A Tomorrow to Reach Us Both

Chapter 8

Moving across the dirt road, traveling deeper and deeper into the outskirts of town. Both Sasuke and Hinata were enjoying the companionable silence between the two. It had been a while since they had left the market district, leaving behind the unpleasantness of the previous events. Though, due to the silence, Hinata had noticed more and more, that lack of civilian life around the area. She wondered briefly if there were people living around this part of town or if it was completely uninhabited. It was after a couple more minutes of walking silently, that they came across the grand gates of the once proud and legendary Uchiha clan. Hinata halted abruptly to study the gates, something stirred within her heart. She lifted her right hand and clenching the front of her shirt, right where her heart was. She couldn't even begin to imagine the sheer horror and immense heartache that Sasuke had had to endure. Just simply imagining his entire clan be wiped off the face of the planet in a single night, scared her. The notion of it was inconceivable to her.

She remembered that night vividly, as clear as she was standing in front of those gates, examining left and right the amount of decay caused by decades of abandonment. She remembered that evening, sitting at her family's dining room table, enjoying supper with her father and little sister. When suddenly a gate guard had urgently barged in and asked to speak with her father immediately. The two had exchanged rushed whispered words. Whatever was said between the two, had her father rising from his chair, and dismissing both her and her sister from dinner and to their rooms. It wasn't until the following day that Hinata found out, what had transpired the night before. The entirety of the Uchiha clan, with the exception of two, were no more.

The news had saddened her deeply since she too was from a large family. She couldn't picture losing all of her family members in such a tragic way. When the sun fell the night she found out, she couldn't help but light incense in her bedroom and pray for all those people who had lost their lives the night before. What had deepened her frown even more was knowing that all this tragedy befell one of her fellow classmates. Though, back then, they had never spoken a single word to one another outside of clan visits. It still made her sad to know that it all happened to him, to Uchiha Sasuke. She had desperately wanted to help him, but she didn't know how to approach him. She remembered once trying to hand him a bento box during lunch break, only for him to flat out refuse it all together. He had practically withdrawn into himself. He had become distant, cold and angry. He had continuously, on more then on occasion, pushed people away. Watching him isolate himself, broken her heart. He was going through so much anguish and turmoil at such a tender young age. It had frightened her to the core, to see him wallow in despair.

Back to the present, she looked over at Sasuke's profile, and wondered, how he did it? How could he have had the strength, the tenacity, to continue on each and every day? He was amazing! He had to be. How else was he able to withstand all that pain and suffering of losing those he loved and held dear? Taking a moment, Hinata placed Sasuke's bags on the floor and clasped her hands together, giving a silent prayer to her companion's beloved deceased family members.

Sasuke too had stopped to look at the gates of his family's district. He could almost see ghostly images of his brother Itachi and himself chatting away as they headed off to train. The soft and warm smiles that his loving brother would bestow upon him, listening to him as he spoke animatedly about his days in the academy. Looking over towards his fellow companion, Sasuke could see Hinata's expression slowly change while observing the gates of his family's home. He could tell by the dip in her brows and the frown marring her beautiful face, that she was deep in thought. Whatever it was she was thinking about was most likely unpleasant, if her demeanor was anything to go by. What she did next, almost floored him. She had gently put down the bags she was carrying and began to pray, clasping her tiny hands together and closing her eyes. She silently prayed for his family. That simple action alone, was enough for him. He was convinced that she was from another world. Nobody in their right mind would be sending prayers for his dead family, yet here she was, doing just that. Looking away from her, he diverted his sight to the sky and asked Kami, if having endured so much pain and suffering, granted him the chance to find someone that would heal the hurt in his heart. Looking back at her, he knew, she had to be Kami's answer to him.

