And please, my dear, hear me out,

My heart is already empty as the drought,

The vines: my veins, they rarely sprout,

But my decision had been made without a doubt.


Morning came faster than usual. After nine days of staying at the Hyuga household, Hinata could not take it anymore. It was a reminder that both her husband and her sister were absent.

In the first nights in her former house, Hinata barely had any sleep. According to Hiashi, he, too, never had the chance to nap with the thought that Hanabi was missing. She had learned his plans and was not too happy about it.

It kept raining for days. The elders were very alarming about it. They thought the heavens were warning them of what sorrow is yet to come. Hinata thought of it as rubbish.

Without opening her eyes, Hinata could feel the warmth of the sun by tips of her fingers — as her hand was hanging at the edge of the bed.

Before she got married, she would always sleep straight with her back against the foam of her bed and her hands on her sides. And when Sasuke came around, Hinata found herself sleeping on her sides as Sasuke would wrap his arms around her shoulders.

These made the nights so much worse than they already were. For some reasons, Hinata missed his touch or the close contact he would give during the night. Perhaps it wasn't appealing at first, but now that she was longing for it...she realized that it gave comfort to her. And she really needed it.

So it was true, she was indeed slowly adapting to her husband's nature. There were already slight changes in her preferences.

But maybe, Hanabi needed him more now.

So the clan performed a prayer to the gods every night. Everyone from the clan would meet in their great hall and would pray to the gods that Hanabi, their future clan head and the heiress, would come back home safely.

Hinata would stay for a couple of minutes after everyone leaves for the sake of her husband. She would pray that Sasuke, too, would get home. With this, she would add more candles to the altar.

Someone from the unnamed elders even pointed it out to Hiashi — she heard in one of the meetings. Hinata had not meant to eavesdrop, but she was just passing by the Hyuga meeting room when it occurred.

"Hiashi-sama, your eldest daughter would stay in the hall for long even when everyone starts to leave," a croaky voice said. "Do you not think that she prays for the contrary?"

For one, how dare him ask that?

Fighting the urge to rush inside, Hinata could only sigh as she was too tired to do so. There would be no point. Her father would surely say something about it, would he not?

"Worry not about it," Hiashi started which made Hinata's ear perch up. "My eldest daughter is praying for her husband's safe return along with her little sister."

There was a pregnant pause in between the elders and everyone in the meeting of the clan. Hinata was about to leave then, for she thought she would not want to hear what they would say next. Until of course she finally heard another voice.

"So we should also pray for Uchiha-san's safe return, then?" another voice asked. "He is our lord's son-in-law. It should only be right to do so."

There was a round of murmur and it went on for several seconds. And even with the thin walls, Hinata could not hear the best of it. The next thing she knew, the prayer leader would also pray for her husband.

It was still like a dream to Hinata. Not the kind of dream that would stay in her mind and make her feel surreal, nor it was not the kind of dream that would make her feel like she was on cloud nine. To be exact: it sounded like a dream since Hinata could still not believe that it was true and it had happened.

Hinata was delighted. Even with the negativity and gloom, she felt hopeful. And about the elder that doubted her, Hinata felt no remorse towards him.

And now, nine days had passed since Hinata found out that Hanabi was missing. It had been days since Sasuke left to look for Hanabi. And there was uncertainty in all of it.

Goodness did she miss Hanabi.

Hinata missed how Hanabi would be so quiet and professional when it comes to talking with the elders, yet would be chatty when she was with the branch members. The younger sister was very good at her work and her role as a clan head. And then when they were alone together or with their close friends, Hanabi would be one of the greatest extroverts in Konoha.

That's the thing about Hanabi, she knew what face to use whenever she needed it. She could act on her role. But the best part about her was the fact that she was very proud about who she really was.

And then her thoughts landed upon Sasuke.

Hinata did not admit to herself, nor she did hate the idea, but the truth was: she missed her husband. Maybe not her husband, but his presence.

The way he would wrap his arm around her shoulder. Or how he would prevent his hand from touching some places that he was not forbidden to touch — technically. And the way he would stare at her for moments — as if he were studying her — and would put his hand atop her cheeks when they spoke in the night.

