A/N: WARNING There will be light lemon in this. I put a 'XxX' before and after as a warning for anyone who would like to skip that. Happy Reading!

Hinata sat at a small table near the window of the cozy dessert shop she and Hanabi had frequented since they were children. The soft scent of sweet bean pastries and matcha filled the air, but her stomach was in knots.

She hadn't seen Hanabi since she returned to Konoha. Not once. And she knew that wasn't right. She had been avoiding this—avoiding her.

The younger Hyūga had sent a simple message agreeing to meet, but her words had been clipped, she could already feel the storm coming.

The soft chime of the entrance bell rang, and Hinata immediately sat up straight.

Hanabi approached, her posture perfect, regal, the very image of a Hyūga showcasing. But Hinata could see the tension in the way she walked, the way her hands curled into fists at her sides.

Hinata offered a small smile. "Hanabi—"

"I already ordered," Hanabi cut her off coldly as she slid into the seat across from her.

The waitress arrived a few moments later with their usual order—mochi cakes and sweet red bean soup. They sat in silence, the atmosphere so thick with unspoken words thatit felt suffocating.

Hinata took a slow breath, gathering her courage.

"…Hanabi, I'm sorry."

Hanabi's pale eyes snapped to her, sharp like a blade.

Hinata forced herself to continue. "I should have come to see you the moment I returned. I know how sudden everything must have seemed—I was scared to face the Hyūga after getting married while I was away, and—"

"You were scared?" Hanabi interrupted, her voice laced with disbelief and growing anger.

Hinata flinched.

Hanabi let out a sharp laugh, but there wasno humor in it."You were scared, so you just—what? Pretended like we didn't exist? Like I didn't exist?"

"No! Of course not!" Hinata protested, reaching for her sister's hand, but Hanabipulled away.

"Then why?" Hanabi's voice wavered. "Why didn't you come to me? Why did I have to hear from someone else that my sister got married and abandoned her home?!"

Hinata's throat tightened. "I didn't abandon—"

"You did," Hanabi snapped. "You left without a word. You didn't even let me see you before you moved didn't even let me see you in your wedding dress!"

Hinata looked down, guilt slamming into her like a tidal wave.

Hanabi's hands trembled as she clenched her fists in her lap. "I thought we were different from them, Hinata."

Hinata looked up.

Hanabi's voice cracked. "I thought we were family. But it seems like the moment you married Naruto, youforgot about me."

"That's not true!" Hinata pleaded.

"Then why does it feel like it?" Hanabi whispered.

Hinata felt her heart shatter. She opened her mouth, scrambling for the right words, but what could she say?

Hanabi let out a shaky breath,swallowing hard as she stood from the table.

"I thought no matter what happened, no matter what clan issues raised, that I would always be the one person you'd never shut out."

Hinata's vision blurred.

Hanabi took a step back. "But I was wrong."

Hinata's breath hitched.

Hanabi turned sharply and stormed toward the door.

"Hanabi, please—!"

But the door slammed shut behind her.

Hinatasat frozen, her hands trembling over her untouched tea. She hadnever seen her sister cry before. But today, she did. And she was the reason why.

Hinata pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders as she walked toward the meeting point. Today was supposed to be a fun day. A day to start planning her wedding ceremony with her closest friends. Yet, after her confrontation with Hanabi, she couldn't shake the heaviness in her chest.

She spotted Ino and Sakura waiting for her in front of a boutique, both already deep in conversation. The moment Ino saw her, she waved excitedly.

"Hina! Finally, you're here!" Ino beamed, grabbing her arm. "Come on, we're starting with shopping—obviously!"

Sakura chuckled. "You didn't even ask if she wanted to go shopping first."

"Of course she does! What bride doesn't?!" Ino shot back playfully.

Hinata smiled softly, letting herself be pulled along as they entered the first shop. Mannequins draped in silk kimonos and elegant gownslined the walls, and racks upon racks of fabric filled the space. Inoimmediately dragged them over to a display of intricately embroidered ceremonial robes.

"So, do you already have a vision for what you want to wear?" Ino asked, holding up adeep lavender kimono with silver accents.

