Onyx colored eyes slowly blinked open, irises adjusting to the new light that entered through the windows. Slowly, he leaned up and watched dully as the blanket around him fell to sit on his waist. Laying next to him in a deep slumber was his beautiful wife. Her crimson hair pulled back, revealing her smooth face and sharp cheekbones. He slowly stood up from his bed and carefully made his way to the bathroom.
He stood in front of the mirror and eyed the reflection looking back at him. There were bags under his eyes from staying up too late trying to finish up a report on a case. His cheeks were a bit thinner than usual but other than that, he looked to be the same. Except he wasn't. Not on this day, at least.
When he came out of the shower, his hair dripping water onto his shoulder and towel wrapped around his waist, he finally noticed his wife sitting on top of the toilet. He nodded at her in acknowledgment when her crimson eyes pierced into his. She suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Are you going to visit them today?" She asked, knowing that apologizing for his lost would only anger him.
"I'm going to get flowers for her first. She loved fresh flowers this time of year," Sasuke answered, his hands still at his side.
"Do you wish for me to go with you?" Karin asked, as she moved away to look him in the eyes, hers glistening with unshed tears.
"Not this time," Sasuke denied before he pressed a kiss against her forehead and slipped out of her embrace. He was numb to the world as of right now. He wore a formal black suit and white tie. His father loved the simple combination while his mother had claimed that all men looked good in black. He walked toward the door and found Karin waiting at the door with a box in her hand.
"Its candles; my mother loved the smell and said it would comfort anyone. Get home safe," Karin said as she shoved the box into his hands. "Remember that what happened that day wasn't your fault."
Sasuke looked down at the box in his hands and then back at his wife. She was always distant on these days. Never speaking much other; other than asking if he wanted her to be there with him. Her usual twinkling crimson eyes were dull and lacking life.
"Thank you," He kissed her goodbye then went to buy a bouquet of red and white roses and a bottle of red wine before finally heading to the cemetery.
0-0-0
He walked toward their tombstones, his feet carrying him forward as his mind raced with memories of his parents. He carefully placed the flowers below his mother's name and poured a glass of wine for his father. He stared at the names for a long moment before he lifted his own glass to the air. The words stuck in his throat.
"I'm back!" his onyx eyes snapped over to the voice and noticed a young girl a few feet away sitting in front of a headstone. "I hope you don't mind but I slept in your bed yesterday and realized it smelt like you. Have you always smelt like trees? You know I love trees."
A giant gush of wind hit them both and Sasuke watched as the girl cried in surprise when her one and only flower flew away. The young girl tried to get it back but to no avail, the flower was gone now. Tears filled her eyes but she shut her eyes and turned back to the headstone with a smile.
"The wind is playing tricks on me. I promise to save enough money to get you a big bouquet next time I bring flowers," she smiled and casually wiped at the stray tear.
Sasuke looked down at the fourteen flowers he had for his mother then back at the girl. The wind had pushed out two flowers from its holder; one white and one red. He picked them up and slowly walked over to the girl. He cleared his throat loudly and watched as the teenager turned to look at him with wide eyes. Her lilac eyes traveled down to the flowers in his hand and she raised a brow.
"I saw that yours flew away. You can have these," Sasuke explained and motioned for her to take them.
"I can't take those. They belong to the person you're visiting," the girl insisted. "Thank you for the offer."
Sasuke blinked down at the polite girl who had rejected the flowers. "I think she'd want you to have them."
The girl bit her lip in concentration before they turned upwards into a bright grin.
"If I'm taking the flowers then you're taking this ring in exchange," she said happily as she held out a ring that fit her fingers a little large. "Neji accidently gave me two when I was younger and said that I could give the other one away..."
Sasuke gave a small smile as he accepted the ring and placed it safely in his pocket. The girl beamed in happiness.
"I'm Hinata Hyuuga and I'm thirteen years old. What's your name?"
"…I'm, well," Sasuke struggled, saying his full name reminded him that he was here in this cemetery because his parents had been killed in his presence.
"It's okay; you don't have to tell me. I understand," Hinata smiled up at him and patted his arm.
"Hinata, it's time to go. Your mother is waiting at home," a man with the similar eyes called from behind her.
Hinata looked down at the ground for a moment, her eyes faraway, before she grinned at the headstone. "Well I've got to go Neji. We'll speak again later; don't get too lonely without me okay?" She then turned to face Sasuke. "Thank you for the flowers mister. Hold onto that ring okay?"
Sasuke nodded and was surprised when she wrapped her arms around his waist. He looked down at the pile of violet hair pressing into his stomach.
"It's okay to still be sad. They won't blame you," Hinata whispered before she released him, a dark blush forming on her face as she ran to her father.
Sasuke's eyes widened and he covered his eyes as tears threatened to fall from his eyes. He faced the headstone engraved with the names of his parents. He could almost see his mother smiling at him as he finally let out, his overdue tears.
