I may or may not have forgotten that I wrote Sasuke with one arm in the last chapter because I referenced Sasuke holding a cup in one hand and ruffling Hinata's hair with the other hand 😅 let's pretend that didn't happen, and were moving forward with one-armed Sasuke lol :)
I also want to thank everyone for your comments, it always brings a smile to my face! There are a few things that I want to note.
There will be no cheating in this fanfic. It wasn't the reason behind SasuSaku's divorce and it won't be the reason for NaruHina's.
Hinata will be the first one to fall, but this is a slow burn. So it will take Sasuke a while to catch up. This isn't to say that there won't be any cute moments to happen!
I'm a big fan of the KibaHina friendship, so Kiba will be featured a tad bit more than Shino, but Shino makes appearances more frequently. He will be the voice of reason for her for future chapters to come.
Naruto loves Hinata and is very loyal to his feelings for her. So he won't go back on his words to Shizuka. You won't see them dating in this story.
I will attempt to portray this in the most realistic way I can, which means things will take some time to develop and adjust. Regarding SasuHina, Sakura, and Naruto's reactions to it. To the public finding out and all that's to come. It will take time and we are going to comb through that journey together. This will be a long story, that will cover all the dynamics.
Hopefully, that answered some questions. And if not, feel free to ask in a comment or PM, and maybe I can clarify! With that being said, onto the chapter!
XXXXX
Thursday
When Hinata woke up, she found herself back in bed with Naruto sleeping next to her. She almost cried out in shock and relief to see him again. His eyes fluttered open, and their gazes met, his blue eyes crinkling with a sheepish smile.
"Good morning, beautiful," he said hoarsely, his voice still groggy from sleep.
"M-Morning," she whispered. "You must have been really upset. You were gone for a few days."
Sasuke words echoed in her mind, reminding her how Naruto had made her feel like she was the problem. It upset her, but she pushed the thought away.
Naruto bit the inside of his cheek before speaking. "I was, but after cooling down, I realized that it was me who messed things up." He raised his hand and caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. "I almost was going to come back until next week sometime, but I knew that would only make things worse. I didn't want my wife to hate." He chuckled softly.
"I could never hate you, Naruto-kun."
He scooted closer, and nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. "I'm sorry for how I reacted. I should have never left the house like that. Are you okay?" he whispered against her skin.
Unable to find her words, she nodded, wrapping her arm around his frame. When he leaned back, he pressed his forehead against hers, their eyes locked. She could see the regret and guilt that swam in his blue eyes.
"I'm sorry, Hinata. I'm so sorry…" he whispered, closing his eyes and repeating the words over and over.
As he held her, Hinata's mind drifted far away.
"You weren't with Shizuka that first night, were you?" Hinata asked, softly, almost too afraid to voice her suspicion. She felt him tense in her embrace, causing her to pull back. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. "N-Naruto-kun…?"
"Why would you think something like that?" He sat up in bed and looked down at her.
She looked up at him. "I ran into her on Tuesday. She said you looked down but told me not to worry, that she took care of you." Even thinking about it made her heart break more.
"What the fuck?" Naruto growled, running his fingers through his blonde hair and giving it a stressed grip. "I told her to stay away from me, and now she's stalking you."
Hinata raised her eyebrows, and the pit in her stomach began to lift as she sat up beside him. "What are you talking about?"
Naruto sighed, frustrated. "That night, I was pissed and didn't know where else to go, so I went to the bar. She saw me there and started flirting with me." He paused and placed his hand on her thigh. "I swear on my life, Hinata, I would never hurt you that way. My heart belongs to you and our children. I made that clear to Shizuka when I realized what she was doing. If I need to put a restraining order against her, just give me the words and it'll be completed before this afternoon."
Hinata shook her head, and placed her fingers on his lips. "You don't have to do that. I can handle myself just fine."
"But, Hinata what if…!"
"No. Don't worry about it. It might cause further problems. If she came to me with that lie, it meant she was hurt by the rejection and she just wanted to hurt me. You'll only hurt her more." Even if she secretly thought she deserved it, Hinata knew it wasn't right.
"Only if you say so. I'm sorry she did that. If she ever approaches you again, come to me immediately, okay?"
