Though I try to see you differently,

It's just a matter of time before I stop,

I still know you're doing this for me,

Or somehow for the both of us.


When her eyes met his, Hinata's eyes widened. The similarities of the way they dressed surprised her. They both were wearing long sleeved navy blue shirts and their usual black pants. Her husband's shirt was only a tad darker than hers.

"We dressed the same," commented Hinata lamely as her lavender eyes travelled from Sasuke's head to toe. Her eyes widened in embarrassment. Before she could think, she stammered, "Uh but I'm not saying anything. . ."

"Hn," Sasuke responded shortly with an almost amused gaze. "Tell me whenever you're ready."

After the words left him, Sasuke turned his back to Hinata while she smiled at him. When had he learned to be this patient?

Hinata remembered how Sasuke was like in their first few weeks together. There was visible resentment towards her and he did not even try to hide it. Although he was civil to her, and that's a fact. The resentment he made her feel before was not there anymore. Maybe there were a few times when it can be felt in the atmosphere, but it wasn't as worse as it was before. Smiling to herself, she cleared her throat.

"I think I'm ready now," Hinata announced after putting her hair in a neat bun. Sasuke turned around to meet her eyes. Once he did, she asked, "Are you?"

"Hn."

Slowly, Hinata went on her way to Sasuke. She tangled his arms into his like the habit they would do whenever they go out. Briefly, Hinata shared a glimpse at Sasuke.

She wanted to smile at how Sasuke looked in such a soft expression. His eyes weren't as hard as they normally were and his lips were in awe. It wasn't really rare — now that they have been together in months — but it looked comforting to see her husband in such a state.

"We can leave early if you want," said Hinata as they walked towards the pub where Sakura and Tenten will celebrate their birthday together. Pursing her lips before speaking up, Hinata shrugged. "They'll understand."

"It's your choice," Sasuke said, looking at her briefly before setting his eyes on the road once more. "You said so yourself. They'll understand."

"They will," agreed Hinata. "But I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"I know how to cope up with it," Sasuke said almost dismissively, if it weren't for the light squeeze in the hand he gave her.

At this, she smiled softly. Even if Sasuke's change was temporary, Hinata knew to herself that it would be a set of pleasant memories. Even if Sasuke only showed her this kind of respect because he was guilty over what he did after their first training, Hinata knew that it would suffice. After all, it was better than receiving the cold shoulder over and over again.

They were a married couple, and even if it was loveless, Hinata really wanted it to work. Back then, Sasuke made it very hard for her, but after a certain occasion, everything changed. It was almost as if Sasuke, too, was willing to make it work. Though now, it is understandable that they couldn't make it work right away. After all, adjustments take time.

"I apologize," Hinata said softly, pertaining to their conversation earlier. "I didn't mean to doubt you."

"You don't need to apologize," he replied assuringly. "I know you didn't."

Hinata took a deep breath before smiling gratefully. She never really knew her husband. Back in the academy, Hinata and Sasuke did not even talk. Hinata was not as interested in Sasuke as the other girls were, her eyes were only on Naruto back then. Though she did know little bits of him, just little bits that she tends to remember from time to time. But who knew that they would wed when the time comes?

And then she remembered the wedding again. It was just a gloomy snowy day. The honeymoon night wasn't any better. Though Hinata felt grateful that she wasn't just a child bearer for her husband. He didn't touch her, and she, too, wasn't ready. Sasuke was kind enough to not touch her in a way. Somehow, it didn't bring out the insecurities in her. The idea of Sasuke not touching her was seen in a positive light.

Forcing herself not to blame herself upon getting the Uchiha stuck with her for a lifetime, she sighed rather loudly.

"What is it?" asked Sasuke, probably pertaining to her sigh.

"Nothing," Hinata replied with a soft smile.

The anxiety worsened, but she tried her best not to say anything about it. Her breaths became shorter and all she could do was try to do her proper breathing exercise. Thankfully, it worked, but she did not notice that they stopped walking. Looking up to her husband, Hinata wore an apologetic expression.

"Whatever it is, just tell me if you want to," said Sasuke, his words tumbling out like an offer. The words seem too good to be true, especially coming from him. Hinata had to remind himself that everything was really happening. His hand motioned towards the bar — that Hinata did not know was already — in front of them. "But now, it's best to clear your mind."

"Thank you," she said. Knowing that she would receive a response that was barely a word, she continued, "Very much, Sasuke-kun."

"I'm your husband," he said, and it almost clarified things.

With a smile, Hinata nodded before looking at the establishment in front of them both. People were coming in and out of the bar. Familiar faces were everywhere.

"I'll take it we'll go home late," Sasuke commented.

