Tears flowed freely down Hinata's cheeks, each drop a testament to the storm of emotions within her. The words she longed to speak stuck in her throat, aching to find release. How could she halt this impending separation? How could she make him understand that her heart beat for him alone, that Naruto was but a memory in comparison to the fierce, consuming love she felt for Sasuke? The weight of her emotions threatened to crush her. She felt sorry for herself, trapped in this complicated situation. How could she convey the depth of her affection when he had repeatedly dismissed their exchanges as nothing more than freeing their urges? She had tried to reveal her true feelings, that it was not mere lust-talk but a bridge between their souls, yet his doubts seemed impenetrable.
Sasuke's gaze shifted to her tear-streaked face, a sight that tugged at his heartstrings. He was not immune to the pain etched across her features. The realisation struck him – he too was torn. The tumultuous emotions within him echoed those mirrored in her tearful eyes. Imagining her leaving him for another man was suffocating. Yet, the strict promise he had made to her lingered in his mind, an unyielding reminder of his duty. His name as an Uchiha and reputatiin is at stake. His mind replayed their first conversations, her strict conditions. He had known this moment would come, the day when their paths diverged. And now there was no running from it. He better get on with it as quickly as possible. The intensity of their connection battled with his resolve. He had convinced himself repeatedly that their connection was merely driven by lust, dismissing the possibility of genuine love. In the midst of his turmoil, he questioned whether he had misunderstood the true nature of their connection. Could there be more than he had allowed himself to believe?
Sasuke closed the physical distance between them. Gently, he lifted her chin, his touch both tender and possessive. Then he leaned in until their lips brushed. Their lips met in a delicate dance, his explored hers with a languid intensity, each movement deliberate and etching the memory into their souls, a connection that transcended the urgency of their previous encounters.
The sensation was intoxicating, a symphony of emotions that swirled between them. Her lips were as soft as flower petals. He sucked on her lower lip in a sensual, slow way, and traced the contours of her upper lip and in between her mouth with the edge of his tongue. Their tongues mingled in a dance of shared longing, and he groaned as he tasted her sweet saliva. His hand reached for her nape, holding her closer while his tongue delved deeper into her mouth, massaging her tongue and sucking on it.
Their kiss held no traces of the frantic desire that had consumed them before. Instead, it was a poignant exchange, woven with tenderness. It was unhurried and alluring, devoid of mere lust, but filled with comfort and yearning to fulfil their desires. He was sucking on her like he was quenching his thirst for her, for her sweet taste, for her presence, for all of her. Hinata's fists clenched against the fabric of his lilac shirt, her heart pounding in rhythm with their entwined passion, as she stood on her toes to reach him, pulling him closer to her anxious he will let go too soon. Sasuke held her close, his hand firmly on her waist and nape, as if afraid she would escape.
Both knew this had nothing to do with the wild urge they had sated less than 24 hours ago. This was... a farewell.
Amidst the bittersweet embrace, tears mingled with their intimate connection. Sasuke's emotions surged to the surface, a mixture of sorrow and heartache that threatened to overwhelm him. His hiccups shook his frame, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within him. It wasn't just his brother's loss he was grieving but also the imminent separation from the woman who had ignited his soul.
Tears mixed with Sasuke's and dampened her cheeks. His hiccups grew stronger until he couldn't catch his breath while kissing her. As their lips finally parted, Sasuke's forehead found solace against hers, their breaths laboured.
Hinata held Sasuke tightly, her arms enveloping him in a gentle yet comforting embrace. She felt the rise and fall of his chest against her own, the thudding rhythm of his heart. She wondered, was he crying for the loss of his brother or for the inevitable farewell they were now facing? The weight of their emotions, the mixture of grief, loss, and the pain of their impending separation continued to surge through them as they stood there, foreheads pressed together.
