Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 48-
Dinners

October 3rd. Midnight.

Mitsuyo sighed in front of the door. "Shinobi break down doors and everything in sight. I'm starting to worry about mother nature." she sighed.

Mitsuyo looked back at Hinata's head nestled on the curve of Sasuke's thigh and the blanket over her. After finding out about Someina's betrayal, Hinata fell asleep due to a headache. He's usually her cushion. She smiled in her sleep like a saint. He could eat rice with that smile.

How many bowls... He didn't know.

Mitsuyo stretched a bit. "Go to bed. I set up all these barriers and Hinata put seals in place."

Sasuke winced. "I would but midnight is the time to think, to lose, to grieve with convenience."

There are still days when Sasuke can't move because of the guilt of not being strong enough. Sasuke mocked the kindness of others and smacked people's hands away.

At midnight, the numbness around his heart weakened enough to ache. Was it just fate to end up ruining everyone else around him? To end up alone? Thoughts too simple and immature like saving everyone... plagued him.

Orochimaru still has a hold on everyone in the house in some traumatic way... Why isn't he over this? Hinata interrupted his dark thoughts with a joyous laugh and sleepy mumblings like, "Cherry rings..." and "Marigolds... are protected."

"Hinata is positive enough to ignore that brooding of yours. When I come to think of it, your lover is kind of weird..." Mitsuyo put a blanket on Kokoro, who snored loudly over in the distance.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Oh no, what has the world come to? A lovely girl, laughing in her sleep. A tragedy for sure."

"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit," Mitsuyo stuck her tongue out.

Sasuke shrugged. "I still feel mildly intelligent. I'm the man of the house and the Uchiha clan leader... I need to protect everyone. So, staying awake helps keep everyone safe..."

"Speaking of safe..." Mitsuyo looked over. "Would you be willing to let in Hyuuga into the Uchiha clan? There surely will be defectors from that clan. Many can't take Hyuuga Hinata's father with a stick up his ass rules." she tapped on her chin. "That would be an abomination if they joined us."

"Of course there will be other defectors but they'll bring those awful haircuts..." Sasuke cringed.

"There will be a merge of our separate cultures. Ugh. They'll bring political catastrophes, and we'll bring dangerous fights to their doorstep. If we get the support of Hinata's family, their funds, and their influence- we'll dominate. We're not the most well-liked in the schoolyard, and they'll take our bean buns," she curled her fist. "No one will be able to challenge me now."

Sasuke, for some reason, laughed a bit, stroking Hinata's hair. "Is that some unresolved issue of yours? School yard academy fights?"

"It's been so long since I thought of that place. The Academy." she sighed.

"I bet you can't remember your academy days."

"Don't call a lady old, that's rude. Know your manners. I'm only four years older than Kabuto!" she looked down and grimaced. "You're the lowest of the low, prick!"

Sasuke smirked a bit. "All this talk about Hyuuga and learning political secrets, I didn't know you were a schemer for someone at your age. Gossiping is the cherry on your birthday cake..." Sasuke frowned for a moment. "When I come to think of it, I know... you've never told me your birthday nor has Hinata gotten crazy with how she will hide your birthday presents."

Mitsuyo's voice was rough and hard like steel when she replied. "Sasuke... I ground up Uchiha Kozakura into a fine powder, locked her away and burned her ashes. Why must you force me to dig up her grave? Taste the ashes once more?" she closed her eyes but Sasuke saw the red.

Mitsuyo activated her sharingan unconsciously to protect herself from threats... The psychological threats of her memories... Were they that dangerous? What trauma made her want to kill her personality?

"Birthdays are a celebration of living. Kakashi's your age and the older I get, the less I feel like I've lived and know." Sasuke looked over at her.

There were the signs of wrinkles though she was still very beautiful. Very, very beautiful. It was quite scary how she still resembles the witch who took him in a long time ago.

"How old are you, Mitsuyo... Kozakura?" he winced.

Mitsuyo tapped her chin. "That's a question for Kozakura. Mitsuyo is fresh with no mistakes, no past, no love, and no aches. Sometimes, mistakes are timeless and you never move on past that decade of your life and you have no birthday to celebrate."

"Why erase yourself?"

"It's easier to erase something and forsake it to avoid blaming yourself. It's just less pain on Mitsuyo... and Kozakura."

Sasuke sighed a bit. "When will I call you Kozakura again?"

