Thank you all for the lovely comments.
This winter snow has fallen. The Uchiha visited Hinata and Boruto. Naruto was at the Hokage tower. He brought eggs and veggies from the garden and a special gift.
"Happy birthday Hinata" he said in a low whisper.
"Thank you Sasuke-kun, how did you know it was my birthday?" she said blushing lightly.
Hinata told him to come in but he couldn't while Naruto wasn't there. He wanted to leave, but Hinata stopped him and opened the wrapped gift.
She found the old book with the pressed flowers in it. All of the flowers she planted in the garden. In a beautiful condition. In alphabetical order, shape and colour degrees.
She couldn't believe her eyes. This can't be real. Sasuke Uchiha pressing flowers. FOR HER. For her beloved flowers not to get ruined!
Tears rolled from her eyes. No one ever did something so sweet for her. Maybe that one time Neji nee-san cared for her when she was blinded by the intense training with him. But this is incomparable.
When he respects the things you love and treats them as his own.
No one ever cared about her hobbies so much. No one pressed her flowers so that they wouldn't get wasted.
When he thinks about you first because you're his priority.
Sasuke pressing flowers! No one dared to imagine that would ever happen. But for her, he would do it. Because he cares about her and he cares about her hobbies, and he cares about her flowers, and he cares about her feelings when she sees them dead uncollected. Because he knew, she would do it herself if she had the time. Because he knew, it would make her happy.
When he respects your emotions.
She remembered what Temari said about love.
"Sasuke-Kun!" she hopped on him in a strong hug that surprised him. She cried happily in his chest. He couldn't help but smile. He never thought the pressed flowers would make her this happy. He hugged her back softer not to crush his porcelain doll.
No doubt she loves the gift so much but her feelings weren't because of the pressed flowers, it's because of the realisation of his feelings for her. Because his feelings somehow made her happy, and made her satisfied. Because she loved the feeling of being loved, who wouldn't? Someone who would put her first like that! She never had experienced that. Someone who would love her and all that she held dear, that is new to her. Not anyone, a person she considers as a dear friend.
Then with his only arm, he moved her a little bit to see her pretty face. Tears were still rolling but the obvious smile was there. She looked so cute. He wiped her tears and removed strands of her indigo hair from her wet face. He moved her bangs to the side and kissed her forehead. It was so gentle and lovely. She closed her eyes, leaning forward to enjoy it more. He cupped her small heart-shaped face. She put her hand on his big hand, smiling and looking directly into his soft eyes. Her cheeks blushed. She looked so happy; he couldn't remember seeing her this joyed. He remembered they were outside then he removed his hand from under her palm slowly. She woke up from her daze.
"Thank you Sasuke-Kun, no one ever did something so sweet for me. This is the best gift I have ever received. I will cherish it forever." She said thankful and tiptoed to kiss his cheek. It was so close to his lip that it burned him. Maybe because of their height difference, she couldn't reach more he thought.
"I'm glad you like it, Hinata," he said her name in his velvety slow voice. He wished her good night and went home.
This year has been hard on Sasuke. It was the most joyful year after the massacre but Sakura made it hard for him.
He is thrilled for the human being that has half his genes. His little female copy. He could recognize some of his mother, Itachi, and even his father's treats in her. She is a total Uchiha which is known for overpowering genes. Being with Sarada and enjoying watching her became his new hobby.
His visits to Sakura's apartment were more frequent. He even takes her, her bottles, diapers, wipes, clothes, toys, snacks, books, and a spare change of clothes with him to the Uchiha District.
Sakura would come too soon to pick her up with too many kisses and hugs like Sarada had been away for days.
That made the Uchiha furious. But he never gave up and always tried to visit her or take her to the park, walk her around the village and even tried to escape from Sakura's chase and take her to the training grounds surrounding Konoha.
But somehow Sakura would find them, furious. And she would take her precious daughter and return home.
The medic-nin would always disturb their fun with her appearance and her comments.
"Sasuke-Kun, did you feed her?
Did you change her diapers?
