To Rose, I hope this pleases you. To everyone else, I hope this pleases you, too.

I cried when I first wrote this. At varying parts.

Enjoy!

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A Six Month Progression


"What are you doing here, Hyuuga?"

"I...I need someone to talk to."

"So, why are you here?"

"...Please, Uchiha-san."

"...It's Sasuke."

"And...it's Hinata."

.

.

.

.

"Why are you crying?"

"I-I just...c-can't forget. Th-that night... That...n-night..."

"...Come on."

"Wh...where?"

"To my apartment."

"..."

"I can't be out after dark again."

"O-oh... B-but I shouldn't..."

"Do you have a better place where we can talk?"

"...Let's go."

.

.

.

.

"He still doesn't remember?"

"...No."

"Hm."

"It might be...for the best."

"...I guess."

"I'm glad I talked to you. I might have...broken up with him because of it all."

"..."

"Um...?"

"Yeah. Wouldn't want that."

"..."

"..."

.

.

.

.

"Uchiha-san."

"..."

"U...Uchiha-san?"

"..."

"...Sasuke?"

"What is it?"

"I want...to thank you."

"For?"

"Helping me."

"...Hn."

"I promise not to bother you anymore."

"...Hn."

.

.

.

.

"Oh! Uchi...uh... Sasuke. What are you doing here?"

"...I don't know."

"..."

"..."

"...Um..."

"Let's do something."

"..."

"..."

"...Okay."

.

.

.

.

"I...I don't think we should be doing this."

"You don't think so?"

"I'm with-"

"Me. Right now, you're with me."

"..."

"What do you want to do?"

"I...I don't know. I mean..."

"Well, when you figure it out..."

"..."

"...feel free to stop me."

"Ah... A-ah... Uchi-"

"Sasuke."

"Ah... Wai-"

"Say it."

"A-ah! Sasuke!"

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.

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Hinata groaned, steadily emerging from her sleep.

Her dreams were getting distorted.

They have been distorted for a while now.

She already had enough issues weighing on her mind that she didn't want to confront...but maybe that needed to change.

One day.

Some day...

If she could build up the nerve.

She mumbled to herself, pushing down the anxiety in her chest, and blinked her eyes open. The sun was peering through the window, directly on her face. Her eyes rolled around the room, taking everything in, before widening—gradually widening.

This wasn't her room.

And it was morning.

She shot into a sitting position, forcing her mind to clear, and scanned the room once more.

"No," she whispered, her body beginning to shake. With numbing embarrassment, she soon realized she was completely nude. "Not again," she whimpered, scrambling out of bed and scurrying around the somewhat spacious room to retrieve and put on her clothing.

This was getting out of hand.

She couldn't keep track of how many times she's woken up in this apartment to repeat this process over and over again—the sleepless nights, the late mornings, the hurried departures... This wasn't who she wanted to be.

"You're not quiet," a muffled voice said from the bed.

Hinata turned, zipping her jacket, to catch the other settling into a more comfortable position beneath the mess of blankets and pillows. She blushed, frowning at the doorway. "I...have to go."

"Mm." He stretched, one dark eye peeking from under dark bangs. "Of course."

Hinata bit her lip, squaring her shoulders as she walked out the door.

This again.

With him...again.

"We..." She paused, forcing herself to look back at him once more. "We have to stop this."

He regarded her for a moment. "Break up with him."

"I...can't."

He was silent, testing her resolve. "You forgive him?"

"He's sorry about that ni-"

"He doesn't remember. How can he be sorry?"

"He... He knew something was wrong the next day, and-"

"I've heard it before," Sasuke sighed, closing his eyes. "And I still don't agree."

She pressed her lips together, exiting his room. "Goodbye, Sasuke."

"...See you soon, Hinata."


That Afternoon

"Hinata? Hey, Hinata!"

"Eh?" The Hyuuga blinked, staring across the field at her blue-eyed boyfriend.

"You okay? We haven't done much sparring since we arrived."

"Oh." Hinata slouched her shoulders, standing straight.

Naruto bit his lip. He was still messing up with her, and he didn't know when or why it started. For months, he had apologized and had done everything he could to try to make it up to her, but even he knew it would be close to impossible if he didn't remember.

She also refused to tell him...so it must have been awful.

He stopped bad-mouthing Neji a long time ago, and he made sure to never slip up with that. He also got over the fact that she wanted their relationship to be a secret. He didn't understand it at first. How could he? If she was too ashamed to claim him in public, then how was he supposed to take it? Eventually, he found out she was doing this just so they could be together. This mainly meant her father wanted them apart, and he knew if he made Hinata pick between her dad and him...he may not have gotten the result he wanted.

Still... He was so sure every other setback in their relationship was dealt with. He hoped...he didn't mumble about Sakura in his sleep. He was over his pink-haired friend, but what if his biggest enemy was his sub-conscious mind? How could he fix that? Dammit, why were things-?!

"Naruto?"

He jolted, noticing Hinata walking over to him. "Oh, uh, you okay? We can call it quits."

She stopped in front of him, grabbing his hands and looking down at them. "I love you, Naruto."

The blond blushed, looking to the side. "M-mhm. Um, why are you-?"