Hinata ran her fingers over the fabric, but before she could answer, Sakura nudged her. "We should dress you up in something completely extravagant," she teased. "The future Hokage's wife has to make a statement."

Hinata flushed. "I don't want anything too much…"

Ino dramatically gasped. "Excuse me?! Too much?You're literally married to Naruto anyone deserves an over-the-top ceremony, it's you two."

Hinata giggled despite herself.

As they continued browsing, Sakura suddenly clapped her hands together. "Oh! I almost forgot to tell you guys—I got a promotion at the hospital!"

Hinata's eyes widened. "Sakura, that's amazing!"

Ino grinned. "It's about time! I mean, you are practically the best medic in the village."

Sakura rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Well, Tsunade is still the best, but I'm getting there."

The three of them continued looking at dresses and trying them on, laughing and sharing stories, before making their way to the next stop.

The scent of fresh lilies and jasmine filled the air as they stepped into the cozy little shop. Ino practically glowed as she admired the bouquets.

"So, what flowers are we thinking for the wedding?" she asked, turning to Hinata.

Hinata hesitated. "Sunflowers," she said softly. "Naruto gave me some recently, and…" She trailed off, a warm smile forming on her lips.

Ino grinned. "That is adorable."

Sakura nodded in approval. "Sunflowers are perfect. They suit you two."

As they picked out different flowers to consider, Ino suddenly sighed.

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "What's with that face?"

Ino twirled a tulip in her hand. "I, uh… also got offered a promotion."

"Wait—what?!" Sakura and Hinata said in unison.

Ino laughed nervously. "Yeah, but I haven't decided yet, so I wasn't gonna say anything."

Sakura gave her aknowing look."You're hesitating. Why?"

Ino bit her lip. "I love my flower shop, and I love being a kunoichi, but this promotion would mean a lot of responsibility. I just… don't know if I'm ready."

Hinata reached over and squeezed her hand. "You'll make the right decision, Ino."

Ino smiled softly. "Thanks, Hina."

They spent a bit more time in the shop before heading toward their final stop. Inside, glass cases glistened with hair ornaments, rings, and delicate picked up agolden hairpin shaped like a butterfly and immediately turned to Hinata.

"This would look amazing on you for the ceremony," she said.

Hinata admired it, but her mindwasn't fully there.

Sakura noticed first. "Hey, you okay?"

Hinata blinked. "I—" She hesitated before sighing. "I met with Hanabi earlier."

Ino and Sakura exchanged glances.

"She was supposed to come today," Hinata continued, voice soft, "but… she's angry with me. For not coming to see her when I got back. For getting married without telling her."

Sakura winced. "Oh…"

Ino frowned. "Yikes."

Hinata twisted her fingers together. "Well… she said she I abandoned her."

The weight of her sister's words pressed against her chest again.

Sakura reached out, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Hinata, I won't lie… she probably does feel hurt. But Hanabi loves you she'll come around."

Ino nodded. "She just needs time."

Hinata swallowed, nodding hoped they were right.

After a few moments, Ino clapped her hands together. "Alright! No more sad vibes! We are here to celebrate your wedding, Hina! And I am officially putting myself in charge of making sure you look absolutely stunning that day."

Hinata let out a small laugh. "Thank you, Ino."

Sakura smiled. "No matter what happens, you have us. And we'll make sure your wedding is perfect."

XxX

Hinata stumbled through the door, her arms laden with shopping bags, a sigh of relief escaping her lips as she finally made it home. The day had been long and exhausting. She longed for nothing more than a hot bath and a good night's sleep.

As she entered the living room, she found Naruto sitting on the couch, his brow furrowed in concentration as he studied a stack of papers. He looked just as stressed as she felt, and Hinata couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. She knew that he had been working tirelessly in his preparation to become Hokage, and the weight of it was clearly taking its toll on him.

Their eyes met, and Hinata felt a jolt of desire surge through her. She had missed him terribly during her day out with her friends, and she couldn't deny the urge to mold her body to him right then and there. Naruto seemed to feel the same way, as he stood up from the couch and crossed the room in a few quick strides.

With his eyes locked onto hers, he pinned her against the wall, his hands on either side of her head, and leaned in close. "I've missed you, Hinata," he growled, his voice low and husky.

