Hana went back to Tazuna's house and packed up her things. She hadn't even seen Sasuke, and she didn't plan to. It would make it harder for her to leave him...even though she had no idea where she could go. She would have to figure it out.
As she shoved some water bottles in her bag, she heard the kitchen door creak open. She ignored it, but then heard a familiar cough. She felt her eyes tear up, but she still ignored him. "Hana?" she heard him call, and as soon as she felt his warm hand on her shoulder she shrugged him off "what?!". She turned to face him, noticing he was startled.
"What are you doing?" he asked "we're not leaving for an hour". "I am" she mumbled, shoving another water bottle in her bag. He sighed "tell me what's wrong". She shook her head, closing up the bag. "Come on, Hana. I'm your brother and though I may not seem like I care I do". Hana placed her backpack on her back, then shrugged "I'm leaving and I'm going far away".
He blinked "why?". "Because I'm just a burden on everybody!" she exclaimed through tears. Sasuke's eyes widened, and she stormed passed him and out the door of Tazuna's house. She was sure he would come after her. After all, their connection was strong. They were siblings...and maybe she felt more for him.
"Hana!" she heard him yell behind her. She kept walking, the tears streaming down her pale cheeks. She felt so embarrassed about what happened with Sumi. She didn't feel like she belonged amongst them anymore. Maybe with Nari but...even still, she hadn't realised anything. She was a silly, naive little girl. All the boys wanted her, but that's not what SHE wanted. She just wanted to be left alone...just her and Sasuke.
Though she understood that was impossible. Someday, Sasuke would end up falling for a girl, and that would leave Hana heartbroken. He reached for her shoulder, turning her around and glaring down at her angrily "where do you think you're going?". Hana wiped at her eyes, but it was no use. The tears just kept coming. "I-I'm sorry, Sasuke...but I don't belong with you or the others". "Did they say something to you?" he asked, anger in his voice "because if they did-".
"No, they didn't" she lied "but Sasuke...maybe becoming a ninja was a bad move for me. I can't even fight. I can't defend anyone. You were willing to die for me earlier, but I could never die for you. I'm selfish, and naive and stupid!". "You're a kid, Hana" he said "I'm a lot more mature than you because I SAW what happened that night. You didn't. If you saw it.." he clenched his fists "you wouldn't be the person I can't live without".
Hana's eyes widened, and a gust of wind came, almost knocking her over. She stood there, shocked. Never had Sasuke ever said something so sweet to her in her entire life. "S-Sasuke.." she whispered. "I know you are afraid, Hana. Of being a ninja. Of fighting. Of death" he said, taking a step towards her "but that's okay, because that's the way you are. I'm willing to die for you because I love you, and I'm lost without you. You obviously love differently".
Hana felt a single tear dribble down her chin, her bottom lip quivered at those words. 'I love you'. He loved her. Even after everything...that had happened to them, and even though he was cold and sometimes bitter...he loved her the same way he had before. "I love you too" she muttered, and he unclenched his fists and moved towards her, pulling her in for a tight hug. She wrapped her arms around his back, sobbing into his shoulder blade and clenching into his shirt.
"Don't ever feel inadequate, Hana. No matter what, you and I are strong people. We are ninja. We made it this far even after what happened to us, and we didn't have anyone besides one another. Without you, I am nothing. Without me, you are nothing. We are...destined to be beside each other".
She wasn't sure what he was saying. Was he confessing...or was he just saying this all in a sibling way? Either way, she was entirely happy. "Thank you..Sasuke" she mumbled into his shirt "and you're right. We are destined to be beside each other. Always". He pulled back, planting a soft kiss on her forehead "please come back and-". Before he could finish his sentence, her stomach rumbled loudly.
She giggled shyly, and he chuckled, taking a hold of her hand "eat. Let's go back and eat" he said, finishing his sentence "we have to head home today..where we belong. Konoha". "That's right" she giggled "home". Once she entered the house, everyone was sitting around the table waiting for them. Sumi stood the moment she saw Hana, pursing her lips tightly. Hana thought she was holding back a fight, but Sumi pointed towards the door and clasped her hands together in a praying position "please" she mouthed. Hana nodded "I just need to help Sumi pack a little" she said, taking hold of a piece of bread "thank you for the good food, Tsunami". Tsunami nodded, smiling brightly "no problem!".
Sumi and Hana headed upstairs, and Sumi closed the door behind them. She leaned against it, sighing sadly "Hana..about what I said". "It's fine. Don't sweat it" Hana said, crossing her arms over her chest and looking at the floor. "No, Hana. I feel terrible and it was completely out of line" Sumi said "I beg of you to forgive me. What's meant to be won't pass you by, after all..and Sasuke has passed me by, a long time ago". She let out another sigh, this time with relief "I think it's safe to say it's not a burden I need to worry about anymore".
"What do you mean?" Hana asked, quirking an eyebrow. "Well..you know...fixing the broken boy" Sumi shrugged "it's attractive from a distance...every woman feels that way. You feel when you are attracted to a boy that's been through shit that you need to fix him, and make him a better person. I've realised that's not my place, and he doesn't want me to fix him. He wants you to fix him". "Wh-what do you mean?" Hana blinked. "I heard your conversation with him while you were trying to leave" Sumi said, stepping towards Hana and taking her by the shoulders "he loves you". "Well of course, that's what he said" Hana giggled shyly. Sumi gently squeezed Hana's shoulders "no...he LOVES you".
Hana understood what she meant the first time, just the thought made her nervous. "Do you...think so?" Hana blinked. "I know so..but he needs time to realise it himself. You already know it, and you are not naive. You are silly and slightly immature, but that's fine. We're kids. There's plenty of time for dating - and love - and marriage and kids, and now is most definitely not the time".
Hana smiled softly "thank you, Sumi". "So..do you forgive me?" Sumi asked quietly. Hana pulled her in for a tight hug "duh". Sumi laughed, hugging Hana back "great...now, let's get some more food into you so we can leave for home. I'm dying for some Ichiraku ramen". The girls headed downstairs. "Ugh me too! I was so scared I'd never get to taste it again!" Hana gasped, remembering their fight with Zabuza and then his cronies. "Don't worry, Hana" Sumi whispered at the bottom of the stairs, smiling faintly "Sasuke will make sure you have plenty of ramen bowls, he'll never let you get hurt".
Hana smiled, and a light blush spread across her cheeks. She could only hope so.