Did she do number two? Did she nap?
Why didn't you put her jacket on? It's cold.
Why did you dress her so much? It's hot.
Did you forget her hat?
Did you put sunscreen on her?
What is this blue spot on her forehead?
Why are her hands so dirty?
Looked at her filthy clothes?..."
And it went on like that with never-ending nerve-wracking questions and remarks. Sasuke is not known for his patience. But he forces his temper down for the sake of his daughter.
It has been a long time since he was afraid of something. But now he was afraid that Sakura would forbid him from seeing his bundle of joy.
She has every right too. He told her Sarada was her responsibility. She is totally her own with the Uchiha blood and name.
He never ever thought he would be this attached to his child. To feel so happy to have a kid. To be addicted to his own offspring.
But the presence of Sakura nerved him and agitated his enjoyment. She could let them have their fun if she wasn't this overprotective of Sarada.
She was even hyper. If Sarada cried she would panic and try quickly to calm her down. Everything she wanted she would have. If her fever went slightly up she would take her to the hospital. If she coughs, Sakura would be on the edge afraid that she will get sick.
She washed every toy that fell on the floor before Sarada would put it in her mouth again. She changed her clothes three to four times a day. She sterilises everything around her.
Sakura made it clear over and over that they don't need him. That she could manage alone. That she knows better what is best for her daughter. That she will be sure she is safe and healthy.
Sakura has no faith in Sasuke around Sarada. She never trusted he'll be a good father and make sure everything is alright. She never gave him a chance to prove himself, always interfering before he could be the father.
He tried to be the provider for his daughter's needs but even that was not needed, told him Sakura. She was working as head of the hospital and that secured both their futures.
He felt depressed every time he encountered overprotective Sakura. The feeling of being useless and unneeded is not a pleasant one. Sakura made sure he felt that. It was new to him and it hurts.
Several days before the kids' birthday. The Uchiha garden was in full bloom again. Hinata collected way more than ever before.
Sasuke had planted more flowers too. White lilies, sunflowers, red roses and her favourite lavender. They looked astonishing. She collected some roses and put them in a vase on the dining table of Sasuke and arranged others in Chaban in the tea room where Sasuke spends his afternoon sipping tea and reading some scrolls.
Sasuke was preparing dinner and Boruto was playing around him in the kitchen with pots and utensils. It was an admirable view. They both looked so cute. Sasuke liked spending time with Boruto as he did with Sarada. They are both extremely clever babies, almost toddlers. It is hard to believe he is the son of Usaratonkachi if not for the copy look.
He compared their development mentally. Sarada as a girl was lighter and moved around easily, she could almost walk when she was supported by something. She is also more talkative. She could make some sounds and almost words like mama, papa and "peanut!". Boruto knew only one word 'BASA', and he is still crawling and doesn't look like he'll walk soon.
Hinata was done with her work. Sasuke asked her if she wanted to stay for dinner. She accepts, Naruto informed her that she doesn't have to wait for him, he'll have dinner in the office. So, she brought him a bento before she headed to the Uchiha District.
The mighty Uchiha was cutting chicken breasts. She offered to help, but he refused and told her to rest and let him prepare everything. It was the first time he cooked for them except for breakfast.
So, she leaned on the frame of the kitchen door and watched him mesmerised. There is something irresistible about man cooking. How they cut the vegetables viciously. How they treat everything with precision. How they move quicker than women.
Sasuke was done cutting the chicken breasts. He brought the marination from the fridge. And rubbed it on the breasts. Her eyes widened at the view. He must be doing that on purpose. How long does he have to rub the poor chicken flesh? His thin fingers were moving in torturous sensual round motions, making sure the marination coated everywhere over and over. His dirty hand flipped the breast and coated tormenting the other side.
Hinata's breath was heavy, her throat went dry, her cheeks burned and her heart pounded so fast. Her perverted mind took her to other dirty places that have nothing to do with cooking. This is how he treats chicken breasts. What if it was something else? Her body ached in longing for feeling his touch and hand on her. She felt her nipples hardening and something stirred in her low abdomen. She could almost moan, she could almost whisper his name.
