A/N; A little piece o' fluff to brighten your day. And just a small little gesture of life from this work-loaded teen.

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Serenity

'Love is not an object we can see, but a magic we feel.'

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It was an odd relationship to the eyes of the outside world. There was no clear fiery passion, no soppy looks, and no stereotypical signs of young love.

Yet it was, in the purest, most simple sense.

Hinata and Sasuke weren't just lustful kids out to ease there hormones. They genuinely enjoyed each others company since the ice of awkwardness thawed.

They had an understanding, both strongly perceptive and able to see the feelings and hints of thoughts hidden below the surface. Yet they respected each others privacy and the boundaries of comfort – especially in public.

Sasuke appreciated the quiet and the calming effect she seemed to give. He felt truly peaceful in her company, without the stress of a thousand and one things crashing on his strong shoulders. It was like freedom for him, something he cherished. He never told her specifically, but he knew she knew, just like he knew she felt a similar way with him.

They may be disappointing to gossips, but the occasional brush of hands or shoulders and the occasional upturn of lips were enough for the world to see. They didn't need to broadcast how they felt, it was a private matter for behind closed doors. It affected no one but themselves.

Of course, Hinata's team hadn't been particularly happy about how little they knew. But Hinata made them back off, in her usual soft but firm way and they did so out of respect for her.

"Hinata."

"Hm?" she stopped and glanced up at him, waiting for his reply. She had incredible patience, something he had come to appreciate. It went hand in hand with how stubborn she was, not that that was widely known.

"Naruto wants us to join the others for Ichiraku ramen later tonight," he said, continuing to walk, onyx orbs focused on hers as he spoke.

"Do you want to go?"

He'd returned from a mission the night before last and had slept through most of yesterday. That mother hen undertone slightly amused him, and at the same time made him feel safe and protected in an emotional sense, something he had only previously felt with his own mother. She had picked it up by raising Hanabi through the younger Hyuuga's early years and it tended to show through a little when she was worried.

"Aa."

She wasn't overbearing and bossy like most of the other women tended to be with their husbands. They were equals in each others eyes, though it had taken some confidence-boosting and ego-squashing to get there. But seeing how harmonious their relationship seemed compared to Naruto and Sakura, Sasuke was rather glad with the way they were. He knew it was how they were, but hitting your partner didn't sit well with him. That and Naruto was lacking in brain cells to begin with.

"We're expected at seven."

-O-

It was refreshing how she didn't overdo it when going out. Hinata made an effort and made sure she was presentable when she wasn't needed for a mission or a hospital emergency. But Sasuke wouldn't let her out the house if she looked like some of the other girls with skimpy outfits and war paint covering their face.

He told her this once or twice and she giggled and mentioned something about 'phases', 'Hanabi', 'father', and 'grounded for months'.

They left at half six, leisurely walking through the streets with her hand resting in the crook of his arm. Sasuke found he was usually more protective of her at night, despite knowing she was more than capable. She had spoken to him about it, given him a withering look and then smiled in a resigned way and thanked him for caring. It was like his answer to her slight motherliness.

They didn't need to have arms slung around each other, it hindered their walking and only usually happened when they were cold (or the occasional time Sasuke had a tiny bit too much to drink and found his walking a bit wonky).

They arrived on time, Sasuke practicing punctuality so he wouldn't get a reputation like Kakashi. The said Jonin had appeared too (later he admitted he was invited at 6).

They mingled, talked, laughed and ate as they always did when Naruto forced them all together. The evening was enjoyable, but both Sasuke and Hinata were happy to leave, not being ones for crowds of loud people for prolonged periods of time.

Sasuke had draped his jacket over her shoulders to keep her warm, and as the streets were mostly deserted, took her hand in his own.

"Sasuke? You've been a bit on edge," she stated softly. She didn't ask why or if he was alright, knowing it was best to wait for an answer first. He still had a few mood swings now and then.

"I have," he admitted, stopping and turning to her. "There's a reason for that."

She waited for him to continue, pearl eyes catching the dim light.

"I wanted to ask you something. Something important."

"What is it?" she asked, squeezing his hand gently, noticing he seemed nervous.

He looked her in the eyes, glanced away, then looked back at her, his eyes cool with determination.

"Hyuuga Hinata, you know I love you."

She nodded, knowing not to interrupt him.

"I didn't think I'd ever love anyone after my family. But you understand me in a way that others have never imagined. Without you, I don't think I'd survive."

Her cheeks started to colour, surprised by his sudden declaration. Usually affection was saved for behind closed doors where gossipers would leave them be. Then again it was nearing midnight, and the only company they had were the moon and stars.

"I want you to be with me for the rest of my life."

Her heart thundered in her rib cage as he suddenly bent on one knee, taking her other hand in his.

"I want you to bear my children."

A rosy blush had blossomed across her face as her eyes glittered, seeing only him. He scowled slightly, embarrassed by his 'mushy ramblings' as he always was and then, his cheeks slowly catching up to hers, said those magic words;

"Marry me?"

The breathtaking smile that lit up her face as tears tricked down her cheeks gave him his answer before she parted her lips.

"Forever and always, yes."

With all the smoothness of a top ninja, Sasuke gathered her in his arms and pressed his lips against hers to hide his smile.

But o f course she felt it , she always did.