The world seemed to pause, a surreal quiet enveloping her as Sasuke's words echoed in her mind. A divorce…? The notion, so final and irrevocable, struck her like a physical blow. Her heart, which had fluttered with a fragile hope moments ago, now plummeted into an abyss of shock and disbelief.
"But... why?" Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper. She searched Sasuke's face, looking for an answer, any sign that this was just a cruel joke or a mistake.
Sasuke's expression was pained, his eyes not leaving hers. "Sakura, this... what we have, it's not healthy. Our fights, your jealousy, my frustrations... it's not fair to you, to Sarada, or to me."
Sakura felt desperate, her mind racing. "We can work through this, Sasuke. We've been through so much, we can't just give up—"
"It's not about giving up," Sasuke interrupted softly. "It's about realizing that sometimes love isn't enough. We're hurting each other, Sakura. And I can't... I don't want to keep doing that."
Her vision blurred with tears, each word from Sasuke felt like another piece of her world crumbling. She had loved him for as long as she could remember, had dreamt of a life with him. The reality of their marriage, with all its complexities and challenges, hadn't deterred her. But now, faced with its potential end, she felt lost.
"Is there someone else?" Sakura's voice quivered.
Sasuke's jaw visibly tensed, a flash of annoyance crossing his features. He made an effort to soften his response, but the strain was evident in his voice.
"No, Sakura, there isn't anyone else," he said, trying to maintain a semblance of calm. "This is about us. It's about what's best for both of us."
Sakura felt a knot tighten in her stomach, her hands involuntarily clenching at her sides. The thought of a life without Sasuke, of mornings waking up to an empty space beside her, of Sarada growing up in a divided home, was too much to bear.
"I don't want a divorce, Sasuke. We can work through this. We can fight for us."
Sasuke's hand hesitated before reaching out to touch her arm. Even in his attempt to comfort, there was a firmness, a finality in his touch.
"I know you want to fight for this," he said, his tone becoming sterner, as if to emphasize the gravity of his decision. "And I love you for that. But Sakura, sometimes fighting just isn't enough. We've been fighting for so long... it's only pulling us further apart."
In that moment, Sakura could feel the distance between them widening, Sasuke's resolve like a barrier she couldn't break through. His words, meant to be gentle, felt like a verdict she couldn't escape.
Sakura's eyes searched Sasuke's, looking for any sign of wavering, any glimmer of hope. "Is there anything I can do to change your mind?" she asked, her voice laced with a desperation she couldn't hide. "We can work on this, Sasuke. Please, tell me there's something I can do."
Sasuke's expression remained unfazed, yet there was a hint of pain in his eyes. It was clear that his decision, though firm, wasn't made lightly.
"And what about Sarada?" Sakura's voice cracked with emotion. "It wouldn't be fair to her, Sasuke. She deserves to grow up with both her parents together. We can't break her family apart."
Sasuke's gaze shifted away for a moment. "I know," he said softly. "I've thought about Sarada. This isn't a decision I've made without considering her. But we can't stay together just for her sake. She needs us to be... to be whole, even if that means being apart."
Sakura felt a wave of helplessness crash over her. Her pleas, her arguments, seemed to dissolve in the face of Sasuke's unwavering resolve.
Sasuke's voice broke through the heavy air, carrying a solemn tone. "I'll stay for the night. We should talk to Sarada together when she gets home."
"Will you... will you share the bed with me, just for tonight?"
"No, Sakura. I'll sleep on the couch." His words were like a final confirmation of the distance between them.
An awkward silence enveloped the room, thick and tangible. Sakura stood, tears silently trailing down her cheeks, each one a testament to the pain and disbelief that wracked her. Sasuke stared, his expression a mask of hurt, a silent struggle evident in his demeanor.
After a moment that stretched into eternity, Sasuke moved. "I'm going to sleep," he said, his voice low. He approached her, and with a tenderness despite the situation, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Turning away, Sasuke walked towards the couch, his figure a solitary silhouette against the dim light of the room.
XXXXX
Naruto lay next to Hinata, a torrent of frustration pouring out of him. "I can't believe Sasuke made Sakura cry again," he vented, his voice laced with anger. "I wanted to punch him into the next world, Hinata."
He continued to express his irritation, barely pausing for breath. But as he spoke, he realized Hinata had been silent the entire time. Sheepishly, he stopped, suddenly feeling embarrassed for taking over the conversation. "Sorry, I've been ranting. I didn't even ask how your day was."
