I'm uploading this at 4 am, so please read this with a grain of salt. My first attempt at a Sasuhina. If you haven't watched Love Affairs in the Afternoon, please do. It's an amazing film. There's also an amazing Korean adaptation. This story will loosely follow the plotline. We'll see how creative I can get. Enjoy!

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Love Affairs in the Afternoon

Chapter 1: A Storm is Brewing

Hinata had met Sakura at her beginner's cooking class. As the assistant instructor, Hinata's job was to help those with less experience. Sakura came in as pink clumsy mess. Somehow, her food always turned out burnt, unappetizing, and tasteless. But she was determined, and Hinata was more than willing to help her. They bonded over all the mishaps and disasters in the kitchen, including an emergency visit to the hospital. However, neither realized just how closely their fates were intertwined. When Hinata's husband turned out to be Sakura's estranged childhood best friend, their friendship became a sort of closeness that Hinata didn't know if she was entirely comfortable with.

"No Hinata, please stay!" Sakura grasped her hand as if her life depended on it. "It's only fair since you made most of the soup anyway."

Hinata smiled, sheepishly, "No, no, no, it's really okay."

She tried tugging her hand away, but Sakura's hold was strong. "It'll be so much more fun with more people! He'll love it."

Hinata stared into Sakura's intense jade eyes, "But it's Sasuke's first day back, I really couldn't intrude—"

"You're most definitely not! Tell Naruto to come over straight after work," Sakura pushed. "I just know Sasuke would love to see Naruto."

Hinata grimaced as Sakura finally let go of her hand. She watched expectantly as Hinata slowly pulled out her phone. Then, she dialed Naruto's number and waited. She hoped he wouldn't pick up. "Hey, this is Naruto! Leave a message—"

"I guess he's just really busy," Hinata said in fake disappointment. Sakura frowned and crossed her arms.

"Hmm, let me try," she said in a rather challenging tone as she whipped out her phone and dialed his number by memory.

Hinata raised her eyebrows in confusion, "How do you know his number?"

Sakura held up her hand as she placed the phone to her ear, "Hello? Naruto, it's Sakura! I'm doing great!" She gave Hinata a thumbs up and strolled over to the big pot of tomato soup, "I just wanted to invite you and Hinata over for dinner tonight." Hinata watched on in confusion as the pink-haired girl continued to stir the pot, "Oh, don't worry, she's already here. Yep, I'll see you in a bit!"

With a snap of her phone, Sakura turned to her with an exuberant smile, "he said he'll come straight from work."

—

"Oh, that's the door!" Sakura exclaimed as she quickly wiped her hands on her pink apron and ushered towards the front door. Hinata sighed and continued to stir the tomato soup. Questions ran rampant in her mind. Why didn't Naruto pick her call? How did Sakura know his number? Why was he so quick to agree to come over?

"Naruto, I'm so glad you're here!" She could hear Sakura's squeal from the kitchen. Exasperated, she wiped her hands and walked out to meet her husband.

"Naruto," Hinata plastered a smile on her face. Naruto grinned and walked over to kiss her on the cheek.

"Hina-chan," he smelled like home, Hinata thought as she breathed in his familiar scent. Slowly, she felt all the hurt and confusion melt away. He placed his hands on her shoulders, "Why didn't you tell me we were going to be having dinner at Sakura's?"

She frowned, "I tried calling you."

"He was probably in a meeting or something," Sakura pipped in. "You know how men can get."

Naruto chuckled, "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?"

Before Sakura could respond, the front door opened letting in a whoosh of cold air. Sakura immediately ran over to greet what could only be Sasuke. With Sakura gone, Hinata glanced up at Naruto's ocean blue eyes once again, "Why didn't you pick up my call?"

Naruto's eyes softened at her delicate voice. "I was in a meeting, Hina-Chan."

He brushed her hair from her face, and Hinata believed.

