your father died. And Sakura lost hundreds of patients..."

Ino agreed. "You should've been at my wedding. You would have looked way better in purple. It's your color,"

Hinata looked down at her clothes. She wore purple today, just like Ino. Her black kimono skirt was thigh-length and she wore a striped kimono shirt that was purple.

"I remember," Hinata said.

"You do?" Ino inquired, her laughs floating out of her.

"It used to be our color," Hinata said, thinking of other times.

"It still can be," Ino quirked the corner of her lip upwards. "I mean wear purple together... But not as bruises 'cause that sucks!"

"You're still so rude to me," Hinata protested, throwing her hands up. "Why would I speak to you?!"

Ino gasped, provoked. "Why should I try with you? You hit me, constantly!"

"And you drugged me!"

"You punched me in the eye!"

"You slapped me!"

"And I know, I'm awful but I need you so shut up," Ino said.

Hinata punched her arm. Hard.

"Christ, Hinata!" Ino held her arm, protesting. "I didn't know you would become Sakura 2.0, ugh! You don't have an easy life... You also aren't... a genin-level shinobi," she explained to Hinata. "It's evident. But I am not weak, either!"

"Okay, fine!" Hinata snapped. "I know. I just wanted to make you feel bad,"

"Me too! We're both horrible! But you're alive and that's all I need," she whispered.

"You are horrible and I am horrible okay, it's settled. Just stop talking," Hinata cried out.

Ino didn't seem to agree with Hinata's words but shut up, nonetheless. She was beholden. She couldn't handle any more things leaving the blonde's mouth. Ino kept on staring at Hinata pointedly. She wouldn't stop.

"Would you quit that?" Hinata hissed. "You're- just looking at me,"

She seemed jealous. "You know, you have a bunch of tattoos. You said you'd get them with me," Ino said, inspecting her.

"I thought you didn't want to ruin your perfect complexion," Hinata sneered.

Ino huffed. "I'm trying to make conversation! And you're fighting me. Why are you being such a wall? The only reason why we started fighting is that stupid idiot named Naruto. I don't want another friendship to end because of Sasuke or Naruto,"

Hinata didn't want to admit it but it's true. She didn't want to lose another friend because of some boy, either. Their problems run deeper than that, though.

Hinata made a sound of agreement.

Ino nodded, frantically. "See! Sakura did end a friendship with me because... of Sasuke. Yes. I'll be damned if another ends because of that fiend!"

Hinata sighed. Their feud was quite shallow. Hinata suddenly got flashes of when they'd gorge themselves with stale candy and dango in their underwear and look at the hot shirtless guys at the training centers? Now, look at them! They're just screaming at each other.

Hinata shook her head. We'd act like total creeps and love it, Hinata thought.

"Shouldn't you be pissed at Sakura, as well..." Ino said, suddenly moody, "because she gave a fake confession to Naruto when she knew you were in love with him,"

"Whatever," Hinata said. They were kids and Sakura... had him wrapped around her fingers.

"Isn't that horrible? Imagine if Sai said that to me right before the war," Ino rolled her eyes. "I would die,"

"I mean... at least she's not pining after Sasuke," Hinata said, feeling a growing migraine.

"I treated him liking Sakura like a tragedy," Ino laughed. "Now I am all relieved that he's okay enough to live with... you? I wished death upon him for... so long but I mean, if he makes you happy- I won't hate him as hard," she grimaced.

"You mean as much?" Hinata suggested but it wasn't much of a suggestion.

"I dunno. He's with you... a father and he's checking out to be okay?" Ino said slowly.

"I'm actually happy with him. You're all happy with Sai,"

"Of course I am," Ino rolled her eyes. The more she rolled her eyes, the worse Hinata felt about giving her a black eye.

Ino caught Hinata staring at the ugly bruise on display and shrugged. "It's alright,"

Hinata averted her gaze. It wasn't.

"Do you remember when you'd sleep over and defend me from those idiot guys? Looking at our present is fucking sad,"

It got troublesome to breathe. The air was clear but she felt so blameworthy. It was like someone was standing on her chest.

"I thought about you a lot when I was... in Kumo. That's why I gardened a lot," Hinata said, eluding her gaze.

"That's not true," Ino said, tears filling the brim of her eyes. "You gardened for me?"

"Why would I lie about that?" Hinata demanded. "I scrapbooked like we used to do. I had a whole section of cosmos that... were fine and healthy until some freak burned my house down," Hinata grumbled.

Ino hummed for a minute, considering her words precisely. "Sometimes... I am a little telepathic and kind of could feel other people's emotions. You know?" she said.

"Huh?"

Ino's eyes dropped from Hinata's face and her voice was compassionate. "I think... I think you were relieved about your house burning down so you could come back," Ino said.

Hinata's tongue felt like sandpaper. She tried to not look at Ino or allow Ino's penetrating gaze reach her soul. She hasn't even told Sasuke.

"I mean..." she frowned. "The cosmos burnt down and I kinda... I kinda... I wanted to come back," she bit her lip then sighed. "I wanted... Konoha,"

"I kinda made that shitty, excuse my language," Ino said. She frowned, hard.

"You did," Hinata agreed.

Ino looked away when the silence went on for too long. "Tell Sasuke that I moved on," Ino said, studying anything other than Hinata. "I'm glad that he got away,"

Ignoring the discomfiture, Hinata nodded. "I will. I know... You are so happy with Sai, it's unreal," Hinata stated. "You'll last forever,"

Ino's eyes sparkled with the compliment. "Do you want to marry Sasuke?" Ino asked and the corners of her mouth slid upwards.

The corners of Hinata's eyes crinkled. "Everyday, yes," she breathed, delight blooming in her chest. "You know... I really do love him... I planned to allow him to get a ring for me,"

"He will. I'll kick Reo's ass. And if my dad were here, he would have walked you down the aisle," Ino said.

"He would've," Hinata said lightly.

"He really would have," Ino echoed.

She paused, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Despite whatever you all say, he won't leave me," Hinata said bitterly.

Ino shook her head, letting a harsh breath of air leave her lips. "Ignore Sakura. She's been being insecure. She's crazy for Naruto. Every day is their honeymoon and it's hard- how can someone be so happy?" she sighed.

She was skeptical of what Ino meant by every day is their honeymoon. She doesn't accept that. She didn't know whether it was the part of her that was jealous of Naruto and Sakura or the way she thought Sakura settled for Naruto.

It's better to not voice her thoughts, she decided. Then she thought of the next worst thing befalling on the Uchiha clan. "I don't want to marry Reo or whatever," Hinata said. "I don't know why or why I will but it's not happening,"

"Who would?! Reo sounds like the second coming of Tobisha, so, so greasy," Ino said.

And for the first time, Hinata laughed. And then another laugh came. And she couldn't stop laughing at what Ino said. Everything became funny and she forgot why they stopped talking all at once.

She was fortunate she put the barrier around them, so they wouldn't be heard. She forgot how therapeutic laughing with her friend was. Sometimes, Ino liked Hinata for Hinata.

She suddenly saw Hiashi and it was like all her happiness vanished. She sat up, abruptly getting to her feet. Hinata looked at the man, eyes narrowed. He looks sicker... Seeing him brought a bad taste to her mouth and she was already sweating, her gaze becoming shifty.

Hiashi was so... lighthearted, walking around, browbeating stainless Hyuuga who bowed to him. She never understood why women and men alike showed him respect on these clean cobble-stone streets. He was nothing but a menace.

Ino stood up at Hinata's side, smoothing off her skirt. "Did he always have a face so punchable?" she asked.

Hinata thought about it. "After age forty-seven, it got worse," Hinata grumbled.

Ino snorted and Hinata hunched down. She considered the circumstances. She didn't possess her weapons. Sasuke took her chakra and she felt the ground shift underneath her. Ino would likely do something irrational. She also didn't have plenty of chakra to summon anything. Sasuke also took the seal on the inside of her knee, she was without kunai.

This guy. She treasures Sasuke, yes but she will literally slap him on the upside of the forehead. The snakes haven't come back and she also knew that Sasuke would have come back.

She would either have to attack him, head to head... or just do something about Hanabi. Despite that, her anger coursed through her and she jumped forward. She still had a kunai. She appeared to disperse a large crowd of Hyuuga, having a blade to his throat.

His hair was shocked with grey, she's noticed up close... Have his views remained the same?

The crowd of Hyuuga gasped, seeing how Hinata was fast enough to infiltrate their base and hold a sharp blade to the neck of their Kami.

