Sunlight fluttered through the windows when she awoke. She yawned and stretched her body and suddenly, she was aware of the soreness that presided all over her body, in places she had never even paid attention to. Her arms felt cold and quickly realized that her body was bare beneath the blankets.

The spot beside her was empty, and she knew it was for a while although she seemed to even doubt her husband was capable of excluding any warmth. Surprisingly, it wasn't the memories of his cold fingers that caused her to shiver unexpectedly, but it was his cold demeanour. Really, it was kind of overwhelming as she tried to process all that had happened. She was married. To Sasuke Uchiha nonetheless.

Although he was not her dream husband, far from it, he was certainly a lot better than the Sasuke Uchiha that she had conjured in the inner workings of her own mind. He was an enigma that no one knew how to crack, and Hinata barely got a chance to glance at. The shadows seemed to be his cloak, effectively trapping anything outside from even having a chance to glance at him. He was alone, that much was for certain, as his entire clan was assassinated in one single night. It was almost chilling, actually, the emptiness and desolate feel of the compound. It was huge, definitely more than enough for two people. It was a bit comforting that they lived in the main compound, not like the larger units that were meant to house more than one family.

Many people, her own clan members being one of them, considered the annihilation of his entire family to be a blessing in disguise. After all, the treasures of a wealthy clan of hundreds had now befallen on one young man. He would not have to work a day in his life, the treasures that existed for him would last him a life time. On top of that, the security of protecting the last Uchiha was immerse.

"Perfect one, he is isn't he?"

"Handsome face, skillful, and a wealth to match! He's a gift!"

"Almost as if he was under the protection of Kami himself!"

Hinata tried futilely to bring her body even closer together as she felt an involuntary shudder. These types of comments disgusted her, and she could not fathom the ability Sasuke had not to retch any time they were thrown at him.

Sasuke was truly mysterious, because he did the opposite of what any person expected him to.

He worked hard, honing his natural skills to become a Samurai much like the other members of his clan. He didn't live too lavishly and never bragged about his wealth, he did not embrace his sexuality and use it as an advantage, and he tried his best to sever his ties with the village at any possibility. It was laughable, really, how unexpecting his actions were, almost as if he were ripping apart and spitting upon the destiny the village had woven for him.

Hinata sighed as her eyes glanced towards the window. There was too much sunlight, she concluded, as it seemed to be midmorning, far later than her usual timings of sunrise. At this point, the nature of the situation hit her and she was left feeling utterly clueless. She wrapped her blanket around herself tightly as she began to make her way up. She stifled a groan at the soreness that existed in her legs and blushed profusely at the memory of what happened.

There was a small cupboard, and she opened it to unveil all her kimono's neatly tucked inside. Grabbing one that seemed suitable enough, she made her way into their shared bathroom. There, she found the water in the wooden bucket to be surprisingly warm. Unconsciously she smiled. She didn't know whether it was the water leftover from his own bath or he did it wholeheartedly, she was overjoyed that she wouldn't have to bathe herself with cold water.

Just as soon as the water touched her body, the guilt came just as fast. Already, she had such defeatist attitude towards her predicament and a negative attitude towards her new spouse, yet she hadn't given him a chance. And already, he seemed to express his kindness through his actions rather than his disposition.

Gently, she touched her hands to her lips again, blushing as she remembered how warm his lips were compared to the rest of him. They serve as a reminder, she thought optimistically. The way they were unexpectedly surprising; and how their gentleness had eased her erratic heart, brought her peace. Maybe, she considered, as she got to know him, dig down and see him, he will be continue to surprise her in a positive way.

Quickly, yet thoroughly, she finished cleaning herself, putting on the kimono. She was already lacking; he might've been awake for hours yet she hadn't prepared his breakfast, helped him get ready, given him her time. Taking her comb, one that had belonged her to her mother, she parted her hair down the middle and gently combed through the long, thick strands. Although this habit had been hardened into her since birth, she felt especially keen about her appearance today. After all, she didn't want to look horrible, on the contrary she wanted to look good. She wanted to try to appease every aspect she missed with her skills to hopefully make up with her appearance.

Gathering herself, she slid open the shōji and quietly stepped out. Glancing around, she wasn't surprised by the emptiness.