Like he felt her inner turbulence, he glanced at her to find her in that state of staring at his hands with blushing cheeks, dry lips, and visible stiffened nipples. His Sharingan automatically activated capturing her sensual state.
He looked at his hands and understood what was going on in her dirty mind. So, he completed the torture giving her more pleasure for her imagination. There is no chicken in the history of Katsu that got this long rubbed in the marinade.
Finally, he washed his dirty hand, dipped his index finger in the marination, and brought it to his mouth to his awaiting tongue then he licked it slowly ending it with a sucking sound. Her eyes followed his every move. She was still watching in a trance.
He decided to tease her, it was fun to do. She was always so easy to tease. He loved that about her.
He deactivated his Sharingan and startled her.
"Hinata!" he arched his brow.
She woke up to reality, shocked, tomato red blushing, she almost fainted. " Ano... Sasuke-Kun.." and she ran to the living room.
He laughed so hard he forgot when it was the last time he laughed like that. He finished frying the Katsu and prepared the rice and the veggie side dishes and pickles.
She lit some candles and put the bowls and chopsticks and prepared tea to drink with. The table looked amazing. Boruto was put down to sleep.
They faced each other. Hinata still couldn't look into his eyes, ashamed. The food was delicious and the Katsu tasted amazing.
She was so happy with every bite that she forgot her embarrassment.
"Sasuke-Kun, this is so crunchy and juicy. It tastes amazing. You must give me the marination recipe." she said excitedly.
"The secret is not in the marination, it is in the long rubbing process," he said amused at her obvious reaction.
She blushed at the mortifying memory and lowered her gaze. But she tried to ignore it and finish eating.
"Hm." she hummed shyly; he was rubbing his stoic answer on her.
She made an effort to return to the subject " this is so nice. Naruto-Kun never cooks for me."
"He is an idiot. It is fun to cook for each other, eat together and enjoy life," he said in a seductive toon.
He took a piece of Katsu and put it in her mouth so close and invasive. Her eyes widened looking at his surprising action. He pushes it further into her small mouth. He knows she can't eat a whole piece in one go. She bit half of it. He took the rest, where her desired mouth was, where her delicious lips touched, where her sweet saliva still lingered, where he was so hungry to drink from, and licked it looking with narrow dark eyes into her still wide lavender ones.
She gulped, what was that? She blushed deeply and lowered her gaze. She is not an idiot, she knows what he was doing. He puts the rest of the chicken piece in his mouth, eating it slowly letting everything her plump lips have contact with, lingering in his mouth.
He looked sad, though he cooked for her, they ate together and enjoyed life. He longed for more than this, more than an indirect kiss. He wants to lose himself between her lips. He wants to put off the fire of his burning desire. He wants to drink her until his thirst is quenched. But he can't, not now, but soon, when she is his, every inch of her.
He is determined. Naruto can go to hell; he doesn't deserve her as he does. He never asked for this but it was destined and he believed in destiny. Nothing in his life was planned, it was all forced upon him. The massacre, his encounter with his brother, him joining the war, his return to Konoha, and his falling for his best friend's wife.
He believed all of it was for a reason and his love for her was the best torture of events his destiny had for him. He never thought he could be able to love, he never knew what love is, he never thought his heart would soften, ache and long like this, he never thought there is something more interesting than fighting and more intoxicating than winning.
Her presence was enough to make him forget all the torment of his life. Make him normal, just Sasuke. Without a miserable past and a lonely future. Her presence could change history.
She felt her attempts were not working. But this sad, awkward silence was too much. She is enjoying her stay and wants to cheer the atmosphere up.
"Sasuke-Kun, where did you learn to cook like that?" she said with enthusiasm.
"Ka-San taught Itachi and me how to cook. She was so good. She wanted to inherit her kids her skills." Sasuke got grimmer at the mention.
"Well, she taught you well. I wish I had met her" she said smiling.
"She would have loved you, you're just like her," he complimented her.
