Upload Date: 04/09/2024

Disclaimer: Obligatory statement that these characters are not and will not be mine.

Chapter 13 – Preparations

"Do you know who the letters went to?"

"I have no idea the particulars, milady. From what I heard, it clear that they went to noble families within the Land of Fire. Though I cannot guarantee that none were sent to families outside of our borders."

Hinata sunk into her bed, clutching the blankets with more tightness than she meant to. "Very well. Thank you, Hirumi. If you hear anything else, please keep me informed."

"Of course, milady." Hirumi assured, leaving Hinata's room.

She rubbed her hands against each other and brought them to her lips as she closed her eyes.

Her father would not willingly send any letters to any other country. No, he most likely had limited the letters to the Land of Fire, that much she could be sure of.

Families here within this countries' borders then. She ran through the list in her mind, wincing as she thought of certain men.

She would fight with her father to choose the man at least. If she could choose amongst them then perhaps, she would do alright.

A knock sounded at the door and Hinata opened her eyes and lifted her face. "Yes?"

"It's me, Tenten!"

"Come in!"

She wiped the forming tears hurriedly from her face as she greeted her future cousin with a warm embrace.

"Have you and Neji finished sending your invitations?"

Tenten nodded enthusiastically, her smile widening. "I sent out the ones for the Land of Fire a week ago and today he is personally inviting the noble families here in Konoha and Lady Fifth. From what I understand, the formal letters will be sent by your family later today."

Hinata nodded. "That's right. I am so excited for you both though it a bit of a quick wedding," she lamented, missing Tenten's suddenly flushed face, "We would be able to make it more grand for you both if we had more time-"

"Do not worry about that." Tenten interrupted, taking Hinata's hands in hers, "I'm just happy your family supports our decision."

"Of course, Tenten! You know we love you and are happy to welcome you into our home and family. I already consider you part of it."

Tenten smiled, giddily, her brown eyes radiating exuberant happiness that Hinata found herself longing for that.

"Now," Hinata started, ignoring her melancholy, "There is much to discuss still and we must arrange for the Yamanaka's to provide use with the floral arrangements…"

And Tenten and Hinata spent the rest of the midday talking about beautiful wedding preparations.

Izumi had brought him the letter originally, late last evening. He had read it and decided to tackle the issue in the morning, once Sasuke was awake and in a better mood, though that seemed to be incredibly seldom these days.

He reread through the letter slowly, coughing as he straightened his hold on it, lowering his eyes as Izumi knocked on the door to his office.

"Darling, Sasuke is here now. Should I let him know?"

"I can do that. Just let him in please." Itachi answered, hoisting himself up in his chair. Lately the sickness had been weighing heavier than usual and important matters were more often delegated to his younger brother as he could due to the pain that was occasional, but forceful.

He made a mental note to send Sasuke to pick up the visit schedule that Lady Fifth had personally drafted for him.

Sasuke walked into his office, glancing warily at his older brother. "You look unwell. Do you want me handle today's tasks?"

Itachi shook his head, waving the letter carelessly. "Trust me, it's not the business that has me this weak."

"Then what?"

"It seems it's time for you to think about marriage again."

Instantly Sasuke frowned and Itachi could not help but be amused at his younger brother's antics.

"Not that again. You wish to see me a fool once more?"

"Nobody found out that your fiancée had been stealing from her family's business and had a tryst with a stable boy. They just thought you found her unpleasing."

"Nevertheless, I know. And it's insulting."

Itachi could not help the smile that crossed his face. It was endearing the way Sasuke complained. It gave him fond memories of the times in which they were younger and their parents had to deal with his childish antics.

"Lord Hyuuga has sent me a letter informing me of Lady Hinata's wishes to marry."

Sasuke cocked an eyebrow. "Surely you jest."

"It is what her father wants anyway. As one of the noble families in Konoha, I do not think this is disadvantageous."

"You want me to court her?"

"You act as if she is awful, brother. You have known her since young, have you not?"

"Well yes, but she's not-" Sasuke trailed off as flashes of pink hair and green eyes crossed his memories and his eyes darkened considerably.

Itachi was not slow to notice. "You prefer Miss Sakura?"

"I never said that."

His tone was angry and confirmed Itachi's suspicions. He chose to ignore them however and presented Sasuke with the letter so he could read it, standing, so that he was at eye level with his brother.

"Do you dislike Lady Hinata?"