Hinata had been half asleep when these thoughts came to her mind.

"For a ninja, she had always been a heavy sleeper," she heard her father's voice. "Especially these past few days since she would stay up in the night."

Without thinking too much about it, Hinata knew Hiashi was talking about her. After all, she was the only one in their family who sleeps like a rock. The only time when she would wake up immediately from her sleep was usually when she would sleep in the afternoons — because she wouldn't be too tired then — or on missions.

"Hn."

Her eyes shot open at the reply. There was no way she was mistaking anything. How stupid of her to never think of who her father was talking to.

"May I enter now?" the all-too-familiar voice asked.

"Do what you must," was her father's reply behind the thin sliding door.

At this, Hinata straight up from her bed. Her back hit the headboard loud and she hoped that Sasuke and her father had not heard that.

Sasuke was home which means that Hanabi…could it possibly be? If possible, Hinata's eyes widened more. Her heart started racing against it ribcage. For a moment, Hinata was afraid for her own sake. It felt as if she would pass out any moment from now.

When the sliding door opened, her pale lavender eyes met his dark one. He bore the same expression he always wore. But this time, his eyes were softer. If Hinata did not spend her time with him, she would not probably notice this.

Slowly, it was dawning on her. He was home which means. . .Hanabi should be —

"We came back," was all he said before closing the sliding door. He turned to look at her again after the door created a snapping sound. Sasuke looked down before looking at her, "She's back."

Her vision suddenly went blurry. The corners of her eyes now had the hot tears. Hinata never knew it would be possible again. After all, she did quite cry a lot it in the past few nine days.

Wiping her tears with the sleeves of her eyes, she had not noticed that Sasuke was now in the side of her bed. Slowly, she lifted her head to meet his eyes again.

The solar flare from the open window did little to help her see him. But she was grateful to see his visible eye staring back at her. Slowly rising up from her feet, Hinata's hands slowly made their way in Sasuke's shoulders. With this, Hinata felt his strong hand in her elbow, helping her.

Gathering all her strength to finally stand with Sasuke's support, Hinata struggled. And she did not know why she felt dizzy or why she felt like she would be passing out any second now. The tip of her fingers slowly reached out in his cheek. When it touched, she smiled weakly.

"You're here," mumbled Hinata with a faint smile.

"You're too pale," Sasuke commented sternly once she got on the balls of her feet and had her balance. Hinata's eyes were still on the ground. "Look at me."

"Hmm," whimpered Hinata before obliging. When her eyes met his, all she could see was the bright light behind him. "Is she a-alright?"

Sasuke did not answer. Instead, he put his hand in her lower back and slowly guided her back to her bed. Hinata complied, making it easier for Sasuke. Once she has finally settled in her bed, Hinata turned to look at Sasuke once more.

The husband still had his eyes on her.

"H-Hanabi," said Hinata softly, tired eyes on her husband.

"You'll visit her later," said Sasuke with assurance. He put his hand atop her eyes for a moment before saying, "Try to sleep — you need it. I'll get your breakfast."

And Hinata knew she could not sleep, even if she tried. Sasuke was home. Hanabi was home. They were safe. They were okay. They were back in Konoha.

It was enough. At least for now.

Hinata wanted to rush out of her room and look for Hanabi, but didn't. There were hidden thoughts behind Sasuke's words, and Hinata was not sure if she would want to know for now. There was something telling her that it would be best if she waited.

So she did.

With her pale lavender eyes staring directly at the ceiling above her, she wondered if she was dreaming — if she was dreaming that Sasuke came back and that Hanabi was safe.

So she pinched herself in her arm. The next thing she knew, she gasped because of the self inflicted pain.

The sliding door opened once more. Without looking at it, Hinata knew who it was. Who knew someone could be familiar with such stealthy footsteps?

Looking from her blanket, Hinata met Sasuke's visible eye. There was something about his blank expression that Hinata's lips twitch — she had not seen it in days, she had almost forgotten how it looked like. Biting her lip, Hinata averted her eyes from Sasuke.

When Sasuke was at the foot of her bed, Hinata felt some weight being shifted just below her feet. There was her food on top of one of their bamboo bed tables. The aroma of the natto entered her senses — only when she realized that she was, in fact, hungry.