"When I have atoned for my sins. That would be the greatest birthday gift of all."

"When is the season? Hinata could put up flowers during that time." Sasuke smiled a bit. "It'll be a celebration for that era."

"Summertime," Mitsuyo said simply. "Summertime is when fireworks came out on my birthday."

"Tell me something about Kozakura."

Her voice became distant and she smiled faintly. "She smelled of sunflowers in the wind. She never drank and became nervous around good things."

"How do you feel around us?" Sasuke gestured to Hinata.

"One step closer to being terrified, especially because you both will become powerful leaders." Mitsuyo shrugged.

"You are one complex woman."

She shrugged again. More apathetic. "Who isn't a monument of ruins and failure at my age? You know, none of the old people/shinobi of Konoha seem happy, unless they are civilians."

"You're already senile."

"You just like ragging on your elders, do you? Learn how to speak with respect, bozu!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "You have less responsibility while weak. Therefore, you are happier. You don't have the tools or strength to back up your resolve."

Mitsuyo looked at Hinata's sleeping form. "Don't you think Hinata is strong enough... to rule that clan?"

Perhaps. Would anyone listen to her? Of course. She's still prone to causing problems and not backing them up or fighting for them... She probably won't like leading. She doesn't really want to be involved in the shinobi fast-paced life now that the twins have dojutsu... Plus, Hibata wouldn't steal anything from Hanabi.

Hinata did lead ANBU teams and primarily works as a doctor but... she still doesn't want to do politics. Frankly, Sasuke doesn't either but what can you do? Manipulation for power comes in everything and anything.

Mitsuyo laid down on the floor, looking at the ceiling. "Wouldn't there be a huge struggle between Hinata and Hanabi? The presence of a war would draw near... And besides, nothing about Hinata is Hyuuga-like anyhow. Correction; anymore." she sighed.

Sasuke raised a brow.

Mitsuyo sat up, urgency in her tone. "We can't plague the Uchiha by adding Hyuuga moral problems like branding, hierarchies and branch families. We can't poison our well of life with that nonsense!"

It's true Hyuuga would always dominate the Uchiha by sheer force of numbers and their supposed superiority... Sasuke will not be spat on by supposed super clans in Konoha. He deserves respect but if he continues with this approach, the rebuilding won't happen.

"We need their support." Sasuke looked at her. "We'll welcome them after extreme vetting and the power of their byakugan."

"Once you make a clan or a team... a family of sorts... you're giving someone a place to belong when you protect them. A place to be happy and be weak and vulnerable without punishment." Mitsuyo's eyes eclipsed. "Yes... that."

"I guess, if they are weak, we will be strong for them and train them. No one shall get special treatment based on their eyes..."

"That is the legacy most strive to leave behind; to protect their comrades."

"Even if we aren't there, will the world be safe?" Sasuke looked down.

If he died, he must be able to protect Hinata... but he is not a God. How can he do the impossible if he's dead? Orochimaru just wanted Someina to kill Hinata because of the DCA's unending interest in Hinata... If Hinata's gone, likely something else in their plan would collapse.

"Maybe Orochimaru taught you how to use a sword, to shred dreams and turn smirks into sobs..." Mitsuyo looked at the ceiling. "I swear, it's like the world is dark when he's around."

"They say when the first Hokage died, the sun didn't rise for three days. The moon was out and Kaguya, who resides in the moon shone, casting her malicious glow across the land. Do you think it'll be the same when I die?" Sasuke asked, sighing.

"Do we even know?"

"Probably not..." Sasuke looked at the ceiling.

"What the mind forgets, the heart remembers. If we are dead, we will be remembered." Mitsuyo said to herself.

I will be remembered... If anyone is up there, let Hinata haunt whatever hell I go to. That's all I wish, Sasuke chuckled a bit. "I want an Uchiha clan... space... to be strong. I will give form to my ideals and find infinite ways to make my goal finite."

"I will give you one." Mitsuyo nodded. "Kokoro got an architect to help us. We just need funding and you know- levels of respect so people don't knock it down before our heaven is built..."

Sasuke nodded. The future doesn't scare him as much or at all, really.

Mitsuyo shook her head. "Orochimaru is probably looking for a way into mine and Hinata's archives. Every time the DCA attacks, it seems to be taking my Uchiha artifacts and family portrait. They even took Ryouta's baby photos. Cruel people."

