Breakfast that morning wasn't as awkward as dinner the night before had been. It was as if Sasuke had been joining them for dinner every night for the past fourteen years. Boruto wouldn't stop talking Sasuke's ear off about training him, so much so that Naruto had to step in once he saw how annoyed Sasuke was becoming. Himawari, on the other hand, complained that she hadn't gotten to spend any time alone with Sasuke like Boruto had, and maybe she wanted training too.
Hinata could only offer him an apologetic smile at how noisy the children were being.
Despite the chaos earlier, there hadn't been any sense of awkwardness. But now with just the two of them, the atmosphere felt stifling. Her white eyes glanced over at the raven-haired male sitting next to her on the couch, his eyes glued to the television.
The air surrounding them was currently suffocating her. She assumed Sasuke was going to take care of a few things for the day considering everything that had happened yesterday. Yet, he sat down next to her as if he didn't have a care in the world. He was slouched on the couch, with his head resting against the backrest. It looked so uncharacteristic of him, but he seemed comfortable. Maybe she would be seeing more of this side of Sasuke in the upcoming days. Though, he hadn't said a word to her since he sat down.
That was thirty minutes ago.
Shifting uncomfortably, Hinata side-eyed the Uchiha. "Um, Sasuke-kun, are you feeling okay?"
He rolled his head to face her. "I'm great."
The tone was dripping in sarcasm. Hinata frowned, her brows furrowing with concern. "You don't sound okay…"
Sasuke flicked his eyes back towards the television. "I thought I told you that I didn't want to hear anything while I'm here."
Her heart felt like it was on the verge of exploding as she scooted as far away from Sasuke as possible. After dinner, Naruto wouldn't stop giving her the look the moment they entered their bedroom. The last thing she wanted was to be embarrassed if Sasuke's ears heard the tiniest noise, but Naruto promised he knew how to keep it down. She was certain that she and Naruto were quiet.
"I-I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun!" She quickly apologized.
Sasuke sat up. "Let's just pretend it didn't happen and it won't happen again while I'm here," he said, turning to glance at her, his eyes widened for a moment as the corner of his lip twitched. "Your face looks like a tomato."
Hinata grabbed the decorative pillow on the couch and tossed it at Sasuke. "Of course it would! I'm embarrassed!" she exclaimed.
"You don't have to be. If it helps, I didn't hear you. Only your loud-mouthed husband and the bed moving…"
"It doesn't help," she muttered.
Silence filled the room once more as one of her favorite romance movies began to play. She glanced at Sasuke and back to the movie. She didn't want to miss it, but she also didn't want to bore Sasuke with something he might not be interested in. Naruto, despite his efforts, never held any interest in the movies she liked. Kiba teased her about them, even though he watched them with her sometimes when he visited, and Shino found them cheesy. It wouldn't surprise her if Sasuke felt the same way as her husband. Sasuke didn't seem like the type to enjoy romance movies. In fact, she was surprised he was even watching TV. He didn't strike her as someone who watched anything.
She reached for the remote, but Sasuke snatched it before she could grab it.
"Sasuke-kun?" she questioned.
"Your eyes lit up when this started. This is your house. Don't change anything because I'm here. Watch it. Besides, I'm planning on leaving eventually anyway to start looking for a place." He slowly set the remote down, but then, as if reconsidering, he placed it on the other side of him, further away from Hinata. "So, what's this movie about?"
Hinata could only stare in shock. That wasn't something she was expecting. As she began to tell him about the premise of the movie, he actually listened. He mentioned that Sakura rarely watched romance movies, but he remembered that his mother loved them. It was one of his guilty pleasures as a kid because it was time spent with his mother.
As the movie played in the background, Hinata couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between Sasuke and her husband, Naruto, when it came to watching movies together. With Naruto, it was always a struggle to keep him awake during romantic scenes. He'd nod off within the first few minutes, leaving Hinata to watch alone, longing for someone to share the experience with.
But with Sasuke, it was different. He didn't seem disinterested or impatient like Naruto often did. Instead, he was engaged, offering comments and observations that showed he was actually paying attention to the movie.
Hinata couldn't help but admire the lead actress's beauty. "She's so beautiful," she remarked softly, her eyes fixed on the screen.
Sasuke glanced at the actress briefly before shrugging. "I guess she's alright," he replied casually, his attention more focused on Hinata than the movie.
Hinata smiled, knowing Sasuke's comments weren't meant to be dismissive. "You don't think she's beautiful?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Sasuke shook his head. "It's not that. She just reminds me of TenTen," he explained.
Hinata chuckled softly, picturing the resemblance. "I can see that," she agreed, turning her gaze back to the screen. "TenTen is quite beautiful also," she whispered.
Sasuke's expression remained guarded, his words laced with a hint of tension as he changed the topic. "Do you ever find yourself questioning the decisions you've made, even when you know they're the right ones?"
The switch in conversation caught her off guard. She almost wondered if it showed on her face because Sasuke quickly averted his gaze when she looked at him.
