The following afternoon, Sasuke took Sakura and their daughter, Sarada, to visit the house he had found. As they approached, Sakura couldn't believe her eyes as she realised the house was facing their friend Naruto's. Though she was excited at the prospect of having Hinata nearby to help with babysitting, she felt a twinge of concern at the house's location on the outskirts of the village, so far away from the hospital where she worked. How did Naruto manage to make the daily commute from such a remote location, especially since the hospital was located next to the Hokage Tower.
Despite her initial reservations, Sakura was impressed by the spacious and comfortable mansion. The natural light streaming through the windows made the interior feel bright and airy, and she appreciated the beauty of the home. However, as she considered the amount of work it would take to keep the house dust-free and clean, Sakura felt a sense of exhaustion wash over her. But she could see that Sasuke was clearly enamoured with the house, and so she put on a smile and agreed to the move.
"Let's say hi to Naruto and Hinata," Sakura suggested.
"Naruto is probably not there," Sasuke replied.
"No problem, let's see Hinata," Sakura said determinedly.
"Hm," Sasuke responded, noncommittally.
As they made their way to the neighbouring house, they found Hinata tending to her garden. Sakura admired the lush greenery and beautiful flowers. "Oh Hinata, your garden is so beautiful!" she exclaimed.
"Thank you," Hinata replied. "Did you like the mansion? It is really far from your job," she added, casting a sideways glance at Sasuke. The Uchiha glared at her in response.
"Yes, I know it's far, but if Naruto can do it everyday, then so can I," Sakura said determinedly.
"Naruto-kun is your neighbour, he'll be there often!" Hinata teased with a smile.
Sasuke narrowed his visible eye.
"No problem, I know you won't let him, Hinata-chaan!" Sakura pleaded, smiling back.
"It's a huge mansion, you'll be exhausted cleaning it up," Hinata warned.
Sasuke's glare intensified, What is she doing?
"Don't worry about me, I'm a strong woman, Shannaro," Sakura said happily, flexing her biceps.
"Okay then, welcome to the neighbourhood, new neighbours," Hinata said, smiling. "Do you want to drink anything?"
"Do you have beer?" Sakura said.
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "ha, coffee,"
"Naruto-kun may return a little late today," Hinata added as she returned with their drinks.
"You're always alone, Hinata! Don't you get bored?" Sakura asked.
"I have Boruto and the household to keep me busy. I also have a lot of hobbies that occupy my day," she replied.
"You read a lot too," Sasuke teased.
"Really, what do you read?" Sakura asked, curious.
"Um, romance… novels," Hinata said, blushing and glancing at Sasuke.
He smirked, enjoying her embarrassment.
"Cute. I wish I had time to read. I would read some horror or maybe thrillers," Sakura said.
Sasuke frowned, not understanding her interest in such literature.
"When will you sign the papers?" Hinata asked, trying to steer the conversation back to practical matters.
"In two weeks, until I complete selling the grounds to your father!" Sasuke answered.
"Did the Hyuga buy the Uchiha grounds?" Sakura asked, shocked.
He didn't tell her? Hinata thought.
"Hiashi-san made me a good offer I couldn't refuse," Sasuke explained.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Sakura asked, her anger rising.
"It's none of your business," Sasuke said fiercely.
She looked at him for a long moment, "You never tell me anything," she said angrily. Then she picked up Sarada and left.
"Sasuke, why are you always treating her like that?" Hinata asked, concerned.
He looked down.
"She picks fights for everything, every small thing she makes a big deal," he said, trying to defend himself.
"You should have told her, she is your wife," Hinata pointed out.
"It's a personal matter, the Uchiha grounds are mine and I do with it as I please," he said stubbornly. He was silent for a moment, then asked, "What was that a while ago? You don't want her to move in?" He smirked. Hope she is jealous.
"You were threatening me yesterday, I just returned the favour!" She said in a mischievous tone. He loved this new, playful side of hers. "Please make up with her, you are at fault now."
"Why are you picking her side?" Sasuke asked, his voice tinged with annoyance.
"I don't want to see you two like that!" she exclaimed.
