Her father and Neji were outside training in the yard.

Hinata watched them circling each other, gracefully trading blows for a few moments after which, Lord Hiashi would stop and talk to Neji. Her cousin seemed to listen intently and nod before they began their sparring again. There were a few times that he appeared to catch her father off guard and in his pride, the Hyūga clanhead would increase the intensity of his attacks and put the boy on his back.

He was always quick to get up and engage again, something that Hinata found admirable and intriguing. That's why Father wanted him as his heir and not me, she thought. Even if it was a bad decision to everyone else. Lord Hiashi and Neji were about to start training once more but a Branch member came to the yard and quickly bowed. Her father paused and looked at Neji then up towards her room. His face was severe and both he and her cousin left the training area in a rush.

The girl wondered for a moment what was going on until she heard a knock and her door open. Kō stood on the threshold with Branch women behind him. "My lady," he said. "Lord Fugaku and Sasuke are here to see you."

Hinata felt a fluttering in her chest and stomach. "See me?" she asked.

"Yes. We need to prepare you. Come," the Hyūga man replied. She climbed out of bed and walked into the hallway. They bathed her in the steamy washroom, applied scented oils to her hair and skin, then dressed her in a cream and white kimono. She added one final piece, the necklace that Sasuke had given her for her birthday, and the pendant hung hidden on her chest. As Kō escorted her into the main hall, Hinata tried to figure out why they would come to the compound to see her.

I only missed a day of school. And I was going to come tomorrow. Did Sasuke miss her that much? She tried not to blush but felt her face get hot. She didn't know what she'd do if she saw him, especially if both of their fathers were present. She tried to put it aside in her mind as they entered the main hall.

Both clan leaders were talking quietly to each other. Rather, Lord Fugaku spoke while her father gave small nods and tightened his mouth. Hinata could tell that he was upset about something, but she didn't give it any more thought when she saw Sasuke turn towards her and smile. The two fathers followed his gaze and paused their conversation. The Hokage's face also softened when he saw her, and he gave a respectful dip of his head.

"Lady Hinata," Lord Fugaku said. "It's good to see you well." He turned to her father. "Can we continue our conversation in private?"

"As you wish, Lord Fourth." His pale eyes glanced over Sasuke then looked to Kō. He didn't say a word but Hinata's bodyguard bowed.

As Lord Fugaku and Lord Hiashi cleared the room, Kō looked down at the two children. "Would you like something to eat, Lord Sasuke?"

Hinata watched the Uchiha boy blink in confusion at the title, but he recovered quickly. "Yes, please."

"Good, follow me."

They walked behind Kō through the halls of the compound. The quiet, while customary to Hinata, seemed to be eerie to Sasuke. He was looking around, almost nervously. She knew that he'd never felt comfortable here because she rarely did. She felt more like a prisoner here at times with her solitude and restrictions. Even if she wanted to train, she didn't know if her father would allow it. She involuntarily let out a quiet sigh and caught Sasuke glance over at her.

They walked for a few more silent moments, then he said, "So, what kind of food do you like, Hinata?"

The question took her off guard, and she looked at the boy, catching the friendly gleam in his eye. She blushed. "Um, I like...zenzai and cinnamon rolls," she replied.

"Oh," Sasuke said. "I've never really liked desserts that much."

"W-why?"

"I dunno," the boy replied. "I think the sugar gives me headaches and makes my tongue hurt."

"Oh," Hinata said. "Then...what's your favorite food?"

"My mom makes really good omusubi with bonito flakes and tomatoes. I can bring some to school and let you try a little if you want."

Sharing lunch with Sasuke sounded more appealing than the actual meal. He was thoughtful enough to want to have that experience with her. She wondered...

"I don't want your head to hurt. So, i-if I bring some zenzai, will you try it?"

Sasuke shrugged. "Sure. Maybe I can dip my rice ball in it."

Hinata giggled and saw Kō turn around. He looked shocked but his eyes softened as he smiled. He led them further through the compound, before sliding open a door and ushering them inside. There was a small table in the center of the room with tatami mats on either side. Sasuke stood still while Hinata took her place with the door to her back. The Uchiha boy walked to the other side and knelt on the mat to face her.

"I'll be back shortly with your meal," Kō said. Hinata heard the slide of the door and the slight click of the wood as it closed. A few moments passed before the children spoke.

"Are you okay?" Sasuke asked quietly.

"Yes. Are you?"

"Yeah. I just..." she saw the boy's eyes lower to the floor, and he seemed to...pout a bit. Quieter than before, he said, "I missed you at school."

