*Continuing from chapter 14
(S) Shine
Sasuke slowly rolls his chair back in front of his computer after getting composed. He looks over the figures Jugo sent him and begins to have tunnel vision as he drowns himself in his work, finding peace in his mind to not focus on Hinata or his therapy.
Shortly after Jugo knocks on his door and Sasuke invites him in without looking up from his screen.
He walks in cautiously "Did you check them?"
"Here" Sasuke replies as he pushes a draft across the desk with instructions.
Jugo looks over the document then at Sasuke whose typing up an email.
He clears his throat and replies "So, we're not even considering selling it off?"
Sasuke answers bluntly "I'm not selling anything with that rate of return."
"You do know that division is still sucking us dry?" Jugo rebuts.
Sasuke replies with some annoyance in his tone "Just keep capacity at 60% until the market bounces back, this will blow over soon, it always does."
Jugo nods without any further questions, tapping on his tablet to circulate Sasuke's final decision on the issue. Though he agrees completely with his reasoning he glares at him concernedly.
Sasuke's eyes look somewhat distant even as they stay focused on the information he's inputting in front of him.
Though he's again absorbed in work and his disposition is more akin to how he usually operates, it makes him question why he hasn't bothered him at all this week and has been taking back the duties he inconsiderately dropped on everyone's shoulders.
Sasuke glances up at him "Is that all?" he asks wondering why he's still standing there.
Jugo puts the tablet on his desk and places a hand on the chair in front of it.
"I don't know, you tell me."
Sasuke replies quickly "Chat with my secretary I can't think of anything right now."
"You know what I mean, is everything alright with you?"
"I'm fine," he says calmly.
"You sure about that?"
"I am," he retorts listlessly.
"Because if you need to talk-"
Sasuke interrupts him with a loud irritated snarl "Fuck!"
"Can you just drop it? I said I'm fine."
Jugo scowls at him then scoffs as they glare at each other intensely as though a verbal war was about to break out when there is a playfully rhythmic knock on the door.
"What is it?!" Sasuke asks loudly.
He leans back in the chair and rubs his eyes vigorously, now aggravated by the guest that steps inside while Jugo looks at the ceiling as he thinks of Suigetsu's poor timing.
"Whoa, why is it so chilly in here?" Suigetsu asks as he closes the door behind him.
Sasuke shakes his head languidly "What is this an ambush?—he shifts a hostile glare to Suigetsu—"What the fuck do you want?"
"Pleasant as always I see," Suigetsu replies in a sardonic tone as he walks over to his desk.
Jugo interjects calmly "I asked him to come here."
"Eh, more like commanded," he replies as he casually takes a seat in the chair that Jugo had his hand on.
Jugo's eyes narrow as he looks down at Suigetsu "Last week, I don't know why the fuck he's here now."
Although he feels the usual tension between his friends Suigetsu continues to jive carelessly.
"Gosh, you guys sure have a knack for hospitality you take tips?"
When neither of them joins in the banter as their glares become more intensely screwed to him he adds.
"I was busy alright, if you want me here willy nilly take me out on a nice date once in a while."
Sasuke replies coldly "Get out clown, I have shit to do."
Suigetsu rolls his eyes "Oookay,"
As he begins to get up to leave Jugo grabs his shoulder making him plop back down into the seat.
"What's with this stick up your ass? Can you just tell us what the fuck is wrong with you?" Jugo asks.
Suigetsu whips out his phone not having nearly as much patience as Jugo to get involved when Sasuke has this attitude. He thoughtlessly watches videos while his friends continue to hiss at each other.
"I'm not letting this go man," Jugo declares loudly when Sasuke starts giving him the silent treatment.
Sasuke sharply turns his head and sighs as he runs his hand through his hair, brooding on whether or not to tell them what's been eating him up lately. Soon he recounts the advice he was given and he silences his office phone now deciding to let them in.
He reluctantly answers "It's, It's Hinata alright… We're getting divorced."
He sighs as he puts his elbows on the desk and rests his forehead on clenched fists.
The two men remain silent as they glance slightly at each other unsurprised by his statement though for varying reasons.
Sasuke scoffs "Throw me a parade while you're at it," he adds perturbed from their nonexistent reaction.
Jugo scratches his head "I just don't get it. Isn't this what you wanted?"
Suigetsu responds quickly "Yeah, wait what-" he eases from the chair and puts down his phone "Why would he want that?"
"Because he's been messing with his other chick," Jugo replies coldly.
Suigetsu scoffs "So you knew all along and didn't tell me?"—he glances at them both— "Oh, I forgot you two have some special connection."
Jugo sneers "Don't make it sound dirty. Remember she's been cheating first it's only fair he does the same right?"
He adds as he looks at Sasuke "Heck, why are you even upset about that? It's what she deserves, you know what I think, you should-"
"She wasn't having an affair," Sasuke interrupts loudly.