She nodded, noticing him glance down at her lips. She mentally sighed and slid out of bed, ignoring his pout. "I'm going to take a shower and start breakfast soon."
Hinata stepped into the bathroom, and the sound of water filled the room. As the steam enveloped her, she could shake the feeling of the void that was creeping in. Despite his return and his heartfelt apologies, a shadow lingered in her heart that was leaving her with a sense of incompleteness.
XXXXXX
Uzumaki (and Uchiha) Breakfast
Sasuke watched as Naruto attempted to showcase his love for Hinata in an overly dramatic fashion, clearly wanting to express how sorry he was. In Sasuke's mind, a small audience seemed to applaud Hinata for not immediately giving in to the blonde's antics. His best friend was still being moronic, missing the subtle cues Hinata was giving off.
If this had been the first time he was around Hinata, Sasuke might not have noticed. But he had come to know the Hyuga woman quite well over time. He suspected he could read Hinata better than Naruto could. It baffled him how Naruto couldn't see that his wife was politely signaling a desire for space.
The silence stretched on, broken only by the sound of Naruto drinking his coffee and Hinata stirring her tea. The Hokage kept his hand on top of Hinata's for most of breakfast, while Hinata merely continued eating, her demeanor calm and composed.
Sasuke continued to observe Hinata, his keen eyes noticed the subtleties in her behavior that Naruto seemed to miss. He saw how her cheeks would turn a soft shade of red whenever Naruto stared at her for a second too long. It was a delicate flush, but it spoke volumes to Sasuke about her feelings for her husband.
Then there was the faraway look she would get in her eyes when she dazed off. Sasuke had seen it before, a sign that her mind was wandering to places beyond the present moment. He had a feeling it had something to do with Naruto.
The way she held her teacup, the calm precision in how she stirred her tea and the composed manner in which she responded to Naruto's touches. It was not the action of a woman who was easily swayed by dramatic displays of affection. Hinata was grounded, her strength subtle but unmistakable.
Sasuke couldn't help but admire her resilience. She was a rock, steady and reliable, providing the main foundation for the Uzumaki household. The way she interacted with her children was beautiful. She was a devoted mother, both patient and nurturing. Her eyes would light up with genuine warmth and love whenever she spoke to them. It was clear to him that her children were her world.
He was beginning to respect her immensely.
Naruto leaned back in his chair, a familiar spark in his eyes that Sasuke was all too used to. "What do you say to a rematch?" he asked, grinning.
Sasuke met his gaze, a slow smirk spread across his face. "Why not?" he replied.
Hinata glanced up from her tea. "Be careful, both of you," she said, her voice was gentle, but it held a hint of firmness.
Her eyes held a pointed look that made Naruto immediately straighten up, a chuckle nervously.
"Yes, ma'am," Naruto said, his bravado momentarily dampened by her stern gaze.
Sasuke, on the other hand, was caught off guard by Hinata's expression. It looked out of place on her usually soft features, and he had to suppress a smile. He found it oddly cute in a funny way.
"Don't worry, Hinata. I'll make sure this idiot doesn't get himself hurt," Sasuke said, still smirking.
Naruto stood up from the table, and placed his dish in the sink. He walked over to Hinata, kissed her gently on the top of her head, and said, "I'm heading in for work now. Stay home, okay? I'll be back for lunch." The look he gave her was tender, filled with lust.
Sasuke noticed the look and made a mental note not to be around at noon.
After Naruto left, the room felt quite relaxed, the air filled with a comfortable silence. Sasuke turned to Hinata, who was still sipping her tea.
"Was the movie from last night any good? I fell asleep," he said.
Hinata blushed. "I did too, eventually. I didn't want to disturb you, so I just put a blanket over you," she replied, avoiding his gaze.
Sasuke noticed the blush but he chose to ignore it. Hinata tended to blush easily, and he found it endearing in its way.
"Thanks," he said simply.
He stood up, ready to leave. "I'm going to spend the day the Sarada. I'll be back later in the evening."
Hinata smiled warmly at him. "Enjoy yourselves."