"No."

"Is she unpleasant for you to look at?"

"No."

"Is her status unbecoming to you?"

"No"

"Do you think she would make a good wife?"

Sasuke clicked his tongue in irritation at the back-to-back questions. "I suppose."

"Then what is your objection?"

"She tended to prefer the blonde and idiotic type."

Itachi paused. "Is that so?"

"It's a well-known secret among those in our year."

"Am I to suppose that all, but Mr. Uzumaki knew that?"

"That's correct."

"Then I do not see the harm in becoming friendlier with her. Especially if Naruto does not reciprocate her feelings."

Sasuke gritted his teeth. "Is this a formal request from the head of Uchiha, or brotherly advice?"

"Brotherly advice of course. I wish to see you happy. Dwelling on the past will not make the future any brighter."

Sasuke sighed again, willing away the images of pink and green that burned his chest like salt on an open wound.

This situation would bite him in the ass, he just knew it.

"Very well then."

Ino let out a content sigh as she allowed herself a couple of moments to bask in the afterglow, before beginning to dress herself again, not sparing a glance at the handsome shinobi who was still lying next to her.

Genma looked over at her, a senbon in his mouth as he peered at her curiously. "Are you really certain you'd like to keep doing this?"

Ino turned to give him a glance which quickly turned into a glare. "Well, if I must marry a nobleman then I can have all the fun that he is certainly having, don't you agree?"

"It certainly would be fair."

Ino pursed her lips in annoyance. "Are you not enjoying my company?"

"I've enjoyed this quite a bit…but this is certainly reckless."

"Having second thoughts?"

"No." The response was quick and he pressed a light kiss on her shoulder blade that made Ino smile. "Only that if anyone discovers us not only will your father kill me, but you shall be disgraced."

Ino simply shrugged her shoulders as she put the gown over her body, raising her eyebrow as Genma stared at her. "I do not care about being disgraced. It is equally disgraceful to marry without love. It is pure dishonesty. Not that my father understands that at all."

He was silent as she finished dressing herself.

"I am a proper lady, Genma. We have few choices. For now, I choose to keep meeting with you in secret. Until I am no longer interested or until you decide another woman has captured your interest."

He laughed in response. "Do you think another woman would be able to enthrall my interest such as you?"

She did not laugh, but instead gave him a wistful smile. "I wish for you to be happy and I know well enough that it will not be with me."

"I have no plans of the sort." Genma repeated.

"Then I can expect to see you again?"

"Of course, milady."

"Good." She whispered against his ear and winked as she walked away as she left him to dress.

Leaving behind the decrepit shack in the forest, she walked towards her estate, taking her time as the sun was still high in the sky.

The guards opened the fence for her, entering the familiar large gardens in full bloom as she did her usual inspections.

She peered over the flowers and examined those that she could, murmuring to herself and taking mental notes of which flowers were doing well and which needed more attention, fanning herself as she walked the fields thoroughly before heading inside her home.

Her handmaiden was at the servant's entrance, waiting anxiously for her on an old stool before she leapt up in half happiness and half anxiousness.

"Lady Ino! Your father was asking for you."

"Oh no need to worry, Lekki. I was simply doing my routine walk through our gardens."

Lekki peered around the corner, ensuring there was nobody around. "Milady, you must really not continue to do this."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Milady." Lekki begged, glancing warily towards the center hall where no doubt Lord Yamanaka was waiting. "You must reconsider your choices. I only want the best for you."

She sighed irritably and held Lekki's hands in her own so she would stop fidgeting. "Lekki. If you truly care for me you will continue to do as I say and keep my secrets well-hidden. Now, could you please draw me a bath?"

And with that she let Lekki guide her back into the house and took her time bathing, before having to deal with her father.

Lord Yamanaka paced in his office, looking at the letter he had just received and rubbed his temples.

He was faced with an unbelievably difficult decision, how to marry his daughter off when she herself did not wish to be married.

Ino cared for her business, her beauty, and her family. Those were her three loves in her life in that order. Anything else seemed distant, at least from his perspective.

"You wished to see me, father?" Ino asked.

He waved the letter in her face. "You have received a proposal from a Feudal Lord's family, Daisuke Kazahana."

Ino pursed her lips as she took the letter and skimmed it. "The Land of Snow? I think not."

