KibaHina, NaruHina and SasuHina interactions all in one chapter!

Chapter 16: Secretly falling apart, unseen

"Man, kaa-san's been nagging me about training way too hard! I miss training with you and Shino. I swear she and Hana are trying to kill me!" Kiba complained.

Hinata and Kiba were walking back from dinner at Kurenai's in the snow. The hour wasn't too late, but the winter sun had already set.

Shino had left earlier, his place in the opposite direction of Naruto's apartment and the Inuzuka house.

"I'm sure they're just worried about the jounin exam," Hinata reasoned, "They want to make sure you're prepared."

"Can't take the jounin exam if I'm dead," Kiba grumbled. He perked up. "You must be having a hard time too, training with Uchiha. He's got to be a hardass if he's anything like he was at the academy. "

Hinata thought about it. It had been a two weeks since the white zetsu mission and she and Sasuke trained together more days than not. He did, indeed, take their sparring very seriously. That could be comparable to his attitude in the academy, but unlike his younger self that had seemed like a ball of tension waiting to snap, eighteen year old Sasuke was more measured. He even seemed lighter lately than he had in the immediate aftermath of their shared mission. There were certain moments of levity that brought to mind a half-remembered child Sasuke, running around the Hyuuga garden trying to pull his older brother along.

Hinata was glad for it. Sasuke had become an important friend and after everything he had shared with her about his past, she wanted more than anything for him to be happy.

"Sasuke-kun is very skilled. I'm grateful that he spares time for me," Hinata said.

"Ah Hinata-chan, we're complaining! You're supposed to complain with me!" Kiba cried.

Hinata smiled, amused. Despite his words, Kiba hadn't missed a single session with his mother and sister.

"And he's not pushing you around, right?" Kiba asked. "I know you can handle yourself, but you're too damn nice sometimes."

"Sasuke-kun is nicer than you think, Kiba-kun."

Kiba made a face like he didn't believe her. "If you say so. I don't really have anything against the guy. He had his reasons, I get that now. And who am I to hold a grudge when Team Seven forgave him? But if you're going to be his friend — which, I know you, and of course you are — just don't forget what he did to his closest friends last time."

A small frown creased Hinata's face as she mulled over Kiba's words. "I understand, Kiba-kun. And I appreciate you worrying for me. What you're saying isn't wrong, but...Sasuke-kun seems different than before. If he's trying to change, then I think I should base my opinion on how he acts towards me now, rather than things that happened in the past."

"Well it's your call. You're the one spending time with him. And you're not wrong either...but you better tell me if he screws up! I got some new techniques I can try out on him," Kiba concluded. "Anyway, what about you, Hinata-chan? Have you made up your mind about becoming a jounin?"

Hinata fiddled with the sleeves of her jacket as she felt Kiba's curious gaze on the side of her face. "…I just don't think I'm strong enough," she whispered eventually. No doubt the exams would push her hard enough to disturb the delicate balance that held the majority of Hamura's chakra at bay.

"Are you kidding?! You're badass! And you got faster after just few spars with Uchiha — I can't wait till we get a chance to train together again! It's fine if you're not sure you want to be a jounin, but don't say it has anything to do with being strong enough," Kiba said insistently.

Although she appreciated her friend's belief in her, Hinata fought not to shrink at his exclamation. She didn't believe it. Her control over her chakra seemed to be deteriorating. She was much too weak to harness such powerful chakra.

Kiba read her silence correctly, deflating with a sigh. "Aw, I hate this. Really makes me want to kick your dad's ass."

"Kiba-kun!" Hinata gasped, scandalized.

"It's true," Kiba said unapologetically. "You're one of the best people I know and it sucks that you can't see it. And it's your dad's fault."

"He's not so bad," Hinata defended, but even to her it felt more perfunctory than anything. She knew that Kurenai and Shino likely agreed, Team Eight having been there through her losing her title. Kiba was always one to say the quiet part out loud.

Kiba snorted. "You've been working so hard planning out the rebuild of the compound and putting together proposals for new clan initiatives and I bet he hasn't said anything, not even a single 'good job'."

Hinata stayed quiet.

"Never thought I'd say this about the oblivious knucklehead that used to make you faint, but I'm glad you've got Naruto. He's always cheered you up." Kiba said.

Hinata blinked, thoughts abruptly turning to the blond. She wondered if he'd be home when she got to his apartment or if she'd have to let herself in.