"I don't care about her, if she wants to get upset, let her. I didn't do anything wrong to her," he said, his tone dismissive.
"Please Sasuke, for me!" Hinata pleaded.
He looked at her intently, his eyes meeting hers.
"Just for you," he whispered in a low voice, and then he left to follow his wife.
Hinata couldn't help but feel happy and smiled as she watched him go.
After three weeks, Naruto was drinking a cup of coffee in the early morning at the window of his home office, when he saw a carriage stop in front of their house and started unloading its cargo.
That's probably his teammates's belongings, Naruto thought.
"Hinata, they are moving in. I saw them unload Sasuke and Sakuras's stuff. " Naruto said happily.
He went outside and saw Sasuke, Sakura, and Sarada in another carriage with the rest of their cargo.
"Sasuke, are you moving in today?" Naruto asked.
"Hm," Sasuke responded, not looking too happy.
"Don't worry, I'll help you unload everything," Naruto offered, trying to cheer him up.
"No need, we have hired help," Sakura said, looking at Sasuke.
"We have some stuff that will be delivered the rest of the week." Sasuke added.
Hinata came out too, holding Boruto.
"I hope you didn't buy a coffee machine, I bought you one as a housewarming gift," she said, smiling.
"No, we didn't buy one! That is thoughtful of you, thanks Hinata," Sakura answered gratefully.
Hinata saw Sasuke's features soften, noticing the tension in his expression ease a bit.
They didn't see each other for a long time. She
missed his stoic attitude and his teasing remarks.
"I plan on having a warming-up-party next week. This mansion is perfect for that. I hope you can help me," Sakura told Hinata.
"Yes, of course, Sakura-chan," Hinata said hesitantly. She glanced at Sasuke. He was frowning and looking away.
"Wow, a party? It's been a long time since we've had one," Naruto said enthusiastically.
"Yes, it's gonna be so much fun. Ne, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura said happily, looking to Sasuke for confirmation.
He didn't answer, his expression remained unreadable.
Hinata could tell he was not comfortable with the idea.
Sasuke went inside, guiding the workers where to put their belongings. Sakura wanted to follow him, but Hinata stepped in.
"Sakura-chan, leave Sarada with me until you are finished with moving in. Then come over and have lunch together. You don't have any groceries yet."
Sasuke turned and looked at her, then looked at his wife frowning. Hinata is so thoughtful and helpful, while all his wife could think of was a nerve-wracking party.
Naruto had to go to the Hokage tower but he promised to be home early today. Hinata knows he will be there early because of his old teammates.
They sat down to have dinner, the kids asleep in the crib. Earlier Hinata had brought Sakura and Sasuke onigiri for lunch in their new house and left.
Hinata made them a delicious meal and Sasuke couldn't stop eating. Hinata looked at him amused. After dinner, she surprised them all with a "Tomato soup cake." They were all sceptical at first, but even Sasuke, who doesn't usually eat sweets, wanted to have a piece. It tasted delicious, and they all enjoyed it.
She made Sasuke his favourite coffee and tea for herself. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. He doesn't wear his headband anymore since the day she removed it, but his bangs are long and almost covered half of his face.
Why is she pampering me so much? Does she even like me? If we went back in time, would she choose me? Did she ever notice me? Sasuke was deep in thought, frowning. Until Naruto interrupted, "You have no idea how happy I am that you're moving next to us, Sasuke. This is going to be so much fun."
"Don't ever bother me, Naruto. I'm warning you," Sasuke said irritably. He wasn't moving there to be close to him.
"Don't be like that, Temmeee. Of course I will. You're my best friend," Naruto said, grinning.
"You have a lot of other friends, why are you clinging to me?" Sasuke asked, his tone harsh.
All of them froze, the conversation had taken a serious turn.
"I told you before, I understand you. You need my friendship and no matter how much you'll push me away, I will never give up on you," Naruto said, his voice sincere.
Sasuke stood up and left, leaving the others behind.
What is he doing? What was he thinking? He wants his dear friend's wife? The only one who cared about him ever, never judged him and accepted him as he was. He must brush Hinata off, push her away and ignore her as much as he could, if he could. He will never do that to his friend. No, he must stop himself, no matter how hard it is.
