Sakura's heels clicked rhythmically against the pavement as she approached the Uzumaki residence. There was an unfamiliar awkwardness hanging in the air, one she couldn't quite place. After all, Naruto was more than just a comrade to her; he was one of her dearest friends. Yet, despite her close connection with him, Sakura realized she hadn't fostered the same level of friendship with Hinata.
She recalled Hinata's quiet strength and sweetness, traits she had always admired. Hinata's bravery during the war, risking her life for Naruto, had left a lasting impression on Sakura. She smiled faintly, thinking back to those times.
Sakura had always been a supportive ally, especially when it came to Naruto's love life. She knew of Hinata's long-standing feelings for him and often found herself exasperated with Naruto's lack of awareness. The number of times she had to metaphorically – and sometimes literally – knock some sense into him were countless. Learning that Naruto had finally recognized Hinata's feelings and asked her to be his girlfriend had filled Sakura with joy.
She had always assumed that being one of Naruto's closest friends would naturally lead to more interactions with Hinata. However, that hadn't been the case. Their paths seldom crossed beyond casual greetings and the occasional group gathering. It wasn't due to any animosity or intentional distance; their lives had simply taken different paths, intersecting less frequently than Sakura had initially hoped.
As she reached the front door of the Uzumaki home, she took a moment to gather her thoughts. It was not just about healing an injury; it was also an opportunity, perhaps, to bridge the gap that had inadvertently formed between them. With a deep breath, Sakura raised her hand and knocked on the door.
Sakura's knock was answered by a surprised Naruto, who blinked at her unexpected presence. "Sakura? What brings you here?"
"I heard from Sasuke that Hinata sprained her ankle. I thought I could come over and heal it for her," Sakura explained.
Naruto's expression softened. "Thanks, Sakura. Hinata's in the living room. I'll give you two some space." He gestured toward the living room before making his way upstairs.
Sakura took a deep breath to steady her nerves and entered the living room. There, she found Hinata with an ice pack on her ankle, a pained expression on her face. "Hey, Hinata," Sakura said, offering a sympathetic smile as she announced her presence.
As Sakura entered the living room, Hinata gestured towards a comfortable chair. "Please, make yourself at home," she offered warmly.
Sakura, however, shook her head gently. "I'm actually here to heal your ankle," she replied, setting her medical bag down.
Hinata looked slightly taken aback, a hint of reluctance in her expression. "Oh, you really don't have to trouble yourself..."
"I want to," Sakura insisted softly, her tone leaving no room for argument. She knelt beside Hinata, her hands glowing with the green light of her healing chakra. "Was Sasuke being too rough during training?" she asked, her concern evident.
Hinata quickly shook her head. "No, not at all. It was my fault. I misstepped. Sasuke has actually been very kind and helpful."
Sakura raised her eyebrows. It was reassuring to hear of Sasuke's supportive demeanor. She pondered on the change in him – the once distant and aloof Sasuke now showing kindness and support.
"You know, he's probably at home right now, trying to cook dinner," she said with a fond chuckle. "He's not the best in the kitchen, but I love that he makes the effort, especially when I have long shifts."
Hinata listened, a soft smile on her face. "That sounds really nice. Sasuke seems like a kind husband."
Sakura paused, her hands still emitting the soft green glow. "He is," she agreed, the warmth in her voice genuine. She thought of the small ways Sasuke showed his care – the attempts at cooking, his quiet presence, the little things that mattered. But she chose not to mention the moments of distance, the times when he seemed lost in his own world, the emotional gap that sometimes widened between them.
Sakura couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Despite the challenges they faced, there were moments of undeniable tenderness and care in their relationship. It was these moments that she held onto, the moments that made her smile and feel loved.
"Do you think you'll go back to taking missions?" Sakura asked, shifting the topic elsewhere.
Hinata hesitated, her gaze thoughtful. "I'm not sure yet. It's a big decision, but training has definitely been helping me get back into shape."
Sakura smiled inwardly. Hinata had always maintained a good physical condition, and her training with Sasuke had likely only enhanced her fitness.
As Sakura finished the healing, she suggested, "I know I mentioned this before, but maybe we could spend some time together, just us two?"
"I'd love that," she smiled.
Sakura stood to leave but paused, a question on her mind. "Is everything okay between you and Naruto?"
Hinata's expression shifted subtly, a shadow of uncertainty crossing her features. "It's okay, for now. He's been more present lately, which is great."
The words 'for now' resonated with Sakura, stirring a familiar unease within her. They mirrored her own doubts about her relationship with Sasuke – the current stability, but the ever-present worry of what might come next.