"Can we go to your apartment?"

"Mine? But people might see us."

"It's okay." She squeezed his hands before hugging him tightly. "I just...I just need you to look at me."

"Hey... Is everything al-?"

"Please," her voice cracked. "Please?"

"...Let's go."


A Few Days Later

Hinata walked through the path leading to the Training Grounds. Since the war ended, nobody seemed to come here for strictly training anymore.

No one really came here at all.

It was a perfect spot for the heiress to relax. Her home didn't suit her reflective mood, and she was sure to run into someone she knew in the village, so... Training Grounds it was.

"Augh!" Hinata emerged in the field to see someone fall to the ground in a thick cloud of smoke. "Shit," an older man spat. The smoke cleared, and Ibiki climbed to his feet.

"Hm." Hinata's eyes snapped to the figure across the field. "Looks like interrogation is the only thing you've got going for you," Sasuke said.

Ibiki stretched out his neck, cracking it and shaking out his shoulders. "Scum like you should have died in the war."

"Aa." Sasuke smirked. "Then I could have beaten you in Hell."

The older ninja muttered a curse, drawing kunai from his pouch and launching it at the Uchiha. Sasuke jumped in the air, avoiding the weapons, but soon found that they followed his motions. The kunai soared past the raven-haired boy before overlapping each other, clear metal wire glinting against the sky and wrapping around his body.

Ibiki pulled back the wire and brought Sasuke crashing to the ground on the other side of the field.

"Hit a nerve?" Sasuke commented.

"Quite a few." Ibiki bit his thumb before forming hand signs. Hinata gasped when the man summoned an Iron Maiden. "Die." He yanked the string back, sending Sasuke soaring to the death trap.

"Wait!" Hinata yelled, sprinting towards them. Ibiki looked over, cursing under his breath, and released the summoning. Sasuke collided at his feet.

"Lady Hyuuga," the man greeted, discarding the Uchiha to the side.

"Ah... Um..." She wet her lips. "I-I was told to keep watch over Uchiha-san today."

"You?" The man looked at her skeptically. "Under whose orders?"

"The... The Hokage. My father insisted upon it. He, um... He said it would be good for me."

Ibiki stared at her, evaluating her disposition. It wouldn't take much on his part to determine whether or not the girl was lying—he was almost positive she was. But...

He looked at the confined boy lying on the ground.

Scowling he walked toward the path, patting the girl on the shoulder. "I don't know if you're trying to save my job or his life, but you're too kind."

Hinata worried her bottom lip as she watched him go. She looked down at Sasuke, who was staring at her with dull eyes.

"You overreacted," he stated.

"You couldn't move."

Sasuke pushed his arms out, popping the wire. "And now I can."

Hinata blushed, looking away from him. "I see... Sorry." She ducked her head, walking back the way she came.

"Hinata."

She stopped, breathing evenly. "Y-yes?"

"Stay."

She turned to him.

"You came for a workout, right?"

"I..."

o0o0o

Hanabi sat in the courtyard, trying to admire the evening sky, when a figure appeared off to the left, crouching on the ground. She stared for a moment, taking a sip from her cup. "What are you doing, Hinata?"

Her sister looked up, holding her jacket closed by the collar. "Oh... I, um... G-going to my room."

The young Hyuuga watched as her sister rose to her feet, keeping her head down as she walked inside. "What were you up to?" Hanabi asked before she could get away.

"Sp...sparring."

Hanabi took another sip from her cup. "You've never looked so flushed," or so ill put together, "after sparring before. You didn't cool down?"

"Ah... No."

Hinata left without another word.


One Week Later

"Ah, hold on."

Hinata paused with her hand on the doorknob, turning back to look at Naruto; he stood with his hands in his pockets, fidgeting. "Is something wrong?" the heiress asked.

"No... No." He smiled his trademark smile, still a bit on edge. "I just..." He laughed, looking away. "I'll be right back."

Hinata watched as Naruto exited through the door off to the left. A moment later, he returned with one hand behind his back. Hinata tilted her head, curious.

"Naruto...you're acting a little strange."

"Yeah... Well..." He pulled his arm from behind him.

"O-oh!" A bundle of flowers were suddenly in her line of sight.

Naruto smiled sheepishly. "Do you like them?"

Hinata took the bouquet, blushing, and looked up at him, not knowing what to say.

"I, uh, just couldn't stop myself from buying them." He coughed, scratching the back of his head. "I know it's cliché—roses and all—but, um..." He blushed, grinning widely. "Ya know."

"Thank you...Naruto." She smiled faintly. "But...aren't you a little low on money these days? Why...would you waste it on me?"

He looked away, one hand in his pocket and the other scratching his cheek. "What was it that you said to me that one time? Something like... 'Because...I love you'." She gasped silently, gaping at him. Naruto looked back at her, smiling. "Kind of a lame first time for me to say it, huh?"

"N-no!" she exclaimed, shaking her head and hugging the roses close to her. "It was...perfect."

Naruto cupped her cheek, leaning, and murmured, "I'm glad."

o0o0o

Hinata walked home, frowning at her gift. Naruto really was sweet, but...he's been wasting his money a lot these past few months.

On...her.

