AN: WELP... HOW HAVE YOU ALL BEEN? Okay... let me apologised for the super slow update! I have been rather busy and also, lack of inspiration to continue writing these days. The sparks come and go, don't they? I hope you guys are still following with the story and reading through the reviews honestly made me feel so happy with all the love and especially the suggestions from you guys!

Can't deny, I am still stuck at the plot of this story, though I roughly have an idea of where I want it to go but the ending tho... as you can tell from this chapter, there was a lot of ambiguity in the relationship between Hinata and Sasuke, especially the conversation they were having. I am not going to spoil to you guys but I am very confuse as well with how I want them to proceed. Half of me hates the leaving their partner for each other but the other half of me wants them together. I will let you guys have your own imagination and assumption of how Sasuke or Hinata is feeling for each other!

I will be back! I promise and I will try to be faster this time round! Cheers and enjoy!

.::.

Yuu stood a distance away from the building where Konoha's Scientific Weapon team were at. Or at least, where the last time he saw the female he was slightly intrigued with. Sumire. He briefly remembered she exited this particular building during the last time they had interacted with everyone else.

For some reason he wanted to see her, and perhaps share a short conversation regarding how he had managed to pass his genin exams. Shino had praised him for being a fast learner, something he wanted to share with his mother when he returned home but he just so happened to stop by this particular building first.

He thought why not. Maybe he could wait out a little, somewhere in the evening she might come out and they could have a good conversation together.

"Yo."

Yuu jumped a little when he felt a tap on his shoulder, only to realize that it was his half-brother whom he couldn't acknowledge. "Boruto!"

"What are you standing here for?" The blonde cocked his brows a little and looked towards the direction he was facing. "You've got something here?"

Lowering his head, Yuu replied. "Ah… Not really."

"Are you on the way home too? Let's go then."

"Actually," Yuu stopped him, eyes darting around. "I'm waiting for Sumire."

Boruto blinked, slightly surprised by the idea. He never knew they were close to the point he would wait for her. Then a smirk formed from his lips as he nudged Yuu's elbow. "Are you and Sumire dating then? Wow Yuu, been here for only four days and you already got a girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?"

"Yea," Boruto nodded. "Like girlfriend, girlfriend. Like you two are together, and you like Sumire. Like before couples get married, they become each other's girlfriend and boyfriend."

Yuu blinked deliberately slow as he tried to process the words that were exiting the mouth of the blonde. Chocho had also mentioned something about liking Sumire, a feeling he wasn't able to comprehend. "How do you know if you like someone?"

Resting both his hands behind his head, Boruto continued lazily. "I'm not sure. Never liked anyone yet but I guess it gotta be something like wanting to see the person daily?"

"I am curious about Sumire, does it mean that I like her?"

"Why are you curious about her?" The blonde lifted his brows cheekily. "Do you… want to get to know her more? Because you're interested? That's the first step to liking someone I guess."

"I am… interested in Sumire," Yuu muttered to himself. Maybe this was the feeling. He then nodded his head. "Are you interested in her too?"

"Not in the way you are," Boruto replied. "She's strong and nice, but never saw her in that way before. Plus, I want to focus on getting stronger."

Yuu continued staring at the entrance door, waiting for the particular purple head to pop up and when she did, he felt a slight moment of fluttery feeling around his abdomen. He stood there, suddenly losing the ability to walk. It did not take long enough for Sumire to take notice of the duo, as she waved and made her way towards them.

Maybe it was the summer heat that he felt his face getting a little hotter when she stood in front of them and greeted both with a genuine smile. She was cute.

"What brings you here, Boruto?"

"I saw Yuu," he replied. "He said he was waiting for you."

Yuu jumped, feeling flustered at the fact that his brother had exposed him. He let out a nervous laugh and waved his hand dismissively. "A-Ah! It's not like t-that."