Sasuke looked at her, head tilted. "According to one of Orochimaru's lackeys that I harassed, Orochimaru is looking for a scroll that is said to defeat the power of the DCA that either you or Hinata have in possession. Someina was supposed to find it for Orochimaru... Someina was able to probably access it."

If this situation escalates, Hinata will be taken away. He instinctually held her closer. "Mitsuyo, eventually, the DCA will take Hinata- find that scroll..." Sasuke looked at her. "Don't die before you solve it."

Mitsuyo nodded. "All that you need, you can have from me, idiot."

"You hag, don't call me an idiot."

"Respect your elders! And... Uchiha Sasuke, call me... Koza. A nickname my friends... gave me."

"Koza?" Sasuke scratched his neck. That's oddly an honor.

"Mhm."

"Alright... Koza. I hate you in your supine position, so bitter and annoying but you're probably my best friend. Isn't that sad?" Sasuke asked huskily.

"The saddest." Mitsuyo laughed.

And it completely was the opposite.

¤¤¤

October 4th. Sunset.

Scrolls. The whole day was dedicated to finding a scroll that Mitsuyo said had high importance. Mitsuyo gave up looking for it and looked at Hinata's own documents instead.

Hinata and Mitsuyo had the house to themselves since Sasuke went to the park with the kids. She remembers Karui's trembling lips as Hinata asked if they should have a play date with their kids.

Amarante had a predominately male presence in her life and needed a best friend that was a girl, someone like Ino when they're angry at their parents.

Sometime during the week, they began renting a bigger house, with better rooms for the kids.

It Sasuke didn't like the place but he said a liquor store was nearby. Hinata didn't know how she felt about that.

While settled in the living room, there sat items and documents to send to the Kazekage-sama (she had to add 'thank you' notes and small gifts for his time and patience with her, it only seemed right).

Mitsuyo distracted Hinata, begging her to come over to the table with her stuff.

"What am I looking at? I don't know how to read blueprints," Hinata squinted as Mitsuyo pressed a hand to the papers sprawled out on the coffee table.

"Me neither," Mitsuyo smiled tenderly at the blueprints, "but they're pretty. It's what Sasuke, Kokoro and I have been working on for the past weeks. It's your new clan district."

"It can't be my district. I won't lead anything." Hinata laughed nervously.

"Behind every great king is a queen. You have to be a leader in something for the Uchiha or even the Hyuuga."

"I refuse to."

"But Hinata-"

"I refuse." Hinata pointedly looked at the table. Hinata saw the blue of the ink they used the rectangular shapes and such. Mitsuyo, restless with excitement, pointed to various blocks and said their destined uses.

"You drew this?" Hinata asked Mitsuyo, changing the subject.

Mitsuyo still scowled but answered nonetheless. "No... Some criminal mastermind man Sasuke hired from the dark Konoha underworld did. His name is Koji and he likes drawing and architecture."

"You're letting Kokoro in on this?"

Mitsuyo rolled her eyes. "Kokoro begged Sasuke and got our architect Koji, so he allowed her to know. She should be involved in this Uchiha-family-fun-time. My children were never interested in family affairs nor invested in our cause. It's quite nice to have Kokoro around... despite our complications..."

"Are you two good with each other?" Hinata asked.

Mitsuyo smiled. "We will be. We talked and said all the hard things we needed to hear. It was... good. She volunteered to work at the daycare and orphanage I will run..."

Hinata squeezed Mitsuyo's knee, genuinely happy. "That's really great, you got your daughter back."

Mitsuyo shook her head and held Hinata's chin. "No, now I merely have two."

Hinata smiled.

Mitsuyo carefully rolled up their plans for the future and put them away. "Enough about this- what did you need me to send to Suna?"

Hinata pointed to three boxes in the corner of the room. All that.

Mitsuyo widened her eyes. "Why? You know, sending more things to Gaara would be strange. You've already sent everything there is to send."

"Half of it is what I already used, mastered and practice. The other half is clutter we don't need. The Kazekage-sama might need it," Hinata shrugged.

"It's just clutter mixed in with vital information for the Prince of the sand country, which determines his reign as Kazekage, Hinata, you fox!" Mitsuyo realized aloud.

Hinata's stomach churned.

Mitsuyo clapped her hands together. "I love it! It'll be fun, taking this all to Suna and seeing my son, and seeing the Kazekage again," she laughed, cheeky before continuing.

Hinata fished out the letter the Kage gave her earlier that day. She read it.