"You couldn't sleep," said Sasuke. For a second, Hinata thought it was probably a question that turned into a statement. Yet there was something about the way Sasuke stood that said that it was indeed a statement. "Your father instructed me to accompany you 'til you're ready."

At this, Hinata turned to look at Sasuke. She tilted her head to see him better. Slowly, she sat straight with her back hitting the headboard rather loudly. From the corner of her eyes, she saw how her husband flinch from her gasp.

He wasn't always like this. . .

Sasuke rarely flinched. In their two months together, Sasuke never flinched. Not even when he accidentally burnt his fingers while he was cooking.

"I understand," declared Hinata softly. Looking down at her hands, she asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

"They have provided food when I came back," mumbled Sasuke before carrying the bed table which had her breakfast atop to put in her lap. "Eat. I'd have to make my report after we go to your sister."

Though with incomplete information, Hinata knew that Hanabi was probably somewhere. Maybe in the hospital, healing. Or maybe somewhere around the compound with their healers.

For some reasons though, she was almost too certain that Hanabi would be alright. Even if she had not received the answer she should have earlier, Hinata knew that Hanabi would be alright. It was only fair, right?

Remembering Sasuke's last statement, she looked at him once more.

"You still haven't visited Hokage-sama?" asked Hinata, eyes widening slightly.

Having no response, Hinata turned to look at her food. With complete silence, she ate her breakfast while Sasuke found the time to take a seat in the corner of her bed.

When she was done eating, Sasuke exited the room once more to carry out her food. She even tried to stop him but he didn't bat an eyelash at her. Whilst he was gone, Hinata took the time to take a quick bath. Still, she was feeling uneasy.

Right now, her mind was battling whether she would want to see Hanabi right away or give it a few more hours. Knowing that her little sister was home was already enough. What bothered the married woman was the fact that she found herself not yearning to look for Hanabi right away.

She decided to trust her instincts.

When she was finally done and had changed, Hinata opened the door to meet Sasuke's eyes. For several moments, she had the chance to think that Sasuke may have arrived a lot earlier from when she woke up. Seeing as he looked clean and all healed up. He also did mention that he had already eaten.

What more did she miss?

Unwrapping the cloth around her hair, she went her way towards the balcony to dry her towels. When she got back to her room, Hinata was not surprised to see Sasuke leave. She smiled to herself as he gave her the privacy she needed.

In their home, he never did that — or at least, not in the way he did today. Not the part where he would not give her privacy of course. But because Sasuke had always been the first one to wake up and would take a bath, he would have the advantage to leave before her.

Aside from not touching her the way a man would to his wife, Sasuke still respected her through and through.

After she had everything done, she exited her room. Only to see Sasuke standing before her sliding door. His back was on the wall and she could see that he waited for long. His feet was slowly tapping the wooden floor, creating a small sequence of rhythm that came with the beat of her heart.

"I think I'm ready." There was a small amount of hesitation that came within the phrase, yet Sasuke did not seem to mind it. With her eyes on the wooden floor, she asked softly, "Where is she?"

A small sigh escaped Sasuke's lips. Before answering, he stood straighter than usual, making Hinata look at him. He gave her his arm to hold on to which she tangled her arms with. Sasuke started leading the way.

"In the hospital," her husband answered after quite some time. He tilted his head by the side. It gave both him and her a better view of each other even with walking side by side. "I suppose I'd give you a warning."

Even without it, Hinata knew of the possibilities that a ninja could get when it comes to missions. Her sister was no different from all of them. Hopefully though, there was not much damage for Hanabi.

"That's preferable," said Hinata with a small grateful smile. "If I'm being honest, I'm not looking forward to see her now. . .knowing she's home and fine is enough."

"How are you so sure that your sister is fine?" shot Sasuke, his voice cold and hard.

Hinata stopped walking. There was something in his tone that sent shiver down her spine. And Sasuke was right. She could not be too sure about Hanabi unless she herself had seen her little sister. Immediately, Hinata wanted to see Hanabi.