She looked at him smiling. They stared at each other for a long moment. Everyone speaks his heart out in eyes language and heartbeats.
Then she interrupted, "Sasuke-Kun, we are preparing the birthday of the kids. A joint party. Make sure to come. We are making it at m... our mansion." she didn't like the "our", Naruto was barely there.
"hm" his gaze low in his bowl. He was brought back to reality and he hates it. "Oh, I almost forgot, I have a mission tomorrow. Maybe I can come early, if everything goes well" he recalled.
"I know you hate crowds but all of the rookies are coming with their families." she said, apologising.
"hm" he loved that she knew him, what he likes and dislikes.
They cleaned after dinner and he went to the tea room as usual. He was pleasantly surprised with the new arrangement. She followed with his flower pressers smiling looking thankful to him.
He made them tea and read his scrolls and she pressed the flowers she collected in silence. There was pleasant serenity. He felt so joyed, like they were a family. It felt so nice.
"Thank you Hinata," he interrupted. Her eyes widened. " For sharing dinner with me," he said, almost shy.
She knew he loved being alone, but no one loves loneliness. She tried being there as much as she could. Or urge Naruto to invite him over. She doesn't want to leave him to suffer loneliness. It can drive people crazy.
"It is my pleasure, you know I love this house so much" she meant a lot of other things with that, she tried to change the subject a little too late." If you cook such delicious food often, I'll never leave." she giggled.
Thinking of it she made it worse. She has no control of words coming from her mouth.
He looked at her with an unfortunate glance. Then he returned to his scroll. She frowned, slapping herself mentally and returned to pressing.
After a while it was really late. She doesn't want to go home, ever. He stood up. " Come it's late. I'll take you home." he took sleeping Boruto on his shoulder and she walked beside him until they reached the Uzumaki mansion.
"Thank you Sasuke-Kun, please be careful on your mission" she smiled at him.
Naruto came out to their surprise. He took Boruto from Sasuke. "Bastard, long time not seen, how are you? " Naruto is cheerful as usual.
"You're busy, loser. You don't ever train anymore" he closed his eyes bored.
"Naruto-Kun I didn't know you'd return early." she said, surprised.
"Yeah, Kakashi-sensei sent Shikamaru and me home early, before our wives started to complain, he said. You're not complaining, are you Hinata? "he bent a little over.
"No Naruto-Kun, I know how important this is for you," she said in a sad tone and glanced at Sasuke.
"I knew it, he is just making excuses to enjoy his new book in silence." He grins and scratches his nape.
She lowered her gaze in submission to this situation and the stupidity of her husband.
Sasuke felt her loneliness and sadness in her answer. He knew his friend was an idiot but now he is ignoring his wife and making her suffer in silence.
"Usuratonkachi" he blurred out furiously and turned to go home.
"Hey Teme, wait... " Naruto gave her Boruto, actually threw him to her and ran after his friend.
She could hear them from a distance.
"What do you want Dobe, I have a mission in a few hours I need to get some sleep" Sasuke irritated.
"Wait Sasuke, we need to meet to train. I haven't trained in a long time; do you want to eat ramen? "
"I don't want your ramen; I want to go home"
Hinata heard enough she walked to the door of her house.
"Don't be like that Teme, let's get 'Bushy Brows' with us"
Sasuke knew this idiot won't shut up." you're supposed to be with your wife not me. "
She stopped walking.
"Yeah... yeah, she'll probably go straight to bed. What should I do alone? You are so lucky Teme, free as a bird. Sakura-chan is really giving you all the freedom that you want." Hinata felt her tears rolling.
"You are really an idiot you know" Sasuke felt so sad for Hinata having such a dobe for a husband.
She is a loser too. Couldn't she wait for his return?
He ended up eating a big bowl of Ramen at Ichiraku.
In a week, is Boruto's and Sarada's birthday. Hinata and Sakura agreed to make a joint party and invite the rookies. They haven't gathered in a long long time.
The best place is Naruto's new mansion. It was big and Hinata was the best entertainer.
