Kiba's eyes, a deep shade of brown, focused on the blue-haired woman opposite him. The unsettling news she delivered had him clenching his fists beneath the table. He had stumbled upon Hinata while walking, her demeanor was different and he had to call out to her before she recognized him.
The familiar sparkle in her eyes seemed dimmer, her smile not quite reaching them. He resisted the urge to immediately demand answers, choosing to let her confide at her own pace. When she finally did, he had to cool his expression.
"I've been staying at a hotel for a few nights," she admitted.
Although it caught him off guard, he wasn't entirely surprised. His last encounter with her hinted at unspoken issues, but he was genuinely relieved that she chose to confide in him now. He had taken her to Tamaki's favorite bubble tea spot, a quiet place he hoped would comfort her. The conversation, however, was anything but calm. Kiba simmered with anger when Hinata recounted how Naruto had stood her up for another woman who had proposed to him, apparently.
Suppressing his rising fury, he looked at Hinata's tearful eyes, struggling with the words he wanted to say. He drew a deep breath, his grip tightening momentarily.
"When are you going back home?" he finally asked.
Wiping her eyes, Hinata responded, "Maybe today or tomorrow. I informed the kids, but asked them to keep it from Naruto." Her face crumpled with guilt. "I hate putting them through this. They deserve stability."
Kiba quickly interjected reaching his hand over to hold hers, "Hey, you're an amazing mother. The kids know you're doing your best for them."
She gifted him a heartfelt smile. "Thank you, Kiba-kun."
He drew his hand back and felt the tension ease slightly, prompting him to ask, "Why not stay at the Hyuuga manor?"
Blushing, she replied, "My family isn't aware of our marital issues. It'd be too humiliating, and I don't want to stir up any drama."
Kiba grunted, recognizing Hinata's ever-present tendency to shoulder burdens alone. "Have you talked to anyone else about this, aside from me?"
She hesitated. "Only you. Though...I think Sasuke may know."
His eyebrows rose in surprise. "Sasuke?"
She remained tight-lipped on that, but Kiba's mind raced. His interactions with Hinata had become sporadic over the years, mostly because he felt an awkwardness approaching the married woman he had known for so long. But a vivid memory from five months ago resurfaced: Hinata and Sasuke walking together. The sight of them in such easy company, especially Sasuke's genuine smile in response to Hinata's words, had been a jarring spectacle then.
The weight of that memory felt much heavier now. "Are you and Sasuke…friends?" He asked.
Hinata circled her finger around the rim of her now empty bubble tea cup. Her eyes narrowed in thought. "Not really. We've only spoken a few times."
Kiba realized he wasn't going to get anything more out of her about it, so he dropped it. "I'm glad you feel comfortable opening up to me," he said, grinning.
"Of course. It would be nice if Shino were here." She sighed.
"Yeah, he's been really busy with teaching lately. Maybe one day we all can hang out. Just like the old days!"
Hinata smiled. "I'd like that."
Kiba grinned even wider at seeing her smile again, but inside he was boiling. He needed to take a trip to the Hokage Tower.
XXXXXX
Sasuke's dark eyes lingered over the silhouette of the woman nestled against him, her rhythmic breathing indicating deep slumber. The moments they had shared last night had brought them closer, both emotionally and physically. He wanted this newfound intimacy to last; her distress in the past had been a silent torment for him. Gently disentangling from her embrace, he felt her stir, seeking his warmth, a fleeting expression of discontent marking her features.
He silently moved to their private bathroom to take a shower. As the shower's mist enveloped him, his thoughts wandered. He was supposed to mentor Boruto today, but Naruto apparently sent the new team 7 on a mission. With free time stretching ahead, Sasuke found himself reflecting on the rare moments he had spent lately beyond the training grounds — occasionally helping at home. He remembered Ino teasingly referring to him as a 'house husband'. It took Sakura's quick reflex to change the subject that compelled him to swallow his retort.
The pattering water brought him back to the present, and he ran his fingers through his raven-black hair, letting the cascading water rinse away the lather. As the streams slid down his body, an image of a blue-haired woman slipped into his thoughts. A hint of a smile formed; he had just figured out his day.