"Sasuke-kun. . ." Hinata started affectionately. Pinching herself by the thighs at the startling voice she used, Hinata silently scolded herself. "I already told you. . .uhm. . .we can go home early."

"I know," he said with a light shrug.

"And you can drink if you want," she said, not quite thinking about it. When the words left her lips, she looked at Sasuke who seemed a little amused by the situation. Then she disclaimed, "I'm not saying anything. . ."

"I know," Sasuke said with a small smirk. "You can drink too."

At this, Hinata smiled enthusiastically — maybe something she hasn't done for quite a while. It was almost humiliating, if it weren't for the idea that she could drink. She was not a heavy drinker, but Hinata knew that she liked it whenever she would have the chance to drink.

"Just don't." He shut his eyes before continuing, "Just don't do anything out of your boundaries."

Hinata completely understood. Don't do anything stupid. Remember that you're an Uchiha now, and a married woman. Enjoy yourself but know your limitations.

Maybe Hinata did not know much about her husband, but it was a relief to know that Sasuke was a little bit transparent now. His walls were still built as high as they were before, but there was an improvement when it comes to Hinata climbing the wall.

At first, she did not want to climb that wall. In all honesty, Hinata did not want anything to do with him. It was just a duty she needed to fulfill. . .yet now, there was something inside of her that sparked knowing that Sasuke can be another reason to live.

"Come on," Sasuke mumbled, snapping Hinata's thoughts away. "We don't want to stay here outside."

Looking at him, she felt the blood rush to her face. They must've been standing in front of the pub for such a long time. After all, it made Sasuke say something first.

He untangled his arm from her, but before Hinata could think clearly, she felt his arm snake around her waist. Eyes widening slightly, Hinata glanced at her husband. The playful smirk he wore was not something one would count as forgettable.

"You're smirking," Hinata said in a dreamy voice. Pinching herself by the thighs again, she continued, "I'm n-not s-saying anything."

"Didn't you say you like it when I smirk?" he asked rhetorically. Before Hinata could correct him and say that it wasn't really what she meant when they were at the shop, Sasuke started walking. With his arm around her waist, Hinata got along.

And then they were inside. The blinding lights of different colors flashed around. The place was dark, if it weren't for the shaking lights. There was music — yet it wasn't too loud and not that much of a problem. Hinata smiled inwardly, knowing that she hadn't been in a party such as this before. After all, it was always formal at the Hyuga clan.

There were seats that were scattered around. After walking for quite a while to look for a nice corner, Sasuke pulled a chair and offered Hinata to take a sit. Complying, she smiled at him.

"We'll be separating," Sasuke said, getting straight to the point.

"I can stay with you all through the party," Hinata offered, her voice a little bit louder than usual because of the music. She has pictured this inside her mind: she would be with Sasuke the whole time. With a small blush creeping in her cheeks, she softly added, "If you want to."

"It's fine," he said with assurance. "Enjoy yourself."

"But it's alright," she concluded with hesitation. She swallowed and looked at the ground before softly continuing, "They'll understand if I stay with you. . .or if you stay with me."

Hinata did not want to leave Sasuke out of her plans. There was no way that she would leave him to enjoy herself. Sasuke did not seem like the type who would enjoy parties, but he was there with her. He was there to accompany her, and who was she to leave him alone?

"I said it's fine," Sasuke started. He waved his hand in the air before saying, "Have fun."

"But—"

"You'll miss out all the fun," Sasuke mumbled, cutting her off. Wiping a nonexistent sweat, he continued, "Don't worry about me, Kami."

"I'm sorry," she said softly. There was exasperation in his voice that made him flinch. Bowing her head, she proceeded to say, "I just don't want you to think that you're alone in this."

"You're worrying too much," he commented, looking at her from head to toe. With a small smirk, he continued, "I go everywhere without you, I know what to do with myself — even without you."

"Alright," she said in defeat as Hinata could not make of what he had said.

"I'll stay by the bar," Sasuke announced, making Hinata look at him with much concern. Clearing his throat, he said, "Naruto will be here."

In the corner of her eyes, she saw Ino walking towards them but stopped. She thanked her friend inside. She still knew her place and she knew better than to talk to an arguing couple. Still, Hinata smiled at Sasuke.

"Okay," she said with a smile. "I'll leave you, then."

"Just remember what I said," Sasuke murmured. "Do not drink too much."

"I know," Hinata said, looking down. It was like they were having an argument, but at the same time, it looked like they weren't. It was just a simple talk, but Hinata did not know where to classify it. "You can go to the bar now. . ."

"Not unless you have someone with you," he said.