When Hinata finished praying, she slightly bowed to show her respect to the once powerful, Uchiha clan. Quickly, gathering the bags, she made her way next to Sasuke. The moment she neared him; she saw the way his eyes were drinking her in. The way his intense obsidian eyes were looking at her, made a dark blush spread across her cheeks. It was like he was looking at her for the first time. She too couldn't help but look at his graceful features. He was ethereal to her. She took in every inch of his handsome face. He was by all means a beautiful man. And the more she surrounded herself with his presence, the more she too wanted to get to know more about him. He was different. Nothing like the person she had pictured him to be. She had at one point in her life unknowingly built an image about him based solely off of when they were children, and now that they were older, he tore that image she had of him to pieces. He was the epidemy of what every girl's wild fantasies would be of a "Mysterious Man". He was the whole package she thought. Knowing where her thoughts were heading Hinata decided to break the trance shared between the two. Ultimately putting an end to her blush.

"I hope you hope you don't mind, that I prayed for your family sasuke-kun?" she said looking away from him. "It's just, I guess no one comes around here often, and it would be rude of me to continue walking on by without sending a prayer to the heavens for their eternal rest. "

"...you didn't have to do that, you know..." whispered Sasuke, feeling his heart construct a little.

"I know I didn't have to Sasuke-kun." she looked away shyly. "I wanted to. Really, I did. It's just...they're important to you Sasuke-kun, just like my family is important to me. It's only natural to for me to be able to do this, even if it's just the bare minimum I can do to ease their pain."

"I don't get it? What could you possibly gain from doing that?"

"It's not about what I can gain, Sasuke-kun, but what I can give in return." she said looking back at Sasuke, determination set in her eyes. "Like I said, I did it because they are important to you. And in a way...you are important to me too. So, I would gladly do it as many times as I need to."

"I'm important to her?" thought Sasuke.

"I... I... thank you." said Sasuke genuinely appreciative.

"You're welcome Sasuke-kun and there's no need."

Smiling up at Sasuke, she could see the gratitude and appreciation he had for what she had done. She wondered when was the last time anybody even remotely came near the abandoned district after the incident. She could only feel nothing but remorse that she, herself, had not been able approached the place sooner. Steeling her resolve, she vowed that from this day forward, she would make an effort to come and visit the Uchiha district regularly to pay her respects. Sasuke noticing the determination etched on her face, could only smirk. He liked that look on her face. Without thinking, Sasuke lifted his right hand, using his pointer and middle finger, gently poked Hinata directly in the middle of her forehead. The contact from Sasuke's warm hand to her forehead, had caused her already disappeared blush to come raging back to life. She didn't know it then, but that simple hand gesture was symbolic to Sasuke. It had meant a great deal to him in the past. One his loving brother often did to him to show he cared. Having done that to her, it had meant something to Sasuke. He appreciated her for her kindness.

"Hn, still...thank you."

Seeing that there wasn't anything for them to do in front of the gates. Sasuke urged them onward.

"Let's keep going. The location is not that far from here."

"Really?! I don't think I've asked you yet, but where are you currently staying at Sasuke-kun?"

"Hn, at the Red Koi"

"Isn't that a little too far out of the way Sasuke-kun? Why not get a location closer to the village?"

"It would be convenient, but Kakashi was the one who got the room for me. Plus, I prefer it this way. I would be closer to my district in case I need to be there when repairs start taking place."

"Will you be doing all the repairs yourself?"

"No, Kakashi has people coming over to help with all the major stuff. Actually, I think they were in there looking around before we left."

"I see. I guess you won't be needing my help then?" said Hinata a little down trodden.

"In all honesty, I could still use some help if you wouldn't mind" replied Sasuke hearing as the sound of her voice change to one of disappointment. "Seeing as that I only have one hand and all. I can't really get much done fast enough"

Hearing that he was okay with her helping out, made Hinata's face brighten up. I guess I should probably bring something to eat for the both of us she thought.

"That sounds good, is there anything in particular that you might like to eat tomorrow? I was thinking of bringing some bento boxes for lunch."

"Anything is fine as long as it's not Natto. Maybe something with a lot of tomatoes if it's not too much?"

"Not at all. I think I can come up with something to bring."

