Most of the house was in desperate need of repair. They needed to change almost everything in it. Some walls were cracked and the stairs were rotten. In the light of day Hinata could see inside better. When she omitted the decay she could imagine how it all has looked like all these years ago. Their plan was to clean the surfaces first and then try and repair what could be repaired.
„We can always some place else" He said when they were eating breakfast. She shook her head and smiled.
„We can do it" she was really optimistic about this and wanted it to work.
„It might take a long time"
„Which we have." They had all the time in the world. There were matters that needed their attention but she wasn't rushing towards them. It was strange that nobody sensed them already and she wanted to cherish these last few moments that they had alone. Once somebody payed them a visit their nonchalant time was past. „I would start with the kitchen and the living room. Then we can move on to other parts of the house." Bathroom needed to be done rather quickly as well. He smiled and nodded.
When they cleaned the two rooms she's spoken of they discovered that kitchen was more damaged and they had to replace most of the furniture. The only thing they decided to keep was a dining table and the chairs. There was an unspoken question as to how were they going to pay for all of these. She had her savings but due to the journey they were slim and she had no idea about his money. She's simply never asked nor cared about it but he seemed not to care about the expenses. Cleaning the other room was easier. There was much space and not much furniture. Bookshelves could be repaired easily, couch was old but could still be used. They decided to move the table here. The wallpapers had to be taken down so that's what they were doing for the next two hours. The windows seemed to be working but needed new glass. The floor was in a surprisingly good condition and needed only sanding. When they were throwing out the garbages they were approached by the first two friends.
It was Rock Lee and TenTen. The two people who Hinata really dreaded meeting. Her stomach felt sick instantly but she forced a smile on her face and hoped it looked genuine.
„Hello!" Lee was the first one to greet them. He hasn't changed much. He still wore this green outfit and his haircut was still weird. And he still was energetic and joyful. Hinata wanted to have this much joyfulness in her sometimes. TenTen was still beautiful. She's changed her hairdo but not drastically. She also smiled at Hinata and Sasuke but her smile was more reserved one. „So you came back! How was your trip?" This question was directed to Hinata mostly.
„Oh it was alright. I saw a lot of interesting places and then I've met Sasuke on my way" she wanted to include him in the conversation. It was important for her that he felt good in the village.
„We got the news" TenTen said and hugged Hinata. It was quite unexpected so Hinata didn't know how to act. „I'm glad you're home at last" she said and let go of her.
„Does everybody know?" Hinata asked. She knew that they did but she wanted to check once more.
„Gossip travels fast around here" Hinata exhaled.
„Did you meet anybody else apart form us?" Lee changed the subject a little. When they shook their heads he seemed stunned. „Oh! That's right Kiba and Shino are out on a mission. So is Naruto" and that explained their absence.
„And your family?" TenTen asked. This question felt hard in the air.
„I haven't spoken to them yet. I probably should do it soon though"
„If by soon you mean today than yes" Neji's team knew a lot about the Hyūga Clan and they were right she had to go to the compound. She looked at Sasuke and as she suspected he was tense. His thoughts were occupied with the image of two scouts that Hiashi has sent after Hinata.
„You're right TenTen"
„If you are still alive by then maybe you two could join us for some drinks later today?" Hinata looked at her companion for the second time with a question on her face. He nodded.
„Sure thing" she smiled. When Lee and the girl were gone she started walking back into the house. She had to change and go to the compound. There was no point in putting it off.
„You're going there right?" He asked and started changing as well. For a brief second she felt the urge to drop everything and just kiss him.
„Yes" but she couldn't.
„You know I won't let you go alone?" She laughed and nodded.
„I'm aware of that and I wouldn't have it any other way" she wasn't really scared of what her father might do but his presence made her feel even more confident.
„Good"
The compound was close to the Uchiha district so it took them only a few minutes to get there. Once they were in front of the door she felt uneasy but knocked. It took almost no time for the guard to open the door and let them in. He was hesitant to let Sasuke in but the black eyes didn't let him even try not to.
„Welcome Hinata-sama" he said and bowed his head.