Shaking the thoughts out of her mind, she focused on Hinata.
"Your ankle should be fully healed now, but try to go easy during your next training session," Sakura advised with a playful smirk. "And just so you know, you really managed to leave a mark on Sasuke."
Hinata's eyes widened in concern. "Oh! Is he alright?"
Sakura's laughter filled the room. "He's fine, don't worry. Actually, I think he was quite impressed with you – I know I was."
A soft blush tinted Hinata's cheeks, and she offered a shy smile, not adding anything further.
Standing up, Sakura gathered her things. "I should head back. Dinner's probably waiting, and knowing Sasuke, he'll be eager to show off his culinary 'skills.'" She grinned. "Take care, Hinata. I'll see you around."
XXXXX
Next morning…
Hinata lay awake, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, bathed in the soft, early morning light. The clock showed it was nearly 7 A.M., and she had spent the entire night restless, unable to find sleep. A light groan from her husband drew her attention. Naruto, still lost in the world of dreams, snuggled closer to her, his arm wrapped securely around her waist, a content smile on his face.
She reached out, tenderly stroking his cheek, her lips curving into a small smile. It had only been a few days since she returned home. Boruto had amusingly complained about Naruto's disastrous attempts at cooking, how he had nearly caused a kitchen catastrophe. The Naruto she remembered was a man whose culinary skills extended no further than instant noodles. Despite the humor, a part of her felt a twinge of satisfaction knowing Naruto had struggled in her absence.
Since she'd been back, Naruto had changed significantly. He made a point to return home from work each day, dedicating more time to Boruto and Himawari. The once empty spot beside her in bed was now filled with his warm presence every night. Whenever he was unexpectedly held up, he sent a shadow clone to let her know, a considerate gesture that hadn't gone unnoticed.
These changes in Naruto, the efforts he was making both as a father and as a husband, were significant. Yet, as Hinata lay there in the quiet of the night, a sense of unease nestled in her heart. Despite the improvements, a part of her couldn't shake off a lingering feeling of discontent. It was as if the changes, though positive, had come too late, leaving her to grapple with a blend of appreciation and a subtle, inexplicable longing for something more, something different.
Sighing, Hinata slowly removed herself from Naruto's grasp, struggling mildly when he held on a bit tighter before letting go and turning over to his other side. She watched him for a bit longer and eventually made her way out of their bedroom. In the stillness of the morning, Hinata made her way to the kitchen, swiftly tying her hair into a bun and donning her apron. She relished the quiet of the house, knowing it would soon be broken by the waking of her family. These moments of solitude were precious to her.
Her peace was short-lived, however, interrupted by an unexpected knock at the door. Quickly wiping her hands on her apron, Hinata hurried to answer, hoping the noise wouldn't disturb the rest of the household.
Upon opening the door, she was met with Sasuke's familiar black eyes. Confusion furrowed her brow. "Sasuke-kun?" she stammered, caught off guard. "Why are you...?"
"You were supposed to meet me at the training ground an hour ago," Sasuke said, his voice betraying a hint of irritation despite his stoic expression.
Flushed with embarrassment, Hinata bowed apologetically. "I-I'm sorry! I completely forgot. Let me just get ready, and I'll be..."
"No need," Sasuke interrupted, his gaze briefly sweeping over her before locking with her eyes. "I waited long enough. We can meet later this evening. Six sharp." After a pause, he asked, "Are you okay?"
Hinata, taken aback by his directness, could only nod, a bit too hastily. "Yes, I'm fine."
Sasuke's scrutinizing gaze lingered, making her increasingly self-conscious. She remembered how he had once pointed out her 'thinking face', a detail she hadn't been aware of until he mentioned it, leaving her embarrassed yet oddly touched by his attentiveness.
"Hn," Sasuke grunted, turning to leave. His departure was interrupted by Naruto's voice.
"Sasuke? What brings you here so early?" Naruto yawned, casually approaching them.
Hinata and Sasuke turned to see Naruto, still in a sleepy daze. As he neared, he placed a hand on Hinata's waist, an affectionate gesture that made her feel unexpectedly shy, especially under Sasuke's observant gaze.
"Hinata missed our training session," Sasuke informed him. "I came to see why, but..." His eyes briefly drifted to Naruto's hand on Hinata's waist. "I'll leave now."
Hinata, still flustered, watched as Sasuke turned to leave as she closed the door. The gentle press of Naruto's lips against her temple drew Hinata out of her thoughts. She lifted her gaze to meet his. It was a look reminiscent of the early days of their marriage, filled with love and adoration.