Mitsuyo laughed. "I wouldn't be surprised if Sasuke kicked the bucket, Gaara would come swooping in, floating on the sand for your love."

She smacked Mitsuyo's arm. "Stop!"

"I see it... you're both from prominent clans. Both have amazing jutsu. Politically, you and him together would make Konoha and Suna's ties impeccably strong. You would also be able to be with a Kage! Imagine it, the Byakugan Queen with the Killer Sand King taking over both countries with riches and luxe and gold," Mitsuyo got more enthusiastic with each word. "We would live like royalty!"

I don't even imagine life without Sasuke. Orochimaru doesn't mind life without me, Hinata grimaced. Why would Orochimaru want to take me from my life? Maybe he wanted to rid us of something that made Sasuke happy... That makes Mitsuyo happy.

Mitsuyo's playful exterior hardened like stone. "I heard Sasuke saying to move on if he died... It's something all shinobi are meant to do. We're a society of death and dissonance. It's a cycle of peace, war and death... and betrayal."

"Betrayal is amongst the strangest feelings," Hinata said, staring at her cuticles. "Can you give me wisdom?"

"I would do anything to help you or those in need... Except for politicians. I dislike politics," Mitsuyo chuckling to herself. "But I like money. It's a strange position to cradle."

Hinata laughed, seeing Mitsuyo's sympathy but her gaze was dodgy. "What can you tell me about forgiveness?" Hinata asked.

"Lots. Forgiveness is mostly for yourself, not the other person. Not that they deserve it, you deserve peace from whatever plagues you. Is this about Someina?"

"For me and Sakura..."

"Haven't you both a strained relationship?" Mitsuyo asked her.

"I told Sasuke everyone deserves forgiveness. It's why we live on like this... freely. It's an evolution of character for those who forgive and those who are forgiven... and I can't even imagine forgiving her..."

"My dear, follow your own philosophy," Mitsuyo said.

Hinaga set the book down and sighed. "I've regressed. When I left Konoha, I already forgave my father, Konoha. Everyone. But now I am so angry at them that I can't breathe."

"Maybe you stopped being naive..."

Hinata sighed. "I don't know if forgiving someone is naive and I loved Sakura so much."

Hinata explained how she said all these terrible things... Hinata wanted to hurt Sakura like she hurt Hinata? Hinata messed it up with the best friend she wanted to have since childhood. Hinata always championed the trait of forgiveness.

"What do I do? I didn't mean to hurt her but I did..." Hinata sighed.

Mitsuyo smiled softly, eyes also soft. "If and when we say these things... we grow and learn that words are like knives. Choose the right one." Mitsuyo hummed.

"When?" Hinata asked, voice hoarse.

"Next time... There's always the next time." Mitsuyo smiled. "How can you live compassionately if you can't be compassionate to yourself? You can't... Will you ever forgive yourself for your father thinking you can't lead your people?"

"I am afraid that if I do my best, I won't live up to their expectations or I won't surpass them at all..." Hinata sighed.

"Who cares about the naysayers? I would follow you anywhere."

"I can't keep anyone loyal... I have you but... I don't know, Someina wanted to kill me."

"She was coerced and manipulated by Orochimaru. He promised to get her sister back in exchange for you. He even killed her abuser just to feign allegiance. He is scum and she is young enough to believe all of his lies!"

"I don't want anyone other than my family dependent on me! I don't have to worry about those who I may disappoint. Alright? I just don't want to. I followed my heart so many times on something like that and I got crushed by the reality of me not being cut out for it." Hinata said, evenly.

"It's not reality or the truth if you hadn't tried it!"

Hinata got on her feet, turning away. "I'm not arguing about this. Not again with someone other than Hiashi."

Mitsuyo shook her head. "You don't want to take a chance on those who may come to love you? When are you going to forgive yourself, Hinata? You're your worst enemy when it comes to confidence in love, parenting, and even your jutsu. When will you forgive your past self?"

She doesn't know.

"Hinata-"

"I don't know! Alright? It's hard to forgive yourself for being weak with your chakra where chakra means everything. I tried to be a leader but I wasn't good enough. There are some things we are terrible at and we ought to accept that." Hinata sighed. "Let's talk about anything but that. Let's look for the scrolls Sasuke said was so important."

Mitsuyo bowed, which was weird, before leaving the room. "As you wish."

¤¤¤

Nighttime.

