Kakashi wakes gasping, Hinata's hands cradling him tenderly to her chest. He immediately hooks his arms around her and squeezes. Kakashi breathes in her scent, desperately seeking any sort of comfort. Hinata murmurs reassuringly in his ear.
"I'm here, Hatake-kun, hush now."
She never tells him 'it's okay'. Never when it matters. Never when it is so obvious it's not. She always says 'I'm here'. And that, more than anything, is the greatest comfort she can give him.
"I can't stop seeing—" Kakashi's breath gasps for breath. Hinata snakes a hand between them to rub at his chest. It helps and he chokes out, "I can't get the image of Rin...of me killing her out of my head! "
"You did not kill her!" Hinata whispers fiercely in the dark of his their den. Kakashi rears back in surprise, but Hinata holds him firm. "Rin chose her death. You were merely a means to an end. Never blame yourself for her decisions."
Kakashi doesn't say anything. He lays there, letting her words sink in, trembling with the aftershocks of, well, everything.
"I think…" Hinata says quietly to herself. "...you need to make better memories." She gets up and Kakashi is too worn out to stop the whine that leaves him. It cuts short when Hinata leans over him, the tips of her hair brushing his wet cheeks. His heartbeat speeds back up but not in panic this time, no, this is far nicer; his wolfsblood running wildly.
"Open your eye." Kakashi opens his mouth to say 'it already is' when she adds, "The other one."
With her scent all around him and her gentle yet commanding voice, Kakashi doesn't think there's anything she could ask him right now that he wouldn't do.
The sharingan spins to life and he stares transfixed at Hinata.
Moon and stars above, she is beautiful. The moon shining behind her from their open window gives her the aurora something ethereal and otherworldly; something straight out of a fairytale; something spoken about in hushed whispers by little wrinkled old ladies. Her pale skin is practically glowing, her eyes two glittering pearls like the ones found only in the sea's most profound trenches.
And, gods, her smile.
(His wolf throws back its head and howls.)
Hinata glances to the side and lifts a hand to tuck her hair behind her ear. Kakashi blinks, capturing the image. She looks back at him, peeking shyly at him from underneath her lashes. The sharingan saves it all with startling clarity.
"Let's m—make lots of new memories together, okay?"
"...okay…" he agrees breathlessly.
Hinata hesitates before leaning down and pressing a chaste kiss against his forehead.
The memory burns sweetly in his mind.
Kinoe stops and adjusts his hold on the corpse slung over his shoulder. They are another failed experiment of Orochimaru's—a sharingan implant gone wrong. They'd collapsed due to a chakra shortage in the optical chakra points. The eyes were unsalvageable, agent seven-four-two's eyes sockets scorched beyond use.
Danzo has no use for defective tools and so he sent Kinoe to dispose of them.
(This could have been him—should have been him—if his master hadn't found a use for him.)
Kinoe dumps them off in the cavern known unofficially as the Pit. Upon entering, his eyes water and his body jerks without his permission. Kinoe represses the urge to gag at the overwhelming smell of hundreds of rotting bodies. He turns around and quickly begins to make his exit.
He's wiping his eyes when he accidentally kicks an errant skull. It rolls along before falling into one of the many holes that fill the cavern. Kinoe drops his hands from his face when he hears a thud followed by a soft groan.
He frowns and against his better judgment, against the little voice in the back of his mind saying, don't look, there's nothing to see, this is their penance; this is mercy, he walks over and peers down into the hole.
It's too dark to really see anything so he channels chakra to his eyes and his frown turns into a grimace.
Kame looks back at him from where they're hunched against the walls, their mask cracked with dark smears on it. Recognition flitters in their wooden eyes and they curl in tighter to themselves, toes digging into the filth they're sitting in.
To be honest, Kinoe is surprised to find Kame at all, let alone alive. Danzo isn't usually so...lenient with those that fail his expectations.
Kinoe's fingers twitch with the need to trace the raised scars on his neck and temples.
He of all people knows this.
Kinoe pulls back and goes to leave. Someone will be back for Kame later after they've learned their lesson. Kinoe only had to spend two weeks down here to learn his.
Although, unlike Kame, Kinoe was never alone. He had the other Named to watch over him, ever since he was first brought here and Danzo gave him the title of 'Kinoe'.
(He remembers the way Mizunoe had dropped into his hole and sewn the gash in his neck, the rations Kanoto chucked at his head, the blanket Kinoto had left for him, and how when he returned from the Pit, Kanoe had ensured a stream of easy, uncomplicated missions for him, Hinoe and Hinoto watching him like hawks each time he left and returned.
Kinoe doesn't think he would have survived those two weeks without them.)
He knows that others are not so lucky, trapped here for weeks and even months at a time with no support. There's one agent rumored to have spent five years down here. Kinoe doesn't know what they did or what happened to them after, but whatever their fate was it couldn't have been anything good.
But Kinoe doesn't know Kame. There's a chance they'll report him if he tries to offer his help. And Kinoe can't—he can't go back there. He doesn't know how many times Tsuchinoto can protect him—he can't know how much the man has sacrificed to keep out of the re-education centers.
Kinoe is about to take a step when he hears Kame talk for the first time.
"...sshh, I am here...he cannot hurt you anymore...I am here, hush now…"
Their voice is hoarse with disuse, but the tone they use is soft and tender and everything Kinoe didn't know he wanted.
(Sometimes, when the nights are cold and long, he wishes for someone to hold him and tell him it'll be okay, he'll be okay. And when the gaping pit of nothingness that resides inside him threatens to swallow him whole, he grabs his bunk's single assigned blanket and huddles wherever Hinoto is standing guard that night.
She never says anything. Never admonishes him or tells him to leave. No, she simply steps forward and then to the side, hiding him within her cloak like a great black bird watching over its one egg.
He wishes she could do more—that he can do more, but they cannot. These things—these emotions—are forbidden and for good reason.)
(At least, that is what they tell him.)
Kinoe reaches for the clasps on his cloak and undoes them. He tosses it and some rations bars into the pit before leaving.
Hinata knocks on the door of her shishou's apartment and takes a step back, waiting politely for someone to answer it. She brightens when she's greeted with a familiar red-inked dog mask.
"Hello, Inu-san!"
Kakashi nods back at her, "Hinata."
"Is Kushina-shishou home?" Hinata pulls out her sealing notebook. "I had some questions about the barrier seal exercise she assigned me."
"Yeah, she and sensei are both home." Kakashi steps aside and leads Hinata into the house. "They're entertaining a guest right now."
Hinata's steps falter behind him.
"Oh, um, if that's the case I can always come by later when they aren't busy? I don't want to interrupt."
Kakashi shakes his head, "Kushina won't mind. In fact, she might thank you."
"Why is that?" Hinata asks as she walks into the kitchen to one of three legendary sannin prancing around like a child.
"I'm going to be a godfather! Me! A godfather!"
Oh, Hinata thinks, looking at the tic mark forming on her shishou's forehead as the sannin continues to dance around and shout, I understand now.
Jiraiya whirls around and comes face to face with Hinata. Without hesitation, he crouches and grabs onto her hands.