Nearing the entrance to the Red Koi. Hinata came to a slow stop and watched as Sasuke opened the front door. Gazing at the outside of the building. She couldn't quite know what to make of it. The place kind of looked decent enough. Not very luxurious but who really cared. With their line of work, even having a decent bed was a luxury even she wouldn't take for granted. She just hoped that the inside was a bit better.

Entering the Inn, right behind Sasuke. She was greeted to a very nice-looking lobby. All the interior matched in some way and a little further in stood a man she didn't know. He must be the Inn keeper she thought.

Seeing Sasuke move a little further in. She followed close behind him. As soon as the Inn Keeper noticed the two-walking in. She saw the look on his face. The man's eyebrows shot straight to his hairline. She literally thought they were going to fly right off his face. It was when they got closer to the front desk that the man spoke up.

"Sasuke my boy. You've returned and with a lovely guest, no less. Ah, to be young and in love. You move quite fast there my boy. I would have thought you'd at least relax a bit before going out and snatching the hearts of all the young women in the village."

"Can it, Oshiro. It's not even like that. She is an old friend from school and she's helping me bring all this crap I bought to my room."

"No need to be so modest Sasuke my boy. It's okay to indulge in the pleasures of life. See when I was your age. I was considered a heart breaker with the women. Always had the ladies wanting for more. They couldn't get their hands off me." Hearing the Inn Keeper speak about her in such a manner, caused Hinata's face to flush crimson.

Shaking his head from exasperation, Sasuke quickly defused the situation. "This is ridiculous, look Oshiro this isn't like that and if I were you, I would think before I speak. The person behind me is Hyuga Hinata, heiress of the Hyuga Clan so tread carefully when you speak about her, you never know who could be hearing." Especially around me.

Realizing that he had just put his foot in his mouth. The Inn Keeper Oshiro bent forward at the waist and began to apologize profusely.

"My deepest apologies Ms. Hyuga. If I would have known that it was you my lady, I would have never spoken ill of you. Let alone suggested such horrible things about your person. Please my lady, if you could, please find it within your heart to forgive this old fool." said Oshiro apologetically.

"I-it's okay Mr...?"

"Oshiro. Hideki Oshiro, my lady" provided the Inn Keeper.

"Hideki-san, it's okay, I forgive you. You didn't know it was me, so there is no harm done." said Hinata.

"Oh! Thank the Heavens. Sasuke My boy! Why didn't you tell me that you were with Ms. Hyuga?"

"You didn't even give me the chance to speak. You automatically thought the worst."

"Ha-ha...sorry about that. You know when you own an Inn, you tend to see a lot of things coming and going around here."

"Well anyway we have to go" said Sasuke.

"Yes, yes please do" said Oshiro.

"Alright, let's keep moving Hinata."

"Okay" turning to face the Inn Keeper Hinata addressed the man, now known to her as Hideki Oshiro. "It was a pleasure to meet you Hedeki-san" she slightly bowed to the man.

"No, no the pleasure is all mine, Ms. Hyuga." said Oshiro bowing in return.

"Please, call me Hinata, Hideki-san."

"Hinata-san it is, then."

Leaving the lobby, Hinata and Sasuke climbed up the flight of stairs that led to the room that the raven haired Uchiha was occupying. Making their way down the hall, they finally reached the room. Placing his bags on the floor. Sasuke took out the key from his pants pocket and opened the door. Picking up his bags, he entered the room, and place his bags on the bed. Hinata entered soon after, closing the door behind her. Hinata not daring to enter any further into the room, left the bags she was carrying on the ground next to her by the entrance. Searching around the room, Hinata noted how simplistic the room was. It had only the bare necessities, like a bed, a window, closet, and she assumed a bathroom was behind the closed door to the right of the room. It was kind of sad, really, but she figured this was how Sasuke wanted to spend his short time at the Inn.