Six months ago, she had to admit she felt more than a little uncomfortable around him, but he honestly didn't seem to remember what happened that night. That only made the heiress more hurt and closed off because what if she had gone through with it? What if Sasuke had slept with her that night? Naruto would have not remembered suggesting it at all—not like that should be an issue anymore. They already...

"Oh," Hinata inhaled, gripping the flowers.

When she noticed there may have been something between her and Sasuke, she pushed the thought away. She went to Sasuke to just...talk. He was the only other person involved in the issue, so she hoped he could help her see things from a different perspective. The first time she visited him, she thought his curt answers would be enough. She didn't expect to stay for more than a few minutes.

She didn't expect to stay all afternoon.

She didn't expect him to ask...

"You want me to encourage your relationship?"

She...didn't.

Deep down, she really didn't, but she didn't realize it until he asked. She honestly didn't know what she truly expected of him, but that's where it all started. And it would only be a few visits later until they became...intimate. She couldn't recall all that led up to it, but she knew she could have stopped it. She wanted to stop it, but-

"There would be so much chemistry between you guys."

And there was. It started with a look...

...that encouraged a touch...

...that begged for a kiss...

...that cried for so much more.

Hinata sighed, her eyes watering.

She had to tell Naruto about it.

She would have to tell him...soon. He didn't deserve this. He spent money on her trying to make up for something he had no recollection of, and she... She and Sasuke have been...

"But it's over now," Hinata said, trying to convince herself. She looked up, freezing.

Sasuke was approaching from the opposite direction.

She breathed in deeply, knowing this couldn't be avoided. She had hoped he would already be home by now—seeing how he did get in trouble after taking her home that night—but she soon realized he didn't care for the village rules. She continued her walk, ready to get this confrontation over. When Sasuke noticed her, he had the same mindset as she did.

They stopped a few feet in front of each other. Sasuke inspected her—more so the flowers than anything else.

"How sweet," he said blandly.

"Um... S-Sasuke, I... I have to tell Naruto..."

He waited.

"About...us."

He said nothing.

"There shouldn't have been an us to begin with, so-."

"But there was." He shrugged indifferently. "But he's your first—in everything. I get it."

"I'm...v-very sorry about all of this."

"It's fine." He walked over to her, pulling a rose out of the bouquet. He broke off the stem and placed the flower behind her ear. "He's an idiot, but you like that."

"He doesn't remember-"

"And that makes it okay, right?" He huffed, laughing, before walking on. "I remember."

She turned, watching him go. "You're...okay with this?"

He turned back to her, thinking for a moment. "I'm leaving soon."


Two Days Later

The usual group was back in the family diner for the evening. Sasuke didn't understand what was so amazing about this place other than being a common eatery for the village's ninja. The food wasn't outstanding, the atmosphere wasn't spectacular, and the establishment definitely showed it had been around for quite a while. Maybe it had what people called "character".

"Can I get anything else for you kids?" the owner asked them. He was an aged, bald man with laugh lines decorating his face. Sasuke vaguely wondered what a man like him could have smiled so much for in his life.

"We're fine, Tosa," Sakura responded.

Kiba grinned. "Yeah, man, you're always looking after us."

"Well, you're all like my children," Tosa laughed, walking back to the kitchen. "I live to see you all happy."

Kiba snorted. "Too bad all his real children were killed in the war."

This, everyone knew, was directed right at the Uchiha.

Sasuke looked at Kiba, tilting his head slightly. "And look at all the children he gained as a result."

Kiba slammed his fist on the table, growling. "You bastard-!"

Everyone exclaimed, trying to calm the canine savvy boy.

"Let's not do this now," Tenten sighed.

"We all know the war wasn't any one person's fault, anyway," Ino said.

Kiba grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Sasuke smirked to himself. He would miss getting a rise out of these people—they were easily rattled.

"You okay?"

Sasuke looked over, ignoring the mini conversations and keying in on the one trying to go undetected. Naruto and Hinata sat near the window, across from each other. The blond was leaned on his arm, appearing disinterested. Hinata was leaned on her hand, looking out the window. The Uchiha assumed the inquiry was directed at her.

"Nothing, it's just...you're really down today," Naruto said, responding to an answer Sasuke didn't hear.

Another response.

"We can get out of here, if you want. You can tell me then."

She shook her head, dipping her face into her hand for a moment.

"Hey," Naruto said, less discreet, straightening his posture. "Why're you...? What's wrong?"

She shook her head again, taking in a shaky breath.

Naruto leaned forward, trying, again, to be secretive. "Hinata, why're you crying?"

"What?" Kiba's head snapped in their direction. "I heard that. What's going on?"

Naruto looked over, conflicted.

"What?" Ino—and everyone else—looked in their direction as well.

"It's...nothing," Naruto said, giving a worried glance at his girlfriend.

"My ass," Kiba countered. "Hinata, are you okay?"

She began to shake. Sasuke thought he knew why: Too much attention was on her, and she had no way to get out of it.

"Uh," Tenten said, "maybe we shouldn't put her on the spot like this."