Hinata stared at the papers and files on the ground. Hinata looked through the three thousand scrolls she managed to amass with Mitsuyo at her side.

Madara kept eyes in this specific location, for his clan years and years ago. Even after death, Uchiha sharingan eyes live on and can be transferred from one another... Mitsuyo had information on this yet never said anything...

Mitsuyo was at the door, drinking some gin. "Gin is just vodka after its wish has been granted. It's honestly divine. Want some? You look stressed," she laughed.

"I can't drink before meeting the Hokage..." Hinata sighed. "I can drink plenty after I meet him. I guarantee it."

Mitsuyo laughed. "Good thing I won't see Kakashi... I'm sweating booze," Mitsuyo swished her glass around.

Hinata turned away.

"Are you still angry with me?" Mitsuyo asked, worried and a bit stubborn.

"No. I took the many hours to think of what you said and I haven't changed my views. I don't want to be leader of two clans, can you accept that?" Hinata asked softly.

"No."

"Then, please leave me be," Hinata looked at her files.

"No to that as well," Mitsuyo looked at the plethora of files and documents Hinata had surrounded herself in. "What are you doing cooped up in here? The kids are begging for baths and dinner..."

"Sasuke said he'll get take out... and I'll do the baths. They like tricking Sasuke into the bathtub," Hinata smiled, then hid it.

"Clever boys make devious men," Mitsuyo muttered.

All things pointed to not going out with the kids. It was too much stress on their eyes and everything. They couldn't...

Hinata looked at the scroll before her. It was beautifully made with so many details. Hinata knew this handwriting. She found this scroll that has immense power for absolutely one purpose; to seal away sharingan eyes.

"There is a chamber where countless of sharingan eyes are kept. You called it an Uchiha Ressurection Pod. Madara sealed away eyes there..." Hinata looked up. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Yes. An urban myth. The Uchiha reproduced like a sport during the era of the Warring Clans Period. We kept eyes like identities. They were our fingerprints and they needed to be kept safe and secret. That Resurrection Pod saved us. Having that... was like poisoning ourselves. Venom is good in your blood, it makes you less vulnerable to the next bite..."

"What would the snake be?" Hinata asked.

"I don't know... another massacre..."

Hinata sighed. "I've forgiven you for a lot but you can't hide things from me like this... Why didn't you tell Sasuke we had it?"

Mitsuyo sighed. "Hinata- I didn't think I needed to tell you because it may not exist."

"There are all these Uchiha artifacts are hidden away and I will find them. Sasuke deserves to know all these things..." Hinata said. "He deserves to find them."

"I don't know where it the Uchiha Ressurection Pod is. It was more like an urban myth and someone who has access to it can shift the tides of the world. And what would Sasuke do with it? Those who possessed the sharingan from this Pod wouldn't be able to pass on the eyes."

"I know... but he wants a clan and we never know. The kid's eyes... I found your scroll that seals them away. I don't know if I'm terrified or awed at your sealing skills... for writing the seals..."

Mitsuyo tilted her head.

Hinata held another seal up. "I found this scroll- Mitsuyo- why is there a scroll for the sharingan? Sealing them away, to be precise..."

"Well- that was for Danzo and my children...The pain of an unrequited love is a pain one never forgets..." Mitsuyo sighed. "You know how Danzo killed my husband for the sharingan? I had one child with him. And he took Ryouta with him, to train his sharingan and eventually taking his son's eyes. The training became too hard and Ryouta couldn't keep up."

"Did you make this seal to protect him?" Hinata asked.

"Yes. I activated it after a year or two after the got taken away. It became undone after he died... No need to have it activated... when there is no one to protect," Mitsuyo paused a moment. "You can't put seals on your children..."

I'm not thinking of that... The sharingan and byakugan will be a target. It's insane that Sasuke thinks people won't come for us! We're a melting pot of trouble, Hinata sighed.

Hinata looked at the seal. "I would never hurt my children in that way. I'm so worried about their dojutsu, especially the twins..."

"They'll be fine. They have you, Sasuke and I. I'll protect them. We'll protect them but we can't keep them away from having a normal life. Sealing them away will be a crime too..."

That would be criminal. Keeping away their smiles. It would be a mistake. She hated when Hiashi threatened to put a seal on her...

"I want to make the seals for the kids accessible. They could choose if they'll seal their eyes, in danger and hostage situations..." Hinata said, looking at it.