"Can you tell me more about her?" asked Hinata. The uneasiness she was feeling ever since Hanabi was announced missing to this very same day was still there, if not worse. Her breathing became uneven. "How she is now, or what happened. Maybe what I can know. I understand that it's confidential. Just please. I need to know."

"You do," agreed her husband with a small visible nod. This gave her unnecessary relief. After several seconds of silence, he proceeded, "Where must I start?"

Hinata thought about it for a few seconds and gave up completely. There was no way she could put her mind to work. For some unknown reasons, even she was surprised on how she could reply. Normally, when her mind is preoccupied, there would be no way she could hear a thing. Not a great trait as a ninja, but there was nothing she could do.

Distraction was never easy. So when she finally had an answer, she halted for a while.

"Uhm. . .I don't know either."

"Just ask and I'll answer," ordered Sasuke before walking once more.

"I'm sorry if I offend you in any way possible," she disclaimed with a slight shy shrug. Then she continued, "But how long did it take you to find them?"

"Almost a week," he answered without a beat passing.

"What happened?"

For several moments, Hinata even questioned herself on why she asked that. It was a mission. A rather serious one. So she hadn't expected Sasuke to reply at all.

"We lost track, even of their scent," Sasuke said, snapping Hinata out of her thoughts. "Only a faint smell from one of their teammates. I don't remember their names. The rain didn't help."

"But what happened?"

The second time around she asked, Hinata was almost pretty sure he would answer. Not that she knew her husband well, but he seemed to be civil that very moment. Hinata needed it though, so she was grateful for that.

"Four missing nins from Iwa," informed Sasuke. "They easily covered the tracks with their jutsus."

"Missing nins," Hinata repeated, mouth slightly in awe. Furrowing her eyebrows at the information, she asked, "So that must mean they are in the bingo book?"

"No," answered Sasuke, sending a shock towards Hinata's body. Then he continued, "We were joined by a retiring nin from the Inuzuka clan. He knew about the missing nins, but not exactly."

What could he possibly mean? Hinata wanted to ask but kept her mouth shut as she saw the exit to the Hyuga compound. Her room was not that far nor that near the entrance, but it would take some time before one could get there. Looking at it now, Hinata knew that it was going to be a long walk.

"He wasn't familiar with them, but thought that they were already crossed out of the book for years," said Sasuke. It answered her unspoken question. "Three of them were too old."

"What. . ." she started but paused, biting her lip in anticipation. At this, Sasuke stopped at tilted his head to look at her briefly before she sighed. Continuing the unfinished question, she asked, "What's their state when you found them?"

"We didn't find your sister. We couldn't," said Sasuke. Not a sense of pride was in his words. "The team said the missing nins were after the byakugan once they saw her eyes, so her team let her escape. One went after your sister."

Four missing ninjas from the land of rock. Missing nins from a long time ago, not even classified in the bingo book. Dangerous as Sasuke put it. And one went after her sister.

"But how did you find her?" asked Hinata faintly.

"We didn't," answered Sasuke. The answer startled Hinata, making her stop from walking once more. But she was home right? When she started on her pace again, Sasuke cleared his throat. "It was Naruto who did. He went after Sakura and me, hoping he could help us."

The thought of Naruto exiting the village to go with Sakura and Sasuke — even without the command of the Hokage — seemed very plausible. They were, after all, the team 7 of their batch. They worked best together, just like team 8, team 10, or team Gai.

"Sounds like something Naruto would do," Hinata commented with a small smile. Noticing the silence it had erupted, she continued silently, "And he did."

"He did," agreed Sasuke. As if answering a question she had not thought of asking, Sasuke said, "Naruto had the fox. The fox located your sister through her blood."

"Hanabi was bleeding," Hinata repeated, eyes widening. She still kept walking with an unbothered expression, but her mind was beginning to mess up.

"She was," confirmed her husband. "Your sister took a kunai in the stomach and had a few shuriken hits in her body."

Without even Hinata imagining it, she felt her stomach lurch. She could not bear to see Hanabi in such a state. The insides of her felt like they were tangling in such tight knots. It was a nauseating feeling.

Weakly, Hinata squeezed Sasuke's arm. It was enough to make him look at her.

