Here is the fic I've talked about on my tumblr page :)
Please excuse my grammar mistakes, I didn't have the time to double check Orz
Chapter 1
A few years has past since Naruto and Sasuke saved the world from falling into the hands on Kaguya. Naruto became the village hero, and Sasuke set on a journey to explore the rest of the world on his own, hoping to understand more about the world. All was well, but there was a catch to Sasuke's freedom, he doesn't just travel the world as he please. Kakashi has made a special request for him to return to the village once in a while to collect his funds for travel, that way they could keep an update on him, and at the same time keeping the nosy council quiet.
As Kakashi has been elected as the 7th Hokage of Konoha, citizens of Konoha started to settle down with their lives. At the same time, the chuunin exams grew near, and they can't waste any more time.
Naruto on the other hand had been trying to qualify to be a chuunin. He had been exempted from participating in the practical part of test, it was obvious enough the hero who saved the world is more than capable to defend himself. The only part of the exam that he needed to sit will be the written, and as everyone who knew him, he'll suffer.
" I tell 'ya, he's a real idiot." Sakura complained as she took a sip of her drink. She volunteered to help Naruto study for his written test, after all, she scored second place right after Shikamaru. Ino and Hinata accompanied her at popular cafe, it has been awhile since the three of them spend time together relaxing, not that they had the luxury to do so when the war was going on.
"How could someone who saved the world be that stupid? I just don't understand!"
"Well, it can't be helped." Ino laughed after taking a bite of the cake she ordered.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Sakura-chan." Hinata smiled back.
"I don't know how much more of his stupidity I can take..." Sakura slouched over the table, ready to throw in the towel.
"Ahahahahaha, by the way, your stutter disappeared, Hinata-chan." Ino randomly pointed out.
"You're right, I didn't even realize it either." Sakura raised her head from the table. Hinata blushed a little. She has grown so much throughout the years, she didn't even realize old habits had died out.
"Man, I just want a day to have fun..." Sakura mumbled with her head still rested on the table.
"Hn, I see you're not having fun with us at all, rude." Ino stuck her tongue out playfully,
"Stupid, you know I don't mean that!"
"Ufufufufu, I guess we're sorry we're not your Sasuke-kun." Ino teased and made Sakura's face turned bright red.
"Wha-What are you talking about!" Sakura stuttered in embarrassment.
"Oh my, seems like Hinata's stutter caught on to you instead, aren't you glad, Hinata-chan." Ino chuckled.
"Ino-chan."Hinata hushed her.
"Calm down, I'm only teasing. Anyway, what's the deal with you and Sasuke-kun anyway? any news from him since?" Ino rest her chin on her knuckles.
"W-Well, we do hang out when he returns from his trip...we do spend more time together now and he's treating me a lot nicer than he used to." Sakura fidget her fingers shyly.
" Isn't that great, Sakura-chan!" Hinata cheered.
"I-It's not like that! I mean...we're not really going out...yet." Sakura mumbled her words in embarrassment.
"Hmmm? what was it you say? I'm sorry I couldn't hear you over your thick forehead." Ino gave her a sly grin.
"Ino you pig!- Oh crap, look at the time... I have to go, see you guys later." Sakura packed her belongings and rushed back to Naruto's apartment.
"Well she seems busy. I guess we should get going too." Hinata nodded back.
"Sakura-chan sure is patient." Hinata said enviously.
"Well, that's just who she is I guess. If I was her, I would never be able to wait for someone like Sasuke forever. Speaking of that guy, I heard he's coming back in a few more days." Ino pointed out.
"I guess I'm quite envious of her..." Hinata mumbled to herself.
"Cheer up, Naruto's not going anywhere.." Ino gave her a light pat on the back.
After the war, Naruto still haven't given her an answer, the timing seemed to be off all the time. Can't be helped, He has been busy with his studies and the attention he gets for being Konoha's hero was quite a heavy load to burden as well. Hinata couldn't remember the last time she saw his face, let a long spoke to him at all for the past few weeks.