Hinata lay beside him, her expression unreadable. Naruto, sensing something was wrong, asked, "Is everything okay, Hinata?"
She assured him with a soft, "I'm okay," but her eyes seemed to be hiding something. Naruto noticed this but chose not to press her.
Trying to lighten the mood, Naruto asked, "Did you have a good day?" Again, that same enigmatic expression crossed Hinata's face, but before Naruto could delve deeper, she spoke.
"My day was fine," she began, hesitating for a moment before adding, "I saw Shizuka today."
Naruto felt himself tense at the mention of Shizuka's name. "Did you talk to her?" he asked cautiously.
"Yes, she approached me. We didn't talk for long, though." After a pause, Hinata continued. "She... I think she has feelings for you. She probably wishes she was in my place."
Naruto turned to Hinata, his expression warm and loving. "Hinata, you have nothing to worry about. I love you, and only you." He smiled genuinely.
He admired the blush that crept onto Hinata's cheeks as he rolled on top of her, hovering just inches away. He delighted in the shy look she gave him.
"You know," Naruto began, his voice soft and husky, "I love everything about you, Hinata." He leaned down, pressing gentle kisses along her neck. With each kiss, he whispered more of what he loved about her – her kindness, her strength, her unwavering support, and the way she always believed in him.
Naruto's gaze lingered on Hinata's lips, a feature he found particularly captivating. "You know, what I love most about you are your lips... the shape of them," he said. Hinata, flustered by his intense gaze, tried to cover her mouth with her hand, but Naruto gently stopped her. "Don't hide from me," he murmured tenderly, leaning in to press his lips against hers in a soft, loving kiss.
As the moment deepened, Naruto slid his hand lower into Hinata's pajama pants, bypassing her underwear. His blue eyes never left his wife's pale eyes, wanting to see every expression she made as he felt her wetness when he slipped one finger in and then another. Hinata let out a soft moan which made his member twitch in excitement.
Usually he didn't like foreplay, but he has been trying his hardest to please his wife lately. Throwing away his urgent needs to go slow has been helping him enjoy it for longer, especially if it gave him the opportunities to see how many faces she could make. He pumped his fingers slower and slower as his thumb rubbed her most sensitive spot, watching as she arched her back. Her lips partly just ever so widely, he felt himself twitch again as he slipped in a third finger.
Hovering above her, Naruto's gaze lingered lovingly on her face, tracing every feature with an admiration that ran deep. He had always found her stunning, every part of her, and it pained him when Hinata expressed self-conscious thoughts about her body.
He pumped with a bit more force, but maintained eye contact with her. She bit her lip, probably to keep herself moaning aloud.
"You know," Naruto started, "I hate it when you talk down about yourself, Hinata." He watched her face as continued his movements, his eyes glancing down her neck. "You think you're not perfect, but to me, you're the most beautiful person in the world."
He continued rubbing her. "You say you're 'fat' with 'short legs', but that's not what I see. I see someone with a body that's beautiful, shapely, and perfect in every way." Naruto's words held his honest truth, each one spoken with the intention of reassuring her. He noticed how she flinched at certain words with a reddened face, but once he kissed her forehead her expression melted away.
"Jiraiya-sensei used to drag me to so many bathhouses over the years," he continued with a slight roll of his eyes, remembering those days. "I've seen all kinds of body types, more than I ever wanted to. But, none of them, absolutely none, can hold a candle to you."
His gaze returned to hers, smiling. "Your body, your legs, everything about you is just... perfect to me. You're beautiful, Hinata, and I wish you could see yourself through my eyes."
Naruto's words were not just empty compliments. They were a reflection of his deep love and admiration for Hinata, an attempt to lift her spirits and help her see the beauty he saw every day. In that intimate moment, it was just the two of them, and for Naruto, there was nowhere else he'd rather be.
He wanted to show her that he can be a good husband to her and for her.
"Naruto-kun…" she whispered.
Their moment was suddenly broken by rapid knocking at the door. Naruto's groaned; he was caught up in the moment with Hinata and didn't want to be disturbed. However, the sound of Himawari's voice softened his annoyance.
"Dad, Mom, I had a nightmare," came the small, frightened voice of their daughter from outside the door.