The next thing Hinata knew, she felt his hand in the back of her head, pulling her closer to him. Her eyes widened in shock but she could not bring herself to look at her husband. But before Hinata could look up to see Sasuke, she felt something rough yet felt so smooth by her forehead — pushing away her bangs. It was his lips.

"I'll call Ino," Sasuke said with his lips still brushing her forehead.

Hinata could not move as her mind could still not register what her husband did. It was nothing impossible, yet it felt surreal. It was almost a dream she did not know she wanted to dream of. It was a dream that felt better in reality.

"Yamanaka," called her husband once he pulled away from her. When Hinata turned to where his eyes were, Ino was there with a shocked face. Upon her cerulean eyes meeting her lavender ones, Ino lost the shock and smiled sweetly at Hinata before looking back at her husband with curiosity. Sasuke leaned to Hinata and said in a whisper like manner, "You go ahead. I won't keep a close eye on you, don't worry."

Slowly turning her head to meet Sasuke's eyes, Hinata smiled assuringly. "It's fine if you do. . .it's reasonable."

"I won't," Sasuke said with a — what seemed like — small smirk. "Just go ahead."

With a small farewell glance, Hinata walked over to Ino with her feet skipping a bit. Somehow, even if she and Sasuke got into a small argument, what happened after that was a little bit heartwarming. Her chest felt warm, but so did her cheeks. Without a mirror, Hinata knew that she was blushing hard.

Still, she could not help but wonder why he changed so much. At first, Hinata thought that it was just small changes. But seeing as there was something in their relationship that certainly was not there before, the wife could not help but think that they were having a progress. Also, even if it's still about the guilt because Sasuke had frightened her, Hinata knew that she wouldn't mind it since the slight changes were enough to overlap it all.

"Hinata!" said Ino as if it's the first time they have seen each other in a really long time once they met on the dance floor. The blonde kunoichi embraced her in a tight hug. When she pulled away from the hug, Ino dragged her in the nearest stools before saying, "Wow. You're here."

"Is it that surprising?" asked Hinata with a blush. The blue eyed girl in front of her smiled sweetly before nodding hastily. Unsure of what she needed to say, Hinata claimed, "Oh. . .I'm glad I'm here."

"I am, too!" Ino exclaimed with a brighter smile than before. The blonde slowly leaned closer to Hinata, almost making the blue haired girl uncomfortable. Probably realizing that there was discomfort in Hinata's eyes at the lack of space she gave, Ino whispered, "But I'm really surprised Sasuke-kun's here. I thought it would just be you. Or better yet, I thought the both of you wouldn't come."

"It wasn't a short notice," replied Hinata shyly. "So we both decided to come."

"Oh. That's the deal with you two," Ino said with voice full of realization. Sitting straight, Ino continued without her eyes on Hinata, but rather on the ceiling as if she was thinking, "You only go out when you're properly informed. Noted noted."

"N-not really," Hinata whispered, more to herself than to Ino. It was clear enough that the blonde did not hear what she said. "We just don't go out a lot."

"Then okay!" Ino said cheerfully, completely ignoring what Hinata said. "On my birthday, I'll give you a three month notice! And every week in those three months before my birthday."

"I don't think that's necessary," Hinata said with a smile as she wanted to giggle at her friend's concluded thoughts.

"Maybe it is," the blonde haired kunoichi guessed in a cheerful way. The girl dressed in purple wrapped her hands around Hinata's shoulders then proceeded to walk. Hinata had no choice but to follow. "On second thought, I know you wouldn't miss my party for the world so, I know you'll definitely come."

"Ino. . ." called Hinata, her smile softening at her friend's confidence. There was really something charming about Ino, and Hinata admired the blonde for it.

"Moving on, moving on, what do you think of the party? I organized it," stated Ino proudly, her hands on her waist. "Technically, I planned it, too. Forehead girl and Tenten just didn't want to celebrate at first until I told them I'd shoulder it all off. All in all, it's my money."

"Oh, Ino-chan, you could've asked me for help. . ." trailed Hinata, suddenly feeling a little bit ashamed. She was always at home, and she was missing quite a lot. But then, even knowing these facts, Hinata just couldn't bring herself to blame herself. "We're friends and I—"

"Nuh-uh," interrupted the Yamanaka. The blond clicked her tongue before saying, "I'd rather leave you alone with your husband 'no? You're technically, still, newly weds so, yeah. So what do you think of the party?"

"It's really. . ." started the Uchiha, finally answering the question Ino first asked, her eyes roaming around the pub. "Great. Light-ish."

"It's a party of course!" cheered the Yamanaka, her fists waving in the air as a sign of accomplishment. She took a deep contented sigh before saying, "Sakura and Tenten will be here after some time. While we're at it, come, let's grab our drinks."

