Two different things: faith and belief,

From her father she never got to retrieve,

And it is to her surprise and relief,

That these things, from him, she had received.


"Your sister's here," announced her husband with his usual bored, yet venomous tone. When Hinata turned to look at him, all she could see was his spikey hair. "I won't go entertaining her for long so better hurry."

The night before, Sasuke had even tucked her blanket into her body comfortably. Just like many nights before them, his habit of putting his hand atop her cheek remained. Whilst Hinata found herself getting used to how he made her feel during the night with his gestures, she however, was still not used to Sasuke's haunting words and cold attitude that occurs often during the day.

But if she's being honest, it kind of grew on her now.

"Of course," she agreed with a small forced smile, and all Sasuke returned was a little sound that resembled a grunt and a huff before leaving their bedroom.

After a few minutes, Hinata found herself in their living room, wearing one of the clothes Sasuke had given her with the Uchiha crest stitched in it. Hinata figured in the hard way that it was all for show, so she would rather face her own sister with a proud symbol that says: I'm an Uchiha. . .than become a disappointment.

There was a voice deep inside of her that screams, 'I'm not afraid of disappointing Sasuke, and I don't want to disappoint him either.' Though, it had started to sound like denialism was already draping itself around the thought. The irony of it was: even she, herself denies that she was denying any of her thoughts. If ever that made sense.

Moreover, the Hyuga clan's teachings were beginning to swallow her. It had always been a patriarchal community — if it weren't for Hiashi's two daughters that it would soon become a matriarchal, and that is if they are assuming that Hanabi would not marry from their own clan — simply meaning that their clan had always relied on masculinity. And now the ideas were starting to flow inside Hinata's system.

Speaking of Hanabi, as soon Hinata's lavender eyes met her sister's, her heart pounded against her chest. The blood rushed to her face and suddenly it was warm. For the first time in a long time. . .Hinata was not empty.

"Hinata!" Hanabi squealed, her eyes widening and twinkling in delight.

From the loveseat she sat, Hanabi stood up and ran towards her sister. The fast footsteps echoed inside the empty house, making it alive for a moment before it died down after Hinata found herself in her younger sister's arms.

The hug tightened more when Hinata started pulling away after a few moments.

"Don't ya dare pull away!" Hanabi scolded her before loosening her grip. When their eyes met again, Hanabi smiled, making Hinata smile. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too," Hinata said in a whisper-like matter.

The feeling of home had always been with Hanabi. Wherever she was, she carried it with her. How ironic it is that Hinata's name had always been closer to the sun — the light — while Hanabi deserved the name more.

"Yeah yeah it's pretty obvious." The younger sister snorted before frantically pulling Hinata into the cushions. Unlike Hinata who had smoothed her pants first before taking her seat, Hanabi dropped herself in one of the seats. "How are you?"

But before Hinata could answer, Sasuke — whom Hinata did not know was present — stood up.

"I need to go," he mumbled, sparing a glance at Hinata. "Naruto mentioned a meeting. I'll be home in a few."

Whether it was true or not, it would take great risks to ask something that correlates his excuse. Instead of asking, Hinata sat straight up and nodded at her husband. But then, she needed to know the exact time of his arrival because she knew that she needed to be in their house by then.

"Will you be home for lunch?" asked Hinata with hopeful eyes.

"Most likely," Sasuke answered, nodding slightly. He put on his cloak and looked back at Hinata. "Take care."

The words didn't exactly shock Hinata, as there were times when Sasuke would say these random caring words. The words may sometimes contain a small amount of sweetness into it, but the way he said it would still overpower the possible meaning. As if everything was said with insincerity.

"That's it?" asked Hanabi, making the wedded couple look at her in confusion. Well, Sasuke barely gave the younger sister a glance. "I mean, no hugs and kisses or whatever? Don't couples do that?"

Immediately, the blood rushed to Hinata's face. Sure, there were times when her own sister would embarrass her unknowingly to their clan and some close friends with only the use of her voice. But after over a month of not speaking together, the elder sister completely forgot on how bizarre her little sister can be.

"You two look like a bunch of shy teens!" Hanabi said, pointing her finger at Sasuke and Hinata back and forth. "It's just me, okay? You can make out in front of me and I wouldn't care — I'd probably be jealous but, okay."

