Chapter 9

Echoes of Days Gone

Having spent the afternoon eating and arguing with Naruto and Sakura, at his self-proclaimed blonde best friend's favorite eatery. He figured it was about time he turned in for the day. He did have an early start in the morning. Before leaving the market area. Sasuke stopped by one of the stalls of the market district, to gather a little something for dinner later. Heading over to a stall he had scoped out while walking with Hinata. He managed to buy a couple of ready-to-eat items for supper. It wasn't much, just some Takoyaki and onigiri filled with tomato paste. Satisfied with his purchases. Sasuke headed back to the Inn to relax, eat dinner later, and prepare for the next morning.

After showering and getting ready for bed. Sasuke laid atop of his mattress, starring up at the ceiling of his room. As he laid there in the dark with his hand behind his head, illuminated by the rays of the moon, shining in from outside. He contemplated over all that occurred throughout the day. He thought of the relieved expressions on both of his teammates faces, when he mentioned that both he and Hinata had nothing going on. He had a gut feeling, that they were going to cause him serious problems in the very near future. He would have to speak to them eventually about his intentions with the Hyuga heiress. He knew it would be difficult at first, but he hoped that they would understand, and not get in his way. He didn't want to have to choose between his friends and what could potentially be a very good relationship with Hinata.

Finally, feeling the effects of the day begin to drag him into the land of unconsciousness. Sasuke allowed his eye lids to close and drift off into a peaceful slumber.

The next morning, Sasuke had awaken a little after the brake of dawn and readied himself to head out. He was used to waking up very early for training daily, but yesterday was an exception for him. He was too exhausted from all his traveling, that all he really wanted was to indulge in the pleasures of sleeping on a comfortable bed and not on a hard and cold surface. Once Sasuke finished, he made his way out the door and onto the dirt road, not even bothering to stop and get any breakfast.

When he arrived at the gates of his district. He took one final look at his family's entrance before entering. The silence was deafening. Nothing but the rush of the wind and the eerie sound of a shutter swinging and gently banging against the wall of a nearby home could be heard. As he stood at the entrance of his childhood district, the phantoms of the past gradually began to appear, frolicking around before his very eyes. People were laughing and playing, enjoying themselves as they went about their business. They were old recordings of days passed. Images, memories, engravings in the dirt where life once stood. A life in where none were the wiser.

Shaking his head from the shadows of the past. Sasuke took in every detail of his surroundings. Examining everything around him. He saw that most if not all the buildings in the district still stood. He was dumbfounded, that they withstood the test of time. He was pleased that the structures in his district were built sturdy. Though, much like the gate, they too were beginning to be overtaken by nature's greenery. Sidings were covered by overgrown weeds, proof of the prolonged neglect.

Looking around, Sasuke was one hundred percent sure that some, if not all, of the buildings were vandalized as well. They looked stripped of valuables that they once carried. Having surveyed some of the empty buildings, disappointment began to settle in his heart. He knew he should have been here to watch over his family's land, but he couldn't. He wasn't ready to do that or at least his heart wasn't ready. He needed time. He needed to come to terms with himself, with his past, and what he needed for the future. Steeling himself, Sasuke made his way down a very familiar dirt road, one that lead to where it all began, his old home.

Having arrived before his family's home. He couldn't resist the frown that marred his features. The once beautiful residence that held all his most precious memories, resembled all too much like the other buildings. It was such a tragic sight. Examining the ghastly state in which his once loving home ended up, it was enough to make his heart ache. Clutching the front of his shirt above his heart, Sasuke walked up to the door and tried to pry it open. After a few heavy shoves, the door finally budged, lifting dust clouds in the process. Taking a deep breath, Sasuke stepped inside his old familial home taking mental notes on what needed to be fixed.

As he trudged on ahead, Sasuke took tentative steps forward testing each floorboard, hoping they would hold up his weight. The last thing he wanted was to fall through the floor and land on his ass. That would be a sight to behold. Moving carefully through the halls, he soaked up every aspect of his old, abandoned home. He moved pass several doors he knew to be closets. He speculated that those rooms were probably empty, free from anything that held any real value to him. If the destruction and vandalism of the other buildings was any indication to Sasuke, then he knew that his home also fell prey to the thieves that stole from his land.

Striding along Sasuke came across his old kitchen, hidden away towards the rear of the compound. He peered through a worn-down sliding door that looked like it had seen better days. Sasuke regarded every detail of the place he once shared warm dinners with his family. Tons of soot had taken over the only window in the kitchen, only allowing just the bare minimum of light to filter through. Just below the window he could make-out a dusty dish rack next to the sink that still held a couple of plates and bowls. He could vaguely see cobwebs and grime that had built up upon them from years of disuse, waiting patiently to be put away by their owner. He could clearly see his mother washing the dishes all the while dinner was cooking atop of the stove. Glancing a little to the right, Sasuke caught sight of the chalk covered dining room table where his father used to sip tea and read his paper. During which Itachi and himself would chat animatedly about their day patiently waiting for dinner to be ready. The more he looked the more it set in that his once peaceful meals with his dear family were no more.

