A not-so-majestic oneshot.

Whenever she looks at the Uchiha Estate, the gloom that hang over the darkened roofs and empty alleyways seems to get the better of her, which is probably why she never strays too close to the place. She can feel the death that taints the secluded area of Konoha, and in her thoughts she says a prayer for those dearly departed as well as for those whom were left behind, namely one Uchiha Sasuke.

Even when he returned, he refused to live there. Perhaps the memories would have swallowed him whole, leaving nothing but an empty, broken shell to walk around in his place. Whatever the reason, she realizes that perhaps he can never go back to who he might've been before. She'd talked with Sakura many times before his speedy departure, and she'd giggle and take an almost motherly pride in how strong and handsome he was. She would often see him with Naruto, training in the forests, trying to outdo each other over and over again, pretending they were rivals and nothing more.

Hinata slowly walked up the steps to her apartment, careful not to knock over any lucky ornaments or potted plants that people put in front of their doors and windows. She searched underneath her welcome mat for her key, grasping for the cool metal. But she heard the familiar click of a doorknob and she froze. Glancing to her left she could see, just one apartment down, a dark haired man with equally dark eyes emerge from his own apartment. Sasuke had a cup of something dark and noticeably foul in his hand, perhaps the blackest coffee he could find; as black as he felt, probably. He was dressed and ready to go do whatever he did nowadays. He would usually be at home and sulk (or so she guessed), or he was out training wherever he could wallow in hi solitude. She'd been polite in welcoming him when he first moved in, and she'd sent over a card on the holidays. Ever since his return he'd been treated coldly, not even a fraction as popular as he was before he left. Naruto was obviously willing to talk to him, but others had strayed away, not even trying to reconnect. Who did he really have to talk to nowadays besides Naruto? She loved the blonde bloke, but he was tiring sometimes, even she admitted it.

Sasuke glanced at her, who was still crouched and reaching her hand under her mat. She blinked, but then smiled at him genuinely (because it was rare to get a genuine smile from anyone anymore). "Good morning, Uchiha-san," Polite and to the point. No flim flam included. Just the way he preferred his conversations to be (at least, that's what she guessed). Grabbing her key at last, she fiddled with the lock, and let the door swing open. She took a step in, but she froze as his raspy and underused voice replied back with, "Good morning, Hyuuga-san," She glanced back at him again, and she took in how tired he looked.

"Have a great day, Uchiha-san,"

She closed the door quietly behind her, not bothering to peek out her curtains to see his expression. She unpacked her groceries silently, a wide and satisfied smile on her face. He had replied back. That was all she needed. His simple words were all that she needed to assure herself that he'd be alright. He'd adjust and gain back the trust that he had had. Somehow.