To him, it was the end of all wars,

Peace was with her, and she was peace,

To her, it was like dancing under the stars,

Everything was freed and on cease.


"Did Kakashi talk to you?" Sasuke asked with his visible eyebrow raising at her. "The real one?"

For quite a moment, Hinata wondered if she would tell him the truth. But then, there would be nothing wrong if she said the truth. Aside from that, even if they barely knew each other, Sasuke would still know if she lied or anything remotely close to that.

"Yes," admitted Hinata softly. Her eyes wandered over the low ground as they walked before she continued, "We talked about you. . .of course, but we only exchanged a few words."

"Hn. The meeting was cut short," Sasuke stated, leading her to a different direction. "Where do you want to go?"

"We are going to buy groceries, aren't we?" asked Hinata with a glance at her husband before proceeding to walk.

"Hn," replied the raven haired man right beside her. "And a gift for your sister."

"Uhm. . ." Hinata started, biting her lip in anticipation. The kimono her mother used to own had a sentimental value, and she did not think much about giving it to Hanabi. But then, it's not like she didn't want it anymore. "It's the kimono I want to give."

"You're really sure about it," Sasuke deadpanned. There was nothing else that Hinata could do but nod. "Why?"

"It was made solely for the Hyuga leaders," Hinata answered with a tight smile. Her jaw hurt at the hurting feeling her own gesture felt. "It's time to let it go."

"It's from your mother," retorted her husband, giving her a sharp glance from the corner of his eyes before looking back at the path they were walking at.

"It was," agreed Hinata. "I'm no longer a Hyuga and not the future clan head."

"Hn." Sasuke led the way towards the mart where they would buy their weekly groceries. It was still a mystery to Hinata how Sasuke would buy their groceries from before Hinata offered to help him with it. "You're willing to let it go."

"Yes. . ." answered his wife slowly. Walking over to where the carts are, Hinata grabbed one while Sasuke walked behind her. "It's very sentimental. . .and I never really thought about it."

Grabbing a can in one hand while the other one pushed through, Hinata sighed.

"But Hanabi never got to spend much time with kaasan," Hinata stated as she pulled a can of corn from the shelves. Looking back at Sasuke who still tailed behind her, the wife continued, "Not as much as me."

"You're giving her something that was passed down unto you," Sasuke muttered as he put his hand in his pocket.

"Yes," Hinata clarified. "Yes, because she deserves it. And she will be of age next year."

"Suitors will be visiting her then," Sasuke commented as they swerved to the next aisle where there were baking supplies.

"Yes," answered Hinata with a tight smile.

Not so long ago, Hinata was the one who was visited by suitors. Back then, Hinata was told that she could marry amongst those who are asking for her hand, but only if her father agrees on it. It was said that every single one of her suitors would be devoted to her. Frankly speaking, Hinata did not want to marry one of them. She did not want to marry someone she didn't love even if she was loved by him. Aside from the fact that her heart belonged to a certain blond, she just could not bear to trap someone into her life as the heiress.

Never did she think that she will marry someone who didn't love her. But Hinata wanted to love Sasuke. And she vowed that she would. Someday, she will.

"Where to, next?" asked Sasuke as they both divided the bags of goods they bought.

"Do you know where to buy a box?" asked Hinata, her eyes lowering at the ground out of embarrassment. Yes, she would go around Konoha and buy random things, but her lack of knowledge when it comes to stores seeped their way into her. "And a wrapper."

"For the present, I presume," muttered Sasuke, earning a small nod from Hinata. "Craft store then."

As they walked through the streets of Konoha, Hinata displayed a smile on her face. Before, it used to feel very foreign to her, her smile felt so fake. But now, it was like her smile was beginning to come to life. It was not as artificial as it felt before, rather it felt true. Hinata never realized it, but she was lying before, and now she's true to herself.

It was not happiness yet, but something close.

"Have you thought on what we will wear?" asked Sasuke, eyes on the crafty tools in front of him.

