Chapter 15

AN: Sorry for the angst y'all. I think we're moving past it now. . I love fluff but I'm not the best at writing it so bare with me as we travel this road …slowly!

The sound of food sizzling, plate clunking buzzed calmly in the diner. Sasuke stared at the pink haired lady before him, eyes downcast to the tepid coffee in her palms.

He had no idea what had overcome him to bring her to his favorite spot but here they were. Seated in the back booth of a dimly lit diner. Jazz played on the sound systems, a cool accompaniment to the environment's communicative vibe.

Sakura hadn't said anything since they left the apartment complex but he wasn't one to begin conversations. However, the uncomfortable silence began to creep around him and his patience dwindled alongside.

"How do you know him?" Sakura sat unmoved, save for the silent sniffle that escaped her.

The waitress served the two plates of omelettes with hashbrown and Sasuke was grateful for the break. He scrolled through his phone, aimlessly opening and closing social media apps. His feet tapped anxiously. "I used to work as a therapist in the prisons. I met him there." she sniffed silently after a while

Sasuke's ears perked but he kept his composure, unwilling to shut her up.

"He was serving time for homicide. They said he killed his mother but his case was made as lowkey as possible so I'm not sure." her lips quivered slightly

"He's the son of Suna-Mongolia's president who is good friends with our president so a deal was made so he could start anew."

Sasuke stared in confusion as she continued divulging more information than her job allowed.

"He was a lunatic." A short laugh filled the air and the atmosphere tensed. "A lunatic who had no one and needed someone."

"Then I gave him everything. I gave him love, a job, his family, I helped restore his life." the metal fork in her grip bent a fraction.

"But you said you were going to break up with him." the Uchiha's eyebrow raised, recalling Sakura's conversation about the red head with Ino

"But he broke up with me." she growled through clenched teeth.

Alarm bells went off in his head as he studied the pinkette in front of him. She reminded him too much of his father and he couldn't help but feel the pit in his stomach clench in caution. But he needed her, so until then, "I need your help."

~.~.~.~

"Hey everyone, welcome to Braille Reading 101. Excited to start this class!"

Ashi sat quietly under Hinata's feet as the professor introduced them to the course. Explaining the syllabus and how they were going to get out of the class with a better understanding and knowledge of reading and writing in braille.

Everyone went around introducing themselves and Hinata felt her nervousness slide as everyone explained why they were taking the class. Most of them were blind from circumstance but those who had their sights were learning for their precious people.

At the end of class, she asked the Professor for help on where to go and was steadily helped by Ace.

"Hinata?"

A voice called from behind in confusion and it took her a bit to register who it was. Ace barked quietly as Kiba had trained him to signify someone he knew to be safe.

"I'm sorry,"

"It's me, Gaara." he nodded to the dog, unwilling to distract him. "I didn't know you go here."

Hinata's anxiety eased with a familiar voice, happy to know someone. "I just started, finally facing my fears." she smiled. "What are you doing here?"

Gaara explained that he taught in the music department and was glad to know she was a music major. Shyly handing her schedule to him, he read it out loud before questioning in amazement. "You're in advanced music?"

"I'm retaking these courses so I can read music in braille. I actually graduated with this degree so it'll be familiar. Though I didn't go here so that'll be the main challenge. ."

"How would you like a personal guide then?"

"Oh no, but your class."

"Too late. Just cancelled it. Don't worry, those bums will be more than happy for the extension." The tone of his voice remained neutral but she caught on the attempt at a lame joke. Giggling into her palm she nodded, patting Ace calmly.

Gaara walked her through the campus. Starting from the central building and walking her through, making notes of how many steps it took them to give her a general guideline. The crisp fall wind tickled her face as they strolled.

She realized that he didn't speak much. He'd say what needed to be said but very little more unless pressed. They conversed on their central love of music and how they had come to play. She had developed the habit for her mother who had a soft spot for the piano but had never been able to learn. Whenever she played, her mother's eyes sparkled and that had been enough.

He listened with quiet intent, then relayed his own story. His need for an escape from the world. A desire to escape a life that had been overly unpleasant.

Stopping at a cafe in the next building he purchased her a chai latte and himself a dark roast coffee. "Here you are." He held her hand, gently wrapping her fingers over the cup. His fingers lingered a bit longer before retreating.

Hinata's face turned a light red and he smirked, watching her features with a small smile as they made their way to the greens..

"It's nice to talk with you again Gaara." she mumbled into her drink, the warm liquid soothing her insides.

"Likewise." he shifted uncomfortably beside her on the campus greens. "She broke up with me." his words came out quietly but commanded finality to his explanation.

Hinata didn't say anything. Apologizing was not something she felt he would appreciate.

"Here." She opened her palm shyly in front of her after a while. She was unaware at where the level of boldness came from but ignored the nagging voice when he hesitantly held her hand. Placing it softly on Ace, she led him to pat the German Shepherd.

"Ace helped me. You're more than welcome to cry into him too." she mumbled and was surprised at the laugh that came from the red head beside her. The sound felt unnatural and scratched but it was not unpleasant and she smiled his way.

"Thanks." He let go off Ace, squeezing her hand affectionately.

AN: Face palms in ugh. Attempting fluff is like pulling at my teeth and I don't know whyyy. I like reading it. Hopefully, practice will make me better lol.

stay safe y'all!