"If he ever hurt you, I'm gonna kill him," Sasuke whispered. His thumb brushed against her tear-stained cheeks, wiping away the physical remnants of her sorrow. She looked up at him, his eyes echoing a storm of emotions that mirrored her own.
Sasuke's touch shifted, a tender gesture as he moved her hair aside to expose the mark he had left on her nape. His lips met the spot, a gentle kiss that held layers of unspoken emotions. With a final, lingering look, he turned away to join the others.
Sasuke, driven by his unwavering determination to reunite Hinata with Naruto, called upon Jugo and his unique ability to communicate with animals. They embarked on a painstaking journey through forests and valleys, relying on Jugo's uncanny rapport with wildlife to seek out any sign of Naruto's presence.
Simultaneously, Hinata harnessed the power of her Byakugan, delving into the depths of her chakra-enhanced vision to locate Naruto's distinct chakra signature. Karin helped too, both meticulously scanned the landscape, Hinata's pale lavender eyes honing in on even the faintest traces of his energy.
Days turned into nights as they combed through the vast terrain. Finally, their persistence paid off when Hinata's Byakugan detected a familiar chakra pattern on the outskirts of a quaint village. There, under the canopy of towering trees, they found Naruto, tirelessly honing his taijutsu skills, his unwavering dedication evident in every punch and kick.
With a heavy heart, Sasuke knew the moment of parting had come. He bid his farewells to his loyal teammates, each of them choosing their own path. Karin resolved to return to her role in prison management, ensuring order among the incarcerated. Suigetsu embarked on an adventurous journey, driven by his relentless pursuit of collecting the seven unique swords. And Jugo, still grappling with the absence of Sasuke's guidance over his inner demons, opted to accompany Suigetsu, perhaps in search of a new purpose beyond their disbanded team.
Hinata's heart quivered as she bid adieu to the team that had become like a family. Tearful embraces spoke volumes between her and Karin, a silent recognition of their unique connection. A handmade shell necklace was her parting gift to Suigetsu, a simple token representing the cherished memories they had crafted together. For Jugo, she prepared a bag filled with dried mushrooms and edible plants, a gesture that conveyed her heartfelt appreciation.
As Sasuke and Hinata braced themselves for the impending separation from the team that had united them, he offered to accompany her closer to the small village they had located, miles away. Their journey was filled with both the weight of the unspoken and aching silence. With every step they took, they drew nearer to the inevitable farewell, a moment neither desired.
Walking in sync, Hinata's gaze frequently drifted to Sasuke, a swirl of sentiments within her eyes. They both sensed that time was slipping through their grasp like elusive sand, each stride carrying them closer to a parting they wished to avoid.
They walked in a heavy silence, their footsteps merging with the soft rustle of leaves. The air was thick with the unspoken emotions that burdened them both. Each knowing that this would be their last shared moment.
Hinata desperately sought a way to halt the impending separation, but in her mind nothing was convincing enough, leaving her words imprisoned, never escaping her throat.
Beside her, Sasuke wrestled with his own inner turmoil, frustration bubbling to the surface. Why is nothing working out his way? Why can't he have her as his? Why does he have to give her up for that loser? His fingers clenched into fists, his frustration at the circumstances evident.
He loves her, yes he adores her, all of her. His longing for her presence was insatiable, an unquenchable desire to be forever immersed in her aura. He doesn't want any girl but her. Her, his lover. What they have is the best thing that ever happened to him and it feels priceless. In his mind, he replayed their stolen moments. Every moment he spent with her, loving her, enjoying her, each touch, each kiss, etched into his memory like a priceless work of art. He yearned for more of these stolen moments, a future where he could bask in her presence without restriction. He felt a searing envy towards Naruto, a resentment towards the person who could have her completely.
And yet, he knew his duty. He should be ashamed that he had ruined her. Sasuke stole a sidelong glance at Hinata, her expression a reflection of the torment he felt within. She will not easily forget him but she will once she is reunited with her lover. Her true lover, damn idiot Naruto.