Hinata's cheeks reddened. She gulped then licked her lips. "I-I missed you too." She saw his onyx eyes return to her and widen at her words before he smiled. The sweet expression on his face left nearly as quickly as it arrived, though.

"I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to scare you in the forest with those kids. I thought that they would try to hurt you and I wasn't going to let that happen. And, I know that you're strong already and don't need someone to protect you but..." He seemed to struggle for a moment to find the words that he wanted to say and Hinata internally urged him on. Sasuke paused and looked deeply into her eyes. "You're my friend."

The words made her feel warm inside. And flustered. She closed her eyes, trying to hide from the Uchiha boy. She wanted to disappear or sink into the floor. Or maybe even...

She opened her eyes and saw, then felt, Sasuke holding her hand. She stared at him with wide eyes, her cheeks aflame. He's touching me, she thought. Only in times of desperate emotion had she been shown any affection in her life and never from her family members. The only person who had been kind enough to give her that kind of love had been Kō and on very rare occasions.

Now, Sasuke...

She thought about how he'd looked at her the first time he'd seen her on her birthday, the admiration and awe in his eyes. And his gift. She pulled the necklace out from inside her kimono, revealing the sun-shaped medallion he gave her barely more than a month ago. She smiled shyly when Sasuke saw it, and she clutched it and hold it tightly to her chest. "S-Sasuke," she said. "You're my friend too."

"Is he now?"

Hinata recognized the voice instantly and froze. Sasuke frowned.

"Big Brother Neji?" the girl said, finally breaking out of her trance. Her cousin stood in the doorway, the veins slowly retreating from around his eyes. With a jolt, Hinata realized that he must have seen them together with his Byakugan. How much had he heard?

Her cousin ignored her, instead focusing on Sasuke. His intense milk-white eyes hovered over the Uchiha, seemingly assessing and scanning him. To his credit, the raven-haired boy didn't break his stare from Neji either. Hinata could feel the tension building in the room and felt small being caught between them.

"It's odd for you two to be left alone," he said. "Where's Kō?"

"He went to get our supper," Hinata replied quietly, lowering her eyes in deference.

Neji kept his eyes locked on Sasuke. "I'm surprised I didn't find you creeping around our training yard again," he said.

"I was taught to have respect for other clans' secrets. Your taijutsu is your taijutsu," the Uchiha replied coolly. "And I don't have a reason to watch you."

"Hm," Neji said with a smirk. "Maybe one day, you'll wish you'd paid attention during–"

"My Lord." Hinata was relieved to see Kō standing behind the boy with a few Branch family women flanking him. Neji turned, his long ponytail swinging to his back.

"I was merely keeping the lady and her guest company while you fetched their meal," the Hyūga boy said. "It just didn't seem wise to leave children alone, Kō. I thought you'd know better than that." His face was brimming with defiance and Hinata felt worry seep into her. She turned to Sasuke and saw his eyes shifting as if they were deciphering code.

Kō handled her cousin's harsh tone with grace though, dipping his head and smiling politely. "Of course," he said. "Thank you." He then turned behind him and, addressing the women, said, "Please set the table."

Neji moved to the side as the Branch members entered the room, carrying trays with bowls and utensils. Hinata could smell the steamed rice, vegetables, and meat. Her stomach grumbled. She was hungrier than she'd previously thought. Her cousin waited until the table had been properly set before he turned on his heels to leave.

"See you around, Uchiha," he said, staring at Sasuke as he left.

Kō let out a small sigh and dipped his head. "Forgive him, Lord Sasuke."

"It's okay," the raven-haired boy replied coolly, though Hinata could feel that he was bothered. His voice sounded like it did when he had confronted those boys at school the first time they'd messed with her. She looked at him and saw that he wore that stoic mask that reminded her so much of his father. What was he thinking?

The two ate after going through the tradition of thanks and appreciation for the meal. Sasuke targeted the rice balls and vegetables, adding a few bits of grilled pork to his plate as well. Hinata ate rice and sweet red bean soup, shyly dipping pieces of soft bread into it and blushing when she tasted it.

"Is it good?" She looked up and saw Sasuke with his stoic mask removed, smiling. She returned his expression, albeit lowering her head to avoid eye contact.

"Y-yes," she replied. "It tastes almost like a dessert."

"Can I try some?"

"S-sure," Hinata replied, offering her bowl to Sasuke. He took a piece of the soft bun and dipped it into the soup. He bit into it and chewed for a few moments. Then swallowed. "Do...you like it?"

