Chapter 5

Your Hidden Layers

It surely is amazing how, the heart, when under a small amount of nervousness, duress, or agitation. The heart will gradually accelerate in pace. This acceleration causes changes to ones body. Some changes become visible such as perspiration, clammy or sweating hands, and/or paling of the skin. This was certainly the case for Sasuke. He just couldn't keep his hand dry enough. No matter how many times he rubbed it against his pants. His palm would begin the process all over again. All while trying to keep his hold of the few bags he was carrying (courtesy of Hinata).

As they quietly walked side by side, down the road, in the direction of the tea shop. He noticed how he was becoming a bit jittery around her. Granted this the first time they had even remotely spent any time in each others company. To Sasuke this was a first for him. A first in which he deliberately went out of his way (willingly) to try and get to know someone. Someone, who he thought, wasn't trying to jump his bones or annoy him to death. He most certainly didn't appreciate that in the slightest. Sasuke believed wholeheartedly in finding the right person who he could get to know on a deeper and personal level. Maybe if he was lucky enough, a sparring partner too. He could honestly say he was looking forward to going on romantic dates around the village. He like many men or women would eagerly wait for the perks in dating, like sharing sweet and intimate kisses, heated touches, marriage, and eventually have a few kids. He wanted someone kind and caring but also tough when they needed to be. Someone who could stand on her own but when she needs to lean on him. Someone like his mother but not quite. Someone who he would be proud to introduce to the world and represent his family.

Now, finding and talking to said person was an obstacle in and of itself. He didn't know where to begin. It wasn't like he could go to one of his family members and ask for advice. They were long since gone from this world. He was at a loss on how to proceed next. He DID at the very least know he couldn't treat "THIS" like any run-of-the-mill mission even if whatever "THIS" is did entail some sort of interrogation. Shaking his head, feeling rather disappointed in himself. His mother would be rolling in her grave right about now if she knew what he was thinking.

Though, growing up with a mother like Sasuke's, well. Uchiha Mikoto made sure to thoroughly drill proper manners into her sons. Even if at the time, both of her sons believed girls were gross. She made certain that her boys were proper little gentlemen, and not uncivilized wild animals. Both brothers had spent grueling hours under Mikoto's watchful eyes taking in everything she instructed them. Never letting them out of her sight.

Nearing the tea shop, Sasuke noticed the small sign near the entrance. It read "The Jazmin Tea". It sounded pleasing enough. Sasuke, thinking back to when his mother told him about holding the door open for girls. He went slightly ahead of Hinata and pulled the door open, allowing her to step inside first. While he did this, Hinata's cheeks lightly dusted pink.

"T-Thank you Sasuke-kun. I-I do hope you like it here. T-This one of my favorite places to get away from all the n-noise and get something nice to eat" said Hinata stepping inside. Sasuke made to sure keep that little bit of information noted and followed in after her.

Once inside, Sasuke glanced around the shop. It was a rather small business, not overly crowded, quiet even. There were a few tables lining the walls, as well as a couple of booths. There were two large windows that looked out into the market. You could see people walking around shopping, moving from store to store. Both windows had curtains that angled away on both sides. All-in-all he liked the place, it was cozy. It wasn't over barring at all. In his passed travels he enjoyed places like these. Places where very few people frequented. They always seemed to carry the best food and atmosphere. He was brought out of his thoughts by an older woman, who looked to be around her mid to late 60's, clearing her throat. She was a average height woman, a little on the hefty side, with graying hair, and crystal like blue eyes. She was aging nicely, only showing a few wrinkles here and there. She also wore modest clothing, a white short sleeve shirt and a long beige skirt.

"Hinata my dear. It's nice to see you back so soon" said the woman joyfully. "I see you brought someones else with you this time and a very handsome one too" the woman winked. "Usually, I see you here with those teammates of yours, or that pretty blond and her boyfriend. Don't tell me! Is this young man your boyfriend!?" gasped the woman with a hand flying to her mouth.

At the outburst, Hinata blushed furiously, not being able to look at the older woman in the eye, let alone look at Sasuke. "How embarrassing" thought Hinata.

Sasuke on the other hand, when hearing what the woman had asked, he looked away, clearing his throat, and sporting a rather noticeable blush on his cheeks. The woman laughed as she watched the reaction of the two. She couldn't help but to tease.

Hinata hurriedly spoke, trying to explain why she was there at the tea shop, with Sasuke no less.