"It is a suitable environment in which nobility have resided for generations." Inoichi started, holding a hand up to stop Ino's protests, "I will be letting him know he is welcome to visit you here in Konoha."

"Then I will be ignoring him once he visits." Ino replied haughtily.

"Ino!" His voice was loud and it made Ino recoil slightly. She could not remember the last time he had gotten a temper with her.

"You have been delaying your duties long enough and I am done entertaining your foolish wishes. You marry soon of your own volition or I marry you with the next offer from a suitor I receive."

His tone was final and Ino felt the exasperation and anger radiate from him. There was no more arguing, not today, and not for the foreseeable future.

She bit her lip. It seemed her fun was at an end.

Sakura hurried towards the field, clutching the note she had tightly in her hand.

Meet me at the Third Training Ground. Bring no one else.

The note had been unsigned, but delivered by his trademark toads that had thoroughly frightened her as she had gotten changed out of her medical uniform.

He always did have the worst timing.

She lifted her dress as she stepped over a mud puddle in the grass and saw the glade, the trademark three stumps still in their respective places.

He stood in front of the memorial stone, not turning even as she approached him.

"Naruto?"

He smiled softly at her and she wordlessly embraced him, extremely concerned for her friend who had not uttered so much as a word.

"Are you alright? Has something happened?" Sakura demanded, tilting his face down as she stared his head, wondering if something was medically wrong with him.

"I'm alright Sakura, just needed to speak with you." he assured her, pulling her hands into his.

This is so much harder to say sober, he thought, gritting his teeth.

"You're frightening me," Sakura spoke, her voice low. "I did not expect to see you here in Konoha. I imagine Lady Fifth summoned you?"

He closed her eyes and let go of her hands. Now or never, he supposed.

"Granny ordered me to come home, because she said that I was Lord Fourth's bastard son."

Sakura gasped, her verdant eyes searching his. "How is that possible? He was unwed-"

"From what this book says," Naruto started, his voice uncertain as he passed the book to her, "My mother's name was Kushina Uzumaki and she held the beast chakra before I did. They were unwed."

Sakura skimmed the book hurriedly, her eyes widening as she saw the handwriting, the sketches, and the dates. It all made so little sense to her. Why would Lady Fifth keep it a secret? Their own Sensei had never uttered a word about it. "Your last name? Why-"

"The treaty had been just barely ratified with the Stone. The Fourth," he swallowed. "My…father was our hero against them. They would have tried to attack us again or tried something against me."

He looked exhausted, she noted for the first time looking at the dark circles under his eyes. A late night or early morning? How long had he been reading through that book searching for his answers?

She could only imagine how much of his happiness this news had taken from him.

And this brought up so many things. Her mind was spinning as more and more questions came into her head and Sakura gently passed the book back to him as she bit her lip. "This is why you reached out?"

"I need help." He admitted. "I do not know anything about the Uzumaki's. Sasuke says I need to learn more from them to establish what comes after."

At Sasuke's name, Sakura bristled and snapped her eyes to his. "He's helping with this as well?"

"He has experience with the titleship and inheritance matters, but you," Naruto swallowed, "You're the one who will be able to help me with what I really care about."

"Her." Sakura confirmed.

His mother. Kushina Uzumaki.

"Yes." Naruto confirmed, turning his gaze back to the memorial stone and placed his hand on the stone.

Sakura followed his hand to where it rested on Kushina's name, the carvings still visible after more than twenty years.

"And…your father?"

He held up the book. "His notes tell me of his personality. I think that if I did not hate him for putting the beast chakra inside me, I would have probably liked him."

Sakura paused, "You don't want to learn more about him?"

"Sasuke is overseeing that. I-I can't focus on him right now. He's also handling everything that I am too stupid to understand."

Sakura hummed disapprovingly at the self-deprecation. "We are civilians. It is natural that he would have that expertise. Are you…staying with him?"

She hated the way the question sounded, too probing.

"For the time being. I ran into Neji and promised I would make it to his engagement announcement so I will be around until then."

"I think it is wise for you to stay with him until you sort through this." Sakura agreed, brushing away thoughts of Sasuke. "Are you attending Neji's wedding as well?"

"I am, but I am likely leaving in between then. I must get back to the Land of Waves soon."

Naruto ran his hand gently over the memorial stone once more and turned back to look at Sakura.

There was a moment of silence between them before Sakura punched his chest gently, a smile crossing over her face.

"I'll find out everything I can before you leave."

