xxx

"I know that you're ready to go,

cause there you lay and stare away out the window...

don't go.

I'll be right beside you when you rest your broken bones."

"I don't think I'm ready to go.

Here alone,

You are the stone

that holds me in position

with your calm and steady wisdom"

Benjamin Francis Leftwich.

xxx

"What's wrong?" Hinata ceased brushing her hair and on the mirror, watched her husband looking out the window. The Uchiha grunted but did not speak. She got up and stalked over to him. She stood beside him, watching the moon through their bedroom window.

After a few beats of tranquility, Sasuke spoke.

"Am I failing?"

Hinata then understood. She loved her husband and son. She knew Sasuke had to do something but she can't say that she hadn't been bitter after his departure. Sasuke had been through so much, more than most ninja. He was not at a right mind frame, and it was unfair, because she wished he had stayed not for her but for Sora.

But she also cannot deny the desperate call for help Sasuke had.

Life had been unfair to all of them.

"Sora missed you, Sasuke. He missed his father. He just wants you there for him."

Sasuke turned to look at her, the moon reflecting on his graphite eye. "So be there for him. He needs you. I can't do this alone," she added the last part sternly.

"We can't fall apart when he needs us most. When you need to fall apart, fall apart with me. But not when he needs you. You can't—you can't keep leaving, Sasuke. Not only physically but mentally and emotionally. I'm here for you. But you need to be there for him. Sora needs his mentor, his guide, and most of all, his father." It almost took all her willpower to admonish him because she loved him and he'd been hurting for so long.

Sasuke lowered his eyes, but then a soft smile found its way on his lips. He took her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist.

"I'm here."

Hinata smiled and stroked his cheek.

"But, remember, when you need to fall apart…I'll be here for you."

She knew her husband was strong, but sometimes, everyone needed a helping hand to fight their demons.