Emerging from the bathroom, he leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on his wife's forehead. Sakura responded, eyelids fluttering open, a drowsy veil making them stick momentarily. Noticing his amused gaze, her cheeks tinted pink, and she busied herself with rubbing her eyes.
"I'll be heading out," he stated, his voice a low murmur.
Sakura stifled a yawn, "I could whip up a quick breakfast for you."
He shook his head, "You've got work soon. I'll manage."
Stretching, she asked, her sheets slipping to reveal her bare form, "Any plans?" The candidness with which she held his gaze, unabashed, showcased her confidence - an attribute he deeply admired.
Clearing his throat slightly, he replied, "Thought I'd see if Hinata is up for some training."
Sakura's eyebrows arched, her voice carrying a hint of surprise, "Why?"
He met her gaze evenly. "I made an offer." Recognizing the play of emotions on her face, he added, "If you don't want me to train with her, just say the word."
She bit her lip, contemplating, before finally conceding with a smile, "If you're still at the grounds during my lunch break, I might drop by."
Relief washed over him as he nodded. "Until later," he murmured, leaving the house.
His steps brought him to the Uzumaki residence promptly. Before he could announce his presence, Naruto swung the door open, genuine surprise evident in his cerulean gaze. "Sasuke? Did I forget to tell you about Boruto's mission today?" He scratched his blonde head sheepishly.
"I'm not here for Boruto," Sasuke replied, "Is Hinata around?"
Naruto blinked in confusion, "Why are you looking for her?"
Sasuke's patience waned. "If she's not here, I'll find her elsewhere," he said, already pivoting to leave.
As Sasuke began to turn away, a strong hand gripped his shoulder, halting his exit. The Uchiha looked back, locking eyes with Naruto's inquisitive blue ones.
"Sasuke," Naruto began, his tone more serious than usual. "Why are you looking for Hinata?"
Sasuke's gaze, usually so guarded, softened ever so slightly. He wasn't one for lengthy explanations or excessive words, but for Naruto, an explanation was due. "I offered to train with her. Thought it might be good for both of us."
Naruto's gaze deepened, his eyes searching Sasuke's for a moment longer than usual. His expression was subtly lined with a weariness that Sasuke wasn't accustomed to seeing on the usually upbeat Hokage. "It's a bit strange, you wanting to train with Hinata," Naruto mused, trying to keep his tone light. "But maybe it'll do her some good."
Sasuke, always observant, picked up on the shift in Naruto's demeanor. "Something's bothering you," he stated, not really phrasing it as a question.
Naruto looked taken aback for a moment, then offered a wry smile. "Always perceptive, huh? It's nothing. Just... make sure Hinata's okay, alright?"
Sasuke's dark eyes narrowed slightly, the weight of unspoken words and concerns hanging between them. "I plan to," he replied, letting his friend know that he would indeed look out for Hinata. But internally, Sasuke couldn't help but wonder what exactly was going on.
For a moment, the two old friends stood in silence, each gauging the other's expression.
Finally, Naruto let out a chuckle, breaking the tension. "You always had a way of surprising me, Sasuke. Just... make sure you don't push her too hard, alright?"
Sasuke nodded, appreciating the underlying concern in Naruto's voice. "I have no intention of pushing boundaries. It's just training."
Naruto smirked, "Alright, but if she beats you in a spar, I want to know."
The corner of Sasuke's mouth quirked up in a half-smile. "Dream on, Naruto."
"Do you know where she could be?" Sasuke asked. Naruto looked uncomfortable, rubbing the back of his neck in that same fashion he always did. It annoyed him because he knew the blonde wanted to say something, but was holding back. Not wanting to delve into personal affairs with him, he waved him off. "Never mind, I'll find her."
Sasuke continued on his path, ignoring the chatter of Konoha citizens echoing around him. His mind went back to Naruto's mood. He was accustomed to Naruto's tendency to overshare, often volunteering unsolicited details of his life that Sasuke could've happily lived without. However, today, an awkward silence hung between them, leaving Sasuke with a sense of unease.