Hinata felt her heart race as Naruto's lips met hers in a fierce, passionate kiss. She let out a soft moan as his tongue slipped into her mouth, exploring her with a sense of urgency that left her breathless. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as their bodies pressed together.

Naruto's hands roamed over her body, his touch leaving a trail of fire wherever it went. He cupped her breasts through her shirt, his thumbs brushing over her nipples and making her gasp with pleasure. She could feel his hardness pressing against her, and she ached to feel him inside her.

Without breaking the kiss, Naruto reached down and unbuttoned her jeans, sliding them down her hips along with her panties. He lifted her up, her legs wrapping around his waist as he carried her over to the nearby table. He laid her down on it, his eyes never leaving hers as he pulled off his own clothes.

Hinata's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of Naruto's naked body. He was a magnificent sight of muscle and sinew, his skin glistening with sweat as he moved closer to her. She could see the desire in his eyes, and she knew that she was in for a wild ride.

Naruto knelt down between her legs, his hands sliding up her thighs as he spread them apart. He leaned in close, his breath hot against her sensitive skin as he ran his tongue over her most intimate area. Hinata let out a gasp of pleasure, her hands gripping the edge of the table as he continued to tease her with his tongue.

"Naruto," she moaned, her hips bucking against him. "I need you."

Naruto chuckled, his fingers sliding inside her as he continued to work her with his tongue. "Patience, Hinata," he said, his voice thick with desire. "I want to make sure you're ready for me."

Hinata could feel herself getting closer and closer to the edge, her body trembling with anticipation. She wanted him so badly, and she could tell that he was just as desperate for her. She reached down, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer.

"Please, Naruto," she begged, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need you now."

Naruto looked up at her, his eyes dark with desire. He pulled his fingers out of her, replacing them with his hard cock in a swift movement. He thrust into her, throwind his head back from pure bliss as he kept filling her completely and making her cry out with pleasure.

They moved together in a frenzy of passion, their bodies slick with sweat as they chased their release. Naruto's thrusts grew harder and faster, his hands gripping her hips as he drove into her again and again. Hinata could feel herself getting closer, her body tightening around him as she reached the edge.

With a final, powerful thrust, Naruto sent them both over the edge, their bodies shuddering with the force of their orgasms. They collapsed onto the table, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they tried to catch their breath.

"Fuck, Hime," Naruto panted, his forehead resting against hers. "I've missed you so much."

Hinata smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as she basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking. "I've missed you too, Naruto," she said softly. "But I think we both needed that."

Naruto chuckled, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her skin. "I couldn't agree more," he said, his voice filled with satisfaction. "Now, how about we take this to the bedroom and continue this little reunion of ours?"

Hinata's eyes flew open, a shy smile spreading across her face before nodding.

And with that, they stumbled off the table and made their way to the bedroom.

XxX

The night air was crisp, the sky clear and unmarred by clouds. The Uchiha training grounds were lit by the faint glow of themoon, casting long shadows over the cracked earth. The sound of swift, powerful movements echoed through the quiet night as Sasuke and Itachi faced off, their bodies tense and poised for combat.

The ground beneath them cracked with each step, each strike. Sasuke's shurriken whizzed through the air, aiming for his older brother. Itachi, calm and precise as ever, effortlessly dodged the incoming projectiles, his eyes scanning Sasuke's movements with that ever-present, inscrutable expression.

Sasuke lunged forward, his sword flashing in a quick arc, aimed at Itachi's midsection. Itachi sidestepped, a mere blur of motion, before countering with a series of swift jabs. The younger Uchiha blocked them with quick reflexes, his Sharingan active, but the gap in skill was evident. Sasuke's rage fueled his every move, but his anger seemed to cloud his precision.

"You're still holding back, Sasuke." Itachi's voice was calm, almost detached, as he parried Sasuke's next strike with ease. "You haven't let go of your past."

Sasuke snarled, his eyes narrowing as he attempted to land a solid blow. His strikes were faster now, more furious, the rage in his heart pouring into each movement. He attacked relentlessly, but Itachi's movements were like water, fluid and calm, effortlessly evading and countering.