"I-Its not what you think!" she clarified. "H-He is not my b-boyfriend! W-We're not like that! W-We only went to the Academy together. We're former classmates" waved Hinata frantically.

"Jajaja...I was just teasing you Hinata my dear. No need to go and get all jumpy on me. I'm just having a little fun" laughed the woman.

Hinata had to inhaled and exhaled slowly, willing her blush to recede from her cheeks. She was relieved, she didn't want Sasuke to get the wrong idea. "Not that it would be a problem, though. He is a VERY handsome man. Kami! Time sure was nice to him" thought Hinata. She would have to be completely blind not to notice the fine specimen of a man standing next to her. It was with these thoughts that her previous blush returned with a vengeance. Shaking her head. She tried desperately to get rid of those thoughts but ultimately failed. She held onto her cheeks trying to hide her blush. "This is what I gets for hanging around Ino too much" she thought feeling herself flush.

Sasuke took notice of her actions and raised an eyebrow. Curious, he wondered what was going through that pretty little head of hers, to cause her cheeks to flair up, and get all flustered. Deciding that whatever it was she was thinking about, he would more then likely not know about. He returned his gaze to the older woman as she spoke up.

"Anyways, allow me to introduce myself. The names' Tachibana Kanna. Its nice to meet you young man. I've known dear Hinata-chan for many years. She has been one of my most frequent and loyal customers since I opened a few years back. So I know her, but what about you, young man?" asked Kanna.

"My name is Uchiha Sasuke, Tachibana-san" said Sasuke nodding his head in greeting.

"Hm...Uchiha Sasuke?" pondered Kanna. "Well, Sasuke dear. Welcome to "The Jazmin Tea". I hope you didn't mind my teasing. Its just feels nice to be able to still have some fun in my old age. Especially around youngsters such as yourselves" said Kanna.

"Hn, not at all. Its alright. I guess." replied Sasuke. The older woman smiled warmly hearing this.

"Well, I don't want to keep you kids. As you can see there isn't anyone here yet, so you guys can sit wherever you'd like. I bet you guys are hungry. Once you guys settle down and go over the menu. I will be right there to take your orders. I'll make sure to whip up something nice for the both of you" said Kanna handing Hinata two menu's. With a short bow from Hinata. Both Hinata and Sasuke made their way to one of the booths.

Situating themselves in one of the booths furthest from the front door in order to get privacy. Sasuke and Hinata opened their menu and looked over the items. The menu had a very nice selection of food dishes to choose from as well as a very nice list of herbal teas. But Sasuke couldn't help his wandering eyes. Every so often he would look up from his menu and look at Hinata sitting across from him. He couldn't help but admire her features. There was something about her that drew him in. He couldn't help but smirk, especially when she would pull her eyebrows together while debating on a item on the menu or the crinkling of her nose when she didn't particularly like an item. Whatever it was he couldn't look away. She fascinated him. It was like no matter what he did his vision always traveled back to her. His fascination came to a halt when they were interrupted by the older woman Kanna announcing her arrival to their table. She had a pen and notepad in hand ready to jot down their orders.

"So dearies have you both decided on what to order? Asked the older woman looking at the two. Sasuke quickly glanced over to Hinata and nodded, indicating that she should go first.

"Hm, I think I will go with Donburi with pork and a side order of Yakitori. To drink I will have Ginseng Tea with a lemon wedge, please" said Hinata.

"Okay, a rice bowl with pork, barbecue chicken sticks, and Ginseng with lemon. And for you Sasuke dear? What can I get you?" asked the older woman.

"I will get an order of tomato filled Onigiri, an order of Yakitori as well, and Ujicha Tea. Thank you." said Sasuke.

"Uhm, so you want rice balls with tomatoes, chicken sticks like Hinata-chan, and Ujicha tea. Okay. Coming right up" proclaimed Kanna as she finished writing their order. She turned and headed back to the kitchen to start making their request.

Finally alone, the silence was deafening. It was blatantly obvious that neither knew how to start a casual conversation, so they sat their awkwardly looking at each other. It wasn't until Hinata had enough of the silence, that she decided to break it by speaking up.

"I...um...I-I'm glad that you are back in the village Sasuke-kun." stated Hinata. She truly was glad that he is in the village. This was Sasuke's home. Where he grew up. He had many friends here that cared for him deeply. She hoped that she too could be considered a friend to him someday.