Navigating through the busy streets of Konoha, Sasuke's sharp eyes scanned the crowd. It was almost an hour before he spotted Hinata. She was stepping out of a bubble tea café, accompanied by Kiba. The glow that typically resided in her pale eyes was missing, replaced by a hint of redness, an evident sheen suggesting recent tears. As he approached them, he took in the scene, noting Kiba's slightly perturbed expression and how he tried to lighten Hinata's mood by playfully ruffling her hair.
Hinata's reaction was swift, a slight frown accompanying her attempt to bat Kiba's hand away before noticing his presence.
"Sasuke-kun!" Hinata straightened her back, whereas Kiba merely glanced at him, seemingly uninterested.
It was a well-known fact that Hinata shared a profound bond with her former teammates, especially Kiba. Naruto had once mentioned he felt the need to get Kiba's approval before pursuing a relationship with Hinata. Watching their playful banter, Sasuke understood the depth of their bond, their interactions feeling akin to those shared between siblings.
Kiba, turning his focus back on Hinata, gave a wide grin. "Alright, I've got to head out. Good to see you, Sasuke. Later!" With a casual wave, he departed, leaving a quiet space between Sasuke and Hinata.
Hesitating for a brief moment, Sasuke opted for the less personal inquiry. "Ready for some training?" he ventured.
Hinata looked taken aback. "T-Training? Now?" She blinked in surprise.
As Sasuke's gaze settled on Hinata, he noted she wasn't in her usual training attire. Instead, she wore a soft yellow sundress that gracefully hugged her figure, cinching slightly at the waist and flaring gently around her knees. The fabric seemed light and airy, with a subtle floral pattern embroidered into it. The dress had a delicate scoop neckline which was modest but hinted at her collarbones, and dainty cap sleeves that allowed the sun to kiss her shoulders.
Sasuke couldn't help but think she looked like a very elegant, reserved woman getting ready for a lunch date rather than a shinobi ready for training. The outfit, though undeniably charming, seemed quite impractical for their intended purpose. Still, he couldn't deny how well it suited her, showcasing her grace and soft femininity.
Sasuke's thoughts swirled, and he forced himself to shake them away. His gaze had inadvertently settled on Hinata again. The blush that bloomed on her cheeks indicated she felt the weight of his eyes. He mentally kicked himself. It wasn't a matter of affection; he deeply loved his wife. But he couldn't ignore the gentle beauty that emanated from Hinata. It always struck him how seemingly unaware she was of her own allure.
Interrupting the moment, he cleared his throat, "Perhaps we should stop by a discount store. You could use some training pants."
She made a slight face, that same squirrel look, but it also brought an unintended smile to his face.
"That sounds... fine," she replied.
Nodding, Sasuke gestured for her to accompany him. As they entered the store, he felt a familiar sensation – the prying eyes of strangers, mostly women, who seemed unabashedly curious. He found it increasingly challenging to suppress his annoyance, especially when Hinata shot him a cheeky, knowing look before quickly pretending to be engrossed in the racks of clothing.
Although Hinata's presence was often a calming force, there was a playful side to her that he rarely saw, but often found entertaining given her reserved nature.
As he browsed around the shop, trailing behind the small framed woman, he realized that five minutes turned ito fifteen. He watched her deliberate over styles of pants, his patience was starting to shorten. In a decisive move, he selected a pair of black cargo shorts and headed to the cashier.
She protested, "Sasuke-kun, I was considering a different pair..."
His stern gaze silenced her momentarily. After paying, he handed her the shorts, stating, "There's no need for reimbursement."
She looked genuinely troubled. "This isn't the first time you've done this for me. I should repay you."
He responded firmly, "Training with me will suffice." Without waiting, he vaulted onto a rooftop, making his way to the training grounds, leaving her to catch up to him.
Upon reaching the training ground, he granted Hinata the courtesy of privacy, turning away as she adjusted her attire. When he finally looked back, the sight of the sundress tucked haphazardly into the cargo shorts was almost comical. Yet, he refrained from any overt reaction, knowing their training session was about to begin.
Without any warning, Sasuke lunged forward, his fist aimed straight at Hinata's face. Reacting just in time, she fluidly sidestepped, evading his strike. Their dance began—his aggressiveness meeting her precise, controlled movements. They exchanged blows, yet Sasuke could sense a restraint in Hinata's actions.