"Hanabi, you're being impolite." Deep inside, she had hoped Hanabi would somehow get the idea that her frown meant disappointment and shame. "You can't just say that to people."

"I know," snorted Hanabi. "But okay, that's how unromantic you are? Can't even kiss goodbye?"

How could her sister say these words to Uchiha Sasuke? The only thing that she could do was look at Hanabi in disbelief.

"Hanabi," Hinata warned, obviously bewildered, trying her best not to stutter.

Then she felt Sasuke's presence by her side without even hearing his footsteps — like a stealthy nin he had always been. When Hinata's head shifted in a different position to face her husband, she felt something soft yet rough on some parts touch her cheek. When the feeling of her cheek being pressed slowly disappeared, Hanabi squealed.

It was only then she realized Sasuke had kissed her cheek. Maybe there was shock, it knocked her out of her senses. But other than that, Hinata knew to herself she found the feeling comforting.

The only thing she hated about the kiss was the fact that it had been too quick.

Hanabi said some words to Sasuke, but Hinata's heartbeat started racing and she found herself being overwhelmed by what just happened. The blood rushed to her face. It was just one of the moments where she wished she was prepared, but Sasuke did really take her by surprise.

"I'll take my leave," announced Sasuke before flickering off.

It was a good thing her mind was not completely blocked out when it came to Sasuke, otherwise she would not have heard Sasuke fare his well.

"Your husband's a real charmer," Hanabi purred. "Too cute, too."

The thing about Hanabi is that, she was different from all the Hyugas. The clan specialized class and gentleness, but Hanabi obviously did not have both. While everyone from the clan were honest but could lie effortlessly, Hanabi was just too honest about everything. . .too brash, too. Her strength may be her best component for being the leader, but her attitude was another thing. Of course she was trained to be polite at times, but things could go out of control too.

However, if there was something about her that makes Hanabi seem like she's not from the clan: it was probably the fact that she was sarcastic. Though now, Hinata did not know if her sister was being sarcastic so she just smiled nervously.

"Oh come on!" Hanabi exclaimed in disbelief. "He even gave me tea! Uchiha Sasuke!"

This small information bore confusion to the lady. Through her knitted eyebrows and small frown, it was quite obvious. And though her heart was still beating wildly, not having her husband around was enough to bring her soul back to where it belongs.

Hanabi continued to mumble about the tea, saying things that only a few words could be heard clearly. There were some hints of unclear words such as sugar, honey, milk, and even a small phrase of 'too much tea, brother-in-law doesn't want my company' that was obviously meant to be a thought, but said out loud.

"He did?" asked Hinata. From the cup of tea her little sister was holding, she looked up to Hinata and nodded eagerly. Squinting her eyes at her sister, she asked, "And you didn't threaten him or force him?"

"No! Why would I?" the Hyuga heiress snorted defensively. "He's too nice, okay? He even asked for my preference."

"Is that so?" she eyed her sister suspiciously.

"Why? Do you think I'm lying?" asked Hanabi with an irritated grunt before smirking. "You're jealous, aren't you?"

Hanabi let out a hearty laugh and all her bigger sister could do was look at her with bemusement. With her bemusement, her heart started to calm.

And when she closed her eyes, all she could think was: same old Hanabi, always jumping onto conclusions.

"Oh Kami, you are!" Hanabi exclaimed, pointing her finger at Hinata. Tensed but amused, Hanabi squared her shoulders before saying, "Goodness gracious, big sister. I've never thought that you're the jealous type. This is such a revelation."

"That's because I'm not jealous," Hinata spoke calmly, masking her confused emotions as best as she could. "Besides, I'm just surprised since you're our first visitor aside from the ANBU and Naruto."

"Which means?" teased Hanabi, fluttering her eyelashes at her older sister.

"Which means I'm surprised by his hospitality," Hinata answered, sighing softly. "And not jealous."

And now it dawned on her. Neither of her friends, even her former teammates, or some of her family decided to check on her. Was she too distracted to even notice it?

No one even visited her. It was always Naruto — and he was always there for Sasuke and Sasuke only. Maybe the blond would look at her from time to time, or even talk to her as it had always been his nature. But it was all awkward to Hinata, and she knew Naruto did not feel the same way.