"I-it's okay," Hinata said, causing Shino and Neji to become more attentive; they heard the distress better than anyone. "I just-" She turned to the group, her face red but her composure otherwise in place. When her eyes happened to meet Sasuke's, she gasped, tears immediately building and spilling over.

"Up," Neji commanded to her row. They listened, and Neji ushered Hinata out of the diner, Kiba and Shino trailing them.

"Whoa," Ino said as the rest of them sat back in place. "I wonder what happened."

All eyes went to Naruto, who jumped at the sudden turn of heads. "Why me?!" he yelled, mortified.

"Come on, Naruto," Shikamaru droned. "We know you two are dating."

"Uh... Y-yeah, but why-"

"Because you're inconsiderate," Ino said.

"Because you're clueless," Sakura added.

"Because you're Naruto," Tenten sighed.

Lee and Choji, the most understanding at the table, couldn't find a way to get Naruto out of this.

"Wait!" Naruto said defensively. "I really didn't do anything. I was trying to help!"

"You're better in battle than as emotional support," Shikamaru said.

This went on for the rest of the remaining group's stay, which Sasuke enjoyed. He remembered when it was Naruto and not him who received ridicule on a daily basis, and it was nice to have it shift for just a moment. However, it made him slightly uncomfortable at the same time because Hinata's current state wasn't entirely Naruto's fault... But it was over now, and their relationship had nothing to do with him. It was just nice to know that the rest of the (slightly above average) intelligent people were not as blind to the faults of the odd pair.

In theory, the Uzumaki and the Hyuuga were perfect for each other. Naruto would be the positive to Hinata's negative, but that was the problem with their line of thinking.

Hinata was not negative.

She may have been less positive than Naruto, but she was still positive. Being with Naruto made her negative because Naruto's positive was too overwhelming—he pulled all her positives so that she was nothing but negative. The others probably didn't see it that way yet, but it was a start. In reality, at this stage in their lives, they were ill-suited for each other. And, just maybe, they always would be.

But that wasn't his problem. They could solve their own issues.

o0o0o

Sasuke went home after the group disbanded. When he arrived on his apartment floor, he was surprised to see someone waiting for him. "What are you doing?"

Hinata looked up, eyes red and puffy. She was sitting in front of door, legs curled up. She looked like she might have just woken up. "Sasuke..."

"I can't get in with you sitting there."

"But-"

"Get up first."

Hinata hesitated before she climbed to her feet and stepped aside. "Sasuke-"

"Save it," he said, unlocking the door. "It's over, remember? There's nothing you need to say."

"But I do-"

"I don't." He walked inside, turning back to the girl. "Go home, Hyuuga."

She stared at him, tears already sliding down her cheeks. Sasuke closed the door, but Hinata caught it.

"Move," he warned.

"I...w-want you to stay," she said, voice unable to mask her crying. "I want you to stay in the village."

"I'm done being Konoha's trophy."

"Please, Sasuke? You stayed this long."

"I'm not trying to beat my previous record."

Hinata looked away, blinking rapidly as she tried to find her voice.

"Why are you trying to stop me?" Sasuke asked, stumping her for a second. "Everything you need is already here. Everything. What will this change?"

"That's... Naruto would-"

"This isn't about Naruto," Sasuke dismissed, irritated. "You wouldn't be here—by yourself—if this was just for Naruto."

"I... I..."

He smirked bitterly. "Don't tell me you've had a change of heart."

"Wha-?"

"You think you have feelings for me, Hyuuga?"

Hinata bit her lip, frowning to the side. "Don't you have feelings for me?"

Sasuke bit his tongue, his grip tightening. Hinata's eyes met his, pleading and challenging to the highest degree. The next move was his, and he knew it. With a few simple words, he could shatter her, and they knew it.

It was too easy.

It was almost insulting.

But more than anything...

...it was impossible.

Sighing, Sasuke reached out to her, pulling her close. Hinata clung to him as he guided her inside and closed the door.

o0o0o

Three hours later, Sasuke opened his eyes.

He was in his room. Looking to his right, he found a nude, slumbering Hinata huddled close to him, wrapped in his blankets.

Sighing, he pulled some of the blankets over his own naked body and stared at the ceiling.

This...was not the situation he saw himself in when he returned to the village. This was not the problem he wanted right before he left. He made the mistake of getting attached. He wanted to leave her behind, but, more than anything, he wanted to leave her behind for Naruto's sake. He really did. He never planned to get involved with the Hyuuga, and he never saw himself sneaking behind Naruto's back, but...the damage was done.

"Great," he groaned, throwing his arm over his eyes.

"What's wrong?" Hinata's groggy voice mumbled against the side of his chest.

He bit his lip, warring with himself. "Get dressed. I'll take you home."

"And then?"

"Then what?"

"Where do we go from there?"

He groaned, shifting uncomfortably. "Nothing's changed."

"Mm..." Hinata snuggled closer to him. "Then I'm not moving."

"You can't lie here forever."

"I wasn't planning to. Just until you change your mind."

"I'm not staying here. No matter what you do, I'm leaving."

Hinata looked up at him, clearly saddened.

He sighed again, frowning himself. "This isn't because of you."

"...Does the village make you that unhappy?"

"It's..." He sighed, resigning himself. "It's him," he said, dejected. "We messed up."