Hinata didn't react, instead, she wouldn't stand down or lessen the fire in her glare. In the corner of her eye, she saw the blue glow from the Hyuuga's sharp hands. They don't recognize her but if they did, they would probably do the same. They don't adjust well to change.

She twisted around and heard Ino's shriek. There's a reason Hinata didn't want Ino to go with her. She's honestly a blowhorn of incessant noise. She also didn't want Ino to get more hurt.

She sighed. Ino was probably being threatened by Hyuuga at the moment.

"Unhand lord Hiashi-sama! There will be consequences should you not follow our demands to the letter," one Hyuuga man yelled out. "He is not at his peak, prime form at the moment- release him,"

They're all nervous. She could feel it in their chakra. She won't do anything harsh.

Peak, prime form? What happened? Did eating her hopes and dreams become too little to nourish him? He's swaying gently- looking worn and wane. Like her mother did years ago. She didn't like it- she felt some strings of curiosity and concern hit her.

She cut them instantly.

Hinata kept quiet, glaring at him. The overwhelming urge to cut him was present and it took all her might not to spit in his face or do something volatile and mean. She didn't. She remained calm. She had to. Or else the kunai would melt in her goddamn hands.

"Hiashi, you are one sneaky bastard," Hinata said in a low chilling tone.

They all gasped and she pressed the blade closer to his neck.

"Please, Hiashi-sama- you are not well! Let us dispose of this fool," one hissed.

Hinata ignored them. "You cannot possibly choose to not cause problems for a day or two? Leave me in peace?!" Hinata's voice got louder and louder with each syllable.

"Do not disrespect our clan leader in that fashion," the same guy shouted.

"Shut up," Hinata snapped back. She focused on her father. "You are the bane of my existence, at times, did you know that?" Hinata hissed.

"Hello, daughter," he said, a wry smile spreading on his thin lips.

"This is- your daughter?" A Hyuuga asked, sounds of protest coming from the rest of the shinobi.

He didn't answer. He has never claimed Hinata as his daughter, presenting her as a princess- the way he does for Hanabi. It's annoying because he calls her daughter as a formal thing not because she's his daughter. It's an empty word. Distant... A distant, empty word.

He continued anyway, also scorning the fellow Hyuuga. "Our chats are always of the most felicitous. This time, what plagues you?" he asked with mock consternation.

Wanting to humor him, she spoke in a soft tone. "The weather is quite dull, the motel I am staying at is subpar and I have to read the news to find Hiashi Hyuuga's ideals of craziness," she said. "And oh yes, Hyuuga Hinata's wedding to the man named Hyuuga Reo!"

He suddenly tsked- like she was in the wrong. "There was no other alternative method of obtaining your attention, you have grown into a remarkable recondite recluse. Other than revealing it on the screens, that... was the only sure and effective way to announce your... return," he said evenly.

"You had a Hyuuga wait outside of our house at odd hours," Hinata protested, "and they are not strangers to taking pictures and reporting back to you,"

"That was only a precaution," he snapped.

"Precaution for what?" Hinata gasped.

The corner of his lips turned downwards and he scowled. "We should discuss this inside. You cannot deny that you and Sasuke are walking catastrophes,"

"As far as I can tell, you are the only danger that seems to be hurting my kids and my life! Why in the world would you marry me off like cattle, without my permission?!" she said.

The Hyuuga shook their heads. "You are causing a scene," another said.

Hiashi nodded.

"Who cares if she makes a scene? Tell her why and offer apologies and pray she forgives you, Hiashi," Ino's powerful voice called out.

Goosebumps spread all over her body. She suddenly remembered why Ino was always defending her. She could get knocked out or potentially hurt but... she's still defending Hinata.

Ignoring the words of everyone else, Hinata continued. "How am I going to explain to my kids that their mother is not solely dedicated to Uchiha Sasuke? Their father!" she exclaimed.

"I would like to discuss this inside," Again, Hiashi told her quietly.

"I don't care what you want or like," Hinata glowered. "Normal daughters and fathers never have disagreements on topics so important. Were you trying to ruin my life? Again?" Hinata tried hard not to get emotional. She paused a moment then stared at his frosty eyes. "Your personal narrative is based on ruining me. I should not even... be speaking to you. I haven't told Sasuke... and your grandchildren. Your chances of seeing them are very bleak," she said, feeling emotional.

"Seeing them would have been Hisana's sole wish and you will deny me that right,"

"Hisana would be ashamed of how you treat me. She would be ashamed!" she tightened her grip. "I want you to call it off and apologize to the thousands of people you misled! Apologize to my kids and apologize to me," she commanded.

"I will do that inside," Hiashi said, leaning into the blade.

That... made her very, very suspicious. She was speechless. Apologize? He will apologize.

The distinctive sound of Ino's snort reached her ears.

She eyed Hiashi's stern face, scorning whoever called out. Does he want to ruin her? What will this apology bring?

He was a dominating man without his word being questioned. She hated that. Why was she so weak and why wasn't he answering her questions?

She activated her byakugan. With that, she saw the flow of his chakra remain the same... He was not lying.

He didn't feel evil but he will apologize? The loneliness and hurt encircling her younger self in her memories encircled her. She felt happy, sad and vexed. It was strange to feel that way.

All of it was tangled in her... and she grieved for all the good times they could have had she been more assertive. If she hadn't had twisted wings then maybe she would have been able to fly.

Deep sorrow filled her heart and it escaped in ragged breaths.

"I have been thrice blessed with lies and truths that would break me, Hyuuga Hiashi. You speak the truth?" she asked, her words matched her glacial and pleading look.

He didn't answer that. "I would like to discuss the reintegration of you and your children back into the Hyuuga clan," he said slowly. Unsure.

Hinata's mind burst with all the implications. An invitation? Does he want to meet the kids? Seriously. At that, she has no literal words but a sigh of relief.

"Someone exceedingly significant wants to meet them," he informed her lowly, a certain grief tainting his voice.

"Their grandfather hasn't wanted to see them. They know your name. I've granted you that luxury," she said, pulling back the blade and holding it at her side. "I didn't say you were dead. I never lied but you are dead to me, Hiashi. You really are sometimes,"

"Your heart beats strong while I became tired. You would have gotten your wish earlier this week," he said. "I nearly perished,"

Perished?

"Hyuuga Hinata?" A voice cut through her ponderings.

"Reo- it is not a good time," Hiashi warned. "Return to speaking with-"

Hinata's spine straightened and she turned around. That's Reo... He looked like a typical Hyuuga man. Buff, tall and distinctly with white eyes.

"You are Hyuuga Reo?" Hinata gasped, her brows pulled together.

"Is that you?" he asked. His voice was unnecessarily soft and kind. He stared at her like he's just seen her for the first time in years.

His face was attractive and sharp. His face was tinted pink and he wore a black haori and normal pants of a lighter color. His hair was a shade of blended darkened rust brown that she has never seen on a Hyuuga.

Eyes of powder and steel blue mixed together focused on her. She hated the way he looked at her. Immediately.

"He isn't greasy at all," Ino said, a breath catching in her throat.

He wasn't and that infuriated her. "You bastard!" Hinata yelled, charging at him.

Her hair was a streak of smoke as she pounced on him and his back was on the ground. He struggled underneath her and made a sound of pain.

Reo was taken back by the force of her shove and he knocked his head back on the hard cement-covered ground.

All around her, Hyuuga were quick to act but Hiashi held up his hand, ordering them to stop.

"Hinata- Hinata!" Reo yelled out, trying to get her attention. "You do not recognize me?" Reo asked. "Stop!"

"No! Why would I? Why would you agree to Hiashi's whims? And agree to marry me?" she yelled back. "I'm already spoken for! I'm already with someone! I have four kids and I haven't the faintest clue of who you are,"

Hinata was truthful. She didn't know who he was.

"Seriously Hinata?" Reo asked.

"Hinata? How dare you use my name as if we are familiar? We are not-"

"Then get off of me," he cried, struggling with his words. "I don't think we are familiar enough for this,"

This? She held up the glinting knife and flexed her brows.

"Hinata- get off of him! It is unladylike to... attack a man in that manner," Hiashi said, amusement in his tone. "You should save it for the bedroom or until the wedding night,"

Bedroom? Wedding night?

She looked down.

Hinata was... straddling the man's chest and she didn't notice the redness on his pale skin. The blush dyed his neck, his ears pink.

Hinata didn't feel abashed. She has been in this position with a lot of males when sparing. To spare him some of the embarrassment, she got off of him, grumbling. She honestly wanted to scare him into not marrying her.