0-0-0
A fifteen year old Hinata sat with her mother drinking tea as they watched the news for a moment. Their daily show was coming on in ten minutes. She was entranced in her book as her mother stared intently at the television.
"Today at the main intersection of Konoha, two cars collided together. There were two people severely injured and one death. It is said from witnesses that the accident was caused by a car speeding over the limit and failing to stop at a red light. Sources are telling me that there was a woman with a baby on board. As you can see here, it is a miracle that both came out with their lives. The paramedics identify the deceased as Sasuke Uchiha. We'll get back to you when there is more information. Back to you Jerry."
"Thank you Tommy. We have also been informed that in the deceased's pocket was a small ring with the initials H.H on it. We think that he was going to give it to his wife when they got to their destination. Tragic story indeed."
"Hey, look the show—mother are you alright?" Hinata asked with concern at the horrified look on Hikari's face.
"No…No I'm fine. I just need to call someone. Start…Start without me Hinata," Hikari said in a daze as she ran out of the room, house phone in hand.
0-0-0
Hinata hid from her younger sister and tried to muffle her laughter as Hanabi searched for her. She took a step backward and accidently tripped over slightly higher piece of sidewalk. She expected to fall but instead was able to stop in midair. She was pushed forward and when she turned around, saw that no one was there.
She raised a brow in confusion but brushed it off. It was probably just her imagination.
0-0-0
Hinata flinched away as her father glared at her. She had only said his name and she was earned such a look. Lilac eyes traveled to the photograph that had been placed to face down. She blinked away unshed tears and smiled as she changed the subject, continuing to eat her delicious dinner.
"Hanabi, I hear you got first place in a race," Hinata announced with a small smile. Hanabi grinned and went on to show off her 1st place badge.
Hinata nodded along to the story and mentally spoke to her cousin. I bet you're proud of her.
She turned to look at the photograph and was surprised to see that it was standing up straight, Neji's small smirk staring the camera in the face. Hinata smiled as she felt a small gush of wind run through her hair.
0-0-0
The 17 year old looked down at Neji's grave that she had attached a balloon to, and tried to smile but as she struggled, the tears came along with it. Lilac eyes closed shut in an attempt to stop crying but she couldn't. The tears fell down without her permission and she quickly covered her face.
"H-H-Happy B-Birthday," Hinata whispered as held back her hiccups. "I m-miss you so mu-much."
She stared down at the headstone and held out a soft hand to touch the oddly cold stone. She smiled down at the name as she ran a hand over it and closed her eyes for a moment. She thought of all the times that he had caused her laugh and the times that she saw him smile.
Hinata opened her eyes and saw that two red and white roses sat underneath Neji's name. The breath caught in her throat as she looked around to try and see who had placed the flower there. No one was around.
0-0-0
Hinata looked at herself in the mirror. Her red cap and gown hung over a white dress with red butterflies toward the edge. She placed the last of the pins in her hair and put on her favorite infinity necklace. Lilac eyes traveled around her jewelry box for the ring Neji gave her and was surprised to not see it there. She looked on the floor and could feel her breath quicken. She needed that ring with her.
She checked on her bed, in her nightstand, in her book bag and once again in her jewelry box. Frustrated tears threatened to fall as she patted her cheeks to make her concentrate. She ran a hand over her eyes and noticed said ring on top of her graduation speech.
Hinata chuckled at herself for becoming so worked up as she placed the ring in its usual place. She glanced at the mirror again and caught sight of a male with familiar jet black hair behind her, smiling at her. She quickly turned around and saw no one was in sight. Hinata sighed in relief as she once again pated her cheeks. Blaming what she saw on her nerves, she made her way downstairs where her parents and younger sister sat waiting for her.
0-0-0
Hanabi smiled up at her older sister and watched as Hinata told her stories of the new experiences in college. Her lilac eyes lit up as she spoke and then she suddenly slipped into a sad smile as she looked up at the blue sky. Hanabi touched her hand and felt the cold push of the ring underneath her hand.
She'd heard that Neji had given it to Hinata when she was younger and after he died she was never seen without it, even after all this time. Hinata smiled at her and excused herself for some air. Hanabi watched as her older sister walked away and swore that she saw the figure of another person walking beside her.
Hanabi played it off as being tired, it was nearing around midnight. They'd spoken for hours upon Hinata's return. She seemed happier now than when she left.
0-0-0
Sasuke watched as a woman with long violet hair entered the Paradise Café, a bright smile plastered on her face. He raised a brow at the sudden urge to follow her inside. The Uchiha carefully walked behind her and was surprised when he saw her being tightly embraced by a blonde male. A surge of annoyance filled his features as he watched on.