Long nailed fingers went their way to drape themselves around her wrists. It was either Hinata's mind was too clouded or she just wasn't paying attention. The next thing she knew, both her and Ino were by a table, with Ino raising her hand to call for a worker.

"Hullo lovely ladies, what can I help you with?" asked a man who was wearing something a little bit foreign for Konoha's fashion.

"Yeah I'll just have a. . ." the blonde trailed off, looking at Hinata. Ino waved her hand in the air to dismiss the worker. When he was gone, she asked, "You're allowed to drink, right?"

"Yes, I am, why?" asked Hinata. Then the blue haired kunoichi realized. "Oh, uhm, I'm not pregnant if that's what you're asking."

"Oh pft, I know I know," puffed Ino, shaking her head with a small smile. She looked back at Hinata before continuing, "But are you allowed to drink, 'Nata?"

"Hn, Ino-chan," replied the Uchiha with a small nod. She looked down in shame when she continued, "I apologize for not telling you sooner. You had to let go of the waiter because of that. . ."

"Tis fine, tis fine," Ino said assuringly, her hands waving as if they were telling her not to worry. "I just didn't want the guy to hear, 'no? Seriously, I've been hating the gossips. As someone who makes rumors, I've been stressing over these rumors about you lately. Makes me wanna. Argh!"

The stress was evident in Ino's tone and Hinata giggled at this. Ino gave her a side glance before she shrugged.

"I'm certain you've heard some, course course," Ino started. "There're these gossips that says that you're pregnant. Hello! If you were, I would've known. Excuse me, I work in the maternity ward sometimes. I know when people come and go. I just can't zip all the gossips in one go. Of course it isn't my business, but it's not theirs either."

"It's alright," Hinata said in a whisper like manner, her eyes drifting over the bar where Sasuke sat with who-seemed-like Yamato. Her gaze went back to her friend. "You cannot really blame them."

For a few seconds, it was quiet between the two of them. And then in a matter of time, Hinata saw Tenten and Sakura in the corner of her eyes. Drifting her attention to where they were, Ino looked at where Hinata was looking. The blonde displayed a bright smile as her eyes landed on their friends who was already on their way to their direction. Deciding to walk towards them, Hinata walked with Ino excitedly.

Ino started talking to Sakura and Tenten while Hinata's mind was elsewhere.

Sasuke. Where was he? Just a few moments ago, he was with Yamato by the bar. Looking at the bar now, there was not a single trace of Sasuke. Yamato was still there, but with Gai now. Activating her byakugan for a few moments, she realized that he was outside the bar with Naruto. Quickly deactivating her kekkei genkai, she immediately looked over Sakura and Tenten.

"Happy birthday Sakura-chan, Tenten-chan," geeted Hinata with a warm smile.

"Thanks!" it was Sakura.

"Thank you," Tenten said sweetly. The girl in buns cleared her throat before saying, "Oh and thanks for the book. I've actually been thinking of having a business of my own, but I didn't know where to start. So, yeah, thanks for that."

It didn't occur to Hinata that Sasuke's gift would be somehow helpful. She did not doubt her husband, she just couldn't believe that it wasn't all for nothing.

"What book?" asked Sakura before Hinata could say that she was welcome.

"It's Sasuke and Hinata's gift!" Tenten announced warmly. "Uhm oh, right, it's actually Sasuke-san's gift."

And then it dawned on Hinata. They got Tenten a gift as man and wife, but when it came to Sakura: it was only her who left a present. Sasuke gave nothing — or not that she knew of. While the blue haired kunoichi still could not understand as to why Sasuke treated Sakura coldly, she looked at the pink haired kunoichi sadly. He may be her husband, but the Haruno loved Sasuke in all those years Hinata was loving another.

"Can't wait to have my birthday!" yelled Ino, breaking the ice, making Hinata disregard her thoughts.

Right after that, Hinata kept quiet while they sat in a table. They exchanged drinks and refill. It was a system. Tenten would look at her questioningly from time to time. Again, Hinata needed to remind herself not to drink too much. She was not a heavy drinker, but it was no secret that she would not say no to alcohol especially if it was her friends she was drinking with.

The night went on like normal girls' nights out, with Ino sharing her latest news about almost everything and Sakura sharing the same wits with her.

"Oh oh, and," Ino started again with a somehow groggy voice as she just drank straight without a chaser. "And that, and that, and that Temari-san delivered a scroll here personally when they could've asked for anyone else."

"Maybe it's important, duh," Tenten commented as she crossed her arms. At this, the blonde squinted her eyes playfully at the brunette. "What?"

"It's Shikamaru!" Ino said, widening her eyes for emphasis. "She came here. . .for him!"

