Authors note: I realise that Hinata my come off a little more outgoing than you might be used to but at the same time she does become more outgoing in the series. I think that being with Naruto has that effect on her in the long run and she has been with him for a while at this point. Also there is no Sasuke bashing intended here. This is just how I think he would react in such a situation and how others around him might see it. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the characters.
Sakura lifted her hand to knock on the door. The wood and glass had been expertly cleaned and polished. It would be a crime to put finger prints anywhere. So she looked around for the door bell. There was no need for the door swung open excitedly.
Hinata greeted them with bright eyes and a pleased expression. Her byakugan was not active and Sakura had to assume that the demure woman had been waiting for them. "Sakura-chan! Nii-san! come in, please," she said, ushering them into her well kept home. It was a beautiful place covered in warm tones and greenery. It was cozy whilst also being very manicured. The house was a very suitable environment for a future Kage and the family that she knew the pair would be looking to start sooner rather than later.
Sakura and Neji slipped their shoes off before padding down the wooden floors after their host. Sakura smiled as they made their way to the living room. There were pictures everywhere. She spotted some of herself and others of Neji scattered in-between the prominent team photos and the notable snaps of the happy couple. The floors were newly polished and Sakura regretted having stepped all over Hinata's hard work. She sped up her pace to catch up to the classic beauty, squeezing her shoulders gently. "Hinata-chan, it looks great!"
The Uzumaki bride's dainty smile was endearing as she clasped her hands before chest. "Thank you. I still have somethings to do," she admitted looking around the house, going over her mental checklist. It was such a change for all of them, but one that was most anticipated. Hinata's words confirmed Neji's earlier thought process. She needed them to help with the party set up, a task he was more than willing to assist with.
Sakura took the opportunity to scan the area in more detail and noticed that it was oddly quiet. Naruto must have been out. With the housewarming the next day she would have expected him to be there at his wife's side as he usually was in such situations. There were no shadow clones either, which could only mean one thing really. Sasuke had managed to convince Naruto to spar with him. "Where is that husband of yours when you need him, hm?" she teased nudging her honorary sister-in-law, at least they all saw the two women's relationship as such, with her shoulder. Hinata giggled lightly having long since gotten used to Sakura's teasing of her energetic husband. All three entered the living room and Sakura cracked her knuckles before stretching out her arms. "Never mind, you've got us. Just send me where you need me."
Neji closed his eyes, moving to stand next to his enthusiastic companion. She felt his presence at her side and could not help the imperceptible rise of her cheeks; imperceptible to most but not lost on the other two in the room. "Hn," Neji grunted, verbally acknowledging his willingness to help. Hinata lifted a hand to show them a pile of decorations that Sakura recognised from a quick excursion with Naruto between hospital shifts a few weeks before. Without needing further instruction she stepped up to the pile and began to sift through it. Together she and Neji began a quiet organising and stratagizing session. Sakura told him what she thought and he nodded along.
Hinata regarded the pair with a secret smile. She wondered if Sakura had fully realised the effect she was having on the tall nin at her side. He was positively smitten. She had noticed some time before that he was more attentive to Sakura than others, but now it was clear that the whole world could have been crashing around him and it still would not have torn him from the simple conversation he was having with the beautiful woman.
"Hinata-chan!" The shout announced a new presence at the door and brought all of their attentions to the hall where a blonde head of air bounded their way.
Hinata frowned lightly. "Naruto-kun, I thought you were training," she said, pointing to the muddy sandals he had a forgotten to remove.
Naruto bashfully slipped his fingers into the back of his shoes and pulled them off, noting that he would need to clean up the footprints he had left in his wake. "We were but Sasuke got a summons to see Kakashi-sensei," he said flipping his dirty shoes into the sullen and agitated face of his sparing partner who sharply slapped away his hand.
Hinata immediately straightened her back, her displeasure at the mess replaced by intrigue. "Oh? Then you might want to clean up before you go," she said in a gently suggestive tone. The dark haired woman was paying close attention to Sakura, who had noticed the new arrivals and swiftly gotten back to the task at hand.