He's probably somewhere else, she mused. The main building itself was enormous, the compound was almost unthinkably large. Taking small steps at first, her movement soon became a brisk walk as she looked in various rooms, searching for him. Careful not to go upstairs as he had warned, she moved outside, hoping that he might be in the adjoining and abandoned buildings. Stepping out the front foyer, she carefully walked past them, a daunting feeling building in her stomach as it became clear he wasn't there.

"Sasuke-san?..." her voice inquired feebly.

No answer.

The magnitude of her solitude hit her almost suddenly, as the heaviness of the prior events started to weigh her down, the previous elation she soared upon was now replaced by the chains of reality.

"Sasuke-san?" her voice gained momentum as did her feet.

No answer.

"Sasuke-san?"

No answer.

"Sasuke-san?!"

No answer.

The loneliness she tried escaping from caught up far too soon. The wind seemed to be her only answer, as it made her apparent of the wetness in her eyes, the heat in her cheeks, and the ache in her chest.

"Ah... I always knew you were a scaredy cat! And a klutz!" Naruto jeered rather joyously, reacting this way to one's best friend being severely injured wasn't normal, but when had Naruto ever been normal?

"Shut up." Sasuke simply murmured.

"Hey, I didn't whoop your ass!" he answered irritated, "I should've just let them kill you, you ungrateful bastard."

Sasuke ignored his friends boisterous claims as he clutched his left arm while Iō hurried to stitch the wound on his back. In all honesty, Iō was a calm and collected man, but even he grew nervous around these two individuals.

One, because they rarely ever came through the door, and he had been accustomed to most of the Samurai. Second, these two were hailed, surpassing even the most experienced warriors. Their skill was unrivalled, and many of Konoha's victory was because of them. It was stifling even to be in their presence, knowing they could strike him down even with the most simplest of assaults.

Yet, what also surprised him was their personalities. Sasuke's stoic figure was known almost internationally, and his irritable attitude much the same. However, around the eccentric, yellow haired male he was surprisingly calm and much more lighthearted, the annoyed attitude he showed was clearly done in amusement. Naruto was another thing overall, but he brought a sense of warmth upon the medic's being.

He had heard the commotion when the bright man had practically dragged his fellow into seeing some help, even with the latter's incessant mumblings of 'I'll be fine" and 'I can take care of myself'. That put a sense of stress on him, as he felt he was obligated to do the task to the utmost of his abilities or he would surely disappoint.

After finishing and disinfecting the wound, the last Uchiha "hn'd" and walked away. Iō simply stared at him while Naruto dropped a few gold coins and said, "don't worry, you did great" while winking and following his ill tempered friend. Iō turned red and bowed, grateful that someone of such high caliber had been so kind.

"You going home now?"

Sasuke remained silent while Naruto punched his shoulder in annoyance. "I'll take that as a yes."

As they continued on their way, a realization alighted within Naruto's head as he glanced at his friend closely. Feeling his gaze, Sasuke sighed and turned his head to meet Naruto's grinning face.

"Running home to the madame, eh Sasuke?" he stated wiggling his eyebrows and nudging him with his elbow "You're an asshole that didn't even invite me to the wedding."

Sasuke rolled his eyes, repeating his explanation for what felt like the millionth time, "I told you, we weren't allowed to."

"Whatever. But for real though, when will you introduce her?"

Sasuke didn't reply as he kept walking, Naruto following in suit. "Say, why'd you go there though? You got what you need at home."

Again, there was simply silence.

"You shouldn't see her anymore, you know."

At this, Naruto finally gave up the conversation, knowing he wouldn't get an answer. The part where their paths divided, he punched him on the shoulder one last time. However, before Sasuke could move, he gripped his shoulder, looking into his his eyes earnestly.

"I know we're both stubborn... but don't be afraid of change."

Sasuke simply blinked, but Naruto knew he had gotten to him, he was the only person who could, anyway.

"And don't be an asshole."

At this, he let go and folded his arms behind his head, casually walking away towards the afternoon sun. Sasuke shook his head, knowing he was too tired to think things too deeply.