Later in the evening Hinata and Hanabi walked side by side through the town, finalizing and confirming the last-minute orders for Neji and Tenten's engagement announcement.

"They really should have had a longer engagement period. We will barely be able to decorate appropriately in time." Hanabi pouted, twirling her umbrella.

"That was their decision, Hanabi. Neither you nor I are in any position to challenge them." Hinata reminded her.

Hanabi rolled her eyes and leaned against her sister, her eyes gleaming. "I suppose I should be happy though. The ball will certainly be plenty of fun."

Hinata raised her eyebrow. "Ready to dance, are we?"

"Not dance per say, but it will give us both the opportunity to talk with others. Lately father just keeps us in the house all day."

Hinata hummed in agreement as she glanced back at the Hyuuga guard assigned to them. While the men who had accompanied her on the awful voyage had recuperated for the most part, her father had not allowed them to look after her again.

He could forgive, but not forget it seemed.

It made her sad, the way she was even more confined since her trip. Before then, she had at least been able to sit in on meetings with dignitaries and participate, albeit briefly, in family affairs.

At least Hanabi was not as affected by her father's strictness. It soothed her somewhat that her sister was able to maintain some essence of freedom.

They were now walking to a different part of town, where the homes were smaller and Hanabi instantly noticed. "Where are we headed to, sister?"

"Kurenai Sensei called for me. I have not seen her in quite some time and I would like to visit her."

"Will it be a long conversation?" Hanabi asked.

"I'm not sure." Hinata answered honestly. She could see Kurenai Sensei's modest home appear and soon they arrived.

"Hakaru?"

The guard instantly went up to Hinata. "Yes, milady?"

"Please go ahead and take Hanabi back to our estate. I would like some time alone with Miss Yuuhi."

"Allow us to wait for you milady."

Hanabi blanched and Hakaru winced at her reaction.

"It may be a long conversation," Hinata warned and pointed at them, "My sister and yourself should not be kept waiting."

"Your father instructed-"

"My father will appreciate his younger daughter being properly cared for. She is one of the heirs after all."

Hakaru hesitated.

Hanabi glanced curiously at her sister and started to speak, but instead kept her mouth shut at seeing Hinata's stoic expression.

After a moment's pause Hakaru nodded and led Hanabi away as she stared back at her sister.

Hinata knocked gently on Kurenai's door, hearing her sensei's soft voice carry through as she opened the door.

"Hinata! What a lovely surprise my dear. Come in, come in." Kurenai ushered her inside and embraced her warmly, her red eyes glinting in the soft candlelight.

Kurenai was for all intents and purposes her surrogate mother. The woman had taught Hinata more than mere combat in her younger years. She had taught Hinata to deal with her father's disapproval and her mediocrity so that she did not lose her sanity.

"Sensei, it's so good to see you."

Kurenai motioned for Hinata to sit. "I received your letter and it left me quite intrigued. Is that what you came to talk about?"

"Yes, it is. My father wishes to marry me off as quickly as he can." she whispered, burying her face in her hands.

Kurenai paused at Hinata's words. "That is expected for noble families. You knew this was coming for quite some time."

"I don't want to." The declaration hung in the air so long that Hinata had to look up to confirm Kurenai was still listening.

"Your father will not agree to a no." she said gently.

"I understand that…I just want resignation perhaps. But I realize I have come to the wrong person. You are about to marry someone you love."

The infrequent anger Hinata felt took hold and the accusation she threw at Kurenai was not one of envy, but desperation.

Kurenai took her hands, uncovering her face, and shook them gently. "The Sarutobi are not the Hyuuga, but it did require a certain level of patience."

"I understand, I apologize for my indiscretion Sensei."

"No need Hinata. I understand you are going through a lot right now," She paused, stroking Hinata's hair for a moment, "Do you still have feelings for the boy? The Uzumaki child?"

"He is a man now." Hinata whispered and Kurenai's eyebrows rose at her tone.

"I realize that. You saw him in Kiri?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"It just made me realize that I never stopped having those feelings for him." Hinata admitted weakly.

A heavy sensation filled the air and Kurenai patted her hands. "What about him?" she pressed, "Has he shown any desire to establish a formal courtship with you?"

"No nothing of the sort, Sensei. He is polite and friendly but nothing more."

"Look at me Hinata. You can love someone with your whole being and it will not make them love you."

"I know that."

