Final chapter /O/ Sorry for my bad grammar and typos Orz
"Sorry I'm late!" Naruto came running towards Hinata, they two had made plans to hang out once he finished his studying. Hinata had been waiting for this very day for so long.
"I-It's fine, I didn't wait long." Hinata still stuttered around him, old habits die hard anyway.
They went to have lunch at a restaurant and walked around town too. Hinata was happy she was able to spend time with her Naruto-kun, but something didn't feel right for her. Naruto hasn't stopped talking the whole way, and the topics are mostly about Sakura's Spartan methods of teaching. As the two walked out from the theater, Naruto spotted something from afar.
"Hey, isn't that Sakura-chan?" Naruto squinted his eyes.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto called out to her. Sakura turned around and spotted the two headed towards her.
"Naruto, what are you doing here?" Sakura sounded surprised to see the two of them.
"What 'cha doing?" Naruto grinned happily.
"I'm just getting some medical supplies." behind Sakura were piles of boxes, they seemed heavy too.
"Let me help." Naruto started rolling his sleeves up.
"It's fine! don't worry about it. Aren't you on a date with Hinata-chan?" Sakura tried pushing him back.
"It's fine, Hinata doesn't mind helping either, right?" Naruto turned to her.
"Of course not!" Hinata started rolling her sleeve up a bit as well.
"See!" Naruto turned back to face Sakura with a huge grin on his face.
"I guess it's alright, thanks. And Naruto! have you done all the revision I've set you?! the test's tomorrow!" Sakura was grateful of the two, but at the same time, she felt something tight gripping her chest.
"It's fine, I'll be fine! I'm going to be the next hokage after all!" Naruto said with confidence, the two continued to bicker in front of Hinata.
It certainly didn't take long for 3 people to help carry a few boxes, they finished moving the boxes and Sakura thanked them for their hard work.
"Man, I had so much fun today." Naruto stretch his arms in the art. The two were on their way home before the sun sets. Hinata stopped her tracks.
"Hn? what's wrong, Hinata?" Naruto noticed her footsteps stopped and turned to face her.
"Naruto-kun, do you think it's time you give me an answer." Hinata stood right in front of Naruto, her arms rested beside her as she looked nervous. Today's encounter with Sakura proved more than enough for her to find a resolution. Naruto was equally as nervous, mainly because he didn't really gave any thought into it and had to wait this long to think about it.
"Erm, ya, you're right...I guess I can go out with you." Naruto scratched his cheeks. It was obvious he didn't want to hurt her, and it wasn't as if he was against the idea either. Hinata wasn't sure why she wasn't happy, but rather, she sounded disappointed. She then remembered what Sasuke told her echoed in her head. She knew well enough what she should do next.
"Naruto-kun, thank you." Hinata kept her head down.
"Sure thing." Naruto gave a relieved chuckle and held her hands. Hinata looked up at him with a smile.
"Thank you for giving me a reply, but seeing Naruto-kun unhappy isn't what I wanted."
"What do you mean? Isn't this what you wanted?" Naruto asked bluntly. Hinata shook her head.
"I do love you, but I don't want to tie you down. Seeing you happy is more than enough for me." Hinata took a deep breath and step back.
"Today, you had the most fun when Sakura-chan was around, that was the first time you've smiled like that for the whole day." Hinata was clearly hurt by the reality that he did not see, but it was for the best, she thought.
"Thank you for letting me love you all this time, and good luck with your exams tomorrow." Hinata thanked him and walked home.
She felt the heavy weight on her shoulders had been lifted, as much as it pains her to convince herself to stop liking him, but she was glad. She wasn't completely devastated, in fact, she felt more refreshed than ever.
I can't wait to tell him... Hinata thought, but paused for a moment, did she just thought of someone else other than Naruto, she wondered.
As the day drew closer, Sasuke was getting ready to leave the village tomorrow. He had most of his belongings packed, and his supplies all stocked up as well. The days he spent at the Hyuuga manor was quite relaxing, and he was surprised how much time he has spent with the Hyuuga heiress. As he finished tying him the last bag of clothes, a falcon flew into the room through the opened window and landed on Sasuke's shoulder.
"What does that old geezer want now." Sasuke pulled out the small note attached to its leg.
"Guess I owe it to him." Sasuke let out a long sigh before heading towards the Hokage office.
He knocked on the door before entering.
"Oh, you're here." Kakashi was sitting on his desk in his Hokage robes, he didn't seemed to be the only one in the office either. Sakura also noticed Sasuke by the door and looked away nervously.
"What do you want?" Sasuke looked at Sakura and asked Kakashi rudely.
"Well, you see, I was wondering if you could help me with a tiny favor. Kakashi smiled under his mask.
"What?" Sasuke looked annoyed, but he knew he can't complain much.
"You see, we're quite short on staff at the moment with the Chuunin exams, and I happen to have a little problem with a client." Kakashi looked over at an old man next to him.