Without warning, Hinata rushed over to one of the bushes and started puking her breakfast. Her hand automatically pulled all of her hair in one area so that she could not puke in it.

She did not know why, but she kept gagging. Sasuke's hand was now in her back, rubbing in circles comfortingly. She hadn't expected that, but it didn't matter at the moment.

When she was finally done, Hinata refused to look at Sasuke's eyes as it was very humiliating for her. Still, her heart was racing and she felt weaker than ever.

"I'll grab you something to eat," announced Sasuke. Without a second passing, he left her on where she just puked. Not a minute has passed and Hinata already felt his presence. When she looked up at him, all he said was, "Eat."

Knowing that she probably just vomited the only thing in her stomach, there was not much she could do.

"Thank you," Hinata said, lowering her gaze but grabbing the bottle of water and the doriyaki in Sasuke's hands nonetheless.

Then she started to eat what he gave her while he just stood there. Hinata did not even know if Sasuke was looking at her, but it seemed like it did not really matter at the moment.

"Thank you," she said once again once she had finished eating. She stood up for a moment to compose herself. The bitter and sour taste of the vomit was still lingering in her tongue, but the water did help. When they started walking, although with hesitation, she asked, "When did you arrive here?"

"Last night, almost midnight," he answered right after. With continuity, he cleared his throat. "We rushed them to the hospital. Having the loser around was a big help."

So they rushed the team to the hospital. But then, they needed a medic. Hinata had figured it out the first time Sasuke said they needed Sakura. So where was she? At this, Hinata's eyes widened in worry.

Something must have happened to Sakura. Kakashi sent one of the best medic nins in Konoha to retrieve Hanabi's team. There was no way it wasn't dangerous.

"What happened to Sakura-chan?" she asked.

"She collapsed." The answer was simple, but it was no surprise that Sasuke seemed more than willing in giving her the answers she did not even ask for. "We fought the missing nins; she had no choice but to keep behind us because she's only supposed to be a medic."

"She's great in combats," stated Hinata slowly.

"But it's not her job," Sasuke corrected in a mumble. "The Inuzuka almost got killed with a light slit in the throat. She had no choice but to interfere."

"So she fought the missing nin from Iwa," Hinata told herself. With much curiosity yet slowly, she asked, "And then what happened?"

"While healing the Inuzuka," said Sasuke, supporting her claim about the missing nin from Iwa. After quite some time, he continued, "We had no choice but to kill them."

The country's relationship with the Iwa was great. The trading system was very much organized and not a lot of complications happen. So when Sasuke revealed that they killed the Iwa nins, Hinata wanted to ask him about it. But she supposed it was for the Hokage to decide on. It was none of her business anymore.

"So Sakura-chan fought for all of you," she commented with a small smile.

"She did," mumbled Sasuke. If Hinata wasn't wrong, it was almost as if there was a small ring of shame in the way he said it. "When we were done with the missing nins, we got your sister's team safely. She had to heal them, too. We were all tired when we found your sister."

"And Sakura-chan healed her, too?" asked Hinata, biting her lower lip out of anticipation.

"Hn," he replied. "It was when she collapsed. Inuzuka even warned her."

Hinata made a mental note that she needed to thank the pink haired girl. Without her, Hanabi could have died. Of course she also needed to thank everyone in the rescuing team — including Hanabi's team.

"She's truly a medic nin," Hinata said in admiration. Without even thinking, Hinata asked, "But how about you?"

"What about me?" asked Sasuke without a beat passing.

"What happened to you?" she asked with concern. Immediately regretting, she quickly said, "You don't n-need to tell the c-confidential parts."

"I've already did," huffed Sasuke. "I saved the report for Kakashi."

"Sorry." There was enough sincerity for her voice if not too much. To somehow patch some things up, she decided to ask him. "Did you have any injuries?"

"A lot," he answered. Again, the pride was absent in his tone. Even if Hinata had thought that Sasuke was a proud man, there were few bits if him that started flowing their way out. And then he started talking in his usual blank yet venomous voice. "I was fighting two men. It could've been easy, but they were at advantage because they held the team hostages."