But as much as she wanted to sort her thoughts on why no one even bothered to visit her, her little sister was a reminder that it shouldn't be done now.

"Whatever you say, big sister," Hanabi said, rolling her eyes at Hinata playfully. "Anyways, how are you?"

It was hard to pick the right words to say. One wrong move and it may all go downhill. Instead, she flashed a small smile and nodded meekly.

"We're fine," Hinata answered, hoping her voice hadn't betrayed her.

They really were fine. That wasn't a lie. Yet it still sounded like one.

"Elaborate, won't you?" demanded the Hyuga.

"It's just all. . .new to me," Hinata said slowly, with a soft smile plastered on her face. At least she wasn't lying, and even if she was, it's not like Hanabi knew her that much. "I am still adjusting as of now. And you?"

"Puh-lease Hinata!" Hanabi scoffed, waving her hand in front of her face. "Stop with the formalities. We're not being watched by some old grouchy men who reek dead meat."

"Hanabi!" scolded Hinata when she realized that it was the elders Hanabi was pertaining to. Raising her brows at her little sister, she continued, "You can't say that."

"Hinata!" echoed Hanabi with the same tone as her bigger sister. Laughing at her own actions, she continued, "Besides big sister, it's not like we're being watched."

They were alone together. Hanabi's guards were outside. How she managed to make them wait instead of following Hiashi's orders that they should always keep an eye on the Hyuga heiress, Hinata would never know. Of course when Hanabi needs to do something — for example, a mission or training — the guards would leave her.

Well, Hanabi had a way of persuading people. For example, making Sasuke kiss her. Maybe they had kissed before, two times to be exact, but maybe it's the very few experience she had that made the feeling unfamiliar.

Remembering the kiss once more. . .it had only been on the cheek but it felt strange. Foreign, to say the least. Still, the thought brought her blush back.

"My goodness, Hinata, can you be more quiet?" asked Hanabi, frantically dropping the empty cup she was holding to its matching saucer. "I know you're naturally quiet but I've been hoping you'd be a little bit different by now. Because you know, you're married, okay?"

If only, it had become worse. Perhaps she learned to speak without stuttering much a long time ago, and maybe she had already overcome her fear of speaking with the anxiety holding her back, but with Sasuke. . .it's not just worsening, but also suffocating to say the least.

"Marriage doesn't change people," Hinata said in matter of factly fashion. "But I do get why you're assuming something."

"You don't have to be so polite." A scoff escaped the younger sister's lips. "I really missed you, father too. He never said it, but I'm sure he does, okay?"

Hiashi had become softer ever since the war. Gone was the usual coldness he brought in the atmosphere. His frowns stayed all through the same and still never smiled, but his eyes were softer than they were. It was almost as if he was a changed man.

"How's father by the way?" asked Hinata, trying to get the politeness off her.

"Surprisingly calm." At first, it didn't make sense. "He worries about you, but he never spied on you — aside from it being against our laws. I just assumed he'd do that, cause he's father, okay?"

"And did you?" asked Hinata, squinting her eyes at her sister suspiciously.

"No! I would never!" Hanabi exclaimed, obviously offended. The look faded right after. "I thought of it, but I obviously did not do it."

All she could ever give to Hanabi was a look full of suspicion, but her little sister seemed to not mind it. In fact, Hanabi might thought of it amusing as she started giggling at Hinata's warning eyes.

"Good," Hinata mumbled underneath her breath. "Would you stay for lunch?"

"I would love to!" replied her little sister enthusiastically, lavender eyes widening at the thought. The features that showed excitement immediately faded. "Oh, but I'll be leaving for a week long mission."

"Is it voluntary?" asked Hinata, smiling proudly to herself as she remembered the little information her friends had mentioned.

"Yep," Hanabi briefly answered. "Anyways, it's not much of trouble. Hopefully."

"That's good, then," she said, smiling sincerely. "Just be careful, alright?"

"I'm always careful, okay?" teased her younger sister, shrugging a little bit before giggling. "Careless, maybe."

At this, Hinata giggled, joining Hanabi in her fit of giggles. Had she never missed Hanabi this much until the very moment they giggled like small children once more.