He just didn't know know what to think about, if he was to be completely honest. He hadn't known his wife for long enough for him to even consider her. Nonetheless, never in his life had his brain ever thought of halting. His thoughts were in a disarray, something that rarely happened. For one, it was his situation. Everything had happened so suddenly, even his normally quick wittedness had had trouble focusing on one thing entirely. That was why he had been glad for the mission, a simple one. The two week length gave him time to separate himself and analyze, to detach this sudden, living, breathing responsibility.

However, it hadn't been much help.

He had gotten injured and he hadn't remembered the last time he had gotten so badly hurt since Naruto and him sparred. It was his vision, it had seemed as he couldn't see through his peripheral, his hawk like eyes had failed him for a split second. That second, however, proved to be more vital than it seemed.

But, now, his vision seemed fine, back to normal and this boggled his mind just the same.

His steps eventually brought him to the edge of the village, the beginning of his home. He stared at the gate intently, focusing on the uchiha emblem marked upon it. For yet another unpredictable second, the fan seemed to burn aflame, and he rubbed his eyes, this time certain he needed rest.

He really thought he had lost his mind when he saw his mother there, in front of the stove, seemingly cooking while lightly humming. Her hair was as dark and as long as he remembered, and the skin illuminating from her hand was as snowy as he knew. Standing there in the doorway, he uncharacteristically narrowed his eyes.

When she turned, the eyes shone through and he couldn't remember if his mother's eyes had ever been so bright.

"Ah, you're back," Hinata said, smiling slightly while bowing, "welcome home."

Sasuke's eyes followed her movements, noticing how ethereal she looked. He always knew she was beautiful, but now that the white powder, drawn eyebrows, and red lips were removed, she truly excluded radiance and beauty. She was wearing a comfortable kimono, unlike the elegant ones he had seen her family bring, noting it suited her homely and familial nature more.

"I-I'm sure you're h-hungry," she was red at his lack of reply, "I'm actually p-preparing lunch, why d-don't you... um, clean up and get seated."

Settled in front of the table, Hinata could feel his eyes boring into her own, as she began to set up lunch. Every single action she did carefully, worried that his piercing gaze was either silently judging her, or would cause her to make an embarrassing error. Her hands shook with nervousness, as she placed the steaming plate in front of his still monotone expression.

One other unsettling fact resolved to stay within her heart, as she wondered whether the lunch she had prepared was adequate. She hadn't been expecting him to arrive so suddenly, she had believed she was going to eat lunch alone like she had for the past two weeks. Then again, he had told her not to worry about his tastes and preferences when it came to meals, but nonetheless, the never-ending worry still resided.

However, along with that another feeling was blooming within her, one that she had been doubtful she would ever have. The feelings of frustration and abandonment began to manifest in those two weeks she spent alone. Although this frightful beast was always thwarted by understanding, after all, he owed her nothing and her the same, she nonetheless could not shake off the feeling of intense disappoint. She had felt a multitude of feelings the morning she woke, she had guilted herself into looking presentable and attractive for him and all those expectations had disappeared along with him.

She sighed, at her feelings as she struggled with the part of her that always sought out the best in others, with another newfound part which chastened her to embrace her feelings of rightful annoyance.

He has not promised you anything...

Yea but who leaves their spouse on the day after their wedding?!

He's been through a lot and is going through even more

Would a simple note be something too difficult to write?

Hinata closed her eyes and shook her head, and when they reopened she saw him glancing at her with the same monotone expression. Blushing, she jittered to retrieve the jug of water and lifted it until she heard him speak,

"The flower."

"Huh?" she bluntly stated, looking into his eyes. Before she had a chance to recuperate and reform her bewilderment, his voice spoke again,

"There was a flower, where is it?" his voice elaborated.

"A flower?" Hinata repeated, feeling quite dumb.

"Ah." he simply stated, standing up from his seated position to walk briskly past her.

At this, Hinata's nerve jumped as the previous anxiety returned with full force. Oh no... her eyes darted as the fingers that gripped the water jug violently shook. She had unknowingly did the one thing she had tried in all her power not to do. He was upset, and she felt foolish because she did not even know the cause of it. A precious flower, an antique of his mother, something important she had stupidly overlooked.