"I guess so." Hinata forced a small smile for Ino.
"Don't worry, an idiot like him also has his good parts. Ah, look at the time, I need to meet up with Sai later today. I'll see you later, Hinata-chan." Ino took a peak at her wrist watch and ran off soon after. Hinata waved back and started to head the other direction.
Maybe I can ask him today...
Hinata went over to buy some snacks on the way to Naruto's apartment. She wasn't sure at first whether she should visit him or not, but she really wanted to talk to him and also at least making sure he was eating properly. After she arrived outside his apartment, she pressed the door bell to see if anyone was in. No one seemed to be answering the door, Hinata got a little worried and pressed it again, but still no answer.
"Naruto-kun?" she knocked this time. The door creaked opened, it wasn't even locked.
"Sorry for the intrusion." Hinata whispered before entering. As expected, his entrance wasa mess. Hinata let out a sigh and put away his sandals neatly.
"Naruto-kun?" Hinata took a peek into his room, only to find Naruto passed out with books all over the floor and on him. Hinata wasn't too relieved to see him in such state, but she was glad enough that he was at least studying.
"You must've been tired." Hinata brushed his bangs aside after setting the bag of food on his table. The sight of a sleeping Naruto made her heart pound against her chest, she was glad he's finally hers, yet why does she feel so insecure about their relationship.
Hinata wanted to touch his face, her fingers hesitantly crept closer and closer to his cheeks. She quickly pulled back quickly, stood back up and ran out of the room. The door slammed shut behind her it woke the sleeping Naruto up.
"Hmn? Sakura-chan?" Naruto rubbed his eyes and yawned, he spotted the bag of food on his table and smiled to himself.
"Hehe, so she does care after all, that Sakura-chan." he started devouring the sandwiches.
Hinata stopped to catch her breath after she ran out of Naruto's apartment.
"I guess I better head back...?"
Someone at the corner of her eye caught her attention. That jet black hair and infamous duck butt lick is no doubt that of Uchiha Sasuke, he was staring at the food samples set in glass displays outside the restaurant.
He's been staring for a long time...
"Sasuke-kun?" Hinata came from behind him. Sasuke felt his heart jumped out of his chest a little bit, it has been a while since he was that off guard. He turned around to face the curious girl.
"Can I help you?" he asked in his usual monotone.
"Ah, no, nothing really, I just thought I should greet you, that's all." Hinata took a few steps back. Come to think of it, this was the only time they have actually spoken to each other. They did used to play hide and seek with some other village kids, but those days were much of a blur to the both of them.
"I heard you won't be back in few more days, why are you here in Konoha today?" She asked.
"It doesn't have anything to do with you, does it?" Sasuke said bluntly. His no bullshit attitude can be quite displeasing.
"Sorry." Hinata quickly apologized. The silence between them was very awkward, she didn't think this through before calling out to him.
"Um-" Before she spoke, a loud thundering growl came from Sasuke. Hinata stared at him confused, did that noise really came from him? she wondered. The atmosphere grew more and more uncomfortable for the both of them.
"W-would you like to join me for lunch? It can be my treat today." Hinata offered, but only to receive a strange look from the latter.
"I'm sorry if I've offended you." Hinata waved her hands in defense.
"That's not it. I don't have enough to go in there." Sasuke let out a sigh. Somehow, the sight of the infamous avenger, the dark shinobi who is on par with a tailed beast vessel, would carry such a mundane problem. Hinata couldn't help but giggle.
"What's so funny?" Sasuke clicked his tongue.
"Nothing. I just thought how different you are, like you've changed somehow."Sasuke sigh slightly.
"I don't feel as if I have, but I guess you're right at some point. Guess it's funny to see someone like me not looking like I'm going to murder your whole family." Sasuke smirked a little. Since his journey around the world, he became a lot easier going and less angry.