He went to his house, coiled in his futon and fell asleep. Sakura arrived shortly after, she left Sarada sleeping at the Uzumaki's. Sasuke would pick her up tomorrow.
She laid down in his futon and hugged him from behind. He was already irritated and tired. It has been a long moving-out and -in day. He tried to ignore her but her hand started moving downward. He stopped her.
"Sakura, I'm not in the mood," Sasuke said, his tone terse.
"You've been like this for weeks now. What happened to you?" Sakura asked, concern etched on her face.
"I'm tired and want to sleep!" he snapped.
"Why did you leave the dinner?"
"Nothing!" he said.
He knows her, she won't shut up soon. She must negotiate everything.
He got up and went to the kitchen. He had already installed the coffee machine, it was amazing with full function, but he didn't have any coffee beans yet!
Maybe he can borrow some from Naruto. But what if Hinata is still awake? He didn't want to see her again… He is a ninja, he will sneak in, steal some coffee and go home, no one will notice!
He jumped from to the livingroom frontyard door, went to the kitchen and took some coffee beans. On his way back, he saw a little light in the kids room. Did they forget the light on? Sarada and Boruto will wake up if it stays bright like that. He went to take a look.
He found Hinata reading her naughty novel. She was cramped in a corner with a small spotlight. Her face flushed red, and she was temptingly biting her lip. She must be reading a spicy part. He knew how dirty that book was.
He felt his body heat up and his abdomen flutter. Damn it, what is he doing here? He knows he should leave, but he can't seem to tear his gaze away from her.
He turned and was about to leave when he stumbled on one of the toys. Hinata heard him and came out to find him next to the yard's door.
"Sasuke, what are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.
"I'm sorry to intrude, I just wanted to borrow some coffee beans without disturbing you," he explained.
"Oh, how forgetful of me. I should have given you the beans with the machine. I'm so sorry, please forgive me," she said, apologising.
"Are you still not finished with that book?" he smirked.
"No, I haven't had a lot of free time lately. Do you want a cup of coffee?" she asked, blushing.
"Hm," he couldn't resist.
He sat down while she prepared coffee and tea.
"You know, in Sound Village there was a talented writer, she wrote novels, your favourite kind," he smirked, teasing her was so much fun.
"R...Really? You…You know, here in the village they are too strict. There are only Jiraya-Sama's books. They… they are not really my type," she said, shyly.
"I know Kakashi made me hate their guts," Sasuke said. She giggled. He looked at her in admiration. His heart skipped a beat. Did he just make her laugh? How cute her laughter sounds. He never thought he could be funny.
"Hinata," Sasuke whispered, "Thank you."
"For what? " she smiled.
"For everything." He reached out and gently touched her hand, their eyes locked in a long moment of understanding.
What happened to pushing her away?
She smiled and whispered "You're welcome," But he withdrew his hand, the warmth of the moment fading as he stood up to leave.
"uhm… I… I should go, goodnight," he murmured. He left in a hurry.
Hinata called out as he reached for the door, "Sasuke, you forgot the coffee beans. Would Sakura need milk or sugar?"
"No, coffee is enough," he replied, "I'll make groceries tomorrow."
"Ok, good night."
She climbed into bed beside Naruto.
"Who was that?" he asked, his voice groggy with sleep. She flinched when he spoke.
"Oh, it's Sasuke. He came to borrow some coffee beans. He still doesn't have any groceries," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Naruto was silent for a moment before she assumed he had fallen back asleep, and she soon did the same.
The next few days, Hinata saw little of the Uchiha family. Sometimes, a delivery would come to their house with furniture or cargo, but they didn't visit.
Hinata couldn't help but feel a little disappointed as she missed spending time with Sasuke and having conversations with him. But she understood that he needed space and time to adjust to his new life.
She decided to visit her sister, Hanabi, she must be back from the long mission that she had outside the village. "You devil, what did you tell Sasuke? " Hinata said, her voice laced with annoyance. "He got angry and broke a cup, causing a bleeding cut."
"Oh, calling him without honorifics. You ARE really close… and nothing, I just told him about the marriage proposal of father for you two and how you insisted on marrying Naruto. Why? What happened?" Hanabi replied, confused.