"I've readied what you and I will wear," replied Hinata shyly. Tucking a small yarn of hair in her ear, she said, "Last night."

"Hn." The small reply he gave her resembled a surprise and a realization. No matter how small the response was, it made Hinata smile. "I don't recall anything like that."

"Before we went to bed. . ." Hinata stated slowly in a matter-of-factly manner, looking at Sasuke in the eyes. Then Sasuke put up a small smirk that immediately caught Hinata off guard. At the sight, she could not help hut giggle.

There was a small collection of gasp from behind her. When she turned to look at where the sound came from, Hinata saw a group of girls. Every single girl in their group was unfamiliar, but Hinata knew that they were from Konoha. Their eyes were on her and Sasuke. At this, Hinata could not help but feel uncomfortable.

"Problem?" asked Sasuke in a low growl-like manner who was leaning behind Hinata. Hinata took a quick glance at her husband, only to see him looking straight at the girls.

"N-no, Uchiha-san, w-we apologize," a girl stammered out. She dragged her friends away and then continued, "We'll b-be going n-now."

Hinata watched as the girls disappear from her sight. They looked like they were at Hanabi's age or probably a little bit older. Matured on the outside, but still had the childlike sense. She shook her head.

"You scared them. . ." Hinata commented before drifting her eyes towards her husband. She looked down before she continued, "They must have had the wrong idea."

"They deserved it," muttered Sasuke, pertaining to Hinata's comment that he scared the girls. "It's none of their business to think of what we're doing."

"Uhm. . .what exactly are they thinking?" asked Hinata. At this, Sasuke turned to look at her through the corner his only visible eye. His eyebrow rose in a manner that Hinata had never seen before.

"Do you honestly not know?"

"I d-don't," Hinata admitted, blushing furiously.

Sasuke leaned closer to her, she could almost feel his breath by her neck. It was dangerously close. Her heart started to beat wildly for some reasons. And she was almost pretty sure that her face now resembled a tomato.

"They think. . ." Sasuke whispered to her ear. His voice alone sent shivers down her spine, the way he said the words didn't help either. "That we have done. . .something intimate last night."

"Th-th-that's inappropriate!" whispered Hinata, eyes widening.

And still, with countless of rumours and gossip encircling them, Hinata could not face it up front.

"It's normal," said Sasuke blankly as he leaned away from Hinata. "We're husband and wife."

Hinata did not speak more as she picked the box she would need for Hanabi's present. Her cheeks felt warmer than usual, and she knew that it was because of what the girls thought. What the girls thought and what Sasuke told her. Yes, it was normal for usual couples to engage in such an activity. But they are not like other couples. Aside from their marriage, there was no other way people would look at them as a married couple. And then here goes the fact that ever since the start — since Hinata did not go out a lot — people assumed that they were active in sexual intercourse.

Upon remembering her conversation with Sasuke and the girls once more, Hinata felt like she could almost pass out. A few months ago, before they were married, Hinata assumed that they would probably perform the thing that lovers do the moment they get married to consummate their marriage. This was why Hinata was the one who made a move, yet it was clear enough that Sasuke did not want to have a child. The questions as to why he didn't want one still baffled Hinata's mind, but now, she needed to set it aside.

"Hinata," called Sasuke.

"Yes?" she asked, refusing to look at her husband. Hinata felt his hand on her shoulder. Still had the blush on her cheeks, Hinata slowly turned around. It only reddened more upon seeing Sasuke's face. She was certain she looked like a teenager once more. "Sasuke-kun?"

"Don't let it bother you," he said slowly.

"Of course," she assured him after quite some time.

The day went on like a normal day, with Sasuke not bothering to talk to her to do his usual things unless he needed to, and as for Hinata, she decided to wrap her present for Hanabi's birthday in the morrow. As night slowly made its way towards the married couple, Hinata made sure that everything was right into place. All of their clothes were prepared, together with the perfumes that they will use.

