Thanks for the feedback. I knew that line by Tsunade would haunt me LOL. I think she was more fearful of having Hinata out there without anybody really restraining her. Admittedly I made it vague about what Sasuke and Naruto did while they were with the Hyuuga but Hinata did kill people and that can haunt anyone. As she told Itachi, no one is insignificant which is why she carries such a heavy burden. I really love this back and forth discussion, thanks guest!

Stay Awesome Everyone!

If I wait too long,

I'll lose you from my sight

Maybe tonight I could stop dreaming

And start believing in forever

And ever and ever and ever again

-The XX (Reunion)

After dropping Itachi off, Hinata had initially resolved to face some of her other faults and headed towards her old home. She could not move on with the next phase of her life without properly ending things.

Sai had surveyed the area which was a feat in itself as the Hyuuga were on high alert after her fight with her father. Hinata walked through some of the rubble, guilt filling her once again.

"Hiashi is in the main house, but he's resting in the southernmost room. His nurse has gone on break but I can't tell you how long it will be. If you want to make your move, it's time." Hinata nodded and she got on his back as he sprinted.

Having had his bedroom destroyed, Neji had offered his room. Hinata crawled through the window.

One of the first things to greet her was a photo she had never seen before. It was taken before Hanabi's birth as their mother was pregnant in the photo. Hinata was carried by her father and they were flanked by Neji and her uncle. They all looked so happy.

It feels so far away. The beeping of the machines hooked up to her father shook her from her past recollection.

Her father looked so broken. The visible parts of his body were bandaged. His face was swollen and he was hooked up to a ventilator. Tsunade had healed him as much as she could, but the body can only take so much before it needs to rely on its own power.

He was semi-conscious and noticed the two intruders. His heart rate picked up when he saw who it was.

Hinata touched her father's face gently fearing her touch would shatter him.

"I can't say that I didn't mean some of the things I said. But I looking at that photo, I can see you weren't always like this. Something made you into this person, something horrible. It seems like I am my father's daughter." Sai looked out the window, awaiting any interruption.

"You were right. I wasn't meant to lead this clan, but I still love everyone in it. And I still love you, father." Hiashi's eyes widened.

"I forgive you. For everything you did to me. I won't forget what you did to others but I forgive you. I hope one day you can forgive me." Sai signaled that they were spotted. She opened a portal and urged him through. As she looked back at her father she went back to gently kiss his temple.

"Hinata!" She looked back to see Neji. "Neji… Take care of him for me."

He grabbed her and hugged her. "Please don't leave. We forgive you."

"Not everyone, dear brother. I can tell when you're lying. Don't worry, I'm happy now."

Neji shook his head and desperately pleaded. "We need you."

"We have different goals but perhaps we can meet later, in better times." Hinata pushed herself away and Neji reluctantly let her. They smiled at each other and he nodded. She walked through the portal and he was left with Hiashi in the room.

"…Hina…." Neji looked back at his wheezing uncle.

Neji called the attending nurses who rushed in and reevaluated Hiashi's new developments. The residents of the compound were joyful that their leader was making positive progress, and Neji wished he could tell everyone about Hinata. Hanabi was informed about her sister's brief visit and although angry at not seeing her, she was assured by Neji that Hinata needed to go through this.

"It's not goodbye. Not really. We'll meet her again." Neji embraced Tenten as Hanabi looked at the night sky. "Yeah, we will."

"Are you sure we can't convince you to stay? You know I would protect Hinata if you were both to live with us." Naruto wasn't making Sasuke's departure any easier.

"I know you would, but I don't want you to have to protect her." Sasuke patted Naruto's shoulder. "She won't find what she's looking for here." Naruto grinned at Sasuke.

"Are you sure you just don't want her to fall for my charms again?"

Sasuke pushed him away. "As if loser." They chuckled and Naruto sighed.

"Seriously though, tell her how much I care for her and that I'm sorry."

"I'll tell her that you screwed up." Naruto frowned.

"And that I care for her." Sasuke's eyebrow twitched.

"I'll tell her that you're sorry you scared her away." Itachi was watching their banter.

"Sasuke, as much as I love to watch you get flustered we really should be leaving. You're trying to hold this guy off when your real competition is off in an island with your beloved. For all we know right at this moment Sai is asking her to put sunscreen on his back." Sasuke let go of his headlock on Naruto.