"I have, but it's important to trust in yourself and your reasons for making those decisions in the first place." She said.
He nodded. "With Sakura... it's complicated. I need distance from her, but I'm afraid she might try to persuade me otherwise if she sees me and I don't want to go back on my feelings."
Hinata's expression softened as she observed Sasuke. She was continuously uncovering new layers to his personality, revelations that often caught her by surprise and left her intrigued.
"I understand. Separating from someone you've shared so much with must be daunting. But remember, your well-being matters too. There was a reason you wanted to divorce, r-right? Just trust your instincts and prioritize your own happiness."
Her thoughts momentarily drifted to her own relationship with Naruto. She couldn't deny the effort he had been putting into their marriage lately, his actions reflecting the promises he made to be a better husband and father. There was a newfound warmth in their home, a sense of completeness she hadn't felt in years. Naruto's presence had become a comfort, his dedication to their family unwavering.
Yet, despite his efforts, a small seed of doubt lingered within her heart. The wounds of neglect and distance ran deep, and while she appreciated his renewed commitment, a part of her wondered if it was too late for them. Hinata couldn't shake the feeling that they had drifted too far apart, their bond strained by years of neglect and unspoken longing.
It had been lingering in her mind for the past few weeks, gradually intensifying.
They remained in a comfortable silence, the movie playing in the background as they watched. Hinata found herself enjoying the moment, feeling a sense of ease in Sasuke's presence. Perhaps he was beginning to feel more at ease with her too.
"You'll have to tell me how the movie ends," Sasuke announced as he rose from his spot.
Hinata smiled, though she felt a bit disappointed he was leaving now. "Of course."
As Sasuke made his way towards the door, he paused and turned back to face her. His words caught her off guard. "Your kids can be a handful at times, but you've raised them well. You're a good mother."
Hinata felt a swell of warmth at his unexpected compliment. Before she could respond, Sasuke was already out the door.
XXXXX
Sakura hesitated outside Naruto's office. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation she was about to have, before pushing open the door and stepping inside.
Naruto looked up from his desk, his expression softening when he saw Sakura. "Hey. What brings you here?"
Sakura forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I... I need to talk to you, Naruto. It's about Sasuke."
Naruto's gaze flickered to the side momentarily, and Sakura had the sinking feeling that he already knew what she was going to say. "I know. Sasuke told me yesterday."
Sakura's shoulders sagged. Of course Sasuke had gone to Naruto with their problems. It wasn't surprising, but it still stung that he couldn't have kept it between them for a bit longer. "I see," she murmured.
"I'm really sorry about what happened between you and Sasuke. I know how much you care about him." Naruto appeared as though he had experienced the pain of divorce himself. Remorse and sadness clouded his blue eyes.
Sakura nodded, but a nagging feeling lingered in the back of her mind. If Naruto had encountered Sasuke the other day, it was unlikely that he would have simply let him wander the village all night. Knowing her friend, Naruto probably offered Sasuke a place to stay for the night.
"Thanks, Naruto. But there's something else…"
Naruto raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.
"Sasuke-kun... he's staying with you, isn't he?" Sakura tried to swallow the bitter taste as her heart pounded.
Naruto's expression tightened, and Sakura could tell she had hit a nerve. "Yeah, he is. Just until he finds a new place."
Sakura's fists clenched at her sides. "And you didn't think to tell me this? To ask me if I was okay with it first?"
Naruto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Sakura-chan, it all happened so suddenly. Sasuke only came to stay last night, and I've been swamped with work since this morning. I didn't have a chance to tell you."
Sakura's frustration boiled over. "So you just decided to let him stay without even considering how I might feel about it? What about Hinata? Is she okay with having Sasuke-kun around?"
Naruto's jaw clenched, his blue eyes flashed with irritation. "Hinata is fine with it. And honestly, that's none of your business. Sasuke needed a place to stay, and I wasn't going to let him stay in a hotel all alone."
Sakura's anger deflated slightly at Naruto's words, but she couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal. "I understand that you care about him, Naruto. But what about me? Don't I deserve some consideration too?"
Naruto's expression softened, but there was a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Of course you do. And I'm sorry if I didn't handle this the right way. But Sasuke is my friend too, and I couldn't turn him away when he needed help."
Sakura's jaw tightened, her own frustration bubbling to the surface. "I understand that. But sometimes it feels like you're always putting Sasuke's needs above mine."
Naruto's patience was wearing thin. "That's not fair, Sakura-chan. I'm just trying to be there for him."
Sakura's eyes flashed with irritation. "And what about being there for me, Naruto? Do my feelings not matter?"
Naruto sighed, running a hand through his hair once more, trying to calm down his annoyance. "Of course your feelings matter, Sakura. But this isn't about choosing sides. Sasuke needed a place to stay, and I couldn't just turn him away."
Sakura's frustration ebbed slightly at Naruto's words, but she still felt a pang of hurt. "I know. I just wish you had talked to me about it first."