" I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Um...Let me treat you to a meal, for welcoming you back and apology for being rude earlier." Hinata gave him a relaxed smile.
"Fine." Sasuke then went into the restaurant with Hinata close behind.
The restaurant was busting with noises, it can't be helped during this time of the day. The both of them were lucky enough to grab a seat right before the clock hit lunch hour.
"It's so noisy here..."Sasuke grumbled under his breath, not only that, but there were a lot of girls whispering and giggling as well. No matter how much bad deeds this man has done, girls still can't seem to take their eyes off his face.
"It can't be helped I guess." Hinata set the glass down on the table.
If this was Sasuke back then, he would no doubt just pack up and leave, but he stayed put and endured it. Hinata was glad to see so much change in him for the good.
"Here are your orders." The waiter came over with plates of food.
"That's all you're having?" Sasuke asked.
"I already had something to eat earlier." Hinata smiled back before taking sips of her soup.
"Hn." Sasuke didn't even bother to follow up with more questions, he has met his quota of questions for the day, or so he thinks.
Even though the restaurant is filled with busy noises, silence could only be heard between the two of them. It mood felt too heavy and weird.
"S-So, have you decided when your journey around the world would end?" Hinata stuttered nervously, to think she has finally cured her bad habit.
"Only time can tell, there are still more places in this world I haven't explored yet."
"I see. It must be great to be able to travel around like that." Hinata tried to hold on to the conversation, but all Sasuke could reply were simple and short answers before it went cold again.
"Hey." Sasuke called out to her.
"Yes!" Hinata jolt up like a meerkat.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked. Hinata tilted her head slightly
"Doing what?" she asked.
"Being all friendly with me. From what I remember, we haven't talked before, and as a Hyuuga heiress yourself, being seen with me won't help you with your reputation." Sasuke was blunt with his words, not that he'd ever beat around the bush before anyway.
Hinata wasn't so sure why she approached him in the first place, it just came naturally to her at some point. She wasn't the most extroverted person out there, she's not as energetic as Sakura or Ino either. She's kind, but her kindness inherited from her mother felt nothing but a burden to her.
"I guess I'm trying to change myself, I don't want to be the meek person I used to be back then anymore, for Naruto-kun, I'll do my best to change." Hinata forced a smile on her face.
"Hmm, is that so." Sasuke doesn't seem to show any sign of interest on his face.
"To tell you the truth, Sasuke-kun. I'm still not entirely sure what I'm doing right now is right. You did try to kill Naruto-kun and Sakura-chan...but... I believe in their trust in you." Sasuke was surprised a to hear those words from her, and was quite pleased with her honest opinion. In fact, it's one of the most honest thing anyone has ever said to him since the war ended.
"I see."
"And if there's anything you need help with, I can lend a hand." Hinata offered.
"Thanks." He mumbled to himself.
"Yes?"
"Nothing..."
"Okay..."
"Actually." something clicked in his head.
"I need to look for a place to stay.I'm low on funds until my next withdraw, and I need an inn to stay in, at least for tonight." Sasuke asked.
"Eh? you're not staying with Sakura-chan?" Hinata asked with her head slightly tilted.
"Why would I do that?" Sasuke was also on the confusion side of the conversation.
"I mean, I just assumed, since you and Sakura-chan are...you know..." she had a faint blush on her cheeks.
"I don't really know what kind of relationship you think Sakura and I have, but we're not sleeping together if that's what you're thinking." Sasuke was frank with his words as usual.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean it that way..." Hinata wanted to just crawl in a hole and never come out from embarrassed herself to such extend.
"Stop apologizing, it's annoying." Sasuke took the last bite of his salad.
"Sorrry-" Sasuke shot her a glare.
"I can't help id-!" she bit her tongue trying to speak, that somehow triggered Sasuke to chuckle at her, it was also the first time she has ever seen him laugh, or ever.
" Anyways, are you going to help me or not?" he went back to his usual self, as if none of that just happened.