"Let's go." Naruto smirked at Sasuke's determined face.

"Wait!" Sasuke rolled his eyes at Ino's voice. He watched her catch her breath.

"Tell…Hina…that if she ever needs… anything, I'm here for her." Ino smiled at Sasuke which he returned and nodded. The Uchihas picked up their bags and neared the entrance of the school's building where this Taka teammates awaited. Each had a bag of their own.

"We're going with you."

"No." Karin in particular looked devastated. "Karin, you're a powerful asset to these guys. Your abilities are unique and you shouldn't let them go to waste."

Karin seemed to accept this and lowered her bag. Suigetsu lowered his bag almost immediately after she did, which did not go unnoticed by Sasuke. Suigetsu averted his eyes. "I like the fighting anyways", the swordsman muttered.

"I'm still going. If not for you, then for my own sake." Sasuke looked at Juugo questioningly.

"I overheard Itachi telling you all about what the vision is for that place and I need to find my own peace. I'm tired of fighting." Sasuke didn't want to deprive someone of a goal like that so he motioned Juugo along.

Suigetsu hugged his former teammates. Karin hugged Juugo and went to kiss Sasuke which he sidestepped away from.

"Desperate move, Karin." Suigetsu sniggered.

"I tripped!" Karin snapped.

Sasuke smirked at them. I gonna miss that. "We should be off, see you guys later." He intentionally didn't want to make their departure something permanent because no one knew how the future would play out. Except Shion.

Genosha, as christened by the residents, was beginning to take shape. Hinata found similarities between her new home and the one she once spent her entire life in. Everyone was welcomed and used their unique abilities to support each other. She would often find Yamato trying to hide as everyone would request his assistance. They were working the poor guy to the ground.

One thing she did not care for was honing their skills for the possibility of confrontational combat, but Kisame reasoned that they cannot be sitting ducks if they were ever attacked. Hinata agreed but would make sure they never got to the extremes that her father pushed for.

They set up towers to see far out to the sea for any uninvited or unfriendly visitors. Once spotted, Kisame, Sai and Hinata would be informed and they would go out to investigate. Most of the time it would be lost ships but every now and then, they would encounter wandering mutants.

"We don't want trouble. We're just looking for a new home." A man looked nervously at the three that greeted him and his family. Kisame looked to Hinata who kneeled down to the eye level of their youngest son. He immediately flinched and hid behind his mother.

The mother looked apologetically at Hinata who shrugged it off. "Genosha is a safe haven and we welcome all. However, we will ask that you contribute in any way. We are in need of people with medical knowledge, but if you have any other skills I'm sure you'll fit right in."

The parents brightened up. "My husband was a doctor back in Kumo, we didn't bring all his supplies but I bet he can help."

Kumo was still a sore spot for Hinata who merely smiled. Kisame navigated them towards Genosha as he explained how everything was coming together. "You're gonna love it." The man smiled at his family who looked out to the island in wonder.

"You need to forget." Hinata knew Sai wouldn't beat around the bush. "It's hard when I can still hear the screams and feel the blood. I don't think I can ever forget, really." She looked at the newcomers and felt envious. The younger son noticed her looking at them and snuggled closer to his mother.

Hinata was never extremely self-conscious but the looks she was beginning to get bothered her. "My appearance is also a constant reminder of what I did. I finally look how I feel, a monster."

"Really? Because you look like Princess Kaguya and she was no monster." Sai always surprised her. "It's folklore." He would remember things from his past but could never remember specifics. Perhaps this was a childhood memory.

"There's some resemblance in your looks and tales." He walked towards Kisame before turning. "But while some consider her tale a sad one, you still have the chance to change it."

.

.

.

The newcomer known as C was actively engaged in the activities of Genosha. He had hidden his healing abilities up until his employer began to ask questions. His wife was a teacher which also addressed the need to continue educational advancement. Their two children were among the youngest residents of Genosha and Hinata secretly hoped that more would join; she knew how lonely it could be.

Fumiki and Sachi were 10 and 9, while Chuu was only 6. He would often get left behind and found ways to draw attention to himself, whether it was positive or not didn't matter. Today Chuu decided to get back at his older sister Sachi for leaving him alone at home while she and his older brother went to the beach.