"Oh right!" Hanabi exclaimed, her eyes widening. "The fishes!"

"What is it?" asked Hinata, alarmed at Hanabi's reaction.

"I forgot the fishes!" she replied, bewildered as she began to walk fast, but Hinata hold onto her hand. And then she repeated, "The fishes!"

"What?" asked Hinata, giggling slightly. "I'm not a master in fill-in-the-blanks category."

"I brought you fishes, and that's why I'm here," Hanabi mumbled with a frown. "I've left them with the guards to pour in your backyard. It's your fault, you didn't ask me why I am here."

And she could only laugh at her sister's reaction. Hugging her, she almost muttered, I want you here always. Thankfully, the Hyuga had pulled away before she could muster those words.

Had she been completely blind for the past month? She had almost forgotten her friends, family, and almost never thought about them. If it weren't for the scroll her friends had sent, Hinata knew to herself she would not think of them. If Hanabi did not come by, she would not think of her family and former clan at all.

It wasn't like this before. When she loves someone, she never forgets them. . .well at least in the past, not anymore.

'Oh Sasuke what're you doing to me?' she asked no one in particular.

"You okay?" asked Hanabi, her usual upbringing eyes shifted into a seemingly worried look.

"I'm just thinking of what I should cook for lunch," Hinata lied flawlessly. Almost too flawless, something she had never done before. "Will you cook with me?"

The lavender eyes in front of her lit up at the thought and Hanabi could only nod with much delight. It had been years since they last cooked together. While most of their recipes in their former household are either too simple or too complicated, their skills compliment each other as Hinata was certainly good in cooking and Hanabi had great tastebuds.

The preparation for lunch was something Hinata enjoyed. In fact, she believed she hadn't enjoyed in so long that she almost forgot what it felt like to have someone fun around.

While Hanabi cut the beef and onions into its proper sizes, Hinata did the rest of the prepping of the toppings and the sauce.

During their preparation, Hanabi asked a few questions.

"So, does your husband like noodles?" asked Hanabi, her eyes focused on the beef. "We could put shirataki in here."

"No," answered the wife as she was draining out the rice water. "He's always forced to eat ramen with Naruto, so he doesn't eat much noodles."

It was just a simple theory, and it was not even proven. Yet in their stay together, Sasuke never ate much noodles. In fact, Hinata could not think of a time when they ate noodles. They had stocks of flour of course, but it was mainly for desserts and wrappers for dumplings and such, but never noodles.

"So we'll only cook gyumeshi?" asked Hanabi curiously.

"Yes," Hinata answered. "He doesn't really like eating desserts and doesn't like drink that much, so it's mostly water with meal. Simple."

"Hmm, simple life," Hanabi murmured.

Simple, yet so complicated.

"Does he like it with eggs on top?"

"Yes," Hinata answered, nodding slightly. "Poach the egg and add more pepper than necessary."

There were also questions Hinata couldn't really answer.

"What's Sasuke's favorite food?" Hanabi once asked, but Hinata did her best to avert from the topic.

Thankfully, Hanabi bit onto it, because Hinata did not really know.

"Do you think he likes your cooking?" asked Hanabi a few minutes after her last question.

This time, Hinata pretended to think and did her best to stray away from the question. Because there was a part of her that wishes she could answer it, and no, she couldn't.

And then a lot more questions came after. It was frustrating enough that Hanabi was ignorantly making her feel worthless as a wife. But what was more infuriating was the fact that Hanabi knows it's an arrangement. . .meaning she knew that they didn't fall in love like what most couples did.

Goodness, why do these people act like they knew nothing of the arrangement?

It was getting late and Hanabi claimed that she already had packed her things. Hinata tried to tell her that it should be for a week mission so she better bring the necessities and other things that could possibly come in handy.

The bigger sister asked Hanabi several times if she could stay for lunch even if they only made enough for two bowls of gyudon, but Hanabi disregarded the offer.

"Be careful," Hinata said, brushing some of Hanabi's hair. "Tell me more when you come back."

"Of course!" she replied energetically. With a beam she continued, "Bye now!"