As Hinata laid on their bed, Sasuke put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. It was just like any other night, but somehow, every night still felt different. It didn't dawn on her until now.

"Do you still think of the girls earlier?" asked Sasuke, his breath brushing her nape, making her shiver.

"Hn," she answered, for once using Sasuke's usual response. "But it doesn't bother me."

"It shouldn't," agreed Sasuke. "But it did bother you this morning."

"It did," Hinata agreed. "But now it doesn't."

"But earlier, it did."

"But now it doesn't," repeated Hinata.

"Earlier it did."

And then it dawned on her. Sasuke was not usually like this. What other surprises is he about to show her? Her husband was being childish, or at least childish in an adult's vocabulary. The Uchiha's usual demeanor was far from what he was showing towards her. It was as if he was talking to Naruto.

"Are you. . ." started Hinata after quite a while. It was hard to form out the words, but she has started now. It would be better if she would just continue. "Are you teasing me?"

"Sleep, Hinata."

It was his way of dismissing her, and before the anxiety could get to her, Hinata slept.

Morning came, and Hinata found herself waking up at the same time as Sasuke. It was still dark outside and Hinata could only guess that it was too early. He slowly lifted his arm which was wrapped around her shoulders. It was evident that Sasuke was not trying to wake her up, like maybe what he does every morning.

Her heart melted upon the thought. Hinata was not the only one trying. Since the very beginning, Sasuke too, was trying. Was she too selfish to even notice it before? The way he would tangle his arm into hers, or would put his hand in her cheek, or in the small ways that she could not forget. Maybe it just seemed hard for her husband, but after their months together, Hinata presumed that Sasuke was somehow fond of her now.

"Good morning," Hinata greeted once Sasuke seated in the bed, his back on her. She was looking at him through her shoulder. Wisps of her own hair was hindering her sight from seeing her husband.

"Hn," Sasuke replied, nodding lightly. "You'll sleep again?"

"Uhm no," Hinata answered. "I'll just stay here for a while."

"Hn, it's too early for you," said her husband, making her smile. She probably guessed that the raven haired man was commenting about her late mornings. "I'll just cook for breakfast."

"Do you want me to help?" asked Hinata, slowly sitting straight up.

"If you want to," offered her husband. Hinata could take note of the fact that Sasuke never asked her for help. "I'm not forcing you."

"Then I will," said Hinata in a muffled voice as she put her hair in a bun.

The day went on like normal days, except now, there were slight changes. They were preparing for Hanabi's celebration. Afternoon came and Hinata was already dressed in her kimono. It had the Uchiha crest with the cloth feeling much comfortable than the shiromuku she wore in her wedding. Sasuke, however, was still having a hard time putting on his white striped obi.

"Come over here," offered the wife softly, walking towards her husband who also started walking his way towards her. The tip of her fingers touched the soft cloth. "Does this go under here?"

"Yes," Sasuke replied, nodding lightly as Hinata experimented her way. From her point of view, Hinata could not get a straight look at Sasuke as she was facing his body, but she could feel him staring at her. Once she was done, he said, "That's it. Thanks."

It was barely a whisper, yet she heard it. He was proud, but his pride wasn't built with concrete. Though Hinata knew that it wasn't always like that. Their first weeks with each other was a fair reminder.

Through his small ways, Hinata learned that Sasuke was not as cold as anyone thought he was. Everything around him used to scream coldness and darkness, but now, Hinata felt warm and somehow light with him. Strange how your mind can trick you into making up your own definition of someone.

When the designated time came, Hinata walked with Sasuke towards the Hyuga compound with the present in her hands. They had exchanged a few words which was barely a conversation, but it was enough.

As they entered the gates of the compound, they were greeted by guests and the members of the Hyuga clans with countless of greetings. Hinata would talk to them from time to time, whilst Sasuke stood by her side and would only greet back if necessary. They weren't late, but they weren't too early which is a good thing.