He spotted them among some other residents enjoying the weather making a sand castle. Chuu glared. Jerks. He grabbed a bucket and filled it with water. Unfortunately, he wasn't what you would call discrete and they spotted him immediately before he could exact his revenge.

He chased them around fruitlessly and in a rage threw the water once they were in close proximity. Chuu heard a shriek and felt satisfied until he looked up and saw who his victim was. He did drench someone in ocean water; unfortunately it was not his brother or sister.

It was the scary looking woman and her grey robes were soaked. She wiped her face and saw that there was a small figure crouching down as if expecting to be struck down. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to."

Sai had managed to avoid being hit and was about to chastise the boy when they both heard a soft giggle then full on laughter. She's not mad at me?

Hinata wringed out her robe sleeves still laughing. "You can carry a lot of water for someone your size."

"I'm not that small!" She laughed even louder. "How cute."

Chuu was blushing. "I'm not cute and I'm not small! I could take you on."

Hinata slowed her laugher and raised an eyebrow. "Really?" She picked him up and carried him into the ocean. He held on to dear life as she got waist deep. "Okay, Okay! I'm cute and small!"

This was enough to get Hinata to laugh again. Chuu noticed how much more comfortable he was when she was like this. He scooped some water into his hands and splashed her face which made her drop him. Cold! Cold!

He ran back to shore and looked back to see a weird wave coming behind her. "Look out!" Hinata turned just in time to be fully submerged in the wave that pushed her back on shore.

"You shouldn't pick on little kids, Hinata." Kisame smirked. She returned the smirk and chased him. Chuu wasn't about to be left behind and joined.

Kisame was hovering over their heads but he wasn't paralyzed. He was frantically trying to touch the ground. "I give!" Hinata looked over at Chuu who gave her a thumb down.

"Hey kid! I was sticking up for you!" Hinata motioned him over the water near the deeper level. "Traitors!" They giggled at his melodramatic display; Kisame was practically made for the ocean.

"How much farther, Itachi? We've been traveling forever!" Itachi forgot how dramatic Sasuke could be.

"It's only been a few couple of weeks on the road and we just managed to find someone willing to take us over. We haven't even been at sea for a full day. Quit complaining."

Juugo wouldn't complain; he was enjoying their journey.

.

.

.

Scratch that, Juugo hated the final leg of their journey. The boat rocked around way too much for his liking and he wasn't exactly known for his superb swimming skills. When they saw a visual of the island, they heard a cry coming from the captain. They ran from their cabin and headed up on deck.

"I tell you, I'm not trying to spy! I'm just helping some people over!" They came up to see a shark- like man holding the captain very roughly. He glanced at them and Juugo readied to defend himself until Itachi ran past and hugged their intruder.

If Itachi hadn't mentioned Kisame before, Sasuke would've been shocked at the scene. "Kisame, must you always resort to violence? This man is a good guy, apologize."

Kisame rubbed the back of his neck and extended his hand to the captain who nervously took it. "Sorry, it's just that not every boat that we've encountered has had good intentions. I gotta scare the bad ones off and I was already in a pissy mood. Damn government spies almost reached the shores before Sai caught on. Scared the crap outta everyone."

He looked at Sasuke and Juugo. "Is this your brother, Itachi?" He nodded and Kisame went to hug Juugo.

"Nice to meet you, Sasuke. I gotta say you don't look anything like Itachi, but anything is possible I guess." Sasuke already knew that he wouldn't enjoy Kisame's company.

"I'm his brother, Juugo is our friend." Kisame looked to him and back at Itachi.

"You sure?" Sasuke gritted his teeth. "Yes." He was immediately embraced by Kisame.

"I'm just joking, kid. You look like a miniature version of Itachi!" Sasuke didn't know whether to believe him or not.

Kisame went back to the water. "I'll let them know that you guys are cool, wouldn't want Sai to send one of his giant ink birds to attack you. If Hinata wasn't around, I bet he would be on full attack mode all the time."

Sasuke was about to ask about Hinata when Kisame left.

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.

.

"So they're friendly?" Kisame nodded at Sai.

"Where's Hinata? Isn't she going to greet them?"

"She's having dinner at the doctor's home. Chuu personally invited her."

Kisame nudged Sai. "Got competition, already?"

"The boy is no match for my skills. I was a government agent for years." Kisame rolled his eyes. He knew how detached Sai was from society and norms but sheesh. "I mean romantically, robot."