—

Hinata had often heard of Sasuke from Sakura, but this was the first time she was actually meeting him. He was a lot more handsome than what Hinata anticipated. A mop of dark hair, a chiseled jawline, a pointy nose, and a pair of brooding eyes. He seemed more like a model than a simple businessman. If she was worried about Sakura's overly flirtatious personality, she didn't worry anymore. Sakura was practically glued to his side like a lost puppy. Although, he didn't seem the least bit enthusiastic about it.

"Sasuke and I worked in the same branch at Konoha Corp. a while back," Naruto supplied. "Who knew you would become such close friends with his wife?"

Sakura giggled, "That's just because Hinata's so nice and helpful."

"No, that's not true at all," Hinata waved her hands dismissively, her ears red. "Sakura was actually the one who befriended me."

"Oh stop," Sakura grinned. "She even helped me make the dinner tonight!"

At this, Sasuke paused and looked at Hinata for the first time that night, "It's very good, thank you."

Hinata blushed even redder if it was possible. Naruto laughed loudly and pulled Hinata closer, "See? Aren't I just the luckiest man?"

"Even I'm jealous," Sakura huffed. "Sasuke doesn't just compliment anyone, you know?" Hinata shyly peeked at Sasuke through her bangs. Their eyes met for a brief moment across the table, before she looked back down at her lap.

"Oh, I've worked with him, I would know." Naruto chuckled. "The whole branch practically celebrated when he left. He was such a hard ass—"

Before he could continue any further, Hinata squeezed his hand under the table. She gave him an incredulous stare, but Naruto only gave her a quizzical look in return. Hinata watched Sakura's smile drop from her pretty face. Then, she turned to Sasuke who had stopped chewing. Holding her breath, she waited for his reaction. Calmly, he placed his chopsticks on the table. "I think it smart to not insult your superior any further."

"Okay, time for dessert!" Sakura abruptly stood up and started to clear the table. Instinctively, Hinata began to quickly clear the table too. "Hinata you don't have to help. You've already been such a big help today!" She could hear the forced enthusiasm in Sakura's tone.

"It's fine, I want to," she grinned, nervously, as they carried the dishes to the kitchen and dumped them in the sink.

Once they were in the vicinity of the kitchen, Sakura turned to Hinata, "I'll go bring the dessert and be right back."

"O-of course," Hinata attempted a smile as Sakura left the kitchen with dessert in hand.

—

Hinata sighed as she dried off the last of the dishes. Sakura's tinkling laughter floated into the kitchen. She never came back, Hinata frowned. The night seemed to be getting weirder and weirder. All she wanted was to go home and cuddle up next to Naruto, and never come back.

"Sorry my wife left you with all the work," Hinata whipped around, startled. Sasuke stood at the entrance of the kitchen with empty plates in hand. The dessert, Hinata inwardly sighed, she had wanted some.

"It's no problem at all," Hinata mumbled. "I wanted to help."

Sasuke walked over to the sink and grabbed the dish soap.

"Oh, you can leave those to me," Hinata said, quickly. Their hands touched just as she went to grab the spare plate. Hinata met his gaze as their hands lingered. His dark gaze unnerved her. There was no warmth in those black eyes. Realizing the situation, Hinata yanked her hand back, flustered.

"I can do these." Sasuke turned back to the plates at hand. She made a move to leave, but Naruto and Sakura's simultaneous laughter stopped her in her tracks. Hinata darted her eyes around the kitchen, trying to find any way to help. She didn't know why she chose to stay. It could've been her kind nature, or it could've been the fact that she didn't want to endure her husband's blatant flirting with Sakura. Nonetheless, she grabbed a towel and began to dry the tiny dishes that Sasuke had stacked. If Sasuke thought it weird, he didn't show it. They worked in silence. The water running from the sink and the chatter from the living room were the only noises between them.

"Sakura tells me you made the tomato soup," Sasuke passed her the last dish and dried his hands.

"A-ah, Sakura helped a lot too," Hinata replied, ducking her head. She hoped he couldn't see her hot face.

A sigh, "Sakura doesn't know how to cook."

Hinata looked over, mildly surprised at his response. Sasuke leaned against the sink and cocked his head back with a small smirk. It was true. Hinata had practically made the entire dinner. Sakura had tried to help by badly slicing the tomatoes. At this, she let out a small laugh, "She's getting better."