Since the Hyuga celebrations were always in accordance to their organized plans, the celebration started. The party was all in all beautiful, like any other Hyuga celebration. Though there were big changes with the way they handled the celebration. Her marriage with Sasuke was already beautiful and kind of unique for the Hyuga taste, but this time, it was as if another clan organized the party.

The color palette they used were a little bit vibrant than before, with different shades of browns and oranges everywhere. While the usual Hyuga celebrations were always circling around grey, white, and other dull colors. Now, Hinata wondered why they had changed so much.

Another unusual thing was a live band. There was a live band. It's either there were dancing couples in the hall, or just people listening to the song.

"We'll be sitting by the second table," said Hinata softly once they got to the banquet hall. Sasuke nodded at this which urged her to ask her husband the question she had been meaning to ask, "Are you alright?"

"Hn," said Sasuke, glancing at her in a mere second before looking at where Hanabi, her father, and the rest of the important people will take their seats. "Let's take our seat then."

"It will be boring," Hinata confessed shyly, looking at the ground as they started walking. "The celebration, I mean. It won't be like common parties."

"I haven't been to many parties to know the difference," Sasuke said, pulling the chair for Hinata to sit at. When she took her seat, Sasuke, too, seated in her right. "It's fine by me, as long as it's quiet. . ."

"It will be peaceful enough," said Hinata with a little soft assuring smile. She looked at her hands before sharing, "Whenever we celebrate someone's birthday from the main branch, the celebrant won't come out unless it is time. . . And while the celebrant is still preparing, we would socialize and force ourselves to talk to allies — see if our community is still as established."

"Hn." The small response he sent was enough to indicate that he was listening. "And won't you, now?"

"Socialize?" asked Hinata, as it was the missing word from his question. At this, she smiled sweetly. "I think I no longer need to."

"Hn."

"I don't need to," said Hinata, more to herself than to her husband. "Not anymore. . ."

In her childhood or in her teenage years, Hinata was forced to talk to people even if the whole clan knew that no one could understand a thing on what she was saying. She stuttered a lot, especially before, and that immediately put disgust to people. Aside from that, no one could stand her. But now, it will not be a problem anymore. . .she was an Uchiha now. And she would talk to people only if she wanted to.

After some time, the lights had dimmed, but the sun outside was just setting, so the hall looked a little bit orange to say the least. Sasuke would glance at her from time to time whenever someone would greet them both. The Uchihas would talk to whoever comes upfront, but they never did engage in nonsense conversations.

"He's here. . ." said Sasuke, capturing her whole attention. When Hinata turned to look at Sasuke, she saw that his eyebrows were knitted. The visible confusion was stamped in his face. "The loser's here."

"Naruto-kun?" asked Hinata as she followed where Sasuke was looking at. There she saw the blond and Sakura, by the first table. She was confused too, but she let it slide. "At least we have someone close to us."

"Hn," said Sasuke.

When all the gaps are filled, Hiashi stood from his chair and captured everyone's attention. The crowd which was silenced enough before the clan head even stood completely sucked out all the noise. It was quiet, peaceful.

"Today, we are celebrating the birthday of the future of the clan," Hiashi started, his stern voice echoing around the hall. "I would like to thank all of you for coming to celebrate this day with us — we very much appreciate your presence in our abode."

The grateful speech went on for several minutes before it was time for Hanabi to show up.

"Hyuga Hanabi is now just a year away from her claim to the throne," the clan head continued. "And with everything said. . .Hanabi."

Within a few split seconds, a girl in a white and bronze kimono started walking towards the middle of the stage where there was an extravagantly designed chair. Her brunette hair was tied in a single bun with jewelries hanging round it. There was a slight elegant make up in her face and it was almost unnoticeable. Her sister was beautiful.

"I thank you all for coming here today to celebrate my birthday," said Hanabi in her formal tone, her chin straight up, her back straight. That was what Hinata meant when she said that Hanabi could switch her personality whenever she wanted to. Her sister could go from crazy to formal. "And I do hope that everyone in this hall with us is comfortable in their seats. If not, you can raise your concerns, as we all want you to make the best out of this dinner."