As the village drew nearer, the weight of their impending separation grew heavier. Their steps got smaller and slower. The unspoken words between them carried a heaviness that neither could bear to vocalize. Their connection had been intense and all-encompassing, but the truth of their reality was inescapable. Hinata's heart yearned for Sasuke, and Sasuke's heart burned for Hinata, yet their circumstances were a cruel wall between them.
Days had passed since their last intense encounter, and the weight of their unfulfilled emotions hung heavily between them. Sasuke knew he had to maintain his distance, to let her have this moment of reunion with Naruto without his presence overshadowing it.
As they approached the village where Naruto was training, Sasuke suddenly halted. Hinata cast a worried glance back at him, her eyes probing his inscrutable expression.
"Aren't you going to meet him?" Hinata's voice held a mix of curiosity and concern.
Sasuke's response with indifference. "That idiot has been searching for me for years, wanting to bring me back to Konoha. I won't give him that joy. This is your moment to reunite. I don't want to ruin it for you."
His words pierced Hinata's heart, marking the finality of their impending separation. She gazed at him with pleading eyes, silently urging him to change his mind, to stop this, to prevent her from leaving, but he didn't, his expression remained stoic, unreadable.
She yearned to bridge the distance between them, to hold him close one last time, and took a few tentative steps in his direction, hoping for a different outcome.
"Don't come closer." His command hung between them like an unbreakable barrier, a tacit acknowledgment of their painful reality. "Now go," he ordered.
Frustration and hurt welled up within her as she turned and sprinted toward Naruto's training spot. But an inexplicable force pulled her back, preventing her from putting more distance between them. She paused, turning to find Sasuke still rooted in the same spot where she had left him.
"Go!" he screamed, the urgency in his voice piercing the air. Gathering every ounce of her courage, she yelled back, her emotions laid bare. "I will never forget you, Sasu!" Her voice reverberated through the surroundings as tears streamed down her face, mirroring the pain in her heart. With her vision blurred by her tears, she continued to run, and in an instant, the clone of Sasuke vanished in a puff of smoke.
Sasuke, miles away, moved with a purpose, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. He leapt from tree branch to tree branch, putting as much distance as possible between him and Hinata. But then, he stopped mid-air as his clone memory returned to him. Hinata's words echoed in his mind, causing him to falter. 'Why did she have to call him like that?'
Landing on a branch, he leaned on a tree trunk. His body taut with inner turmoil. He longed to turn back, to race to her, to hold her and persuade her not to leave. Yet, a deep sense of conviction told him that it was the right decision; he had to let her go, despite the agony it caused him. His chest tightened, and he closed his eyes for a moment, as if he could shut out the turmoil within him.
Hinata's voice, her declaration, echoed in his mind like a mantra. With a heavy sigh, he pushed forward, each leap taking him further from her, and the conflicting emotions that churned within him.
His mind raced with thoughts of regret and longing, but he forcefully pushed them aside. With a heavy heart, Sasuke clenched his fists and resumed his journey, pushing himself harder and faster. He needed to distance himself from the pain and the memories of their time together. The echoes of Hinata's voice continued to haunt him, reverberating through the depths of his being.
He propelled his body through the trees, the wind whipping against his face. The physical exertion was a welcome distraction from the emotional turmoil within.
But Sasuke knew he couldn't turn back. He had to stay focused on his goals, on his mission to protect the village and find his own redemption. He had to face the consequences of his actions. Hinata deserved happiness, and he couldn't provide it for her. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but he had accepted it.
As he leaped from tree to tree, his thoughts grew foggy, a storm of emotions threatening to consume him. The thread of the bond he had formed with Hinata seemed to tighten around his neck, constricting his breath and his thoughts. The conflict within him raged on until, overwhelmed by the emotional tumult, he collapsed onto the ground, consciousness slipping away.
