Cross-posted from Ao3

It had been six years since the conclusion of the war. It had also been six years since Neji was killed. It had been two years since Naruto proposed to Sakura. It had also been two years since Hinata let her feet carry her wherever they may go. With the permission of Kakashi, she set out to forget, for as long as it would take. And now it was time to come home.

She stood in front of the gates of the Leaf, a sense of dread filling her chest. If she knew any better, she would turn on her heel and just run. Run and return to her travels. She had been to so many different lands, cities and towns, tiny villages and forests, deserts, and tundra. Looking for any sense of escape. She set out to forget, but never could. What a foolish endeavor she had set out on, thinking that worldly traveling could heal the ache in her heart.

A woman in love is a fool. Her father told her as much. He promised her she would be happy with whoever he chose for her, and to quit dwelling on subjects beneath them. She knew if she could win over Naruto, her father would never be able to say no to being married to the Hero of the Leaf, of the entire war. Her heartbreak when she realized it would never happen was twofold. She lost her brother, then she was losing the love of her life, and finally, she was losing her freedom.

So she ran. As soon as she was granted permission, she ran as long as she could, outside the bounds of the Leaf, outside the bounds of the Land of Fire. Running, running, for hours. Until her feet were bloody when she found an inn on the outskirts of the Waterfall village, right before the official checkpoint for entering. There, she rested for a night, before going even farther. She knew she had to go far away to ensure her father wouldn't find her. Years passed before she received a messenger hawk informing her of Hanabi's impending wedding. Then she knew it was time to return.

Still, her feet were planted to the ground below her. Until she heard a familiar voice.

"Is that Hinata Hyūga?"

She swallowed thickly, willing her eyes to scan for the voice.

"It is! I'd recognize those eyes and that hair anywhere!"

She gasped as she felt herself become locked in the arms of another.

Whoa. It had been a long time since she had been touched by another human, beyond the simple exchange of currency and goods.

"Rock Lee," Hinata breathed into his chest, not having the energy to pull away. He had a kind heart, so she let him embrace her. His crushing hug soon relented, and he stepped away, dipping his head to scan her face.

"You cut your hair! It looks very nice!" Lee bowed and Hinata couldn't even muster a smile.

"Thank you."

"Did you just get here? You must be tired! Would you like me to escort you to the Hyūga compound?" Lee's questions and comments were lightning fast, it almost dizzied her.

"No, thank you. Would you please keep my arrival quiet, Lee?" she managed to force out, still not looking at him.

"Oh-of course! I'll leave you be." Lee bowed once more before tilting his head questioningly at the older Hyūga. She was…different. She was cold, her voice lower and gaze unforgiving. He frowned just a bit before leaping away.

Hinata was home. If she could call it that, anymore.

The moment she approached the Hyūga compound, all eyes were on her. Hushed whispers, eyes flittering back and forth over her. Her gaze was locked ahead, her destination known. She attempted to force thoughts of Neji down as she strolled through the turns of the compound until she found Hanabi's room, a guard placed in front. She had to do this quickly, or she knew she would falter. The guard glanced at her and straightened immediately.

"L-Lady Hinata!" he gasped, clutching his hands behind his back, "what a pleasure to see you once more."

"Is my sister in?" she questioned without looking at him, eyes locked on the door. He swallowed.

"Uhm-well-have you-have you spoken with your father, yet?" he stammered, bowing his head.

"I have not."

"Perhaps you should."

"Hm?" Hinata finally spared him a glance, a questioning brow.

"Lady Hanabi…is not here, right now. I cannot speak further on the matter, unfortunately." He finally straightened his shoulders, speaking with confidence. "I am sure your father will explain. Please."

"Very well…" Hinata let a small sigh escape as she turned.

Her father was not someone she wanted to confront at this time. He strongly opposed her retreat. He told her she would be disowned if she left. She dared him and did just that. She received no correspondence from the elder Hyūga. So, she carried on. She wondered if he would stick to that threat.