And the new comers to the little makeshift party Hinata found herself hosting had noticed who was there. For Naruto it was a case of the more the merrier, but Sasuke was less than enthusiastic. While seeing Sakura at least once a day, preferably more than that, had become his new goal, he did not wish to see Hyuuga Neji anywhere near her person. Upon taking the sight of them in his face soured drastically. How many times had he gone to see Sakura now, only to find her monopolised by the hunter nin? Too many and it only furthered his increasingly foul mood. Naruto did not notice and shoved his tense partner down the hall. "Yeah Teme, the bathroom is down the hall and to the left."
"You too Naruto-kun," Hinata reminded him, knowing he would forget and sit down on the new couch without a second thought. The jinchuriki nodded seriously and marched upstairs to the restroom adjacent to their bedroom.
"Sakura?" Neji asked looking for some sort of reassurance as he went about scattering brightly colored confetti on a table cloth that had been set up for the occasion.
Bright green eyes inspected his hand work keenly. "That is perfect," she said gracing him with a warm smile. Hinata watched her body language, taking into account how close they stood together and the way that Sakura subconsciously kept turning her shoulders towards Neji. It had also not escaped her notice that they both silently checked in with one another regularly, sending fleeting glances in each others direction. It was sweet and she recalled doing exactly the same thing when she and Naruto had first started dating.
A few minutes later the sound of foot steps, one set quiet and the other loudly treading on the stairs, announced that the boys were back from their quick clean up sessions. They entered the room, Sasuke stopping at the door while Naruto walked over to place a kiss on his wife's cheek. Watching the color rise on her pale skin never got old. When he turned his attentions to their guests he found that while two of them were perfectly content with the tasks at hand, the third stood glowering in the doorway, a dark aura pushing off of him in waves. Naruto let out a short huff. That was not going to win Sasuke any points with Sakura. It was this sort of hovering that had gotten him in trouble in the first place. And while Sakura had already expressed her annoyance at the new habit more than once or twice, Naruto was pretty sure that they would not be seeing it for a while.
"So Teme, you thinking of leaving us again?" Naruto asked crossing his arms over his chest and sticking his nose up. It was more than a mere suspicion or guess. He was almost positive that his best friend was leaving but he wanted to know for sure. After all the steps they had been making to help along Sasuke's relationship with Sakura, it would be a waste for him to throw it all away now. Naruto knew better than most why Sakura had given up on her childhood crush. Crippling disappointment had marred her view of him. He was always leaving and never gave her the sort of assurances she needed. But this time Sasuke had finally said something. Even so Naruto knew them and he was afraid that Sakura would never get past it if Sasuke left now. The shift of dark eyes away from them told Naruto he was right. "He's thinking of leaving us again," he said flatly, expressing his own dissapointment quite clearly in his hardened blue eyes.
Sakura turned her head to her old teammates and shrugged. "It's a mission, Naruto. I'm sure it's important."
"Nothing is decided," Sasuke said waiting for a sign from Sakura that she understood. What he found was that she had already returned to her task, head held high. The Hyuuga male was watching her with a gentle reassurance that radiated off of the pair.
They did look like a pair, Sasuke realized, standing shoulder to shoulder before the window. Sakura was more somber now than she had been moments before but she still had a warmth to the way she was turned ever so slightly towards the tall man at her side. Battle worn hands crossed into Sakura's space and much to his surprise she did not object, rather her smile came back as the two continued to decorate, speaking in hushed tones like they were sharing secrets. He did not like it.
"You have to get to Kakashi-sensei's office right? I should check in too," Naruto stated moving to go back to the hall. He had not been to the Kage building in a few days, Kakashi being generous enough to let him set up his house and plan his party. It was almost time to get back into the swing of things, start his lessons again- for the lessons on being a Kage were never over- and help out their sensei where he could. He zipped up his jacket against the cold. He did not really want to leave but they had only intended to pit stop before heading out again anyway.
"Dinner," Saskue said, the word coming out clipped as he glared in the direction of broad shoulders that partially hid his view of Sakura's more diminutive stature.
"Ichiraku's?" Naruto queried suddenly much more interested than he had been. He clapped his hands together excitedly and slung and arm around Sasuke's shoulders. "You're paying." He demanded before turning bashfully to his wife. "Is that alright Hinata-chan?"