XXXXX
Thursday
11:45 AM
Sasuke watched his daughter as she browsed through the mystery books on the shelves. They had arranged to meet in front of the bookstore as part of a deal he made with Sarada. They could meet there as long as he walked her home afterward. He had been trying to avoid Sakura until he picked up the few belongings he still had at home, but he knew he couldn't avoid her forever.
"Papa, can you buy this trilogy for me?" Sarada asked, looking up at him with hopeful eyes.
Sasuke glanced down at the stack of books in her hands. It was a trilogy called 'The Hero That Was.' He felt a sense of pride that his daughter had a fondness for books. With no siblings to keep her company, she often turned to reading, a passion she had maintained over the years.
The thought of his mother filled him with warmth. She would have been delighted to know that her granddaughter loved books. He missed his family dearly, but his mother held a special place in his heart.
"Papa?" Sarada's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Sure, if that's what you want. You can pick another if you like," he offered, smiling at her the way her face lit up.
"Thank you, Papa!" she exclaimed, continuing to peruse the shelves while he lingered behind her.
"How have you been keeping up with everything? Studying, friends, and other…stuff?" he asked, feeling awkward about his phrasing.
Sasuke felt a mixture of pride and concern as he watched Sarada navigate the bookstore. He cherished the moments he had with her but knew that he had to do much better as a father. As he listened to Sarada animatedly recount the events of her week, he smiled. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she talked about her studies, her friends, and the recent sparring match she had won. He couldn't help but notice the little detail of her face, how her eyes, sharp and focused, were reminiscent of his own, while her smile and the way she crinkled her nose when she laughed were unmistakably Sakura's.
As they stood in line waiting to buy the books Sarada had picked out, she continued to dart her eyes around, spotting yet another book that caught her attention. Sasuke wasn't annoyed he felt a surge of happiness seeing how much joy she found in discovering new books.
A woman in front of them turned around, her face flushed with surprise as she looked up at Sasuke. He could tell she was about to speak but stopped when she noticed Sarada standing beside him.
The woman quickly shifted her attention to Sarada, trying to get on her good side. "Oh, you must be such a smart girl, reading all of these books!" she said, a bit too enthusiastically.
Sarada pointed ahead. "The line is moving."
The woman was flushed, and quickly turned around as Sasuke shared a look with his daughter, both smirked.
"Is it always this embarrassing to see your dad get hit on?" Sarada whispered, shivering in mock disgust.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, giving her an annoyed yet playful smile. "Trust me, it's just as uncomfortable and annoying for me."
They both laughed softly as they moved forward in line. After purchasing the books, Sasuke and Sarada spent the rest of the morning together. They wandered through the village, visiting a small cafe where Sarada enjoyed a pastry while recounting her latest training sessions. As they continued their walk, they ran into Chocho. Sasuke watched as Sarada and Chocho greeted each other warmly, their conversation quickly picking up pace.
Stepping off to give them some space, Sasuke accidentally bumped into Hanabi. He hadn't interacted much with the younger Hyuuga and felt awkward in her presence.
"Sorry," he muttered, attempting to sidestep the conversation.
Hanabi seemed to pick up on it as a wide smile gradually appeared. "In a hurry, Sasuke?" she teased.
Sasuke found her louder personality a stark contrast to Hinata's calm demeanor. He realized he much preferred the latter's company but kept his thoughts to himself.
"Just giving them some space," he replied as he nodded towards his daughter and Chocho.
"I see. So, how are you getting along with my cute nephew and niece?"
"They're great," he replied cooly.
"And my sister?" Hanabi's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You've been treating her with the respect she deserves, right?"
"Of course," he reassured, feeling a bit defensive. "Why the face?" Sasuke frowned.
"Oh, it's nothing," Hanabi said with a dismissive wave, smile still in place. "Just glad to hear it. I'll see you around Uchiha-san. Take care Chocho and Sarada," she turned and called out a cheerful goodbye to Sarada before walking away.
Sasuke exhaled, relieved to be out of the conversation. He glanced back at Sarada, who was wrapping up her conversation, he felt that inner peace again.