"You need to understand that fully," Kurenai insisted, "Your father is not a coldhearted man. He will take your opinion on your future spouse into consideration."

She swallowed thickly. "I can hope that is the case. He has sent out letters to prospective suitors here in Land of Fire."

"Noble families here in the Leaf no doubt. Perhaps also the feudal lord's family and a couple of other ones nearby…" Kurenai mumbled and then tilted her head in deep thought, "Would you consider Shino? He is a part of the noble families of the Leaf, you know him well, and we can both vouch for his calm demeanor."

At that Hinata smiled "That would be an honor for me, but I would love for my teammate to experience a marriage with somebody he loves."

Kurenai embraced Hinata and ruffled her hairs out of her face.

"Ever the caring one, aren't you? Your presence was a gift in the younger years with Kiba and Shino. I know that any man would be lucky to have you." she said softly, gazing at her student with tenderness, "You are strong Hinata. Have faith that you will be able to choose a good man amongst those your father has written to."

Hinata could only nod as she embraced the older woman appreciatively.

The sun was still out when she left Kurenai's home and she found herself unable to walk home. Not yet at least.

Now that she had spoken to the closest thing she had to a mother, she felt calmer, stronger, and much more at peace.

It was almost enough to give her the resignation she so desperately needed.

She could not very well talk about most of these things with Hanabi as she was too young. Sakura was in enough distress already. And she dared not voice any of her fears to Tenten for that was an inexplicably cruel thing to do so close to her wedding.

Before long she had wandered off the main road, the sunset illuminating the lake a brilliant orange.

She took a long deep breath, put down her umbrella, and leaned her head against a tree, the leaves waving in the still warm wind.

And her thoughts wandered to him, she wondered where he was, wondered if his sights were blue instead of orange like hers were.

"Hinata? Is that you?"

Hinata froze at the sound of his voice, fearing she was imagining it, before turning around and seeing him.

Oh, fate was indeed cruel allowing here to see him again. And it was so, so sweet.

"Naruto!" She exclaimed, a wide smile crossing her face.

He was dressed like a regular civilian. Long-sleeved white linen shirt and brown trousers looking clean and pressed. His sleeves were rolled up however, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone and try as she might she could not help but notice.

He stopped right in front of her and smiled. "I was not sure if it was you. My eyes are not as good as yours."

"I knew it was you, right away."

"I do have a pretty distinctive voice." Naruto admitted, scratching behind his head causing her to chuckle.

"That…and" she tapped her head, indicating his bright blonde hair that was slightly longer than she remembered.

"What brings you to Konoha? I believed that you would not be back in town anytime soon."

"Orders." He answered brusquely and Hinata felt his mood darken, his soft smile disappearing from his face.

That was unusual. Both in regards to the command from Lady Fifth and his foul mood, but Hinata was not one to pry. Not in matters he clearly had no wish to discuss with her.

"I enjoyed your letter," she continued, twisting the umbrella in her hand. "It was quite remarkable to hear about what Kumo was like."

Naruto blinked and silently searched her eyes for a moment, thankful for the reprieve. "I am glad you enjoyed it. I suppose sometimes I forget that other people have not traveled as much as I have."

"Do you visit Kumo often?" she probed.

"Once or twice a year, depending on how business goes. It depends on how much I have to trade with them." He answered honestly.

I suppose piracy is not the most structured form of commerce. Hinata realized sheepishly and then another idea rose to the surface. "Wil you be staying in town for a little longer? Neji-"

"I ran into Neji this morning. He invited me to his engagement announcement this week and his wedding later this month." Naruto interrupted, shaking his head in amusement. "I had no idea he was courting Tenten though, so it did come as a surprise."

"They have been courting for some time now. Though I realize my father was probably reluctant to accept anything formal until recently…since she is from a civilian family." Hinata admitted.

He nodded despite feeling ignorant at understanding the nuances of those matters. "He looks happy, though his plans are interfering with mine. I had to send my men away to tend to my ship. The rest of the crew is probably wonderful why the hell we are still here." Naruto explained, mock irritation crossing his face as he winked at Hinata causing her to turn red.

"You'll be here for your birthday then?" she inquired, too late realizing that was probably an unpleasant memory for him.

He did not react with distress however, instead just raising an eyebrow. "I was planning to leave right after their engagement announcement, but I suppose I will still be here. I had not thought of that yet."