Hinata felt her heart drop. "Why did you do that?" she whispered, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Is that a problem? You two are married and with kids." Hanabi frowned, not understanding why her sister was so upset.
"Nothing, I have to go." Hinata said, her voice barely audible as she turned to leave.
On her way home, she met Sakura and Sarada who were back from grocery shopping.
"Hinata, could you help me with the party tomorrow? Ino and Tenten said they will be here early to help too." Sakura asked.
"Yes, of course, I'll be there. If you need anything from our house tell me!" Hinata asked, trying to push away the thoughts of Sasuke and focus on the task at hand.
"Actually, that is a good idea. I need an extra cooler for the drinks. Do you have one?" Sakura asked.
"Yes, I have one, I'll bring it later." Hinata replied.
She went home with Boruto and searched for the cooler in the shed. After cleaning it, she brought it to Sakura, glad to have been able to help out with the party preparations.
"Oh, the house became even more beautiful with the furniture," Hinata said, admiring the decor as she arrived to bring the cooler.
"Yeah, that's Sasuke's taste. He has a better eye for decorating. He can mix minimalist and traditional styles perfectly," Sakura replied, a hint of pride in her voice.
"It's really cosy and light at the same time… uhm… is he on a mission?" Hinata hesitated, trying to sound casual.
"I don't think so. He said he's gonna visit someone and be back for the party," Sakura said, not noticing the subtle change in Hinata's expression.
"Okay, see you tomorrow then," Hinata said, trying to hide her relief that he is not avoiding her.
"Thanks, Hinata," Sakura said, unaware of the undercurrents.
Hinata arranged for the Hyuga to look after Boruto and Sarada and went to help Sakura as promised. Sakura told her to prepare some finger food and snacks while she and Ino arranged the drinks and Tenten helped with the decorations.
Their friends arrived, even Shizune, the Fifth and the Sixth were there. Everyone was impressed with the beautiful mansion.
"Well, Naruto, you didn't just bring him back to the village and fulfilled your promise to Sakura, but you got him so close that he's your neighbour now," Kakashi said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Yeah," Naruto replied, trying to hide his irritation.
"Yari yari, I seldom saw you down like that. Aren't you happy?" Kakashi asked.
"Of course, I am. Sakura-chan and… Sasuke will be here all the time," Naruto said, trying to sound cheerful.
"But Naruto, you have to admit, this mansion is way cooler than your mini mansion," Kakashi said, with a grin.
Naruto felt himself getting irritated. He had heard that comment many times tonight. He knew that he loved his mini-mansion and didn't care about the size, but still, he couldn't help but feel a little envious of Sasuke's grand new home.
Hinata went to the second floor looking for the toilet as she felt a hand grab her and pull her into a room.
It was Sasuke, he's back. He closed the door behind her.
"Sasuke, you scared me. What are you doing?" she asked, her heart racing.
"I don't want anybody to see us. I have something for you," he said, handing her a bundle of books wrapped in red felt fabric.
"What is this?" she asked, curious.
"Those are the novels of the writer I told you about in the Sound Village. I could get my hands on some of her work in the black market," he whispered, his voice low and serious.
"Sasuke, you shouldn't have, really! You troubled yourself so much for me," she said, her voice filled with gratitude and touched by his effort.
"Let me know if you like them, I'll get you more!" he said with a smirk, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Thank you," she said, and she hugged him.
Sasuke couldn't help but bury his face in the top of her head, Oh kami, she smells so nice. He felt a warmth spread through his chest as he held her close.
She took the bundle and left the room, smiling. As she slid open the door, she suddenly bumped into someone's chest. It was Naruto, standing there by the door and saw that she was alone with Sasuke with the door closed. She quickly hid the bundle behind her back, feeling a sudden wave of embarrassment wash over her.
"Naruto-kun, I was… I was looking for the toilet when I found Sasuke. He… He just got back from a trip," she said, her voice trembling as she tried to explain the situation.
Naruto's expression was serious as he frowned, but then his expression changed and he was back to his old, excited self. It surprised them both.