Deciding that it was time for her to leave, she turned and was about to excuse herself, when felt Sasuke's hand on her wrist. Whipping her head around, she looked into his deep dark eyes that were focused solely on her. His grip on her was gentle. It felt like he was afraid of even touching her and that moved her. She had believed that he was a more aggressive type of person, incapable of such tender actions, that he wouldn't even know where to begin with being gentle with anyone, let alone her. But she was wrong, dead wrong. Today, just seemed like a day full of surprises for her. Every which way she turned, Sasuke kept smashing this imaginary picture she had of him. And she really liked it. She honestly, truly, liked it. The way he was looking at her, made her feel weird, but in a good way. It was like he was only looking at her and only her.

Sasuke seeing that he had successfully prevented her from leaving out the door, let go of her wrist, and chose to speak up to let her know about meeting in the morning.

"Before you go, Hinata. I will be by the gates of my compound around eight in the morning. If you're still interested in helping out, that is." said Sasuke.

"Of course, I'm still interested Sasuke-kun. I will definitely be there in the morning to help out. And I'll even bring breakfast bentos, too" she said smiling gently.

"Good, well I guess I'll be seeing you in the morning then?"

"Yes, you sure will Sasuke-kun"

"Call me Sasuke, I would prefer it if you'd call me Sasuke, instead of Sasuke-kun. Hearing my name like that gives me the creeps, brings back nothing but bad memories involving crazy fangirls." at this Hinata couldn't stop the giggles from escaping.

"A-alright, well...I'll see you tomorrow then...Sasuke." blushing, she turned around, opened the door and exited the room.

Sasuke on the other hand, stood stark still. He was trying, but failing miserably, to contain a smile that was creeping up onto his lips and yet he didn't mind it in the least. Just hearing the sound of his given name on her pretty lips, it did something to him. He didn't think he has ever heard his name be said in such a soft-spoken manner by someone, would have ever sounded as sweet as it did with her. She was everything a man would want in a companion. She was welcoming, funny, compassionate, and loving. But most importantly, she was single, and so was he. It would be a stupidity on his part, if he didn't jump at the opportunity to be with her. Though, he knew he would have to take things slow with her because, let's face it, he had zero experience at the whole dating thing. He did know, in some measure, the basics of courting someone. That was another thing he was grateful to his mother for. She had embedded short lessons of dating into her son's brains. Feeling good about the next day, Sasuke took his bags and began to put things away in their rightful places.

When Sasuke finished putting his belongings away. He remembered, he had told Naruto and Sakura that he would meet up with them the next day. Deciding that he didn't want to be interrupted by his two loud and obnoxious teammates while he was with Hinata. He resolved himself with getting the meeting with his former team over and done with and get it out of the way. This way, while he was out, he could take advantage and grab a bite to eat. He pondered briefly if Hinata even knew how to cook. She did say she was bringing Bentos to the compound tomorrow. Knowing that he would just have to wait and see what she would be bringing the next day. Sasuke opted for leaving his room, locking the door, nodding at Oshiro, and out the front door of the Inn.

Finding Naruto and Sakura was relatively easy for him. He stretched out his chakra across the village in order to sense the location of his old teammates. He had a feeling he knew exactly where to find his hardheaded best friend, at Ichiraku Ramen. He knew his blond best friend practically lived off the stuff. It was a miracle to Sasuke, that Naruto didn't have ramen broth for blood coursing through his body right about now. He was bewildered that, knowing Sakura, she hadn't restricted Naruto's obsessive ramen eating habits, yet. But alas, to each his own, Sasuke surmised.

Just outside of Ichiraku's Ramen, Sasuke could definitely hear the loud voices of his two teammates. Preparing himself mentally for the onslaught of questions coming his way. Sasuke lifted one of the flaps of the small restaurant and walked inside. As soon as the other patrons acknowledged his presence. Everyone went silent. It was so quiet; you could almost hear a pin drop and that was saying something. It took a moment for both Naruto and Sakura to realize he was standing behind them. It wasn't until he had called out their names, that both Naruto and Sakura swiveled around on their chairs and saw him standing there, just a few feet away from them.

"Sasuke, what are you doing here? I thought we were going to see you tomorrow?" asked Naruto.

"Yeah, I thought the same thing." said Sakura.