With a sigh, Naruto let his head fall against Hinata's neck, a hint of frustration mixed with sadness. "Of all the times," he muttered.
XXXXX
The word 'divorce' hung in the air, a concept Sarada had heard of but never truly understood. She looked from her mother to her father, trying to grasp the full weight of their announcement.
Sarada listened, her young mind grappling with the complexity of the situation. Her parents, always a constant in her life, were now on the brink of a change she couldn't fully comprehend.
"Is this because of me?" she asked. The fear of being a burden, of being the reason for their unhappiness, gnawed at her.
"No, Sarada, this has nothing to do with you," Sasuke assured her. "You are the best thing that's ever happened to us. This is about your mother and me."
"Why?" Sarada asked, her voice small in the vast silence that followed. She struggled to make sense of it all. They were her parents, the two people who were supposed to be together, always.
Sasuke spoke, "We've grown apart, Sarada. Sometimes, people change and... it's better this way."
Sarada looked down, her thoughts a jumble of emotions. The world she knew, the family she loved, was breaking before her eyes, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
"But we're a family," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Aren't families supposed to stay together?"
Sarada's eyes flickered between her parents, noting the sorrow in her mother's eyes. It was a look that spoke of a deep, unspoken pain, a sadness that seemed to envelop her. In that moment, she saw her father's steady gaze, his stoic demeanor, and she couldn't help but place the blame on him. It was easier to believe that it was her father's fault, that he was the reason behind the sadness in her mother's eyes and the rift that had grown in their family. After all he did always leave them alone.
Sakura wrapped her arms around Sarada, holding her close. "Families can look different, Sarada. Your father and I, we will always be your parents, and we will always love you. That will never change, no matter what."
Sarada looked directly at Sasuke, her young face a mix of apprehension and boldness. "You're not going to leave again, are you?" Her voice held a tinge of anger, as she looked up at him.
Sakura frowned. "Sarada, that's no way to speak to your father."
Sasuke, however, gestured for Sakura to ease up. "It's alright," he said, his tone understanding.
She was slightly fearful of the repercussions of her boldness, but maintained her steady gaze on him.
Sasuke looked down at her reassuringly. "I'll be staying in Konoha. I'm not leaving."
A visible sigh of relief escaped Sarada, but her mind was still riddled with questions. "Does that mean you'll still hang out with me... and with mom?"
"Yes, I'll spend as much time with you as you want," he assured her. Then, his eyes shifted to Sakura. "And I'll see Sakura whenever possible, though it might not be as often."
Sakura held her tighter. "Remember, Sarada, we're still a family. Your father and I will always be here for you, no matter what."
Even as Sakura's arms enveloped her, offering a mother's warmth and comfort, Sarada couldn't shake off a lingering chill. The assurance of love and support was there, yet it did little to dispel the cold sense of loss that had settled in her heart.
XXXXX
Hinata sat in the living room, her eyes fixed on the romance movie playing on the television. The movie, with its sweeping love story, provided a much-needed escape. However, the noise of her children, who sat on the floor in front of her, made it increasingly difficult to concentrate.
"Come on, Boruto, play with me!" Himawari pleaded, breaking through the romantic dialogue on the screen.
"No way, Hima, I'm on the final level! Can't you see I'm busy?" Boruto retorted, his focus entirely on his video game, fingers dancing over the controller. The sounds of the game filled the room – beeps, booms, and digital cheers.
"But you promised!" Himawari protested, her voice rising in frustration.
"Promises are made to be broken," Boruto quipped, a mischievous grin on his face, not taking his eyes off the screen.
"Mom!" Himawari turned her plea to Hinata, hoping for some intervention.
Hinata, meanwhile, tried her best to block out the playful bickering. Despite her focus on the screen, her thoughts were on a certain Uchiha. Memories of him yelling at her to leave him alone. She wasn't thinking she'd still feel hurt about it days later, but it still hurt. Then her thoughts weighed heavily on her marriage. Naruto had been doing exactly what she asked of him. He has been showing her in action that he does, in fact, love her. However, there was still that nagging feeling somewhere in the back of her mind and in her heart that something felt amiss.
The sex had returned, which she was grateful for. They share a bed now. He comes home when he says he will and he has been making plans with her and keeping his promises.
But still…something felt off…
She was so absorbed in her movie and thoughts that she didn't even hear Boruto calling her name.
"Mom, Mom, MOM!"