"I'm not holding back!" Sasuke snapped, his voice strained. The clang of their blades echoed as they collided. "You think I'm still the same boy who worshiped you?"

Itachi's expression softened ever so slightly. "It's not about what you were, Sasuke. It's about who you are now."

Sasuke didn't respond. His emotions flared, and he attacked with even more flashed, narrowly missing Itachi as he deflected them with surgical precision. His older brother remained calm, his Sharingan eyes flashing briefly in the moonlight as he watched Sasuke struggle against the tide of his own fury.

"You're getting sloppy," Itachi said quietly, sidestepping Sasuke's latest attack and placing a hand on his shoulder to push him off balance, sending him stumbling back. "Tell me, Sasuke, is Hinata the cause of your frustration?"

Sasuke froze for a moment, his hand trembling around the hilt of his sword. Itachi's words cut deeper than he intended, but Sasuke quickly masked his emotions, glaring at him in silence.

He didn't answer.

"You're not fooling me, Sasuke. I can see it in your eyes," Itachi continued, his voice calm, almost patronizing. He gave Sasuke a moment to steady himself before he asked again, "What exactly is it about Hinata that's got you so… worked up?"

The younger Uchiha's chest heaved with labored breaths as he glared at his brother. "I don't have to explain myself to you."

"No, you don't but it's clear to me, Sasuke." Itachi stepped closer, his tone turning more pointed.

Sasuke's fists clenched in frustration, and his Sharingan flared up in a sudden burst of emotion. "What's it to you?"

Itachi's lips curled into a slight smile, a small trace of amusement creeping into his cold, calculating gaze. "I'm not blind, Sasuke. I can tell when something's off. You've been talking about her nonstop since I've arrived back in the village."

Sasuke's anger reached a boiling point. His voice was thick with emotion when he snapped back. "I care about her, okay?!"

Itachi's gaze sharpened. "You care about her, huh? That's a bit unexpected, considering she's already married. To your best friend, no less."

Sasuke's face hardened at his words, and for the first time during their sparring session, his stance faltered. The tension in the air thickened. He stood still for a moment, breathing heavily, his gaze fixed on his brother, unable to respond.

Itachi pressed on, sensing that his brother was close to cracking. "Let me remind you, Sasuke, that she's married to Naruto. That bond is unbreakable."

Sasuke's chest tightened, and for a moment, his emotions wavered, a storm of confusion, anger, and frustration battling within him. He turned away from his older brother, his voice barely a whisper. "You don't understand."

Itachi tilted his head. "I don't understand what?"

Sasuke gritted his teeth, fists still clenched. "No, you don't get it." He stepped back and raised his arm, readying himself for another strike. "I care for both Hinata and Naruto. But what they have going on…" He paused, struggling to find the right words. "It's a ticking time bomb. It's bound to explode."

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "A ticking time bomb?"

Sasuke exhaled sharply. "They're both wrapped in darkness, and it's like neither of them sees it."

There was a long pause. Sasuke's breath shaking, the air was thick with their shared history—brothers, enemies, and allies in this silent war of words.

Then, as if deciding that the time for sparring had ended, Itachi dropped his stance and let the air between them settle. He wasn't interested in a drawn-out fight anymore.

"Hinata told me everything last night."

The words hit Sasuke like a physical body froze mid-motion, his sword lowering slightly. His eyes widened in shock, disbelief written across his face as he turned to face Itachi completely.

"What…?" Sasuke muttered under his breath, his voice hoarse.

Itachi's eyes remained calm, unwavering, and he took a step closer to his brother. "She told me everything about what's been happening."

Sasuke's heart pounded in his grip on his sword tightened again, the muscles in his arms tensing. His thoughts raced as his mind tried to piece together this new revelation.

Itachi stepped forward, voice quiet but firm. "She trusts me, Sasuke. And if you care about her as much as I think you do, you'll stop running from the truth and start protecting her. I know that's what I intend to do, she is very dear to me."

Sasuke stood there, speechless, the weight of his brother's words sinking in. The sharp intensity of their clash had transformed from physical to psychological, and Sasuke realized that, in some way, his brother knew far more than he had ever imagined.