"Ah, I stuck my foot in my mouth again, didn't I? Sorry, I shouldn't have brought up your dad, you always look so sad when I do," Kiba said.

Hinata froze, a ripple of shock going through her.

Kiba walked ahead a few steps before turning back to look at her. Hinata stared at the regretful expression on his face. She wanted to reassure him, but didn't know how to tell him that it wasn't talking about her father that had made her react like that.

It was the fact that when Kiba pointed out she looked sad, Hinata had been thinking of Naruto.

Hinata shook her head. "…C-Chichiue just doesn't express himself well," she said after a moment.

Soft brown eyes looked at her. "Hinata-chan, you deserve nice things. To be surrounded by people who are good to you, who you support you and show it, who prioritize you, who make you happy. You're strong and kind and amazing. I wish you'd raise your expectations a bit."

Hinata blushed shyly, feeling undeserving of Kiba's high opinion of her.

Fortunately, Kiba knew her well enough not to need a response. He swung an arm around her shoulder, casually pulling her along. "C'mon. I bet Akamaru's waiting up even though he's supposed to be resting."

"Mm. I hope he's feeling better."

"He's not supposed to eat so many sweets and he knows it! Still, I'm glad kaa-san grounded those brats that fed him. They're Inuzuka, they should know better no matter how much Akamaru whines. Especially Akio, he's a genin now."

"Do you still have any of those peppermint treats I gave you? Those might help," Hinata suggested.

"I'll check!" Kiba said. His arm was lax around Hinata's shoulder, a comfortable warmth that she was well acquainted with.

They continued to chat idly until they reached Naruto's apartment, Kiba waving her off at the bottom of the stairs.

Hinata let herself into the empty apartment. As she was hanging up her jacket, the front door opened once more to Naruto's grinning face.

"Hey! I brought you ramen," Naruto said, holding up a plastic bag. "Had dinner with Shikamaru at Ichiraku's, so I grabbed another bowl to-go."

"Um, Naruto-kun, I already had dinner at Kurenai-sensei's. But thank you," Hinata said.

"Oh! That was today? I guess I could go for seconds then," Naruto said as he entered the kitchen.

Hinata trailed after him. "Naruto-kun only had one bowl?"

"Ah, more like fourths?" Naruto admitted sheepishly.

Hinata smiled, taking a seat across from Naruto at the kitchen table as the boy dug into his fourth bowl of ramen that night and told her about his day.

Things had settled back into the normal routine for them. Being groomed to step into the Hokage position kept Naruto busy, so they would steal moments together where they could in between Hinata's daily training, weekly Hyuuga compound planning committee meetings, bi-weekly Hyuuga council meetings, volunteering at the Konoha community center and other responsibilities. Usually late nights or early mornings, with the rare afternoon date.

Hinata adjusted herself in her seat, accidentally bumping Naruto's foot in the small space afforded by the table. Naruto simply quirked a grin, bumping her foot back. As she smiled fondly at him, Hinata absently wondered how she'd never managed to kick Sasuke with all her fidgeting when he first began dropping by for Naruto.

Blinking her thoughts away, Hinata saw Naruto begin to doze off as he spoke, his chin dipping dangerously close to the broth. Hinata's eyes softened. She carefully nudged the bowl away.

"Let's go to bed, Naruto-kun," Hinata murmured, guiding Naruto up to his feet.

"But you didn't tell me about your dinner," Naruto protested sleepily.

"It was just a normal team dinner. Nothing exciting happened," Hinata replied. She sat Naruto down on his bed and pulled out some sleep clothes for him. A light blush lit her face and she decided to leave Naruto to it while she cleaned up in the kitchen. Fortunately when she returned Naruto had changed and gotten under the covers. Hinata retrieved her things from her backpack, washing up and changing into her own sleepwear before joining Naruto.

The next morning was a rare one where Hinata and Naruto were able to eat breakfast together, though Naruto scarfed his down in an impressively small number of bites. After kissing her goodbye, he ran off still chewing.

Hinata brushed away a crumb of omelet from her cheek and glanced at the lavender tea set. It had been unused for some time as she found it a bit lonely to drink tea alone now. Hinata and Sasuke usually had tea at his apartment after training.

After cleaning up the kitchen, Hinata stopped by the Hyuuga compound to freshen up and then made her way to the training grounds. Although she was warm enough in her thermal long sleeved top and shorts, Hinata considered the chilly weather fretfully. Cold weather was not good for amputated limbs. But Hinata couldn't imagine Sasuke making a decision for his own comfort.