"You're hurting my ear, you pig," said Sakura, scratching her reddish ear — a product of Ino's shouts. Hinata wondered then if it hurt Ino to scream loud with the alcohol's effect in her throat. Hinata could never.

"You deserve it," Ino said, giggling. "Oh right, it's your birthday celebration, I should be nice."

"Damn right you should be," huffed Sakura, sipping her alcohol like it was some type of tea.

"But I arranged it all so you kinda, you know, I kinda get some reason why I should pester you," Ino said, giggling. At this, Tenten laughed before turing at Hinata. With the gesture, Ino joked, "Tenten, whatever you do, that's not who you think it is. Don't kiss her."

"Idiot, I'm not drunk," Tenten mumbled, rolling her eyes at Ino. The girl in buns turned to Hinata and asked, "Aren't you pregnant?"

Hinata only shook her head as an answer. And then the conversations drifted to a new one.

While Tenten and Sakura would stand from time to time to meet some guests, Hinata was left with Ino most of the time. Small chatters about glimpses of their lives would spread its way towards their conversation. Even if Hinata was not a conversational type of person, Ino and the drink made it easy for her to speak. It was quite some time, so her cheeks were already warm.

When she and Ino were alone again, Ino faced her with a drink in hand.

"I'm curious, as always," Ino stated after another shot. "What does marriage feels like?"

"I think it's d-different for everyone," Hinata answered after a long silence. She pursed her lip and thought about it again.

"Yep, I know." The blond took another shot, not even barely resting from the shot she took just a few seconds ago. "I just wanted to ask. I'm not the type of person who would commit fully, especially after losing so much, and you know it. I didn't really think I'd be contented anymore. I love Sai, of course. No secrets right there, no buts too. It just makes me think I'll be trapped in a relationship forever."

"Oh nooo, Ino. . ." the Uchiha suddenly said worriedly. Even Hinata herself was not sure on why she said that. It was probably the alcohol. With a slurry but still understandable voice, Hinata continued, "It's not about deliberations. . .it's a-actually about discovering some-something each day."

"I think you've had enough," Ino said with a giggle, pinching Hinata's button nose. The blonde giggled more when Hinata let out a small sneeze. The Yamanaka moved the glass in front of Hinata to her side before saying, "There 'ya go."

"And you know, Ino-chan. . ." sighed Hinata. "I don't think you'll know someone m-much until you m-marry them."

"You're saying that you need to marry someone to know them?" asked Ino with a trailing giggle, obviously finding her answers amusing.

"No, Ino-chan," said Hinata, shaking her head. The blue haired kunoichi immediately regretted this after becoming dizzy. "You. . .j-just will be surprised when you marry him."

"Surprised, hm?"

"Y-yes," Hinata said with a hiccup.

"Surprised, how?"

It was only a matter of seconds when Hinata spoke again. She didn't think much of her answer, but she did, however, know that it was all true. And she knew that she was happy to finally have the chance to share it with someone.

"You w-will never know how much you'd want to see him smirk," started Hinata, putting her hands atop the table where she could rest her head. When she rested her head, her soft voice only became more slurry. "Or tha-that you'll never know how much st-still of a kid he really is."

It was true. Hinata could only see that side of Sasuke when he had the chance to be such a mischief. Most of the times, it was Naruto's doing. But his teasings and small jokes that were barely humorous would stay in her mind. Like that one time Sasuke joked about her carrying a child, or when there were girls who misheard them about doing something in the night and he teased her.

"A-also, when he shows small things tha-that you think you're the o-only one who will see," Hinata continued. "It's nice."

"You're not talking about his member, are you?" joked Ino, smiling deviously.

"Nooooo," slurred Hinata, making Ino laugh loudly. The blond playfully hit Hinata's shoulder which only made the Uchiha giggle. "Why would I?"

"I was just messing around," Ino said with a giggle. "Imma go ahead to the washroom. Wanna come?"

"It's fine. I'm fine," said Hinata with a sweet smile.

"I won't leave you here alone," the blonde muttered with a pout. She roamed her eyes around, probably to look for someone whom she could call. Her eyes widened upon seeing something, but Hinata did not turn her head to see. "Aburame! Inuzuka!"

At this, Hinata's eyes widened.

"Yamanaka?" asked Kiba as the due slowly walked. When his eyes landed at Hinata, he averted his eyes away as if he didn't see anything.

"I need to pee, okay?" stated Ino.

"Geez, why the hell would you call us for that?" asked Kiba in disgust.

"Whatever," Ino mumbled. "Go keep an eye on Hinata. Bye!"

"Shino-kun, Kiba-kun!" greeted Hinata once Ino was gone, her heart beating wildly.