"What?" both men voiced in unison, evidently stunned.
Jugo adds "But you said-"
"She never actually admitted it to me I just thought she was, but I was wrong. I fucked up," Sasuke interrupts maintaining his calm expression.
"But the picture," Jugo questions still addled.
Sasuke replies rubbing his temple "It meant nothing, he came on to her."
Jugo wipes his face as he thinks then replies calmly "…Fuck man I thought-" he sighs then adds softly "I'm sorry."
Sasuke laments "And now she has Uzumaki just waiting for her to end it all."
"Well let's deal with the problem then," Jugo replies while walking to the door.
Sasuke lifts his head "Wait-"
"Is she pregnant? You know the other one" Suigetsu interrupts impassively.
Sasuke snaps his head and glares at him intensely "How the fuck do you know about that?"
Suigetsu clears his throat as he prepares to correct his gaffe.
He smoothly recovers "Pff why would you think I know? I was just asking a question. It would just be really shitty to drag out your divorce if she is right?"
Sasuke looks at him with disgust "When have you ever been invested in my marriage?"
"I just think some people would feel that way," he replies resting his cheek on his fist.
The room becomes quiet and Sasuke links his hands together then puts his chin on top unconvinced by his reason for bringing up the topic. His and Jugo's stare connects as they consider his concern originating from none other than Ino.
Sasuke sighs, holding his tongue to keep the promise he made to Hinata not to confront him directly about their situationship. However, as he looks at Suigetsu he considers using him as a means to relay his message back to her friend.
"She's not pregnant, she lied. She admitted it when I was taking her to a clinic," he says without doubt.
Suigetsu nods and rubs his chin while Sasuke rubs his forehead.
Jugo asks puzzled "So you'll just let him have his way? We can get the team to pull his-"
"That's the dumbest thing you could think of," Sasuke interrupts stolidly.
Jugo scoffs "What?" he taps Suigetsu's shoulder "What are your thoughts on this?"
He shrugs "Don't ask me I'm fresh out of legal ones too."
Sasuke interposes adamantly "He's smart he'll see it coming, he's just frothing for that type of reprisal. This company is in enough hot water to fuck up like that."
"So what's your plan? You can't just let him take what's yours," Jugo questions.
"True," Suigetsu adds as he gestures agreeably with his hands.
Sasuke replies feeling disheartened "It's my fault she even has eyes for him, she doesn't want me so I can't force her to stay… I still have some stuff I need to take care of first."
Jugo looks at him bemused "What could be more important than fighting for her?"
"You don't think I want to?" he replies while giving him a confused expression.
"It doesn't sound like it" Jugo says quickly.
Sasuke looks at his friends and gets up from his chair. He paces a bit, running his hands through his hair while his friends look at each other confused. He clasps his hands in prayer formation on his mouth then sighs deeply.
"This can't leave this room," he says strictly.
"Of course" Jugo replies.
He knocks Suigetsu's shoulder so he can confirm as well and when they both vow secrecy on what he's about to reveal Sasuke takes a seat and announces softly.
"I'm seeing a therapist."
Suigetsu sits up in the chair and he and Jugo look at each other a bit puzzled as to what exactly he means.
"As in, AA?" Jugo replies warily.
Suigetsu counters quickly "Were you born dumb? It's obviously anger management."
Sasuke shakes his head side to side as it lowers feeling ashamed to announce his struggle.
"Neither, I'm dealing with some stuff from my past, it's been following me for years… I get flashes and it's terrifying. So I'm getting help to finally deal with it, the right way."
He looks at them and rubs his forehead "Don't look at me like that the last thing I need is your pity."
"Don't say that man," Jugo replies.
Suigetsu interjects loudly "Pity? You must be fucking kidding, you owe us an apology jackass."
Jugo looks over at him warningly and Suigetsu scoffs before voicing bellicosely.
"What? He's been an atomic dick for weeks like he thinks I'm pussy to take his shit, do I look like it?"
Sasuke gives him a smug look and Jugo facepalms before he responds.
"You need a tampon with that answer?"
Suigetsu scoffs then scratches his head "Ok… maybe I walked into that one."
"You think?" Jugo replies while impishly shaking him by the shoulder.
Sasuke uses his tongue to lick away a grin and Suigetsu turns his gaze away from the group.
"Anyway look, the goblin finally smiled, maybe we should throw that parade after all."
Sasuke sighs "I'm sorry for being a lousy friend."
Jugo smirks and applauds slowly while Suigetsu's brows raise as he rubs his chin, he nods surprised that he actually apologized.
Sasuke rests his head on his hand and Jugo walks over to his side and places a hand on his shoulder.
"We got you man, we're just glad your back to normal."
Suigetsu lets out a puff of air "Ah yes back to the lovable loose cannon oh joy."