Snapping out of her focus, Hinata turned to see Kiba standing in the living room, a friendly grin on his face. Boruto was next to him, looking amused.
"Kiba? When did you get here?" Hinata asked, surprised.
"Boruto let me in. You were really into that movie, huh?" Kiba chuckled.
Hinata gave a small, embarrassed smile, realizing she had been completely oblivious to her surroundings.
Boruto looked at his mother. "Hey, Mom, I'm gonna take Himawari out for a bit. We'll be back later, okay?"
"Yay!" Himawari threw her arms up, excited.
Hinata nodded, a little relieved at the prospect of some quiet. "Alright, just be careful and don't stay out too late."
As Boruto and Himawari left, chattering excitedly about their plans, Hinata turned her attention back to Kiba, still somewhat surprised by his sudden appearance in her living room. She patted the spot next to her, smiling.
Kiba settled next to Hinata on the couch. "How have things been lately?" he asked, turning to face her.
Hinata offered a small smile. "Things have been alright," she replied.
Kiba's gaze fixed on her, intense and probing, causing Hinata to flinch slightly. "Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked, a touch of nervousness in her tone.
"I don't believe you," Kiba stated bluntly. "Is it something with you and Naruto again, or something else?"
Hinata hesitated, her fingers playing with the hem of her sweater. Kiba's straightforwardness had always been both a comfort and a challenge.
He softly added, "You can trust me, you know."
Hinata found herself on the verge of opening up. But instead of delving into her own uncertainties about her marriage, she diverted to a safer topic.
"I'm actually worried about Sasuke."
He raised an eyebrow. "Sasuke? Why are you concerned about him?"
"I saw him at the training grounds the other day. He seemed very upset," Hinata explained as she gazed off to the side, clearly remembering his bloody hand and the seething anger in his voice, but there was a certain sadness and pain somewhere within his eyes.
Kiba laughed it off. "Sasuke is always upset about something or other. It's just how he is."
But Hinata's mind replayed the image of Sasuke's yell, the pain etched deep in his eyes. "He yelled at me," she murmured, more to herself. "There was so much pain in his eyes...Do you think I should check on him?" Hinata asked.
Kiba sighed, smiling. "You've always had such a kind heart, Hinata. It's one of the things I've always admired about you. I think if you wanna talk to him, you should. Even though you say you're not really friends, I think he is a friend and friends always stick together, right?"
Hinata offered Kiba a warm, sympathetic smile, nodding. "You're right. Thank you for being here, Kiba."
Kiva grinned. "Of course. Anything for you!"
She smiled. "Can I get you anything? Maybe some tea or a snack?" she asked, her hospitable nature always at the forefront.
Kiba waved off her offer with a friendly but dismissive gesture. "Nah, I'm good, Hinata. I just wanted to catch up with you for a bit and see how you were doing," he replied.
As they continued their conversation, Hinata felt a deep sense of gratitude for Kiba's presence in her life. He had always been more than just a comrade; over the years, he had become like a brother to her. Their friendship was a comfortable, familiar presence, a reminder of the bonds formed during their younger days as teammates. Though Shino was also an important part of her life, Kiba had always been the one she felt closest to, the one with whom she shared a unique and unspoken understanding.
Hinata cherished these moments of candid conversation, the easy back-and-forth that they fell into. She was genuinely happy that they had been finding more time to catch up lately. Life often got busy, especially with her responsibilities as a mother and the wife of the Hokage, but these small, quiet moments with Kiba brought a sense of normalcy and comfort. It was a reminder of the enduring friendships that had seen her through various phases of her life, offering support, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
After Kiba left, Hinata found herself enveloped in a contemplative silence. The house felt emptier, the echoes of their conversation still lingering in the air. She glanced out the window, her gaze drawn to the serene view of the village. A thought struck her – the lakeside, her favorite spot for thinking. It was a place where she could find peace and clarity, a sanctuary away from the chaos of daily life.
Deciding she needed some time alone, Hinata quietly made her way out of the house. As she walked towards the lake, her steps were unhurried, each one bringing her closer to the tranquility she sought. The familiar path to the lakeside was like a journey back to herself, a chance to reconnect with her thoughts and feelings.