"Well, it seems she's in better hands now," Sasuke commented as he reached around her for the dried dessert plates. Hinata immediately froze when his forearm brushed past hers. She could smell his musky cologne. He's standing far too close. As if noticing her discomfort, Sasuke peered into her face, his arm still outstretched. "You'll help her out, won't you?"

He kept his voice low like he was telling her a secret. He held his intense gaze. Hinata couldn't tear her eyes away from his black unmoving stare. She could feel the familiar burning sensation creep up her neck. Stormy dark eyes searched for something within her own terrified eyes. Deceit? Anger? Fear? Smirking, he finally pulled away, satisfied with what he had found.

—

"Thanks for coming!" Sakura waved from the door. Hinata politely waved back from the passenger seat as she watched Sakura lean her head on Sasuke's shoulder. Sasuke... she frowned as she watched him smoke his cigarette from the front porch. What a strange man.

"Man, I hadn't seen that bastard in years," Naruto stated with a sigh. Hinata watched Sakura and Sasuke's figure fade from the rear-view mirror. "He's still the same bitter asshole."

"Naruto..." Hinata chided. She fidgeted with her hands, remembering their strange encounter in the kitchen. Should she tell Naruto? What was there to tell?

"What?" Naruto shrugged. "I just can't believe Sakura would marry a guy like that."

Hinata turned to look at Naruto whose grip on the steering wheel tightened. "What do you mean?"

"Sakura's just too good for him," Naruto shook his head, a frown on his face.

Feeling a flare within her, Hinata narrowed her eyes and pressed further, "Too good?"

"Yeah, she's kind, beautiful, smart—"

"Enough." Hinata choked out, painfully. She had had enough. Startled, Naruto looked over at his wife.

"What? Did I say something?" His voice dripped with concern as his wife turned away from him. Noticing that she was upset, he quickly pulled over and turned to face her directly. "Hinata... look at me."

Don't cry, not now, she told herself. Taking a deep breath, she slipped her mask back on. "I'm tired of this."

"Tired of what? Can you please tell me what I did wrong?" Naruto grabbed her hand and smoothed her hair. She looked into his deep blue eyes and saw the ocean. She felt as if she was drowning in them, gasping for air each time the waves crashed into her. She was trying so hard to stay afloat within him. Couldn't he tell?

"Your incessant flirting with Sakura." Her voice broke as she whispered it. Naruto's eyes widened.

"F-flirting?" He squawked. Then, he slapped a hand to his forehead and chuckled. "You've got to be kidding me." Her anger immediately shrank at his laughter. Was she overreacting? Ducking her head, she bit her lip in embarrassment.

"Sakura and I were best friends in high school," Naruto finally bit out in between fits of laughter. "Hinata, you know this."

Hinata shook her head, "Friends don't f-flirt."

Exasperated, he tucked her hair behind her ear and tilted her chin up, "Hinata, I love you."

She looked into his deep blue eyes once again. This time she only saw clear skies and sunny days; a life basking in the sun. He was her sun after all. "I love you too."

—

"I'm running late," Naruto shouted, tugging his shoes on by the door. "I'll see you later!"

"I love you," Hinata called, but he was already sprinting down the stairs. She watched his figure disappear behind the hallway corridor, before retreating into their quaint apartment. With a resigned sigh, Hinata returned to the kitchen and began clearing the breakfast that was barely eaten. Frowning, she picks up the bento box that she had prepared for him the night before. He's going to be hungry. Immediately, she fished her phone out from her apron. Chewing on her lower lip, she waited for him to pick up. No answer again. Of course. Her lower lip juts out in frustration. Her ears suddenly perk up at the twisting of keys in the front door. He's back. Eagerly, she rushes to the front porch with bento in hand.

However, she's met with a flurry of fiery red hair and steely grey eyes. "K-Kushina-san?"

"Ah Hinata, sweetie," Kushina gives her a warm smile. "I thought I'd drop by since I was in the area."