"Yo, remember this old man?" Sasuke looked him a little closer.
"No, not really." Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"That's cruel Sasuke-kun, don't you remember the face of your very first S rank client? I'm so sorry Tazuna, this child is still under discipline." Tazuna laughed at Kakashi's comment.
"It's fine, it's fine, I don't think he would remember either." he laughed obnoxiously.
"What do you want me to do with him?" Sasuke recalled meeting someone like him before, but he wasn't sure.
"Tazuna needed someone to escort him back to the mist village, and he wants you two to be the one to do so." Kakashi grinned with his eyes.
"Why me? can't you just send a Genin or something?" Sasuke asked.
"Tazuna did request team 7 to be his escort, for old time's sake, I think it's a good idea for you guys to bond as well. Unfortunately, Naruto has his chuunin exams, so it looks like it'll only be the two of you." Sasuke clicked his tongue and agreed.
After a short preparation, Sasuke met up with Sakura and Tazuna by the gates before they headed towards the land of mist. Tazuna was old, and couldn't walk much, but it wasn't a pace Sasuke would get annoyed with.
"So, I heard what happened with ya." Tazuna snorted.
"It's not something I'm interested in bringing it up." Sasuke continued to walk by him.
"Hahahaha, you haven't change at all, have'ya." Tazuna chuckled loudly.
"It was still nice to see you all grown up, you're the only one I haven't seen until now, I've met up with Naruto and Sakura a few times before when helping with the rebuilding." Tazuna said proudly with Sakura walking silently beside them.
"You guys grew up so fast." Sasuke smirked slightly. The days back then were one of his happiest, when the three of them survived an S rank mission as a team.
"I guess time flies." Sasuke smirked.
"Hahaha, I see. So, you going out with Sakura?" Tazuna laughed. Sakura turned quickly at Tazuna to try hush him.
"No." Sasuke was clearly annoyed. Sakura looked away.
"Oh? Is that so. You sure are a popular fella aren't ya." Tazuna gave him a devious look.
"I'm not." Sasuke frowned, he wasn't the only one feeling uncomfortable.
"Tazuna-san, could you stop asking Sasuke-kun these questions, he doesn't seem comfortable." Sakura tried to stop Tazuna from being more of an annoyence.
"Aa, that's too bad then...you have someone you like?" Tazuna continued to pester him with questions.
"Why are you asking me these things?" Sasuke asked in annoyance. Sakura looked at him with a hint of curiosity.
"Come on, can't an old man ask about your future?"
"You're nosy." Sasuke sigh, hoping to ignore his questions.
"Buahahaha, you sure haven't changed at all." Tazuna took a drink from his bottle.
"Let me tell 'ya a story about how I met mah wife." Tazuna swing his arms around Sasuke's shoulders, he continued to tell Sasuke stories of his wife, how they met, how wonderful she is, it was more than annoying for Sasuke, he wasn't sure how much longer he could continue listening to his stories.
"I'm not telling ya this just for fun." Sasuke glared at him as Tazuna continued.
"Ya know, she was the best person I could have met, I felt so comfortable whenever I go home and see her face, buahahaha."
"Tazuna=san, you're drinking too much." Sakura tried to snatch the bottle away from him.
Feeling comfortable around someone... Sasuke could only think of a person when Tazuna mentioned it, Sasuke was somewhat a little embarrassed of himself to be having such thoughts. Of course he can't, he's the ice prince Uchiha Sasuke after all, he shouldn't have any emotions like this.
"It's too bad she passed away early. So listen to me lad, don't give up, fight for her, ya hear me! Don't miss ya chance when ya have one." Tazuna was clearly drunk, none of his rambling made any sense what so ever.
Sasuke let out a stressed sigh, Sakura also agreed to help carry Tazuna back to the Mist.
It only took a whole day for the two to return from the Mist, it was already dark by the time he reached the gate. Sasuke was exhausted, he could have returned early, but Tazuna insisted he stayed for a few drinks.
"Sorry about Tazuna-san today." Sakura apologized as the two walked side by side.
"He's an old man, I won't hold a grudge." Sasuke kept his pace. The two stayed silent for a while, and either of them could feel the heavy atmosphere.
"Hey, Sasuke-kun." Sakura stopped her pace.
"I've been thinking a lot, and I'm sorry. I should have respected your feelings just as you have with mine." Sakura clinched onto her fingers.
"I guess I just want to say, thank you for being honest with me." Sakura gave him a relieved smile.
"Sakura-"
"I feel much more refreshed now! man, it's like a huge load just lifted off my chest!" Sakura stretched her arms in the air.
"It was fun today, thanks. Good luck with your trip tomorrow." Sakura gave him a pat on a shoulder.
"Sakura, thank you." Sasuke patted her head and smiled at her.
Sakura gripped onto his shirt and let it go.
"Good night!" She smiled before heading back. Sasuke watched as she walked until her shadow couldn't be seen anymore.
