Chapter 15
Coffee
Waking up entangled in her limbs was unexpected though not unwanted. He stayed still, drinking in her smell to calm his aching limbs but was cut short by the nausea that rolled up on him.
Hinata woke up to the sound of his etching stomach and cursing Hidan underneath his breath. Worried, she pittered to brew a dark roast of beans. The smell engulfed the tiny kitchen, slowly permeating to various parts of the house. A sharp click, then fire roared awake under the pot to heat the soup she had prepared the night before. Filling a glass of water she headed to the bathroom, knocking to get his attention she was met with a sight of him that made her smile.
Handing his buckled over form a glass of water and another pill, she sat by him on the floor, slowly rubbing his back to sooth the twist of pain. Itachi stiffened under her touch and care, being cared for, a distant thing of the past. He always took care of others, his mother, brother, friends - it felt strange.
When his stomach seemed to finally empty its contents entirely she rose to her feet, without a word, giving him the privacy to pick himself up. A quick shower and brush of his teeth and he felt relatively better. The smell of strong coffee unsettling his stomach once again, yet the familiarity of the atmosphere welcoming him again. She stood as she always had, apron, tight bun, floating from spot to spot, effortlessly and it seemed just like the first time-
The first time he laid eyes on her angelic form but this time, without the barrier of her counter.