Hinata remained silent, the habitual guilt coming back. She laid her head against him, feeling her chest tighten. "Yeah..." She closed her eyes, nodding slowly. "You're right." She shook her head, fighting the pain.

Sasuke pressed his lips together firmly. He had hoped to leave without talking to the heiress, and now this was happening. This is what he was afraid of. He wanted a stable life for her—he couldn't give her that. They shouldn't have gotten together this time around, so why had they? Is this why he was back at all? Was he supposed to meet her—to talk to her for a change? Did this have to happen? He didn't know...but he was sure of one thing. Many traits about him changed over the years, but he was still Sasuke Uchiha, and Sasuke Uchiha was a bit selfish.

He ran his fingers through her hair, trying to make the right words come out, but they refused. "Come with me."

Hinata looked up at him. "Come with you?"

He looked at her, trying his hardest to take it back—to let her have a normal life—but he couldn't do it. He was too selfish. "Come with me."

Hinata blinked, trying to find the signs that he was just messing with her. She pushed up on one arm, pulling the blanket to her chest. "But... You... But... Naruto."

"Then say no." He really needed her to.

Hinata stared at him, thoughts foggy and heart chaotic. "Go with you..." she said to herself, pausing. "Do you mean it?"

"Do you want to?"

Another moment went by as they evaluated each other.

He needed her to say no—for her sake.

Hinata blinked. She needed to choose for herself for once. She needed to do what was best for her. "Yes," Hinata said. "I do."


Sasuke sat with Hinata on a bench near the Academy early the next morning. She was staring down at her fisted hands, her eyebrows creased.

"You can back out," he said, sensing her inner thoughts.

"No," she mumbled, defiant. "It's not that."

"Hm." Sasuke looked at the bags at their feet—one was his and the other was hers. "This wasn't smart."

She looked at him. "I won't always be like this," she assured. "I just-"

"Not that. You... There's nothing wrong with your life."

She sighed, putting her face in her hands. "You've been saying that since last night."

"You'll regret this."

"Me? Or you?"

"You."

"Then why did you ask me to come?"

"I didn't want to regret not asking."

She cracked a smile, looking at him. "It's just... This is the last day with everyone...and I can't say goodbye."

"Then stay."

She frowned. "Stop saying that. I... It's just a lot for me to handle."

They sat in silence for another moment.

"I'll give you a week."

Hinata peeked at him, confused.

"We'll leave in a week instead."

"You're trying to get me to change my mind."

"No. I'm giving you time to say goodbye."


Three Days Later

"Well, this is unexpected," Kiba said, looking at the array of food laid in front of them.

"Indeed," Shino agreed, though he was as equally surprised. "What's the occasion?"

"Nothing," Hinata said as she laid out the last of the contents of her picnic basket.

The boys exchanged inquisitive glances. This was day three of Hinata surprising them with some elaborate gift. When she had appeared at their doorstep to request they all spend the day together, both boys thought something was troubling her—family stuff maybe. When they all arrived at Training Ground 3 and saw the picnic basket, they thought maybe it was so troubling that food had to be involved as a buffer for the whirlwind of emotions that would surely take place. But this... This did not look troubling.

"It's too bad sensei couldn't join us," Hinata mumbled.

"Yeah, parenthood looks like one hell of a bitch," Kiba said. Akamaru nudged him, grumbling. "No, I wasn't talking about your mom."

Hinata giggled. "Please eat. I made it all myself."

"You're really going all out lately," Kiba said, quirking a brow at her. "You tryna butter us up for somethin'?"

"No," the girl squeaked, shoving her hands in her lap. "I just wanted to do something nice for you three."

"It's nice enough just having you around," Shino commented. "Your kindness is not out of character, but it feels as though you are trying to prove something."

Hinata rubbed her lips together, her body heating uncomfortably. "I suppose...I'm trying to prove how much you all mean to me."

Kiba sighed, crossing his arms. "Well... Damn. And here we are just sucking up all the benefits. What can we do then?"

"Well," she smiled sheepishly, "you could start by eating."

"Don't mind if we do." Kiba smiled wildly, canines gleaming, reaching for a sandwich. "Thanks, Hinata!"

"Yes, thank you," Shino said.

The Hyuuga smiled, her chest and throat tightening. "Any time."

o0o0o

Team 8 spent all morning and afternoon together—making sure to stop by to see their sensei—and it hadn't occurred to either of them that this was the first time since the war ended that they were able to spend time just as a team. There was so much unity afterwards that it was rare for any one team to be alone together.

"So, Hinata," Kiba said as they made their way back from the Kurenai's house, "you and Naruto, huh?"

She inhaled sharply. "Ah... W-well that..."

"Don't be so shy." He grinned. "I'm glad for you. You finally got your crush, and he turned out to be a hero. I would've never guessed that years ago."

"Mm... Mhm." She tried to smile. In a normal situation, she would smile. "I'm really glad we had this day together."

"We need more. Hanging out with everyone is nice and all, but we were here since day one."

Hinata bit her lip. The tears were coming. This was too much. "I...wish there would be more days like this," she agreed.

"Then it's settled! At least once a week, it'll be just the four of us," Kiba declared. "From now until the very end!"

