Next chapter. Please forgive my delay I had some issues with my computer. Enjoy!
In the early morning, as the sun had risen just a few hours before, I woke up lazily to embrace the warmth beside me. However, to my surprise, there was only emptiness, and the remnants of warmth lingered as a silent reminder of the company I had anticipated. Still half-asleep, my hand sought comfort beside me, but instead, I found a piece of paper. Unfolding it, I read the message penned with perfect calligraphy
I'll be back shortly. Sasuke.
His name brought a rush of memories from the previous night, flooding my cheeks with heat. The proposal, his presence, and how he made me feel - all brought overwhelming joy and an uncontrollable laughter at the thought of his love for me.
Attempting to clear my mind amid the laughter, I recalled the moment when he returned to Konoha. His reentry to everyone's life and the chaos it stirred up.
FLASHBACK
He was found at the gates, sitting on a rock, waiting - waiting to be captured, tried, and sentenced to death. His quest for vengeance had ended with the elimination of all who opposed him. Accompanied by Neji-nisan, I had been out shopping for Hanabi's birthday gift when the commotion in the village drew us in. Among the crowd, I spotted him - He was escorted in a procession by an Anbu group, confined by heavy chains, yet he maintained that familiar haughty and proud demeanor as he walked.
-"That bastard"- Neji-nisan's voice rang out in the crowd. Suddenly, his gaze shifted towards us, and our eyes connected, causing an instant shiver to rush down my spine. But when an Anbu pushed him to his knees, I couldn't resist intervening.
-"S-Stop!"- I interjected, standing between them. -"This is beyond your responsibilities."-
-"Move, Hyuuga"- his deep voice whispered behind me, his warm breath gracing my nape.. I stepped aside as they continued, feeling his gaze lingering, though I lacked the courage to meet it.
END OF FLASHBACK
The council's trials commenced to decide the fate of the "Uchiha Assassin" as termed by the people. Despite the truth known only to us ninjas, there was something more evident to me. As the then Hyuuga Clan heir, I was obliged to accompany my father to these trials. Each time, I could only witness a deep sorrow and a silent yearning for death that briefly but constantly flashed across Sasuke-kun's face, swiftly concealed by his signature coldness and elegance. Occasionally, our gazes would intersect, and it was always me who averted my eyes each time. However, on the 20th day of the trial, his destiny was determined, and upon learning of the council's decision, I couldn't help but feel joyous—I was relieved; they had forgiven him. Remarkably, when our eyes met this time, it was the first instance where I didn't look away, and fear did not grip me.
Our subsequent encounters were sporadic, usually from a distance, until we were tasked together on a mission by the Godaime.
FLASHBACK
-"D-Did you call me T-Tsunade-sama?"- I peeked.
-"Come in, Hinata, have a seat."-
I swung the Hokage's office door wide open, revealing him seated in front of the Godaime's desk. I approached and settled in beside him. His gaze briefly met mine before returning to Tsunade-sama.
-"I have a mission for you both, a reconnaissance mission. Despite your condition, Hinata, I need your support. Neji is out of the village, and you are my best option."-
-"C-Count on m-me"- I responded without letting her finish, unwilling to receive pity.
-"It's a nearby village. Do not engage unless they pose a threat. You leave tonight, and the mission will last only 3 days."-
END OF FLASHBACK
But the mission never transpired as the village came under attack that very night.
FLASHBACK
While my team fought bravely to contain the enemies, I focused on guiding the civilians to safety. Despite feeling helpless due to my physical condition, I forgot everything when five enemies broke through my teammates' barrier and rushed toward me. I quickly directed the civilians to run, engaging in combat despite my chakra not flowing properly. Determined to protect the innocent, I used taijutsu to defeat two adversaries, but my lung began to weaken, causing excruciating pain. Two enemies slipped past me toward the civilians. Just then, a flash of white caught my peripheral vision – it had to be an Anbu. With a final blow to one assailant's head, I turned to see both ninja lying lifeless on the ground. As I struggled to breathe and lost consciousness, strong arms lifted me, and I found myself face-to-face with my long-time beloved -"Naruto-kun."-
-"They are retreating, Hinata-chan. I'll take you to the hospital with Tsunade-bachan"- Naruto said with intense sapphire eyes, though I felt nothing in return. -"We'll be there in a second, Dattebayo!"- He looked up. -"Take care of them, Teme!"- I glanced in the same direction, meeting his eyes, then watched as he ran toward the village gates, unsure if I'd ever see him again, feeling… afraid of losing him.
It wasn't until the day I was discharged from the hospital that I encountered him again. As I exited the Hokage's office, I collided with his sturdy torso, sending an electric shock through my spine and ending in a deep blush on my cheeks. I was taken aback to see him and felt a sense of relief knowing he was alive, returning from a mission he'd been sent on alone after the attack.
END OF FLASHBACK
And now here I am, waiting for him to return to his room, reminiscing and giggling like a child, recalling the sequence of events that led to this moment.
Deciding it was time for a shower, I allowed the water to flow for a moment before stepping into the spacious bathtub. As the water cascaded down my body, I felt a gentle sensation brushing against my back. Turning around, I saw him standing there with closed eyes. -"S-Sasuke-kun…"- I uttered softly. His outstretched left hand was likely what I had felt.
-"I'm…"- He hesitated slightly. -"...back."- I understood his unspoken words and, eager to provide reassurance, I approached him. With his eyes still shut, I embraced his neck, bringing my bare skin into contact with his clothed form. His arm securely wrapped around my waist. -"You're h-home"- I whispered, kissing his lips gently, affirming that this place was already our home and finding solace in the hope of our future together.
He calmly broke away, planting a slight kiss on my forehead before stepping out of the shower, eyes still closed. -"Get dressed"- he stated, sounding like an order but conveying familiarity with him. -"I have a surprise for you."-
His warmth lingered on my skin as I realized the intensity of our mutual need. My own longing mirrored his, if not more so. But I was aware of his struggle to contain his desires. However, remembering my delicate condition, I despised myself for suppressing emotions that could no longer be contained for either of us. Determined, I exited the shower and made my way to the room. Upon opening the bathroom door, I was met with the sight of his body lying on the futon. Gathering my resolve, I knew nothing could deter me; I had a plan.
-"S-Sasuke-kun…"- I murmured his name softly, knowing how it would stir his inner desires. His bloody Sharingan eyes met mine. -"T-Take me"- I pleaded as his masculine warmth instantly engulfed me, my eyes failing to catch his movement -"I-I love him and need h-him so desperately that I-I would even give m-my life for him..."-