"She sounded much mature," pointed Sasuke.

"It's her way," said Hinata with a small smile, never putting her eyes off her sister.

"Dinner will be served, of course," said Hanabi. Her hand gracefully waved over the right. "But if you would like, there would be an unlimited buffet by the eastside of this room so you can eat as many as you want. Of course, the privilege will also fall upon the people of the town. The Hyuga clan had conducted a small project to celebrate my birthday in the streets of Konoha by providing food to the orphanages and other charity."

There were murmurs in the audience which were filled with compliments and other sorts of positive feedback. Hinata could only furrow her eyebrows as she knew that there was a political agenda behind it. She decided to disregard it as it wouldn't be her business anymore.

"This year gave me a lot of realizations and blessings," started her sister again. "But one of the most important things amongst all was that I began to learn how important life is. Most of you do not know, but this year, my life was put in danger. If it were not for a team of ninjas here in this village, I would not have survived. Celebrating with us here today is Haruno-san, Inuzuka-san, Naruto-san, and Uchiha-san. They have saved me from the danger that kunoichis normally face."

"Oh. . .that's why they're here," commented Hinata, her eyes widening lightly.

"Hn," said Sasuke.

"And because of all of these, I believe that I should share the blessings to others as well," she started.

"This would go on," said a bored Sasuke, making Hinata try her best not to giggle.

"That is all, thank you," said Hanabi after her speech went on. "May the dinner start."

As members of the clan started to put food in their table, Hinata took a quick glance at Naruto, Sakura, and probably Kiba's relative who was with the elders. With just a quick observation, Hinata saw that they were all wearing formal clothes. Maybe just not as formal as the Uchiha's and the Hyuga's, but formal enough.

The food were the usual ones that you would find in such a party, and the wines they had distributed in their table was one of Hinata's personal favourites. As everyone was served drinks and food, like almost everyone around them, the married couple started to eat. Whilst Sasuke made a look of distaste in the wine that she was sipping on, Hinata smiled.

When they have eaten, the music by the band started playing. Hinata knew that Hanabi was fond of music, so she could only guess that her little sister requested that there would be a live band. After quite some time, people started to dance by the middle whilst the Uchihas stayed in their seats. Hinata could feel the stares of people around them, and it was beginning to feel uncomfortable as time went on.

"Sasuke-kun?" called Hinata, her words rolling of her tongue in swirls. She felt his chakra change before it went back to its normal way. "I'll just go to my old room. I'm not sure why, but I need some air. Do you want to. . .maybe come?"

"Do you want me to come?" asked Sasuke back. It was always like that between the two of them: they cannot make choices for their own.

"Of course," Hinata replied, her other hand holding the box of present before putting her hand atop Sasuke's before intertwining her fingers with his. At this, they both stood up, hand in hand before walking towards the second exit of the hall — the one leading to the rooms.

She put her present by where the guests had put their gifts and Hinata could still feel the gazes on them, but she disregarded it all. They continued walking until they reached Hinata's old room.

Not so long ago, they were in the same room.

"Do you want to sleep. . .for a while?" asked Hinata, motioning in her bed.

"It's fine," said Sasuke.

"Sorry," she apologized in a slurred voice. "I just needed some air."

"I, too," admitted Sasuke. Though the sentence seemed unfinished, the thought was there.

"Sasuke-kun," called Hinata. At this, he turned around to meet her eyes. She sat by her bed and lit a candle. "I will probably stay here a little while. . .is that alright with you?"

"Hn," said Sasuke, sitting at the opposite of where Hinata sat. "Is it alright with you that I am here?"

"It is," Hinata replied with a smile. It was the way her husband joked, and it can be both absurd and funny at the same time. As her back touched the soft foam of her bed, she tapped the other side. Slowly and with a blush on her cheeks, Hinata said, "Come lay with me. . ."

