Disclaimer: I dont own Naruto

Chapter 21

Food

I stared at Sasuke for a moment trying to understand why he was attacking the guy that stood at the gate. Though I couldn't blame him, the guard really had a problem with his placement. Staring at my neck, I thought back. It was a little inappropriate for him to make such accusations, even if they were true. That's still something I wouldn't expect from a guard. But nonetheless Sasuke's rather random aggression shocked me.

Before the situation became more than it already was, I walked over to the guard, uncomfortably. Bowing, I whispered apologies that the he accepted kindly with a look of satisfaction. And after a few critical seconds I felt the need to leave.

Not even looking back one last time, I just began walking away. There was really nothing to reminisce about. In the Hyuga household it was either a well deserved scolding, or a reluctant job-well-done. Both, were of the same equivalence, they meant nothing to me.

Years and years of striving, and pushing myself. Every last drop of motivation, determination- wasted. Though, of course, I do not regret any of it, but being reminded of the pain, I will not do.

000

Sasuke trailed behind as we walked toward his home. It was unbearably silent, the sound of rustling leaves even apparent as we took each step forward. I noticed we had been taking our time, there was no rush. And because of that, I felt even that much more comforted. I was starting to feel a little better.

The wind blew and my hair went frantic. My face began to numb and my arms inherited their goose-bumps. I ran my fingers over my arms and hoped some friction would emit heat. Chilled, I finally thought of my jacket again.

I never did find it.

I looked back towards Sasuke, his hair whipping at his face, as he looked off into the distance. I smiled briefly. He's always so serious, I sometimes think its an act. It pleases me to know he's human after all.

Looking forward again, I wondered what he'd be thinking about. Was he thinking about the new arrangement? Was he thinking about the next step? Was he thinking about- was I ever in his thoughts?

I had been walking ahead of him, strangely, leading the way. I didn't even notice that we had made it till I heard him drop a few things.

He passed me casually and unlocked the door. It was after he entered the house when a wave of realization hit me.

Where will I be sleeping?

Of course sharing a bed would be out of the question. For that matter, sharing a room shouldn't even be a thought.

I stood there in front of the door, hesitant. Sasuke had already passed me a few times, bringing the small amount of boxes I had inside with him.

My curiosity peeked once the last box was carried in. Where was he taking my things exactly?

I followed him down the hall, trying to regain composure, feeling a few butterflies in my stomach spread their wings wide, as he opened the door to a simple bedroom that I knew was not his.

He dropped the boxes near the door and as I watched him do so, I began fidgeting. I felt out of place and - distant. He stared at me and I looked back at him, frozen.

Why was he just standing there?

Suddenly, he took me by the shoulders, and looked me in the eyes. I felt heat come in contact with my face, and my eyes went wide. He tightened his grip momentarily and I realized he was just pushing me aside so he could make his way out of the room.

I could feel the heat touch my ears, as I saw him smile knowingly, just before leaving. It reminded me of this morning almost instantly.

As soon as he left, I stepped in, and closed my door completely. For some reason I was feeling ashamed for becoming so embarrassed. It was a simple gesture, nothing more nothing less.

I was lying to myself.

We had, had physical contact beforehand, but never was it under these circumstances. This was just too much for me to handle.

000

I had unpacked everything two hours ago, and I am still unable to leave this room. I thought about things like escaping through the window or shadow clones. But honestly, how childish of me would that be? Not to mention how disrespectful.

After what seemed like hours- really it was hours, I decided to finally take a step outside my boundaries.

Opening the door cautiously, I scanned the area. No sound. No Sasuke. Nothing.

For a second I wondered if he was actually there. Stepping out, and entering the hallway, I made my way into the living room. There hadn't been much there, and after walking around the house, there wasn't much anywhere. It was almost as if no one lived here. A completely vacant home.

I began to feel thirsty and searched for the kitchen.

I vaguely remember it being near the entrance.

I followed the hall and went through a few rooms and suddenly ended up outside. Confused, I turned around back the way I came, and surprisingly enough, I found the kitchen. This place was so big, almost like a maze. A big, cold, empty maze.

Not wanting to worry, I finally got my glass of water.

I took a look around the kitchen and then stared off into the dining room seeing that the chair I pulled out for Sasuke was still there. Putting the cup down, I walked over to the table and brought the chair back to it's original place. I lingered there, leaning on the chair a bit to see the clock hanging above the window. It was still early. Not even mid day.

While exiting the kitchen I see Sasuke come in.

"Hey," he said simply, seemingly out of breath.

"Hi…" I replied.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes," I said - hesitant.

"Is there anyplace where you'd like to go?" He asked, catching his breath now. He must have been training, but where?

"I don't care." it slipped from my mouth, and realized that's not what I had meant. I did care. I didn't want to be seen.

I didn't want to be seen with Sasuke. Not Sasuke.

I frowned, feeling guilty for even thinking such a thing. I was being more than rude, I was being reluctant to follow the plan. The plan I made for myself.

"We could always eat here, but there isn't - " he paused for a moment, "I don't have anything here."

"We could go grocery shopping."

"I'll meet you back out here in a couple minutes, I have to change." I only nodded in reply, feeling worse now.

000

He came back out, his hair wet, and sticking to his neck. He still had been in the process of pulling his shirt over his head. I attempted to look away, only to find I couldn't turn my head. Turning around the corner, he grabbed for something on the counter and shoved it in pants' pocket. "Let's go" he said, and it hadn't been demanding - only tired.

The Uchiha compound - I realized had been thrown at the edge of the village. Almost disconnected I wondered how many hours in the day Sasuke kept himself isolated.

We made it to the market and I suddenly felt conscious. Sticking close to Sasuke, more so that I would normally, I hoped I didn't give off the feeling that I didn't want to be here.

"What do we need?" He asked, his voice sounding relaxed as we weaved through the crowd. Confused, I wondered why he suddenly changed. Was he aware of my insecurity?

Going along with it, "The necessities."

About ten minutes passed as I realized my definition of necessities was quite different from his.

It was an hour later when we walked home with more bags then we could carry. It was almost to the point where it had been ridiculous. This had been necessities to Sasuke? I smiled, embarrassed by the sudden spur.

000

The kitchen counters were covered in bags. "We're not going to fit all of this in the fridge." I commented, and he didn't seem to worry about it. His attention was focused elsewhere. "Do you know how to cook?"

I blinked. "Are you serious?" when was he not?

He scratched the back of his head, and nodded reluctantly. I began laughing, "Are you serious?" I repeated, "We bought all these things, and neither of us know how to cook?"

Geh....

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