She thinks it did the opposite because he looked quite dreamy, staring at her chest that wasn't exposed completely. The low cut option for her shirt was... a dire, dire mistake.

She glared at him and walked away. "Hiashi- are we not discussing this inside?" Hinata asked. "Let's be off,"

She turned around and found many Hyuuga gasping, shocked at her assertiveness.

Hiashi's hands were tucked into the sleeves of his draped, brown haori. He seemed subtly displeased with either Hinata's tone or the way she addressed him- so casually and harshly.

She didn't want to be in the sun. She wanted Hanabi. Her soul called out to Hanabi.

Hinata pressed on further, impatient when Hiashi wouldn't move. "Are we leaving now? I have a schedule,"

She looked at the gawking Hyuuga. "And you all, do not harm Yamanaka Ino," Hinata ordered, walking towards the entrance of the Hyuuga manor.

She then realized she couldn't leave Ino for certain reasons. The Hyuuga would most likely hurt her and she didn't want to be alone in the manor. Some support was better than none. Ino was just as much as a stranger to the halls of the Hyuuga manor as she was.

Perhaps there was some familiarity there but that was quite unlikely. She has forgotten all the places from her youth. Usually, she carries her dark memories with her everywhere.

"Actually, release her to me," Hinata said. She looked towards her childhood home, wondering. She wants to see Hanabi...

"I'm going with you?" Ino asked, her pitch high and uncertain.

"Would you rather stay with these... Hyuuga?" Hinata suggested.

Ino quickly shook her head and separated from the group of Hyuuga huddling around her. She quickly came to Hinata's side.

"Hiashi-sama? Is that really Hinata Hyuuga? Your... daughter," one Hyuuga asked, obviously uncomfortable.

She paused and felt her iron grip on Ino's forearm. How tightly she held would be enough to bruise.

"Are you okay?" Ino whispered at her strange actions.

Hinata shook her head. "No," she said, pouting. She doesn't know why.

She held her breath, everything determined this moment.

"Yes," Hiashi commented with a sigh. "Sometimes, at least,"

She let out the pressure building in her chest, her heartbeat was suddenly ridden with unrest. She just kept a steady stride and moved.

She didn't look back.

Just a week ago he would have said no. Just a year ago, he would have said no. She knew it was better not to question this before it ended.

"Wait-" Reo called out. "Can I go with her?"

"No... Reo..." Hiashi said with rough but subtle affection. "I believe it would be in your best interest if you stayed here, where you could not smell the iron perfume of that kunai," Hiashi said but his voice was nearing.

Her heart dropped to her stomach. She will find Hanabi.

¤¤¤

At the tea house, there were the echoes of sobs and wails from the tea housemaster. Temari stood there rigidly, bungling over the smallest words because it was her fault the place was held together by sheer will.

It was all falling apart.

Assessing the damage was hard. It was all ruined. Someina didn't know why Hinata left her to do this. Their sleeves were wet with soapy water and their tongues and hands felt dry and crusty.

Sakura left and feeling responsible, Temari tarried to talk to the owner of the shop. The sight of her monstrously strong fan was enough to launch the woman into tears.

It was quite discouraging. Karin and Someina were split between just giving her a lot of money and leaving and ignoring the problem they didn't cause.

Hinata wanted them to stay so that was enough to make them at least try to remedy this situation.

Someina poked Tenten, who was curled up in a ball, fast asleep on a gnarled chandelier. Tenten seemed content and the best thing to do seemed to wake her. She stirred and Someina took a few steps backward.

Karin crouched beside the dozing girl. "I wanted nothing but to see her just passed out, bloody but now I feel bad," Karin said, compassion in her stare. "She looks cute when she's sleep,"

"Should we wake her?" Someina whispered.

Karin shook her head, her gaze calculating and cold. "Her body is trying to get rid of the toxins in her blood," she answered, morose.

"From the seal?" Someina asked.

Karin nodded, expression listless.

Someina laughed. "Sometimes my lady can be awesome but sometimes she is remarkable but terribly scary,"

"I think... I'll have to call Jugo to help pick up all the split wood," Karin suggested. "He'll be a big help,"

"I mean... Hinata has a lot on her hands," Someina said. "We mustn't bother her with... these things,"

Karin nodded. "I feel bad for Hinata," Karin sighed. "I never met my dad but I'm sure father/daughter relationships are not supposed to be so unhappy and vindictive,"

"My father was a religious tao man," Someina commented absently. "He called me spirit,"

As a child, she had to pray a lot but she didn't follow his rules so she was a spirit killer. Spirit was short for spirit killer.

Not hearing her internal monologues, Karin's red eyes roamed Someina's face. "Ah. Did you like your dad best?" Karin asked, straightening out her body.

"Not at all. I liked my sister best," she snorted.

"Oh," Karin shrugged. "I never had siblings but my mother and I... didn't get along so much. I was a brat. She was weary and sullen, uncaring about what happened to both of us..." Despite the sullen words, she grinned so widely that Someina could see her molars. "I bet my mother would hate Suigetsu but I love that. I didn't want to end up like her, with her half-ass choices in healing. We're both unconventional, irregular... if you will. He looks like a shark and I have bite marks all over my body, so it works. His hook in my sea,"

Karin used to be insecure about her permanent marks but now she seems comfortable. She still doesn't allow people to bite her, though.

"Speaking about... mental and physical marks- did Sasuke really stab you?" Someina asked tentatively.

Karin's face scrunched up at the thought. "Yes. I was useless and I let him do it. He said I was somewhat of a liability... Maybe I deserved it,"

"Nope! He's insane and I will stab him for you," Someina said. "Definitely!"

A smirk settled on her lips. "Of course you would, he's like your brother," Karin said, rolling her eyes.

"My b-brother?" Someina squawked.

Karin nodded. "You bicker like siblings, have loyalty like siblings. You guys are definitely like siblings,"

Someina's cheeks burned. That's the worst place to be in if she wanted... to get to the next level with Sasuke. She didn't only want to be seen as some sort of younger sibling that he had to protect. He could protect the world but she didn't want his swords and his blood, she wanted his kisses and soul-touching truths.

Sensing her chagrin and sorrow, Karin smiled, pushing up her slender brown glasses. "Cheer up, sport, we all fall for the guy in one way or another," she said.

"I..." the gold-eyed woman couldn't even deny it. I'll never be Hinata, she thought.

"There is a wide dichotomy between you and the way he treats Hinata..." Karin said, pausing a bit, "and an even wider one in how he treats me,"

"What does he treat you like?" Someina asked.

Karin looked away. Her tone was firm and loud but she seemed unsure. Nonetheless, she spoke. "I know I'm a gnat while she's a butterfly but it's all... because I was the one who revealed to Orochimaru that Hinata was pregnant. Like, he hated Sasuke and was obsessed with sharingan and Hinata has a baby with dojutsu. I just want to ruin it so I told him... by him, I mean Orochimaru..." she sighed. "I just... was so jealous,"

Weren't we all? I should... stop thinking about him like this, Someina thought. She is jealous. When he plays with her hair during a movie, how he stays up with her to talk about nonsense for hours despite not knowing any medical terms and how he rubs her back for no reason.

She wonders what's hers.

Two things clicked in place and her jaw dropped. "Wait- that's why Sasuke began training me? He said I was her bodyguard because eventually, Orochimaru would attack..." she looked at Karin wonderingly. "Was that because of you?"

Karin nodded. "I mean, Hinata needed his kiss to survive," Kain pressed her lips together. "Plus- I wonder how she's still in one piece since I set Orochimaru's gaze on her family. You've seen what he's become. Don't you see the things the kids mean to... Hinata and Sasuke? They belong on the cover of some family magazine... I almost made them lose a child and she brought me to Jugo. That's something I can't tell her..." Karin said, sighing. She looked at Someina through the lenses of her glasses.

Sweating and feeling her heart go a mile per minute, Someina shifted and ripped her gaze from Karin's eyes. "I think you're good. She loves us... though I may betray that... Orochimaru wants me to..." Someina said.

"To what?" Karin gasped.

"Hurt Hinata and Kokoro," she finished.

"Why?" Karin squeaked.

"In exchange for my sister's life," Someina said, feeling her face burning.

Karin squinted for a few moments and her sanguine expression was lost. "He wouldn't- wait, you were really considering it?!"

"I mean-"

Someina didn't even get to finish the sentence when she saw Karin's balled fist come into contact with her temple. Stabbing pain spread all over and she saw doubles.

"Why would you betray her like that? I have made the conscious effort to save her! What is wrong with you?" Karin said, kicking Someina's numb arm. "Charmless idiot!"