Each time he advanced, Hinata would counter but without the force he knew she was capable of. The weight of her attacks, the speed of her movements, everything seemed tempered. Sasuke, pushing the envelope further, tried to provoke her into unleashing her full potential, coming at her with sharper jabs, quicker strikes, even weaving in some of his Sharingan-induced techniques, but she continued to move with a calculated restraint.
His growing frustration culminated in a sudden, decisive move. He cornered Hinata against a tree, a kunai pressed lightly against her throat. "Why are you holding back?" he demanded, his eyes searching hers for an answer.
She responded coolly, even with the blade at her neck, "I'm not holding back."
In a flash, she used gentle fist, targeting Sasuke's chakra points. He felt a sudden jolt, forcing him to stagger back, momentarily stunned by the unexpected power behind her attack. The atmosphere grew tenser as they continued to spar. But Sasuke's impatience for her to reveal her true strength was palpable.
Seeking to ruffle her emotional barriers, Sasuke called out as they exchanged blows, "Has your marriage improved since our last conversation?"
The blow, though metaphorical, hit harder than any physical one could. Hinata's expression tightened, her eyes darkening with a mix of hurt and anger. Sasuke had struck a nerve. The air around them became charged as Hinata's movements grew fiercer, her attacks more relentless.
She was no longer just evading his advances. Hinata was retaliating, matching him move for move, blow for blow. The training ground echoed with the sounds of their combat. Sasuke finally saw the formidable Hinata in all her glory, her skills and power unhindered by any reservations.
The rush of the fight surged through Sasuke, electrifying him with every move and dodge. Every clash, every parry between them painted a different side of Hinata, a side he'd never witnessed before. It was exhilarating to watch her keep pace with him, their synchronized dance of combat revealing her formidable prowess.
A smirk tugged at the corner of Sasuke's mouth as he narrowly dodged one of her swift punches. "Seems your ninja skills haven't dulled in the slightest," he remarked, genuine admiration tinting his voice.
That comment seemed to have caught Hinata off-guard. The surprise in her pale lavender eyes was evident. Her focus wavered for a split second, her feet tangling with each other. She stumbled, the momentum from her last punch carrying her forward. But before she could meet the ground, Sasuke's arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her into an unexpected embrace and saving her from an ungraceful fall.
Their eyes met, both slightly out of breath, the world momentarily pausing around them.
The lingering heat between them was strong as Hinata held his gaze for just a beat longer than usual. But soon, with an abrupt shift in energy, she withdrew from their closeness, her cheeks stained with a light flush.
"I needed this," Hinata murmured. She hesitated, as if on the verge of sharing something more personal, "Naruto-kun, he…"
Sasuke's chest rose and fell as he caught his breath, an eyebrow arching in curiosity, urging her to continue. But before she could divulge any more, a familiar voice rippled through the clearing.
"Sasuke? Hinata?"
Looking up, Sasuke's dark eyes found Sakura approaching, arms laden with two beautifully packed bento boxes and bottled water, her green eyes shining with warmth and care.
"I thought you two might be hungry and thirsty after all that training," she remarked, a sincere smile curling her lips as she glanced at her husband.
Hinata's initial look of puzzlement swiftly transformed into one of genuine delight. "Sakura-chan!" she greeted, her voice brimming with fondness.
Sasuke's heart swelled with a warmth of its own as Sakura handed him a bento box, their fingers brushing momentarily. When she pressed a tender kiss to his cheek, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. However, catching Hinata's gaze in that intimate moment, both of them looked away, a tinge of pink gracing their cheeks.
"You didn't have to do this," Sasuke murmured, voice laced with gratitude.
Sakura simply chuckled, "I wanted to." She handed Hinata her share, her eyes playful. "So, how was training with my husband?"
"Sasuke-kun is very strong." Hinata said, wiping the sweat off her forehead as took the bento box and water Sakura handed to her.
"Don't sell yourself short. You're strong too. You need to have more confidence in yourself." He said as he sat on the ground slightly struggling to open his bento box with one hand. Sakura immediately came to his side to open the lid for him before turning to Hinata's side to chat with her.