"Of course. Have fun!" she called from the fridge, quite relieved to have Naruto away from the kitchen for a time. He had a bad habit of eating things she had made for other events as he wandered about cleaning. On top of that she normally would have reminded him that he had in fact just returned from Ichiraku's after a late lunch but it suited her purposes for him to be away and therefore decided to say nothing. He was always eating due to his ridiculously high metabolism and the worn in ramen stand eased the amount of work she had to do to keep him healthy. Besides fresh ramen was better than the instant varieties he was also fond of. There was also the matter of her Nii-san and his new endeavor to get to the bottom of, a goal that would be much simpler without Naruto and Sasuke milling about.
Naruto dumped his frog wallet on the hall table and began to strap his sandals back on. Sasuke was ready to go and leaned against the door frame as he watched the ANBU captain from the corner of his eye. He did not like how close their shoulders were nor how comfortable Sakura appeared in the others mans presence. He intended to do something about it. "Hyuuga?" he called expectantly, surprising everyone with the invitation.
Neji turned his shoulders slightly allowing them to view the side of his face and they could all feel the ambivalence in his regard. "I am here to help Hinata-sama and Sakura."
Sasuke glared. The way her name flowed off the ANBU captains lips with no honorific was pissing him off. It was too familiar, and worse Sakura had yet to object to it. To date he, Sasuke, had been the only man with the privilege of using her name in such a manner without repercussion. Neji stared back at the Uchiha unfazed by his clear displeasure, and Sasuke could feel the desire to challenge the obstinate male before him rise in his chest. This Hyuuga had somehow managed to place himself in-between he and Sakura. It demanded some sort of response. "Ah."
Sakura had already begun to hang things and held one end of a banner in her hand, extending the other side out. "Neji, could you help me with this?" she asked taking a few chakra enforced steps up the wall to reach the desired point. Shinny lettering fell between them in what would soon spell 'congratulations'.
The Hyuuga male allowed a smug tug on his lips to show before turning his back on a man that was tempted to skin him alive. "As you can see my presence is required." The words reached Sasuke's ears and he heard the 'yours is not' that had been left unsaid. The insufferable Hyuuga always had been the best at implying what he wished without having to voice it, or at least it seemed that way to Sasuke who had the opposite problem. He never could get across exactly what he wanted with out confusing people. Normally he would not have cared, but when it came to Sakura it had clearly done some damage.
"Neji's great, isn't he," Naruto said, crossing his arms over his chest with a wide grin. The whiskers on his face were scrunched up in the way they alway did when he was overly pleased or proud and Sasuke did not want to deal with the repercussions of arguing with the man.
He turned sharply leaving a confused Naruto in his wake. "Lets go," he said before stalking out of the house with his jovial friend jogging to catch up.
Hinata kneaded the already finished dough that she had been preparing and focused on her companion who was meticulously setting out plastic plates and forks for the next days festivities. She had heard the familiarity her Nii-san had addressed the Sannin with. He did not do that for just anyone; as a matter of fact no one to date had earned that privilege. And to hear it reciprocated by Sakura was just as shocking, as the colorful woman always addressed everyone with curtsy, except for Naruto. More shocking still was finding Sakura securely bundled up in her cousins private quarters. No one was allowed in there. The threshold of his room was tantamount to a brick wall, and yet Sakura had clearly been nestled into his sheets while he stood by protecting her from unwanted guests.
It was adorable really. Of course she had known that her beloved Nii-san liked Sakura. Hinata might even go so far as to say that he had serious feelings for the skilled medic. In spite of this the Uzumaki bride had never gotten her hopes up. Until today. She had seen the open adoration Neji held for her and Sakura had not pulled away from it; she had leaned into it. Now Hinata was determined, possibly as determined as Neji himself, that she would see them happy, preferably together.
That was not to say she would not have been happy for Sakura to be with Sasuke, if that was what her friend still wanted. Hinata liked him well enough, but she loved her Nii-san. Compared to Neji- at least in her eyes- Sasuke fell short. And she hoped that to be the case for Sakura as well. Neji was always quite serious and based on what she had just seen he was already courting Sakura, even if the young woman had not realised it yet. She would soon enough.