"Yes, I can try, but , um... what is your budget exactly?" she asked.
"50 ryo."
That's barely enough for a decent meal, let alone a night in an inn. It got her curious as to how he managed to survive this long with just 50 ryo in his pocket. Hinata thought hard, and only one thing clicked in her head.
"Why don't you stay over at the Hyuuga manor?" she asked bluntly. Sasuke almost spat his water out.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to have any devious intentions or anything, oh gosh, now I sound like a pervert." Hinata stopped rambling and took some deep breaths to try calming down.
"Sure." Sasuke wiped the water spilled from his mouth. Hinata looked at him blank. Did he just say yes?
"Please, come in." Hinata guided Sasuke to the guest room. The main house was traditional Japanese styled with Tatami mats and wooden ceilings.
It took a lot of convincing from Hinata's side with her father, Hiashi. Obviously he would reject the idea, but Hinata tried and kept on pushing until he finally agreed, with one condition that she takes full responsibility of his every actions, and the consequences may not even be worth the trouble of letting him stay. It was no longer about Sasuke, but more about her growth as a person, Hinata wanted to prove to her father that she's strong, and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity for her to do so.
"This was not what I expected." Sasuke gave a cold chuckle to himself.
"What is?" Hinata turned her head around.
"I didn't expect you to be able to convince that Hyuuga Hiashi. I have to say, I'm impressed." Sasuke doesn't usually give compliments, it's one of those once in a blue moon thing. He even said it all in a whim, who knew it actually happened and he was more than impressed.
"Thank you, I guess." It's no lie that she felt so accomplished.
"Here's your room." Hinata slid the door to the guest room open, it wasn't as luxurious as he imagined it would be, rather, it looked quite homely.
"My room is just right next door, please let me know if you need anything."
"Thanks." Sasuke set his belongings a side.
"The bathroom should be down the hallway. I better let you rest. Good night." Hinata slowly slid the door close after her.
The guest room was quite luxurious, the Tatami mats were well taken care of, not a single sign of molding or tear. The room was also well kept, as expected of the Hyuuga clan. Sasuke wasn't sure if he will be comfortable staying there, since the Hyuugas are part of Konoha's counsel, having an indirect link to the Uchiha massacre. Sasuke laid on the Tatami with his arms and legs spread apart like a star fish and took inhaled the smell of Tatami. It has been a while since he returned to Konoha, travelling has brought him peace and all, but he still yearns for a home to return to.
The room was silent, the whole room had echoes of the cricket outside in the gardens. The war has finally ended, the world is finally at peace, well, at least for now. Sasuke listened to the silence, it was calming, but it couldn't put him to sleep. He stood back up, hoping to wash up before heading to sleep. The bathroom wasn't far from his room. It's big, but doesn't seem to be used by more than 3 people. He took a quick shower before heading back to his room.
"You're still up?" he spotted Hinata in comfortable night wear, sitting by the veranda, staring blankly at the beautifully kept garden, her shoulders jolted slightly from Sasuke's voice.
"Ya, seems like it. I couldn't really sleep." Hinata smiled up to him.
"Mind if I join you?" Sasuke set his towel from drying his hair around his neck.
"Of course not." he took a seat next to her. The night sky was calming and the sound of crickets singing was rather soothing as well. They sat there silently, enjoying the nature around them.
This wasn't so bad, Sasuke thought to himself. He felt something soft landed against his shoulders, his started down at the dark hair girl with her eyes closed and her shoulders rose up and down, she seemed to have fallen asleep. Sasuke couldn't help but stare at her, she was certainly beautiful, like a porcelain doll, guess it was expected born from a high status that she was fed with the finest ingredients. What troubled him was why she would fall for a rut like Naruto. He noticed her eyes looked tired somehow swollen, did she cry? he wondered.
Sasuke let out a sigh and carried her to her room, hoping he wouldn't wake her up.
Chapter 2 will be up soon.