XXXXX
Thursday
12:20 PM
Naruto and Hinata sat together in the kitchen, sharing a quiet lunch. Naruto had intended to make the meal himself, but time had slipped away, leaving him with only the basics, prepared. Despite that, Hinata's presence made the moment perfect.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata said softly, "the meat is perfectly cooked. You did a good job."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin spread across his face. "Thanks. I wanted to make something special, but I didn't have another time to practice."
Hinata placed her hand over his. "It's the thought that counts. I appreciate it, Naruto-kun."
Naruto's heart swelled with love for her. He thought about how much she meant to him, how her quiet strength and unwavering support had always been his anchor. He couldn't imagine his life without her.
"Hinata," he began, "what can I do to make things better in our marriage?"
Before she could answer, a knock on the door interrupted them. Naruto frowned, clearly annoyed as he stood up to answer it. His irritation grew when he saw Kiba and Shino standing on the doorstep.
"What are you guys doing here?" Naruto asked, trying to keep his frustration in check.
Kiba grinned, not noticing Naruto's sour mood. "We planned a lunch day with Hina-chan today. Team 8 Day!"
Naruto and Kiba locked eyes in a silent match, tension crackling between them. Shino stepped in to break it up before it could go any further.
"Kiba-kun! Shino-kun!"
Naruto looked behind him to see Hinata with a warm smile spreading across her face.
Kiba immediately took off his shoes and swept her into a hug, lifting her slightly off the ground. Shino stepped inside, excusing the intrusion with a polite nod.
Naruto watched as Shino hugged Hinata, noting how his arms wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her close. It felt more intimate compared to Kiba's hug, which resembled a sibling's affection. Naruto narrowed his eyes but quickly looked away when Hinata met his gaze, replacing his irritation with a forced smile.
Hinata returned his smile, apologizing. "I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. I forgot about our meeting with Kiba-kun and Shino-kun."
Naruto took a deep breath, his frustration ebbing away at the sight of her genuine voice. "It's okay, Hinata. We'll have our time."
He watched from the doorway as Hinata engaged with Kiba and Shino. Her laughter mingled with theirs, and the sight of her smiling so genuinely warmed his heart. However, he couldn't ignore the tightness in his chest when he noticed Shino walking closely behind her as they moved back into the kitchen.
Naruto shook his head, trying to dispel the unease. He stepped forward and called out, "Hinata, I don't want to intrude on your time with them."
Hinata turned, her expression shifted to what looked like concern. She excused herself from Kiba and Shino and walked back to Naruto as he was putting on his shoes.
Naruto reached out and pulled her towards him as kissed her tenderly on the lips. "I love you. I'll see you later tonight, okay?"
Hinata nodded. "Okay."
Naruto smiled and kissed both corners of her lips. "Until tonight, my dear."
With one last affectionate glance, he straightened up and left.
XXXXX
Kiba leaned against the counter, his eyes scanning Hinata's face. "Hina-chan, you look…different. Is Naruto still causing problems?" he asked.
Hinata signed, her shoulders slumped slightly. "Lately, I've been feeling a bit off. I don't know where the feeling is coming from," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shino adjusted his glasses. "Is this about Naruto?"
Hinata shifted in her seat, slowly nodding.
"Maybe your feelings for him are fading? Sometimes even the strongest bonds can weaken over time." Shino continued.
She thought back to all their moments together, their most recent argument, the growing distance she felt. The truth settled heavily on her, and she could feel herself slipping away from Naruto.
Kiba crossed his arms, a look of surprise on his face. "Honestly, I'm surprised you lasted as long as you have," he said bluntly.
"Kiba, stop being so rude," Shino interjected.
"But it's true, and you know it just as well as I do," Kiba retorted, not backing down. "Didn't you notice the death glare he gave you? That idiot is the jealous type." Kiba shook his head, laughing to himself.
Hinata knew that part was true. She has had many encounters with men approaching her and Naruto scaring them off, whether it was by a friendly warning or fully pushing the limits to make sure the man knows that he is flirting with the Hokage's wife. Sometimes it was pure misunderstandings. It made her feel good at first, but after a while, it started to become a bit irksome.
"I don't know what to do. I'm trying to hold on because I don't want my marriage to be a failure." Hinata whispered tears welling in her eyes.