Temari, Hinata's best friend, suggests helping her. Also, Hanabi, Sakura, and Ino were there.
Hinata and Temari were responsible for the catering. Ino for the drinks. Hanabi and Sakura for the decoration. Hinata made a big homemade birthday chocolate cake with nuts.
Naruto had a lot of work like always and arrived with the guests. He didn't even help her during the party, she was cleaning here and there. Providing guests with drinks and snacks. Answering their requests.
Almost all of them had babies by now. It was a chaotic party but she had fun... for most of it. Her energy was running low. Naruto never answered her calls for help. He was too busy laughing here and there. He changes his character when he meets his friends. He laughs more, shouts out and jokes the whole time. Not like when they are together, grim and exhausted.
She looked for Sasuke. He was outside. He managed to return from the mission on time. He hates crowds and parties. But this was his daughter's party too. She is convinced he was out of character joining them for this long.
She took a drink and went to join him. She is exhausted too and can't wait to go to bed.
He was facing the other way. But he knew she was approaching.
"Sasuke-Kun, thanks for joining us today. I hope Sarada-chan had a great time. Do you have a drink?" She tried to be friendly and offered the glass. He looked at her. She could see he was in deep thought.
"Do you still love Naruto?" He asked in a low voice.
"Sasuke-Kun, ... he is my husband. The father of my child. Of course... I-I love him." She defended biting her bottom lip.
"Then why are you nervous? I can't see love between you. He told me you barely have sex. You avoid him all the time. Why?" He was attacking her with his questions.
After Ramen, they had some drinks, actually only Naruto drank. He then confessed all his troubles with Hinata. Sasuke was a GOOD LISTENER.
"Why are you interested in our life? I could ask you the same. Do you like your relationship with Sakura-chan so much?" She could attack too.
"There is nothing between me and Sakura except our daughter. She connects us. Without her there is nothing." He said coldly.
She was startled. She knew something was wrong with them. But this is the first time he admitted that. She felt relieved, happy even. But she can't say the same about her relationship with Naruto. She loved him most of her life. She promised him to be by his side. He did a lot for her and her sister, saving them from Toneri. She can never forget that.
Suddenly Sasuke fell on his knees. She throws the drink she was holding and bends over to help him.
"Sasuke-Kun, are you ok? What happened?" She was so worried. She called Naruto to help her with his heavy weight. But no one could hear her. She grabbed his arm around her shoulders. And led him inside, her other arm around his waist.
"Don't call anyone. Just lay me down. Maybe I used a lot of chakra in my mission. I'll be alright in a minute." He demanded.
She obeyed his request and took him to her bed, the only bed in the house.
She laid him down slowly. He grabbed her arm that was around his waist in its place. She accepted his invitation to stay by his side. She laid behind him like a year ago, her arm in place around his stomach.
She was half sitting looking at his damn pretty face, removing some black strands from his face and neck. His eyes closed, with long lashes. He is breathtakingly handsome. He loved her touch and hummed in enjoyment. Her breath tickled him and her scent soothing.
"I miss the time I was pregnant and lay by your side and sniff your scent." And she bends to sniff his shoulder. His smell wasn't as addictive but it was pleasant and relaxing.
"You mean, nuzzel behind me, like an addict." He smirked at the memory that seemed so long ago. And he turned around to hug her.
"But I don't want you behind me, I want to see your face and smell you too." He was bold. He probably had some drinks. She didn't answer. Just buried her face in his chest.
He added "Why can't we stay like this forever? Why can't I be happy for once? I feel life took everything from me. Everything I ever wanted and she is still rubbing me off anything I held dear." She knows he tells the truth. No one is misfortuned as Uchiha Sasuke.
She was sobbing silently in his chest. Staying like this was all she wanted too. Sasuke deserves all the happiness in the world. But what she thinks he wants is just impossible. Maybe there is happiness for him somewhere, in the future.
Hinata dried her tears with her sleeve and looked at him. " How are you feeling now?"
"A little better. I think I should go." He was about to leave when he fell again.
"Sasuke-Kun please stay. You can't go home like this."
