As she prepared for bed, she became aware that something was missing. Realizing what it meant she hastily bundled herself up for the Konoha chill and snuck outside, careful not to wake any of the sleeping clan members. She wasn't sure if she'd been hoping to see him or not, the news that his team had been broken only slightly less savagely than hers had her recalling the awful feelings of that day. Her grief welled up in her at the reminder of their experience now unfortunately shared.
Making her way to the far corner of the compound the stillness of the night was only broken by the chirp of the nighttime creatures and the shishi-odoshi in the entry of the Hyuuga compund. Arriving at her waterfall, for it was mainly used by her, she took a moment to survey the scene. The waterfall resided in the corner of the compound, the stone walls in this area beginning to deteriorate, round stones falling from their places, had allowed them to whisper through the cracks at each other in early childhood. The waterfall ran over stone steps to a small pool full of small lily pads and flowers. The stones had eroded with time and now each shelf had formed a shallow bowl allowing the water to puddle before moving on. Each step gave rise to a musical tone as the water trickled onto the next. Their combined music had an ability to cover their soft words as they confided in each other. The water was contained in the water fall by larger boulders that had been perfect climbing height as children and now perfect sitting height as adults.
Minato sat on what had become his boulder and a met her gaze with a small smile, eyes shining with unshed tears. Hinoko moved to her boulder slightly above his and closer to the waterfall and settled herself. For a time nothing was heard but the trickling of water and the sounds of the night. She quietly observed the flow of water and the motion of the lilies while surreptitiously observing Minato.
Minato sat tensely, looking up at the stars to hide holding back tears. As she settled herself on her customary boulder he fought the weakness, for was he not a ninja? Should not he hide his emotions? He should've been able to save his team, and now they had lost Obito, and he had to be strong for Kakashi and Rin. He harshly broke off his train of thought as the image of Obito's smiling face appeared in his mind. The silence stretched on and her presence was a calming balm, for who was she if not his closest friend.
Throwing caution to the wind, but remembering her sleeping clan, he turned burying his face into his arms onto her lap, releasing his grief as he wept for his failures and felt her lean forward and wrap her arms around his upper body. He faintly registered her quiet sniffles and tears on the back of his neck.
"Does it ever get better?" he asked hopelessly when he had gathered himself. Hinoko's gaze was drawn to the sky. "You learn to bear it," she whispered in reply. They remained silent for some time, sharing their grief and finding solace in each other.