Sasuke smiles faintly and nods but Suigetsu sighs as he looks at him, able to tell that he still has a lot on his mind, and steps over to his other side with his hands in his pockets.
"But listen though, how about we grab a drink and maybe play some pool after each session, you know to relax a bit."
Jugo interposes "And I'll take over most of your schedule on those days, cool?"
It takes Sasuke a few seconds to respond as he lifts his head and glances to his left and right, he smiles softly feeling grateful that he still has people in his corner.
Earlier he felt like a broken man after revealing his dark flaw but now he's overwhelmed by the peace of being accepted and it eases his conscience to know that he won't have to constantly hide what he's going through anymore.
"Sounds good… Thanks guys" he answers quietly.
Jugo smiles and jerks his shoulder "Ok good, now that we cleared that up there's something we need to double down on urgently."
"What's that?" Sasuke asks, now firing on all cylinders.
Jugo grabs his tablet and Sasuke's brows furrow when he sees a strange outbound transaction done under his company's name.
"That's interesting, did you trace it?" he adds feeling concerned.
"I think it's best we discuss it offsite, just in case" Jugo replies.
Sasuke pulls his nose "Right."
He informs his secretary that he and Jugo are going for lunch then grabs his coat to head out and Suigetsu heckles them when they start leaving without saying anything else.
"So am I not invited to this secret meeting?" he asks loudly.
Jugo turns around to him "As much as we'd love to drop you off at a shelter I doubt they're taking in strays" he teases.
"The only thing straying is your chances of getting laid before you turn 30" Suigetsu quips.
Sasuke holds the elevator annoyed "Will you both get on."
His friends walk over leisurely to bother him more and when they get on Suigetsu stands between them, putting his hands over their shoulders as they descend.
Sasuke rubs his eyes "How did I get stuck with you two?"
Suigetsu jeers "You know without me you'd just be two pieces of sandpaper rubbing against each other, not a fun time."
"You're a bad itch more than anything else," Jugo posits quickly but doesn't move his hand.
Sasuke doesn't respond but thinks of his interactions with Jugo over the years and holds his head down while he chortles.
Suigetsu grins "Whatever, but he knows it's true."
One week Later
Sasuke twists and turns in bed for hours when his mind finally relaxes as it drifts to something pleasant.
~Four and a half years ago~
"You know this is it for the week right?" Sasuke says softly as they wait for their last order.
She replies concerned "What? No… That's not fair you didn't let me find the stuff you hid last week."
"Hina I gave you sixteen hints on the note."
She swirls her hair nervously "Yeah but-"
He interrupts quickly "SIXTEEN, one I gave you the clue to find the note, and two the apartment only has four rooms. It's over for you."
Hinata huffs and swings her head to the right childishly "I'm mad at you for five minutes."
He gasps breathlessly as he pretends to have a heart attack and Hinata almost looks at him but pouts and keeps her head turned, now used to that trick.
Seeing that his antics aren't working, he cups her chin.
"You know that's way too long."
She turns her head away further and Sasuke puts his arm around her shoulder then possessively pulls her close.
He bends his head down, moving it to the right trying to see her eyes but Hinata shifts her gaze away every time, willing to snap her neck so he can't see her face.
He chuckles at her stubbornness after catching a glimpse of her smile and follows her head as it moves around, playfully trying to be in her line of sight.
When that doesn't work he snuggles his head into her neck while softly pecking on her until she giggles uncontrollably and finally turns forward, surrendering to his relentless advances.
Having gotten the desired response he then kisses her on the shoulder.
"I ordered three lava cakes to go."
She gasps and faces him quickly with brightly lit eyes "REALLY!"
Suddenly she covers her growing smile with her hand remembering that they aren't the only people in the restaurant. She turns around and apologizes to those close by and Sasuke counters.
"It's her birthday, she's allowed to be excited."
Hinata bows timidly, however some persons warmly express well wishes to her, and Sasuke rubs her shoulders and kisses her head until she looks at him chirpy again.
"Are you serious?" she asks softly with excitedly arched brows.
He grins from her adorable tone while relishing the wide overjoyed smile on her face then nods.
As he does Hinata squeals softly and subtly does her usual jig, already eager about indulging in more chocolate when she gets home.
He brings his cheek over to her and taps it, but as she's about to kiss him there she holds his jaw and turns his head towards hers.
She caresses his cheek then blushes when she sees the besotted look in his eyes that gleam with amorous admiration in the most beautiful way every time she deeply looks into them.
Using the romantically lit setting to shadow their passion she kisses him slow and lovingly for a few minutes, tying their tongues together then softly sucks on his bottom lip as they separate, showing her appreciation by rewarding him for his kind gesture to placate her ravenous sweet tooth.
While opening his eyes sluggishly he softly says "I love you."
She replies cheerfully "and I love you endlessly."