It was probably the alcohol in her bloodstream that made her too sensitive, but Hinata missed them. She missed their bond. She missed her team. Her team. It would hurt her if she admitted it to herself, but her team was one of the many things she had forgotten. Why had she? When they were one of the most important people she chose to keep close. Guilt started to overlap its way to her mind when she saw Kiba's furrowed eyebrows.

"Huh. Didn't expect you to be here, Uchiha," Kiba mumbled. His slit of pupils looked away from her while Shino was looking straight at her. "Finally decided to show yourself to the world?"

"Wh-"

"Kiba," warned Shino, cutting Hinata off. "Don't."

"I just want to know," growled Kiba, swatting Shino's arm away that was even barely touching his own arm.

"Just don't," Shino said flatly. "Not now."

It was all happening so fast. It was barely registering in Hinata's mind. There was something wrong with her, and Kiba wanted to point that out. She may be purposely setting everything aside, but this was Kiba. And she needed to know. But before she could ask, Kiba was already showing signs of leaving.

"Fine," Kiba said underneath his breath. The Inuzuka showed signs of walking away, but he seemed like he was still hesitating at the same time.

"Kiba-kun. . ." called Hinata, her voice almost trembling. When Kiba started walking away, Hinata wanted to follow him, but Shino waved a hand right in front of her face. At this, she said, "Shino-kun. . ."

"It's best if you don't," Shino advised, taking a step backward. "He would understand. Enjoy the night. Come to us when you're ready."

Shino started walking away and all Hinata could do was watch her friend.

Finding it hard to breathe, Hinata started to look for something. Grabbing a glass of a what seemed like plain water from a walking waiter, Hinata quickly drank its content. It was either she was too distracted to even know what it tasted like or it was just water.

Her eyes roamed around to look for something. Someone.

Sasuke.

Where are you?

But he wasn't anywhere. Her mind was too clouded to even think of using her byakugan. Chakra signatures were everywhere, flowing freely, so she could only sense a faint part of her husband.

Suddenly feeling a little dizzy, Hinata went her way to the closest table. There was already a man who was seated by the same table, but the Uchiha was not thinking straight. Propping her elbows by the table, Hinata rested her fingers by her temples, massaging her head ever so slightly. It was when she noticed what the man who was in the same table as hers was doing.

At first, all she could see was pale hands. Then a small brush came into her view. Not being able to see everything completely, Hinata adjusted her hand, only to see a piece of parchment with the cleanest drawing she has ever seen laid down on the table. Without thinking too much about who the person was, Hinata immediately knew who it was.

Sai.

And he was drawing a small picture of Ino.

Still struggling to breathe, Hinata focused her eyes on the drawing. It was helpful, somehow. She still could not see the picture clearly, but it was beautiful. A work in progress that is entirely pretty. In her life, she had met several artists who painted for their family, but Sai was a different one. Even if the Uchiha did not know much about the artist, Hinata knew that he was remarkable at his art.

"Hyuga," called the pale man, only a few inches away from her.

At this, she removed her hand that kept her from seeing him. Upon this, her lavender eyes immediately met his dark ones. It was too dark for her own liking, even Sasuke's was lighter. Or maybe it was because of the former ROOT's pale skin. Either way, Hinata still could not see the semblance between Sai and Sasuke that people talked too much back then. Hinata never really looked at them both before, but now Hinata could see that there was nothing.

"Uchiha. . ." corrected Hinata blankly, putting her eyes back at the painting.

"Hyuga," the pale man persisted.

"Please call me by my name," said Hinata as her hand reached for another drink. She drank its contents slowly.

"Isn't Hyuga your name?"

"It was, Sai-san," answered Hinata with a slight slur. Then she remembered Sasuke's words earlier about having limitations, Hinata stopped. "Call me Hinata please."

"I was not known for calling people by their name," the artist said. He picked another glass of ink from his small rucksack and said, "Purple."

"Okay. . ." Hinata trailed off awkwardly, as she was not liking the weird man in the same table as her. As much as she wanted to just go to another table or return to Sasuke, Hinata just could not.

"Don't worry," Sai started. "I am just here to keep you company until Miss Beautiful remembers you. She tends to forget things under the influence of alcohol. Next thing you'll see, she's already on the dance floor even if she claims she doesn't want to dance."

Even without looking at the ANBU, Hinata could sense his smile. For a split second or so, Hinata forgot who Miss Beautiful was. And then she remembered Ino. That was Sai's endearment for her. It was the sweetest thing that she ever heard, and it came from Sai. Hinata never really knew the artist, but it was good to know that her friend was in good hands.

Hinata was a good judge of character, and she concluded that maybe Sai was not good nor bad. His reputation may be a little bit suspicious, but the side he would show her was what she was counting on.