"Sakura-chan, I hear you and Sasuke-san are having difficulties." She had heard that, not just from Naruto but others as well. Now she was seeing it too. It was a welcome change to see Sakura doing something other than moon after the sullen Uchiha, a change Hinata had noticed during a short visit by Sasuke almost a year ago. Ironically she suspected it was that very change that had prompted Sasuke's sudden interest in Sakura. Without her at his elbow all the time he had been able to see who she really was, and she was undeniably attractive. People wanted to be around her, and Sasuke was no exception. If Sakura had noticed the change she said nothing. Instead when Sasuke left again she continued as ever towards her goals, pleased to see him to be sure, but she had not allowed his presence to change her schedule. In the past she would have dropped everything to be at his beck and call.
Thus Sasuke had visited Konoha a few more times over the past year, until this last visit. It did not take a genius to figure out why he was there. Sakura suddenly found him everywhere and Hinata had noticed a growing confusion and irritation at having Sasuke shadowing her moves. Then after about a month of following her around silently he had made his proposal. No one knew exactly what had been said but they all knew the outcome. If anything a denial had made the Uchiha more persistent, which is where they found themselves until a day ago. Suddenly the last Uchiha was on his own, seething and sulking as he went through his routine, and was thwarted from seeing Sakura at every turn. It appeared that something, or someone, had been getting in Sasuke's way.
"That baka..." Sakura rolled her eyes letting out a long deep sigh. Hinata grimaced. Naruto must have been meddling again. She had heard about it all from the horses mouth. She had warned him after he sent Ino to speak with Sakura that eventually the female of Team Seven would tire of it all. It seemed she had been right. Sakura was about ready to punch Hinata's well meaning husband through several walls. Sakura had been working on being calmer in general and as such took a couple of deep breaths before continuing. "There is nothing difficult about it really. Sasuke just didn't like my decision."
The dark haired beauty hid the pleased crinkle of her eyes behind her bangs. "I see," she said, still keeping up the pretense of cooking. The dough she had been kneading would need to be remade when her guests left for the day as she had long since over tended it. One batch of ruined dough was worth keeping the ease of the room. "I must say I was surprised to find you with my Nii-san earlier."
Sakura peaked over at her only to quickly return to her task as she fiddled with the plastic cups. "He's been taking care of me today... and yesterday. I think he wants to thank me for healing him a couple of days ago." She chewed her bottom lip in uncertainty, either at his intentions or at her hesitation to admit what she was seeing Hinata could not say, but the hostess was more than happy to clear up the confusion.
"Sakura-chan, I think we both know that's not it. Well, not all of it," she said with that secret smile back in full. Sakura was not sure what exactly Hinata knew that she did not, but it was clear that there was something. Her all knowing stare had caught something that Sakura had guessed at but could not fully confirm with absolute certainty. Hinata waited for Sakura to read the truth that shone out from opal before gigging lightly at her cousins expense. "My Nii-san is a respectable man but his general courtesy has never extended this far. Not for anyone and certainly not for professional reasons."
A small inhale denoted that realisation had set in as Sakura set the last of her items down. "I sort of knew that," she admitted shyly. Hinata did not know when Sakura had become so good at hiding her blushes but it would do her no good in the upcoming days. If she could see it Neji definitely could and was no doubt using the subtle clue to forge ahead in his endeavour.
Hinata chided herself. There was more to it than that. Neji was reading a great deal more than blushes.
The pair had been quite close, close enough to touch each other regularly which was not something either would normally do. Had Sakura been bothered by it at all she would have said so. It was not like her to remain quite when uncomfortable. That too had fueled Neji. It was also the main reason for Sasuke's supreme discomfort and, dare she say it, jealousy.
Regardless, it had nothing to do with Sasuke really. With Sakura's firm and continuously reinforced 'no' established, the other man should have backed down gracefully, or at least that was Hinata's opinion. She was biased to be sure but that did not change the fact that Sasuke was being petulant. His persistence was doing more harm than good at this point and it was becoming painful to watch. Some time away from Konoha might do him a world of good and it would certainly do wonders for Sakura. It would give her time to process and time to decide what she wanted.