"You are?" questioned Sasuke, raising his eyebrows slightly. Bewildered by her honest and sincere words.

"I-I am Sasuke-kun. Y-You have been away for far too long. W-Will you be returning to your travels soon" inquired Hinata.

"No, I'm not traveling anymore. I have told Kakashi that I plan on staying in the village for good." replied Sasuke calmly, looking at her to gauge her reaction.

"T-That's good to hear." she smiled lovingly. "I-I see that you and Hokage-sama are getting along nicely" giggled Hinata. "D-Do you have any plans now that you will be staying in the village?"queried Hinata tilting her head a little. She was curious as to what Sasuke had planned for the future. Not that she wanted to be nosy or anything. She was just curious.

"I'm...not quite sure as of yet" said Sasuke pensively. "I know for now, at least, I want to fix up my old compound. Its been a long time since anyone has inhabited the place. Surely, it greatly needs repairs. Kakashi, did mentioned that he would send people over to take care of things, but I want to have a say in its rehabilitation. Its my old home, so why wouldn't I be involved in its reconstruction." declared Sasuke.

"Forgive me for asking but wouldn't it feel weird living in you old compound?" apologized Hinata. Fearing that she may have overstepped the boundaries in asking about his old home.

"No need. I had thought about it for a while. I had questioned myself if I should return to my old childhood home, after everything that has happened to my family, or if I should just rebuild anew? And each time I came to the same conclusion, that no matter where I decide to go? Where I rebuild, will always be home. I want to ensure that the future of my clan can start fresh, with nothing weighing the Uchiha name down. I want the future generations of the Uchiha to be free of any misconceptions or prejudice. I want my future family to be able to call this village home again" stated Sasuke firmly with determination set in his eyes.

Hinata stared in awe at his maturity. This Sasuke, was nothing like the one from the old Academy days. He wasn't brooding or sulking in a corner alone like before. He wasn't out there trying to gain power or searching for vengeance. This Sasuke was more sure of himself, more in tune to his inner peace, and what he wanted in life. Those aspirations for the future just added to his appeal. To say that Hinata wasn't impressed would be a flat out lie. What he wanted was beautiful. It was awe-inspiring. To think, that the once lone kid from her class had turned out to be like this; made her rethink what she knew about him. Just the thought of him, happy, and with children had her heart clenching with happiness. She only hoped that his wish came true. Sasuke deserved it. He has suffered enough in this world. It was about time that he received a little happiness in return.

"W-Well if you need any help just let me know. I will be glad to help you in any way I can" provided Hinata happily. It wasn't until after the words came out her mouth, and the context of what they were talking about, did she realize what she had said. Blushing crimson, Hinata sputtered incoherently trying to correct herself. "T-That's not what I m-meant!" stammered Hinata. "I-I m-meant to say that I will help with the r-repairs to the compound" corrected Hinata covering her face with her hands. She was so embarrassed. She couldn't even look at Sasuke.

Sasuke though, found the whole thing amusing. He even chuckled at the scene before him. He had thought that talking to her would be difficult. That he wouldn't be able to come up with anything to talk about. It turned out that it was easy to speak to her. She had this calming effect that made the words just come flying right out of his mouth. He wouldn't mind one bit if he had to talk to her for hours.

Hearing Sasuke laugh made Hinata's face burn brighter, even though it was at her expense, it was nice to know that he was enjoying himself. His laugh brought a small smile to her flaming face.

"I'm glad to know that the rebuilding of my clan and its future can rest safely on your capable shoulders. I can now rest assured." teased Sasuke smirking. This comment caused her face to burn even brighter.

" P-Please Sasuke-kun, no more teasing. I-I don't think my face would be able to handle it." pouted Hinata cutely. She never knew that Sasuke liked to joke around let alone tease. It was refreshing. She was meeting new facets of the Uchiha she had never had the privilege of knowing before and she liked it. He was like a breath of fresh air. She wanted to know more.

"and here I thought we were making progress for the future" said Sasuke shaking his head while smiling.

Hinata couldn't help but laugh this time. It wasn't everyday that a girl was on the receiving end of jesting from a very attractive man. Let alone a man like Sasuke. Her whole perspective of him had changed in a matter of moments. She definitely liked this Sasuke. He was more carefree. More relaxed. More open. He was new to her. And she couldn't wait to unravel more of his hidden layers.