"Will you dance with her?" asked Hinata, glancing at him.

"I'll know if she wants me to," he replied. "She's got this look in her eyes whenever she wants me to do something for her."

"Do you really know?"

"Yes," Sai said. "I'm sure your husband does, too — even if your eyes are as blank as a canvas."

"How are you so sure?" asked Hinata. She was not the type to continue nor start conversations, but she figured she was beginning to feel comfortable with the former ROOT.

"I study," said Sai. Hinata was not sure if it was a joke or not since back then Sai was always at the library,so she just cracked a small soft smile. "It's my job as an ANBU. Missions and whatnot."

"I d-don't really get it," Hinata admitted truthfully with a small hiccup. When a waiter passed by, he put two glasses of drinks in front of Sai and Hinata. So Hinata got her hands in one of them while Sai did not get his hand on his. After drinking a small portion of its contents, Hinata continued, "but I do miss missions. . ."

"You're still a kunoichi," pointed Sai out. "As far as I know, you are not retired."

"Hn," she agreed before drinking again. Wiping her lips with the end of her sleeves, Hinata continued, "I am not."

"You can still go to missions," Sai said before pulling another fresh parchment paper from his small rucksack. He started drawing something while Hinata watched with very much interest. "Your husband couldn't."

Though the music was loud and blaring, Hinata heard the small whisper from Sai. And it did not seem like he was hiding it at all. Alcohol could not make things up, so it was most likely that it was true. What she heard was true.

"I h-heard you Sai-san," said Hinata with furrowed eyebrows and with eyes on Sai. "Why couldn't he?"

"Of course you don't know," Sai said as if he was telling an amusing story, but his face was blank and so were his eyes. "Your husband is allowed to do missions only from Hokage-sama's direct orders. He didn't tell you, of course. He can't even do simple missions."

"But he goes to d-different missions," Hinata said, eyes squinting at the man. Was he implying something?

"Let me reword everything I said." The look on his face showed that he was not lying at all. "He's allowed to go to low ranked missions, however, not allowed to other missions unless approved by the council. Hokage-sama, too."

"W-what?" asked Hinata in a slurry voice.

"I suggest you ask him."

"You're lying." The words rolled out of her tongue like knives. She drank her glass empty for the sake of calming her nerves. She could sense a bit of lie in Sai's words. But then, Sasuke would only go out of missions if Kakashi calls for him. Was it possible?

"I'm not," Sai said before looking at the drawing again. With long strokes, he started to create a small image of what seemed like mountains and lakes. Landscapes. "Was there a time when he went on a mission that took so much time more than the usual?"

"There was," Hinata said after a small while. "When they rescued my sister."

"Ah how could I forget," muttered the man, taking a glimpse from her before his eyes were at his drawing again. "One ANBU was assigned for that mission, but your husband volunteered, taking his place. Was he even allowed? No."

She bit her lip. Why was Sai telling her this?

"Then w-why was he there?" she asked, her speaking voice louder than usual. The Uchiha took the drink in front of Sai and drank just a small amount of it out of the pressure. The pressure that she did not know she has. "If he wasn't allowed, why did he come?"

"The council agreed," Sai answered. "Because he asked for it. He asked that he would do something, as your husband. Because it's your sister, he wanted to save her. Not because of the reward or for the sake of going through a mission, but because she was your sister."

The feeling was overwhelming. The information was not something she could hear from someone who never knew a thing. Sai knew something, probably more than she could ever know. And he was telling her. It doesn't help with the fact that Sai was telling her something that felt confidential for most.

"Is that true?"

"Why would I lie?"

Instead of answering, Hinata just drank the drink that was supposedly Sai's.

"You are very drunk now," commented Sai after a while, but his eyes were still on a new drawing.

"A little," she lied, as she knew to herself that she drank more than she could possibly remember.

"You are," said Ino's boyfriend, looking unbelievably unbothered. "Won't your husband be mad?"

"I h-hope not," she admitted with a hiccup.

"Is he frightening when he's angry?" asked Sai before putting the folded parchment of paper with his drawing in his rucksack.

"Somehow," answered Hinata with a small giggle. Though a little bit drunk and affected by the beverages she took, Hinata still knew what she was doing. "He reminds me of my nii-san when he's mad."

"Does he, now?" asked Sai curiously, putting both of his hands atop the table as if he was examining her. Hinata could not help but smile at the sight.

"I've only realized it now," she admitted, smiling softy with her eyes on the empty glasses in front of her. "But he does. Neji-nii, Sasuke-kun: they're o-only mad when I do something stu-stupid."