When she approached his office, the familiar ball of knots began forming in her gut. The two guards on either side of the sliding door stiffened at her approach. She raised her eyebrows at them, and they both nodded and bowed, one giving a light knock on the door. At the summons, the guard spoke shortly. "Lady Hinata is here to see you."

Silence.

"Let her know I am busy now. She may try another time."

"Father," she sighed, too quiet. The guards clenched their hands behind their backs as the tension thickly rose. She cleared her throat and took one step forward. "Father."

Silence. She hummed in annoyance, stepping once more.

"Father!" She finally found her voice, fists balling. She never had confidence like this in front of her father, but she was new and different. She heard shuffling from the other side of the door.

"Send her in."

"Lady Hinata." The guard opening the door bowed as she strolled past, locking milky eyes with milky eyes. The door shut quickly behind her as Hiashi glared up at her, jaw locked, fingers clasped in front of him.

"My eldest finally returns."

"Your eldest?" she asked, frowning. "I am not your daughter, am I?"

"Hm." Hiashi turned his head from her, unused to this level of backtalk from her.

"Where is Hanabi?"

"That is a Hyūga matter."

"I am a Hyūga."

Silence once more. It was now a staring competition, who would look away first. She held her ground, unmoving. Finally, she spoke once more.

"I am Hanabi's elder sister. I demand to know where she is, and what you've put her up to."

Hiashi considered her words. "She is in the Village Hidden in the Mist."

"The Mist? Why?"

"That is none of your business, girl," he spoke coolly, turning his head from her.

"You're wedding her off, aren't you? To someone in the Mist? A diplomat, I'm sure." Hinata felt her hands tremble as she spoke up against her father. His icy eyes shot into hers like an arrow and she felt herself recoil slightly.

"You've abandoned your family and you are privileged to even have this information at your disposal. You may leave."

Hinata glared upon her father. He wed her off. He wed her off just like he wanted to wed herself off. Even if she was to be clan leader, with great power, she couldn't even stop the clan from wedding her off. She knew Hanabi's spirit was too fiery to let this happen. They must have done something.

"Good day, father."

She stormed out of the office, shooting a glare at the two guards as they nervously looked on. She let out a frustrated sigh once she was out of the compound, pressing her fingers to her temples.

She needed to know more. Perhaps she knew where to start.

A single gasp was uttered when Hinata approached the desk of the assistant to the Hokage. No one sat behind it, but a certain pony-tailed individual sat on the windowsill with a cigarette in hand, eyeing her. She folded her arms and looked blankly at him as he dabbed it out.

"H-Hinata?" He clamored out of the sill, trying to right himself in front of her. He moved unsurely towards her. "It's you, right?"

"It is me," she sighed, averting her eyes. She hated the way everyone was so surprised to see her, but why shouldn't she expect it? She had been gone for two years. If Kakashi were to be trusted, which she knew he was, no one would have known why or for what.

"Are you here to see Naruto?" He asked, tilting his head to look at her. She shot her eyes up, a visible grimace on her expression. Naruto? No… She clenched her teeth as she looked out the window he had been perched on, finding construction workers tapping away at the spot next to Kakashi's face on the Hokage mountain. She hadn't even noticed, really. He continued, a look of realization dawning on him, "right…you've been gone. You probably didn't know…"

"Shikamaru." She scoffed, looking him in the eye. "Please let our Hokage know I am here to speak with them."

"Uhm-sure." Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He slipped into the office quietly. The walls were well insulated, so she did not hear what they discussed. A few beats later, and he emerged, holding the door open for her. She sucked in a sharp breath, already knowing what awaited her. She counted to three in her head, then confidently walked in, locking eyes with those big, blue orbs.

"Hinata…" Naruto spoke quietly, scanning her face. He hesitantly moved forward before opening his arms. Her stomach did somersaults, her heart shot into her throat. It took everything she had, every ounce of will power not to pass out. No, her second instinct was to turn on her heel and bolt. Run far, far away…

She took a step backwards, averting her eyes in a way that betrayed her fake confidence. "Lord Hokage. I am here to discuss my sister," Hinata managed to force out, all her confidence in one sentence, only to slowly leave her. His arms dropped. She glanced up at him from the corner of her eye and noted his shorter hair, his white robes, his hat sitting on the desk. He was the Hokage. A few moments passed as Naruto seemed to evaluate her as well, then nodded.

