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Inspired by: Subtext

Setting For Story: Boruto

Set From: Episode 53 (Himawari's Birthday)

Notes: Stay safe and sanitize

Updates: Fridays/Saturdays

Chapter 14

Confrontation

Sakura had spoiled her.

The medic walked her home safely, scaring off any too curious villagers and even helping her buy groceries. While she unpacked, Sakura had made tea and a simple yet healthy meal. Their conversation was light and cheerful, the atmosphere calm. Her insides however burned unpleasantly as if she had just swallowed lava and she suddenly didn't like the chair. It was typically a comfortable chair, one that she'd hand-picked herself and gone through a lot of trouble to find. It had taken hours for her to find this table-chair set because she had wanted her family to be comfortable and relaxed during meals. She squirmed and wiggled and shifted. The chair was now, suddenly, very uncomfortable.

A hand slowly grasped hers, warm. Sakura didn't look so broken and bent, her shoulders no longer hunched over with the impossibly heavy world resting on it. A sadness lingered in her emerald eyes, yes, but she was a blossom. Bright and lovey. "Get your answers, Hinata. I know it's hard but you'll finally stop thinking in circles. The confusion will end."

She said nothing and clenched her hands, hidden from her view. Her Byakugan wasn't active but she could feel the blazing, fiery charka of her husband. He was on a mission today. "You're welcome back anytime. I'll come and check on you, after work."

As soon as Sakura closed the door, Naruto stood before her.

"Naruto-kun…"

"Hinata." She closed her eyes at the sound of her name, nails biting into her palms. It was so bittersweet. Her name on his lips was something she'd craved, always had, and to hear it again. Now. She didn't want this… "What's going on? Please talk to me."

The blond quickly sat when she gestured for him to and she could see his hovering hands. He wanted to reach out and touch her. He cared about everyone. She made sure to keep her distance. As soon as she felt his touch, she'd break. She also really didn't know how to start this conversation; how did one ask the reason behind a betrayal – how did she ask Naruto why he tricked her. This was Naruto. "Why haven't you been home lately? I understand the chuuinin exams are coming up and you're busy, but it's been weeks. The children haven't seen you. I haven't seen my husband. For weeks."

She locked eyes with him. "We're married, Naruto-kun."

He brought his hand to his neck.

It was still there!

Emotions swirled erratically within her, a poisonous fire suddenly burned in her stomach and it was extremely hard to just sit there. Her arms were trembling and something ugly snapped inside. After many years of just sitting there and taking it, letting him have his way. Thick veins crawled along her temples as her Byakugan sprung to life; she grabbed at his wrist and brought his collar down. She knew it was there but she wanted him to know that she knew. She wasn't blind anymore. Everything was clear and she roared. "I know Sasuke-san gave you this mark!"

"H-Hinata…I-uh…I don't…"

This lioness wasn't going to lay down anymore. She wasn't weak! "If you didn't love me then why did you marry me? Why did you have a family with me? Did you think that I was so weak that I couldn't handle your rejection, Naruto-Kun? I was prepared to give up on you!"

Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Was I not worth your honesty?"

The most powerful man she knew, the most powerful man in the world crumpled in on himself – the savior of the world. He had saved their village numerous times. He could summon giant frogs and fought alongside a literal demon. Naruto, the savior. He hunched over into himself, his eyes hollow and hands trembling as he slowly loosened her grip on his wrist. She heard a sob – hers or his – she couldn't tell. She collapsed back into the uncomfortable chair, her hand flopping uselessly at her side. Neither of them talked for an eternity. It was a long, silent eternity.

He could do anything.

But he was still human. She was reminded, as she stared at his curled up form. He covered his face with his hands but tears rolled down his wrists and his body shook. She must've forgotten that somewhere. "What did I do to deserve this from you, Naruto-kun? You are honest with everybody. Everybody. Because you care about everyone – everyone. Why am I different?"

"Because Neji loved you."

What.