Is this how incapable I am? she wondered silently as she tried to gather her nerves. Maybe her family was right. All their constant critiques were justified and she had been to weak to even correct them. Worry was soon replaced by fear as she began to think about all that he could do when upset. Her shoulders shook as pictures of rough hands conjured in her mind.

Right then, the same fears she had seemed to materialize as those hands, cold as she remembered, encircled her own round the jug. Her heart jumped and she flinched, as if preparing herself for the impact, yet instead felt the source drift away, taking the jug with it. She opened her eyes to see him calmly sitting across from her on the mat, pouring himself water from the aforementioned jug. She blinked in surprise, and saw the object of her dilemma placed in front of her.

The flower, or what to seemed to be a flower. It's original blue colour had rotted, turning a brown colour instead. It was curved at its stem, shrivelled and dead. She picked it up, examining it carefully. She had been taught a few things about flowers, she loved to press them, but this one's name she could not place.

"Cut flowers that are generally taken care of last about a week," he spoke without looking up from his meal, "this one seems to have died long before then." Using his hands to grab the onigiri on his plate, he bit into it, chewing silently while Hinata just gazed on with wonderment.

"Maybe the next one I leave will last longer?" staring into her eyes, she saw them unexplainably dancing with mirth and she swore she saw a ghost of a smile. Relief flooded through her being, as a wide smile unabashedly spread upon her own face as she realized he wasn't angry, on the contrary, he seemed lightheartedly mischievous, playfully pointing out her error and hinting at forgiveness and a chance to try again.

Most would scorn at the flower with disgust, yet she gripped it with delight. She knew, as she yet again glanced at his face which still seemed to contain a trace of liveliness, that this flower marked a turning point in this unfamiliar time in their lives. It's brown shade was comfort, it's shrivelled state anticipation.

But, above all, the almost unrecognizable blueness shone through the wilted flower, giving way to the blooming of a newfound hope.

Author's Notes:

Im alive! (barely) This year has been killing me y'all, I'm so sorry I'm so late omg. I wrote this chapter so long ago actually, I feel so bad I should've just posted it but I wasn't feeling it y'know. But, now I think it's pretty much done and I don't feel like delaying it anymore.

I'm sorry but this year is so crucial to me, so I can't guarantee when the next chapter will be updated. I've got a brief overview of what I plan to do, and some specifics down, but it's still far from a stage I feel comfortable. Wish me luck, I'm really struggling lmao.

Anyway, I swear every time some kind person dropped a review, I'd just feel guilty that I haven't posted, and honestly, it's been great motivation to get this chapter published. So please, never feel that I'm ignoring them or disregarding them, I cherish them truly. There are, of course, some things I'm iffy with in this chapter, and since my brain doesn't work 99% of the time, it'll bound to have spelling errors or even awk sentences. Never be afraid to just tell me, but I appreciate constructive criticism that most, so just gimme a reason you know? Although I'm saying it as if I've received any rude comments, but so far, thankfully, ya'll have been unbelievably kind and supportive so thank you :)

Also , don't forget that nothing in this story is as it seems! Even if you think you know what's going on, I don't recommend you to assume right away, I'm trying to make it as misleading as possible lol (I have no idea if I'm good at it though, even irl im bad at keeping surprises hehe)

Another thing I struggled with was Hinata and Sasuke's reactions. I wanted to make Sasuke very dense, especially because this man hasn't really had another relationship or a family, so he doesn't really know what's right or wrong. And for Hinata, for her reaction, I wanted it to be realistic both to her character but also humanly realistic. Authors usually make her into this saint, but anger is undeniable especially if you've been left in that circumstance. And I don't want her to feel embarrassed over her feelings, anger and disappoint are natural and I want her to be accepting of those feelings. Also, if you haven't noticed, I'm trying to make her insecure, especially because during this period of time, women were even more chained and restricted so her confidence and ability in herself is lacking. I really want to focus on both character's growth.

Sorry for the rambling, I always feel like I have to justify what I wrote for clarification purposes. Alright see ya next time.

PS: OK im not a big asian drama fan (I've seen only a handful in the last 2 years) but I watched this one called Shopaholic Louis and it was great? If anyone has something similar to that, please lemme know lol