"Right, of course. Whatever you wanna know, I'll tell ya." Naruto's boyish attitude hadn't left him yet as he beamed down at her despite her cool demeanor. He circled back to his desk, plopping himself down into the chair behind it. "A lot's been going on, so let me know what you need to know."

"All of it." She said quickly before eyeing him and he seemed to shrink under her gaze. She softened just a bit at his worried expression, clenching her fists in an attempt at keeping her fingers from poking together. Her gaze fell to the ground, the sight of him almost too much to bear. "Please. What is happening with the Hyūga? My sister."

"Oh." Naruto's lips lifted, then twisted as he contemplated his words. "She's marrying Konohamaru!"

"What?" Hinata froze, eyes locked on the ground. He nodded enthusiastically.

"I mean, it's technically an arranged marriage almost, but they were dating before it happened." Naruto looked up thoughtfully. "I'm not keen on every detail, but it was something like—your father didn't want to see her dating around, so kinda arranged for them to get married. Worked out cause, well, he is grandson of old man third, right? Seemed suitable. They seem happy, though?"

"Why do you question that last sentence, Lord Hokage?"

Naruto audibly gulped. This was not the Hinata he once knew. "I-I dunno. You know, arranged marriages are kind of…sticky, silly. Stupid even. But I can't argue with Hyūga."

His words rolled around in her mind. She stopped to properly analyze them. Her sister was to take over, her father seemed to deem Konohamaru a good fit, and they seem happy, according to Naruto. He also said he can't argue with Hyūga. Too bad he didn't have that same view when she confessed her entire soul to him.

Suddenly, she felt tired. She fell into the chair across from him and Naruto frowned, eyebrows raised in concern. "Hinata?"

"Give me a minute, please." She whispered, hand to her forehead as she leaned forward, studying the room and Naruto.

His hair was shorter. He was a bit taller, a bit less toned. She supposed it made sense with his transition to Hokage, mostly at his desk. Bags under his eyes, calloused hand, but still those bright eyes. Those bright eyes she melted into whenever she caught his gaze. Bright eyes that encouraged her, pushed her forward. Bright eyes that let her down as gently as he possibly could. Bright eyes that darkened hers. She tore hers away, suffering that sickly feeling in her gut.

None of that mattered now. What mattered was her sister, and her well-being. There was no time to worry about her former love. Still her love—but she was trying her best not to dwell on that fact. It was time to get the information she needed and leave. Immediately. Or else she probably would pass out.

"And do you know why she might be in the Mist?" She eventually spoke, not looking at him.

"Yeah, some diplomatic thing your dad sent her to in his place." He nodded.

Finally, she stood. Naruto followed her lead and stood as well. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."

"Anytime, Lady Hinata." He teased, grinning at her. She glanced up at him and frowned before turning her eyes from him. She bowed, deeply, before turning.

"One more thing, if I may." She whispered. He hummed at her to continue. "Where is Kakashi?"

"Vacation." She grimaced at this, but nodded, moving to leave. He cleared his throat before calling after her, "hey! You wanna catch up sometime? At Ichiraku's? I'm pretty busy but I could make time-"

"I can't, unfortunately," she whispered, looking at the ground. At one point in her life, the simple gesture would send her heart into the sky and her body into the ground. Now, all she could feel was overwhelming sadness, her heart full of lead. He let out a small whine at her forwardness. "But thank you. Goodbye."

She marched through the door, avoiding Shikamaru's gaze. She needed time to think about this.

As the sun shrunk under the earth, Hinata sucked in her teeth in front of Ichiraku's. The mention of it made Hinata's stomach growl, and she couldn't deny that she missed it. Teuchi had greeted her with a warm smile and offered a bowl on the house, but she still paid for a few extra bowls. Now she was faced with deciding where she would go for the night. She huffed a sigh; she had thought about this on her journey here. There was one place she always knew she could go.