Hinata knew that Sakura did not know how to proceed. While she had denied Sasuke's advances, she also had no intention of hurting him. At the same time being so close to Neji was not an opportunity she was going to turn down. It was going to be tricky and they all knew that someone would end up disappointed in this, but that should not have influenced Sakura's decision. Sakura always put everyone else first but Hinata hoped that this time would be different.
"Do what's best for you. Don't worry about anyone else," Hinata advised quietly, sending her friend reassurance. She was glad to finally be able to return the favor. In the years before Naruto had noticed his attraction to her, it had been Sakura who had encouraged and supported her at every impasse. Now it was Hinata's turn to do the same. "We just want to see you happy."
Sakura felt the warm tone reach over and envelop her. Hinata always had a way of making a person feel cared for. She knew that the gentle soul spoke the truth but also knew that there were those close to her that held onto certain images in their mind. "Naruto..." she began before trailing off, not really sure how to continue.
Hinata shrugged lightly. She loved her husband dearly, but he could be more stubborn than anyone else she knew. He was still convinced that Sakura's happiness could only be accomplished one way. Hinata knew differently and soon enough Naruto would see it too. "He is sentimental in many ways. What he really wants is for you to be happy. We all do." Hinata set aside her dough with a firm slap and began to clean her hands. "It's about time for dinner. Nii-san will be back any second. Could you grab that pot?" She pointed at a shiny rounded pot that was clearly new which rested not too far off. Sakura recognised the set as one she had helped them pick out in preparation for moving out.
Sakura gladly obliged flipping the kettle on as she passed it. Her own cooking had certainly gotten better over the years. Practice had proven to be essential for her as her culinary skills had been lacking initially. Even though she enjoyed her own food now, she would not deny that Hinata was a superior chef when it came to traditional dishes.
Hinata heard the door open and turned on the stove. Neji padded silently into the kitchen with all of the ingredients she had requested for the hot pot. She also noticed some jasmine tea in the bag he handed over and found that Sakura was grabbing the more traditional style of mugs from the cabinet, the ones that Neji had bought for them in fact. Hinata hid her mirth by turning her back. Her Nii-san was already looking for the honey to sweeten up Sakura's tea and she wondered if they knew how attuned to each other they were.
The walk home was quiet and Sakura was pleased to find that despite having not brought a jacket with her, as she had not anticipated being out so late, having Neji at her side was almost like having a small heater next to her. He was warm and after he had noticed the chill in the air he immediately extend his arm, inviting her into his space. He would have given her a jacket but sadly he too had not expected to be out this late into the evening.
It was one of those clear crisp nights that tended to foreshadow the start of fall, which meant she was going to have to get out her warmer clothes and heftier duvet. She was already planning on fixing up some of her famous spiced cider. She recalled that Neji had enjoyed it in years past when he had tried it, one of the few alcoholic drinks she had ever seen him consume. She was contemplating whether to make him a sachet of mulling herbs so that he could brew some for the Hyuugas or invite him over to share a batch of her own.
The palm which cupped her elbow rose to rest on the outside of her arm sending an electric shock that coursed through her system and left a pleasant buzzing sensation where his hand remained. She bit her bottom lip in anticipation. Inviting him over sounded like a much better idea. She was sad to see her apartment door drawing ever nearer. As much as she wanted to stay out or invite him in, she knew that sleep would descend upon her the minute she was in range of her bed. Another full nights sleep was just what the doctor ordered.
The leaves in a near by tree shook and Sakura felt the familiar presence of a friend approaching rapidly. "Yo Sakura-chan!" The deep voice was hard to forget and it sounded before he was fully visible. The navy blue vest he wore did its job and blended him expertly into the darkened surroundings. His little paws, tiny ears, and miniature clothes were in complete contrast to his gravely voice and deadpanned expression.
"Pakkun, you look exhausted," she said taking in the fact that he was droopier than usual. His wrinkles appeared more deep set, particularly around the eyes.
"Kakashi is running me ragged," the little ninken moaned with a huff. He fanned his paw back and forth to stretch out the muscles. Most would not have guessed but with those he knew well Pakkun could be rather dramatic. What he was really looking for was a quick scratch behind the ears and a sympathetic soul to listen to him.