It must probably be one of the longest phrases Sasuke had told her in their stay together. Hinata knew how he spoke or even his tone, but today. . .it sounded different. Or maybe it just did because he never spoke to her if it wasn't necessary. But now, he's telling her more than she should know.

There was shame in his voice, or maybe it's just Hinata who interpreted it that way. But then, if there was something Hinata knew correctly: he wasn't proud.

Hinata understood. She truly did, but she did not know why Sasuke hadn't used his powerful jutsus.

In the war, she had seen it. She had seen how he can be during the war. Even if she did not know how and why Sasuke was that powerful, Hinata refused to ask. There was more to life than meets the eye. She knew how he can be when it comes to jutsus, so did he use those? Hinata did not know.

Deciding not to push it, Hinata fell under the impression that Sasuke did not want to share some certain things.

"They did?" asked Hinata.

"Hn," answered Sasuke. Hinata clasped her hands together in an uncomfortable way. "Naturally, we were all being careful. And I haven't been on a real mission for months."

At this, Hinata's eyebrows furrowed. Hinata knew what real missions meant for shinobis — it meant action, danger, thrill, and whatnot. So when Sasuke said that he hadn't been on a real mission. . .that must've meant that he was still doing C-rank missions.

It's not possible — specially that their old sensei was the Hokage — but then, just maybe it is.

"It's okay," Hinata shyly said with a small assuring nod. Giving him a thoughtful side glance, she said, "You don't have to tell me anything."

"I don't," Sasuke agreed. "But you deserve to know."

At this, Hinata stopped walking. Wearing a grateful smile, she tugged a thin lock of hair in her ear. Needless to say, Sasuke was a charmer or maybe something close to that. Wherever he learned the way he spoke, Hinata would not really know.

His voice was dark and his tone had always been naturally venomous. Hinata could not remember the time when he spoke so gentle. Just casual and maybe neutral. This was no secret to her anymore.

But his words were another thing. They seemed genuine, even if the tones he uses from time to time could be contradicting.

Somehow, Sasuke reminded her of Shino and Neji.

"I'm not sure," Hinata whispered truthfully. Raising her voice to its normal volume, she continued, "But thank you. . .for letting me know and for helping in rescuing Hanabi."

They continued walking in silence. There was still the anxious feeling that Hinata could not shake, but it has lessened. Somehow, she found herself feeling well enough. After all, talking to someone really helps.

"I didn't do much," Sasuke admitted after the long silence, almost startling Hinata if it weren't for his low voice. Then again, he was not proud. "It was Naruto who did so."

Whatever happened to the proud Sasuke she knew too little of, Hinata did not know. And if there was a way for her to find out, she figured she would let it go for now. They still had a lot on their plate. In addition, he still resented her.

Maybe not the way he did before, but it was still there.

"But you were there. . ." Hinata trailed off. "And you did a lot. . .maybe even more than you ever realize."

Sasuke did not reply. The walk to the hospital with much silence made it long, but when they finally arrived, Hinata could not bring herself to take a step forward. Her husband did not force her into doing so. Instead, when she stopped, he too, stopped.

"Catch your breath," ordered Sasuke, looking at the ground. He untangled his arm around her and shifted to wrap it around her shoulders. He pulled her closer and said a whispering matter, "It's not easy to see her in such state."

"I understand," she confirmed upon registering Sasuke's words. In a blissful matter, Hinata squeezed the hand in her shoulder out of edginess. "But can you tell me. . .about her injuries?"

"Aside from what I've mentioned, she also had a few fractures." He removed arm from her shoulder and tangled it once more in Hinata's arm. Then the raven haired man continued, "She ran out of chakra."

"I guess I'm ready."

With a soft sigh, Hinata started walking with Sasuke. The chemical and latex filled scent floating midair entered her senses. The white ceiling, white walls, white floor, and white dressed people were too blinding it was almost making her anxious.

It was her husband who talked to the receptionist, and it was Sasuke who asked about Hanabi's whereabouts and condition. Hinata was pretty aware of this but could not do much since all she could hear was her own heartbeat.

Upon seeing the room where Hanabi was confined, Hinata gathered all her strength. Somehow, it was more frustrating to feel that way than not being able to control her chakra.