He grins "That's a lot of love to hold, don't you need a hand?"
Hinata looks down "That would be nice, if only your hand wasn't already too busy being frisky," she jests casually.
He replies amusedly as he moves the hand that's been struggling to stray up under her long dress.
"That's why I have two, so don't worry I can manage. I just hope you don't mind though because it might just overflow tonight."
She smiles at him curiously and he kisses her cheek until they change to a deeper shade of pink, though what she assumes is something different from what he meant.
The dessert arrives and Hinata doesn't spare a second before starting to devour the slice of mocha cake. Meanwhile Sasuke sips on his drink not having any affinity for sucrose, much less the especially rich kinds she enjoys.
However, he jubilantly watches her eat, wiping away any bits that smudge her cheek as she elatedly talks about the specifics of her dream home, feeling thankful that he's now making enough to be able to spoil her the way he wants.
When she's almost done eating he feels his pants pocket to present her with his final surprise for today.
"There's one more thing I need to do tonight."
"There's more?" she replies surprised after being pampered by him all day.
He nods but soon his smile fades as he realizes that he can't find the one thing to make this night successful, at least to him.
Sasuke grabs his mouth, quieting a swear to not make her catch on that he's now on edge.
He sighs then holds her hand "I'll be right back."
When he gets up Hinata grabs his sleeve "Where are you going?"
"I just need to check something in the car"—he bends and kisses her forehead—"I won't take long so stay here," he says tenderly
Sasuke briskly walks out of the restaurant rifling through his blazer's side pockets and pants pockets searching for the essential metal to make this night perfect for his girlfriend.
When he gets to the car, he frantically digs into every single nook and cranny, going as far as to place his phone in his mouth to use the flashlight in order to search his trunk thoroughly. He scours the car for minutes but it was nowhere to be found.
He pulls on his hair, deeply confused and panicked then lays flat to take a look under the car when he hears Hinata's voice in the distance.
She runs over to him "Sasu, what are you doing?"
He looks at her then sighs and she bends down to help him up. When he stands he clenches his jaw while dusting himself off and exhales loudly.
"Did you not hear me? I said to stay inside."
She bows nervously "It's been almost 20 minutes I got worried."
"Just go inside, I'll be back in a bit."
"What?!" she replies loudly, upset from his standoffishness.
Hinata clings to his arm but he still moves to enter the car, completely dismissing her.
She frowns "This is crazy, can we please finish our night out first?" she asks nicely.
He rubs his hands down his face then kisses her forehead to try to calm her down so he doesn't feel worse.
"Just let me do this."
"No, tell me what's wrong tonight," she responds concerned by his change in attitude.
He rubs her cheek "I just think I left something at home."
"Can't it wait?" she questions.
"It can't," he replies quickly.
She tips slightly in her heels and holds his cheek so she can look in his eyes, trying to soothe his obvious agitation.
"Sasu you're scaring me. I won't let you leave without me so please, whatever it is just tell me. Tell me what's bothering you tonight," she begs.
He sighs, feeling even more distraught from making her fret tonight of all nights. When her stance wobbles he impulsively holds her waist, puts his forehead on hers then slowly pushes her downward so she stops tipping.
He sighs "I got you a ring, but I can't find it."
Although he said it quietly Hinata heard it as clear as day and looks at him genuinely confused.
Quickly she holds the diamond pendant on the finely crafted floating necklace that he placed around her just before their date.
"It's fine, I think you've bought me enough jewelry for today," she assures sweetly.
She holds his hand and tries to pull him back to the restaurant but he easily spins her around then gently rubs the space between her furrowed brows making the area relax and flatten fully, getting rid of her worried expression.
He takes both her hands and rubs them with his other.
"This is different… I wanted to propose to you tonight."
Hinata stands in silence as her mind processes what exactly he just said.
"Really?" she asks shyly as she smiles while looking down at their hands.
He replies charily "But now everything is-"
"Perfect… You still overthink too much you know that?" she interrupts swiftly
She gently squeezes his hand and sniffles already on the brink of happy tears.
"Just do it, propose to me."
He looks at his girlfriend awkwardly "Here? Without a ring?"
She nods "I want you to tell me why, right now."
Her response was quick and when she looks at him expectantly his heart skips a beat.
Sasuke's brows knot as he looks around in the scanty parking lot, this is definitely not how he wants to propose to her. Though he knows she loves him, something inside makes him fearful that she'll reject him if everything isn't just right, especially when her family still poses a problem.
When Hinata notices his apprehension she cups his chin and tilts his head down so his eyes stay focused on only her. She smiles at him, rubbing his cheek until his expression becomes adoring.
He holds her hand and looks into her eyes deeply but Hinata bows slightly.
She sighs then looks up at him "Yes I can see it, but I need to hear you say it."