"You can practice this. It wouldn't be out of your reach and it won't affect Kokoro and Kaito. Only the sharingan children I birthed in my blood, my hope and my sorrow will be affected in Konoha... Once you activate the seal- you are the only one who can deactivate it... If you do not recite these words correctly, their sharingan will burn or wither or perish..."

"What? Why? You have that power over life and death?" Hinata asked. "You taught me to seal away life essence and evil but... I can't- I wouldn't do that."

Mitsuyo rubbed her neck, where her tattoed seal used to be. "I sealed away one-fourth of my chakra when Danzo died. I promise I can bring nations down to their knees... without my chakra, I won't hurt anyone. In my days, the sharingan was worth more than the sun. I needed to protect the clan I have since given up..." Mitsuyo hissed.

Hinata sighed. "But what about- if outsiders find the Pod?"

"Then we hunt every single thief down and you know- take what is ours," she smiled. "The seal wouldn't be bad if the children used it... The one who has the sharingan can also recite words to reactivate their sharingan after sealing it." Mitsuyo suddenly brightened. "The children can be safe from attackers."

"If I used the seal on another Uchiha, would they know who activated the seal?" Hinata asked.

"They would know the chakra signatures of the people in the proximity and have to take a wild guess to actually know... The words to undo and activate the seal is; The half-life of me is you. The whole life of me is you. The best life for me is you. We're ephemeral..." Mitsuyo said, smiling. "Remember it correctly or have peace with losing your future husband's eyes..."

Hinata smiled and performed the seal, not knowing the consequences but it was already fine.

"Okay- you have all of my secrets. Do well with them, alright?" Mitsuyo nodded. "May I call you Mother of Uchiha in the history books?"

Hinata leaned back. Huh? Why are they talking about this again?

"You eventually will be the Uchiha clan leader's wife... You have to be called something by your loyal subjects..."

"Subjects? Stop with that crazy talk. Mitsuyo, Mother of Uchiha seems... a bit much." Hinata winced.

She wasn't comfortable with that... It made her sound otherworldly and sort of royal-like. She is used to being a shunned princess but not a revered queen...

"Kokoro says you should be called something important..." Mitsuyo leaned on the door frame. "I think so too. If you would stop fighting it, you would surpass your limits. Goodbye mother of Uchiha, I will call you that until you accept it."

"I won't accept it!"

"Then you are stuck with it and me." she looked over her shoulder, a fanged smile almost bruising her lips, "Goodbye, Mother of Uchiha."

Hinata groaned and threw a pillow at the door, sighing. Little did she know those were the last words she heard from Mitsuyo in a while.

¤¤¤

Kokoro danced in front of a mirror while Mitsuyo and her talked. They shared a box of almond cookies while they watched the chaos that was getting everyone ready for dinner at Kakashi's house.

Amarante had trouble regulating her chakra in her system and got tired easily. Hiromitsu has been oddly mute and attached to Hinata since the whole ordeal. Taiyo kept on getting stains on his shirts from eating mass amounts of food. Benjiro was boisterous and refused to wear a tie.

They were just about prepped when Hinata saw Benjiro taking off his tie.

"Benjiro- keep that tie on! You must be presentable in front of your Kage," Hinata said, picking it up.

Benjiro groaned. "I hate ties! Why do I have to wear one?" he stomped his foot, crossing his arms.

"Because we're eating at your father's sensei's house and you cannot go in your underwear and a cape, alright?"

"That's way cooler than whatever this is! I wanna look cool with Tousan! He isn't even wearing a tie. Why does he get that luxury?" Benjiro spat.

"Thanks, kid. You broke my cover," Sasuke said, chuckling.

The boys laughed as Hiromitsu smiled at his father.

"Anata! Why did you take off your tie? Set an example for your kids!" Hinata whipped around to see Sasuke sneakily pushing away his tie. "Hiromitsu likes his tie."

"Well, Hiro is lame," Benjiro retorted.

Hiromitsu began crying.

"It's not nice to insult your brother, say sorry," Hinata ordered, clicking her tongue.

"Sorry, kiddo!" Benjiro said honestly.

"You have to wear the tie or we all won't go," Hinata said.

The other kids groaned. Noticing his siblings' angry expressions, Benjiro glared at his shiny shoes.

Furling his blue eyebrows, Benjiro sighed, "Why can't I just stay with Meina? Where is she?"