Holding her breath, she pushed the door open. Blue curtains hindered their way upon seeing Hanabi, but Hinata needed time. The clock that was displayed just across the hidden bed was ticking. Aside from the noise outside, everything else was quiet.

Much as Hinata wanted to bring herself to ask Sasuke to give her more time, she didn't. Instead, she slowly made her way towards Hanabi's bed. Knowing she was alive and home was enough, yet to see her in such a state would hurt.

Though she felt apprehensive, she slowly reached out for the curtains. Having to touch it finally, Hinata slid it open.

And there lied Hanabi. She had casts in her arms and even in her leg. There were dark bruises of red and purple that were very much visible to the eye all over her body. What Hinata did not fail to see was the dried up wounds of shurikens in her shoulders and even in the gap between her collarbones.

Whatever happened to Hanabi in the mission, Hinata did not want to know. She would not hear from her sister and would not want to know why it had happened to her. Hinata could never imagine anything happening to Hanabi.

If it weren't for the fact that her injuries were noticeable and discernible, Hanabi looked like she was just sleeping.

Wrapping her hands around Hanabi's folded ones, Hinata's tears started falling.

Hinata did not speak, as she couldn't bring herself to do so. It would be like talking to a grave. But Hanabi was alive and healing. It would take days or maybe weeks, but it would happen. Her little sister was alive.

The future of the clan was saved. Hiashi could be well again after weeks of being restless. There was hope.

Remembering the thoughts of when she was gone, she realized part of Hinata was still with her. Silently, her tears of joy became a gift to the gods.

Her visit was done in a complete silence. Though Hinata wondered why none of Hanabi's friends showed up to visit her. But then, they have always been considerate.

When it was time for her to depart, Hinata planted a kiss in Hanabi's forehead before whispering, "Heal soon, little sister."

And then they had left the hospital. Sasuke first led her to the Hyuga compound to pack her things while he went to the Hokage tower.

The night came and Hinata found herself in her house with Sasuke. He was still writing in the corner of their bedroom where a candle was lit up. While Hinata was in the bed, she couldn't help but watch her husband do whatever he was doing.

At least whatever happened to Hanabi had justice. The anger she should feel towards the four dead missing nins never showed, for it was enough to know that they died. And some were even in the arms of her husband.

And then she decided.

Walking to where he was, Hinata shrugged as the cold breeze passed through her. It was a close room, yet the quietness and the unmoving objects made it cold. Hinata liked it that way.

Her footsteps were light and airy, but as she went closer to him, her feet became harder to lift. But when she was about three feet closer to him, he gave her a small glance.

"Thank you. . ." she trailed off. Bowing, she continued, "For saving my sister."

There was a pregnant pause.

"I didn't," said Sasuke. "Naruto did."

"You helped," Hinata said, her eyes closed as she was still bowing. Remembering their conversation earlier, she continued, "More than you have ever realized."

He didn't reply nor showed any emotion or action. There was none. If there was, Hinata would have felt it.

Slowly turning to look at him, Hinata smiled softly and opened her eyes. Both his eyes met her, yet even the purple ones did not bother her.

"My heart is forever grateful," she said sincerely, getting to her knees. His eyes followed her.

"It's my job," said Sasuke, refusing to give her any emotion.

Indeed it was.

"Sasuke-kun?" she asked, for the first time ever in her adult years calling him that.

At this, Sasuke's eyebrows rose. It was an act of surprise, shock even. His eyes widened, but his mouth kept shut.

Her gaze went back to the ground before looking at him again. Remembering the times when she wanted to learn how to love him, Hinata smiled to herself sincerely. Sasuke could see it, and Hinata knew of it.

And of all the things he put her through, the good deeds he did for her and the decisions he had come up with just for Hinata overpowered it all. Through his small actions, Sasuke deemed worthy to be loved.

"I want to love you," she announced.

His pen dropped.


Happy new year to you my dears! Hope you liked this chapter because this is actually the turning point.

As much as I want to add Toneri, I am afraid this story is categorized as romance and drama. I have another story in mind that includes Toneri and action. In the future, maybe?

Disclaimer: Naruto isn't mine.