Sasuke's smile slowly returns as he looks into her eyes and he gently strokes away a tear that runs down her cheek when they rise due to her smile enlarging.
He steadily gets on one knee and looks up at her and the world beyond them becomes a blur as he prepares to express just how much she means to him in the presence of cars, light poles, and stars.
They smile at each other in silence for a few seconds then he says "No wonder you always need massages, is it not freaky being down here all the time?"
She laughs loudly snorting a little "I knew you would say something like that."
He eyes her suspiciously "And there's no clap back? I don't think you're my Hina."
He begins to stand and she giggles as she presses his shoulder so he stays on one knee.
"You just threw me off my game tonight, ok."
He laughs at her admission and when she looks at him shyly he smiles and clears his throat now relaxed enough to start.
"… I can never find the right words, but I'll try my best."
She runs her hand through his hair "Just be honest, that's enough."
Sasuke nods and cordially puts her hand back into his.
He takes a deep breath "I met you as a selfish cold-hearted piece of crap. It feels like I'm dreaming because you must be superhuman to still put up with me."
An amused titter interrupts him and he smiles lustrously while rubbing her hand then continues, taking breaks to admire her warm responsive movements.
"But that's just who you are, you're compassionate and patient, you're the light in my darkness... I never thought I deserved anything other than a lonely existence in this cruel world and I was so lost, for so long… Then you found me and you held me, like you always knew that you were what I was missing all along."
A small crowd begins to form around them whispering among themselves excitedly but the couple remains oblivious to everything, completely absorbed in each other's eyes as he continues to profess his love.
He lightly squeezes her hand as they get sweaty.
"…And now here you are holding the only key to my heart. I'm glad I missed my train that day, and as angry as I made you then I'm so glad you still tried to change my mood… I'm glad you found me and I'm so happy your heart chose to love me Hina, because you're a million times easier to fall for."
He clears his throat as it tightens from seeing the tears starting to slowly drip from her eyes but focuses on her smile that is still stretched across her face.
"You make every day brighter, you make everything clear, I feel so lucky to have you by my side because you make my life way more enjoyable… You make it worth it, and now I'm addicted to this high."
She giggles and quickly wipes her eyes as she takes a deep breath "I'm not an OTC you know."
He chuckles "I'd go broke on refills if that was the case."
She bites her lips holding in another laugh and he continues softly.
"Even then… It still wouldn't be enough for me, because my heart beats for you no one else… And it yearns for you anytime you're not near me, so I want to give you all my love until it gives out. I want you to keep following me and I always want to be your Sasu, and…"
He bows to moisten his throat and thinks about what to say next then gazes up at her with ardent sincerity.
"And there's still so much I want to say to you, but if you say yes I'll show you instead… I'll love and I'll treasure you, forever Hinata. So could you do me a favor?"
She nods tearfully as she sniffles.
"Will you marry me?"
Hinata takes a second and inhales deeply as she clears her eyes leaking with tears of joy. Crying from hearing just how much her love means to her soulmate.
She caresses his cheek and replies softly "Yes, yes of course I will. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you."
Sasuke quickly stands and embraces her tightly, lifting her and nipping her cheeks as he rocks her side to side. His soft lips on her skin make her giggle as she tells him how much she loves him, not grasping that she's just made him the happiest man on earth.
Suddenly a burst of cheers erupts from the crowd of spectators congratulating them and bringing them out of their contained isolation. He kisses her passionately on her lips making them cheer louder then delicately puts her on her feet.
Hinata closes her eyes as she blushes and puts her hands under his blazer to embrace him well when she feels something hit her finger from a pocket inside.
She pulls away slightly and sticks her hand in, finding the missing diamond that had Sasuke in a tailspin.
When she takes it out her cheeks set on fire and her eyes widen ebulliently, the ring he chose was simple and brilliantly designed just to meet her taste. It was better than she could have ever imagined.
She sniffles "Wow… I think I found what you were looking for."
Sasuke rubs the back of his neck, discomfited from realizing just how nervous he was.
"How are you this good at finding what I need?" he asks as he takes the ring from a heavily flushed Hinata.
He wipes her cheek and she replies playfully "Well you know I have been training for a few years now."
He begins sliding the ring on her finger "Is that so? Well, I hope you don't mind but I won't be giving you too much time to train for what's to come."
"Yeah, what's that?" she says as she smiles widely, staring at her sparkling hand.
He whispers in her ear "The day I can officially call you, Mrs. Uchiha."
Hinata's knees get weak and he holds her waist when she stumbles.
It looks like she's standing above clouds and can no longer find her footing, then a wave of goosebumps washes her skin when Sasuke vehemently locks his lips with hers. He can feel her heart beating rapidly as he holds her close to his chest and it makes him overcome with total glee.
While slowly pulling away they then gaze at each other filled with warmth, basking in the blissful thought of knowing that they'll get to make a lifetime of memories together.