"I'm going to be a godfather!" He grins at her, cheeks flushed happily. Hinata mirrors him, cheeks going pink at having someone so respected intruding her personal space, going so far as to hold her hands. "Isn't that great news?!"
"Y—yes, ah, congratulations, Jiraiya-sama."
"Thank you, um," Jiraiya blinks at her, "who are you?"
"This—" Kushina says, appearing behind the man and driving her fist into his head painfully. Jiraiya twitches and lets go of Hinata. Kakashi swiftly pulls her away to stand beside him, "—is Hinata."
"Hinata?" Jiraiya stands up straight, a thoughtful look coming to his face as he rubs the bump on his head. "Now where have I heard that name before?" His gaze falls on Minato and his expression morphs into glee. "Oh! I know where I've heard about you. You're the hime from Minato's letters, the ex—ow!"
"—expert on shodo and proper manners," Kushina butts-in expertly, stomping on Jiraiya's foot, "and my new, adorable little apprentice, yes, that Hinata."
Jiraiya nods frantically in agreement, tears in his eyes.
Minato gets up from the dining table and approaches the group. He rubs the back of his head in embarrassment and gestures to Jiraiya who's clutching his throbbing foot.
"Ah, Hinata-chan, this is my jounin sensei, Jiraiya." He turns to Jiraiya. "Sensei, this is Hinata-chan. The kunoichi that helped Kushina with the village's new security seals."
Hinata steps forward so she is a respectful distance across from Jiraiya and bows at just the right angle for someone of his reputation and skill.
"It is an honor to make the acquaintance of the one who taught Yondaime-sama."
The man smiles; pleased.
"Ohoho~ nice to meet you too, hime."
Hinata fidgets. "Ano, I don't want to be rude, Jiraiya-sama, but that title is no longer mine."
Hinata laments when the atmosphere in the room dampens but does not take back her words. She is no longer the Hyuuga's heiress, no longer a true hime. That honor belongs to young Hanabi now.
Jiraiya rubs his chin, "Hm, I have to disagree with you." He smiles genuinely at her. "I think it suits you just fine. Trust me. I've known my fair share of princesses." He says with a wink.
Hinata blushes and looks down bashfully.
"You honor me." She murmurs with trembling lips.
"Besides, it's nice to finally put a face to the name." Jiraiya's tone turns teasing. "And what a lovely face it is. I can see why Sakumo's brat likes you so much."
"W—what?" Hinata stutters, face quickly reddening further, and she takes a shaky step back only to run into someone, their hands gripping her elbows when she loses balance. She looks behind her and her face goes impossibly redder when she's met with Kakashi's ANBU mask.
Kushina yanks Jiraiya away by his collar. "Okay, okay, I think that's enough outta you, old man."
Minato flutters anxiously behind her, "Be careful, Kushina, please. The doctor said not to do anything too strenuous."
"Ugh, fine."
Jiraiya lets loose a shout when he's unceremoniously dropped onto the ground.
"You okay?" Kakashi asks Hinata quietly. She nods and steps out of his arms, her dizzy spell fading now that they're not so close anymore.
"Yes, I'm alright now, th—thank you."
Kushina waddles up to her and Hinata politely hides her smile behind her hand.
"So Hinata-chan, what brings you over?"
Hinata takes a look at the people in the room and hesitates. Her knowledge in fuuinjutsu is still so rudimentary. And here she is with three out of four of the world's top masters. What if, when they hear her questions, they think she is stupid and laugh at her? What if Kushina realizes that Hinata is not worth teaching? What if—
A light touch on her back takes her out of her spiraling thoughts.
"Go on, Hinata," Kakashi encourages softly, "ask her."
Hinata nods and shakily pulls out her notebook from her pouch.
"If you don't m—mind, I have a question about this youkai barrier seal?" Hinata flips to the correct page and hands it over to Kushina. "I wasn't sure if the absence of a four-corner barrier was deliberate or if it was an, ah, oversight the creator made."
Kushina hums thoughtfully and rolls her wrist, beckoning Hinata to elaborate.
"The seal was designed to trap and exorcise lesser spirits…" Hinata trails off when Jiriaya and Minato walk over, peering down at Hinata's notes with interest. Hinata shifts her weight, but another touch from Kakashi emboldens her. "...so an eight-corner anchor seems excessive even if it is mostly only used for ceremonial purposes nowadays."
"I mean eight is a lucky number but yeah I get you, Hinata." Kushina nods and unseals a notebook of her own. "I'll inform the shrine priests. This will save their exorcists a lot of work."
"Good work, Hinata-chan." Minato praises. Jiraiya nods, a curious gleam in his eyes when he looks at her. Hinata bows her head to hide behind her bangs.
"A—arigatou, Yondaime-sama."
Minato sighs, "We've been over this before, Hinata-chan. You can still call me sensei. I don't mind. Honest."
Kushina snorts, "Good luck with that."
"I—I couldn't possibly!" Hinata shakes her head frantically; scandalized. "You are my kage and the leader of the village. Your position demands proper respect."
Minato, the scourge of the Third Shinobi War and Fourth Hokage, pouts like a small child.
"I understand if we're in public, but you can least drop the formalities when I'm in my own house." He turns his baby blue eyes to her, making the girl fidget. "Even Kakashi doesn't call me 'Hokage-sama' when it's just us and you know how much of a stickler for the rules he is."
Kakashi huffs but doesn't say anything, the fact that he's out in the open and not hidden like the other ANBU adding credence to Minato's argument.
"Very well, Yon...Namikaze-sensei."
Minato droops and mumbles, "...no 'Minato-sensei'…?"
Jiraiya laughs and slaps the man's back, making him double over with a grunt.
"You see? Like I said: a true hime."
Hinata finally has enough and retreats behind Kakashi with an embarrassed squeak.
The adults talk shop for a while longer and Hinata learns a lot from just listening to them.
"You won't believe what I found in Kusa."
"What did you find, sensei?"
"Yeah, what'd you see, old man?" Kushina asks. Jiraiya grumbles about the 'old man' comment but dutifully begins his retelling.
"Well then let me tell you! It was actually on my way from back Kusa that I came across this seal. You see this seal contained a portion of the creator's chakra and will, channeling it through the victim's body, corrupting and enhancing it."
"So a...zombie?" Kushina asks; stars in her eyes.
Jiraiya nods slowly, "In a way, yeah. Anyways, I tried to nullify or at least put it in stasis to study later but no go. In a way, the creator has created a parasite that feeds on the victim's chakra as well as their emotions."
"So it was feeding off their spiritual chakra…" Hinata trails off thoughtfully."...thus creating an imbalance hence the corrupt chakra."
"A hime with brains." Jiraiya ribs Kakashi. "You're a lucky guy, kid."
Hinata blushes and goes back to taking notes as they continue talking.
Eventually, the hour becomes late and Kushina yawns.
"'kay. I'm beat. I'm going to try and get some shut-eye before the little guy starts using my bladder for sparring practice." A chorus of 'goodnight's and 'sleep well's marks her departure.
Minato looks out the window. A flash of white reflects off the glass pane.