"Welcome back, Sasuke. Why aren't you at the party? Everyone is looking for you," Naruto said, his voice friendly.
"I'm heading there," Sasuke replied, and he walked past them.
"There is the toilet. There's also one downstairs," Naruto glared and said firmly, then he followed Sasuke.
Hinata stood there in shock. She knew she must be more careful. She didn't want the two friends getting into a fight because of her. And for nothing. Not like she was doing something with Sasuke there. But it looked suspicious regardless.
She sneaked home to hide her precious bundle and returned to the party. After a few hours, the party was over, and everyone returned home.
She and Sakura cleaned up, Naruto went home to sleep, and Sasuke too.
Later, she returned to her house drained. Damn the parties, she went straight to bed.
Naruto started kissing her and hugging her, but she was too tired to lift her head. She refused his advances politely, but he turned to the other side, furious. She felt guilty for hurting him, but she was too tired to deal with it at the moment.
The next day, Naruto returned home early, relieved to find that Hinata wasn't there. He searched high and low for the bundle that Sasuke had given her, growing increasingly agitated as he looked. He remembered seeing her holding something in her hands when she had met Sasuke the previous day. Finally, he found the bundle in the sink cupboard in the kitchen and, with a sense of trepidation, he grabbed a book and began to read its pages. To his dismay, he realised that the books were filled with explicit and deviant content. 'So this is Sasuke's gift to my wife?' he thought to himself, incensed. 'Nasty books for her to read? How dare he?'
When Hinata returned from the grocery store, carrying a sleepy Boruto in her arms, she found Naruto in the living room.
"Oh hello Naruto-Kun, I didn't know you were here, otherwise I would have taken you with me. The grocery is really heavy. I'll put Boruto in bed and come back to put them away and prepare dinner."
When she returned, Naruto confronted her. "Hinata, I need to talk to you," he said, his voice tight with anger.
"Of course Naruto-Kun, I'm listening." She bustled about, putting the grocery in its place.
"What is this?" and he lifted a book that was in his hand.
Hinata, who hadn't had a chance to read the books yet, looked at it, confused.
"I don't know, a book."
Naruto's anger boiled over.
"This is the book Sasuke gave you, right?"
"um… He…" Hinata, sensing the building tension, decided it was best to tell the truth.
"Sasuke saw a book I was reading and told me that there was a writer he knew who wrote books like that, and he gave me these as a gift. What is the problem?" Hinata said firmly.
Naruto couldn't believe what he was hearing. "And you're just going to accept them? A man gives my wife erotic novels and you're just going to ask 'what's the problem?'"
Hinata, taken aback by the ferocity of his reaction, didn't know how to respond.
"..."
"What is going on between you two?" Naruto asked, his voice tight with suspicion.
"Nothing, we are just friends," Hinata replied, trying to calm him down.
"He moved here for you, didn't he!" Naruto accused.
"Naruto-kun, this is the only house we found that he liked, and it happened to be facing us," Hinata explained.
"Why did he move here? He was fine in his apartment?" Naruto pressed.
"You're his friend, you should know he wasn't happy in that apartment and he hated the centre of the village," Hinata reminded him.
"Why this neighbourhood then? Why didn't he move somewhere else?" Naruto asked, still not satisfied.
"In the days he spent here, he liked the tranquillity of it. You know him, he prefers peace and quiet. And this is the best neighbourhood, that's why we moved here," Hinata said, moving closer to him and cupping his face in her hands. "Naruto-kun, there's no need to worry about anything. There is really nothing between us."
Naruto looked at her for a long moment, then bent to kiss her. Hinata returned his kiss with the same hunger. He lifted her up, about to jump to their bedroom, when they heard the doorbell ring.
He cursed under his breath and put her down to open the door. "Sasuke!" he exclaimed, his fake grin hiding the anger he still felt.
"I brought back your cooler," Sasuke said, holding up the item in question.
"It seems you're the one bothering me, Sasuke, but thank you," Naruto said with a fake grin.
Sasuke noticed their flushed faces and bruised lips and understood that he had interrupted something intimate. Boruto had woken up from the sound of the doorbell.
"I'm sorry to disturb you," Sasuke said, turning to go home. Hinata went to her son to comfort him.