~End of dream~
The dream fades but Sasuke keeps his eyes close and they twitch as he tries to find more happy memories to fall into but he's already in a state of wakefulness.
He slowly opens his eyes with a painfully empty feeling in his chest, knowing that Hinata now regrets running away with him all those years ago. Soon after he looks over to the cold space beside him and a tear falls from his eyes when he sees that his new reality isn't what he planned.
He sighs while getting up and gently rubs his teary eyes as he sits on the side of his bed then squeezes his wet fist.
Now having done another week of therapy he finally gets decent enough rest and no longer has a splitting headache every time he thinks about her being gone. However, the hole in his heart still hasn't healed and Hinata is still carved on it.
As he tries to get some work done on his laptop he checks the clock to see if it's time to go to work but it's still far too early. Nonetheless he freshens up, unable to bear the torture of seeing her every time he looks away from his screen.
When he's putting himself together, his mind freely goes back to points in his dream but soon they drift from his focus and it makes his spirit more upbeat. He exits the house and as he walks over to his car he looks over at her flowers.
He stops as he opens his door then sighs and he squeezes his eyes shut while he thinks long and hard, having now accepted that she won't be coming home anytime soon.
After a few minutes, he decides to use the extra time today to attempt to better their tattered relationship, now considering it too late to save their marriage.
Later at Hinata's Practice.
Sasuke sits in his car after getting assistance from Anko before Hinata arrives for the day, not wanting to disturb his wife if she had a busy schedule lined up.
As he puts on his seat belt readying himself to leave he looks in his rearview and his heart sinks when he sees Hinata drive in.
He slumps in his seat and wipes his mouth as he watches her exit her car then stretches in her back seat to take out her coat and briefcase.
She starts walking off and as unprepared as he is to see her so soon there is an unprecedented rush of euphoria surging in his body from laying eyes on her for the first time in two weeks.
The fervor makes him smile widely and though his heart feels bruised it thumps wildly. She's still the most gorgeous woman he's ever seen. Her hair is pulled back neatly in a high ponytail and she looks sophisticated in her work attire, he can't take his eyes off her.
He tells himself to stay put but before he knew it, his body spontaneously jumps out of the car, he's craving to be near her.
Hinata gets close to the entrance feeling joyful after a relaxing weekend with just her friends however her stomach churns and coils when she spots Sasuke in her periphery walking towards her from across the parking lot.
She quickly turns to get back in her car and before Sasuke could cut her off fully she snarls at him.
"Don't come any further," she says hostilely.
He stops immediately and as he looks at her he gulps, her eyes are still frigid and uninviting.
"I'm not here to cause a scene, I just need five minutes."
She replies annoyed "I don't need to hear anything else."
"I won't keep you long," he says calmly.
Hinata scoffs and rubs her forehead not wanting to hear another tired speech when he indicates for her to go with him to his car.
"I'll leave as soon as we're done."
Wanting to get rid of him she stomps in the direction he's pointing and as they walk off he offers to carry her briefcase but she aggressively denies his request.
They get in the car and she hops from the seat slightly, not expecting the leather to be so cold if he was in here waiting.
When Sasuke sees her shivering as she sits again he turns on his ignition and Hinata instantaneously opens the car door.
"I'm not going anywhere with you," she declares harshly.
He looks at her in dismay "I wasn't-" he sighs cutting his sentence short.
He slowly wipes his face, racked by how out of touch they've become then quickly adjusts the temperature in the car, and uses the panel on his door to turn on the heating for her seat.
Hinata haltingly closes her door, feeling embarrassed, and when she does Sasuke sets the position of her seat and headrest, trying to make sure it doesn't mess with her ponytail.
However, she gets annoyed when he reclines her too much and holds the button on her door that stores the settings she saved so it positions itself to make her sit most comfortably.
Seeing that he's not helping Sasuke holds the steering wheel tightly, using it to stop his hands from straying to hold hers or caress her face so she doesn't feel uneasy while they talk.
He's trying to reach out to her but it already feels like whatever he does will be met with strong resistance.
"Please make this quick I have a million things to do today," she says inattentively as she looks for her office keys.
He gazes at her lovingly "You didn't trim the sides of your bang."
She glances at him from the side "How did you see that? It barely shows."
He releases a puff of air and smiles softly though he's sad she even has to ask him a question like that after knowing every detail of her body for so many years.
"You look beautiful," he replies softly.
She sighs "Why are you here?"
He clears his throat "What I said a couple weeks ago about… The divorce,"—He licks his lips as they dry— "I shouldn't have tried to force my hand with you, I was angry and sad and… I'm sorry."
She blasts him "You're so reckless you don't even think before you do anything. You shouldn't have gone to Rasenco at all."