Hinata breathed in deeply, halting in her tracks.

"From now until the very end!"

The pain in her chest multiplied exponentially. Shino, Kiba, and Akamaru turned back to look at her.

"Is everything alright?" Shino asked.

"Y-yes, I just..." She wiped her eyes, laughing a bit. "I just...love you guys so much." She walked over, hugging them all. "I am so grateful to have been part of this team."


That Night

Sasuke held her close to his chest, his body feeling each tremor caused by her sobs. "Stay."

"N-no," she said, willing herself to breathe. "I-I just di-didn't expect it to be this h-ha-ha..." She sobbed again, gripping onto his shirt.

"Hinata," he rubbed her back, frowning a bit, "think about this seriously."

"I-I have! I swear I have. I just... I-I'm going to miss them so much!"

He huffed. "You're not making sense."

A few minutes passed where Hinata cried into his chest. He tried to convince her to stay, but she refused to be swayed. Sasuke didn't expect this to be so...troubling for him. He didn't want to leave without her when she actually wanted to go, but maybe he had to do what's best for her—even if she wouldn't.

Maybe he should just...leave without her.

She would probably resent him after that, but that would be for the best. She didn't need this pain.

"Sasuke..." Hinata said, taking in a shaky breath. "I really will go through with this."

He said nothing.

She looked up at him, face red and wet, smiling. "I really do...want to always be with you."

Dammit.

"...Aa."

He didn't want the pain of not having her.


The Next Evening

Neji sat in the courtyard, enjoying the day.

He was trying very hard to enjoy the day.

He could enjoy the day if...

He activated his Byakugan, looking behind him. Hinata's head was timidly poking out the door, watching him.

It's been like this for the past few days, and he had no idea what she was trying to do. She hadn't been doing anything but...watching him when she thought he didn't notice.

He sighed, deactivating his Byakugan. He turned around sharply just in time to catch Hinata's hair retreating out of his line of sight. "What are you doing?"

"...Nothing," her voice answered.

"We can talk better when we actually look at each other, Hinata."

Her head appeared around the corner after a moment. "U-um..."

Neji waited. Her eyes dropped to the floor then back to him. With no warning, she burst into tears and ran off, leaving a startled Neji staring after her. "Hm." He turned back to the courtyard and stared into the burnt orange sky.

He never noticed how...strange...his cousin was.

o0o0o

Hinata dried her eyes as she walked through the evening streets.

She didn't know how Sasuke was able to do this—twice.

He could say he didn't care for anyone, but she believed that to be impossible. Maybe he was more prepared the second time around. Maybe the first time was hard for him.

However...maybe she understood how having a goal in mind was a pushing factor.

Sasuke believed she was happy in the village, but she was...content. Her team, her family, and her friends were the best aspects of her life...but it wouldn't always be this way. Her team and friends would go on to have families of their own, and she wouldn't be able to spend time with them as much as she was used to. After her part in the war, her family expected her to carry on the legacy of her clan, but that was all too...suffocating.

She didn't want the future the village offered.

No one would consider the future she wanted.

She didn't even know what kind of future that might be, but then Sasuke had offered one to her—one that held far more possibilities than she would have ever thought for herself. It was a future that had no guarantees and was full of exciting moments that she didn't know she wanted.

And she would discover all these wonders with Sasuke.

It was a far different view from what she had always dreamt.

Naruto wasn't... He really wasn't bad.

She loved him, after all.

Their relationship wasn't as faulty as she once thought, but a future with Naruto was no longer fulfilling enough. She had no doubt he would become Hokage, and there would surely be experiences only exclusive to that title, but those weren't meant for her.

She wanted to be with Sasuke, and Sasuke was not happy in the village. He was happy with her, and she was happy with him, so maybe that's all she needed.

She was still willing to go, after all.

Despite all she was leaving behind, she was...excited.

But there was still a few things she had to take care of.

o0o0o

Hinata came upon a group of buildings and walked up a few stairs. She walked past a couple of doors before stopping at the one she needed. She exhaled, knocked on the wood, and waited. A few seconds later, the door opened.

Naruto grinned upon seeing her, eyes lighting up. "Hey."

"Hi." She smiled back meekly. "May I come in?"

"Yeah, yeah, of course." He stepped aside and let her into his very much humble abode. Hinata had always been fascinated by Naruto's apartment. He had been living in the same place for years, and there had never been anywhere or any thing that radiated his presence more.

"I hope you weren't too busy," she said.

"What, at night? Not unless you're around."

She tried to smile at that.

"So, what's up? It's rare to have you stop by here."

Hinata wrung her hands, looking around the room. "I need to talk to you," she said, biting her lip.


Three Days Later

"You're moody," Sasuke commented to the girl cooking in his kitchen.

"What are you talking about?" Hinata asked, busy with breakfast.

He was talking about how she was nothing but tears this whole week, but now she was cooking a feast in his kitchen.

And somehow she got in his apartment.

And didn't bother to wake him.

And the sun wasn't even up yet.

"Is this how you deal with stress?"

She grinned. "I was too excited."

"So...you break into my apartment to cook...food?"

"We'll need our energy."