…
Hinata walked hesitantly closer to Naruto, her steps uncertain as her heart raced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. As he noticed her presence, Naruto's eyes widened in surprise.
"Hinata, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked, curious and concerned.
Hinata's breath was shaky as she stood before Naruto, her eyes red and swollen from tears. She took a deep breath, her hands clasped nervously in front of her, but the words caught in her throat. How could she put into words the complexity of her feelings and the choices she had made?
"I… just… wanted… to… to… " Hinata's voice wavered, she started panting hard, and found it hard to talk or even breathe. Speaking of talking, what will she tell him? She can't say she came to confess her love to him because that is not accurate anymore.
The pain in her nape intensified, a sharp throbbing that seemed to resonate through her entire body, making it hard to focus, to breathe.
Clutching her nape with her hand, the pain became too much to bear. It felt as if her very essence was being pulled from her, and the world around her started to blur. Her consciousness began to slip away, her body betraying her as it succumbed to the overwhelming strain.
Naruto's concern deepened as he watched Hinata collapse before him, her fragile form crumpling like a fallen petal. Without hesitation, he rushed to her side, gently cradling her before she hit the ground and trying to rouse her back to consciousness.
"Hinata! What's happening?" Naruto exclaimed, worried. He carefully checked her pulse, relief flooding him when he found that she was still breathing, albeit unconscious.
Feeling a surge of panic, Naruto knew he needed help. With determination, he scooped Hinata into his arms and carried her to the inn where they were staying. He called for a healer, his heart racing with concern for Hinata's well-being.
The healer arrived and carefully examined Hinata, using his medical expertise to diagnose the cause of her sudden collapse. Naruto anxiously watched as the healer worked, his worry growing with each passing moment.
After what felt like an eternity, the healer finally spoke, his voice grave but filled with a glimmer of hope. "She is experiencing a severe physical and emotional strain. It appears that her body and mind have reached their limits."
Naruto listened intently, his brow furrowed with worry. "Is she going to be alright?"
The healer nodded, offering a small glimmer of hope. "With rest and care, she should recover. Right now, her body needs time to heal and regain its strength."
Naruto's gaze never left Hinata's unconscious form. He nodded in understanding, a mixture of relief and determination settling in his eyes.
…..
Sasuke gradually woke up, his head throbbing painfully. As he tried to assess his surroundings, he realised he was in a small cottage. His head was wrapped, and a sharp pang of discomfort shot through him. His heart clenched suddenly, a jolt of memory hitting him like a punch to the gut. The events leading to his collapse came rushing back, and he had to groan out loud from the intensity of sharp pain.
Just as he was grappling with the whirlwind of his thoughts, the door of the cottage creaked open, and a man entered, a basket of freshly caught fish in his hands. The man's presence was unexpected, and Sasuke's guard immediately went up.
"I see that you're awake! How are you feeling?" the man said with a friendly smile.
Sasuke's brow furrowed, his gaze scrutinising the stranger. "Who are you? And what am I doing here?" His voice was terse, a mixture of suspicion and irritation.
The man seemed unperturbed by Sasuke's cold tone. He carried on with his task, bending over by his small kitchen area to clean and prepare the fish. "I'm just a fisherman. Unlike you," he chuckled lightly. "You look like a strong shinobi. But you were unconscious in the woods nearby. Your head was bleeding. So, I brought you to my cottage. You can leave whenever you feel better. You're not a hostage here. I've been..."
Sasuke's patience wore thin quickly. He rubbed his head, groaning, and cut off the man's chattering. "My head hurts. Could you shut up for a moment?"
The man's expression shifted to understanding. Not getting offended, he nodded apologetically. "You're right, I should be more considerate. I've been told that often. My wife used to say…"
Sasuke sighed, feeling drained from both the pain in his head and the man's incessant talking. "Just... silence," he managed to say with a hint of exasperation.
The fisherman pretended to zip his lips with his fingers, a playful gesture. "I'm sorry, I'll shut up," he replied with a chuckle.
