Still don't own Naruto
***
It was almost a year later that their paths crossed. They were both in the Land of Snow in the Village Hidden Among Snow. Sasuke was there because he just happened to go in that direction but Hinata wanted to see it, she was always captivated by snow and ice. They literally bumped into each other on one of the busy streets of this city. Something strange for two trained shinobis to do but it happened. She almost fell to the ground but he stopped her from hitting the ground. When they recognized who they were there was silence. She was the first one to break it.
„Thanks" that's all that she said and he simply nodded his head. Without anything else they went their own separate ways. It was strange to find someone familiar in this cold country for both of them.
The second time he saw her she was sitting in one of many cafes near the window with a big mug in her hands. There was something bothering about her and he couldn't put a finger on what it really was. So he went into the cafe to find out. He ordered a black coffee and sat opposite her. Firstly she was taken back by his presence. Her brows frowned as if to ask „why". He took a long look at her. She has changed. Her face was definitely thinner, hair long but put in a messy bun on top of her head. She looked as if she was tormented by something.
„What are you doing in the Land of Snow?" He asked. It came out more rudely than he wanted it to but he hadn't spoken to anybody for quite a long while.
„Visiting" she answered. „You?"
„Same" well this was going to be the most meaningful conversation in his life he thought sarcastically.
„Do you like it?" He didn't expect her to try and hold the conversation and it took him by surprise. His face must have shown it because she added „you don't have to reply really"
„No, no. It's fine. I haven't seen much to be honest"
„You haven't? Oh, you have to do some sightseeing. This town is beautiful. The castle is stunning and the parks are like no other" she smiled at him. He realized that he liked how she talked. She obviously was liking her stay here. Her eyes gained life when she talked about it. „Tomorrow I'm going to the wall. I've seen it when I was entering the town but I imagine the view from it is extraordinary".
„I've seen it as well" he took a sip of his coffee. He didn't drink it often but when he did it was always black and bitter.
„You can come with if you want" he was so surprised that he almost choked on his beverage. „Or not" she laughed and handed him a napkin.
„I'll go" he said simply. When he thought about why, there was no explanation. She smiled and took another napkin and wrote her hotels address on it.
„We can meet there at 9" when she said the house it was as if she was asking him so he nodded. „Good, see you there. I have to go because I am really tired today but it was nice to see you" he didn't have time to reply but nodded again. When she was out of the cafe he took the napkin and looked at it. It was unlike him to agree to meeting people but her presence was quite pleasant.
Hinata went to her hotel and on her way she thought about their encounter. She didn't know him well enough to like him or not like him. He seemed to be always somewhere else. She had no idea why she asked him to go with her. It was unlike her but she was happy that she did. Being alone far from home was what she wanted but lately she grew tired of this solitude.
He was at her hotel earlier than they agreed on but she was already in the lobby waiting. When she saw him she smiled and came over. Her clothes were all black which was something new about her. He remembered that she used to wear rather light clothes in the past but black suited her.
„Ready to go?" She asked with a smile.
„Sure" and they went out on the street. They walked in silence hand in hand. He noted that her steps were quite springy. She seemed to do a little jump every step. It was peculiar to him. She also looked everywhere. She seemed to be interested in every building and every person they passed. He thought that minute that they could not be any more different from each other. He usually looked straight ahead and didn't pay any attention to other people, he was vigilant but didn't care. She did and it could be seen by everyone. After about fifteen minutes of walking they were at their destination. She ran over to the edge of the wall. He followed. The view was, as she said, extraordinary. There was a lot of white - that's how he would describe it if anybody asked him.
„Isn't it beautiful?" She asked quietly. „I've read somewhere that this wall was the first thing that was built here. It was supposed to protect the city from invaders, somewhat like the one we have in Konoha. Now its purpose is no longer needed but its still one of the biggest attractions here. I can't imagine anyone not liking this view" she said and looked at Sasuke. He had to avert his eyes from her because he realized he was looking at her the whole time.
„Yeah it is nice" he said and looked at the sight before him. This time seeing more of it.
„I like this country. Have you seen the Museum of Weaponry?" He didn't so he shook his head. „Oh you have to it's impossible what they've invented" she paused „we can go there after this" he agreed and they began their walk on the wall. She had her eyes fixed on the mountains and the forest of white trees but he looked at her almost all the time. He watched her hair flowing in the wind, her eyes sparkling with excitement when she saw something she liked and it happened every few seconds. He discovered that he was captivated by this woman.
Two hours later they were paying for the tickets at the museum. He rarely went to museums in his childhood, later on he had no time for such things so it was first time in a while for him. He was content that it was about weapons, something he knew and not the art. He followed Hinata into the first hall. From this point he was super interested in everything that was exhibited. She was right. This weapons were innovative now and they were built ages ago. He had no idea how was it possible that he never heard of them. Hinata chuckled once she realized how much Sasuke liked this museum. He didn't realize the chuckle. Once they reached the end he thanked her for showing him this.
„Would you like to go somewhere and eat?" He asked after a while of silence. She agreed with a smile. They chose a place with a local cuisine. He wasn't sure it was the best choice but once their food arrived he changed his mind. The food was delicious and they ate in silence. He took a glance at her and frowned. There was that look again. Her eyes empty, looking through the window. He wandered if he should ask her if everything was okay but decided not to. They barely knew each other.
„How long are you staying here?" He asked her after a few minutes. She looked at him and life came back to her face.
„I think I'll be on my way the day after tomorrow. I need to go shopping tomorrow to get the supplies I might need on my way. And you?"
„No idea" his trip was different, he went when he wanted where his feet led him. „Where are you going next?"
„To change the scenery I'm going to the Land of Hot Water" she smiled. He was surprised. Land of Hot Water was located between Land of Frost and the Land of Sound. Both were still a location of many traitors and missing nins.
„Are you sure it's a good idea?" He asked and regretted it instantly. The look on her face told him everything. She did not want anybody telling her what was and wasn't a good idea for her. „Sorry it's just I think it can be not so peaceful there" she still looked upset.
„I know what I am doing Sasuke. I was at war, I can take care of myself"
„I know. I didn't mean to impose otherwise" he said apologetically.
„If you'd feel better you can come with me" she joked and laughed but stopped when she saw his face. He was thinking about it! „Oh no I'm only joking, you must have other plans!" She said quickly. He looked at her. There was a time when he traveled with other people but not for a long time but maybe it would be a nice change.
„I don't have plans" was all he said and there was a complete silence after that. They looked at each other for a few minutes and both knew that they were going together. Hinata didn't know what to think about that. Her plan was to go through this journey on her own and now she had companion. But she didn't feel uncomfortable with the idea.
„Alright then, I think we should meet tomorrow to gather what we need and agree on the time of departure" she said and wandered if she would come to regret this.
Later that night Sasuke laid on a bed and was looking at a ceiling. He was thinking about this novelty in his life. He wondered how long would they be traveling together. And he thought of her. How much at peace she made him feel and what was going on inside her head when she looked so miserable in the cafe and then in the restaurant. He usually didn't pay attention to emotions of other people but hers bothered him.
***
I didn't expect for anybody to read the short chapter I published before. Quite a strange feeling. Thanks for the comments. English isn't my first language, so the errors may occur and autocorrect doesn't always help.
Hope you enjoy this chapter :)