With a hug, she left. And once again, Hinata was alone in the house. There was not much she can do right now. The meals were already covered, sealing the heat. Everything was clean, and she made sure of that.

So she waited. For several minutes she waited. When it seemed like Sasuke was not coming home, she began to proceed to the dining table.

Just as soon as she sat on the floor, there was a knock on the door. Before she could stand up and look at who it was, Sasuke was already inside of the house and began to remove his cloak.

He made it look easy for a one handed man.

The thought of him kissing her in the cheek without her initiative brought back the feelings she had felt earlier that day. It was Hanabi's doing, she reminded herself. Still, Sasuke had done something he hadn't done in their stay together.

It was just a kiss on the cheek and she wasn't a teenager anymore!

Furious at herself, she looked back at the covered bowls in front of her and back at Sasuke. Only to see that he was staring back at her with his one visible eye.

"Lunch is ready," Hinata managed to say, earning a nod from Sasuke before he completely removed everything he needed to. After a few more seconds, Hinata found herself staring at Sasuke who was now in front of her. "How was your meeting?"

"Worse than before." He uncovered the bowl and looked at the gyumeshi in front of him. "You made this?"

"With Hanabi," she answered, opening her meal as well. "I hope it's still hot."

"It is," Sasuke replied, taking a bite out of the beef. He sighed after swallowing then spoke, "The loser and Kakashi asked for my presence later this evening."

In all honesty, she did not expect him to say some things about the meeting, but she was glad he did.

"You won't be home by dinner, then?" asked Hinata, her eyes softening at the thought. In return, her husband nodded. "Shall I wait for you?"

"No." Clearing his throat, Sasuke looked at her. "When I'm gone, don't go out."

Nodding to indicate that she understood, Hinata continued her meal. What's with Sasuke and his moods when it comes to Hinata staying outside before the sun sets, Hinata did not know. One thing's for sure: she did not want to know.

There might be an explanation, but maybe it's one of those random things that people do not like without any particular reason. That must be it.

"When will you be leaving?" she asked softly, hoping he would not take it as an offense.

"Around 5," replied Sasuke.

Then they continued eating in peace. During their first meals together, Hinata found herself struggling as it felt awkward. Again, she just grew to be accustomed of it.

Like he said earlier, it was nearing 5 when Sasuke got on his feet and dressed himself. Again, for a man with only one hand, he seemed great at it.

Before he left, Sasuke summoned her presence. And when she complied, Hinata wondered what she would do.

"If something happens," Sasuke started. "You can protect yourself. Do what you must."

When he said those words, Hinata's mind was still on cloud nine. It hadn't really dawned on her. . .until of course Sasuke opened the door and left briefly. The slam of the wood hitting its doorframe was the only thing that brought her back to her senses.

"He trusts me?" she asked herself once Sasuke's words finally registered, her thought spoken out loud. "That much?"

Her heart began racing, throbbing almost painfully, but it wasn't. No, it wasn't. Her heart was leaping out of joy.

Not a lot of people put their trust on her. Weak, that's what she was. Fragile. Vulnerable.

But Sasuke. . .he thinks otherwise.

To him, she wasn't a damsel in distress.

It was all new to her, Hinata wanted to cry. Her breathing became unsteady as she began to feel another foreign feeling she could not put a finger on.

Delight, joy, whatever it is. She was. . .acknowledged by her husband.

When the door opened again, Hinata did not even guess who the person was, she threw her arms around him — frantically almost bringing him down with her weight. Maybe it was adrenaline, a reflex, or something along the lines. At the moment though, it felt really comforting.

She was hugging him and could hear his heartbeat. At first it was fast, the vibration it sent was alarming — her husband's body, too, had stiffened. After a few seconds, his heartbeat began to race in its normal phase.

The feeling of his chiseled body pressed into hers. . .it was just foreign yet a little bit familiar.

It stayed like that for a few moments before Hinata pulled away from the hug she initiated. With her cheeks flushed from the embarrassment, Hinata only bowed and took a few steps back.

"I left one of my scrolls," Sasuke announced, his eyes staring back at her. Her husband disappeared from her vision but not for long. His hand was now on the knob, but before he could twist it, he said to her, "Remember what I said."

Hinata knew she could never forget even if she tried.