Sasuke was already at the training grounds when Hinata arrived, leaning against the tree stump with his eyes closed.

"Good morning, Sasuke-kun," Hinata called.

"Hm," Sasuke replied. "I think we'll have to relocate our training sessions soon."

"Eh?" Hinata stared, wide-eyed. She hadn't expected Sasuke to yield to the weather.

Sasuke didn't react to her surprise. "Training in hazardous conditions does have its merits and it's not something I would care about if I were on my own."

"I'm fine!" Hinata said reflexively. She then frowned, torn. On the one hand, she had wanted to move indoors for Sasuke's sake so perhaps it would be better just to agree. On the other hand, she was capable of training through bad weather and didn't want to be thought of as a burden.

"Hinata, there's no point in risking injury," Sasuke said. His voice was a little softer, almost gentle. "If you're really determined, you can go challenge Lee to extreme mountain climbing on your own time," he added offhandedly.

Hinata smiled despite herself. "There's a dojo on the outskirts of the village that Team Eight has used before. Maybe we can go there next time?"

Sasuke nodded and then, without any other warning, attacked.

The spar ended in a loss for Hinata as it always did. Hinata wasn't disappointed though, she could feel how much her speed and reflexes had improved. Today the iron door inside her had been quiet and unmoving. A sense of pride warmed her as much as the exertion had.

Back in Sasuke's apartment, Hinata offered to make the tea which Sasuke wordlessly declined as usual. They sipped their tea together, alternating between silence and trading stories. What had started as Sasuke telling Hinata stories about their clan gatherings had turned into them reminiscing about incidents during their academy days, branching into sharing little episodes from their separate experiences. A memory of a wasp flying into the classroom and chasing Chouji all the way to the roof before the boy realized it was after his snack led to a story of Hinata and Kiba joining Shino on one of his expeditions and promptly being banned from future ventures which then reminded Sasuke of a Team Taka excursion where they lost Suigetsu in a river and had to follow it for two hours before he was able to will himself solid again.

Hinata was still smiling, imagining the scene Sasuke had described, when Sasuke got up to wash the dishes. Bent over the sink, she saw him swipe at his bangs with a huff.

"Sasuke-kun, I don't think I've ever seen your hair this long," Hinata mused.

Sasuke set down the dish towel, leaning against the kitchen counter. "It's annoying. Normally I cut it myself, but…" He gestured with his left arm, the fabric of his long-sleeved shirt swung where the rest of the arm was missing.

Hinata hummed in understanding, mouth forming a moue. "I'm sorry, I don't have any recommendations on hairdressers. Ko-san has cut my hair for as long as I can remember."

Sasuke scoffed. "Not like I'd trust anyone with a sharp blade to my head."

Hinata's brows drew together, worried by Sasuke's distrust, but even more by the fact that he was right to be wary. She played with her sleeves, mouth opening and closing as she tried to form words. Sasuke's evident irritation with his hair made her want to volunteer her help, but Hinata wondered if she was being too presumptuous to think that he would trust her with the task.

While she waffled back and forth in her mind, Hinata didn't notice Sasuke moving until the handle of a pair of scissors was thrust in her face. "Oh!" she gasped, taking the scissors instinctively.

"If you're going to be indecisive, then I'll decide. It's my hair anyway," he explained.

"Sasuke-kun, I don't know how to cut hair," Hinata said, trying to hand the scissors back.

Sasuke shrugged, leaning back. "I used to cut my hair with a kunai. I'm sure you'll do better than that."

Hinata bit her lip, glancing between the scissors and Sasuke. Seeing Sasuke's firm expression, Hinata sighed. "Um, alright, I'll do my best!" she promised with a nervous smile. After a moment's thought, she suggested, "It might be easier if your hair is wet. And if I had a comb."

Sasuke promptly went into the bathroom. Hinata heard the tap running and when he came back Sasuke had a comb in hand and his hair was drenched.

Hinata blinked at the suddenness of it, taking the offered comb. "Um…that works. Then if you could sit down please? And maybe we should get something to cover the floor for easy clean up."

Sasuke plopped into his chair. "It's fine, I can sweep up some hair."

Hinata stood unsurely until Sasuke quirked a brow at her. She nervously edged closer, leaning down a little to observe his hair up close. At this point Hinata was used to Sasuke's habit of staring, but not at this proximity. She concentrated on his hair. Now that it was wet, it was even longer and lay flat. Hinata worried about maintaining its usual shape, then realized with her skill level she should just try to cut it evenly.