"P-please," Hinata takes the grocery bags from her and steps aside to welcome her in.

"I bought you those cinnamon rolls that you like from the bakery," Kushina mentions as she boldly marches into the apartment.

"Thank you," she replies as she quickly follows Kushina into the kitchen.

"My…" Kushina pauses at the mess of unfinished food on the table. Hinata mentally slaps herself in the face. She didn't have time to clean up! "I'm guessing Naruto was running late?"

Hinata, blushing bright red, immediately begins fussing around the kitchen. "I-I'm so sorry, he just left and—"

She's interrupted by Kushina's loud laugh, "Don't worry about it, dear."

Hinata glances at her apologetically as Kushina begins pulling things out of the grocery bags. A box of cinnamon rolls, a pack of ramen noodles, and a foreign box of juices. Curious, Hinata placed her rag on the table and walked over to examine this mystery package. With a knowing smile, Kushina pulled out a bottle that read "Fertility Supplement."

"W-what?" Hinata took a step back, startled.

Kushina's smile grew wider, "Well, you see, I've been getting a little impatient."

Hinata stared, bewildered, as Kushina poured the drink into a tall glass. She had known Naruto's parents were wanting grandchildren, but she thought she still had a few years at the very least to plan. Not to mention, she hadn't been intimate with Naruto for a long time. She watched as Kushina happily swirled the drink in the cup like it was wine.

"Here," Kushina extended the drink to her with a tilt in her voice. "Cheers!"

Gulping, Hinata took the cup with shaky hands, "Kushina-san, I—"

"Shhh," she held a finger to her lips. "I know, I've been there. Motherhood can be scary, especially with Naruto as a father." She shook her head. "But! Minato and I will be here as much as you need. And if there's anything I'm certain about, it's the beautiful love that you and Naruto share." Then, she placed a warm hand to Hinata's cheek, "I just want you to know that I couldn't possibly ask for a better daughter-in-law."

Hinata softened at her kind words. She looked at the glass of dark liquid and thought of a little Naruto running around the house. Her personal ray of sunshine. Tears sprung to her eyes at the thought of a child. Yes, she badly wanted a baby. Throwing her head back, she downed the glass in one go.

—

Splash!

Hinata squeaked at the puddle she had just accidentally stepped in. Frowning at her wet jeans, she walked faster. It had been perfectly sunny when she stepped out of her shift at the grocers today. Now, it was a different story. The rain came down like buckets of water, and dark thunder clouds covered the sky like a thick blanket. Just a little further, she thought encouragingly. The newspaper she had picked up on the way was completely drenched. It did little to keep her head dry. She clutched her bag closer to her chest, hoping to shield any rain from wetting it. Pleased at the view of Naruto's office nearing in the distance, she began to run. Bursting through the entrance, Hinata stopped to shake the rain from her hair, clothes, and newspaper. A small puddle began to form around her.

"Can I help you?" The receptionist at the front desk called to her. She glanced at Hinata's dripping wet attire with mild perplexity.

"Y-yes, I'm looking for my husband," Hinata hurriedly walked over, her wet shoes making squelching noises each step of the way. "N-Naruto Uzumaki?"

"Ah yes," the receptionist nodded. She gave her a quick once over, "And who might you be?"

"I-I'm his wife," she blushed.

"Just one moment," she eyed her in disbelief. "I'll give him a call."

Hinata nodded. She reached inside her bag and sighed in relief when the bento box still felt warm to touch. She hoped he wouldn't be too hungry by now, but knowing Naruto, she wouldn't doubt it. "Sorry Mrs. Uzumaki, it seems like he stepped out for his lunch break."

Hinata blinked. Of course, how could she be so stupid? "Mrs. Uzumaki?"

Her head snapped up, "O-oh, yes. I simply forgot."

"No worries," the receptionist looked on with pity. "Would you like me to leave a message?"

"Oh no, that's fine," Hinata mumbled, embarrassed. She walked to the entrance and sighed at the pouring rain. Couldn't things go her way for once? Just as she was about to step out into the thunderstorm, a familiar face walked in. Having recognized her too, he stopped right in front of her.