"Looks like your night relief is here, Inu." Minato looks over at his sensei. "The spare bedroom is yours if you want it."
"Well, don't mind if I do." Jiraiya gets up and stretches before jaunting down the hallway. "G'night, kiddos!"
Hinata waits for Kakashi to change out of his ANBU uniform, leaving just her and the young kage in the hallway.
"You're really picking all this up fast," Minato says.
"I…" Hinata bites her lip. "I don't want to disappoint you."
Minato slowly puts his hand on Hinata's head, watchful for any discomfort. When he finds none, he pats her head gently.
"That's impossible, Hinata-chan. You could never disappoint me."
Hinata leans into the touch, heart brimming with joy, and wonders if this is what it would have been like if Akio-sensei had lived. If maybe Hayate had a point when he said her previous teachers weren't good teachers, not really. If this is maybe what it would have felt like to have her father's unconditional support and confidence.
She thinks that little Naruto is oh so very lucky.
"...you are a good sensei...thank you." Hinata says quietly.
Minato thinks briefly of his two students who are now dead and gone and swallows thickly.
I'm not. He thinks. I'm really not.
"...and you are a good student." He replies.
Minato spies Kakashi standing a little distance away and reaches over to pat his head too.
"You too, Kakashi, you too."
Minato sends them off with a tub of Kushina's handmade salt cookies. Kakashi rests his chin on Hinata's shoulder and sniffs eagerly at the container. Hinata giggles and gently pushes his face away.
"We can have some tomorrow after breakfast."
Minato has to stifle a laugh when Kakashi whines. Hinata giggles again, the sound nearly melting his heart, and bids him goodnight. Kakashi doesn't bother, dragging his feet dejectedly after her. Hinata takes note and sighs, taking hold of his arm and promising him one cookie, that's it.
If Kakashi had a tail it would be wagging.
Minato closes the door, laughing freely now, and turns around to find his sensei leaning against the wall.
"Those two are close aren't they?"
Minato hums, "They are, yes, since the academy I hear."
Jiraiya nods, looking up thoughtfully. "You know...I think I remember Sakumo saying something about his kid making nice with some girl before...ya know…" he waves his hand around awkwardly.
Minato holds back a sigh. He has no idea how a man as charismatic as his sensei can be so awkward. Although Sakumo's death will always be a sensitive topic, so he can't fault the man too much.
Jiraiya continues, "I mean I've never seen the brat act like, well, a brat around anyone. It's kinda weird to see, but in a good way."
Minato chuckles fondly, "It is, isn't it?" He thinks back on all the interactions between the two he's been privy to. "Hinata's always had that effect on him as long as I've known them."
"Are they…?" Jiraiya trails off, putting his two index fingers together.
It takes Minato a moment to understand what he means.
"What—sensei, they're thirteen!"
"Exactly!" His sensei exclaims, throwing his hands out excitedly. "They're at the perfect stage in their lives to begin exploring! Whether it be themselves, girls, boys, both, others, or neither!" He finishes, wiggling his eyebrows at Minato.
"Sensei!" Minato blubbers, trying not to think of his cute little students doing something like—like holding hands! Or—or worse, kissing.
The toad sage throws his head back and lets loose a boom of laughter. He reaches over and clasps his student's shoulder, pulling him close.
"Ah, teasing you never gets old, does it? Even Mikoto-chan was never this easy, the little ice princess."
"Sensei," Minato whines. Trust his sensei to tear down years of hard-won growth to make him feel like a rookie genin all over again. Minato glances up at his teacher's cheery grin, his warmth seeping into him like a warm campfire, and finds himself not minding the feeling. Best to let the old man have his fun, eh?
"So, Minato," Jiraiya raises a single white eyebrow, "are they?"
Minato sputters, "N—no! I mean they're close, yes, but they're not there yet."
His sensei's second brow goes up.
"Yet?" he asks playfully.
Minato drops his face into his hands and groans. Jiraiya laughs boisterously.
"OI!" Kushina yells from further within the apartment. "PIPE DOWN YOU TWO! Some of us are trying to sleep here, 'ttebane!"
The two pale and quickly retreat to their respective rooms, Minato whispering an apology to the grumpy redhead.
Kinoto applies his best infiltration seals before making his way to the Pit. He looks into each hole and prays to any and all gods that she is still alive. An hour passes by before he finally finds her.
Kinoto deactivates the seal that negates sound waves within a seven-foot radius around him so she can hear his approach. Kinoto feels worry bubble in his chest when she doesn't react, remaining motionless.
He eyes the clean cloak covering her and the ration bar wrappers on the floor curiously. Has someone else been looking after her? If so, who? What are their intentions?
Kinoto shakes his head.
He'll look into it later. Right now he has other priorities.
Rin doesn't respond when he whispers her name. He says it a little louder but still no reaction like she's not aware of his presence or anything else. Even so, Kinoto makes sure to narrate everything he's doing as he removes her cloak and what is left of her armor.
He frowns at the broken, bloodied metal plates in his hands. Kinoto tosses them aside. He'll drop them off at the recycling center later and get her some new ones. He digs inside his pocket and pulls out a refined version of his first heating seal—this one designed to preserve the wearer's internal body temperature no matter how cold or hot it gets—and places it on the back of her neck.
Rin jerks and Kinoto is quick to retreat back. Rin slowly draws back her clawed hand, the brief flash of consciousness gone.
Kinoto waits a few minutes before resuming his work.
Kinoto unseals a bowl of warm water, soap, and a sponge. Very carefully he begins to wipe off the dried blood, mud, and other bodily fluids.
(He is very thankful for the air filter seal in his mask.)
Rin simply sits there; appearing as nothing more than a giant living doll. She doesn't even flinch when he accidentally gets soap in her eyes. It both unsettles and worries him. Her de-conditioning will be difficult.
(If there is anything left in her at all to de-condition, that is.)
Kinoto finishes, having cleaned her up the best he can, and unfastens his own cloak. He throws it over her shoulders and secures the clasps. At least this way she won't die of infection or of pneumonia when it dips below zero as it frequently does here.
Kinoto leaves her with a few more ration bars and a canteen of clean water.
"I will be back in two days to restock the supplies I've given you." She doesn't say anything, simply staring ahead blankly. He makes to leave but hesitates.
Without turning to face her he says, "I will return you to her...so please stay strong. For her sake."
Kinoto whips around when he feels a tug on his pants.
Rin looks up at him with yellow, ringed eyes.
"...lie…?" she asks, her voice small yet echoing eerily.
"No. I am not lying."
"...swear…?"
"I swear."
She lets go of his pant leg with a nod. Her eyes return to their normal brown; vacant and unseeing once again. Kinoto watches her for a moment more before leaving.
Mizunoto watches Kinoto leave the Pit sans his cloak and with mud staining his arms and sandals.
"Hmm, just what are you up to, senpai?"
He takes a deep breath before darting into the cavern. It takes him a bit, but Mizunoto finds her.
"Oooh," Mizunoto croons, peering down into the only occupied Pit, "naughty, senpai, very naughty."