Naruto's expression softened, but there was a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. "Sure, Sakura. I'll try to do better next time," he replied, his tone tinged with irony.
Sakura, caught up in her own emotions, didn't pick up on Naruto's sarcasm. She nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Naruto. I appreciate that."
"Anytime, Sakur-chana. And remember, I'm here for you, no matter what," he said sincerely.
Sakura nodded, but as she left the office, a sense of sadness lingered within her. She couldn't shake the feeling of being pushed aside, even by her closest friend.
XXXXX
Leaning against the door panel with her arms crossed, Sarada watched with a mixture of annoyance and resignation as her father followed the realtor around the small two-bedroom home. She knew this was just another step in the process of her parents' divorce, but it didn't make it any easier to accept.
As they walked through the house, the realtor pointed out various features and amenities, but Sarada's attention was elsewhere. She couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment knowing that her parents wouldn't be living together anymore. It wasn't something she had ever imagined, and the reality of it all was sinking in slowly.
Eventually, they made their way to the back of the house, where a small garden awaited them. Sarada's eyes lit up at the sight of it, finding solace in the peacefulness of the greenery.
"How do you like the place, Sarada?" Sasuke's voice broke through her thoughts, drawing her attention away from the garden and back to the real world.
Sarada glanced at the realtor, who was waiting expectantly for her response. She could sense his eagerness to please, but also his subtle attempt to upsell them to a larger property.
"I think…" Sarada started, but was interrupted by the realtor.
"I know you mentioned that you were just looking for something small and cozy," the realtor chimed in. "But if you're interested, I have a few listings for much bigger homes that might suit your needs."
Sarada met her father's gaze, noticing the flicker of annoyance in his eyes at the realtor's interruption. Before he could say anything else, Sarada decided to speak up.
"I like it here," she said, her tone firm and decisive. "Especially the garden. It's nice."
Sasuke regarded her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word to the realtor, he turned his attention back to Sarada.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice gentle yet tinged with concern. "We can look at other options if you're not satisfied."
Sarada shook her head, offering him a small but genuine smile. "I'm sure, Dad. This place feels right."
Sasuke's lips curved into a rare smile, a flicker of warmth in his eyes. "Alright then. We'll take it," he said, turning to the realtor to finalize the arrangements.
Once Sasuke finished speaking with the realtor, the two bowed and parted ways. As they left the house, Sarada felt a sense of relief wash over her. Despite the changes happening in her family, she was glad to have found a place that felt like it could become a home, a second home.
She followed her father out of the home and back out to the bustling streets of Konoha.
"Aren't you forgetting the keys?" Sarada asked, looking back in the direction they came from.
"No. I'll pick up the keys this Sunday. That's when I'll move in. I'll stop by the house to pick up some of my things that morning. Be sure to tell your mother that for me, okay?"
Sarada pressed her lips. "Why can't you just tell her?"
She heard the tiniest click of his teeth, and she clenched her hands. Technically, she was a child, and Sarada was very aware of that, but despite that, she did understand what was going on. More than her parents realized. She didn't want to see her father avoiding her mother, because it would cause her more pain than he had already caused. He would just get in the habit of relying on her to relay a message to her mother, which would create a huge gap between them.
No. She didn't want that.
"I'm going to be really busy this week preparing for things…" his eye shifted ever so subtly as he inhaled, his nostrils flared. "It's just easier that way...if you don't mind, Sarada?"
Her father had many tells. Tells that she was certain only she knew. The one he just did showed her that he was feeling anxious, and it would be best if she backed off for now.
"Papa, can we spend the rest of the day together?" Sarada looked up at her father.
"Of course. Where do you want to go first?"
Sarada couldn't resist the chance to go to the library with her father. The moment she mentioned her destination, she noticed his bright smile, and it made her smile too.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Author's Note:
I apologize for the delay in updating and for the shorter chapter! Usually, when I take longer to upload, I compensate with a longer chapter, but this time I decided to publish what I have rather than stressing over its length. Going forward, the chapter lengths may vary, but I'll strive to maintain the usual length.
In this chapter, the focus on SasuHina is primarily on their blossoming friendship, which will deepen further in future chapters. Rest assured, Kiba isn't going to let anyone take his title as Hinata Uzumaki's "Number One Best Friend." Haha. Their bond will evolve uniquely as they reveal sides of themselves not typically shown to others.
I want to emphasize that there won't be any cheating in this story. However, there will be moments of jealousy and a significant scandal once the SasuHina relationship develops. I aim to portray these aspects realistically, so they won't be easily brushed aside. The romance between Sasuke and Hinata will be a slow burn, gradually building up until it reaches a tipping point. Naruto and Hinata's journey to divorce will unfold gradually, with cracks in their relationship becoming more evident over time, particularly during Sasuke's stay with the Uzumakis. This chapter takes place on a Monday, and Sasuke will be living with them until the following Sunday, during which many events will unfold.
Until the next time, Space Cowboy…oh wait, that's a different one…, anyway…thanks for reading!