He flicked his black umbrella closed, "Uzumaki-san."

"U-Uchiha-san," she greeted. He frowned at her soaked appearance.

"You seemed to have gotten caught in the rain," he stated with raised eyebrows. She glowed red and bowed her head in humiliation. When will this torture end?

"Yes, I didn't count on it raining today," Hinata answered honestly, attempting a smile.

"The weather forecast stated otherwise," he smirked. Hinata's smile faltered as she clenched the handles of her bag tighter. This small movement seemed to have caught his eye as he flicked his dark eyes to her packed bag.

"A-ah, Naruto forgot his lunch at home this morning," Hinata supplied, her smiling face unchanging. She swung the bag behind her leg, hiding it from his prying gaze.

"Hm, I was sure I saw him go out to eat lunch a few moments ago," Sasuke tested his speculation. He watched in mild amusement as her mask slipped before she quickly slid it back in place.

"So I discovered," she said, evenly. Then, seeming to have endured through enough embarrassment for the day, she straightened her back, "It was good seeing you Uchiha-san, I should be going now."

Feeling empathetic and a little remorseful, Sasuke sighed at the pitiful woman. "Would you like me to give it to him?"

"No, that's alright," she said in a clipped voice. "There's no need to trouble you."

She made a move to leave, but Sasuke blocked her path. He stood several inches taller than her. Looking up at him, she gave him a puzzled expression. Sasuke grimaced at his actions, but when he looked down at her sopping wet clothes, slicked hair, and downcast expression, he couldn't help but feel he was staring into the eyes of a kicked puppy. He didn't even like dogs. "Let me drive you."

A look of surprise blossomed on her face. "W-what?"

"Let me drive you," Sasuke repeated, patience running thin. He didn't even know why he was offering. There were better things he could do with his time than play chauffeur to the wife of a certain irritating blonde.

She shook her head quickly, "N-no, I couldn't possibly trouble you like that."

"It's fine," he replied, beginning to walk away. "We'll call it even for making me dinner."

"W-wait," Hinata scrambled to keep up with his long legs. "It's really okay—"

"Get in," he motioned, nonchalantly, as he opened the passenger door to his characteristic black car. Hinata's lips smoothed into a thin line as she stared at the welcoming, dry car.

"I'm getting wet," Sasuke grumbled, which seemed to snap Hinata out of her reverie. Reluctantly, she climbed into the seat.

Sasuke popped into the driver's seat, "Address?"

She told him in a quiet voice and proceeded to stare out the window as Sasuke began driving. Hinata wondered if this was okay. What would Naruto say if he saw her like this? She couldn't help but feel like she was doing something she wasn't supposed to. Not to mention, she still couldn't comprehend that awkward moment they shared in the kitchen. In contrast, he seemed perfectly relaxed, while Hinata felt she was going to explode with nerves at any given moment. When he reached out to grab his coffee from the compartment, she nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Are you always this jumpy?" Sasuke raised a brow at her.

"Just shivers from the rain," she tried to play off but failed horribly. She didn't even believe herself. Nevertheless, Sasuke turned on the heating in his car. They drove in amiable silence until he reached her modest apartment community. Pulling up to the gate, Hinata gathered her bag and soggy newspaper.

"Thank you," she said, sincerely. He gave her a slight nod as he watched her awkwardly position the sodden newspaper on top of her head in preparation for the incoming rain.

Sighing, he grabbed his umbrella from the backseat, "Take this."

She turned in question, before vigorously shaking her head, "No, you need it."

"You need it more than I do," he gave her a pointed look at the soaking newspaper. It was only then that she noticed her dyed hands from the newspaper ink. Grimacing in disgust, she eyed the black umbrella and weighed her options.

"I-I'll return this as soon as possible," she finally promised as she cautiously took the umbrella from him. "Thanks again, Uchiha-san."

Then, she was off. He watched in amusement as she ran through the gate and faded into the heavy rain.

—

I hope you liked it. Constructive criticism that is phrased nicely is welcomed. Please review!