It was not proper to wear such a formal outfit and go to the bed with it on. Hiashi, her father, would be outraged. Though he wasn't there exactly, and no one would see anyways.

And Sasuke complied.

"Are you tired?" whispered Sasuke as she faced him and he faced her.

"I am," confessed Hinata, her eyes closing almost fully. "I really am. . .and I don't know why."

"You drank wine," pointed out Sasuke with a small smirk. "How many have you drank?"

"Not enough to make me lose my sanity," said Hinata with a smile, her eyes now fully closed. "I'm fine. . .I just had a several."

"Will you sleep?" asked Sasuke. Hinata was still sober enough to remember everything, however she was a tad bit drowsy. But she did remember how soft his words were. "You can sleep."

"I won't," Hinata said, still smiling with her eyes closed. "I'll just rest."

With her eyes closed, she felt his hand in her cheek — his routine that never went away. It must be under the influence of the fermented fruit, but for the first time, Hinata put her own hand atop his. A little bit tipsy maybe, but Hinata still felt the way his hand twitched above her cheek. She only smiled, and she knew that her husband felt her smile.

"I'll just talk to Naruto," said Sasuke, pulling her closer to him for a second before standing up and leaving the room.

Though she followed him with her eyes, she closed her lavender ones when he slid the door close.

It was only a matter of minutes when she decided that she was done with her rest. Brushing her hair once again to put it in a nice bun, she walked towards the hall. On her way, she heard voices. One was awfully silenced, while the other one was a little loud. Walking to an empty room in the main building, she heard the voice clearly.

"Ask your wife if she wants to dance."

At first, Hinata did not know if she was just hearing things. But then, wines do not go that far. It was Naruto's voice she was hearing. She stopped walking. Following to where it came from, her eyes landed upon the room's veranda. There stood the silhouettes of her husband and Naruto, only lighted by the moon.

"Where's Hinata-chan anyway?" asked the blond.

"In her old room," answered Sasuke shortly.

"When she comes back, why don't you ask her?" asked the Uzumaki again. Hinata shrugged at the thought of dancing. She loved it when she's alone, but she couldn't just simply do it with others. "She's your wife."

"What if I don't?"

"If you don't, what will they say?" The rhetorical question came out almost a bit disappointed, but Hinata sensed the concern in Naruto's voice. His silhouette showed signs of frustration when Sasuke's silhouette shrugged. "C'mon bastard. She's your wife."

"How do you reckon a one handed man dance with his wife?" asked Sasuke.

Insecurity. That was one way to sum it all up. Hinata looked at his back with sad eyes. Was her husband always insecure about his hand?

"I am a one handed man, too," said Naruto without preamble. Then he continued after a short while, "Yet I danced with Hanabi-sama."

Naruto danced with Hanabi? She thought it was probably when she went back to her room with Sasuke. Hinata disregarded a set of thoughts that came within the name of her sister. The two seemed. . .close. It was none of business, so she blocked it away.

"You have prosthetics," pointed out Sasuke with a small grunt.

"That's why you should, too," suggested his friend. "'Ya know, what bastard? I don't get this atonement thingy. It's not necessary. I mean, I'm the demon fox, do you see me atoning for sins?"

"You won't understand, loser," said her husband dismissively.

"I never will," admitted Naruto. He yawned and scratched the back if his head before saying, "All I'm saying is, maybe you should get yourself one too. It's not hard to live alone with just one hand."

"I'm not alone," said Sasuke. "I have a wife."

It was not the first time he called her his wife, yet for some reasons, there was a slight change to how he said the word. Hinata's eyes started to water for some reasons but she had to blink it all. There was no reason why she should cry anyways.

"Oh right," Naruto mumbled before letting out a laugh. "Anyways, in case you need me, I'll be by the buffet. But I hope you'll dance with Hinata-chan, 'ya know? Not only because she's your wife, but because you are willing to."

"I know," said her husband with a scoff.

"Okay then," the blond huffed.