She carried herself through the village, thankful that she hadn't stumbled into anyone else that might question her, until she met the Sarutobi clan symbol upon a large door. She took a deep breath as she clapped the knocker, unknowingly holding the breath in. Then those crimson eyes met hers and she finally released the breath.

"Oh-Hinata?!" She felt herself gathered into a hug by her former sensei and let her head rest on her chest. "Come in, please!"

She nodded as she was released, following Kurenai inside. Immediately, she was forced into a seat at the dining table next to an excited young girl, and hot tea was pushed in front of her. She controlled her breathing as she reached for the handle of the cup and brought it to her lips. Konoha tea. It had been a while. Finally, she turned to meet Mirai's eyes and her breath hitched. When she had left, she was just barely beginning to form sentences. A little girl now sat in front of her, eyeing her with enthusiasm. "Do you remember big sister Hinata, Mirai?"

"No," Mirai said honestly, but with a wide smile. "You have pretty hair." Hinata managed a little smile at the girl. She looked nothing like the toddler she remembered, but her eyes reminded her of Asuma.

"You have pretty eyes," Hinata whispered, her heart feeling a little lighter with the normalcy of the interaction. The girl giggled and turned away, back to her food.

"It's been so long," Kurenai started, pulling up the chair opposite her, breaking her from her thoughts, "two years is it? You never visit, the only reason we knew you weren't dead was Kakashi's assurance."

"I apologize," Hinata replied politely. Kurenai waved her hand with a smile.

"I'm just elated to see you, dear. How have you been?"

"Well."

"Well?" She chuckled with amusement before pulling her shoulders back. "Alright then. What brings you back?"

"Mmm." Hinata contemplated whether she wanted to share this information with Kurenai. "Just felt like a good time to come back for a bit."

"I'm sure your father was…pleased to see you." Kurenai gave a tight smile and Hinata couldn't hold back a small chuckle.

"You know my father…he's never pleased." Hinata cleared her throat. "I was actually wondering if I may impose on you tonight."

"Stay here? Of course." Kurenai responded quickly, glancing at a far door. "Your room is mostly the same, except some of Mirai's toys are in there."

"It is?" Hinata's voice was a little surprised. Kurenai nodded.

"Have you seen anybody else yet? Shino's missed you." She moved the conversation forward. Hinata bowed her head. Shino. Hinata sighed at the thought of her team. She deeply missed them, but was unsure of how to face them having up and taken off so quickly, no warning. While she wanted to see them, she hoped she could take care of her business and leave without doing so.

"Just my father and you…and Lord Hokage."

"Oh." Kurenai's smile dropped, realizing this was news to Hinata. Thick silence fell over the room, all except Mirai's noisy slurping of her soup.

"He seems well." Hinata managed to force out, looking back up at Kurenai. Kurenai frowned at the girl in front of her, so different from the one she used to know. She seemed so far away despite being just a few feet from her. "I am happy he achieved his dream."

"It was all he could talk about, wasn't it?" Kurenai smiled sadly at her, reaching across the table for a hand that was not there. "Are you alright, Hinata?"

"Tired," she responded simply, sipping the tea. "Thank you for the tea. Would it be alright if I retire for the night?"

"Oh, of course." Kurenai nodded, getting to her feet. "I have no idea where you came from but it must've been pretty far for no one to have detected you for two years."

"Hmm," Hinata hummed once more, also standing. She followed Kurenai to the room where she quickly grabbed a few things for Mirai out of it.

"You know where everything is. If you need a shower or any food, feel free." Kurenai smiled sweetly down at her former student, who stared blankly at the bed. "This is still your home, too."

"Thank you, sensei," Hinata whispered as Kurenai quietly exited, softly shutting the door behind her.

Hinata let out a much-needed breath as she turned to sit on her old bed. She looked around the room. It really was mostly the same, just some children's items sporadically placed. Her book of pressed flowers was open to a violet, a nightlight sat next to it. She wondered if Kurenai was showing them to Mirai. A bin of toys next to her dresser. Some children's books were scattered across her reading area, next to her history books.