She saw black. The whole world vanished as Karin's words did too.

¤¤¤

Sasuke awoke to Benjiro and Amarante squealing, causing a ruckus around the stupid motel apartment. Taiyo and Hiromitsu were busy playing with marbles or other bad things that he couldn't hear going on. Sometimes, they're better and quieter than the ANBU when sneaking around with their mischief.

They usually don't bother him too much in terms of noise but he has been getting headaches. The twins have been having headaches and he blames himself. Maybe he passed them on, as a trait. He jokes and says that the kids took Hinata's traits because they're so happy. When he told Hinata, she said it may be another factor.

Mitsuyo found him, made him tea and he woke up. He looked through clothes he had to wear and a key in his black pants fell out. It was the key he took from the DCA he killed so long ago. He looked at the key he has had for over a year. It was around the time they found out Mitsuyo was an Uchiha. It was conflicting.

He didn't know when the DCA would attack but they had to find the seven or eight bunkers where the DCA managed to hide in.

Instead of thinking of that, he focused on other things- like Taiyo. The kid attacked him with a hug he gladly took.

Taiyo's birthday passed. Luckily, he seemed content. He got a new bow and arrow so he could hunt with Sasuke. Mitsuyo got him new clothes and revealed a new sharingan trick to him. Benjiro and the twins just performed a routine that made him laugh; a skit. Hinata and Sasuke rented out a whole bowling alley and arcade the kids wreaked havoc.

Throughout the week, the newly nine-year-old boy got to do what he would only dream of with his parents.

Taiyo went to see high-class shows, he got to see festivals and arcades, he went to nice restaurants, they toured the city, they got to see the history and culture of Konoha. All the shiny, nice parts he wanted them to see, taste and feel.

Eventually, they will see the Uchiha district as their only home.

He could see it all, see the houses. All the buildings. The dango buildings. The Uchiha insignia everywhere. The children laughing freely. Adults being safe with high-collars. He could even see his house. He thought of all the fun things he could do with Hinata at his side.

Maybe he shouldn't have burnt his childhood house down. He doesn't know why. He was so overcome with hot, real guilt. He should feel guilty since Mitsuyo is glaring at him like that.

Mitsuyo stared at him, provoked. They played a game of chess and she was so passive aggressive. He knew she was displeased because he burned down a half of the ubiquitous Uchiha district.

Normally, he wouldn't feel so bad but Hinata has been looking at him with such concern that it's making him worry. She thinks something is wrong. They've been whispering amongst themselves, as well. They think something is wrong with him.

For the first time, he's been cheering in Konoha. Fulfilled. It's not mysterious. Why is it so wrong or strange when he is happy?

He gets to rebuild the Uchiha district. He kept on hoping the way would become clear and he did. He fought his way here! He gets to be happy.

Misuyo doesn't like his happiness.

Sasuke took off the knight she managed to say, "This board is empty. Black in color and white with ashes. I am winning, so all your pieces are gone. All that's left is nothing," Mitsuyo chuckled. "Just like a district, I know,"

"If you have something to say, say it," Sasuke said. "Don't be so cryptic, either,"

"How do I know you won't set fire to the compound if it makes you angry?" she hissed.

"I wouldn't. Don't say that crap," Sasuke shook his head.

"You asked for my opinion didn't you, Uchiha? Why couldn't you ask me for mine when you nearly burnt the Uchiha legacy to the ground?"

"Why should I check my decisions with you before I do anything? And that house wasn't our legacy so shut up,"

Mitsuyo paused, her face crimson with anger and her eyes narrowed into slits. "You know that what you do with your future reflects on me. There are some people who care dearly about you. I'm an Uchiha as well, you can not just do dumb stuff! You have a permanent easement in my life but you cannot erase the Uchiha domain, pretending you're fixing it!"

"I am fixing it. I can't be habituated to the stagnating things about the Uchiha," Sasuke said, confused. "You're afraid to act! We have no time to waste! Those who are afraid to act achieve nothing but failure! Confidence to do what is necessary is half of the battle,"

"That's not courage and heart- that is insanity," Mitsuyo moaned. "You idiot! They are not tied at all!"

"Bravery and insanity are closely tied," Sasuke shrugged.

"You should think about the people you would leave behind if you die! Our district shouldn't be in burning flames, it should be paradise,"

"That's what I am trying to do!" Sasuke demurred. "Don't ruin my dreams. I haven't sat around for thirty years just frowning about the Uchiha's state and fucking Danzo or Kabuto,"

Sasuke hadn't meant to say that. He winced because he did and he can't take it back. He didn't mean... He shouldn't have. Mitsuyo's eyes widened then closed. In those few milliseconds, he saw the true pain he caused.

He could hear her say something like; I should have just left you to bleed out in the gardenias! You ungrateful bozu! But she didn't. She just stared. They were inserted into a long, long period of tranquil and silence.

She picked up all the chess pieces and Sasuke stared at his knees that seemed to be going numb due to less circulation.

After a while of being sorry and silent, Mitsuyo sighed. "It's funny because Danzo wanted to see the Uchiha be burnt as well," she said meekly, not studying Sasuke.

Sasuke looked at all the orderly chess pieces, not looking at her. "Mitsuyo... I..." he paused, unable to pronounce the right words.

She cut him off, speaking without her usual confidence or affectionate roughness. She seemed delicate. She sounded delicate. "I know it was my fault for not taking you out of this environment but you cannot blame me for being in love with him... or Orochimaru or even I'm grateful you killed him but you can't throw it in my face,"

"I won't," Sasuke promised. "Your love with him was kind but damaging,"

"Damaging indeed. It was destructive and violent but I won't forget it... Maybe I shouldn't drink as often because it's not good to forget the things you love," she reminded him. "You should talk about your parents a lot more,"

He avoided her gaze, smiling lightly. "My parents... will be remembered for centuries," he said. "I will make them remembered for centuries. Hinata already made that statue,"

She offered grunted words but he knew she cared. "You can't just burn things down unless you're hiding a secret, pyromaniac. I guess you emerge as a Phoenix after being aflame. A resurrection will take place,"

Burning the house... "It was satisfying," Sasuke shrugged.

It was. He kept one of his dad's shirts, an old police rag, a baking tray his mom blackened and a chained necklace he found in Itachi's room. Now it's all ashes.

"It was, wasn't it?" Mitsuyo said, remembering. She had a pleasant look on her face. Remembering looks good on her.

"Sometimes, I like you 'cause your distinct crazy matches my crazy," Sasuke snorted.

"I don't blame you for being psychotic but..." Mitsuyo rolled her eyes. "I'm not talking about burning down everything. I'm talking about seeing the flat land... the possibilities,"

"The beginning is now... as a very wise woman taught me," Sasuke said, not exactly discreet with how appreciative he was with her aid.

"You are time- the future, the past and present of Uchiha. I will only serve as pillars, level of the states to success, my destiny at your feet," she reminded him.

"Woah," Sasuke said.

He's used to compliments but from Hinata, his girlfriend. Mitsuyo just insults him, constantly. It reminded him of his parents. This whole... compliment thing was new. This was good.

It made him genuinely feel good.

Mitsuyo smiled. He wasn't sure. He thinks she did. He liked to think so.

"It's a bit much but it's true. I thought you were a small, small groaning boy about his lover Sakura but you're here. You're grown. I love you now and yes, I've gone soft," she told him, acting like a tired ox. He knew she was as jubilant and free as a twirling butterfly.

"It's not bad to be kind," he said randomly. "We'll need to network and have people rebuild the district with us. You know, hundreds so you be nice for me and we'll finish soon,"

"That means people would be around more often. In our house! In the hallway! Leering at us. Uh! People! They're exhausting!" she groaned. "Look at me, a woman in her early forties crying about meeting people. Pathetic,"

He played with his prosthetic arm. Perhaps it is the start. The beginning is now. And the world was his for the taking.

She saw him with the bandages. "Oh yeah! You have to see Tsunade or Tsuna. She has pills for you! You've been missing out on checkups! It gave me a heart attack to hear Tsuna is seeing you as a patient! You aren't sick, are you? I don't want to tell Hinata that you're leaving her so soon to something preventable, er, treatable,"

"Shut up! I'm not sick," Sasuke said with more of an edge than he meant to. He didn't want Mitsuyo to tell Hinata or else she'll never stop making those idiotic kale chips... or she'll literally get a heart attack.

Noticing just how much she wanted to alert Hinata, he shot her a glare. "Don't worry her," he said.

