Chapter 6

Hand-in-Hand Down Memory Lane with You

Time seemed like an abstract concept for them. Both deeply enthralled with the other. Just the notion of looking away would eradicate the pleasing atmosphere. Closed off in their own little world. Separated from prying eyes and eavesdropping ears. None seemed to notice that the older woman Tachibana Kanna was approaching with their orders. It wasn't until she placed the large tray on the table and made clinking noises, that they were brought back from their self made bubble.

"Here you go dears, nice and hot. I also added a little treat for you since its you first time here, Sasuke dear. Here is some vanilla mochi ice cream. Now, if you kiddies need anything else just feel free to ask. So, please enjoy the food." said the older woman Tachibana.

She quickly began to place the food down in front of them. Once done the older woman turned and headed back in to the kitchen, once again leaving them to their own devices.

Looking at all the food around them, Sasuke was pleased with the presentation. All of the food looked enticing and the aroma of the food was delectable. It was enough to make his mouth water. He was starving. He hadn't eaten anything since before he arrived in the village last night. And he was too exhausted to even try to look for anything to eat after he left Kakashi's office. Without wasting any more time: both picked up their wooden chopsticks; pulled them apart; quickly said a small prayer; before digging right in to their food.

The meal was delicious and the tea exquisite. Every bite of food and sip of his tea he had taken, had sent a wave of pleasant sensations coursing through his taste buds. The food was really good. He wondered briefly why the shop wasn't very popular. It wasn't like the place was that far off from the shopping district. He could see everyone from the window moving about their business. Whatever the case may be, it mattered not to him. This place was a goldmine. He wouldn't mind coming back to this place and enjoying all the other delicacies this place had to offer. To Sasuke, it had been a while since he had allowed himself an opportunity to just sit down and have a nice cooked meal. Especially in the presence of good company. It was rare, but he could admit, that he was very much enjoying himself.

Setting aside the once filled plates by the edge of the table. All that was left to savor was the remnants of their tea and the mochi ice cream sitting perfectly between them.

"I-I hope you liked the food, Sasuke-kun?" asked Hinata.

"I did" replied Sasuke. "So you come here often?"

"I-I do" blushed Hinata. "I-I come here with Shino-kun and K-Kiba-kun when we are not on missions or sometimes I'm here with I-Ino-chan and Sai-kun."

"So the blond and her boyfriend, that Kanna was talking about earlier, are Ino and Sai?"

"Y-Yes. I-It sometimes gets kind of a-awkward when we're together." said Hinata looking down awkwardly, while fidgeting. "T-They often get really...um...cozy with each other."

"To think Ino ended up with my supposed body double" smirked Sasuke, shaking his head.

"Don't s-say suck mean things Sasuke-kun" admonished Hinata while giggling "It's not very nice."

"What, its true. If it wasn't for his extremely pale complexion and flat black hair. The guy could practically pass off as me" said Sasuke. "Never understood her or any of other girls fascination with me?" wondered Sasuke. "it wasn't like I was all that great to begin with"

"M-Maybe it was the whole mysterious thing you had going on in the academy, Sasuke-kun." added Hinata. "S-Some girls tend to find that very attractive in a guy."

"Hm, you don't say?" contemplated Sasuke, thinking of a way to fluster the poor girl. She looked more beautiful when she was all embarrassed and blushing. He delighted in bringing forth those reactions out of her. It was entertaining. "And what about you? What do you think? Does this mysterious thing that you say I have, attract you?" teased Sasuke, while at the same time listening intently. He didn't know where this side of his came from, even though it did come straight out of left field, it didn't bother him. This was new, it was exhilarating, and he would definitely embrace it. If this new side of his caused those reactions out of her, he would gladly hold on to it.

" I-I..um-uh..you see..ah..Oh Kami Sasuke-kun" sputtered Hinata, covering her face while blushing furiously. She couldn't believe he had asked her that. If her face could burn any more, her face would surely melt off. "Is it getting hot in here or is it just me" thought Hinata internally pulling at her collar and fanning her face with her hands.