She shut her eyes and crawled into her bed, fully clothed. She would seek out Konohamaru tomorrow. Sleep took her within moments.

She dreamed of Hanabi. She dreamed of a faceless man she was to marry. She dreamed of Hanabi and her father walking down an aisle together, surrounded by Hyūga. Hanabi's face was in a painful smile, her father's face completely stoic. The faceless man took her hand, and she recoiled as he bended down to kiss her, finalizing their matrimony. She dreamt of blood trickling out of his mouth as he pulls away from Hanabi, and Hinata's palm is against his lower back. When she peers over his shoulder, Hanabi is no longer Hanabi. She sees herself, to be wed, while Hanabi smiles from the distance, hand in Konohamaru's.

She awakened to chatter. Groggily, she rubbed her eyes, blinking away sleep as sunlight poured over her. She strained her ear to listen, recognizing Kurenai's voice.

Right. She's at Kurenai's.

After stretching, she moved to the door. Then she heard a second voice, not one of a child, but of a man. She had company. Hinata frowned as she reluctantly opened the door, stepping out to find Shikamaru at the dining table, chatting with Kurenai. The chatter ceased with her presence, and Shikamaru raised his eyebrows up at her.

"Oh-sorry." Shikamaru moved to stand, but Kurenai waved him down.

"It's just Hinata, Shikamaru. It's alright, isn't it, Hinata?" Kurenai looked to Hinata with a warm smile.

"I was just about to leave, anyway." Hinata nodded, trying to make way for the door. Shikamaru beckoning of her name stopped her.

"Hey…I know you're probably gonna take off again soon." Hinata spun around at his words, squinting her eyes at him in a glare. He recoiled slightly but continued. "But I really think you should stop by Shino's to see him. He's been pretty lonely lately, and he misses you guys."

"You guys?" Hinata repeated, her face relaxing into one of mild confusion.

"Oh, yeah. Kiba's been gone a few months on a mission," Shikamaru clarified. Hinata frowned. Shino had been alone for at least a few months. One of the things that made her question leaving was her team. They had such a tight bond, she felt guilty breaking it. But at least Kiba and Shino had each other, so she could feel secure in that. But Shino, by far the most…needy, for lack of a better term, had been left on his own. She hoped he would have found other companionship by now. Shikamaru cleared his throat. "It would be really nice of you to check on him."

"Mmm..." Hinata hummed with a frown. She glanced at Kurenai and realized she might be the best source of information on Konohamaru. "Do either of you happen to know where Konohamaru would be?"

Both perked eyebrows at her request, and Kurenai spoke up. "He's usually at training ground 12 if he's not on a mission. I don't believe he's on one today." She nodded before making her leave.

As the door shut behind her, Hinata shook her head. She didn't want to stay, but couldn't deny Shikamaru's request. She would go see Shino. But first, Konohamaru.

She meandered through the village until she reached the training grounds. She looked ahead at training ground 8 and swallowed with a frown. Many days were spent there with Kiba, Akamaru, and Shino. It was almost painful to recall such happy moments she felt she could never get back. As she continued, observing several genin and chuunin teams sparring together, she reached 12 and found, as Kurenai said, Konohamaru training by himself.

Decidedly, she stood in the distance to observe him. He was probably about 19 now, she figured, a little older than Hanabi. He had grown an immense amount since she last saw him, and his jutsu was impressive. Her eyes widened as he effortlessly summoned a rasengan with fire style applied to it, and obliterated the training body in front of him. The impact was forceful enough to blow her hair back. She had never seen Naruto do something like that. After impact, she watched as he clapped his hands and turned to the entrance of the grounds, spotting her. She pulled her shoulders back as he tilted his head at her, mouth agape.

"Lady Hinata?" he called, cautiously approaching. As they got closer, Hinata gave a short nod. He looked tremendously uncomfortable. "Wh-what are you doing here? I mean-what brings you? I mean-well-"

"I was told my sister is being wed," she said, plainly. Once they were a few feet away, they stopped, toe to toe, and he couldn't have looked more awkward if he tried. "To you?"