As Hinata stared at her husband's side profile, Hinata could not help but let out a deep inaudible breath. Relief: that was one way to say it. It was relieving to know that Sasuke did not dance with her for a reason. Not that she wanted to dance in front of the crowd, but it was fair enough that he didn't dance with her because of his own insecurity. Before the boys could even notice her, Hinata started walking towards the hall where she saw Hanabi who now changed her kimono into a blue and gold one.

"Hanabi-chan," called Hinata.

"Oh! I was looking everywhere for you," Hanabi said cheerily. The clan heiress hugged her and said, "How's the party?"

"It's nice," replied Hinata with a smile. "I love the colors."

"Yeah, needed a change," her sister said. "It was never my intention, but you know how father is. He can be persuaded in small ways. Tee-hee."

"Happy birthday, Hanabi-chan," greeted Hinata.

"Awwe," Hanabi said with a cute shade of pink brushed in her cheeks. "Thank you."

"You'll be of age in the next year," said the elder sister in a tight smile. The small twitch of her little sister's nose did not go unnoticed. "By then, you will need to start choosing who you will have as your husband."

"As if," Hanabi puffed. "The elders would pick for me. Like how they picked for you."

"Oh. . ." started Hinata in breathy way. "They didn't."

"You drank?" Hanabi asked, leaning closer to Hinata. "Oh you did. I still could smell the wine on you. But hey, aren't you pregnant?"

"Oh. . .I really tired to tell you," said the Uchiha. "But I am really not."

"Bummer. So, your husband's just around the corner, and yeah, I still have lots to do," Hanabi said and in her eyes were genuine happiness. "Thank you for coming and I know you slipped a box earlier. Thank you for that, okay?"

"You're welcome," Hinata said with a smile.

"You go now," the heiress instructed.

At this, Hinata obliged. She walked to the direction of her husband with a cheery look, though it still seemed soft when she was the one who carried the look. Her husband started walking her way, too. Once they met, Hinata tangled her arm with his, before looking at him.

"We'll just bid our farewell to father and we can leave," said the wife.

"You're sure you don't want to stay for long?" asked Sasuke, his eyes setting straight in where his body was directing at. "The night is young."

"It is," agreed Hinata.

"You don't-" He paused. Clearing his throat, he continued, "You don't want to dance?"

How do you reckon a one handed man dance with his wife?

How do you reckon a one handed man dance with his wife?

How do you reckon a one handed man dance with his wife?

They never danced in their wedding night, but it was understandable since it was too cold to even move. But now he was asking her if she did not want to dance. It was Sasuke's way of asking her if she wanted to dance, she figured. Sasuke really listened to Naruto, and that was saying something. His pride wasn't that large.

"It's okay," assured Hinata, slightly giving him a small squeeze in the hand. "I'm fine and the wine is not too friendly with me."

"If I want to. . ." started Sasuke, blank eyes staring at her intently, missing the words 'dance with you' in his sentence. "Would you want to?"

She paused. She did not know how to respond. Once Hinata showed signs of talking, Sasuke visibly stiffened.

"If you want to. . ." Hinata trailed off. Unsure if she would admit it out loud, Hinata untangled her arms with his. Walking closer to Sasuke by a few steps, she continued, "I wouldn't doubt saying yes."

Without even noticing it at first, Sasuke's hand was already in her back, just around her waist, guiding her. Her arms had their own minds as they found their way to his nape. With his hand in her back, and her hands in his nape, the music played differently. This time, it was slow. With every eye on the room on their direction, Hinata sighed restlessly. The wine did not push her to be braver, its effect was starting to wear off.

"Since when did you start minding them?" asked her husband, pulling her closer to him.

"I d-don't know," she admitted, stuttering.

"Don't." Sasuke mumbled. If it was possible, the distance between them began tightening. "Just don't."

So she stopped. As the curious eyes of strangers and friends wandered over them, Hinata thought of their eyes as the stars. It would be nice to see his sharingan, she thought. Because it would be the brightest star of them all it would be the sun.