"Really? You just told me that you were waiting – "

Yuu instantly cut him off. "I thought I did not p-properly introduce myself previously. I am Y-Yuu! Do you work here?"

Sumire watched the slightly flustered male in amusement, before letting out a soft giggle. "Yes. Do you want to join the scientific team?"

"Can I join a-after I pass my Chunin exams?

"Chunin?" Boruto widened his eyes slightly. "Didn't you just get yourself enrolled into the academy? Have you passed the entrance exam?"

"Yea, I did," Yuu nodded. "I wanted to tell you when I am back home but I saw you here first. I am entering the Chunin exams with you and the rest!"

"You entered the academy a week ago!" Boruto said, still surprised by the fact that this newly arrived sibling of Sarada passed the exams within such a short amount of time.

"You must… have a really great control of your chakra. Have you had training before?" Sumire quizzed.

Shaking his head, Yuu continued. "Shino-sensei taught me how to control my chakra flow and it seems a little easier than expected."

Boruto felt a sudden form of competition. Maybe it was because of the fact that he was an Uchiha that gave him such great chakra control, but even Sarada did not manage to master the cloning jutsu in just three days. He narrowed his eyes, thinking about the secret behind the lessons Yuu must have gone through, probably with his father. The infamous Uchiha and his father's best friend.

"But the Chunin exams are really hard. Have you got yourself a team?" Boruto asked.

"Yea, Shino-sensei placed me in Team Fifteen. I have not met them yet but I am going to meet them tomorrow to train and prepare ourselves for the exams."

"Eh? Team Fifteen? Isn't that your previous team, Sumire? Does this mean that Hanabi ne-chan will be your sensei?"

"So you're replacing my spot then?" Sumire asked. "Wasabi and Namida are nice people, I'm sure you'll get along with them just fine."

"Hanabi ne-chan didn't tell me anything about this."

"Don't blame me if I kick your ass in the fighting grounds!" Boruto said confidently as he slightly punched the side of Yuu's arm.

"Really?" Sumire chuckled softly. "I think Yuu might be the one kicking your ass," she teased.

A light shade of pink tinted Yuu's cheeks. He felt great to be complimented, by her specifically. He looked towards her, smiling a little to acknowledge her compliment. Maybe Boruto was really right, he was interested in getting to know her a little more. Perhaps he could consider joining the scientific team while at the same time travelling with his father in the future when he had gotten stronger.

.::.

Hinata peeked out of the kitchen, anticipating to see her husband when she heard the door opening. Her eyes widened a little by the once again, surprise visit of the person she had least expected to see. It had only been a week and out ever since he left, and there he was again standing at the entrance of his home.

"Sasuke-kun?"

Boruto stood by the door, looking towards the male standing in front of him in slight admiration and awe. He had seen him a couple of times, but had not really gotten to properly interact with him. Sasuke Uchiha, the father of Sarada and Yuu, and also the best friend of his father. Boruto thought he ought to know him a little more, and also for the fact that Sasuke Uchiha was the only person on earth that could beat his father.

"Hinata," Sasuke greeted. "Is Yuu home?"

"Ah not yet," Hinata replied with a smile, "he is training at my father's place and I will be walking over in a bit to pick him up. You return… faster than usual."

"Ojii-san seems to enjoy Yuu's presence a lot," Boruto butted in, "they were teaming up to tease me today."

"Your grandpa just wants to have fun," Hinata giggled a little as she explained.

"You're looking for Yuu?"

Sasuke nodded curtly, "I thought I could drop by to see him having dinner with Sakura and Sarada. I will be staying till the Chunin exams."

"Ahh, I see," Hinata smiled, "do you want to join me to pick him up then?"

"That sounds nice," Sasuke smiled mildly.

Boruto squinted his eyes a little, observing the Sasuke Uchiha. He needed a mentor for the exam, and he wanted to know the secrets to beating his father in the future, "you beat my father up?"