"Hinata." It came from a different voice, but upon hearing it, Hinata smiled. She shifted her body to get a better view of him. "Come, let's head home."

"Thank you, Sasuke-kun," she mumbled with a sweet smile.

"Can you stand?" her husband asked. For a second, Hinata was genuinely scared upon seeing his reaction. But when she faced him, there was no disappointment in his face, rather concerned. She didn't say anything, so Sasuke made his way towards her, putting his arm in her waist to help her stand. Before the Uchiha lady could stand, Sasuke asked again, "Are you ready?"

"She couldn't handle the drinks," Sai, who was from behind her, suddenly said.

"Sas-"

"Don't trouble yourself," said her husband, cutting her off. "Don't speak if you can't."

When Hinata tried to nod, her head felt heavier. So she just kept still. The blaring music was too loud and it bothered Hinata more than the alcohol. The lights were blinding enough, and the enhanced eyesight every Hyuga has didn't help.

"Tell me whenever you're ready, hm?" Sasuke softly requested in her ear, making her smile and cling onto her husband. It was clear enough that Sasuke was purposely ignoring Sai, and Hinata couldn't suppress her giggle. At this, Sasuke smirked. "Come, let's just go home. It'll be quick."

"Promise?" asked Hinata with a hiccup trailing at the end.

"I do," Sasuke claimed, his smirk widening. Even if Hinata's lavender eyes were almost closing, her vision was clear enough. "Do you want me to carry you?"

"Silly Sasuke-kun," muttered Hinata, tapping his nose by her finger. She giggled at her own phrase before saying. "Okay, okay. Let's go home."

"Next time, don't let her drink alone," Sai said as he started walking away from their table. "You're her husband."

"Don't," said Sasuke with a grunt. "Talk to me when you know nothing."

"Don't I know everything?" the pale man stopped walking. Hinata could see Sai looking at them both with a blank expression, yet it was haunting enough.

"Screw off," was all Sasuke said before Sai started walking away once more.

"I- I will j-just," Hinata stuttered. She put her hands in Sasuke's nape, finally giving in her body for him to carry. When she had balanced in his arm, she continued, "Sleep."

"Good," Sasuke commented, planting a small kiss in her forehead. "You're stubborn when you're drunk."

At this, she could not help but smile. Indeed, Sasuke, too, was trying his best to work their relationship out. Up to now, the Uchiha's wife was still hanging on her vow that she confessed about wanting to love her husband. Somehow, she could feel Sasuke's vow, too. Only the raven haired man's promise was unspoken.

Hinata could feel some eyes on them, but she did not mind as she drifted off to sleep.

When she woke, Hinata could already see that they were in their room. Her drunken mind only thought of one thing: Hinata woke up at the wrong time. While Hinata wondered how Sasuke managed to carry her all the way through, she guessed it had something to do with their jutsus.

"Sasuke-kun?" called Hinata as he laid her in their bed, opening her eyes to meet his.

"Hn."

"Thank you," she said in an unclear voice, still. The alcohol was still obviously flowing freely in her bloodstream, but this time, her sleep made it much better.

"It's nothing," Sasuke stated who was undressing himself.

"For saving m-my sister," she completed her phrase.

"I didn't save her," he said in a matter of fact way. "It's Naruto. It was a long time ago. Now sleep, Hinata. You'll have a headache in the morning so brace yourself."

"How come are y-you not drunk?" Hinata questioned absentmindedly, though with closed eyes she frowned lightly.

"I told you to watch over your limitations, didn't I?" asked Sasuke who now changed into his clothes that he wore at night.

"But Sai-san told me that. . ." Hinata started once more, reminding herself that she needed to thank her husband. "It wasn't really your mission. You're n-not allowed to go t-to a mission, but they let you because y-you wanted to save my sister. Your wife's sister. . ."

"It's nothing," he tried to tell her again, and maybe it was the alcohol in her system that made her go on.

"Naruto-kun would have not come," said Hinata. "If you weren't there. . ."

When Hinata tried to open her eyes, she couldn't. She was merely squinting. But the figure in front of her didn't move. She couldn't see his face, his reaction; she couldn't even see his body language.

"So thank you. . ." Hinata said once more before drifting off to sleep.


A/N: a lil bit busy with research lately, but everything's fine. Thank you for all the wise reviews and the ff/faves, it's very much appreciated! Seriously, I love you guys so much.

I'm not the type of person who puts random details around, so just be reminded that almost everything I put in every chapter is relevant to the plot.

Oh and Sas? What's with the forehead kisses? Getting touchy?

Disclaimer: NARUTO'S NOT MINE. I OWN NOTHING. I'M JUST A FANFIC WRITER.

All my love, Inolovesmadu21.