Sasuke lay back down, hoping to enjoy the momentary peace. However, his relief was short-lived as the man started talking again shortly after, and Sasuke's headache began to throb again.
"You were calling names while you were unconscious," the man began again, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Hinata... she is your sweetheart, isn't she?"
Sasuke chose to ignore the question, turning his face to the other side, his eyes fixed on a distant point as if trying to shut out the conversation.
"Is she your omega?" The man's inquiry brought a puzzled frown to Sasuke's face. He wasn't accustomed to hearing these terms used in such a casual context.
"You called out to your brother too," the fisherman continued. "You were saying something like 'why nee-san... don't leave me, Itachi?'"
Sasuke's reaction was palpable. He sat up again, his posture tense, and his gaze locked onto the man. "What did you just say?" he asked, urgency lacing his tone.
"You were calling out to your brother in your dream," the man replied, a bit defensively. "Sounded like a very emotional conversation you were having."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his thoughts racing. The mention of Itachi's name in his unconscious ramblings was nothing new, to say the least. But before he could delve deeper into that revelation, the man's words about "omega" caught his attention.
"Before that, what did you say about 'omega'?" Sasuke's curiosity was piqued, even though he was trying to maintain his air of aloofness.
The fisherman nodded, apparently not sensing Sasuke's irritation. "Is this Hinata your omega? I guessed you're an alpha. Could feel your dominance flaring up when you're angry. So, she's probably an omega as they complement each other. An Omega attracts Alphas like moths to a flame. Alphas can't help but fall for their spell. And it's the best thing that happens to an alpha because omegas are as sweet as dango. My wife was an omega; she was so beautiful that I had to fight..."
Sasuke cut off the man's tangential chatter, his irritation palpable. "Just tell me about the omega thing without all the extras," he snapped.
The fisherman, looking slightly abashed, "You don't know about it? It's been kind of a secret for a long time, but most alphas know about it. How come you don't?"
Sasuke scoffed, growing even more annoyed. "You know what? Forget it," he muttered, rolling over in his futon as if to put an end to the conversation. The man's words, however, had ignited a spark of curiosity in him, leaving him with questions that he didn't even know he had.
The fisherman scratched his head, recognizing that he had gone off on a tangent. He cleared his throat and attempted to get back on track. "Alright, I'll explain. Why are you so on edge? Omegas are individuals with a specific genetic trait that can attract and form bonds with alphas. Alphas, on the other hand, are dominant individuals with traits that complement omegas. It's believed to be a natural connection, like two pieces of a puzzle fitting together. You're drawn to each other's pheromones. An alpha can go into a kind of... well, an intense phase known as 'rut' when his omega goes into 'heat,' which typically occurs in the middle of her cycle. Unless..." He trailed off, his gaze moving to Sasuke, who had sat up again, intrigued by the incomplete statement.
"Unless what?" Sasuke inquired, his curiosity overtaking his annoyance.
The fisherman couldn't help but smirk, clearly enjoying having caught Sasuke's attention. "Unless you're a fated pair."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sasuke's frustration was evident, about to lose his temper as he had to extract information from this verbose stranger.
"If you happened to be a fated pair—which, mind you, many consider to be nothing more than a fable—then things get a bit more... intense," the man explained, his tone teasing. "The omega can go into heat triggered by mere a touch or even proximity. That sets off a chain reaction where her pheromones flare, leading her alpha to experience a kind of 'rut' as well."
Sasuke fell silent, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts as he absorbed the fisherman's explanation. The notion that he and Hinata might have such a profound connection intrigued him, although he found it difficult to fully grasp the concept. Their relationship had always felt deeper than any label or classification. Yet, the fisherman's words had ignited a spark of curiosity within him, prompting him to ponder the possibilities. He had so many questions, but he hesitated to share the intimate details of his life with a stranger. His heart clenched painfully once more, and he stifled a groan, gritting his teeth against the surge of agony.