"Hey, guys," Kakashi says, making sure to pet all his ninken as he steps inside the apartment. He turns to where Hinata is busy knitting on the couch, a small lump settled against her. "Hey Hinata and…" Kakashi leans to the side and sniffs, "...Shisui?"
Hinata puts down her needles and taps her fingers together, a nervous habit of hers he hasn't seen for quite some time, since before the war. The sight soothes the jagged pieces of his heart.
(They are healing. Slowly. One scar at a time.)
"Ah, yes, we were at the park, but it started raining and our apartment," Kakashi's purrs inaudibly because yes, this is their den, theirs, "was closer so we came here, but between playing with your ninken and the bath, he kind of...fell asleep and I don't have the heart to wake him."
"Then don't." Kakashi shrugs at the surpriselavenderpleased scent coming off Hinata. "It's late. He can stay here. I don't mind."
"Oh, um, thank you." Hinata carefully removes herself without waking the pup. She turns to him with pleading eyes. "Can you watch him just for a little bit while I shower? I don't want to catch a cold."
"Sure."
Hinata thanks him again and leaves for the bathroom. Kakashi turns back to Shisui. Guruko and Bisuke have taken Hinata's spot, bodies curled around the sleeping Uchiha's head. He walks over and settles himself on the floor next to a snoring Bull. He sits there, eyes forward and body deceptively lax as he watches over his packmate's pup.
His
Packmate
Pup
Theirs
A purr starts in his chest and Kakashi's eyes crinkle close.
Shiba snuffles loudly at his thigh before climbing into his lap.
When Hinata emerges from the bath, skin flushed a healthy pink and smelling like his body wash and her lilac shampoo, Kakashi excuses himself, heart thumping.
"I'll, uh, make him a spot to sleep."
He busies himself with making a makeshift bed for the tiny Uchiha. He makes sure to layer in Hinata's old, worn sweaters and his softest blankets. He hesitates before slipping in one of his old academy scarves.
Kakashi watches Hinata tuck in their pup, her hands gentle and loving, and his heart aches because although he can't remember his mother's touch, he is convinced that this is what it would have looked like.
Hinata smooths back Shisui's unruly hair and steps back. Bisuke and Guruko take it as their cue to approach and lay atop the boy's feet and head respectfully. Kakashi rolls his eyes. He picks up Bisuke and places him a little farther up so Shisui won't suffocate in his sleep.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" When Kakashi cocks his head, Hinata elaborates, "Well he's never been here before and I'm concerned he might wake up and panic when he realizes he isn't in his house."
Kakashi hums. That is a reasonable worry to have. Shisui might not look it, so peaceful in his sleep, but his genin career had started on the coattails of war. It wouldn't be farfetched to assume he'd have an adverse reaction if he were to suddenly wake up in the middle of the night in an unfamiliar place.
Kakashi glances at the round dotted scar on Hinata's neck.
"Mah, don't worry, we'll be right here."
Hinata worries at her lip and Kakashi finds himself drawn to it as she sucks it inside and chews. He picks at his mask, face hot.
"I don't know...what if he doesn't see us?" She looks at him with large, pleading eyes. Kakashi clears his throat, forcing his attention away from Hinata's lips.
"Shisui is a genin and an Uchiha." He reminds her. "He'll see us."
Hinata turns to look down at their sleeping pup. Kakashi watches her tongue dart out to wet her lips.
"I suppose you have a point." Hinata smiles at him with her cherry-red lips. "Thank you, Hatake-kun."
Kakashi jerks his head in a nod and quickly leaves for the bathroom to get changed for bed. He splashes his face with cold water before putting on his favorite sleeping mask. This one is made from a lighter material so it's easy to breathe through and there is a seal to prevent any nosy comrades from peeking at his face.
Not that Hinata would ever do something like that. She's always been very respectful of his privacy. But for curious little genin...it's a good precaution.
He triple-checks the apartment's traps and alarm system. Can't be too careful with pups. Kakashi makes sure his footsteps are audible before entering the bedroom. He doesn't want a repeat of last week's incident.
(Kakashi blushes, trying and failing to wave off the memory of Hinata half-clothed.)
Thankfully, his packmate is fully dressed and already in their nest when he walks in. Kakashi steps over a sleeping Akino and Uhei and climbs into bed, careful not to squash the pug already cuddled up to Hinata.
Kakashi closes his eyes.
"...what if he gets thirsty?"
Kakashi sighs and opens his eyes.
"Hinata, there is—"
He feels Hinata sit up behind him. Pakkun grunts and kicks his back.
"Or hungry?"
"The fridge is right there. Shisui is smart enough to—"
Hinata talks over him, "I mean we had some takoyaki, but what if that's all he's eaten?"
"Hinata—"
Hinata gasps, effectively interrupting him again.
"What if he gets cold?"
"Hina—"
"Or hot? The weather has been unpredictable lately." He hears the blankets rustle. "I'll go get the fan—"
Kakashi turns around and grabs her wrist before she can leave.
"Hinata," Kakashi starts, making sure to catch her eyes in the darkened room. His voice is firm when he speaks, "Calm down. We're right here. Our pup will be fine. I promise."
Hinata blinks at him.
"...our...pup?"
Kakashi freezes. He hadn't meant to say that out loud, to give voice to the roaring instincts that run alongside his lucid thoughts. Kakashi opens his mouth to try and explain but nothing comes out. He watches helplessly as Hinata nods slowly, her cheeks two dark splotches in the low lighting.
"I suppose that makes sense." She taps her lip. "He is our responsibility now that...now that Obito-kun is gone."
Still speechless, Kakashi nods.
Hinata smiles at him, warm and pleased, and Kakashi's mouth dries faster than a puddle in Suna.
"I'm glad we feel the same, Hatake-kun."
Kakashi nods again.
"...okaaay, now that that's been solved," Urushi says from the pillow above Kakashi's head. "Can we go to sleep now?"
"Oh! Yes, of course! My apologies, Urushi-kun." Hinata whispers fiercely, scurrying back under the covers.
Kakashi settles back down and closes his eyes.
He opens them back up hours later and very nearly guts their pup. The boy blinks at him and then at the kunai Kakashi slips back under his pillow.
"Good morning!" He chirps quietly, glancing at Hinata who is still sleeping.
"...good morning…"
Shisui glances between them a few times, eyes darting to Hinata's arms wrapped around Kakashi's middle, his back pressed against her front.
"Are you guys married?"
Kakashi double-checks that Hinata is still sleeping before he answers.
"Not yet."
Shisui's eyes narrow, "But you plan to?"
"If she wants."
It would be the easiest and surest way to add her to his clan's registry. A failsafe if the Hyuuga ever try to get their cold, greedy hands on Hinata again. True, he can always just add her as an honorary member…but he likes the first option better.
(mine. his wolf says, ours. pack.)
Shisui nods and then blurts, "I'm hungry. You guys got any food?"
"Yeah," Kakashi sighs and carefully extracts himself from Hinata's hold. Bull neatly takes his vacated spot and Hinata automatically curls around him. "C'mon, puppy. You can help me make breakfast."