Naruto's arms wrapped around her, drawing her close in a secure embrace, his hand softly caressing her back. His kisses trailed from her temple, down her cheek, moving tenderly toward her lips. Hinata felt the light brush of his tongue against her lower lip, a silent request for a deeper connection. She responded, standing on tiptoes, her lips meeting his in a kiss that spoke of years of shared life and love.
She sensed his surprise at her eagerness, a brief stumble in his stance, but he quickly regained his balance.
"Hinata..." he breathed out, his forehead resting against hers, his breath warm against her skin. "Can we put breakfast on hold for a bit?"
Her cheeks warmed with a soft blush, and she nodded, caught up in the moment. Without hesitation, Naruto lifted her effortlessly, carrying her towards the bedroom. He closed the door behind them, locking the world away, leaving them in their own sanctuary.
XXXXXXX
Later that evening…
Leaning against the tree, Sasuke's posture was relaxed, but his mind was anything but. His thoughts were replaying the events of earlier that evening. Just before he had left home, an argument had erupted between him and Sakura, all thanks to Ino's penchant for stirring the pot. He was baffled and frustrated by her decision to inform Sakura about his brief, and utterly inconsequential, encounter with Shizuka at the supermarket.
The whole incident had been so trivial – a momentary clash over a tomato – yet Ino's gossip had unnecessarily agitated Sakura. He found himself irritated at the thought, questioning why such a minor incident had to be blown out of proportion.
He had to spend time after dinner, and away from Sarada's ears, clarifying to Sakura that the interaction with Shizuka was nothing more than a brief and unremarkable moment in the supermarket. Eventually, Sakura had come to see the absurdity of getting worked up over it and offered an apology. But by then, Sasuke's mood had soured.
With his eyes still closed, Sasuke exhaled slowly, trying to dispel the remnants of the evening's frustration. He thought she had a handle on her jealously. They had been doing so well, but now he was feeling drained, longing for simpler times when such complications were nonexistent in his life.
As Sasuke let go of the bridge of his nose, opening his eyes, he saw Hinata approaching for their training session. He abruptly tossed a kunai in her direction. The unexpected move clearly took Hinata by surprise, but her reflexes were quick; she deflected it with ease, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of confusion at his aggressive greeting.
Without offering her a moment to question or react, Sasuke charged forward. His movements were sharper, more forceful than usual. The silent frustration from his earlier argument with Sakura was finding an outlet in the intensity of their spar.
Hinata, taken aback by his sudden ferocity, managed to match his pace. She parried and dodged his attacks, her focus entirely on keeping up with his relentless assault. But amidst the flurry of their exchange, Hinata's voice broke through, laced with concern.
"Sasuke-kun, are you okay?"
Her question seemed to fall on deaf ears. Sasuke continued his assault, his attacks a reflection of the turmoil within him. His strikes were precise and calculated, yet there was an underlying harshness, a departure from his usual controlled style.
For a moment, their eyes met – hers filled with concern, his clouded with unspoken emotions. It was a brief pause in their dynamic dance, a silent exchange that spoke volumes.
Sasuke momentarily hesitated, realizing his own intensity. He took a step back, his gaze still locked with Hinata's. The concern in her eyes made him acutely aware of how his personal frustrations had seeped into their training, affecting his judgment and actions.
Embarrassment washed over Sasuke as he realized the extent of his aggressive behavior. "Sorry," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Hinata cautiously approached him, her concern still evident. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked gently.
Sasuke wrestled internally with the idea of opening up about his frustrations. Yet, the thought of discussing something as trivial as a domestic squabble seemed pointless. "I'm fine," he assured her, though his tone lacked conviction.
"Did I hurt you?" he asked, shifting the focus away from himself.
Hinata shook her head. "No, I'm not hurt."
Sasuke nodded, feeling a need to diffuse the tension. "Let's take a break," he suggested, reaching into his sack for a water bottle. He tossed it to Hinata, who caught it effortlessly.
As Hinata drank, he noticed her careful effort to avoid putting her lips on the bottle's rim, the same hesitation as before. It amused him, watching as she skillfully tilted the bottle just enough to drink without direct contact.
"Are you this shy with Naruto about simple things like sharing a bottle?" Sasuke asked, a hint of teasing in his tone.
The question caught Hinata off guard, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "It's not the same," she stammered.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Have you shared a bottle with your teammates before?"
"Yes," she admitted. "But that's also not the same…"
Seeing Hinata's discomfort, Sasuke decided to let the subject drop. He didn't want to push her too far, especially after his earlier outburst. There was something endearingly innocent about her shyness, but he knew better than to make her feel overly self-conscious.