"Romantically? Towards who?…" Kisame shook his head and walked away. "I swear, you're hopeless. I'm gonna change and get Itachi and his gang settled in. Don't be, you know, abrasive and rude."

.

.

.

Once they reached the shore, they all got off. It was nighttime and the captain was welcomed to stay until he was rested enough to head back. Sasuke immediately asked about Hinata.

"She's probably at the doctor's or with Sai. That guy is like her shadow, although I think finally gave in to his constant companionship."

Sasuke's smiling face was frozen and for a moment Juugo thought he became a statue. "Gave in?"

"I'm sure Kisame doesn't mean it like that, right?" Itachi was sure there was nothing going on between the two.

"Oh, god. You too? Well at least it'll be interesting around here." Kisame chortled. He showed them to their cabin. "You got three bedrooms, sorry but it was late notice and we weren't expecting the captain to stay over. The kitchen is in the back. If you need anything wait till morning. Seriously, it's late and we're all tired." He sarcastically bowed and left.

"Well, I guess we should rest for the night. Juugo take one of the beds, you look like you need it. Captain, you take the other. It's the least we could do. Sasuke-"

"I'll stay in the living room. You rest, Itachi." His brother nodded and everyone went to their respective rooms.

Sasuke waited until he heard their doors shut and quietly left their cabin. He had spent enough time away from Hinata. He would search for any lead to her.

Hinata thanked C and his family for dinner and headed towards her own cabin which was next to Sai's. It was a welcomed change; she usually ate alone, except for the occasional times Sai disregarded her wishes for time alone. The love C showed his family warmed her heart. This is how family is supposed to be.

While she showed a strong and composed front, on the inside, there was uneasiness. Sai made it seem easy to forget the past but it haunted her. Her nightmares were frequent and she postponed sleeping because she knew what awaited her. She loved her nighttime walks and the moon provided just enough light so she wouldn't get lost.

Hinata had reached her cabin but sat in the porch swing. It was peaceful and she gently rocked. She heard some movement nearby that didn't sound like an animal. Hinata figured that her solitude would soon be interrupted, most likely by Sai or Chuu as the boy had latched on to her. However the footsteps were too heavy to be a child and Sai had more stealth.

"Can't sleep?" No it can't be. Hinata stood up in fear. She thought she was suffering from another delusion when Sasuke closed the gap between them and embraced her tightly.

"Hinata. I can't believe it's really you." Sasuke had noticed her walking around and followed her, observing her gracefulness as she took in the night sky. As soon as he saw her on the swing, he made his move.

"Sasuke? I thought you and Itachi would stay with-"

"Wherever you are is where I want to be. I told you then and I'm telling you now, I love you." Hinata let herself melt into his arms as she sobbed. They sat down on the swing.

Sasuke gently rocked them both while he caressed her head. They stayed like that for a few minutes and Sasuke thought he saw someone next door look at them. He would get up to investigate but he didn't want to let go of her for fear that it would be the last time.

"I hated you so much back then." He was startled. "I hated you for using such cherished words to manipulate me. Desperate words to keep me from going with Orochimaru. I thought, who is he kidding? He was lying. No one could love me after all I did. I wasn't… I'm not worth it."

Sasuke grabbed her chin so she could look at him. "Do you still believe that?" She looked away.

"Hinata, you can't tell me who to love or who is worthy of another's love. I think you're more than worthy of capturing my heart. Those were desperate words because I was desperately opening my heart to you and didn't want to lose you."

"I also meant doing whatever you wanted me to do, even if it meant losing my humanity. I would go into the darkness for you but I couldn't bring myself to drag you along. I love you too much to break you."

Hinata grinned sadly. "It's too late. I'm broken."

"Well then I'll put you together." He led her into her cabin. "I'm not going away."

Sasuke had reluctantly offered to sleep on the couch but she motioned in into her room.

"If you don't mind, could you sleep with me?" Sasuke blushed and she frantically tried to clear up what she meant. He smirked and pretended to be hurt.

They snuggled in bed together, both not fully believing that they were finally together after so much pain.

"I love you Sasuke." She whispered. He smiled into her shoulder. "I love you too."

AN: The song recommendations have been fantastic so far. Thank you! We are still not done, I need to wrap this up as best I can!

Genosha is the name of a country/island in the Marvel Universe. I am referencing the safe haven aspect of it for mutants.