A rocky road to harmony

It had been a month since they had paid their respects to the fallen shinobi from the war but Hinata never felt so numb. Everyone had moved past a some of their grief to get on with their daily lives, getting their life back on track.

Hinata would look out into the village from the Hyuga watch tower wondering how did they move on, what was their secret to forgetting the pain. Neji had left a huge hole in her heart. Over the time they had spent together they had grew closer. He had been the one person she could be herself with. She loved him more than she could explain. Everyone had confused her admiration for Naruto with love but that was not the case. Yes she loved Naruto and would die for him but only because she believed that he was the one person who could save during the war but Neji had captured her heart completely. She knew its was wrong to think of him that way, it was taboo in the eyes of many but with him it was different... it was like they were made for each other...

The sound of a bird's beating wings brought her out of her thoughts. Her eyes scanned the area automatically, spotting the last Uchiha in the distance heading towards her. She walked down to the courtyard below as he landed.

"Uchiha-sama. What do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

"Hyuga-Hime. I have a few things I would like to discuss with you." Hinata was puzzled by his answer, since she could not think of anything he would want to discuss.

"Please follow me." she led them to a meeting room facing the west gardens. She motioned him to take a seat while a servant brought in a fresh pot of tea. Sasuke watches her intently as she poured tea for them.

"So Uchiha-sama wha-"

"Please stop with the honorifics Hinata. We have known each other longer than anyone else in this village." She sighed knowing that he was more than correct.

"Sasuke-kun why have you come?"

"I am sorry... I came here to say that I am sorry for not being there when you needed me." Hinata held her mask perfectly but they tears running down her face showed the pain she held inside.

"Sasuke... I-"
"Do you remember they day we first met?" Hinata broke out into a soft smile. "I got lost in this huge place and you found me and when I got lost again you were there but that time I was too stupid to listen to you. It's my turn to help you Hinata." silence filled the room for a moment until Hinata giggled.

"You made me climb the plum blossom tree outside to watch the snow sparkle in the sun."

"You also could not get down."

"Yes but I was not the one who face planted in the snow." she teasingly mentioned. Sasuke chuckled.

"True very true but I must get you back for that."

"...Are you staying?"

"If you want me too. I don't want to leave you again."

"I... I would like that. Thank-you Sasuke."

"There is no need. I made you a promise that day and I intend to keep it."

"You know don't you."

"Yes. I'm not ready to lose you yet."

"If he were here would you have still fought for me?"

"You are worth fighting for Hinata but if he would be better for you than me I would let you be."

Hinata bowed the head."I'm sorry Sasuke... I cannot love you the same way you love me right now."

"Don't be I know what I am getting into. Time changes everything. I will wait for you, cause I know I'm meant for you." Hinata's shocked gaze soften on him. She could no longer control the emotions she had been holding back.

'Thank-you for finding me... Sasuke.'

Love FH