Without hesitation, Kiba pulled Hinata into his arms, holding her tightly. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Hina-chan. You're stronger than you think," he murmured into her hair.
She could smell a mixture of oak moss and Akamaru on him, a scent that brought a sense of comfort and familiarity. No matter what cologne Kiba wore, he always smelled like Akamaru. It was a distinctive scene that had a reassuring effect on her.
As she clung to Kiba, feeling the warmth and support of her old friends, Hinata realized that she wasn't alone. Team 8 had always been there for her, and even in her heartache, they stood by her side.
"Thank you, Kiba-kun," Hinata sniffed, holding onto him tighter. She felt the warmth of his embrace. It was comforting.
"I'm always gonna be here for you. As your number one best friend," Kiba said, pointedly glancing at Shino.
"Am I not here?" Shino sulked.
Kiba rested his chin on top of Hinata's head and shot a glance at Shino. "Don't be jealous that I'm closer to Hinata than you are. You should have come around, isn't that right, Hina-chan?" He stuck his tongue out at the ale, taunting him.
Hinata pulled away from Kiba, frowning. "Don't say things like that, Kiba-kun! Both of you are very important to me," she declared.
Kiba pouted but chose not to push it further. Hinata knew that he respected her feelings and valued their friendship too much to cause any discord.
"How about I make us something to snack on? Would either of you like some tea?" She asked, moving around the kitchen.
"Sure!" Kiba responded enthusiastically, his mood lightened.
Shino stepped beside her, his presence calm and steady. "Do you need any assistance?" he offered.
Hinata shook her head. "No, you relax. I can handle it." she insisted, her movements graceful as she started to prepare the tea.
Hinata moved gracefully around the kitchen, preparing tea and snacks for her friends. The comforting sounds of water boiling and the clinking of cups filled the air.
"How's everything with Tamaki?" Hinata asked.
Kiba's face lit up at the mention of his girlfriend. "She's great! We've been spending a lot of time together lately. She's got this fiery spirit, you know? Keeps me on my toes," he said, grinning.
They had such a cute relationship. She was happy that her friend found someone he can be happy with.
"What about you, Shino? Got any special someone in your life?" Kiba turned his attention to Shino.
Shino adjusted his glasses, his expression impassive. "That's private," he said curtly.
Kiba rolled his eyes. "See, that's why you're not Hina-chan's best friend. We're always open with each other."
Shino sighed, clearly annoyed. "Fine. I've been seeing someone."
Hinata and Kiba looked at each other, shocked. "Really?" they said at the same time.
Kiba, never one to miss an opportunity, began firing off questions faster than Hinata could keep up. "What's her name? How did you meet? How long have you been dating?"
Shino answered each question with a simple "yes" or "no", frustrating for Kiba, but amusing to Hinata. She could tell the man was just private, but Kiba wanted to push it to be nosy.
"Are you happy, Shino-kun?" She asked, gently.
Shino's stern demeanor softened. "It's possible. It's not often I see someone who isn't freaked out by my bugs. Besides you, of course, Hinata."
"I'm happy for you, Shino-kun!" Hinata beamed.
Kiba leaned in with a smirk. "So, have you two…?"
Before he could finish, Shino slapped him on the back of his head. "Keep your perverted questions to yourself.
Hinata giggled softly as she set the tray of tea and snacks on the table they began to partake and continue converse.
XXXXX
Sasuke stood awkwardly in the front entrance of Sakura's home, his hands stuffed into his pockets. He watched as Sarada excitedly showed her mother the books he had bought her, her face lighting up with every word. Sakura's smile was genuine, but Sasuke could sense the underlying tension in the air.
"Come in, Sasuke," Sakura said softly, her eyes meeting his. There was a mixture of hope and sadness in her gaze.
He stepped inside, feeling the weight of the unspoken words between them. Sarada continued to chatter about her new books, oblivious to the tension.
"So, you found a new place?" Sakura asked, trying to make conversation as they stood in the living room.
"Yeah," Sasuke replied, nodding. "I'll be moving in on Sunday. Sarada will have her room."
Sakura's smile faltered for a moment. "That's good. She'll like that," she said, her voice tight.