"Yeah, in over twelve hours."

She shot him a radiant smile, causing the Uchiha to twitch.

Hinata got breakfast ready and laid out each dish around the tiny kitchen; Sasuke didn't have a table for eating. He looked at all the food, his hunger steadily rising, then looked back at the heiress; she looked so proud of herself. He stared at her for a moment, not knowing what to do.

He patted her head. "Good job."

She giggled, almost bouncing in place. "Please, eat," she said as she turned to the sink to wash the remaining kitchenware.

As they ate breakfast together, Sasuke paid extra attention to Hinata because this behavior was completely different, and it...worried him. When Hinata decided to leave for the day, he trailed her to the door, his mind troubled. Hinata smiled at his behavior, noticing it minutes after he had woken up. He was...awfully cute when something was bothering him.

"You're thinking too much," she said.

Sasuke's brows furrowed. "You're going to change your mind."

She sighed, crossing her arms. "I'm starting to question what you really want me to do."

"I want you to not-"

"Regret it. I know. I won't."

"...Are you taking pills?"

"No." She huffed, taking his hands in hers and interlacing their fingers. "This feels...right, Sasuke. Better than anything I've ever done."

"Deciding to leave?"

She shook her head, frowning a bit at his cluelessness—or stubbornness. "Deciding to be with you."

He looked away. "Aa."

She giggled. "You're blushing."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "We leave tonight. Will that be enough time to take care of everything?"

"Yeah. I just have one more thing."

"Fine." He turned back to her, kissing her on the lips. "I'll see you tonight."


He realized this wasn't like him. Prolonged sadness, self-pity, hopelessness...

This wasn't like Naruto Uzumaki at all. But... It didn't make sense.

(\/)(\/)(\/)(\/)(\/)(\/)(\/)

"Naruto," Hinata said, taking hold of his hand, "you have...grown a lot since we were kids."

He nodded. "Everyone has."

"But you, in particular, have grown so much. You're seen as a hero, Naruto—you're amazing."

He smiled despite his stomach dropping. "So are you."

Hinata looked down, wetting her lips as she rubbed the back of his hand. "You believe that you wouldn't have gotten here without your hardships, right?"

"Well, yeah. They motivated me."

"Yes, exactly." She looked up at him, her eyes pained. "And any other hardships you face are only going to make you that much stronger, right?"

Naruto watched her, suddenly aware there was something to worry about. He swallowed hard, grasping her hand back. "Yes...but as long as I have you by my side, I'll be fine."

"But if you had to do this without me, you could make it," she insisted.

"I suppose, but I don't have to... I don't want to."

Hinata couldn't hold his gaze anymore, inhaling as she let go of his hand. Naruto grasped it again, causing her to look at him.

"Hinata," he said cautiously, "I really don't want to."

"I...I understand, but-"

"What?" His heart began to pound. "But what? Nothing has to change."

"Th... That's true, but-"

"Stop saying 'but'. There doesn't have to be a 'but', Hinata. You... Anything that comes our way we can handle together...right?"

"Naruto..." She placed her other hand on top of his. "I will always love you...but I can't be with you anymore."

(/\)(/\)(/\)(/\)(/\)(/\)(/\)

He laughed bitterly as he kicked up dust.

He's been walking through the village since morning because he didn't know how to deal with this.

She dumped him.

Hinata dumped him.

The first girl who had told him she loved him and meant it—and proved it—and had allowed him to fall in love with her—dumped him.

For what? If it had nothing to do with him then who did it deal with? Did her family finally intervene? Did she just...stop loving him?

"It doesn't make sense," he hissed, clenching his fists in his pockets.

"That doesn't make any sense."

"I know it doesn't, but I swear it was them."

Naruto looked up ahead. There were girls talking behind a tree—villagers, it looked like.

"I doubt they even know each other. You see where your logic fails, right?" one with short hair said.

"I'm not trying to use logic," one with even shorter hair snapped. "I'm just telling you what I saw."

"Okay," the other sighed. "You're insane."

"I'm telling you that's what happened, Chi!"

"Calm down, calm down. Just tell it to me one more time." The girl rubbed her temple before setting her weary gaze on her friend. "You saw the Hyuuga heiress doing what with the rogue ninja?"


Night

Neji walked around the compound.

Things had been awfully bland for a while now. Well, except for his cousin. It was obvious she was sad about something, but now she's been gone all day.

She was probably with Naruto...

Honestly, he was all for Hinata's happiness, but Naruto of all people? People usually grew out of their crushes, so why did she still cling to him? He was impressive, sure, but he was too...wild, and she was too...refined. Neji would try very hard to accept this union, if that's who she wanted to be with, but if he could talk some sense into her—or if anyone could—he would oppose it just a bit longer.

He walked to his room, intent on retiring for the night, when he saw a folded piece of paper on his bed. He walked over, unfolding the note:

Thank you for everything, nii-san.


Sasuke tried to remember if he felt this...anxious the last time he left.

There had been the promise of power, which was a reward of its own, but he wasn't this ready to go. Was it because he would be absolutely free this time? Was it because he wouldn't be bound to anyone anymore?

Or was it because he had someone joining him?