"Sasuke, wait. Do you have time?" Naruto called out. He knew the intimate moment was already ruined.
"Hm," Sasuke said, uninterested but willing to hear him out.
They sat in the backyard of Sasuke's house, while Sakura was not there and Sarada was with her grandparents.
"Sasuke, how do you like it here?" Naruto asked.
"It's nice," Sasuke replied.
"Does Sakura-chan like it too?"
"I think so," Sasuke said.
"If you could go back in time, would you marry her?" Naruto asked, his question catching Sasuke off guard.
Sasuke was silent for a moment, trying to process the question. "No," he answered honestly. He had always known the answer to that question, and had asked himself a million times.
"Why not?" Naruto asked, feeling relieved for some reason.
"Many reasons," Sasuke said, not wanting to elaborate.
Before Naruto could ask him anything else, Sasuke turned the tables on him and asked, "And you?"
"Of course, Hinata is my soulmate," Naruto said calmly.
"Why? Why did you marry her?" Sasuke asked, curious.
"She has a great personality, very sweet and forgiving. She never gives up and is very patient. She has all the qualities I like," Naruto said, turning to look intently at his friend. "I will protect her with my life and never give up on her or let her slip from my hand. I'll never give her a reason to separate from me," he added, glaring at Sasuke.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth. So Naruto was suspecting him? Though he had said he would leave Hinata and push her away, Naruto's threat made him want to show him how he was able to steal her. But he knew he had to calm down. Naruto was just defending his family, and Sasuke understood his fear.
"Good for you, Naruto. You two even made it against the Hyuga's! I heard Hinata married you against her father's and elders' wishes," Sasuke said, trying to strike a blow to Naruto's vulnerabilities with those words for the speech he made earlier.
Naruto flinched. How did Sasuke know that? Did Hinata tell him? What else did she tell him? "Yes, we were and still are in love and no one could separate us!" Naruto said, trying to hide his discomfort.
"Hm," Sasuke said, unimpressed. 'Good for you, show-off'.
Naruto went back home, furious. Did she tell Sasuke everything about their life? He couldn't shake off the feeling that Sasuke was trying to undermine his relationship with Hinata. He felt exposed and vulnerable. The Hyuga issue was a very sensitive subject for Naruto, and Hiashi had humiliated him before allowing their marriage.
F "Naruto, you were sent on a mission to save Hanabi and save the earth, not to smooch with my daughter, and in front of everyone. If you think that I will allow you to get married after you disgraced our clan, you are mistaken!" Hiashi said furious.
"Hiashi-san, please understand, I love Hinata and I will do everything in my power to make her happy and protect her. We belong together and nothing you say or do can change that. I will not give her up without a fight." Naruto said firmly, standing his ground against Hinata's father.
"You are not worthy of her. I have another suitable candidate, someone who is noble, strong and smart. He will understand her and fit better in our clan," Hiashi said, his voice cold and unforgiving.
"I will not allow it. She has loved me, only me, for a long time. I will do everything in my power to make her happy in return," Naruto said, determination in his voice. EF
Furthermore, Naruto's mistrust of Sasuke's relationship with Hinata only added to his anger. He couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more between them, and the fact that Hinata had confided in Sasuke about their private life only reinforced this belief. He felt like Sasuke was trying to worm his way into his marriage, using any information he could gather to his advantage.
As he walked into the house, his mind was consumed with thoughts of betrayal and mistrust.
Naruto thought that Sasuke knew now that Hiashi didn't see him as worthy of Hinata. She told Sasuke that he was unfit. Maybe she agrees with her father now! He wondered if Hinata was complaining to Sasuke about him, about his inadequacies and failures. He couldn't bear the thought of her being unhappy with him and turning to Sasuke for comfort. Did she tell him about the debts? Did she tell him how her father saved them?
"HINATA, Did you tell Sasuke about your father's refusal of our relationship? What else did you tell him? " Naruto asked, his voice filled with anger and betrayal.
Hinata looked at her husband with concern. She had never seen him this upset before. "Naruto-Kun, I… I… " she stammered, trying to find the right words.
SLAP
Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.