"That's not – "

"You can say that," Sasuke replied, causing Hinata to press her lips. Naruto was, after all, her husband and Boruto's father. She still wanted her son to admire his own father, though she knew it could be a daunting task.

"Your father's strong too," Hinata chipped in, causing Sasuke to let out a soft chuckle. Protecting the image of her partner, something he knew Sakura would do too.

"Are you leaving soon?"

"Yea, in just a bit. I have just a few more dishes to finish."

"Need some help?"

Hinata was a little taken aback by the offer, given the fact that this man standing in front of him was more of a hero, a warrior and someone who could not even stir up simple dishes at home. She thought she could use a hand, but not really keen on being hindered and slowing her pace down, "it's okay, I will get it done fast!"

"Alright, I will wait for you at the market."

Boruto watched as the Uchiha spun around and walked away from his household, towards the direction of the market. He thought Yuu's father was his only hope of beating Yuu in the Chunin as well as getting the attention of his own father. He looked towards the shoe cabinet and despite knowing it was relatively late into the night, he wanted to follow him.

"Kaa-chan, I will head out for a bit!" he said, slipping onto his shoes clumsily and dashed out of his home.

"Boruto!"

.::.

"Boruto looked for you?" Hinata quizzed as she strolled down the bustling street of the market with the village's hero.

The night was still early and she could feel the liveliness of the market, causing her to appreciate the current times and era that her children were living through: free from war and destruction. Her eyes were wandering around, observing the little details of the market but her mind was locked on the Uchiha.

"Yes, he wanted me to teach him."

Hinata could not help but to let out a soft laugh, "he wants the attention of his dad. Children without their dad… must have been tough on – " she cut herself off upon realizing that the man was also a missing father in action, "I am so s-sorry."

"It's fine," Sasuke said, shaking his head a little as they exited the market and into the quieter streets, "they indeed have it tough."

"Y-Yea."

"I said yes to Boruto too," Sasuke continued, "thought it would be better that the Hyuga's is teaching Yuu instead of me."

"How come? You mentioned that Yuu has the Sharingan a-and the Hyugas will not be able to guide him wielding that power," Hinata questioned.

"I thought some purity will be better," Sasuke said, this time turning his head slightly to face the female, "I am not pressuring anyone to be promoted to be a Chunin. I just wish for Yuu to be happy."

"Purity?" Hinata raised her brows, "you have been saying that about the Hyugas," she laughed.

"I guess mainly it's you."

Hinata almost choked on her saliva. Was the Uchiha trying to say that she was weak? "Well… I did fight Pain."

"Remind me of how bad you lost though," Sasuke almost smirked when she noticed the blue head closing her eyes and biting her bottom lip.

"Am I that w-weak?" she finally asked. Ever since her marriage, she had forgo her life as a kunoichi, though there were times she wished she had not. She missed the action she used to have, but her family was her priority no matter what.

"Wait, I never said that."

Hinata cocked her brow a little, "you said I was pure."

"You are too kind for the world," Sasuke finished.

"O-Oh," Hinata blinked, turning to face the road ahead and knitting her brow lightly.

She never really had gotten the chance to interact with the Uchiha previously so it was not a surprising matter that she had caught herself being appalled a couple of times at his words. He could be a nonchalant, stoical person but she thought he was rather… nice with his words in his own way. She thought she should start getting to know him more to prevent further miscommunications, especially now that they were co-parenting.

"Is Sakura happy that you're back and staying till the e-exams?"

He nodded, "I can tell she is."

"I am not surprised," Hinata giggled, "she talks a lot about you to me sometimes."

"It's nice to know that there's someone waiting for you at home."

Hinata blinked slowly, remembering the fact that even though her husband was in the same village as her, she often came home to an empty house or just her children. It was not like her children were not enough but she just hoped for days she could come home to Naruto too.

"Is that dobe making you wait often?"

"W-What?"