Sakura had offered all those years ago, but she was young and far too infatuated with him. Hinata...probably wasn't that much better at making this decision, but he was already too invested. She was willing to leave this all behind to be with him. This level of intimacy was completely new and terrifying, and letting go of it would truly mark him as insane. And...

It made him...happy.

He grumbled, shifting his position on the bench. It was an odd emotion to own up to.

"Sasuke," a voice whispered. He looked over to see the heiress jogging his way. He stood and was greeted by Hinata running into him, hugging him tightly.

He wrapped his arms around her. "You didn't have to run. I would have waited."

"I'm just excited." She smiled, looking up at him.

"To run away?"

She frowned at him, still smiling. "To run away with you? Yes."

"Hm." He rubbed the top of her head. "And you're...sure you-"

"Yes." She stood on her toes. "Yes, Sasuke." She huffed, backing down. "Do you not want me to?"

"It's not that."

"...I won't regret this. Besides, if I do, I know how to get back."

"That's not it either."

"Then what is?" She examined him, but he refused to meet her gaze. She then noticed a troubled look starting to settle, followed by the ever so subtle signs of a blush. "O-oh... Oh my..." Hinata stood back, trying not to smile. "You don't want me to leave you."

He looked at her, trying to glare.

"You're afraid I'm going to leave you, aren't you?"

He groaned, crossing his arms. "Confidence looks good on you."

She grinned at him, crouching to retrieve their bags from under the bench. She did seem happier. He wondered if this happened often when she wasn't burdened with something.

"So, where are we going to go?" she asked, handing him his bag.

"Mm." He put it on. "Who knows."

"Sounds like an adventure." She bounced in place, holding the straps of her pack tightly. He watched her movements, highly amused.

"You know they'll start looking for us once they notice we're gone," Sasuke informed.

"Who will?"

"Who do you think? Can you handle that?"

She shifted on her feet. "I...don't really have a choice."

Sasuke thought about all the cons one final time. There was no backing her out of it now, but this was just the beginning. With the both of them missing, the search may be more extensive and thorough than last time. He didn't doubt they would think he kidnapped the heiress, so that would make their motivation all the more troubling for the pair. Then there was the issue on who would be doing the looking: The Inuzuka clan with their strong noses and precise hearing, the Aburame clan with the insect population at their disposal, the Hyuuga clan with their all-seeing eyes and the distance at which they could see...

And that was only to name a few.

This would certainly be much more...difficult, but...

...it couldn't be helped.

"You took care of everything?"

She sighed pleasantly. "Yes. I spent time with my team, broke up with Naruto, left a note for Neji, pu-"

"You did what?"

"Eh? The note?"

"You did what with Naruto?"

"Broke...up with him?"

Fuck...

Fuck.

Fuck.

Sasuke clicked his tongue, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just now?"

"Um...a few...days ago."

He looked at her, huffing. "We need to go. Now." He grabbed her hand and began walking towards the direction of the gates.

"Is something wrong?" she asked, worried.

"I was hoping you wouldn't have done that."

"You've always told me to."

"We weren't leaving the village then."

"But...i-it was the right thing to do."

"Now we're doing the right things?"

"What's the problem?"

"He's had time to think."

"What does that mean?"

"It means-"

"Hinata!"

"...he's going to act."

Sasuke and Hinata stopped, turning to face a huffing, poorly dressed Naruto.

"N-Naruto..." She looked up at Sasuke then back at the blond. "Um..."

"What do you want, Naruto?" Sasuke spoke up.

Naruto looked between the two in front of him, too dumbfounded to think properly.

"Hinata," Naruto set his gaze on her, "you and...Sasuke...?"

She wet her lips, stepping forward, but Sasuke pulled her back.

"What's...going on?" Naruto's voice shook.

The two dark-haired dōjutsu users looked at each other.

Hinata said something.

Sasuke shook his head.

Hinata tried again.

Sasuke mumbled something back.

Hinata pleaded.

Sasuke groaned, his shoulders drooping. "Naruto," the Uchiha called, aggravated. Sasuke turned to him, Sharingan glaring.

Naruto jolted, feeling his balance being thrown off. He flailed in place for a moment, straightened his posture, and blinked wildly. Looking back at the pair, he saw they were still staring at him like nothing happened.

If...anything happened.

"Naruto."

He focused on them again and saw Hinata walking his way. "Hinata, what's going-"

"You know I love you, right?" She embraced him, her body pressed against his, making his own body shudder with longing and despair. He wrapped his arms around her, his resolve fully melting to her will.

"Then stay with me," he said, voice hoarse, pulling her closer. "I need you to-"

"Naruto," she said again, heart-warming, sweet and sincere. "I will always love you." She looked at him, smiling, her eyes pained. "So...I'm truly sorry for this."

He was about to object—to beg, if he had to—but Hinata hushed him sweetly, gently closing his eyes.

He began to slide, feeling himself fall backwards.

Naruto's body jerked again, his eyes flying open just as he hit the ground. He groaned, blinking as he pushed himself up.

He froze, wondering how he had landed on his front, and then looked around.

.

.

.

.

He was near the Academy.

.

.

.

.

It was morning.

.

.

.

.

And they were gone.


Thank you for reading!