Hinata stumbled back, pausing, speechless. She doesn't know, trembling a bit too. Her best friend and safety for years tried to kill her. Where was Someina? They haven't told the kids who asked for their aunt almost daily. It hurt to lie, especially to them.

Sasuke swept in, like a hero. Sasuke knelt so he could be eye to eye with his belligerent son. "Meina's out doing her own stuff, kid. You have to be there. I have to show you off to the Kage his wife."

"Like I'm a trophy, Tousan?" Benjiro grinned.

"Like my secret weapon."

"I like being a secret weapon."

"Then one you shall be."

They bumped fists after grinning.

"Will you wear the tie, my boy?" Sasuke asked.

Benjiro let out a mock glare but nodded. "I shall."

Sasuke sent a breezy smile to Benjiro, looking to Hinata. "Can we have the tie?"

Benjiro and the kids usually got dressed by Someina. The cleaning was usually done with Someina. Someina would test and sample food at the market with Hinata. Someina would help Hinata into dresses and laugh at the ones they hated.

"Ocha?" Sasuke asked, concerned.

Benjiro tugged on Hinata's shirt and she snapped out of it. "Yes, darling?"

"I want the tie..." Benjiro said, not looking at her.

Hinata nodded.

Sasuke fixed it onto Benjiro as Hinata went to the bedroom with her clothes. She hadn't even gotten ready herself.

¤¤¤

Through a daze, she got ready and applied some lipstick. Sasuke came inside the bathroom, watching her through the mirror. A small smile on his face.

"It's rude to stare," Hinata said playfully.

"How could I not?" he whispered. "Such a shame you have to show the world what beauty you have. I want it all to myself."

Hinata smiled at him through the mirror and continued applying makeup.

"Where is your other earring?" he asked suddenly.

Hinata looked at the perfect dangling earring. "Hanabi has hers and... and she gave me one. A promise of return. Pairs should stick together, just like me and her..."

Sasuke watched her then chuckled to himself, crossing his arms and chuckling some more. "Sometimes, I think you'll turn to gold with all the money you carry around and the pricey things you buy."

Hinata smiles lightly. "Gold... I like silver better but blue is nice... Navy blue is very nice."

"You'd want to turn blue?" Sasuke asked.

"It's Benjiro's and Hiromitsu's hair color, Taiyo's eyes are blue and Amarante's sharingan is a little blue," she shrugged. "Seems like a good color."

"You want your hair blue again?"

Hinata said, looking at her hair. "I haven't cut it a long time... I used to think that Neji would be terribly angry with me for cutting it."

"I saw the pictures... Why'd he keep his hair long?" Sasuke asked.

"The length hid his curse mark... and it's the standard haircut for the Hyuuga..." Hinata laughed. "They look handsome, though."

Sasuke hid his reaction of disdain. "You won't make our kids do that, right?"

"That is for Hyuuga... and only Hyuuga. My kids are full on Uchiha. Prideful, boastful but also brave, powerful and loving..."

Sasuke brightened. "So, you see yourself as an Uchiha?"

"Yeah, my hair... it's not black, and it's turning blue again." Hinata smiled.

"Someina could help you... dye it again. I guess she can't... can she?" Sasuke said then realized the timeline they fell into.

Hinata smiled. "I'll become... me again. I don't want to dye it... I'll just let it be."

"Alright, I admit, you are pretty zen."

The bandage around his hand was coming undone. He gesticulated wildly, not noticing when the knots were loose. The bandages were worn and dull in color, not a pristine white.

Hinata pulled him into the bathroom, pointing to the bandages. "Love, fix them before we meet your Kage..." Hinata said.

Hinata turned around, a strange expression on his face. No movement occurred, and Hinata flinched at the sound of Sasuke's question.

"Why're you looking away?" Sasuke asked.

Hinata swallowed thickly. "You didn't want me to see it. I respect your privacy..."

"Well, I'm not a medic and you should learn how to do it," he averted his eyes.

Her jaw fell open, that statement ringing her like a bell.

Sasuke lifted a shoulder. "My arm is tired and you're here. Always."

He mounted his bandaged arm on the counter, sitting on the toilet lid. She trailed his veins, smiling contently. He let her see the part of him he's hidden. For years.

"You always look at me like that... It's startling. I can't give you all of me but I can give you some pieces as I go..." Sasuke swallowed, looking away.

"I take them as we go..." Hinata smiled, caressing his warm skin. "Does it hurt?"