Hinata noticed Sasuke looked less tired, though the bags that had formed under his eyes after their visit to the Fujiwara house hadn't completely disappeared. She hoped he'd been sleeping better. Hinata's own nightmares had mostly subsided after her conversation with Neji. Her eyes continued to trail across his face, never having had the opportunity, or reason, to pay it such close attention.

Sasuke was handsome.

Hinata knew this. She'd been hearing about it for as long as she'd known him. But Hinata had never felt quite so aware of it.

Glancing up, Hinata locked eyes with Sasuke and flinched back with a squeak.

Blushing furiously, Hinata mumbled an apology and quickly moved behind him, deciding to start at the back. As she combed through his hair with gentle strokes, Hinata saw redness at the tips of Sasuke's ears.

Of course, even in a heated apartment it must be uncomfortable to sit around with wet hair.

It was a slow process. Hinata made careful snips, cutting only a little at a time, and checked the length frequently. She was nervous, but thankfully in her line of work she was used to working under pressure and was able to keep her hands steady. Hinata didn't know how much time had passed by the time she made it back around to the front to trim Sasuke's bangs, but by then she was so focused that she paid no mind to how close she had to get.

"This kind of makes me miss having short hair," Hinata commented, as she combed through his bangs.

"Why did you grow yours out?" Sasuke asked.

Hinata hummed in thought. "Ko-san trimmed my hair every month and my wardrobe was taken care of, so I never really thought about those things. I was more worried about not disappointing —" Hinata stopped, biting her lip. After a moment she started speaking again, "I was more worried about getting stronger. As I grew up and improved, at least a little, I guess I was able to start thinking about hair and clothes." She cut the tips of Sasuke's bangs. "That must seem trivial to you," Hinata said with a light laugh.

"It does," Sasuke agreed without hesitation, making Hinata giggle again.

"Most girls have long hair: my mother, Hanabi, Kurenai-sensei, Ino-san and Tenten-san. Even Sakura-san before. And they looked really pretty. I suppose I wanted to feel like that too," Hinata explained.

"If someone's attractive, they'd look that way no matter the length of their hair," Sasuke said simply.

"That's true," Hinata allowed. She measured his hair carefully, checking the length and then snipping a little more on his left side.

"You'd look fine either way."

Hinata smiled, amused. Despite everything, Sasuke was like any other boy, not understanding the kinds of things girls had to consider. "That's kind of you Sasuke-kun. Maybe it's silly of me, but I had hoped that somehow if I grew my hair out I'd look…well, a little bit better than fine," she admitted. "But you're right, the length of my hair wouldn't really change anything."

Sasuke shifted a little and Hinata had to pause not to mess up his hair. "Sasuke-kun —"

He huffed out a breath and Hinata was close enough to feel it. "You're pretty, Hinata. Short hair or long hair, it doesn't matter." He spoke the words quickly and gruffly like he was embarrassed. Hinata was too stunned by the awkward way his lips wrapped around the word 'pretty' to react.

As the silence stretched, redness began to spread across Sasuke's face. It was this more than anything that got Hinata out of her stupor. "Oh! I'm sorry Sasuke-kun, you must be uncomfortable sitting here with wet hair for so long! I'm almost done." Hinata cut a few more centimeters and then checked the length once more. "There, I think it should be good now," Hinata said, leaning back with a pleased smile

Hinata rushed to the bathroom and grabbed a towel before hurrying back to the kitchen. She started to dry Sasuke's hair carefully. "It's not good to stay too long with wet hair, especially in the winter. I hope you don't catch a cold."

Once she had deemed his hair dry enough, Hinata removed the towel and ran the comb through Sasuke's hair one last time. "Would you like to take a look?" Hinata asked, stepping back.

Sasuke got up and headed to the bathroom. Hinata trailed after him and waited anxiously while he examined his reflection. She looked at him with anticipation when their eyes met in the mirror. He nodded, but that did little to ease her nerves and Hinata started to worry her bottom lip.

"It looks good," Sasuke finally said and Hinata released a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad," Hinata said with a bright smile. As they continued to look at each other in the mirror, Sasuke's words finally caught up to her and Hinata found herself blushing and stumbling out of the bathroom.

"You're pretty, Hinata."