"Puppy?" Shisui mutters to himself but shrugs. He follows Kakashi, the blanket wrapped around his shoulders trailing after him. Shiba scrambles behind them, yipping and batting at the ends.
"You can cook?"
"Yeah."
Kakashi isn't his sensei. He can cook. Mostly over a campfire, but he can cook. Kakashi takes out a few eggs and passes them to the boy. He then puts down a bowl in front of him and a pair of chopsticks.
"Here. Whisk these eggs while I start the rice cooker."
"We're making... omurice? Isn't that a lunch thing?"
"Hmm. Maybe."
Shisui shrugs and begins whisking the eggs.
"Good morning, Hinata-nee!" Shisui exclaims eagerly. He nearly drops the tray of food in his excitement but a gentle correction from Kakashi prevents the tragedy.
Hinata hides a yawn behind her hand, sitting up.
"Good morning you two."
Shisui places the tray on Hinata's lap. Pakkun nips at the other ninken when they get too close.
"Look! We made you breakfast."
"My, how thoughtful." Hinata tugs the Uchiha forward and kisses his cheek. Kakashi gulps when she turns to him. He feels both relieved and disappointed when she only smiles prettily at him. "Thank you. Both of you. It looks delicious."
Shisui and Kakashi both preen, eyes curling closed in sync. Hinata giggles at the sight.
Iwashi knows he is new to ANBU and as such he'd expected the razing and jokes.
(He still hasn't found his missing left sandal and there are still flecks of industry-grade neon paint on his mask that he can't quite scrub off yet.)
However, it's been a year and he has since been assigned to the Yondaime's personal guard detail. He thought the prestige of such a position would have put a stop to the other's teasing.
And yet here he is. A box of cinnamon rolls with a post-it note depicting a cutely drawn monkey in his hands on the same delivery mission for the third time this month. It is labeled urgent which Iwashi thinks is complete bull becuase he's checked the box for poisons or maybe a hidden message in the rolls of dough and finds nothing.
Absolutely. Fucking. Nothing. Each. Godsdamned. Time.
Iwashi goes to deliver the box but stops when he sees the ANBU agent perched in the same tree with a tupperware container full of handmade brownies.
'For whom do we plant these trees?' Iwashi signs in ANBU standard.
The red, flame-masked nin slowly places down the tub on a nearby branch.
'For the future generations who will sit in their shade.'
Iwashi allows himself to relax somewhat.
"Did the commander send you too?" The other slowly nods. Iwashi groans. "Man, I swear he spoils Hinata rotten. It's like he wants her to get cavities or something."
The other agent grunts and picks up the tupperware of brownies.
Iwashi eyes the sweets curiously. The commander has always either sent him to a bakery or that one rinky dinky café Hinata loves so much. They're all good, but they're store-bought. He's never delivered handmade treats before like what the other agent has.
Iwashi rolls his eyes behind his mask.
Man, their commander is hopeless. It's a good thing the man hasn't made any obvious moves on Hinata or they'd have one very pissy Hatake on their hands. And that's the kind of drama Iwashi can live without no matter what Genma says.
("But think about all the money we can win, Iwashi!" Genma says from the rafter across from him. Iwashi gives him a look from behind his mask that he knows his teammate will feel.
"What? You want us to bet on the commander's love life like a couple of gambling housewives?"
"Househusbands." Genma corrects, weaving a genjutsu that lets his mask wink. Raidou huffs. "But basically, yeah."
"I think I'll pass."
"Aww, Iwashi, dude, c'mon—"
"You know…" their kage begins, voice as dry as a summer day. The three of them stiffen in surprise. "...I can hear you guys, right? I'm keyed into the privacy seals."
"Apologies, Yondaime-sama." Raidou replies after a moment. Iwashi uses the time to think back on all their conversations, coming to the realization that their kage had heard them all. "We were…unaware. It will not happen again."
"Good." The blonde's lips lift slyly. "Becuase that would have been a losing bet."
"True." Genma concedes. "I think we all know who Hinata will end up with."
They all nod.
"Yeah, it'd definitely be my little cousin—"
"Kakashi."
"The commander."
"Uchiha Itachi."
"—Hayate."
All four of them look at each other, surprise visible in their body language even if the majority of their group's faces are covered by their ANBU masks.
Minato blinks at Iwashi.
"What?" he begins defensively. "The commander is well on his way to wooing Hinata. Do you have any idea how many treats that man gifts her each week? He's either insane or in love." Or both, Iwashi thinks to himself privately.
Genma shakes his head. "Okay, I kinda see that. Kakashi too, but," he turns to stare at Raidou like the other has gone insane, "Uchiha Itachi? Dude, what? Isn't he like two?"
"Four actually." Raidou corrects as if that makes it better.
Genma, Iwashi, Minato stare at him, each one waiting for him to elaborate. When he doesn't, their kage speaks up.
"...is there a reason why you'd bet on Itachi-kun?"
"Your wife and his mother are best friends. It makes sense they would wish to unite your two families via their children."
Minato blushes, his lips and voice wobbling. "I'm not her—Hinata isn't my d—d—daughter."
"I dunno, Minato-sama…" Genma shrugs. "You sure treat her like she is."
"Actions do speak louder than words." Iwashi agrees.
Minato makes a noise, kinda like a whine but with gibberish, and slumps in his seat. He doesn't try denying the claim again.
Raidou continues as if he'd never been interrupted.
"Itachi is also heir to the Uchiha clan. And Hinata has the pedigree and training to compliment his rule."
"What about clan politics?" Iwashi asks, referring to the age-old feud between the two doujutsu-based clans.
"I believe Mikoto-sama is more than capable of dealing with any who dare protest their union."
Iwashi and Genma simultaneously shiver.
"Yes," Minato coughs into his fist awkwardly. "Mikoto's always been used to...getting her way."
While the Uchiha matriarch is officially retired, she's still as scary and as efficient as she'd been during her active-military days. Rumors say her sharingan eyes let her see your deepest secrets; every fear, every desire and she displays it for the world to see. All this is all done with a cool smile, her expression as serene as freshly fallen snow. A true hime of the Uchiha.)
Iwashi hands the ANBU the box of cinnamon rolls.
"You mind giving these to our commander's hime? I have to head back to the tower in five."
The shinobi takes the box, juggling his own package on top.
"Thanks, man. I appreciate it." Iwashi leaves with a salute.
(Kinoto waits until the ANBU leaves before carefully setting the box of still-warm cinnamon rolls on Hinata's windowsill before leaving with his own tub of treats.)
Biwako has taught many students over her lifetime. Tsunade is both her greatest triumph and her most profound sorrow.
(Never a disappointment, no, Biwako would never fault her student for leaving.)
The girl had flourished under her tutelage, going so far as to surpass her until their roles reversed. Biwako had then found herself the student and Tsunade the teacher.
But then the girl she and her husband shared began losing more and more: her clan lost in their rage and grief at the complete destruction of Uzushio, throwing themselves recklessly into the war effort in an effort to avenge their sister clan and village. Tsunade lost uncles, aunts, cousins, and eventually her parents until all that remained was her younger brother.
And then she lost him too.