Sakura stepped forward with a giggle to pet the pug on the head. "I'll have a chat with him," she promised before moving her nails to scratch his upturned chin. The thump of his back paw against his rib cage sounded briefly and Sakura knew he was pleased. "Mission?" Her query brought a halt to the movement of his back leg and he attempted to regain some of his professionalism.
"No, a notice. He wants you to take the week off." The deep voice rumbled in the night as he dropped his rear end down onto the cold concrete, instantly regretting it.
Her head tilted to the side. "A whole week?" she echoed back in excitement. She was not usually one to look forward to time off but a few days rest would be divine and also give her the chance to get to know the man standing next to her better.
The downturned jowls reached to his vest and retrieved a small piece of paper, handing it to her before he relayed further information that was not listed on the scrap. "See how you feel in a few days but yeah. Shizune is in the emergency ward. She is only to contact you if she has no other choice."
Sakura chuckled at his pointed stare. "Alright, I get it. I need a break," she said with a smile before turning towards the apartment they and been approaching. Pakkun had been there many times before for one reason or other and knew what her vague gesture was referring to. "You want to come in for a quick snack?"
"Maybe later Sakura-chan. I gotta run." The ninken stood once more and neither nin failed to notice the small pouch on his vest that was filled with little scribbled commands that had yet to be passed out.
Sakura patted him on the head, something few people were allowed to do with out retaliation. "I'll leave you a refresher on the front porch then." She did not bother to ask if he would pick up the treat. She knew he would find a way to stop by in-between his other duties for a nice cut of beef.
"Thanks Saku-chan," Pakkun called over his shoulder and then took off over the roof tops to his next destination.
"Well, that was a pleasent surprise," she said turning to find her quiet companion near by. Together they walked up the stairs to her apartment. Her key slid into the lock and turned with a loud click. Her hand reached to for the knob but then stilled.
She did not want to go in. It was not that her little abode had changed in any way but she found that she was not ready to say goodbye to the captain whose presence had settled itself behind her when she began to open the door. She needed more sleep, but large part of her wanted to delay that for as long as possible.
Her breath hitched and she turned her head to find his hand reaching out for hers. She took in the sight of their hands linked together between them. An excitement coursed through her veins and she waited in anticipation for the words she could see forming on his lips. "While your schedule is free, may I see you tomorrow?"
A bright smile lit up her features, one that she found reflected back at her through the soft light of a near by street lamp. It seemed she was not the only one loath to leave the night behind. He had no intention of doing so without the promise of spending more time with her.
"Lunch, some light training, and then the party?" she asked hopefully. Perhaps it was presumptive to assume he wanted to spend the day with her but she would never know unless she asked. She had enjoyed her time with him immensely and had hopes to continue getting to know the ANBU captain better the next day as well.
The world might as well have stopped around her when his lips parted to flash a pleased grin as he stepped up to her. When he got this close, so close that she could have leaned forward to rest on his chest, it became hard to think particularly when he sported such a warm expression. "I'll stop by at 11:30." He lifted the back of her hand to his lips for a quick chaste kiss that lingered on her knuckles, all the while his molten gaze never left hers and she found that a rush of exhilaration pool in her chest where it settled.
Slowly he receded, allowing her to head into her apartment with the promise of another day spent together still echoing around them. As she turned to close her door he caught a glimpse of something inviting and tempting in her big green eyes. And he was so tempted to walk over the threshold and kiss her, but there would be plenty of time for that. Tonight he wanted her to rest and recuperate. There was no rush. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel uncomfortable in anyway. So he would wait until she was ready. Only when the lock clicked and he was sure she was safe inside her home did he leave for the Hyuuga estate, with a proud and pleased grin held high in the moon light for any and all to see.
End Comments: And there we have it. Sakura is finally admitting what she is seeing. I decided to slow down somethings that were happening because we have only been following them for a little over 48 hours at this point. I anticipate that there will be two more chapters to this, possibly three. The next chapter will have more action of a few varieties. I will start the next chapter ASAP. I also have a few other fics to get out, not least of which is the wrap up of Breath of Fresh Air. For any of you who have been waiting for that through my hiatus I promise it is coming. It might take me a little while but it is happening. I am working on it and some other things as we speak. As always do forgive any mistakes you find. I have no beta reader but I try my best to edit. Reviews make my day and fuel my writing but please no flames. Until next time!