"I really wish she was here…" He chuckled, averting his eyes. "Out of all the times for you to come back, she's gone!" A nervous hand rubbed the back of his neck, feeling those Hyūga eye's bore a hole into him. Hinata was patient, and she intended on letting him do the talking. "I mean, yeah. We're engaged, I guess. We were just dating, but your dad is…persuasive." She lowered her eyes. "I'm happy about it, of course! I really love your sister."

"Do you?" Hinata took a step forward, tilting her head at him. "Or are you just following along with my father's will?"

"No!" Konohamaru waved his hands, finally looking at her. "I was thinking of proposing anyway! I'm really happy with her…"

Hinata let out a relieved puff of air. She couldn't deny that Konohamaru wasn't on her radar for potential grooms for her sister, but he was certainly one of the best she could have hoped for. "Well, alright…" She shifted on her feet, dropping her eyes to the ground. "As long as she's happy."

"I'm trying." He stepped forward, feeling a little more confident in front of the elder Hyūga now. "We mission together a lot. She's taught me a lot of new jutsus, and I've taught her a lot—or, well I've tried, but she's…something else…" She watched as his eyes drifted upwards, something like admiration in them that she had to admit was sweet. "We're actually really strong together." He chuckled, dipping his head to see if he could catch her eyes. "Are you staying, Lady Hinata? Hanabi misses you, a lot."

She pondered his words. He seemed so sincere, she couldn't deny him. "You may address me as Hinata." He grinned down at her as she raised to meet him. She turned away to begin her trek to Shino's. "I will see you around, Honorable Grandson."

"Call me Konohamaru!" He called back playfully as she quickly walked into the distance, satisfied for now.

The layout of the village still memorized after it's rebuilding, she found her way to Shino's within minutes. With effort, she knocked on the door to the Aburame household. She was greeted by Shibi, who, if he was surprised, did not show it. He simply welcomed her in and went to fetch Shino from his study. Hinata stood awkwardly in the middle of the living quarters she once knew so well. Many days were spent here with Shino and Kiba, planning missions, or just enjoying each other's company. She felt like a foreigner now.

Hinata raised her eyes when she heard soft footsteps, and met those of Shino's shaded ones. He stopped in the doorway, seemingly frozen. For Shino, she would attempt to smile. She strained herself as she upturned her lips, glancing at his hands as they curled into fists.

"Hinata," he choked out, relaxing his hands.

"Shino," she responded, swallowing. The sight of him was actually the first welcome one so far. She loved Kurenai for everything she had done for her, but conversing with her was something she had dreaded. She knew her dear teammate wouldn't question her, simply accept her. So she moved to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her forehead on his buttoned jacket. She let a relieved sigh slip out when his arms returned the hug. They stood, embraced, for a few minutes. When she went to pull, she felt Shino resist a moment.

"It's been two years, Hinata." Shino's voice sounded tense as he looked down at her, hands on her shoulders. She forced herself to look up at him, nodding.

"I…I have to go, again. I just wanted to see you before I left." Hinata regretted the pained look on Shino's face, eyebrows raising and drawing together, a hint of a frown underneath his collar. She pulled from his grasp, making for the exit. "I'm sorry."

"Kiba's due back in two days."

Hinata sighed.

"I can't stay, Shino."

"Please."

She paused, frowning.

"Whatever's wrong, we can fix it…together. Why? Because we're a team, Hinata…we always will be."

Something felt tight in her chest at those words. Shino's demeanor was always calm and collected, when he showed emotion, it touched her differently.

"You can stay here. The guest room is open." His voice started to sound a tad frantic, uncharacteristic for Shino. "It's just two days." Her shoulders heaved with a large sigh.

Two more days, truly, she did not want to wait. But she couldn't deny the sentiment. And she couldn't deny that it actually felt good to be in Shino's presence. And she couldn't deny her desire to see Kiba.

Two days.