She moved to the bathroom and grabbed a wet face cloth and a bowl in case he threw up.
"I'll be right back" she went outside. She told Naruto that Sasuke is sick and staying over. They greeted the guests; it was already really late. Those kids should have been in bed long ago.
Boruto and Sarada are already in his bed. Sakura left her daughter there until morning, not to disturb her sleep and drag her on this cold evening. Hinata was babysitting her tomorrow anyway while the medic-nin visited the hospital.
Naruto stopped by Sasuke; he was asleep. So, he went to his office to sleep on his comfortable couch like most days. He didn't even bother where his wife would sleep. The other rooms had no furniture yet.
She grabbed the futon out of the closet. Put it on the ground by her bed. And slept with the Uchiha in the same room.
She heard Sasuke hallucinating at night. He was calling Itachi, begging for forgiveness. What is this man made of? How can he still function when he is a mess inside? How could he be so cold on the outside when he is boiling inside like this? She sat in her bed, tears rolling down her face.
She moved closer and put a hand on his cheek. His face was burning. He had a fever. She was shocked. How did this happen? Since when is he burning like this? She grabbed a towel and cold water. She wet the towel and put it on his forehead. She nursed him until his fever went down to normal. Then she fell on the bed next to him. She was drained.
A few hours later, the Uchiha woke up. He was feeling better. He found a wet towel on his neck now. And his head was between a soft bosom and Hinata's chin.
How did they end up in this position? He remembers he was holding her to his chest. How did he end up on the most soft pillow on earth?
She was wrapping her arms around his shoulder and head. His arm around her lower back. His leg between hers. He was breathing her bosom scent. It was something new he didn't smell before. Her lavender scent mixed with a strong milky scent. She is still breastfeeding Boruto. The toddler didn't want to quit. Who can blame him?
Sasuke startled; he doesn't want his mind to go anywhere. He jumped out of bed blushing. Walked slowly and went home.
His mind didn't help. He was burning with strange desires. He shouldn't read Jiraiya's books. He never thought of those things before. This frustration is making him out of control. He hates it. He never loses control of his thoughts. He was always focused.
But this beauty is making him daydreaming of her most of the time. And wishing to touch her at night. She never leaves his mind. He knows it's impossible but he can't help it. And the desire subdues when he sees her to burn even more than before when she leaves.
He hates seeing her for this reason. He hates his desires. He hates that she was impossible. He hates Naruto for having her and not him. And he hates Sakura. And he hates Hinata and the kids.
He went to the training grounds. Only physical exhaustion can help him with this spike of hate and frustration.
Shikamaru was there training too. He was no match to him at any level. But he was an intellectually interesting person to talk to, Sasuke discovered in their last mission.
They trained some Taijutsu. Shika was exhausted but Sasuke just started warming up. The Nara lay on the ground observing clouds. While the Uchiha was throwing kunais.
"What happened to you yesterday?" Shikamaru was an observer.
"Just a little fever. I'm ok now" Sasuke answers dismissively.
"Why didn't you call your wife to nurse you?" Shikamaru needs more details.
"She worries too much. That is annoying" Sasuke defended.
"I know… Temari and Hinata are close friends. Hinata is a very gentle person. We are both godparents of Mirai, the daughter of my late Sensei Asuma, and her Sensei Kurenai." Shika informed the Uchiha.
"Hm" is all he got from Sasuke.
"We invited Naruto and Hinata for dinner. But Naruto has important work to do. Do you want to come instead? I know you and Hinata are friends." Shika spoke, observing Sasuke.
He wants to be with Hinata but doesn't want to go to dinners in someone else's house.
"We can play some shogi," Shika added.
Sasuke wants to have more interesting friends. Not like others think of him. He saw himself surrounded by friends in that vision after the fight with Naruto in the valley of the end. Just not the annoying kind of friends like Inuzuka or Yamanaka. They irritated the heck out of him.
Shogi was very interesting. It cracks the brain and trains his strategy methods. He accepts the invitation.
Thank you all for reading. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think