There was a moment of silence, the kind that seemed to stretch on forever. Sasuke could tell that Sakura was struggling to keep things light, to make him feel comfortable. He could see the longing in her eyes, the way she missed him, even though things had been difficult.
"How are you handling everything?" Sakura asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It's... a transition," Sasuke admitted. "But it's necessary."
Sakura nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I understand."
Sarada, sensing the change in atmosphere, looked between her parents. "Papa, are you staying for dinner?" she asked innocently.
Sasuke hesitated, glancing at Sakura. He didn't want to give her the wrong idea, but the hopeful look in Sarada's eyes was hard to resist. "Sure, if it's okay," he said, his voice low.
Sakura smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "Of course, it's okay."
They moved to the kitchen, the air filled with a mix of emotions. Sakura busied herself with preparing dinner, her movements precise and practiced. Sasuke watched her, a lump forming in his throat. He could see how much effort she was putting into making him feel welcome, and it only made the situation more painful.
As they sat down to eat, the conversation was stilted at first, filled with polite questions and careful answers. But slowly, the tension began to ease, the familiarity of their shared history softening the edges of their interactions.
"How is it at Naruto's?" She asked, her eyes focused on her plate.
"It's alright, The idiot can be annoying, but overall it's fine." He replied, trying to keep his tone neutral.
"That sounds about right." Sakura smiled.
The silence returned, heavier this time. Sasuke could feel the weight of all the things left unsaid, the emotions they were both trying to keep in check. He glanced at Sarada, who was happily eating, unaware of the undercurrent between her parents.
Sasuke took a deep breath, deciding to take a step towards easing the tension. "Thank you for having me."
Sakura looked up her eyes, her eyes met his. "You're always welcome here, Sasuke-kun."
He nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and regret. The path they were on was difficult, but he knew they had to navigate it for the sake of their daughter. As they finished their meal, Sarada smiled brightly at Sasuke as he stood.
"I'll see you see okay?"
"Okay, Papa," Sarada smiled.
He turned to Sakura, his expression unreadable. "Thank you."
She nodded. "Take care, Sasuke-kun…"
Sakura's voice called out to him as he walked towards the door. He stopped and looked over his shoulder, questioningly.
Sakura blushed, shook her head, and pressed her lips into a thin line. "Never mind," she whispered.
Sasuke hesitated for a moment, then gave her a small nod before stepping out the door. As he walked away, the tightness in his chest remained.
XXXXX
The Next Day…
Friday
3 PM
Hinata stood at the front door, watching as Naruto and the kids headed off for the day. She lingered there with a smile on her face as she waved goodbye. Yet, behind her serene expression, her thoughts were a muddle of uncertainty about her marriage, not knowing what to do or how to feel.
Earlier, Sasuke had left before everyone else, heading out to train and do some shopping for his new house. The house felt quieter without him around. He usually lingered behind and they would talk or he'd watch something with her.
She sighed.
Turning her attention to her garden, she made her way to the back of the house. She found solace in tending to her plants, the routine tasks helping to clear her mind. Just as she was about to go back inside to get some shears, she heard a knock on the front door.
Hinata opened the door, surprised to see Gaara standing there. He was dressed unusually casually, in a simple dark green tunic and brown trousers, a far cry from his usual Kazekage robes.
"Kazekage-sama, what a surprise!"
"Please, just Gaara. Is Naruto in?"
"Ah…Gaara-sama," she slowly said, not noticing his mild disappointment at the honorific. "He already left for work. Are you in town for business?"
"I'm visiting my nephew and sister for a few days. It's a surprise. No one knows I'm here, aside from Kankurou, which is why I'm in this." He explained with a rare smile.
"You should be able to find Naruto at the office." She said.
"Thank you, Hinata." He turned to leave but stopped. "How are the flowers blooming?" He asked, his nonexistent eyebrow raised.
Hinata's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, they're doing wonderfully! You have perfect timing. I was just tending to them. Please, come inside and see. It's out in the back."
Leading Gaara through the house and out to the garden, Hinata brought him to a small section where a beautiful, delicate flower was in bloom. It was a desert flower, one that Gaara had sent seeds for, a rare species that grew in Suna.