Hinata and Sakura delved into conversation about Sakura's work at the hospital, sharing stories of her latest patients and the challenges they presented. He observed Hinata as she listened intently to his wife, her eyes glowing with genuine interest. Every so often, she would chime in with her own experiences, or ask Sakura for advice on certain medical techniques.
Sasuke, seated a bit apart, continued to eat, his eyes flitting between the two women. He was silent but observant, catching the nuances in their conversation. It was nice to see them bond, given the limited interactions they had shared in the past. He knew his wife had always been fond of Hinata, but she never interacted with her as much as she had with Ino.
But as the minutes rolled on, Sasuke could see the telltale signs of Hinata's need to leave — the slight shifts in her posture, the quick glances towards the edge of the training ground.
"I don't want to intrude," Hinata began, her voice gentle yet firm. "You should have this time with your husband, Sakura-chan." She gestured toward her untouched bento. "I can take this and..."
Sakura looked up, surprised. "Oh, Hinata! Don't feel you have to go on my account. Stay and eat. Or," she added with a cheeky grin, "you could take the bento to Naruto and share it with him."
At the mere mention of Naruto's name, Sasuke noticed the change in Hinata's demeanor. Her eyes dimmed slightly, and the atmosphere around her grew more subdued. Sakura, however, seemed blissfully unaware, still wearing her cheerful expression.
Sasuke cleared his throat. "Actually, I was thinking of doing some more training after we eat. You're still up for it, right, Hinata?" His question was casual on the surface, but underneath, he was driven by a gnawing curiosity. He wanted to circle back to the conversation they were having before Sakura's arrival, to uncover the words that Hinata had left unsaid.
Hinata looked at him, the hint of surprise clear in her eyes, but it was soon replaced with determination. "Of course," she replied. "I'd like to continue training."
Sakura glanced down at her watch. "Looks like I won't have time to sit much longer anyways. My lunch break is almost over," she whined.
Sasuke looked up at her, a softness in his eyes that only ever appeared for a select few. "Thank you for bringing lunch," he said, his voice low and genuine.
Sakura smiled brightly, a slight tease in her tone. "Just making sure you don't forget to eat while training. You tend to have a one track mind whenever you train." she took a few steps backward, waving. "I'll see you around, Hinata. And I'll see you at home, Sasuke-kun." She blushed.
A warmth spread through Sasuke's chest as he watched her smile. He followed her retreating figure until it vanished from his line of sight. Setting his now empty bento box aside, he refocused his attention on Hinata.
"You seemed like you wanted to say something earlier," he ventured cautiously. "Was there something on your mind before Sakura arrived?"
Hinata's reaction was subtle but noticeable; a brief tightening of her eyes. "It's... nothing. Let's just drop it."
The air between them grew tense. Sasuke recalled those nights, just before he'd left Konoha for five months. A unique bond had been forged between him and Hinata. His own relationship with Sakura had been strained, and it appeared that Hinata's bond with Naruto had its own set of challenges. It turned out Hinata also enjoyed the quietness at the lakeside under the canopy of stars. She had been there first on that first night he saw her sitting by the water. He almost turned to leave because he didn't want to be around anyone, but she told him to stay. So he did. They'd shared many such nights, finding comfort in mutual silence, lost in their own thoughts.
Then, one night, the dam had broken. Hinata's voice, laced with sadness, had confessed her struggles with her marriage. Sasuke remembered how that confession had caught him off guard. Yet, he didn't interrupt. Instead, he offered a listening ear, realizing deep within himself that he related to her same sentiments. It wasn't like they made plans to meet there; their meetings were always random, but he found it interesting that they both came there to be alone in their thoughts because they were depressed about the state of their marriage.
"Okay, finish eating and we'll train again." He said.
From the corner of his eye, he could see Hinata's sigh in relief. Annoyed that no one was telling him anything, he decided to focus his attention on throwing kunai daggers at the bullseye dartboard on the tree stump until she finished eating.
XXXXXX
Training with Sasuke was demanding. Hinata's muscles ached as she sprawled on the forest floor, absorbing its refreshing coolness. Her gaze flitted to Sasuke who, drenched in sweat, was now greedily drinking the water Sakura had given him.
