Why hello, again. Why do I do this to myself? I do this for you all out of love ;_;

Summary: Three years after the death of Anemone, Hinata has returned to her every day life among her village without anyone suspecting a thing. Her friends are changing as time passes on, seeming to leave her behind. But this quiet peace is silently falling apart as an unknown threat is slowly creeping within the village. And Hinata may soon realize that she cannot stand on her own two legs by herself.

Pairing: Sasuke and Hinata

Rating: M to be safe

Disclaimer: I do not own anything

From Within to You

Episode 01

Hinata sat on the cushioned chair of her new apartment balcony. The metallic chimes that hung above her head danced idly in the passing wind, giving off the most pleasant tune. Hinata's eyes remained closed as she listened to the melody, drifting between thoughts and sleep. Tomorrow would mark three years.

Three years since the people of her village who had fallen to Asher's influence were freed from their nightmares.

Three years since the people of Meyven Li purged the intruders from their home.

Three years since her death.

Anemone's death.

Upon their return it was Hinata who had the hardest time trying to adjust back to her every day livelihood. She ended up cooping herself in her old apartment for four weeks before finally stepping out to face the rest of the world as it continued on its path without her. When she returned, the façade was her best performance yet. The way everyone flocked around Hinata to comfort her wounds and loss for all of the people who died in Meyven Li was quite a spectacle. And she had done everything to give them a run for their money. All except for one person.

"Are you waiting for a fly to find the caverns of your mouth?"

Hinata opened her eyes to the familiar voice. She glanced over to the entrance leading back to the apartment to see an even more familiar figure leaning against the doorway.

"Is that your way of saying that you're horny and need me to go back inside?" Hinata smirked slightly in response.

"Yeah. You need to get on your knees right this instant." Sasuke gave that same devilish grin. His complexion was soft. Hinata rolled her eyes slightly as she turned back in the opposite direction with a chuckle.

So much had happened within those three years.

For starters, at least two of her friends from her academy days had changed their last names. Others had earned job promotions while some gained kids. Even Hinata's life had changed significantly. Aside from her move to a new apartment, she had done so with Sasuke this time. The two decided to move in together within the last five months after the rent of his old place had come to an end. This new home was also closer to the woods in order to be as far away from the bustling crowds and any main roads within the village. The atmosphere was peaceful, quiet. Not that Sasuke was intent on making their nights quiet though.

But that was beside the point.

Even they had changed significantly within the past three years. Sasuke was promoted in his ranks over the time period to Anbu on some position he was never allowed to reveal to Hinata. He wasn't supposed to tell her that he had become Anbu to begin with, but Hinata had no interest in jeopardizing his position by being nosy. Her professional rank rose as well. Hinata had joined a local hospital to continue her training as a medical nin in order to help future missions. Her schedule typically consisted of work for twelve hours straight from early morning to late evenings, but it was a job that she rather enjoyed. Even if she had to work around people with her mask on for an extended time frame, Hinata genuinely liked working on helping others within a healthcare setting.

Chills travelled down her spine as Hinata felt a pair of hands touch the back of her neck. His fingers gently caressed the skin. Hinata looked up to spot Sasuke over her, looking into the forest with a hollow expression.

"What's on your mind?"

Sasuke took in a deep breath at the question. "Nothing."

"Is it work?" Hinata asked once more.

"No."

"I got it." She nodded to herself. Hinata pushed against the chair to level herself vertical. "I'll go start a bath for you to soak in."

When did it get to that point where they didn't have to tell one another anything in order to understand what the other was thinking? Hinata brushed that thought aside in an instant. It wasn't like her to dwell on relationship matters. It would only cause trouble to overthink these things.

As of late, however, whatever was happening with the Anbu had Sasuke seeming rather stressed. Even Naruto looked out of place recently.

Stop it. It's not your place to meddle in Anbu affairs.

Hinata turned the handle to let water trickle from the faucet. The warmth of the bath started to fill the atmosphere as Hinata lit a sweet pea candle. Setting it near the restroom window, she started to shed the clothing she still had left on her before slipping into the tub. Hinata pulled up her hair into a high bun from getting in the way. A gentle knock resonated against the restroom walls.

Hinata looked up to catch a pair of hazy eyes. Sasuke had slid out of his clothes by now too as he made his way over to the tub. He settled behind her, spreading his legs around Hinata. She reached out to grab the bar of soap and handed it over to Sasuke behind her shoulder. "Are you working late tomorrow?"

Sasuke took hold of the soap and began rubbing his other arm and shoulder. "I think I will. It's been busy."

"I understand," Hinata replied, "Should I leave the food in the fridge for you then?"

"Yeah," Sasuke switched hands, "Please."