Oh, how devastated she'd been, how her heart lay in ruin. A wound not even Tsuande, the most gifted medic to grace the continent, could heal.
(Orochimaru, the poor boy, never forgave himself. All his genin gone in one single terrible moment.)
Biwako thought she'd lose the girl to her grief when that dashing Katō boy came in like something straight out of those romance novels Jiraiya likes to pretend he doesn't own. Biwako thought surely he could help heal Tsunade's broken heart.
She never thought he'd destroy what was left of it.
Her husband tried to stop Tsunade from leaving once the war concluded but the last Senju ignored his pleas and fled with the Katō boy's niece. Biwako could not bring herself to deny her this escape. She simply packed two bentos and sent them over via her husband's summons.
Biwako has had many students since Tsunade. But none ever came close to the girl's brilliance.
That is until the day little Rin of the Nohara was put under her tutelage. It was done as a favor and show of goodwill to the Nohara clan from the Sarutobi clan. Biwako had gladly welcomed her. The girl was hesitant at first, as all small children tend to be, but she'd quickly grown into herself.
And what a promising woman she'd been shaping up to be. Rin grasped techniques and theory quickly, her chakra control precise and steady in a way that most medics twice her age fail to achieve.
Biwako had been so proud of the little Nohara. And her pride doubled when the girl passed her medical ninja exams with flying colors. She was turning out to be a fine successor; someone Biwako could proudly entrust her legacy to.
Biwako sighs fondly, thinking back.
Rin had brought her weary heart so much joy. And much laughter too. The young Uchiha, kin to her husband's dear friend, never failing to entertain her with his bright heart and silly antics. The Hyuuga heiress that often joined their lessons and visited to play with her son was also a source of great delight.
And then Rin too was taken from her. Ensnared in the jaws of the monstrosity that was the Third Shinobi war and swallowed whole. Nothing left of her talented, kind student. Not even a body to mourn.
Biwako had fallen ill shortly after hearing news of the little Nohara's death. She fears the loss was too much for her weary heart. Nothing her husband, sons, or clan did could heal her. Her grief was too great, the loss of so many of her students (so many had died in the wars, more than she can bear to think of) finally catching up to her until she lay bedridden.
And then Hyuuga Hinata meekly shuffled her way inside her heart. Biwako isn't sure how. It was a subtle thing; gradual, taking her by complete surprise when it registered.
The girl has always been a familiar presence in their compound ever since little Asuma walked into their compound one day after the academy with the Hyuuga heiress firmly attached to his side, a nervous hand fisted in her son's coat. Her eldest son had been quick to swoop in and greet them, herding the two inside the main compound and away from all the curious eyes.
Hinata's shogi matches against her son were soon the topic of many whisperings. Was a union between the two clans in the works? Was this the Hyuuga's way of reaching for more influence, more power by wedding their heiress to the Sandaime's second son and the Sarutobi clan's spare? Or was it simple adolescent romance? The girl in love with the boy? The boy in love with the girl? Both?
Biwako, however, knew better than to listen to the rumors. Asuma is her son and she knows her son's heart and who it belongs to. And it is not the Hyuuga's hime. No, that gift belongs to young Kurenai-chan. Biwako approves of the match. Kurenai is a skilled kunoichi with a good head on her shoulders. She'll make a fine addition to their clan. Her level-headed disposition is ideally suited to dealing with the stupidity that runs in the men of the Sarutobi clan.
Charming fools, the lot of them.
No, her son is not interested in the Hyuuga girl, not in that way, nor is her eldest despite the rumors circling the halls of the ANBU HQ. Biwako should really get him to calm down. People are starting to come to her asking if they should prepare the marriage flags.
Personally, Biwako wouldn't mind the pairing. Hinata is a good girl, a smart girl. And her Itsuki is dedicated and loyal. He would make a fine husband and Hinata a finer wife. Sadly, Hinata's heart is already spoken for.
(Though, should the Hatake not return her affections...well...)
Oh, but what a precious heart it is. Even wounded by her clan's rejection Hinata still finds it in herself to be kind. Smiles and good cheer bloom like daisies around the girl wherever she goes. Biwako often finds herself smiling in the girl's presence as she talks fondly of the plants she is growing, her son also listening intently.
"That's nice, Hinata, I'm glad your orchids are doing good." Her son glances down at the board. "I can't say the same about your king, though. Checkmate."
Hinata simply smiles at her youngest.
"Well played, Asuma-kun. Another?"
"Sure."
Biwako clears her throat, announcing her presence. The two turn to look at her. Hinata, already sitting in a perfect seiza, bows deferentially.
"Good evening, Sarutobi-sama, I hope you are well."
Biwako frowns at the bags under the girl's eyes.
"Hey, mom." Asuma says casually, a complete opposite to his companion. Biwako sighs.
"I'm doing much better, Hinata-chan. I expect the same from you." She pats her son's head and lets her voice take on a teasing lilt. "Can't have my son growing arrogant and complacent."
"Thanks, mom, really feeling the love here." Her son replies in monotone. Hinata laughs behind her hand.
Biwako continues as if he hadn't spoken. "Now, let us take a break and head to the tea room for snacks."
"We're not little kids." Her son says, though he obediently stands and heads to the tearoom with her and Hinata.
They're all sat comfortably—well, she and Asuma are, Hinata preferring to sit seiza no matter how many times Biwako tells her to relax—around the tea table with a wide array of snacks and tea.
"How go your studies, Asuma?" She asks when the two seem content to simply sit and eat, Hinata too shy to start a conversation and her son uncaring about proper etiquette.
"Good." Asuma says and takes another stick of dango. "Learned how to fuse my knives with chakra and not crack the blades."
Biwako smiles wryly. "I am sure your wallet is thankful."
He nods, mouth full of sweets.
Biwako turns to the little ex-heiress.
"And you, Hinata-chan?"
Hinata places down her cup and dabs at her mouth with a napkin before speaking.
"I am doing well. The instructors at the hospital have given me permission to take the next med-nin exams."
"Hm, yes, so I've heard. Your instructors all have nothing but high praise for you." Biwako hides her smile behind her cup when the girl flushes. "I'm sure you'll make fine medical ninja."
Rin-chan would be so proud of you. Biwako thinks to herself privately.
"Thank you for your kind w—words, Sarutobi-sama."
"You are welcome." She replies, feeling as light as the fluffed cheesecake on her plate.
"Okay." Asuma puts down his empty cup and stands. "Let's go."
Hinata stammers when Asuma grabs her hand and leads her back to the house's engawa. Biwako rolls her eyes when she overhears a couple of her clansmen giggling at the sight of their lord's son holding hands with the blushing hime.
Her eldest son pokes his head into the room before looking the way his younger brother and friend left.
"Eh? Why's everyone laughing and whispering?" Itsuki squints as if he might suddenly develop the ability to see through walls. "Is 'nata-chan here?"
"Don't pay the others any mind. And yes, she is." Biwako motions for him to take a seat next to her before he can run off and steal his brother's playmate. "Come sit and have tea with me. You look exhausted."
"Ugh, yeah, I knew Anbu commander was a tough job going in, but man, oh, man, is it harder work than I thought." The young man groans and flops down next to her. Biwako tuts at his lack of manners, but lets it go, knowing how hard he works.