"I feel as if I've been trampled by a herd of wild boars," Hinata murmured, envisioning the relief of a warm bath.
"Give it a few days," Sasuke responded, extending the water bottle towards her. "Here."
Initially, she hesitated. The idea of sharing a drink felt unexpectedly intimate. But Sasuke, ever the pragmatist, pressed the bottle closer, making his intentions clear. Relenting, she drank, quenching her thirst and relishing the cool sensation.
As she lowered the bottle, she caught him observing her with an unusual intensity.
"Did I spill some?" she asked self-consciously.
"No," was his simple reply.
She gathered herself up, noticing that he was still watching her. "Then why the intense look?"
"What's been happening between you and Naruto?" he inquired, his tone uncharacteristically blurted the words out.
She hesitated, caught off-guard. "W-Why?"
"Naruto's been... off. Even Boruto seemed distracted during our last training session." His piercing eyes didn't waver from hers.
With a deep breath, Hinata confessed, "I've been distancing myself from him." She recalled that one vulnerable moment when she'd confided in Sasuke about her marital struggles. He had been surprisingly easy to talk to after that. She felt like he saw a very vulnerable layer of herself, but he did not once judge her or try to offer advice, he just listened. She always appreciated that.
Hesitatingly, she met his gaze, finding silent encouragement. "He forgot about our date night, choosing someone else's company over mine."
She watched a slew of emotions flit across Sasuke's face, a rarity for the stoic Uchiha.
She rushed on, her voice tinged with sorrow, "I don't believe he's cheating. How could he choose another woman over his own wife? I'm just an afterthought to him."
As her vision blurred with tears, she whispered, "You probably think I'm so annoying."
Before she knew it, she felt Sasuke's comforting hand atop her head. Looking up, she found him avoiding her gaze.
"Naruto, for all his qualities, can be clueless," he mused. "He's imperfect, but he cherishes you."
Hinata's gaze lingered on Sasuke's face. There was a certain enigma to him, a depth she'd not truly noticed before. The angle of the sun seemed to illuminate the finer details of his features: the sharp cut of his jaw, the way his dark hair framed his face, and those deep onyx eyes that always seemed distant, but now, just for a moment, felt incredibly present.
For years, she'd heard the whispers and giggles of her classmates, admiring his aloof charisma, and it had always been something she'd never given much thought to. But now, looking up at him in this vulnerable moment, feeling the weight of his empathy and understanding, she finally saw it. She understood the magnetic pull that drew so many to him.
The contours of his face, shaped by years of hardships and battles, yet still retaining that youthful intensity, took on a new meaning. It wasn't just the physical allure; it was the man he had become, the depth of his character that shone through.
Suddenly, she found herself wondering: if she had met this Sasuke, this kinder, more introspective version, back in their academy days, would she too have been one of those girls giggling and blushing at the mere mention of his name? The thought made her cheeks warm as she quickly averted her eyes. How strange it was to notice these things about Sasuke, especially now, as a married woman. She shook her head and took a step away from Sasuke.
Hinata took a deep breath, steadying herself, "Thank you, Sasuke-kun, for the training session today." She lowered her head in a sign of gratitude.
Sasuke, looking ever indifferent, replied, "No need to thank me. How about we do this again tomorrow?"
His suggestion caught her by surprise. The rigorous training, the raw intensity of their sparring – she hadn't experienced something like that in quite some time. A flurry of excitement coursed through her. After all, these sessions were a welcome distraction from the emotional turbulence she was grappling with these past few days.
Meeting his gaze, she asked, "At the same time?"
"Same time," he confirmed, raising a hand in a casual wave. Pausing momentarily, his usually stoic face breaking into a smirk. "And for the record, you've never been an annoyance to me."
She barely had time to process his words, her cheeks tinting a soft pink, before he began to walk away, leaving her in the cool shade of the trees. Her thoughts, still fresh from their shared training, now began to drift towards Naruto. The weight of their unresolved issues pulled her expression into a frown. Not tonight, she decided. She wasn't ready to face him just yet. Another day, perhaps.