Chapter 17
Coconut Milk Tea
They drove down to his hometown, her, enjoying the view of the setting sun over the landscape. He, glad to not do the trip alone. Visiting his father's grave always left Itachi more uncomfortable than he'd admit.
"Thank you for coming." his voice broke the comfortable silence they had created, his fingers gripping the wheel as he turned the corner to the graveyard.
"Of course," Hinata smiled his way, a small frown echoed her features as she watched his knuckles turn white. Hinata opened her hand before him, an invitation he gladly took, enlacing his fingers in hers. Tension eased in his being as she drew comforting circles.
"Go out with me."
It felt weird to accept his invitation so soon after leaving Gaara. He had been her love from the beginning and she felt as though she were cheating on him. But he had pushed her away with his actions and that hurt. Indulging in women without a thought of how she'd feel, disregarding her feelings. There it dawned on her - they had long since separated before this, she had just been slow to see. A sad smile etched on her lips, but she pushed it away, the cemetery in view.
~.~.~
He stared at the neatly swept tombstone, fresh flowers that had his mother and brother's girlfriend written all over it. Hinata stood a bit away, giving him his needed privacy.
"I brought someone home. Mother was beginning to worry I'd be alone... like she was." he spoke quietly under his breath. "It wasn't your fault, just know I know that, despite what she thinks." he shook quietly, wiping the stray tear that escaped and blurred his vision. Fragile hands wrapped around his. Not a word was uttered as they stood at the stone, and not a word was needed.
AN: You're all so sweet! Please review: encouraging or critical, I take 'em all. See you tomorrow ^_^