Hinata knelt beside the flower, her eyes sparkled. "I've been taking extra care to make sure it gets just the right amount of water and sunlight. It's a bit tricky, but it's been thriving."
Gaara knelt as well, inspecting the flower closely. "You truly have a green thumb. I'm impressed," he said.
They stood up, and Hinata brushed some dirt off her knees. "It's all thanks to your recommendation. I've enjoyed the challenge of growing something different."
Gaara nodded. "I'm glad to hear it. How have you been otherwise?"
Hinata hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Everything has been…fine." He didn't seem too convinced, but he didn't press with made her feel better. "How are things in Suna?"
"Well. I've been busy with the kids in the orphanage. Things have been nice. I'm not sure if Naruto told you, but I'll be having a banquet in a few months. I'd like to invite you and your family. I do hope to see you all there."
"Of course," she smiled. Though she wasn't aware of the banquet, she would have to talk with Naruto about it the next time she saw him.
As they both stood up and headed back inside, Gaara held out his hand to help her up the step. As she took his hand, her foot caught on the step, and she tripped. Her hands landed on Gaara's chest to keep herself from falling. The moment she looked up at him, she could see orange behind him.
"So, it's true then. You are having an affair?" Naruto's voice was low, filled with a dangerous edge.
Both Gaara and Hinata's eyes widened in confusion and shock at the accusation.
"How long has this been going on?" Naruto demanded, his eyes narrowing.
The intensity of Naruto's gaze was palpable, his mind whirling with betrayal. He had never expected this, especially not from Hinata and Gaara. The scene played out like a nightmare, each second stretching into an eternity.
"Naruto, what are you talking about?" Hinata's voice trembled as she tried to explain. "Gaara-sama is just visiting his family. This is a misunderstanding."
But Naruto didn't seem to hear her, his anger and hurt driving him forward. He grabbed Gaara by the collar, pulling him close. "You think you can sneak around and I wouldn't find out?"
Gaara remained calm, though his eyes blazed with indignation. "Naruto, you have it all wrong. I am deeply offended that you would think such a thing." He pushed Naruto off him, standing his ground.
Hinata stepped between them, her hands raised. "Please, Naruto, listen to me. Gaara-sama is telling the truth. He's here for his family, nothing more."
Gaara adjusted his clothing, his expression hardening. "Thank you for your time, Hinata," he said, his voice calm but firm. He turned to Naruto, his eyes piercing. "I hope you come to your senses soon. I'll see you around."
With that, Gaara walked away, leaving Naruto and Hinata standing in the tense silence of the moment. Hinata's heart ached, the weight of the misunderstanding pressing down on her as she looked at her husband, hoping he would finally listen.
Hinata stood in silence, the only sound being Naruto's heavy breathing as he struggled to process the situation. He looked down at her, rubbing his head in frustration and confusion. "Hinata, are you having an affair with Gaara?" he asked once more, his voice cracking slightly.
Hinata shook her head, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "I would never do something like that to you, Naruto. I'm tired of your jealousy. You embarrassed me in front of the Kazekage. What must he think of us now?"
Naruto's face fell, his eyes filling with regret. "I'm sorry, Hinata," he began, but she cut him off, her voice trembling with pent-up frustration.
"It's not just your jealousy," she said, her voice rising. "You brush aside my concerns and neglect us for so long. I've tried to be patient, but I can't do it anymore. I'm tired, Naruto."
Naruto's face contorted with desperation as he reached out to her. "Hinata, please," he begged, his voice breaking. "Don't say it. Don't say what I think you're going to say."
Hinata took a step back, her heart breaking as she saw the tears welling up in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Naruto. It's best if we separate."
Naruto's knees buckled slightly, his hands reaching out in a futile attempt to grasp onto something, anything, to prevent the inevitable. "Hinata, please, don't leave me," he pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper.
Hinata's tears fell, but she remained strong. "It's for the best, Naruto-kun…" she said, softly, turning away and leaving him standing there, shattered and alone.
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Well, it happened! The drama will only go uphill after this until things start to calm down. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, please let me know what you think and what you hope to happen! Until next time!