Seeing her struggle to answer him, made him pause and actually smile. Looking at her he felt like he had just won something. What it was, he wasn't sure yet, but it felt good. She was revitalizing. Invigorating even. She was like a ray of light, one in which he was meant to reach out to. To grasp with his bare hands and hold on tight. Never to let go. He wanted more of her. He decided he would continue with his quest. He wanted to know everything that made up Hyuga Hinata. From her likes to her dislikes. From what made her happy to what would make her upset. To what made her laugh to what made her cry. Though, the thought of her crying didn't really sit well in his chest. He wanted to know it all. As he sat there slowly looking at her from the top of her head, to her hands pulling at her collar and fanning her blushing face. Sasuke knew he was caught. He was never one to believe in love at first sight. And he honestly knew that this wasn't the case, but the more he sat here talking to her and surrounding himself with her existence. The more he was interested.

"Calm down Hinata. I was only joking" said Sasuke trying to soothe the girl. "unless there was some truth to the question?"

At his statement. This caused Hinata to calm a little. She couldn't believe in Sasuke's sense of humor. He was teasing her. She never knew he liked to play in this fashion. He always looked so unapproachable, so untouchable, but two can play at this game. She was going to get him back. Maybe he can get a taste of his own medicine. Now Hinata was not a vengeful girl. Oh! No! She would never hurt a fly, granted that her teammate worked with beetles, but that was besides the point. Growing up, her life was very difficult. She had to live with a strict father, a overachieving little sister, unsatisfied clan elders, and a cousin who at one point in time wanted her dead. For the longest time she tried to appease her family. She wanted them to be proud of her. She tried desperately and failed many times to live up to the expectations of her clan. So she trained day and night relentlessly, shedding off her shy demeanor and adopting a more assertive one. Though at times some of her old shy persona would slip out. But that didn't stop her. When the war came around, it was there that Hinata proved her worth. It was there that she showed everyone that her hard work and dedication paid off.

Nevertheless, here she was at the tender age of 19 being teased ceaselessly, by none other than Uchiha Sasuke. She was a kunoichi of Konoha for Kami's sake and a War Veteran too. If there was one thing life has taught her, is to never sit back and to never give up. With that being said, she gathered some courage and let him have it.

"Well Sasuke-kun, I guess you caught me" said Hinata shyly looking at Sasuke. "I didn't think you would have figured me out so soon."

"Huh?"

"I always thought that your mysterious nature was very appealing. You are very handsome Sasuke-kun" said Hinata lowering her voice a bit.

The way she lowered her voice sent shivers down Sasuke's spine, and caused his face and ears to light up instantly. Who knew that a voice like hers could sound like that. Hinata, noticing his reaction couldn't hold it in any longer. She began to laugh uncontrollably, clutching onto to her stomach, as little fragments of tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. His handsome face was priceless. He looked like a crushing school boy. It was too good not to laugh.

Sasuke realizing what just occurred was stunned. Once his surprise wore off he couldn't help but to chuckle. He couldn't believe that the girl before him teased him back. "Hn, who knew she had a backbone" thought Sasuke.

Clearing his throat Sasuke began "Alright, alright I guess I deserved that. I should have known something was amiss when you didn't stutter at all through that. But I guess I should stop with the teasing" sighed Sasuke. "I don't want to get you in trouble with your..um..your..uh..you know"

"U-um about that. I-I don't have a boyfriend if that is what your trying to imply Sasuke-kun." Hearing this caused Sasuke's ears to perk up.

"You don't?"

"N-No. I just haven't been lucky enough to be in a relationship with anyone" said Hinata somberly. "I did like someone though. He's a great guy. The best even. Well, he was to me at least, some time ago. I had confessed my feelings to him during a battle. I didn't expect an answer or anything from him because generally, I didn't really expect to live after the fight. I was stabbed in the chest and was losing a lot of blood. But Miraculously though, I lived. I had survived what I had thought, would have been my imminent death. I was severely injured, but alive. I have no recollection of what happened after I was stabbed but apparently I was moved from the battle to a temporary tent with at cot. Then I thought about it as I was lying on a make shift bed "I have just confessed to the guy I like" what now? Should I approach him or should I wait? So... I waited. I understood that he was under a lot pressure and that maybe he might not have been able to hear me. We were in the heat of battle. Or may be he did hear me and he just forgot. Or he heard but just chose to not respond. Whatever it was, the point is, I waited. I waited until after the war and nothing" vented Hinata. "there just always seemed to be something more important to him. So after a while, I just kind of let go. There was no point in holding onto something he obviously had no interest in. It just hurt to know that the person I thought I loved didn't even give me the time of day. It was heartbreaking. So I'm...I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm some kind of love sick puppy to you Sasuke-kun but..um"