"I still can't believe that we're going to be working together! I'm so happy! Have you told Sakura and Ino yet? I bet they're going to be as happy as I am. We missed you Hinata," the blonde babbled with excitement and took no notice to the girl's slowly reddening face.
Sasuke's eyes widened at the mention of her name. It sounded so familiar. He stared at the young woman's face for a moment and was suddenly reminded of red and white roses. He raised a brow at the sudden information but shrugged it off as random information as he exited the café.
0-0-0
Sasuke slowly opened his eyes and was surprised to see Neji standing in front of him. The male tilted his head, almost as if questioning why Sasuke was here.
"Welcome back," Neji said instead and held out a hand to the Uchiha. Sasuke gratefully took it and noticed that he was back in the abandoned house.
"Thanks," he grunted. "We're here again?"
"Scenery is up to you. I don't choose it," Neji reminded as he gave a small shrug. "Try changing it."
Sasuke sighed and closed his eyes as he thought of another place. When he opened them again he was in the cemetery where he had first met Hinata. Neji looked down at the grave he stood in front of and smiled.
"I haven't been here in years," the blonde said and bent down to crouch in front of the headstone.
Sasuke raised a brow and then it all clicked together. This Neji that stood in front of him was also Hinata's cousin Neji. Sasuke watched as the male placed a hand on the name engraved on the stone and sighed.
"You were okay with me following around your cousin for 9 years?" Sasuke asked with a raised brow.
"I think that you kept coming back every three years so that you could try to move on but you couldn't because you're attached to her. The ring I gave her holds more memories to you than it does for me," Neji answered with a smile and he shrugged. "She's your gate."
"The Hyuuga's mother really knew what she was talking about then," Sasuke smirked as the scenery before them crumbled into the field of now all sealed doors.
"You've obtained all the memories that were locked away. You can move on now," Neji announced, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"So I'll return to my living body with all of my memories," Sasuke stated. "What about the memories I shared with Hinata while I was with her, like when she ignored me because I yelled at her?"
"Very nice choice of example…I'm not the one to ask. I actually do not know the answer to what happens after you return. You will just have to take a chance," Neji said and placed a hand on the male's shoulder. "Give hope a chance."
0-0-0
Sasuke was suddenly in Hinata's room and it was night time. The beautiful white moon shined brightly and a small breeze entered through the window. He smiled to himself as he thought of the young woman that he watched over for years.
The door opened and in walked the young Hyuuga as she dried her wet hair. Her body was covered by a white robe and she seemed distracted until she finally noticed him. Hinata dropped the towel in his hands and ran to wrap her arms around his neck.
She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and buried her face in his neck. Sasuke could feel the heat radiate from her body and he suppressed a perverted comment to ruin the mood. She wasn't crying but her shivering body meant that she was holding back the tears. He placed a gentle hand on her back and smiled when she finally released the waterworks.
"Y-You…You were a-always t-there just w-watching over m-me!" Hinata stated the obvious as she tighten her grip around him. "You gave me Neji's roses…"
"And you gave a ring. Were you trying to propose Hyuuga?" Sasuke joked but then placed his forehead on her shoulder. "You kept me here."
Hinata was quiet for a moment before she pulled away and stared him in the face. Sasuke looked down at her face, stained with tears and red button nose. He'd never found her more beautiful than right now with her lilac eyes shining brightly, cheeks flushed and mouth slightly open in thought.
Sasuke smiled and wiped away a stray tear, his thumb caressing below her eyes. Hinata's cheeks burned a darker shade of red and she then placed her hand on his cheeks before her eyes fluttered close. Sasuke's eyes widened for a quick moment before he leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss against her lips.
Hinata smiled at him before she promptly fainted, her cheeks still tinted a bright beet red. Sasuke smirked and watched in amusement as Hanabi came running in and rolled her eyes upon seeing her sister on the floor.
"I swear, Hinata, one of these days I'm just going to leave you on the floor," Hanabi complained though her eyes softened with fondness as she helped her sister into her bed. "Sleep well sister."
Sasuke stood next to the unconscious Hyuuga and pushed the hair out of her face. He smiled to himself and forced his hand to move from her face.
"May we meet again Hinata Hyuuga," Sasuke whispered to the air and slowly closed his eyes.
He thought of his human body and forced himself to think of where he could be. When he opened his eyes he saw his human form asleep in his bed. The male's face contorted in pain and Sasuke touched his arm before the male could start to scream. His body was sucked inside and he could only think of his farewell to a certain Hyuuga. He really wished that he would be able to see her again. With his memories back, it's hard to not see her in his life anymore.
That's the end of this chapter folks! I hope you all enjoyed it so far. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter because you can kind of see the attachment Sasuke has toward Hinata. Don't worry this isn't the end yet, I'm planning to end the story at around chapter ten. Thank you for reading so far and thanks for all the reviews I got. I really appreciate it. See you next time gorgeous!