He replies calmly "You're right and I'm trying not to work off my emotions impulsively but I'm not about to apologize to your moronic boyfriend."
She pinches her lips and bows her head, still feeling self conscious about their situation, and Sasuke sighs when she doesn't attempt to rebut his statement.
He'd hope she wouldn't have accepted him yet but now it seems that he's actually too late to save anything.
He takes a deep breath as he gazes at her while she frowns sordidly, and begins to remember how extremely happy she looked whenever she was with Naruto, how her eyes glowed with life when she looked into his and how at ease he made her.
With hands filling with pins and needles he turns his head forward, holding back his tears as he realizes what Naruto said was true. It does seem that he's really her only problem.
No longer wanting to selfishly restrain her, he prepares to give her what she needs to have a peaceful life while he does therapy.
He sighs "I've been a horrible choice for you, I shouldn't have invaded your heart when I knew I didn't deserve it."
"What?" she asks stolidly.
He responds quietly "I know he makes you smile a lot and I can tell that you make him happy too, because you're so easy to love."
She looks at him dolefully and as he sets his gaze on her his breathing slows and he smiles at her poignantly, taking in her ethereal beauty up close, and then he's soon overcome with a sense of tranquillity.
Thinking he'll at least get to see her smile brightly once more when he says what he's about to.
He swallows "We can settle out of court, I won't object to anything you request so you can take whatever you want."
A cold shiver runs down his spine instantly regretting his words but doesn't amend his chosen action, thinking it's for the best and Hinata looks at him reticently and doesn't respond.
His smile quivers as he softly adds "We can have an easy divorce, I won't stop you from moving on."
They sit in a deafening silence and when she doesn't smile he turns his head forward and closes his eyes tightly, waiting to hear her door open and slam shut but after a few seconds he hears her exhale loudly.
She looks at him skeptically "Why are you saying all this to me now?"
He shrugs "I'm doing therapy, for, you know. It's given me some perspective."
She gasps softly "But I thought you said-"
He interrupts "I know, but Kakashi gave me a good enough motive to try something new."
She looks away slowly, feeling offended "How nice."
"That reason is you," he quickly assures.
She turns her gaze back to him and he smiles faintly before adding.
"This is still hard though, I don't want to let you go… But I love you enough to do that, I really do"—he inhales deeply to keep his composure—"We're not the same anymore, but I can live knowing you're happy even if it's with someone else… As much as it hurts, I'll do that for you Hina."
She closes her eyes and they sit in even deeper silence while Hinata thinks over what he said.
Then after a few minutes, Sasuke hears sniffling and when he looks at her again he squeezes his forehead tightly from seeing tears welling in the corner of her eyes.
"Please don't cry, I thought this was what you wanted to hear."
She trembles and grips the strap of her briefcase then glares heatedly at him through her wet eyes.
"Y-you know this hurts me too right? I-I never asked for any of this… All I ever wanted was you, you were my soulmate Sasuke," she snivels angrily.
He replies quickly "You're still mine that will never change."
Hinata scoffs and tries to block her tears with her fist, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting emotions.
Though he's no longer pleading to her and she's happy that his words are finally not coming from a place of pure desperation to not be alone or entitlement to her loyalty, she's aggrieved that he's doing it when everything is falling apart.
He calmly tries to explain his sentiments "I want to hold on to you, I would crush the world in my hands if that meant I could get closer to you. But I have to be honest… I don't know if I can make you as happy as he can when he offers you a fresh start, because I'm still not ok."
She tears up more from inwardly questioning his ability as well and he interrupts her thoughts sternly.
"I'm not ok Hina…"
When she looks at him he adds softly "I don't want to bring you on this ride with me because I'm not sure how long it will take and I don't want you to have to deal with it, I won't let you put your life on hold."
Breathing becomes difficult as she sniffles harder from thinking of how considerate he's being towards her and Sasuke's hands twitch now feeling antsy to dry her tears but also wants to respect the contact barrier she firmly put in place the last time he tried comforting her.
He instead opens the center console and takes out a pack of wipes and hands it to her.
Hinata reluctantly takes it and while she uses them to clean her face, they sit in stiff silence and she ponders as she cools down.
She exhales loudly "Don't lie to me, is she really not pregnant?"
He looks at her in utter shock that she would question whether or not he had been truthful to her about something that hurtful, it emphasizes their distance and leaves him speechless then Hinata adds.
"Ino was trying her best to convince me over the weekend to confirm it, I'm assuming that you told Suigetsu something."
He nods slowly "She isn't. I wouldn't lie to you about that."
Her brows twist as she tears up slightly, remembering the pain she felt.
However, she tilts her head up and exhales softly to hold in her sadness, not wanting to relive it.
While sitting mute they both observe the shrubbery in front of the car, unsure of what the other is thinking, and after a few minutes when he's about to speak she breaks the silence.