That was the most Sasuke had heard her say without stuttering. He guesses when she gets all riled up, she forgets to even stutter. He could just picture her frustration at being ignored by someone that she held near and dear to her heart. He couldn't really relate to her in that aspect of liking someone, but the being ignored part, hit right at home. He could practically feel her heartache and annoyance for this individual. Whoever this dumb ass was that had caused her such unnecessary grief. He would gladly deliver a very well placed punch on that guys stupid face. "What a loser. Whatever though, that guy's loss is my gain. What kind of idiot would let someone like her go" thought Sasuke. Little did he know that that idiot was closer to him then he thought.

"There is no need to apologize. If anything it should be that guy. But for what its worth. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that someone who is suppose to be great in your eyes would not take your feelings into consideration. Even if he wasn't interested. He should have had the common decency to at least tell you. This way you would have had the closure you needed to move on. So for that I'm sorry Hinata" said Sasuke bowing his head slightly to her.

His words and actions had her stunned. She didn't know what to say. Sitting across from her was a guy she barely even knew. A guy who for the most part of their young life only cared about himself and his revenge. Never one to spare a glance at anyone, let alone a helping hand. Throughout her whole rant not once had he sent a judgmental glace her way. Sasuke had matured. His change was enchanting her. And somewhere in the recesses of her mind she wanted to be bewitched by him. His mysteriousness was enticing. It was intriguing. Plus, he did have the tall, dark, and handsome thing going for him. She didn't know what shocked her more, his words and actions or the direction her thoughts were heading. She had to shake her head to rid herself of these daunting thoughts.

"No, no Sasuke-kun. There is no need for you to apologize. I'm over it, really. But I'm glad that you think that way. I'm glad that there is someone who thinks I should move on. Mostly everyone around me keeps saying that I should hold on, that I shouldn't worry he will come around soon, that all I'd have to do is just wait. Honestly speaking, I really don't. I'm tired of waiting on an impossibility. I'm very relieved to know that there is at least one person who thinks otherwise. Well two if I'm being honest. My little sister Hanabi also thinks I should move on. When we spoke of this some time ago, she wasn't as nice as I'm putting it. She mentioned something about "a not so gentle fist to his you-know-what" if you get the gist." this caused Sasuke's face to grimace.

"So you have a sister?" asked Sasuke steering the conversation into safer waters.

"Yeah. She is five years younger then I. She is also very proficient with our clans technique The Gentle Fist. Trust me Sasuke-kun its not so gentle as it seems."

"I will take your word for it"

"Though she seems tough on the outside, on the inside she is such a kind hearted girl."said Hinata praising her sibling.

"You love your sister very much I take it"

"Oh yes! She is my only sibling. Its my duty to protect her and care for her well-being. My mother before she passed, entrusted my little sister to me. She asked me before she died, to take care of her and to look out for her." proudly stated Hinata.

"I see. So you were just a child when your mother passed" said Sasuke pensively.

"Yes. I was just five when my mother left this world. She died due to an illness after she gave birth to Hanabi. It was a sad day in the clan when she passed. My father was never the same. He was a stern man but after her passing. He became stricter, more colder. Everything I did was never good enough. It was like his life was extinguished the day she died."

"Hn"

"I'm sorry Sasuke-kun. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories" said Hinata.