"Sasuke-kun?" a soft voice called out to him. Sasuke turned around to find Hinata and her team, seemed like they've just returned from a mission based on the vest they were wearing.
"I'll see you later, Hinata." Kiba yawned and waved good bye to her, with Shino close behind.
"You just finished a mission?" Sasuke asked. Hinata nodded tiredly.
"It's been awhile since I had a mission." Hinata rubbed her shoulders.
"Did you also just came back from a mission?" she asked.
"Ya, it took longer than I expected." Sasuke stretched his arms a bit.
"Guess it can't be helped." Hinata giggled. The two of them started to make their way back to the Hyuuga manor.
"I'm heading out in tomorrow." Hinata looked up at him.
"I-I see. Wow, time sure flies doesn't it." Hinata chuckled awkwardly. Sasuke could feel something wasn't quite right with her.
"Thank you for your hospitality until now, I really appreciated it."
"No problem, I'm happy to help out anytime." Hinata forced a smile on her face.
"I guess tonight will be your last night here. How long do you think you'll be away for?" she asked.
"I'm still not sure yet, maybe months." Sasuke looked over at her.
"I-I see." Hinata smiled up at him. Sasuke stared at her, he couldn't take his eyes off her. Hinata looked at him with a faint blush on her face.
"I-Is there something on my face?" she asked. Sasuke stopped his footsteps, and Hinata did too.
"I like you." He said without hesitation. Hinata froze on the spot, did he just confessed to her?
"Eh?" Hinata thoughts he misheard him
"I like you. I know it might sound sudden, but I think I've like you for some time now." Sasuke looked straight into her eyes. Hinata's mind went blank for a moment, and questions started pouring in, her lips only slightly opened but no words came out.
"I know you still like Naruto, and I know it's unfair to tear you two apart, but I want to say this before I regret it." Sasuke started to feel quite embarrassed with his words.
"Actually...I've sorted my feelings out with Naruto-kun." Hinata finally forced words out of her mouth. Sasuke's eyes twitched slightly. He felt a slight pain in his chest and let go of her head.
"I see. Congratulations then, I wish you two happiness-"
"I'm not going out with him." Hinata cuts him off. Sasuke tilted his head slightly in confusion. Did she just say they're not together?
"I remembered what you told me with Sakura-chan, and I've realize that I should let go as well." Hinata didn't dare to look up at him. Even though Sasuke couldn't see her face, he noticed her ears were glowing bright red.
"Can it be me?" Sasuke grabbed onto the back of her head and pulled her close to him.
Hinata wasn't sure what to say or do, but she could tell she did not hate it. She slightly nodded with her head still close to Sasuke's chest. Sasuke was surprised with her reaction and grab her shoulders to take a better look at her face, she was glowing red as a tomato.
"Are you serious?" He asked.
"I-I can't say for sure if I like you back or not, but I'm really sure that I want to try it out." Hinata said in her meek voice, she was too embarrassed to even look him in the eye.
Sasuke felt an overwhelming emotion rushed through him, he couldn't really explain it, but it was definitely something positive.
"Please take care of me from now on." Hinata looked up at him shyly with a smile.
"Likewise." Sasuke smiled back.
Epilogue
"I'm home." The door clicked behind Sasuke.
It has been almost three years since Sasuke's confession, he still continued with his travelling and often return back to Hinata, the two wed soon after and now lives in their own small apartment.
"Welcome back." Hinata came out from the kitchen with an apron. After setting the pot of stew on the table, she made her way to Sasuke in the living room. Sasuke yawned and threw himself onto the couch.
"I have something to tell you."Hinata planted herself nervously in front of Sasuke. Sasuke sat back up straight. Hinata looked serious, surely it had to be something important. Sasuke noticed she wasn't wearing her wedding ring and started to ponder if she was going to leave him, after all, he left her behind for a few months while he traveled the world. Sasuke felt his stomach tangled up in a knot, he wasn't sure if he was ready for Hinata to leave his side. Hinata slid a box towards him. It took Sasuke a moment to realize the box in front of him. No doubt he remembered that bright colored box with equally as obnoxious colored ribbon was the box from the first gift he bought her. Sasuke reached out to it nervously, it's now or never, he thought, and opened the box. His eyes widen and looked at Hinata with dumbfounded.
"My fingers started swelling up so I had to take them of-" Before Hinata could finish her sentence, Sasuke wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him as he buried his face in her neck, he even knocked over the box on the table with the pregnancy test inside.
"S-Sasuke-kun?" Hinata turned slightly and gently pat his head.
"Thank you." Sasuke mumbled, Hinata smiled and rested her head against his.
"Please take care of me from now on." Hinata gently stroke his head.
Sasuke pulled himself away from her and rested his forehead on hers.
"Likewise."
Thank you for reading! I hope you liked it :) I'm sorry for the unpolished fic but I hope it didn't confuse any of you too much xD
This fic is to show how Sasuke and Hinata started for my ask-sasuhina-family blog, please feel free to ask me anything at .com