"I'm glad you're acknowledging your problem and doing the work to fix it. It can only be for the better."
While nodding he says "I hope so"—he glances over at her—"I don't know if you knew but I don't take advice well."
"Who would have thought," she teases.
He smiles proudly from the sarcastic remark and Hinata smiles faintly as she shyly looks at him from the side.
"I should have checked on you after the fight, I'm sorry," she adds.
He replies quickly "Don't apologize to me."
He looks directly at her and adds softly but insistently "Don't dare feel guilty about anything, because I did this to us, it's all my fault… I took you for granted."
She nods "I agree completely."
His brows arch and a soft chuckle scratches his throat from her unexpected boldness and Hinata's faint smile brightens a bit.
She sighs as she puts away the wipes and he tilts back on the headrest while continuing to look at her.
"You were a great husband you know, despite your faults."
"You mean my legion?" he quips.
"Yes, all of them. I still loved you anyway, but maybe I'm just defective," she says warily.
He replies softly "Maybe, but to me, you're even greater than perfection… I never thought anyone could love me as much as you did. You're the only person who could steal my heart."
When she looks at him again he sees a dim glint in her eyes and it makes him smile amorously at her though she quickly shifts her gaze from him to hold her head down.
She clears her throat "I don't know what you expect me to say."
He continues to smile at her nonetheless then replies feeling hopeful.
"You don't have to say anything… But now that I'm doing this, can I ask you something?"
She looks at him guardedly and nods.
He gulps "I know this is a lot, but if there's even the slightest chance that you think I can still make you the happiest woman in the world… Will you run to me?"
Her gaze becomes fixed on his as her breathing picks up and her not rejecting him outright gives him a pristine ray of hope.
He quickly continues "It doesn't have to be today or even next month, I won't bother you and I'll keep my word if you choose to divorce me… But if you think your heart can ever beat for only me again, please stay open to me."
Hinata's throat constricts as she thinks and Sasuke grips his wheel even harder then convincingly proclaims.
"I'm the one chasing and I'll do all the fighting for the two of us… I'll heal our rift and when I do I hope I'll still be able to find your love. So if you ever think for a minute that what we have is worth it, don't bury us."
He says it all with light and guileless eyes and his words strip some of the caution she wound around herself. It's like she's listening to a whole different person from the one she's encountered these last two months.
Now for the first time in weeks she has to suppress the voice in her heart that's screaming for her to forget everything he's done.
She wipes her eyes and sighs "You have a lot to prove."
He agrees softly "I know, I'll try my best."
Sasuke smiles widely as he remembers his dream from earlier and Hinata folds her lips.
When she recognizes that she's getting lost in the look behind his eyes she takes a deep breath and sets her gaze in front. She looks at the screen and sees that she's falling behind.
"I have to go… Does your therapist have a card?"
He replies anxiously "You don't have to come with me."
She sticks her hand out and uses her fingers to signal him to give it to her anyway and he slowly eases off his seat to get his card holder from his back pocket. When he hands it to Hinata, she flips it over to check all the details and purses her lips, considering what to do.
Without adding anything she opens the door and Sasuke quickly wishes for her to have a good day. Hinata side eyes him coyly but tells him the same before exiting the vehicle.
She straightens her clothes and pulls her ponytail through her hand then walks off and Sasuke's eyes follow her structure fixatedly, drying them out as he doesn't blink to miss a second of her hips swaying.
When she enters the building his body decompresses into the seat and he deeply inhales the ambrosial fragrance he's been dying to smell at home, reliving all the times he held her close just to breathe her in.
Though their relationship is still strained, he leaves feeling far more optimistic than he did a few minutes ago.
Meanwhile inside, Anko greets Hinata cheerfully, about to get her prepared before going to her office but Hinata passes her quickly not hearing a word as her mind races a hundred miles a minute.
However, as she opens her door her eyes dry immediately and her jaw drops when she's blown away by the colorful and breathtaking display left inside for her.
Afterward, an unwelcomed visitor walks up to Anko's desk and greets her warmly.
"I'm Mrs. Uchiha's friend, can you check if she's available to talk?"
Hope you enjoyed the read.
A/N: NaruHina title (Three's a crowd) I've been playing with this chapter's approach and I just need my mind to settle on the one that satisfies it. I'll try to flesh it out and get it posted as soon as I can.
Thanks for the great feedback as always, I honestly think some of you are just saying stuff to flatter me now, not a bad thing though lol, it's all love.
I'm glad most of you are feeling for Sasuke that was the intention and also glad you're liking his change up to make him less appealing in the other timeline. Hope I can keep it up quality wise because it's hard af.
Let me just extend a hug for all the notes you've all left (っ^ヮ^)っ
…No? ლ(◉◞⊖◟◉`ლ)
Ok (ლ*・﹏・)
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Happy reading till next time :D