Clasping the front of his shirt for what felt like the hundredth time. It was starting to become unbearable for Sasuke to be in his old home. Feeling his chest constrict from all the pain of years he had to endure. Replaying over and over the death of his entire clan, of memories he knew would never be forgotten. Sasuke began to breathe a little more shallowly, as tears flowed freely down his face and onto the ground. He needed to leave urgently but knew he couldn't. He owed it to his family to make things better for his future children, for the future of his clan. He couldn't stop the borage of memories that assaulted his mind. It was too much for him to withstand. He wept for his dead family members. For the children that would never get to live out their dreams. For the adults who would never get to grow old with their significant other. For the older generation that will never get to see their grandchildren grow up and partner off. For his parents that he would never get to see and make proud of. And last for his beloved brother Itachi, who he would never get to train with and rejoice in his accomplishments. He would never get to see Itachi marry his then girlfriend Izumi and become a father. He would never get the opportunity to meet his brother's children or hear their small voices call him uncle. And Itachi will never get the chance to meet his. The past was overwhelming Sasuke, it was maddening. It was enough to make any normal man lose any semblance of sanity. Knowing that it would do him no good standing around the entrance of his kitchen. Sasuke ran out the doorway, down the hall, and out the front door. Never once looking back as the images faded out into nothing.

Once outside, Sasuke stood hunched over, desperately drinking in large gulps of fresh air like a dehydrated man deprived of water, as beads of sweat gently rolled off his face. Wiping his face of tears and sweat with his sleeve. Sasuke steadied his wobbly legs before racking his hand through his dark tresses and releasing a heavy breath. He needed to make his way to the main gate, hopefully Hinata would be there to distract him of his torturous thoughts.

Upon nearing the gate, he could see her there standing awkwardly in the distance, waiting patiently for him, with a large basket in one hand and a blanket in the other. She looked ready to begin a hard day's work. She wore a light purple sweatshirt that looked a little too big on her, black tight fitted pants that reached just above her ankles, and simple black sandals. Her hair was pulled back in what looked to be a messy bun with a white headband, only leaving her bangs to frame her gentle face. She was a sight. One he would gladly love to wake up to every morning. To him the word beautiful wasn't even enough to describe Hinata. She didn't have to have that exotic look like Sakura with the cherry blossom hair or add makeup to her face like Ino to be stunning. To him, Hinata had that natural beauty going for her, simple yet elegant. She didn't need to do anything to be downright gorgeous. She just was and that was enough for him.

When Hinata arrived at the gate, she started to get nervous. She had noticed that no one was around. She hoped she hadn't arrived too early. Deciding that the only way to find out was to wait for Sasuke. It wasn't too long after, she saw someone make their way to the gate. It wasn't until the person in question got closer that Hinata knew who it was. She could tell that something was amiss with him. His appearance looked a little disheveled, like he just went through hell. His face was slightly flushed, and his eyes were red and puffy as if he had just shed tears. It worried her. She knew the type of person Sasuke was, growing up with him during their academy years told her as much. He was the quiet proud type. So, for him to look this unkept before her, told her of all the pain and suffering he had been bottling up. It broke her heart. She knew this would be hard on him but at the same time it showed the amount of strength he carried. To her, only someone with such immense tenacity and fortitude would be able to endure what Sasuke had to as a child. To her he was strength personified. He was powerful and courageous, a deadly force to be reckoned with. She felt sorry for whoever stood in his way and with that thought in mind. Hinata gathered herself and approached Sasuke, meeting him halfway.

"Hello Sasuke-kun." Hinata smiled. "The weather is lovely this morning, isn't it? I hope I wasn't too late to help with renovations of your home?"

"You're not. I just arrived not that long ago myself. I decided to look around first and see what needed immediate repairs."

"Oh, Good. I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of making us some breakfast if in case you haven't eaten anything yet. I also made us some lunch as well, you know for later if we get hungry." Realizing that she may have implied that he didn't know how fend for himself. Hinata tried frantically to correct her mistake. "Not that I'm saying you aren't capable of cooking or feeding yourself! It's just that…It's just that I like to cook sometimes, and...and I often make bentos for both Kiba-kun and Shino-kun, you know for when they go out on missions and stuff...and sometimes I help in the kitchen at home, so the cooks don't over work themselves…and…"

Trying and failing, Sasuke tried cutting into her rambling. "I haven't eaten anything this morning" to no avail.

"And…I don't want you to think that I think you can't take care of yourself because you can. It's just that…it's just that with you being gone for so long and me not knowing if you knew how to make something. I just assumed that you didn't and that you eat out constantly like Naruto-kun. Which is wrong of me to do so. And I really shouldn't have done that because we barely know each other and I'm sorry. And wait, what?"

"I said...I haven't eaten breakfast yet."

"Oh…Oh! Well then let's go and have breakfast."