As Hinata moved to return the water bottle to Sasuke, her foot caught on an uneven patch of ground. She stumbled forward, a brief gasp escaping her lips. Reacting swiftly, Sasuke reached out and caught her, steadying her before she could fall.
"Be careful," he said, as he helped her regain her balance.
"I'm sorry," Hinata murmured, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. As she lifted her gaze to meet his, there was a momentary pause, a fleeting second where she seemed frozen, her eyes locked onto his.
Sasuke's eyebrow arched. "What?" he asked, puzzled.
Hinata quickly turned away, muttering another apology. Sasuke watched her, a trace of confusion etched on his features. Her behavior was odd, but he chose not to press the matter. Instead, he suggested, "Let's continue training."
XXXXX
As their training session wound down, Sasuke and Hinata found themselves sitting beneath the shade of a large tree, catching their breath. The air was filled with a comfortable silence, a respite from the intensity of their sparring.
Sasuke glanced over at Hinata, noticing how the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on her face. Sasuke found himself observing Hinata more closely. The determination she exhibited was admirable, and he realized how much she had grown not just as a ninja, but as a person.
"You've improved a lot," Sasuke said, breaking the silence.
Hinata looked surprised by the compliment, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Sasuke-kun."
"Your dedication... It reminds me of someone," Sasuke admitted. "Someone very important to me."
Hinata's expression softened. "Who?"
"My brother, Itachi," Sasuke replied. He rarely spoke of Itachi, but with Hinata, it felt right to share this piece of himself.
"He must have been a great person," she said gently.
"He was," Sasuke acknowledged, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "He taught me a lot."
During a brief pause, Hinata looked up at the sky, her eyes reflecting the vast expanse above them. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she remarked softly, almost to herself. "The way the clouds move... it reminds me that the world keeps going, no matter what."
Sasuke followed her gaze, allowing himself a rare moment of reflection. "It does," he agreed.
Hinata turned to him, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "I used to watch the sky a lot, especially when things seemed too overwhelming. It always brought me a sense of peace."
Something in her words resonated within Sasuke. He, too, had moments when the weight of his past and the complexity of his present felt overwhelming. Yet, he seldom found words to express these feelings. Hinata's simple admission created a bridge between them, a mutual understanding that went beyond their usual conversations.
Sasuke found himself nodding. "I find a certain calmness in training," he confessed, a rare admission of his own coping mechanism.
Hinata's smile broadened slightly. "I can see that. And I'm grateful for these sessions, Sasuke. They've helped me more than you know."
The sincerity in her voice stirred something in Sasuke, a sense of gratification that went deeper than the satisfaction of a well-executed training session. It was the realization that he, too, had gained something invaluable from their time together – a friendship that offered understanding without the need for many words, a companionship that was as steady as it was unspoken.
The silence between them lingered, comfortable and shared, until Hinata glanced at the fading light in the sky. "I should probably head back," she said, breaking the quiet.
Sasuke nodded, then, after a brief pause, offered, "I'll walk you home."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Oh, that's not necessary, Sasuke-kun. I can manage."
Sasuke, however, was insistent. "It's no trouble," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
XXXXX
Back against the door she had just closed, Hinata let out a soft sigh, her mind replaying the moments spent with Sasuke. The memory of him carrying her home after she sprained her ankle was vivid in her mind. She remembered the embarrassment that had flushed her cheeks, but also the thoughtful consideration Sasuke had shown by using his portal to avoid the public eye. It was his subtle way of sparing her from awkwardness and potentially warding off any rumors.
She recalled how he had gently set her down on the couch, his movements careful and deliberate. There was a lingering hesitation in his actions, as if he was contemplating whether to leave her alone or stay until someone else arrived. She could sense his internal debate – whether his presence would be helpful or if it might cause tension, especially considering it was her first day back home since the separation.
Training with Sasuke had allowed her to notice even more details about him – the slight furrow of his brow when he was focused, the way his eyes softened when he offered rare words of encouragement. Blushing at the trail of her thoughts, Hinata was pulled back to the present by Naruto's voice calling out, "Is that you, Hinata?"
"Yes, it's me," she responded, slipping off her shoes and making her way into the living room.
The sight that greeted her was heartwarming – Naruto lounging on the sofa, engrossed in the television; Boruto absorbed in his video game; and Himawari seated on the floor, clutching her favorite stuffed animal. It was a scene of domestic normalcy, a snapshot of the family life she had always cherished.
As she looked at them, a smile found its way to her lips. The sight of her family, together and content, kindled a flicker of hope within her. Maybe, just maybe, things could get better with Naruto. She allowed herself to bask in that hope, even if just for a moment, cherishing the possibility of a brighter future for them all.