"You should celebrate." Hinata spoke, biting her lip as she peered up at him. "Another year of life. There are many things to thank for the past year."

The leaves fell as some of them were unable to withstand the small rustle of wind that passed through them. A small leaf got stuck in Hinata's hair, but she did not notice.

Without thinking he pulled the leaf from her hair and let it go in the wind, all too aware of her warmth as he stood closer to her.

Naruto shrugged, clearly uncomfortable. His birthday was not the most pleasant of days for the village. A reminder that the beasts' chakra had gone wild and caused the deaths of many people. "I'm not really used to celebrating it."

"Not even with your crew?"

"Well," Naruto paused, considering that, "We don't really celebrate anyone's birthday. Keep in mind we are trying most of the time to not get caught by authorities."

Hinata giggled, despite herself, causing some of the tightness in Naruto's shoulders to loosen. "Perhaps you would like something small then? A private, quiet meal?"

"With you?" Naruto blurted out, the question escaping before he could comprehend the implication. He hoped he had not sounded as foolish as he thought.

The innocent question made her face flame as she stared into his eyes, the way they quivered reminding her of the sea he loved.

"I would be delighted, Mr. Uzumaki."

At the formal name, Naruto's eyes twinkled and he winked at her as he bowed mockingly. "Consider it my honor, milady."

There it was again. His lady. The thrill that shot up her spine brought a large smile to her face as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"I shall send a note for you that day then."

"My birthday and I do not know the details in advance?"

"Well, if we keep with current customs there are such things as surprises for the person being celebrated."

Naruto blinked. "Not sure how I feel about that."

Hinata smiled. "If you prefer, I can tell you the details."

"No, I think I will trust you on this."

"A wise choice, I believe." Hinata agreed cheekily, causing Naruto's face to explode in a grin.

He enjoyed seeing her confident. Her eyes seemed to shine brighter that way.

It was close to dusk and she did not want to risk her father wondering where she would be. It had taken nothing short of a miracle for her to be allowed out again, even within town, and she did not want to destroy that confidence. "I must take my leave now, but I will see you at Neji's engagement announcement." she said and she hoped the sadness in her eyes was not evident.

"I will be there." Naruto affirmed.

Hinata allowed herself another glance at his handsome face, before nodding and began to walk back towards her home.

Naruto hesitated for a beat before joining her.

"What are you-"

"I cannot let you walk home alone. Your father will be angry if he finds out."

He would probably also be angry to find out a bachelor was walking her daughter home without any kind of chaperone, but Hinata kept those thoughts to herself.

He offered his arm and she slowly wrapped her own around him, unconsciously sliding closer to his body as the warmth radiated off his skin.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me Hinata. I can be a gentleman…sometimes." Naruto admitted, his tone so honest that Hinata giggled. He was brash, impatient, and stubborn, but he was a protector, that he was.

Her family's large estate came into view and he held onto her hand as she looked up at him.

Naruto felt warm. All too warm. The dusk had settled away and turned into the earliest flickers of nightfall. Her eyes were bright and he was reminded of that night on the beach, almost a month ago.

A night where he had had inappropriate thoughts rumble around in his head in a situation quite like this.

"Have a good night, Hinata." He finally said, as he let go of her hand, instantly feeling better at the lack of contact.

She made him feel too warm. It bothered him.

The same could not be said for Hinata. His rough hand had been a delight on her skin, and she missed his comfort immediately.

"Have a good night as well Naruto." she uttered and embraced him before her mind could talk her out of it. She had not meant to hug him, not really, but her body had reacted on its own.

He reciprocated, albeit slowly, as he unconsciously buried his head in her hair all too aware of how close they were…how he was able to feel each of his heartbeats…

And of how nice it felt to have her reach for him.

Naruto held her tighter, struggling to hold himself together at the sudden wave of emotion overcoming him and breathed slowly as he released her.

Hinata tilted her head as if meaning to ask a question, but instead he half-heartedly bowed at her as he turned to walk away.

She remained perplexed for a minute more, before walking towards the main gate that was just out of sight. As she passed by her guards, she spared a glance back to see him walking briskly off into the night.

She wondered. Wondered if she was deluding herself. Wondered if she would be made a fool by her own doing. Wondered how much she would suffer when the time came to say goodbye for certain.

And she wondered what was truly bothering him.

Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews, faves, and follows! Your words keep me going 😊 Next chapter is a very eventful ball 😉