Mitsuyo was uneasy but let it drop. "Your father had bad knees," Mitsuyo said. "Probably because I was always kicking them,"

Sasuke chuckled. "You seemed like a menace of a kid,"

The mischievous look in her eye reminded him of the one Naruto had before he did a prank. "Oh. I was Konoha's worst," she laughed.

"Not as bad as Naruto, I bet," Sasuke chuckled.

"I was Jiraiya's partner in crime before he left Konoha," Mitsuyo laughed. "My homeboy, so proud corrupted me. He always made such-"

Mitsuyo's eyes lit up and he waited for her stories. He loved her stories and he liked hearing them. Despite that, her response was interrupted by the doorbell. Sasuke wanted to get it but she shook her head. "I'll get it," she said, getting up.

She left, went through the motions and Sasuke looked at the chess pieces. Sasuke thought for a moment before hearing, "Oh... Hokage-sama, you're here,"

Mitsuyo sounded formal and nervous.

Kakashi was at the door. Why? He had no idea. The Hokage probably had a stack of paper living on his desk that needed to be finished. His sensei, if he recollected correctly, didn't like paperwork but he liked erotic porn that lived in the mind and on pages.

"This is where you live?" Kakashi asked, coming around to the living room and seeing the decor.

Nostalgia. That's all he could say he felt when seeing Kakashi. He hates feeling this way but many months pass in between their formal conversations. Kakashi has never visited him... in his home, ever.

This was strange. He felt nostalgia for something that hasn't ever happened.

Kakashi wasn't in his Hokage garb. His spiky gray hair was oriented to the left and his relaxed, heavy-lidded expression seemed happier. He seemed solid and tired, probably because of his job.

His flak jacket was gray against his black pants and undershirt. His undershirt blocked his mouth and his Konoha forehead no longer blocked his non-sharingan left eye.

Mitsuyo nodded, quite embarrassed. It's not that pretty. There are plants, fish food, and toys everywhere. There are documents and all that jazz because Hinata didn't have a library anymore. The kids left crap everywhere, too.

"No. No, it's not that at all, it's that there are flowers and colors," he said, looking at Sasuke pointedly. "I never expected that in any Uchiha's proximity,"

"I wear colors," Sasuke huffed. He didn't like any of them but he did.

"Like what?" Kakashi challenged.

"Gray," Sasuke sputtered, saying what he thought of first.

"That is a shade. Not a color," Kakashi said.

"That's bullshit," Sasuke exclaimed.

Mitsuyo waved her pink yukata sleeves, trying to get their attention. "Men. Men... this topic doesn't matter," she said, giving Sasuke a dirty look.

"Gray- it's a color," Sasuke shrugged. He narrowed his eyes. "Are you not familiar with colors?"

"Cut it out, bozu," she hissed. "You sound like a child arguing over crayons,"

Kakashi seemed unimpressed as he looked at Sasuke. He's already using his Sasuke- I'm-disappointed-in-you look.

She shifted to look at Kakashi, a sunny smile succeeding her frequent scowl. "My dear Hokage, do you want some tea? Some coffee? Biscuits?" Mitsuyo asked. "We have... everything... I mean any flavor you could ever dream of,"

Kakashi shook his head. "No, but thank you. I will be staying for a short period of time,"

Mitsuyo looked between the two. She always got high-strung and her answers got dodgy around authority figures. He didn't know why but it happened.

Mitsuyo's gaze fell to her feet. "You... both could speak freely. Hokage-sama, I will tend to the children," she offered kindly but there was no room for argument. She gestured in the opposite direction of their cramped motel. "I will help... over there. Yes, over there," she pointed down the hall.

She rushed away and Sasuke accepted the less shocking response. "You could take off your shoes," Sasuke said to Kakashi.

Barefoot, Kakashi nodded then went across from Sasuke at the low table with all the chess pieces.

"You play?" Kakashi asked, sitting with a light grunt.

Sasuke tilted his head, waiting for the compliment or insult. No one appreciates the old chess board games.

"I win a lot," Sasuke started then said the real reason why he played. "Benjiro likes to play me for things to win and that's why I play,"

Kakashi chuckled. "Clever boy,"

Sasuke felt lighter, less nervous. Less tense. "He is," Sasuke said, beaming with quiet pride. "He... is the source of many laughs,"

Kakashi nodded tersely. Speaking man to man was hard but he thinks he communicates how much of a star Benjiro has been and it becomes easier.

Kakashi cleared his throat after Sasuke didn't answer. "Uh, Sasuke... Hinata would come sweeping in.. Is she here?" he asked, eye scanning the dull motel.

Sasuke cleared his throat, suddenly frozen. "Kakashi, you're out of luck, she's meeting her old friends. Do you want me to pass a message on for her?"

Kakashi shook his head, not forthcoming with any information. Sasuke stared at him expectantly for a while.

"You won't tell me?" Sasuke asked, startlingly hurt.

Kakashi hesitated then winced. "I'll tell you so she won't be as... explosive,"

Sasuke chuckled. She... reacts like that but he'll absorb the shock. He wanted to say that it's better if she takes the bad news. She takes bad news way better anyway, knowing he would be more reactive. He liked to think he controlled his emotions more in perilous situations. In normal, everyday circumstances, Hinata was better.

"Kurenai and I got together a couple of years ago," Kakashi said after another quiet beat.

Kurenai... Kurenai... Who is Kurenai?

Sasuke scratched his neck, ashamed. He knew it would be arduous to learn all of Hinata's friend's names but it was proving more of a hurdle. He had trouble retaining all that unavailing information. Kurenai... he knows she said something about... tigers?

"You don't know who Kurenai is, do you?" Kakashi concluded flatly.

Sasuke wordlessly nodded.

"We are having a child together. She's eight weeks pregnant," Kakashi announced.

Sasuke blinked, four times. "Congratulations," he said, feeling insincere and awkward.

Sasuke was genuinely happy though he didn't know what to say. Should he give him a hug? Hinata would know what to do in this situation. She usually offers a drink for the celebration.

"Do you want to grab a beer in congratulations?" Sasuke said. "To... talk about being... a parent?" he added.

"If she can't have a drink, I won't either," Kakashi informed him. In some way, he knew Kakashi was struggling. "It's a compromise,"

"Well, kids are a handful," Sasuke shrugged.

"I've got Mira. She made the Hokage job a bit more bearable. You should stop by. Mira has grown very tall and beautiful. She's also looking for a sensei with expertise in genjutsu," Kakashi said.

"I don't teach kids, Kakashi," Sasuke complained. "I don't even know where you live,"

"Then write down the address or at least stop by the office. I live in the Hokage residence," Kakashi revealed. "Make an effort to get to know us,"

Sasuke honestly didn't know what to do. This was Kakashi's attempt at trying to get more familiar with him.

"I don't know, Kakashi. What if I catch you reading icha, icha paradise or something?" Sasuke said.

"That wouldn't be possible," The middle-aged Kage let out a breathy laugh. "Kurenai threw all of them out when she found out she was in one of them," Kakashi finished with a sigh.

Sasuke had to chuckle. "So your wife got stalked by a pervert," Sasuke concluded, knowing that it wasn't as humorous as he thought it was.

He just liked to laugh at other people's misfortunes.

"Not one of Jiraiya's proudest moments but... yes," Kakashi said. "Kurenai's kind. I want you to be close to Kurenai and Mira or know them personally. Hinata would love knowing her children. Benjiro and Taiyo, are ten, right? They could be friends. We could make up for lost time. I don't know who this Sasuke is. I want to meet you. The new you," he went an even step further. "It would be nice if you came over for dinner..."

"Dinner?" Sasuke repeated, honestly confused. "Like... with food?"

"With food and chairs. The whole ensemble, " Kakashi deadpanned.

"I'll think about it," Sasuke murmured. He also remembered why he allowed Kakashi to stay. He needed permission if he wanted his dreams to come true. "I have an idea..."

"Sasuke- I do not want to be involved in such illegal activities," Kakashi shook his head, ignoring his idea just because it came from him.

"Hinata approved it," Sasuke protested.

Kakashi sighed, getting prepped to hear the worst, the train-wreck of an idea to the table.

Sasuke simply stated, "I'm going to rebuild the Uchiha district. We're staying a year,"

Kakashi paused momentarily, sitting up taller. His interest was piqued.

"Rebuild it in a year?" Kakashi repeated with an unreadable expression. "That's... the longest you would have been here willingly since you were twelve," Kakashi commented.

"Things change," he said, remembering what Hinata always reminded him.

Kakashi didn't seem pleased with the curt answer and frowned.