Itsuki drops his head back and contemplates the wooden beams on their ceiling.
"But it's good work. Really good." He rolls his head to look at her, ponytail brushing the polished floors. "Minato-senpai is a good guy. Always has been. Konoha is really going places, I just know it." He sighs and lays on his back, a pleased grin on his face. "Dad really knows how to pick 'em, huh?"
Biwako stirs her tea. "Your father has his moments…as rare as they are."
Itsuki laughs. Biwako allows herself a small smile.
"Achoo! "
Hayate looks at Hinata in alarm.
"Did you catch a cold? "
In all their time together (five years now, if you exclude their academy days) Hinata has never gotten sick. Which is impressive given that Hayate's suffered from nearly every transmissible illness and they spend most of their time together.
...well Hinata ispretty damn good med-nin, he reasons.
"No, no," Hinata takes out a handkerchief and wipes daintily at her nose. "It's just the season."
Hayate looks at her closely. She looks...normal. Her face is a little flushed but that's pretty typical for his best friend. Plus, the weather has been chillier now that autumn has started.
"Okay. whatever you say, but just in case…" Hayate takes off his bandanna and ties it on Hinata, making sure her ears are covered. He takes a step back and smirks.
"Huh. Not a bad look, hime."
Hinata pouts and pulls down the bandanna in an futile effort to hide her face.
"I wish you all would stop calling me that."
"What?" Hayate's smirk widens. "Does the Byakugan no Hime not like her nickname?"
Hinata flushes and succeeds in pulling the cloth over her eyes. Hayate chuckles.
Byakugan no Hime.
Hayate thinks the moniker suits her perfectly. While not exactly in the bingo book, Hinata had garnered enough attention near the end of the war for both her regal composure (even when covered head-to-toe in grime and old blood, she'd always managed to look so poised and ladylike) and the unique lilac coloring of her byakugan eyes. They'd spent enough time on the border for the enemy to begin recognizing her and issuing a warning. Because facing off against Hinata was synonymous with pain.
Hayate winces, recalling one of their previous spars.
"Aw, c'mon I'm just teasing, Hinata. I think it's badass they gave you a nickname." He sidles up to her. His voice drops its playful tone; softer now, "but if it really bothers you I can talk to the others and get them to stop."
Hinata peeks at him.
"...no...it's alright...I don't mind."
Hayate changes the topic, going back to his previous concern.
"But are you sure you're alright? They're not working you too hard at the hospital, are they?"
"No, they've been very accommodating in regards to my...new assignment."
"Right. That." Hayate responds, careful not to say anything about Hinata's secret apprenticeship. If word got out that a Hyuuga (even one in exile) is studying fuuinjutsu...the fallout could be ugly. "She's not giving you a hard time is she? Because if she is, we can tell Hokage-sama or get Genma to tell him to tell her to back off."
Hinata shakes her head, "No, she isn't."
"Hn. You let me know if she does, okay?"
"Hai. I promise."
At first, Mizunoto isn't sure what Kinoto's intentions with Kame are. Does he wish to take Kame for himself? Kame might be a new recruit but any shortcomings are quickly covered by her raw strength alone. Such are the abilities of a jinchuuriki. It's a shame the Kyuubi container remains outside of his master's direct control.
Mizunoto watches as Kinoto tends to Kame and something about his first theory doesn't fit in with the gentle way he handles her. No, there too much care and emotion for Kame to be just an asset becuase Kinoto treat hers like he does Mizunoe, Kinoe, Tsuchinoe, and the others—like they are people, like she is a person.
But why? Why would Kinoto go to these lengths for this civilian-born-kunoichi-turned-jinchuuriki? Because while Kinoto may be a bit of dreamer, he never does anything without some kind of goal in mind.
(He could just report Kinoto and be done with it, but where's the fun in that?)
And so Mizunoto does some digging and a little bit of spying. Okay, maybe a lot of spying.
Anyways, that's how he finds out about the ex-Hyuuga heiress, Hinata.
On paper, she's nothing special. A capable medical-nin in training with a specialization in lethal/non-lethal retrieval and reconnaissance. A frontline fighter; short-range combatant.
In person, she's—
Mizunoto looks up the from the crate of oranges he's been pretending to appraise as Hinata walks by. Her eyes squint and she brings a hand up to cover a kitten-like sneeze.
—nothing special either. Which only makes Mizunoto more curious because Kinoto doesn't do normal. No his brother senpai likes all manner of strange things. Thus, if Mizunoto is going by this logic, Hinata too must be strange. He just has yet to see it.
Mizunoto puts down the orange and neatly walks over, offering her a tissue.
"Man, this season's been aaall over the place, ne?"
Hinata blinks at him but then she smiles (genuinely, he notes) at him and takes the tissue.
"Hai. It has been." She dabs at her nose before folding the used tissue in a neat square and slipping it into her pocket. "Thank you, very much, shinobi-san."
Mizunoto fakes bashfulness by forcing his cheeks to pinken and fidgeting with his forehead protector.
"Hehe, it's no trouble!" He grins at her, making sure to keep it lopsided like the photo of the Uchiha she keeps in the pocket of her flak jacket, and closes his eyes. "And you can call me Mizu. All my friends my do!"
Mizunoto opens his eyes in time to see the mix of nostalgia, grief, and fondness on her face before she wipes it clean, settling for a polite yet friendly mask.
"It is nice is nice to meet you, Mizu-san. I am Hinata."
"Right back 'atcha, Hinata-chan!"
Mizunoto watches how she colors at the overly familiar address and uses the distraction to ask, "So what's got you up and about instead of in bed with a nice bowl of soup?"
Hinata opens her mouth to answer at the same time Mizunoto's attention darts just behind her. There are three kids playing with a ball in the busy market street. It's a very typical sight for a seemingly happy and safe village like Konoha.
It's the loose ox about to trample them and the shout of its owner that has Mizunoto splitting his attention. He decides to let the events play out, curious to see Hinata's iryō-ninjutsu at work when the ox inevitably grinds to their bones to dust under its massive weight.
"Oh, I'm actually on my way to lunch, you can join me, if you like."
Mizunoto's makes sure to grin wide, but not too wide. Kanoto says it makes him look crazy.
"Yatta! I'd love—"
Hinata is gone. Mizunoto blinks at the space she'd just been standing in. A woman screams. Mizunoto looks over just in time to witness something truly remarkable.
Moving so fast that Mizunoto half beelives it to be a sealess shunshin instead of pure, physical speed, Hinata scoops the three kids with one arm. She slides into crouch and uses the heel of her foot to pivot around, stirring up a cloud of dust. Then in one fluid movement she grabs the ox's horn and flips the animal on its back.
It gives a cry and kicks out once before Hinata, her hands glowing gree, touches the ox's temple. It goes limp, its breath long and deep as it slumbers peacefully.
It was a show of strength, of speed, but most importantly it was a show of care. Becuase not one person or animal was injured. It would have been understandable if there had been some kind of injury. Either to the ox or the children Hinata had held but did not crush even in such a high-stress situation.