"Its okay, Itachi was much like yourself. He was always looking out for me. He always made sure I was okay. There were times when I would get into trouble, he knew I would be scolded by our father so Itachi would take the fall for me. We both knew, that my father knew, it was me. Even until his dying breath Itachi was always protecting me. He loved me unconditionally. My Father was much like yours. He was always stern and cold. He was always hard to please. A perfectionist if you would. My Mother though, she is also much like yourself. She was kind but fair. She was very loving and very beautiful. She had long dark hair, fair skin, and obviously our dark eyes. She was also very nurturing. There were times where she had to reassure me that my father didn't hate me...hm. I was silly to think that. He never did, though. He was just a man who couldn't express his feelings properly. No matter how tough my father was to everyone else. He was always a push over when it came to my mother. It was like my mother had a power over my father. She had him wrapped around her fingers. Itachi and I would repeatedly snicker behind my father's back. " reminisced Sasuke smirking.

At the mere mention of being compared to Sasuke's mother, Hinata blushed prettily. She could still remembered Uchiha Mikoto. She was one of the most beautiful women to ever grace the planet. She had a poise and grace about her that made any woman reconsider their upbringing. So to be compared to her, was an honor. No wonder Sasuke was such a good looking young man. He had most of his mother's features. Itachi himself was also a very handsome man when he was among the living. It seemed that Uchiha men screamed sex appeal. She could finally understand why girls kept chasing after him. It was a miracle he came out of the academy unscathed. She wouldn't lie and say she didn't entertain thoughts of the young Uchiha male sitting in front of her when she was younger. But those thoughts will never be divulged. She will take those to the grave. Maybe if something did progress from this unlikely friendship, she would have the courage to tell him. Until then her lips were sealed.

"I'll admit. It did take me a while to come to terms with what happened with my family and I'm still not all that forgiving with the elders for the decisions they took against my clan"

"As you should."

"But I'm tired of all the fighting and all that anger" said Sasuke. "I Just want to come home and just be Sasuke nothing more"

"I don't know how you do it Sasuke-kun. If I was in you position. I don't know if I would have be able to handle it. You are strong Sasuke-kun much stronger than most in this world. Its because of your strength and the memories that you hold dear, that keep pushing you forward. You are a great man Sasuke-kun and I'm sure everyone will see it soon. I know I have." proclaimed Hinata with a smile. "Now how about this mochi ice cream."

"You can have them. I'm not very fond of sweets"

"Really!?"

"Yeah. Never have been."

"Oh! Well, these aren't very sweet. You would enjoy them" said Hinata cutting a mochi ball in half.

"Hn"

"Here have some"said Hinata using her chopsticks to pick up a piece of mochi and giving it to Sasuke to eat. Sasuke leaned forward slightly and ate the piece of mochi off her chopsticks. Using the same pair she picked up the other piece and placed it in her mouth. It was at that moment that they both realized that they both shared a indirect kiss. Their reactions was instantaneous. Both of their eyes widen like saucers and their faces reddened like ripened tomatoes. They both had to look away from the other just to slow their racing hearts. It was Sasuke who spoke up first to end the awkward atmosphere.

"I..ah..I think we should go. I still need to drop off all my bags at the Inn I'm staying at"

"I can help you if you'd like"

"I don't want to inconvenience you or anything. You probably have other things planned and I'm taking up all of your time..." Said Sasuke.

"Nonsense. It would be my pleasure."stated Hinata, smiling fondly at him.

"Only if its okay with you"

"Yes, its perfectly okay with me"

"Then lets head out"

"After you Sasuke-kun"

With the awkwardness lifted. Hinata and Sasuke made their way to the front of the Tea shop with his bags, to pay their bill. It was there that they found the older woman Tachibana Kanna behind the register.

"So how was it. I hope it was good?"said the older woman.

"Oh yes Tachibana-san. It was very delightful. Thank you again for the mochi" blushed Hinata remembering the incident.

"Hn, it was good"

"I'm glad to hear that and because this is your first time here Sasuke dear. The meal is on the house. Please come visit again soon."

"I will. Thank you Tachibana-san"

After saying their farewells to the tea shop owner. Sasuke began to lead Hinata down the road towards "The Red Koi". He just hoped there were no interruptions along the way. Maybe if luck was still on his side. He could figure something out in which he could possibly see her again. That would definitely be nice. He would just have to pray and see.