"Hn." Sasuke could only shake his head in amusement. Thinking of a nice place to sit and eat. Sasuke remembered of Itachi's old training spot and the location not being too far from where they were standing. It was a very quiet and serene place. The spot was surrounded by large oak trees, with patches of flowers growing here and there, as well as a large round pond with lily pads scattered across the surface and at the far end of the pond was a tiny waterfall. All-in-all the area looked like it just came straight out of a painting. It was perfect. Concluding that the training area was a heck of a lot better place than eating around the desolate compound area, Sasuke decided to go ahead and make his way towards the location.

"I know a place we can go to eat. It's not far from here. It's quiet and who knows, you'd might even like it. I'm guessing since it seems that you like places like that small tea house that is."

"Yeah, I like small quiet places a lot better than most loud areas."

"I can tell you do. Now come, follow me"

Sasuke began leading Hinata down an old and familiar road, one he used to take as a small boy. Memories started to flood his mind. Thoughts of when he would secretly go off on his own in search of his older brother. He could clearly see himself hiding behind a bush trying to catch a peek of his brother during his training. It would always amaze Sasuke how incredible his brother Itachi was. Every time Itachi would throw a kunai, the knife would always find its mark. To him, Itachi was everything. He just wished that his brother was there to see him.

When they arrived at their destination, Hinata took her time admiring her surroundings. The area was beautiful. Absolutely stunning. Everywhere she looked something stood out to her, from the large pond to the large trees surrounding a secluded piece of grassy land. She was stunned speechless. How did she not know of a place like this. After looking around the area, her eyes finally landed on the quiet Uchiha.

"This place if beautiful Sasuke-kun. I didn't even know this place even existed in the village. It's just...I don't even have words to describe this place."

"This place holds a lot of memories for me. Very fond memories"

"Oh, I'm sorry Sasuke-kun. I hope I'm not intruding or anything"

"Not at all. I brought you here. This place holds a very special place in my heart." Sasuke stood there reminiscing about the past. "This is where my brother used to train when we were younger. I remember always sneaking away from my mother and coming out here to watch him throw his kunai knives. Did you know my brother had an amazing form? He rarely if ever missed his mark" Sasuke said with a smirk. "I always wanted to be like him, but I was envious of him at the same time" his smirk fell. "He was everything I wasn't. He was just raw talent, and my father was so proud of him for that. I think that's what always made me so bothered by him. I just couldn't measure up to him."

'Don't say that Sasuke-kun. I may have not had the pleasure of meeting your older brother Itachi-san, but I know a bit about him from what I have heard. He was a talented young man that could rival Kakashi-sensei any day with his skills. He was smart, courageous, and honorable. He loved you oh so very much Sasuke-kun. I just know that wherever he may be, he is looking out for you and would want you to live on happily." said Hinata passionately. "I know this because I too lost my loving older cousin who I saw as an older brother. Neji was also a very talented young man, he gave his life so that I too can live and be happy. I would not be honoring his memory if I just allowed myself to just wallow in despair. I think it's time that we gave ourselves permission to move forward like they would have wanted for us." as Hinata was saying this. She slowly moved towards Sasuke and gently placed her hand on his arm. She smiled sadly and tenderly at him.

Sasuke turned to face her and was stunned by her words. Her sad smile and gentle touch made his heart clench. At that very moment she was more beautiful than anything he had ever seen. He couldn't resist himself and gently caressed her supple cheek with his calloused hand. Her skin was so smooth to the touch. Ever since the day he had seen her in the market district, he was transfixed by her beauty. She was the opposite of who he was. He was the darkness and she the light and yet he couldn't get enough of being around her.

Hinata was surprised to feel Sasuke's hand touch her face. She couldn't help but blush at the sensation. His hand was so warm and the way he was touching her was so tender. She didn't think he had it in him to be so soft. She looked at his eyes and she was shocked at what she saw. His eyes had softened and were looking at her with so much warmth it made her heart swell with happiness. She slowly placed her hand a top of his and lightly squeezed it.

Seeing her not shy away from his touch, Sasuke decided to be a little bolder and slightly lean forward and press his forehead onto hers.

He breathed in her sent and said, "Thank you."

She gulped at being so close to him. She always knew that Sasuke was attractive but having him so close to her personal space did something to her. Her breath grew short and uneven, but she held strong. If she were back in her younger years even hand holding would be enough to throw her over the edge and into the land of unconsciousness. She was far from being that young girl who fainted at every turn. She was a woman now, one that grew out of her teenage tendencies and had enough courage to stand in front of a very attractive man like Sasuke.

Seeing as they were getting a little too close for her comfort. Sasuke let go of her face and moved away from her. Though, he would never regret the moment they shared together. He would always keep in his memory the way her cheek felt in his hand.

Clearing his throat Sasuke interrupted the tense moment.

"I appreciate the kind words Hinata. Thank You."

"Uh-hm. Y-yeah no problem Sasuke-kun. Now I think we should eat, or this food will get cold."

"Yeah, I think we should."

Looking at her place the blanket on the floor and setting all the food on top of the blanket. Sasuke could imagine Hinata doing all of this surrounded by small children that resembled her and if he was being honest with himself also resembling him too.