"Are you alright? Did you experience pain in your heart just now?" The fisherman asked, then nodded. "See, that is the effect of being separated from your mate."
Sasuke glared at him, his expression pained. "Could the omega of the fated pairs connect with another alpha?" Sasuke thought that if he is an alpha, Naruto must be an alpha too.
The cruel man chuckled, seemingly unfazed by Sasuke's annoyance. "If you are indeed a fated pair, it doesn't matter if she's with another alpha. The bond between fated pairs is unique and unbreakable. No matter the circumstances, her pheromones and heat will only affect her fated alpha, which would be you. Especially after marking." He winked at Sasuke.
Sasuke's irritation flared, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Could you stop speculating about my personal matters? Who told you she's my omega or that I marked her?" he snapped, his discomfort evident. "I'm asking out of curiosity, nothing more."
The fisherman seemed to brush off Sasuke's frustration, diving back into his explanation. "When an alpha marks their omega, it signifies a deep and profound commitment. It solidifies the bond between them and marks the omega as belonging to the alpha. It's a physical and symbolic act that enhances their connection and intensifies the fated pair bond. You probably fell unconscious because you are far from your mate. The bond that you created by marking longs to be reunited with your mate. You can't live without each other."
Sasuke's heart skipped a beat at the thought. It meant that his connection with Hinata was stronger than any other potential alpha she could encounter. The idea brought a mix of pride, relief, and hope, knowing that their bond was something extraordinary.
Sasuke's gaze softened, his mind filled with memories of marking Hinata, the intimacy they shared, and the depth of their love. It was a testament to their connection, a symbol of their devotion to each other. He couldn't help but think of her, of the way her eyes sparkled when she looked at him, and how her touch ignited a fire within him.
As the fisherman left the cottage to get some vegetables from his small garden, Sasuke's mind reeled with the information he had just received. The concept of being a fated pair and the intricacies of the omega-alpha bond were overwhelming.
His thoughts raced as he tried to process everything. If what the man said was true, then it explained the depth of his feelings for Hinata and the physical and emotional pain he experienced when they were separated. It was as if their very beings were intertwined, destined to be together. He remembered his brother's words about their connection. What did it all mean? Could Hinata no longer bond with Naruto? Could he truly not live without her? He had never imagined himself being so dependent on someone else, but the mere thought of Hinata being away from him was suffocating. Only the memories of her made his heart race. What had happened to her in the meantime? Was she okay? Did she experience the same pain he did? What had she told Naruto? Did she confess her love, despite everything that had transpired between them?
Sasuke's thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions and questions, his mind grappling with the newfound knowledge and its implications. He knew one thing for certain – he couldn't ignore the undeniable connection he shared with Hinata, a connection that went beyond the physical, beyond his own understanding.
The man woke him from his daze as he presented dinner by his side of the futon. Sasuke ate in silence, his mind preoccupied with the thoughts that had consumed him.
"Thanks for the food," he said, his voice low, before getting up.
"Where are you going?" The man asked, curiosity lacing his tone.
"I have to find her," Sasuke replied without hesitation, his gaze determined, as he dashed out.
Before he reached the door, the fisherman's words stopped him. "Remember, young alpha, fate has a way of bringing two souls together, defying all odds. Trust in your bond and follow your heart," the man advised with a knowing smile.
As Sasuke left, the fisherman smirked, then brought out his sake bottle and a picture of his late wife. "He reminds me of us," he mused to himself, before pouring himself a cup, lost in memories of his fated love that had defied many obstacles and how much they fought everyone in their way to be together, only to be taken by illness shortly after.
I'm so gratfull for the sweet comments follow and favor of this story. Can't thank you enough for joining me in this journey. The story is comming to an end soon but i have to tell you i don't want it to be over :) if you have any suggestions for the ending let ne know. Love to hear your thoughts.