The two remained silent as the water continued to fill up the tub around them. By then Sasuke had finished working on himself and started washing off Hinata's back. He worked into her shoulder blades gently, taking notice of the deep scar that contoured around her left side. "Any trouble at your work?"

The question was so mundane and expected. Hinata puckered her lips slightly. "No."

Sasuke's hand moved over her lower backside.

"Really?"

The bar of soap landed on the bottom surface of the tub with a small thud.

"Everything is good at work."

The hand now glided past Hinata's right hip, stopping at the bone.

"No trouble with the coworkers then?" Sasuke's voice sounded distant against her ear. Hinata cleared her throat, shifting within the tub to adjust.

"Everything is peachy."

She could feel the hand moving again. Fingers traced around her hipbone as the thumb pressed firmly into her skin. A second hand found its way to her ribcage. Sasuke pulled himself closer, his chest touching her backside, among other things. "The patients are easy to deal with?"

"Y-yeah."

A stutter. That was the signal of defeat.

In an instance one of the hands slid to a dangerous area. Sasuke's lips brushed against Hinata's ear. She could feel his heavy breathing tickle her skin. At the same time that tickle made her heart feel something stir from within. One finger touched the tip of her clit, barely applying any pressure. His other hand travelled back to her neck and settled. Hinata's heartbeat quickened. She could feel his hand against her jugular vein. The beating hastened.

"Are you enjoying yourself there?"

The pressure increased.

"I-I like working there." Hinata managed to compile a response. Her hips began to slowly gyrate with the rhythm as the water around them shifted. The tub was filling up.

"Have you made any acquaintances?"

Sasuke's finger accelerated against her lower region. Hinata held back a sharp gasp. "N-no. I keep to m-myself usually."

The water was rising to the edges of the tub dangerously. Hinata couldn't keep her hips from matching the rhythm of his finger.

"Shame."

She could feel something brush against her back now. Hinata pushed herself against Sasuke's chest, emphasizing her butt to touch whatever was growing near. Sasuke couldn't hold in his breath. He pressed himself forward in response instantly. His fingers widened the circle around Hinata's lower region.

Some water spilled over the tub.

Hinata threw her head back against Sasuke's shoulder. Her hand reached out back to touch his growing need. Taking it in her palm, Hinata's grip tightened. Sasuke's response was to thrust his hips forward and press his hand firmer down. The added pressure to her clit made Hinata's back arch. A small moan escaped her parted lips.

That had done it for Sasuke. In an instant his hand slid further and into the throbbing desire of Hinata's entrance. Hinata threw her leg over the tub, leaning completely into his chest. Her hand attempted to grip at anything she could find but everything around was too slippery to grab hold of. Her hips moved more frantically now.

"You really should attempt to make more friends." Sasuke hissed into her ear.

A third finger found its way inside. Water was soaking the bathroom floors now, forming puddles around the tub. Hinata desperately reached out to turn down the knob of the faucet. She wouldn't be able to hold back her moans for much longer. He'd have his victory soon. Her hips would buck and then release to allow her to experience something unexplainable for ten or so seconds. And Hinata knew the evening wouldn't stop there. This was simply the beginning.

Something shifted beside Hinata the following day. She peeked through her eyelashes to catch sight of Sasuke slowly rising to his feet. The clock on the bedside read 4:27 A.M. "You're heading out so early today."

That wasn't a question.

Sasuke looked over his shoulder to notice Hinata barely capable of looking up to him. "I need to. There's a lot of stuff to be done today." Stress from last night still rang in his voice. Hinata reached out to touch Sasuke's side.

"Don't overwork yourself."

"I won't." He replied simply, "You do the same."

Sleep was quickly overpowering Hinata as her eyelids drooped. Her mind drifted. She wouldn't even catch the sound of the front door closing. The sound of breezy wind against grass blades filled her ears. Hinata could smell spring. The sunshine rays warmed her cheeks. Hinata opened her eyes once again to that same field.

It's been such a long time.

Hinata sat cross-legged among the tall grass of an endless field that expanded to unknown lengths in all direction. The sky was covered with multitudes of clouds of all shapes and sizes. Their soft edges seemed like they were made out of cotton. Hinata took in a deep breath. She inhaled the sweet scent of nearby blooming flowers she could not name. This was serenity and calm.

Across from her a tree manifested itself and underneath the tree a person appeared. Their long hair glided alongside the passing breeze. Their eyes focused on the book in their hand. Hinata knew quite well who this was. Yet she dared not to get any closer for the fear that they would disappear again. This was, after all, the only remaining way Hinata could see her one more time. Even if it had been so long, Anemone had finally become part of Hinata's subconscious. Her dreams would create that image of Anemone and each night Hinata would spend her time staring at the girl without saying a word.