„Hello. I think you should inform my father that I'm here." She didn't have time for the chitchat. When he was gone she instantly took Sasuke's hand and squeezed it hard.
„I'm here" he whispered. It was taking forever for her father to come but once he showed she saw that he wasn't happy.
„Hinata" his voice was as stern as always.
„Hello father" she bowed her head.
„I see you've brought company" the last word sounded like an insult. „What are you doing here Uchiha Sasuke?" Hinata stopped breathing.
„Just keeping her company"
„You can leave. We have a lot of things to talk about" but Sasuke didn't move.
„I want him to stay" Hinata's voice was quiet but she knew her father heard what she said. „And I'm not staying. I came here so that you know I'm back in the village but I'm not going to live here."
„So where are you planing on staying?" His voice was almost mocking.
„With Sasuke" the thing about her father was that he almost never bursted and shouted. The worst thing he could do was be quiet and that's what he was doing right now.
„I'm afraid that's not possible" he came closer to them. „And even if it was there are some repercussions" she was breathless. He really did consider putting a seal on her. After all they were through, after Neji.
„I've decided father" she didn't recognize her own voice. „There is nothing you can do to make me change my mind. Not anymore" She was angry and she wanted to get out of there.
„So you'll be sealed" it came so easy to him to say those words that she shivered.
„You know well enough that she won't be" Hinata looked at Sasuke. His tone of voice and the way he spoke to her father made her scared. She knew that there was nothing her father could do to him physically but he was rather powerful and influential.
„It's not your place Uchiha"
„Damn sure it is. And we're leaving." He opened the door. „You know where to find us if you change your attitude" Hinata left quickly without saying goodbye. She was not happy with the way thing went but she was mostly stunned at the way Sasuke spoke to her father. She's never seen anybody talk to him with such disregard.
Hiashi watched them leave. He was angry. Of course he didn't want to seal his daughter. He wanted her to come back home, to get away from this traitor. But things didn't go according to plan and now he was standing there with furious thoughts.
When they were back in the Uchiha district Hinata could breathe more easily. Sasuke on the other hand acted naturally, like nothing happened.
„Do you want to go and meet TenTen and Lee?" He asked her when they came into the house. She looked at him, still not able to speak normal. She gestured to him to give her a minute and went into the bathroom. It was a miracle that the water was still working and she thanked all gods for that. She washed her face with the cold water and put her hair in a messy bun. She didn't expect much form her father but he still exceeded her expectations. How could he say such things without blinking? She cleared her throat and looked into cracked mirror. She looked alright. Maybe a little tired but that's all. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths before going back to the living room.
„We can go" she said answering his question. She decided that she wasn't angry at him. His behavior's only surprised her in that moment. She knew who he was and she knew that he was different than her. He didn't care about others and was often simply rude but sometimes she wanted to have that ability. She was overly apologetic.
They met TenTen and Lee at Ichiraku's. It was odd to see this place. It's changed a lot. Right now the stand was gone and the place was bigger and brighter. It was also very crowded. There were so much people there. Hinata's never seen this much crowd in this place before.
„Hello again" She said to the two and sat on the chair. If their friends haven't been there earlier there wouldn't have been any place to sit. Sasuke sat next to her and scanned the faces. Nobody seemed to notice him. When they ordered food TenTen started telling them about her business. She was very successful and happy that her effort paid off. Rock Lee now had a genin team under him and he seemed to love being a sensei.
„Where did you two meet exactly?" Hinata glanced towards Sasuke and smiled.
„In the Village Hidden in Snow" she answered. Talking to these two was easier than she's expected. „We bumped into each other on the street"
„You are prone to clumsiness but YOU?" TenTen laughed. Sasuke only shrugged.
„Well it happened. And we've been traveling together ever since" It was nice to talk to them. So far being back wasn't as bad as she's thought it would be. It's been only 24 hours but so far so good.
When they finished eating they went to a bar and ordered beers. They drank for a long time and were talking about their friends, families and jobs. Hinata told them about her job as a waitress. Sasuke was mostly quiet but he didn't seem bored. He held her hand under the table and run his fingers across her knuckles every now and then. It was a pleasant evening and she wanted all of the encounters to be this nice.