"It wasn't even Hinata's decision this time to... stay. I want to stay- to rebuild," Sasuke added nonchalantly. He spoke too quickly and he didn't want to appear eager- or nervous but he was.

He cleared his throat, slowing his heart rate. "I needed your permission as Hokage. And I need your willing men to... take care of the more technical designs and construction portion of the project. A year or more will suffice,"

Kakashi nodded. "The paperwork will be immense but I will manage. You have my unbidden help, nevertheless," Kakashi shared a small hopeful look in Sasuke's direction. "That's good. A year... includes a lot of time to repair things with Sakura and Naruto,"

"You know, you could go if this will become a short catching up session if you keep telling me what to do about my former teammates," Sasuke sneered.

"They are still your dear teammates as I am still your sensei," Kakashi said with a disappointed tone. Then he chuckled, scratching his hair. "Though I can't teach you much, I still hold that place in your life,"

Sasuke shifted in his spot. "Yeah but don't tell me what to do with them," Sasuke said.

"I'm not. Naruto does want to speak to you about what transpired last week," he frowned. "There are many damages,"

That hasn't been... fixed? Sasuke rose a brow. "Did Someina leave a check?" Sasuke asked.

Kakashi fished out the check from the millions of pockets he has and slid it over the table. What? Why won't he take it? "Here," Kakashi said, offering the check.

"No, take it. For repairs and whatnot," Sasuke said, eyeing Kakashi weirdly. "I can't take it back,"

Kakashi shook his head. "I'm not taking your money, Sasuke," Kakashi scoffed, shaking his head, "but you should speak with Naruto,"

Naruto thought he... killed very important kids... Why should he give him the time of day? Why should he pay for the damages that Naruto mainly caused? Building a new part of the village was expensive and he needed all the money he can get.

Suddenly, Amarante came in vaulting through the hallways, rambunctious and lively. She was snickering, her dark hair falling everywhere. The clip the Raikage gave her held some strands at bay but it was still chaos. She looked splendid though her byakugan eye was covered with a patch.

She plopped down on Sasuke's lap, poofed out. She held a seashell in her hand, the one Benjiro and Hiromitsu found after a full day of hunting. The chank shell was a soft color of violet, one he likened to Hinata's eye. It was huge in her small hands but she carried it with no problems.

He looked at Kakashi apologetically. "Sorry," he whispered.

Kakashi shrugged and pocketed the money.

Sasuke felt so improper with the chess game and the kids causing noise. He was wearing his normal clothes and he wasn't standing. He felt there was pressure to not... meet in somewhere like this with Kakashi. His personal life was out in the open. He was private... He wasn't sure if Kakashi would accept him like this.

Even the sight of any of his children made him feel at ease. Unknowingly, a smile spread on his leather-feeling lips.

"Hello, hime," Sasuke said, letting her become comfortable. "I'm kind of in a meeting,"

Kakashi watched Amarante with amusement dancing in those cold eyes of his.

"Well, you're meeting with me," Amarante said, grinning. She looked at Kakashi attentively. "And you're invited too. Very invited,"

"So... Amarante, why don't you play with Hiromitsu?" Sasuke asked, wondering why she would rather be here than with her twin she loved so much. Hinata said she has separation anxiety with her counterpart but here she was- avoiding her twin.

"I wanna play with you!" she said, twisting around to look at him. Her huge eyes became pleading. "Mama isn't here, Hiro's asleep and Taiyo and Ben are makin' a volcano! With baking pop?"

Ah, he understood. He's asleep and she's too bored to be with her brothers. Hiromitsu liked to sleep during the day while she just wanted to play.

"Baking... soda," Sasuke said with a resigning sigh. They're always up to trouble. He'll just get them to stop in a while. Oh, they're messing up the bathroom. Mitsuyo will probably hear them sooner or later.

"Blah, blah, blah- it's boy stuff, they said. I'm so bored I might die," she whined, batting her eyelashes. "Can I stay with you? Papa, you're so warm and Hiro's not here and pleeeaaaaasseeee?"

"That's so dramatic but I understand, you could stay," he said.

She grinned. "Yay! I'm at the grown-ups table, saying grownup things,"

She laughed and he just smiled. She's honestly the best. Amarante grinned at Kakashi, observing him openly. She twisted back to look at Sasuke. "He has mama's hair! Can I touch it?" she asked.

Sasuke his head. "Nope, hime, you can't go around touching people's hair," he said.

She pouted, her eyes roving back to Kakashi. "It's so pointy- like yours, papa! Mama should fix it. Cut it," she looked over at Kakashi. "Mama would give you flowers and stuff but- I don't think you would like that because boys don't like pretty things,"

"I wouldn't mind flowers in my hair," Kakashi said.

Amarante didn't answer but the delight she had came off of her in waves. "You... You- I like you," she said, caressing her beach treasured seashell.

Sasuke suddenly felt it was appropriate to introduce the both of them. "This is Amarante, born second on May eighth," he said, gesturing to Amarante who beamed.

He realized they hadn't ever met outside of the office, so this must be... so weird for her. He swallowed, unsure of his next words.

"That's Ka- that's uncle Kakashi or just call him..." Sasuke furled his brows, ignoring the shocked (or as shocked as stone-faced Kakashi could look) expression on the Kage's face. "Just... just call 'im that,"

Amarante smiled brightly. "Well, Kaka-Oji-san! Papa says that you get so much money! Can you buy me ice cream? Mitsu an' Meina says it's before dinner so I can't have any,"

"No you cannot," Sasuke said. "We haven't had dinner yet and it'll ruin your appetite,"

"No, it won't. I promise, papa! When I eat ice cream- I always, always want more! I'm hungry for more! And... Uncle Suigetsu always takes us out for ice cream!" she whined.

"Amarante-" Sasuke said, preparing for a bargain.

Suddenly, Kakashi's toneless voice called out, breaking up the dispute. "I wouldn't mind taking all the kids out for ice cream," he said.

Sasuke shook his head, shooting an unimpressed look at the Kage who shrugged. Traitor.

Amarante didn't expect to get what she wanted. She whipped her neck to stare at Kakashi. "I like you very much, Oji-san," she said. She stuck her tongue out at Sasuke. "He's my favorite,"

"Hime, what about me? You can't forget 'bout me," Sasuke teased.

"You're my favoritest, papa. Don't worry," she said, curling around him. "But he gets to listen to my friend, Shelly,"

She disentangled from Sasuke and went over to Kakashi's side of the table. "Here," she offered.

Kakashi reached out and thinking he was too slow, she jammed the opening of the beautiful seashell next to his ear.

"Did you hear them?" she giggled.

"Hear who?" Kakashi asked.

"The sirens and starfish, silly!" she tittered. "You can hear the ocean. Papa says if you listen to it closely, mermaids sing and the waves whisper to me," she clarified, genuinely believing it. "Sometimes, their songs put me to sleep,"

Kakashi squinted at Sasuke. "Mermaids?"

Sasuke nodded. "Yes, mermaids," he said. "She has to love something that all other Kumo girls loved,"

"I'm sorta a Byakugan princess and a mermaid," she said affectionately. "I have a tail but no one can see it,"

Kakashi nodded. "A tail-" he asked.

"Shhhh! Keep my secret safe or else Benji and Tai-Tai will try to take my treasure," she said.

"I won't," Kakashi promised. Amarante settled beside Kakashi, cross-legged and content.

"She's a sweet kid, Sasuke. Reminds me of Hinata," he said.

Sasuke nodded. "Isn't she sweet?" he agreed.

Kakashi looked at Sasuke. "You and Hinata... can represent the Uchiha at the clan monthly meetings," Kakashi announced. "You will get support from all of us,"

"Both of us? We're... We're not married. She's an Uchiha but there's no rock," he sputtered.

"She advocates for you and I feel that... she will bolster you against all the other clan heads who are not as proud," Kakashi said. "She will chew them up for you,"

She would but... how could he- say that? Would it go something like, "I know we aren't married but you're an Uchiha- run the Uchiha with me, without getting married or any of that," Or.. what? He couldn't say... He didn't know.

Under his chin, the sound of Amarante's laugh played. "Mama strong," she said, nodding. "She beats many bullies up,"

"I will... tell her," Sasuke said, weirdly impassioned. "I will ask... I will think about it,"

Kakashi nodded. "Great,"

Suddenly, the door crashed open and Amarante screeched. Both Sasuke and Kakashi shot up, in search of the danger. Kakashi picked Amarante up, shielding her from the splinters and dust. She scrunched her eyes together and whimpered. She held onto the sea shell, fearing for her life while caring for the chank.