"I didn't realize when I had told you guys to meet up tomorrow, that I already had something important planned for tomorrow." replied Sasuke.

"What's so important that you couldn't just see us tomorrow? Not that I'm complaining or anything" asked Naruto.

"To begin with, that's none of your business, Naruto." said Sasuke. "but, if you guys don't wan to meet up, then I could just leave..." said Sasuke getting ready to leave the stall.

"No, no! I'm just asking that's all. No need to get your panties in a twist, man. Geez! Can't a person just ask a few questions, without some getting all defensive?" grumbled Naruto.

"Naruto is right Sasuke-kun, what so important that you couldn't wait to see us."

"I just wanted to get this reunion over and done with. No need to put it off any longer. The sooner this is done with; the faster you guys could leave me alone."

"What's so wrong with being around us Sasuke-teme? If anything, you should be grateful that you still have friends like us, who still tolerate your over the top temper tantrums."

"Hn, is that so. Well, I say, who needs an idiot like you for a friend around?!" taunted Sasuke.

"What did you just say, bastard?! You want to have a go?! I can take you on anytime, anywhere, just name the time and place."

"Like I would waste my time with you, Loser"

"Guys! Guys! Chill out already! No need to go and get into a fight. We just reunited and already you guys are at each other's throats." said Sakura trying to de-escalate the situation.

"Grr. Your just scared that I'm going to wipe the floors with you."

"As if."

"Ugh, I can't with you guys. We can't be together for just two seconds without both of you causing a scene."

"But Sakura-chan, he started it."

"I don't care who started it Naruto, I'm going to finish it, and stop whining its unbecoming. For Kami's sake you're a grown man, Naruto, act like one."

"Your so mean Sakura-chan" mumbled Naruto under his breath.

"Did you just say something. I didn't catch that"

"N-no"

"Good. So, Sasuke-kun where did you and Hinata go after we split up earlier?"

"That's none of your business either, Sakura." her face fell at hearing the tone of his voice with her. "But if you must know, she helped me out with my bags. That's all, nothing more."

"I-I see. But, where exactly did she help you take them?"

"Why are you interrogating me Sakura. If you want to know if there is something between us, the just spit it out and just say it! But if you desperately must know then, no, there isn't." but I would want there to be thought Sasuke.

Hearing Sasuke proclaim that he and Hinata had nothing to do with each other, had Naruto's quivering heart at ease. When he had seen them earlier leave together, he couldn't shake the feeling in his chest. Just watching her walk away with his best friend did not sit well with him at all. He had had an urge to just shove his best friend away from her. He wanted her to see only him, Uzumaki Naruto, and no one else. He knew he had no right. It was because of him that a distance grew in between the two. So, seeing her walk away with someone else, had him seeing red. He just didn't want to admit to himself that he was beginning to get jealous of his best friend and rival all over again.

Sakura was no better either. When she had looked upon them walking away together. She had seen a closeness on both of their parts. She hoped with all her heart, that she was just seeing things. To her, it would be one heck of a nasty blow to the heart, if she found out that her Sasuke-kun, wanted to be with someone else. Not that she would stand in the way of his happiness, but she would fight tooth and nail for his affection, regardless of who it was. She deserved to be happy and Sasuke was her happiness. So, watching him walk away with someone else was a very bitter pill to swallow for her. She just wanted to be reassured that that wasn't the case with both Sasuke and Hinata, that neither of them were secretly dating behind her back. The moment she heard Sasuke confirmed that "no, there wasn't anything going on between them", had her body relaxing. She hadn't even realize, she had been holding her breath, until she heard Sasuke answer the question.

Seeing the relief on both of his teammates faces after he declared that they in fact "weren't seeing each other". It only confirmed to Sasuke, that both of his teammates were going to be a problem for his possible future with Hinata. And being the kind of guy that he was. He was not going to allow it. He had a dream to reach. One that either included his friends and teammates or it didn't. Either way, Kami help the poor sucker that got in his way, they were in for a rude awakening. On the bright side though, he had a make shift date to look forward to tomorrow morning. One that included Hinata and Himself.