It was pity, Hinata decided. She had bared her insecurities and Sasuke was trying to make her feel better. He was just being a friend.

Her blush faded, but a gentle warmth settled in her chest at the thought.

Sasuke was a good friend. Hinata enjoyed spending time with him, whether they were training or sitting in silence. Hinata liked talking to him. He was a good listener and unexpectedly patient with her. He made her laugh. And he made her feel like he appreciated her company just as much.

Sasuke came to stand in the bathroom doorway, leaning against the frame and quirking a brow at her.

Hinata shook her head and smiled again. "I'm glad," she repeated.

Sasuke averted his eyes slightly. "Thanks for doing this," he muttered.

"I'm happy I was able to help." Hinata tilted her head. "May I…ask an insensitive question?"

Mismatched eyes caught hers once more. "This should be good," Sasuke said, straightening up.

Hinata's fingertips played with the edges of her sleeves, but she forced herself not to look away. If she was going to be brazen, it was the least she could do. "Naruto-kun received a prosthetic limb from Godaime-sama and I know one was offered to you as well…why didn't you accept?"

Sasuke regarded her with solemn eyes. "I don't deserve it. I need to atone for the things I've done, for the sacrifices people have made for me."

Hinata frowned. "Naruto-kun mentioned that you left to atone as well. But you don't think you've done enough."

"It'll never be enough," Sasuke said bitterly. "Even if I spend my whole life trying."

Hinata felt her eyes getting misty at the self-hatred in his voice and blinked rapidly to dry them. "…You say it's about atoning, but…why does it sound like you're punishing yourself?" As soon as it slipped out, Hinata gasped and brought her hand to her mouth. "I-I'm sorry! I spoke out of turn…" The words were half-hidden by her palm.

Sasuke frowned. "…Are you crying?"

Moisture was still gathering in her eyes and Hinata blinked again. "S-sorry," she whispered, still hiding behind her hand.

"Why?" Sasuke asked. He sounded confused rather than angry and Hinata felt her spine loosen.

Still, she could only stare at him wordlessly.

Sasuke leaned down, taking hold of her wrist and tugging her hand away from her mouth. "Why?" he asked again.

"Because I want you to be happy," Hinata breathed. She was very aware of the heat of Sasuke's hand on her skin, the intensity of his eyes from up close. "I want you to be happy, but it seems like you want the opposite…It makes me sad that you don't think you deserve to be happy."

"Hinata…" Sasuke seemed to be at a loss for words.

Hinata lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry. I know my opinion holds no weight and it's not my place to say anything. I'm not trying to meddle, I promise."

There was a long pause. Hinata didn't dare lift her gaze. Then Sasuke sighed, squeezing her wrist gently. "Didn't I already tell you that self-deprecating nonsense was annoying?"

Hinata looked up at this. Sasuke's face was impassive as ever, but his eyes were surprisingly gentle.

"Your opinion means something to me," Sasuke told her. His voice was so firm when he said it that it left no room for Hinata to second-guess. He looked at her expectantly and she blinked in confusion before nodding.

"Okay," she whispered.

Nodding back at her, he released her wrist and stepped back. Hinata's arm hung useless in the air before she realized he'd let go. With little else to do, Hinata brushed a lock of hair behind her ears.

"Um…Sasuke-kun?

"Hm?"

"I should go, I have some errands to run," Hinata said. "Thank you for having me."

"You don't have to say that every time," Sasuke said, rolling his eyes.

Hinata shrugged helplessly. "Also…I don't think I'll be able to make it tomorrow."

Sasuke sent her an unreadable look then nodded. "Will you be at home in the afternoon?"

Hinata's brows drew together, but she answered unquestioningly. "I'll be there until noon, probably."

Sasuke nodded wordlessly.

Hinata tilted her head to the side, staring up at him curiously. With his hair shorter, more of his face was visible. Sasuke had brushed his hair over his rinnegan eye but Hinata could still see the milky orb peeking out between dark strands. Suddenly Hinata realized she'd gotten distracted. She blushed under Sasuke's amused gaze and mumbled a soft goodbye before bowing and taking her leave.

Hinata thinks Sasuke is handsome.

Sasuke thinks Hinata is pretty.

Do with that what you will.

Thanks as always for everyone who's reading and leaving reviews! I read all of them and they always make me smile, especially when you guys say I'm managing to brighten your day even just a tiny bit with this fic ^^ And I love hearing about what bits you like, it gets me thinking about what to include in future scenes.

MVH