It was Karin and an unconscious Someina in her arms.

"What the heck?" Sasuke asked. "Why is she unconscious?"

Amarante was deathly scared, clutching the sea-shell and shivering in Kakashi's arms. Karin dumped Someina on the floor like a bag of bad rice and scowled down at her.

Kakashi seemed astonished at seeing Karin there. They made eye-contact and the color drained from her face, a full blush on her cheeks. "Kakashi-sensei? I mean- H-Hokage-sama," she said, jumping in place.

"Hello?" Kakashi said, seeing dust sink.

Sasuke looked at the limp Someina and then at the shattered door. "The door was unlocked, you idiot," Sasuke said. "Now it's defective,"

Karin got angry then dropped the line of her shoulders. "Shut up, Sasuke!" she said, folding her arms and glaring at Someina.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. She's never gotten angry with him before much less say shut up.

She continued, "I didn't know what to do and basically, I saved Hinata's life and you yell at me? The audacity of you!"

Amarante wrenched her eye open and stopped quailing. "Papa... it's safe?" she asked, voice trembling.

"Yes," he scowled at Karin and she flinched. "Your tactless aunt is difficult. Aunt Karin... broke the door and scared you,"

"Kay, papa. Auntie Karin is here?" Amarante said, not fearful anymore.

Karin suddenly seemed guilty. "Oh... I scared my favorite niece?" Karin asked, approaching Amarante in hopes of soothing the fear.

"Hi, auntie?" Amarante was still small but she said, "I'm staying with him 'cause... ya broke our door," she hugged Kakashi tighter, cowering away from Karin.

"Why break the door?" Sasuke asked through gritted teeth.

Karin frowned in an exaggerated way then turned to Sasuke. "Come on, Sasuke- don't be butthurt! I hadn't any other way to get in-"

"Wait- focus, what happened? Did one of Hinata's friends hurt her?" Sasuke demanded, approaching Someina.

He bent down and whisked a green strand away from her chin. He examined her pulse. Faint. Still alive. Still breathing. His heart stopped for a moment. What happened? Why was Karin so vacillating to reply?

After studying her father, Amarante pushed on Kakashi's shoulders. "Down," she said simply.

He let her down and she hugged his knee, still holding the seashell.

"Thanks," she said and whirled away.

Padding all the way beside Sasuke, Amarante looked at Someina. "Papa, what's wrong with Meina? Is she alright? Mama has meds- can we give her 'em? Calendula? Yarrow? I wanna go get meds," Amarante said, looking for him to approve.

"I don't know about that, hime," Sasuke said composedly.

"What about the kava, turmeric, cayenne, and Boswellia? Papa... we gotta help Meina," she said, an imploring look in her purple eyes.

"Wait... until your mother comes back, alright?" he whispered and Amarante sighed, frowning in the way Hinata did.

Watching the whole conversation, Kakashi seemed perplexed. "How does... she know what Calendula is? Or any... of those other things?"

Sasuke shrugged. "Hinata teaches them about medical-ninjutsu and they just... remember a whole lot,"

Kakashi nodded, accepting that answer.

Putting down the shell, Amarante caressed Someina's forehead. "Poor, poor Meina," she whispered lowly.

There was a bruise on the side of Someina's face and her head swelled like a watermelon. Why... What happened?

"I knocked her out," Karin said blankly and noticed Kakashi's grimace. "Within great reason. I'm trying to help you all," she added.

Kakashi seemed circumspect of Karin. He seemed concerned though Someina has always been tongue-tied around the man. He was still wary of Karin as he asked, "Why?"

Karin sighed and kicked a block of wood away. "Orochimaru happened," she sighed.

Sasuke stood straight up and gaped at Karin while Kakashi paused his movements. "What?" Kakashi asked. "What did Orochimaru do now? Are we in danger?"

Karin shook her head. "Maybe, not yet at least,"

Kakashi was tense and crossed his arms. "Not yet?" he asked lowly.

Tearing her eyes away from Kakashi, she gazed at Amarante, smiling weakly. "Can the little darling move to the boys' room? I mean... she can't hear this,"

"What happened?" Kakashi asked.

She hung her head, probably in shame. "Oh boy, I've got a tale for you," she sighed. "You're not going to like it, I promise,"

Kakashi and Sasuke exchanged worried looks. Amarante leaned on his leg, distressed and confused.

"Papa, we save aunt Meina, right?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yeah," he said because he didn't know what else to say. It seemed like a good lie at the time.

¤¤¤

The three shinobi set Someina down on the table and watched her stir in her sleep. Sasuke and Kakashi both listened attentively to Karin's ramblings of what occurred while throwing quick looks at Sasuke.

What color does a demon bleed? Sasuke pondered as he stared at Someina's unconscious form, limp across the table.

"What do we do now?" Karin asked. "When I operated the hideouts, we would customarily torture the prisoner until they couldn't speak. I don't want to do anything else punishing,"

"She could have been more useful awake, Karin," Kakashi said, studying Someina. He ignored the way Karin waited for his instruction.

"Exactly," Sasuke groaned.

She dropped her gaze from the Kage, also shying away from Sasuke's judging glare. "I know, I'm sorry, I panicked," Karin said, tugging on the sleeves of her purple jacket.

"Why didn't you interrogate her further?" Kakashi asked.

"I was angry," Karin said, shrugging, "and I don't think clearly when I am pissed. Especially when I am mad at the people I love, I just punch them. Take Suigetsu as an example,"

Sasuke scoffed. Karin had the unorthodox skill of healing people but also pissing everyone off. She was prized for the genius battle strategies she could pull out of her ass in moments. Orochimaru valued her enough to run his hideout.

Where did all that intelligence go?

Again, what color would his snake blood be?

Why would Orochimaru want to kill Hinata and Kokoro? Not that he cared much for the Uchiha gal, though he needs her, he cared so much about Hinata that his blood boiled and his jaw feels the strain of him clenching it too tightly.

What would Orochimaru gain from Hinata being dead? What would anyone gain?

Orochimaru just causes problems. He corrupted Mitsuyo, made Suigetsu's life become ruined, he caused his downfall, he endorsed madness. He also took one of his companions.

Why would Someina deceive him?

Is that why she asked all those questions about Orochimaru? Because she was leagued with him for the sole purpose of getting her sister back?

It's only been a week since the proposition because that is when they arrived. That's why she's been so absent and strange. He's been betrayed so many times, he can't count. He actually liked her. He offered to drink with her. That's the ultimate sign of his allegiance. He should have known.

He shook his head. Che. As Orochimaru once said, this evil-ridden world is only filled with flowers and snakes. They act like one or the other but it comes down to it.

Kakashi watched him carefully, seeing how affected Sasuke was. "Do you trust Someina?"

Sasuke swallowed his anger and focused on his question. "With my kids, the finances of the Uchiha, Hinata and my life," Sasuke said, gritting his teeth. "So that's a yes. I... trust her,"

Used to, actually, he corrected himself. Karin's eyes eclipsed and she sighed, looking away.

Kakashi's eyes widened slightly at his declaration. "Why would she do this? Orochimaru is unmistakably misleading her," he said neutrally. "Besides, it's impossible to bring back her sister without crossing to the other life,"

Sasuke bit his lip then met his sensei's misty eyes. "Kakashi, you know that people do... crazy things to get the ones they love back or to at least avenge them," he said, his words having a haze of darkness over them.

"That's different," Karin said, catching onto the subliminal meaning. Then she shifted gears and yelled, "Why are you defending her? She was going to kill Hinata, your girlfriend and the mother of your four kids... She almost killed her!"

"Someina didn't, though," Sasuke argued. Though he will never trust her again, nor will they be friends... He didn't want anything bad to happen to her. "Orochimaru is the real problem here,"

"Why are you so conflicted? We have to interrogate her thoroughly with the Yamanaka prodding her mind. Perhaps Ibiki will pitch in," Kakashi said lowly because he knew Sasuke might throw a left hook.

"Ibiki? No," Sasuke said. "Why would you bring her to that devil? He will break her mind just because... he hates me if he knows her link to me,"

"He does not hate you," Kakashi scoffed. "I will get intel on Someina's plans but more importantly the intentions of Orochimaru. For the safety of Konoha. It's my duty as Hokage to protect Konoha at the cost of some. Even close friends,"

Every day for three months, Ibiki prodded Sasuke's mind, making the Uchiha relive his most painful memories. All the while he was in jail and Kakashi was too pained to visit him. It was hell.

"Where are you going to take her?" Sasuke asked, ignoring his gaze.