"I heard from Shikamaru that Naruto occasionally stays over at the Hokage's tower for days," Sasuke explained, feeling a sense of guilt upon realizing the yearn the wives had to harbor.

"A-Ah," she lowered her head, "s-sorta. He's doing his job, and his d-dreams. I can't do anything," she finished off with a solemn smile.

Sasuke kept mum, unsure of what to say as he knew he was in no position to go against whatever Naruto was doing because he was doing exactly the same. The lamppost lit up the quiet street seemingly more than usual, perhaps due to the recent construction that they replaced the bulbs. Then from the corner of his eyes, he noticed the ruins of the Uchiha compound.

It was cleaned but empty. Squinting his eyes a little, he could still see the light markings on the ground that once used to be houses. How could he not miss his family?

"If y-you don't mind me asking, h-how's your brother l-like?" Hinata could not help but to stutter. After all, she was poking into a sensitive topic but she vividly remembered the day at the dock where the Uchiha mentioned about his brother, about how Yuu resemble him so she thought it should be a fine topic.

"He's a good brother, other than the part that he lied and made me chase me down. I could have done better things, like learning how to cook better."

Hinata could not help but to let out a laugh, loud enough to catch the attention of the man walking beside her, "I just t-thought it was funny that you joke in b-between sentences."

Sasuke never had the intention of joking but when he noticed that her laughter somehow, one way or another, lit up the atmosphere a little, he decided to go with the flow, "I try."

"Good to know this side of you," she smiled, "Sakura must have seen it a few times."

"Yuu reminds me of my brother. Not sure if it is the hair, but perhaps something about his deposition."

"I bet he does. Itachi-san sounds like a kind p-person, just like Yuu," Hinata finished, breathing out a soft sigh, "just like Neji too."

"Same kind huh," Sasuke scoffed, "protecting us silently, watching us from afar and not letting us know a single thing."

"Hm?"

"I heard from Sakura about Neji's attempt to heal your eyes before the fireworks," Sasuke said, remembering the stories shared at his dining table.

The corner of the blue head's eyes crinkled as the male unlocked a hidden memory of hers. She nodded, agreeing with him that their older half has always been the selfless, yet selfish individual, "Yuu will grow to be a great person, I know that for sure."

"With you, I am sure," Sasuke smiled.

Before realizing, the lights of the Hyuga compound could be seen, "Thank you for sharing, Sasuke-kun."

"Thought it would be nice for us to know each other more, since we are co-parenting a child."

"We?" Hinata cocked her brow and chuckled.

Nodding his head, Sasuke continued, "80% you, 20% me."

"More like 95% me, 5% you," Hinata argued.

"Think you should give me a little more credit for giving into wearing the sun hat you brought just to make Yuu smile."

Hinata almost scoffed, "y-you almost gave in to allowing him to have fast food too."

"I still gave you the ultimate say at the end," Sasuke smirked.

Hinata rolled her eyes playfully, "10% you. For making Yuu happier by returning slightly a little more than usual, thought I know it's for work and the village."

Sasuke blinked, giving Hinata's words a thought. He did return for work, for the worry of Yuu's presence in the ninja world and specifically staying in the village where most of his important people were living. Yet, there was something deep within him he could not seem to comprehend, something that was pulling him towards his own son and the blue head who was currently mumbling things he did not even bother catching.

"Was he?" Sasuke quizzed.

"He was," Hinata said, eyes lit up the moment she saw their son standing at the gates of the Hyuga compound with her father and sister.

Sasuke watched as the woman beside him quickened her pace as she made her way towards Yuu, both of them having their hands stretched out, ready for a hug.

Maybe it was how she reminded him of his mother, and how Yuu reminded him of his brother. A familiar feeling, something he had lost ages ago that felt like it was rekindling for a brief moment in his life. Perhaps it was the universe telling him that he should take a breather from the world and spend some time with his family, something he thought he would be doing in the meantime before the Chunin exams.