Sasuke seemed to consider it for a moment then did something Hinata had never seen from him. He grimaced. "It's...okay."

Hinata gasped. "You're lying." He all but confirmed it with how wide his eyes got. The expression on his face made her giggle again. He smiled with her, laughing into his cup. The Branch women cleaned the table when they were done eating and Hinata made to thank each of them as they passed her. Kō ushered them out and then turned towards the children.

"I'll be outside this door," he said. "When the Hokage and Lord Hiashi are done with their meeting, I will bring you both out to them." The door slid closed behind him and Hinata saw his shadow. She looked back at Sasuke and saw the boy staring at her quizzically.

"He seems nice," the boy said. "Why'd that kid talk to him that way?"

Hinata blinked. "Oh. N-Neji is..." She searched frantically for the words she wanted to use, words that wouldn't reveal too much. "He's my cousin and..."

"The real heir?" Sasuke's words were scarce above a whisper. Hinata still shuddered as if he'd screamed them at the top of his lungs.

"Y-you're wrong," she said.

"Now you're lying," he retorted, rather playfully.

"I-I-I'm not." She couldn't stop stuttering.

"Hinata," Sasuke whispered. "I won't tell anyone."

"You can't." She imagined how badly her father would punish her if he suspected that it was her fault. She started to shake her head as tears fell. "He'll...he'll..."

"I won't tell anyone," Sasuke repeated, a bit more firm. His eyes were still soft as he talked to her. "I don't want you to get in trouble and part of being your friend is making sure that doesn't happen."

Hinata smiled at that. "Okay," she said.

After a brief pause, Sasuke spoke. "Why aren't you the heir anymore?"

Because I was too weak and stupid to impress my father. Because I couldn't beat my cousin in a sparring match. "Father thought that it would be better for the clan if Neji was next to lead them and not me." She looked behind her. Kō was still standing outside, unmoving or flinching. She couldn't tell if he was listening to them, but she hoped that their whispers hadn't carried to his ears.

"He seems like a jerk," Sasuke replied.

"He's not," Hinata said. He'd beaten her in their sparring match but had done so by outsmarting her instead of dominating her like she suspected he could have. And while he usually ignored her when they crossed paths, he wasn't outright mean to her. Then again, compared to her father, someone treating her as if she didn't exist was ultimately a kindness.

"If you say so."

They were quiet again, this time longer than just a moment. Sasuke looked around the room, taking time to pause on certain tapestries and emblems on the walls. Hinata followed his gaze, noticing the banners that hung. They looked old and worn. I wonder why Father would keep these? He had never given her any lessons on the history of the Hyūga clan that she could remember. Perhaps he'd felt that if she couldn't master their techniques, she was unworthy. I'm part of our history too, she thought, reflecting on the little bit Kō had told her and what she could remember seeing. Cloud emblems on headbands. All...except one...?

"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked, breaking her out of her thoughts.

She thought to instantly say, "Nothing," but knew that she'd stutter and that her friend would know that she was lying. But, telling the truth would be just as bad. She had already confirmed that she wasn't the heir after her grandfather's warning not to. If the Uchiha discover this, then there is a great risk that our alliance will falter and our village's stability will be affected.

Sighing softly, Hinata could feel herself about to cry. "Sasuke...you really can't tell anyone," she whispered again. "It's not just me that will be in trouble. Our home..."

"I told you that I wouldn't," the Uchiha boy said softly. "Why don't you believe me?"

"I do," Hinata said. "But, if anyone found out, the village may be in danger. Our clans are...allied and if it is known that I'm not the heiress, that might break it."

"But why?" Sasuke asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hinata wiped her face and sniffled. "I don't know," she said, shaking her head. She knew that it had something to do with the meeting between the Third Hokage and the Head Ninja from Kumogakure but Kō hadn't finished the story. Hinata didn't know if he'd ever get the chance to either.

"I can try to find out," Sasuke said.

Hinata heard herself gasp. "H-how?"

"Don't worry about it," he replied. "But, I'll try to have an answer before we see each other at school. I'll tell you then, okay?" He reached out to touch her hand again, and she felt warm on the inside.

Before she could answer him, Kō slid open the door. "My lady, Lord Sasuke, your fathers are ready for you." The two children exchanged glances, a silent affirmation of the promise that Sasuke had made and Hinata's acceptance and understanding of it.

As if answering Kō, the Hyūga girl said, "Okay."