It was best this way.

The Anemone in these dreams rarely moved. Occasionally she would flip the pages of her book, yet her eyes never trailed up to meet Hinata's. Even if they had there would be nothing to stare back into. The soulless image of the young girl was the only thing left in Hinata's subconscious. It was the only thing she could muster. And so the nights continued like this. Without saying a word Hinata would eventually wake up to face Reality once again.

But her soul was more at ease this time around. Coming to terms with Anemone's end took some time but that point was finally reached. Hinata would wake up from this dream to face a new world without Anemone.

Sliding out of her bed, Hinata walked over lazily to the restroom to begin her morning rituals. The clock at her bedside now read 8:09 A.M. The water splashing at her face felt inviting. Hinata enjoyed mornings more often. She finished her requirements and headed over to the balcony in order to water the potted plants sitting in the sunlight. She only recently set them up to grow herbs that she would later use to practice her new medical nin abilities. Hinata gazed into the forest across without focusing much on anything.

Hinata started compiling a list of groceries and supplies she would need to pick up around the village. It was her day off and she wanted to use it to get all of the necessities for the upcoming week.

Cabbage would sound good to get.

A brief knock at the front door brought Hinata back. She turned to listen closely without moving from the balcony. Another gentle knock tapped against the wood. Hinata set down the pail in response. She walked back inside to put on a robe before coming up to the door. The peephole revealed Sakura standing on the other end with a large plastic bag in her hand. Hinata sighed on the inside in regret. She pulled down the lock and opened the door.

"Morning, you." Sakura announced rather chipper.

"Hey," That was all Hinata could gather as she stepped aside to let Sakura in. It almost had become a common occurrence at this point. At first Hinata would get annoyed by Sakura's unexpected visits but they soon became a natural chain of events. Hinata lead her guest into the kitchen, dragging the large robe behind her without a care. "Do you want decaf or regular?"

"Whichever you're making yourself." Sakura replied as she planted herself at the dinner table. She set her bag by her legs.

"Regular it is." Hinata announced as she started the pot to heat up the water. "What's going on today in the village?"

"It's starting to pick up pace," Sakura began, "I managed to buy the new pillow and pillowcase I've been eyeing since last week." She patted the bag next to her.

"Does it look like it'll get busier later?"

"Unfortunately. The vendors are bringing in new merchandise."

Hinata opened a fresh pack of coffee. "That sucks."

"Tell me about it." Sakura agreed. "Hey, can I ask a question?"

Hinata nodded without responding verbally.

"Have you…" Sakura paused to gather her thoughts, "Have you noticed anything different about Sasuke? Has he been on edge lately?"

This was the most direct way Sakura would ask Hinata on her opinion towards Naruto's behavior. Considering those two were now Anbu and possibly of the same division, this resulted in the two women growing closer.

"I can't say that he's been on edge lately but Sasuke does seem a lot more stressed." Hinata place the coffee grinds into the boiled water to sit within the French press. "I think they're just dealing with something that requires more attention. So they're probably giving it their all and are quite busy with the task."

"Sasuke hasn't mentioned anything to you about his work?" Sakura questioned with a hint of desperation in her voice.

Hinata turned around to face her friend. It was one thing to worry about your boyfriend but it was another to worry about your husband. And in Sakura's case, her worries were amplified. "You know he wouldn't tell me anything. As much as I would like to know just what exactly he puts himself through every day, the Anbu follow a strict code of secrecy. Those two can't spill anything to us no matter how hard we pleaded."

A small smile spread across Sakura's face. It was sad and pitiful at the same time. "I know… I just wish I wouldn't have to worry so much over him, you know?"

"I understand where you're coming from," Hinata pressed down on the French press to trap the coffee grinds, "But we must respect the laws of our village and have more faith in them. Naruto and Sasuke will look out for one another, I am sure of that. We'll stand by and worry only when they come home missing limbs."

Sakura's face grew pale with horror.

'I'm kidding!" Hinata frowned. "Seriously. You might need to take the day today to relax or something. You're way too on edge yourself."

Sakura glanced up with the same hopeful eyes. "Want to relax with me today?"

Hinata sighed on the inside in regret once more. And yet she still smiled in response. "Yeah, I guess I should take a breather on my day off too. We can both relax together."

Those two better come home with all of their limbs or else I'll never hear the end of it from Sakura.

Welcome old readers and new :) I really want to get to know you all more now that we're starting a fresh leaf with the continuation of my past work. So how about a fun game? If you're going to leave a comment on the story, be sure to also answer the following questions for me:

1. Where were you born?

2. What do you study/studied/or want to study?

3. How long have you kept up with this story?

I'll answer myself in the next update. I'm looking forward to this next installment and learning more about you guys :^D