"Jail... Ibiki will be waiting," Kakashi said with a resigning sigh.

Sasuke sighed. He literally was torn between crushing Orochimaru's face or hitting Someina. He wanted to do both of them. He was so distracted that he sent away the summons that seemed to be a nuance. So... what will they do now?

He sighed as he heard Mitsuyo scolding the boys for their shenanigans.

Kakashi promptly left with Someina and Karin hung back, rolling back and forth on her heels. They stared at the busted door. They haven't been alone for the longest time. It was supposed to be awkward but it wasn't. Maybe because she respected his personal space, hasn't rubbed on him, cried and kept her longing looks for her husband.

Karin loved him no more. At a fine distance, she was normal and cool. That's why it wasn't awkward.

She still broke his door. Idiot.

"Che. The landlord will give us so much shit for this. You owe me a new door, Karin," Sasuke grumbled.

"Whatever- I'll pay you back," she grinned at him, quirking her eyebrows up. "By the way... Breakin through doors is super fun, try it sometime," she suggested.

He eyed her for a few moments. "If I do the same to your motel room, what would you say?"

Smirking deviously, she replied with, "It's not my property,"

"If I bust through your door, you won't have to pay..." Sasuke said, smirking back.

"Deal," she laughed.

He nodded. "Deal,"

After a moment of them just being idiots, he felt the worry gnawing at his soul once again. "Oh yeah, did the meeting go well?" Sasuke wondered, feeling nervous.

Karin snorted. "No, not at all but Hinata kicked ass,"

Sasuke chuckled. That's Hinata for you. He did expect things to go... worse, like someone in the hospital or someone else dead... But things weren't as bad as he thought. So, that was a win.

"Sasuke, just asking, how into threesomes are you?" Karin queried casually, blatantly distressed.

Now it's awkward. He thought she was... better. What the hell?

"Not at all, why?" Sasuke snapped.

She winced her red eyes. "Hiashi set up a marriage between Hinata and another Hyuuga," Karin said so quickly, he nearly missed the message.

"What?!"

¤¤¤

For Hinata, walking down these halls was haunting. She usually frequented these halls as an invisible spirit, floating unnoticed. Now her every move was followed and critiqued. They didn't trust her.

She liked that.

Hinata's head was throbbing with memories floating around, her thoughts and doubts.

She felt aged and old. It was a new world full of ancient glazing vases, hardwood floors and paintings with the icy, dark elegance only the Hyuuga can pull off. What was this... new doorway? Why was that plant there? Did these halls always have this color? She doesn't remember the place.

It's just so cold. There's always a sense of acute homelessness that attached to her heart and she tries to get away from it but she can't.

Why doesn't she remember this place? How much of a stranger is she to this place?

I would like to discuss the reintegration of you and your children back into the Hyuuga clan... just echoed in her mind.

Also awkward, Ino watched her carefully but Hinata never maintained eye contact. She straightened her spine, kept her chin up and watched everything with a disinterested expression.

Hiashi was in front of them, trekking at an obviously slow pace. This place was more impressive on the inside. It left no questions about how economically prosperous the Hyuuga have been these past few years. Not that she paid much attention then but... wow.

He seemed rightfully arrogant snobby about his... domain's appearance. She didn't have time to admire and the one thing on her mind was- her sister.

Her voice was loud and firm. "Hiashi- where is Hanabi?" Hinata asked, planting herself on some carpet that smelled like bergamot and cedar wood.

Hinata will not move until they see each other. She halted the group and they were in a reluctant silence as no one chose to answer her.

Instead of Hiashi, another Hyuuga she didn't know spoke. "Oh... Hanabi-san... I haven't spotted her since she accompanied Hiroki-san into the kitchen," he focused on her and tipped his gaze past her.

How rude! He wasn't even focused on her now.

"However, There she is now," the draped Hyuuga said, frowning. "We have more important matters to discuss. The Hyuuga elder has been gravely... ill... you need to visit him. I earnestly urge you to see him as he wants to give..."

The words became dunked into water. An unimportant, insignificant jumble of words and words traversing the plain of wavelengths.

"Hanabi?" she said, not more than a breath.

The whole world disappeared, the first time she saw Hanabi. Yes... It was... Hanabi. Yes, her...

Sister.

Hanabi. It was surreal- honestly surreal. Hinata didn't know what was better, Hanabi's clean essence or striking smiles. The stars align- they align.

Happiness... true happiness could only be described as the feeling of seeing Hanabi after a long time. It was a big rarity. The way her cells came alive told her one distinct thing, she knew her lovely, lovely sister was so beautiful.

The quiet desperation to see her was screaming louder than any other sound she's heard.

Whatever drove them apart, meaningless. It's a potent shot of energy that only they could see and feel and touch.

Hanabi's beautiful lavender eyes met hers and she knew that Hanabi knew that it was real. Hanabi dropped a bowl of steaming udon noodles. The sound was jarring in the tense silence.

"Hinata..." Hanabi said waningly.

Hinata remembered the melancholic moonlight memories that she looked upon so fondly reminded her that Hanabi liked chowing down on plain noodles.

Hanabi is still the same. They're not that different.

A shrill, loud laugh that may have very well been a sob escaped Hinata's lips. "Hanabi-love, I'm not dead! I am not dead," Hinata said in a tremulous way. Hinata got louder. "Hanabi, I'm alive,"

"Hinata- that's-" Hanabi gasped. Tears filled her eyes. "It's you, Hinata... It's you,"

Her voice. A harp's timbre, light, peaceful. A song that Hinata hasn't heard in so, so long but warmed her all the same.

Hinata crumbled to her knees, feeling overwhelmed and all the years and moments she has been gone weighed down on her.

Oh... Why had she left her? She was so grateful to her sister because there was just a hesitation. She didn't know if Hanabi loved her still.

Confusion turned into chaos and lost chances made for black blood between the two.

Hanabi crashed into Hinata, arms around her sister. Suddenly, Hinata knew despite everything, there was this unchanging relation.

Hanabi still loved her.

For all the places for perfection to exist, Hinata didn't know it was where Hanabi's head was nestled in the crook of her neck. Hinata could waste away, right there, in her arms and forget everything. Hanabi's arms could substitute for a great home. A very great one.

"I missed you," Hanabi said, laughing and smiling and crying.

It was a rare display of affection and emotion Hinata allowed the Hyuuga clansmen to see as her eyes became rivers. "Hanabi-love, I'm alive. I'm alive," Hinata said. "I missed you so much, too. I can't..." Hinata faltered and just crushed her in another embrace.

Hanabi laughed into Hinata's hair and leaned back, also on her knees, to look at Hinata. Hinata reached out to Hanabi's cheeks.

"Your hair- you're alive and you look so different," Hanabi cried. They were a blubbering mess on the floor but Hanabi threaded her fingers through Hinata's loose hair.

Hinata nodded. "You're taller, my love. You also have a ring on your hand!"

Hanabi nodded and held her ring up, her makeup ruined. It sparkled like a star. "Yes, you-you're gonna see me get married, Hinata-"

The sadness, euphoria, and anxiety all mixed in together. Her tone was nasal and saltiness of her tears coated Hinata's lips.

"Yes! I will," Hinata said. She then pressed her forehead to Hanabi's. "I wasted time, wasted life when I wasn't around you,"

Hanabi grinned, sniffling.

"I missed you, Hanabi," Hinata whispered.

Hanabi. The wetness all over her skin dried and they sat back, staring at each other. Hanabi grabbed Hinata's hand, a questioning look on her face.

"How? Where were you? I grieved and your body- so cold," Hanabi shuddered.

Hanabi's thin voice was desperate for answers. The look in Hanabi's eyes became tortured and she lowered her gaze.

"Why... were you in a stone coffin?" she finished, wanting those responses.

"I... will say," Hinata said, amidst the protests. She reached for Hanabi's soft cheek again, wiping her thumb under her eye. Hanabi lost some of her baby fat. "For now, let me enjoy your nearness. It was a shame that we had to part,"

"I knew you weren't dead," Hanabi laughed, triumphant. "They deemed me a fool,"

Hinata laughed.

Hanabi's eyes were crimson and puffy. Hanabi mostly cried happy tears. "I have so much to say. I'm getting married, Hiroki-kun is almost clan head with me, grandfather needs more time and father needs meds-" her ramblings were cut short by Hinata's gasp.

Hinata's face became ashen and she sat straight up. "Huh? Why would he need meds?!"

"Didn't you know, father is dying?" Hanabi informed her.

Hinata horribly, horribly felt like a part of her died.