Arriving at the lakeside, Hinata found a comfortable spot on the grass and sat down, her eyes drawn to the gentle ripples on the water's surface. The lake, with its calm and steady presence, had always been a source of comfort for her. She watched the water, its surface reflecting the changing hues of the sky as the day slowly transitioned towards evening. The soft sounds of nature around her – the whisper of the wind, the distant chirping of birds – created a soothing backdrop to her thoughts.
The tranquility of Hinata's lakeside retreat was suddenly broken by a rustling noise behind her. Turning around, she found Sasuke standing there, an expression of surprise etched on his face. For a moment, they just stared at each other, both taken aback by this unexpected encounter.
An awkward silence enveloped them, thick and palpable, as if the air itself was holding its breath. Sasuke shifted slightly, his body language suggesting he was preparing to leave, to escape the discomfort of the situation.
However, Hinata, despite feeling a surge of anxiety herself, found the courage to speak.
"Sasuke, you don't have to go. Stay," she said, her voice soft but confident.
Sasuke hesitated, a flicker of indecision crossing his features. After a moment, he slowly made his way to sit down next to her on the grass. They settled into a quiet that was filled with unspoken words, a silence that weighed heavily on Hinata. This was the first time they had been in each other's presence since the day he had yelled at her, and the memory of that encounter hung between them like a shadow.
Hinata felt a twinge of awkwardness, an unusual sensation for her. She was used to being at ease even in silence, but this was different. The anxiety of not knowing what to say, of not wanting to make things worse, gnawed at her. Yet, she sensed that this silence, uncomfortable as it was, might be what they both needed right now - a quiet space to just be, without the pressure of conversation or the need to fill the void with words.
Sasuke broke the silence first, his voice carrying a rare note of regret. "Hinata, I'm sorry," he said, his gaze fixed on the water, avoiding direct eye contact.
He exhaled softly, a slight tension in his posture. "What I did... I shouldn't have reacted that way," he admitted, his voice betraying a hint of remorse.
"It's okay. I accept your apology." She noticed his shoulders visibly relaxed at her words. She couldn't bring herself to tell him that it really hurt her, not when he looked the way he looked now. Sad and miserable.
The silence settled around them again. After a moment, Hinata cautiously asked, "Are you okay?"
She knew the lakeside was a place for reflection, a sanctuary for both of them in different ways. However, she noticed Sasuke's jaw tensed.
Hinata quickly added, "Y-You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to!" Her voice was gentle, wanting to respect his boundaries.
Sasuke remained quiet, his eyes still on the lake, lost in his own world of thought. Hinata, understanding the value of silence, waited patiently, accepting his need for quiet.
After a few more minutes, Sasuke finally spoke, his voice low but clear. "Sakura and I are getting a divorce."
The words hung in the air like a dark cloud. She couldn't even get herself to speak. She was utterly shocked as she stared at him with widened eyes. Hinata saw the pain reflected in his eyes. It was a subtle shift, a glimpse into the depth of his turmoil that he so rarely revealed. His usual stoicism was momentarily overshadowed by a raw, unguarded emotion that spoke volumes of the struggle he was enduring.
"Does Naruto know about this?" she asked.
Sasuke shook his head, a faint hint of frustration crossing his features. "No, he doesn't. He pissed me off last time we spoke, and I haven't talked to him since. I just needed some space, at least until I'm ready to deal with everything," he explained.
Hinata felt a pang of confusion, wondering why Sasuke would confide in her before Naruto, his closest friend. But she chose not to voice this thought, sensing that Sasuke had his reasons for the choices he was making during this tumultuous time.
As Sasuke spoke again, his voice carried a raw edge. "I didn't expect it to hurt this much," he said, his hand unconsciously clutching at his chest, over his heart, as if trying to hold together the pieces of a breaking heart.
Hinata, moved by a deep sense of empathy, acted on impulse. She reached out, drawing Sasuke into a gentle, comforting hug. There was a brief moment of tension where Sasuke stiffened. She wasn't surprised by his reaction. But slowly, almost imperceptibly, he relaxed into the embrace, his rigid posture easing as he accepted the comfort offered.
In the quiet solace of their embrace, words weren't needed. Hinata could feel the subtle shake in Sasuke's frame, the silent tears he fought to hold back. Her hand moved in soothing circles on his back, a silent message of understanding and support. For the next fifteen minutes, they remained seated together by the lakeside, immersed in a moment of raw vulnerability and unspoken connection. Neither of them had realized just how profound and strong this silent bond had become.