Strength and gentleness. It's such an odd pairing.
It is also exactly what Kinoto likes.
The problem is resolved peacefully and quietly.
Sort of.
"Thank you so much for saving my children, Hyuuga-san, please take this fish for your household."
"Oh my gods, I'm so sorry! I don't what happeend, the lead just snapped and then he was just running away!"
Hinata finally manages to pull herself away from a mother crying her gratitude and away from a profusely apologetic ox owner.
"Wow, Hinata-chan!" Mizunoto crows when she rejoins his side. "That was amazing! You were so fast and cool!"
Hinata blushes and modestly waves away his praise with one hand the other holding onto fish wrapped carefully in brown paper. Mizunoto catches sight of a familar red and white crest and decides his time here is up.
"Well, I gotta go, my mom's expecting me home soon, so let's reschedule that lunch date, 'kay?"
Hinata goes another shade darker. "D—d—date?" she squeaks.
Mizunoto uses her panic to make a quick getaway.
Huh, Mizunoto thinks to himself, replacing his mask, I guess senpai does have taste after all.
Hinata stands before Rin's grave, her clothes wet yet there is not a rain cloud in sight. Hinata stares at the empty grave. She wishes it wasn't so. Hinata regrets not being able to do more. If only to bring the Nohara's closure. And for her direct her anger at something besides a cold headstone.
(Hinata wakes to an empty bed, instantly alert, the war having taught her much. She hears a faucet running somewhere in the apartment.
"Hatake-kun?" she calls, stepping into the kitchen)
It is late out. The moon her sole companion. For that Hinata is thankful. She wouldn't like anyone to witness her as she is now: dressed in her pajamas, her hands stained red, and anger burning in her eyes.
(Hinata squints, the bright kitchen lights hurting her sensitive eyes. She blinks until her vision adjusts. Hinata's eyes widen at the terrible sight that greets her.)
"I loved you, Rin. I still do. You were my best friend. The first to believe that I could be more—do more. That I could be strong." Hinata has to stop or everything will come out and she can't let that happen without saying something she'll regret. She already has enough weighing her without adding an angered spirit to the mix.
("Hatake-kun!" Hinata cries, rushing forward to grab his hands, to stop him and the blood—oh gods, why is there so much blood?!)
"But I also care a great deal for Hatake-kun which is why I—so that is why I cannot forgive you. Not right now." Hinata exhales, shuddering violently. "Maybe never. And for that I am sorry," she whispers into he night.
(Hinata lowers Kakashi onto the floor, barely keeping her panic at bay. He stares at her. Both of his eyes are weeping freely.
"I can't get it off…there's too much." He shakes against her as Hinata heals the scraps of ripped flesh. His dual eyes search hers. "Why is there always so much blood, Hinata?"
Hinata cries silently. She doesn't how to answer him. Not when she doesn't know the answer either.)
"What you did to him was cruel." Hinata's body trembles with effort of keeping all her tumultuous emotions inside and not outside where they could sear the skin off flesh.
Hot tears spill over Hinata's cheeks and onto the grass beneath her. Hinata hopes they nurture weeds flowers thorns blossoms.
"You should have used me instead. There w—wouldn't have been any blood. I would have made it as painless as possible for all of us."
(Kakashi cries out like a wounded animal when he glances down and sees his bloodied hands. His sharingan begins to move and Hinata quickly pinches the nerve cluster in his neck. Kakashi goes limp like a puppet with all its strings cut.)
"But you didn't even though I was closer, even though I was right there!" Hianta fists her hands, her grip slippery. "You never saw me, not really, no, you were always busy watching over Obito or—or admiring Kakashi but you never looked at me! N—not like how I…wanted…you to." Hinata trails off.
Oh, she thinks as realization dawns on her, I loved her. Truly.
But it's too late. Rin is lost to her. Just like Obito is.
But I still have Kakashi. Hinata blinks. Do I? Do I…love Kakashi?
She takes a moment to search within herself. She goes over each and every one of their interactions, the things he does and the way he makes her feel. Yes, she cares for him a great deal. He is her best friend. She'd even go as far to say she…loves him more than anyone. But does she love him the same way she did Rin? THe same way she did Obito?
Hinata isn't sure. Her feelings for the last Hatake are…complicated. She'd never pondered having anything more with Kakashi, not when Rin was so in love with him.
But Rin isn't here anymore, the darker parts of herself whisper, the parts that killed and took and killedandkilledandkilled until she didn't know anything else but death.
Hinata's expression twists, burying her memories of the war deep inside her. With a deep breath, she exits the cemetery.
She needs to think.
Hinata makes her way back to hers and Kakashi's home
And to think she needs to make something. She hopes Kakashi won't mind buns (sweet for her and meat for him) for breakfast.
Kinoto is washing off the blood of an opium dealer when his fellow Named approaches him.
"Are they strong?" Kinoe demands. Kinoto lathers the scentless soap on his body, unbothered by his nakedness. He doesn't have to ask who the younger agent is referring to for him to have an answer.
"Yes."
Kinoe doesn't so much relax as he goes from 'threat' to 'potential threat'. Danzo had made Ne in a way so that he is the supreme master; his orders obsolete. But their lord isn't as young as he once was and the man knows it.
Of course, Danzo has all kinds of contingencies and fail-safes to prevent his death, but he isn't immortal. No one is.
"They call her the Byakugan no Hime." Kinoto says, knowing that Kinoe will like it—like her. Because Hinata is very much like the shounen heroines in the contraband mangas passed between the younger cadets.
"Byakugan no Hime," Kinoe mumbles to himself.
Only the strong rule down here.
Only the sturdiest roots can hold up the great tree of Konoha and all those that take shelter beneath its branches.
Only the strongest, most cunning of them can take Danzo's place.
And Hinata is strong, much stronger than even she knows with a quick mind to match.
"She is...kind too," Kinoto says, shutting off the water. He watches the pink water swirl down the drain. He turns to Kinoe, eyes narrowed, "But this does not make her weak."
Kinoe nods slowly, uncomfortable at the foreign display of hostility.
Kinoto turns away, a bad taste in his mouth, and redresses, slipping on his mask.
"She will make a better...m—master than Danzo-sama could ever hope to be."
"You have my support, senpai." Kinoe thumps a closed fist to his chest. "Long live, Danzo-sama."
Kinoto feels something dark settle on his face. He places a fist over his heart.
"Long live, Danzo-sama."
Hinata is studying simultaneously for her medical-ninja exams and Kushina's upcoming 'practical applications of sealing' assessment when she thinks that maybe Hayate's concerns were warranted.
Hinata removes her hand from her forehead, staring at the heavy limb in confusion.
When did she get so hot?
Hinata gets up from the kotatsu—a gift from her to Kakashi for his thirteenth birthday—and staggers to the bathroom. She loses her balance enough times that she's reduced to sliding along the wall to keep herself upright, her body sluggish and her mind equally as slow to respond.
Hinata fumbles with clumsy fingers to get the medicine cabinet open. She grabs the bottle of medicine and holds it up triumphantly.
Aha! Got it!
And then promptly passes out.