His knee bounced, his Adam's apple bobbing.

Sasuke was painfully lost for a moment though he was sitting. Staring at her. He wet his thin lips. "If I try to lift anything... too heavy. It's unrelenting pain. I can't play pool 'cause it trembles. I take meds for them. The arm could get infected and such."

"I haven't... seen you take the pills, ever," Hinata sighed.

"Well, I'm good at hiding what I am ashamed of..."

She kissed his forehead. "You're handsome."

He scrunched his nose up at the routine kiss. "It's not great for channeling chakra, so I've been doing one-handed seals. I can hold hands with the kids, pleasure you and I don't know, kill people with my bare hands," he said.

"Any other qualms?" Hinata asked.

"It can't get wet or else it'll like get all soggy and gross. That's not a big loss but I can't help you out with the chores. Mitsuyo nags me about it. And uh, yeah, that's my hand," he nodded, flexing his fingers.

Hinata crouched down and fixed his bandages. "It's a medical miracle. You're lucky Tsunade did this for you."

"Doesn't it look weird? My fingernails are gray and dead," he commented.

She traced out messages on his arm, kissing the inside of his wrist then his thumb. "Want a manicure, love? Karin and I would love to bring you some time," Hinata teased.

He laughed and eased his hand around the back of her head. "You're unbelievable and I don't have a thumbprint on my left hand," Sasuke's smile got heavy when she stood at her full height.

"No one checks out your hand too much. I'd like more help during dinner but you'd probably scorch it all or drop too much pepper into the sauce," Hinata smiled.

"That was one time!" Sasuke protested and she ruffled his hair. "What does squeezing my hand three times mean?"

Hinata wrapped the bandage around his arm, up to his elbow. "It means I need you and you know what, I do. Arm and all." Hinata did some last minute adjustments.

"How'd you learn to do it so fast? You've got two hands but still..."

"Don't be so shocked. I'm a medic. I've done these millions of times," she said nervously, trying to sound carefree. Hinata begged Tsunade to teach her how to do it perfectly when she went back to the sannin's house bestowing gifts.

He still seemed shocked, checking his mobility with the new bandages.

"Are they too tight?" Hinata asked, embarrassed.

He shook his head. "Perfect," he looked at her for a long time and leaned in, brushing their lips. "You're perfect... you big dope."

Only he could make dope sound like a term of endearment... It's bliss. He deepened the kiss, holding her hands tightly whenever he does, a habit she loves.

"Tell me honestly- did you hate it? The whole persona? Momo Natsukawa in Kumogakure, fierce, strong and... gray?" Hinata asked because he's playing with her hair.

"I liked it in Kumo. We got arrested a lot but we're criminals. I liked... it. The zen. The liquor. The people. Our clan. Kids. You. I don't even notice your hair, I see you for you. I can't have the same affection for Kumo though you're from here. Maybe not yet. I see you as a smoke from a Konoha-made cigar that smells not like fumes and toxins but some nice... nice perfume..."

"For real?" Hinata asked.

"For real," he confirmed it.

He doesn't even smoke. That's one of the nicest things he's ever said. He smiled. "Do I still calm you down?"

"You make it all alright, I never say it," Hinata whispered, voice husky. "But you make me strong."

"You too," he told her sincerely.

She just buried her head in the crook of his neck. He swayed her. It was moments like these that she didn't want anyone else.

"We should go. We're already late," he said, breaking her reverie.

"Five more minutes," Hinata whined.

"You got a lifetime of this," he said, clicking his tongue.

"You taught me to enjoy the now, enjoy today and not worry about the morrow. Follow your own philosophy," Hinata said firmly, holding him closer.

"No one believes in me like you do," Hinata smiled. I love you. I love you. I need you.

Sasuke laughed. They just fit.

"I hope Kakashi doesn't hate me," she admitted.

"We discussed this, he won't. Kakashi wouldn't. You won't draw weapons, right?" Sasuke asked.

He took chakra from her, what else could he do? However, Hinata got quiet. Real quiet and really guilty.

"Nothing will happen?" Sasuke asked, voice sharper.

"Uh, n-nothing is a strange word to use..." Hinata said, her voice high and child-like.

She can't lie to him.

"What did you do?" Sasuke asked- well, demanded.

"I set up weapons around the compound and uh, have some knives on me just in case other people are there and- uh, strength in numbers? It's only one or two Dao, Wakizashi, and one Tachi, and... I'm sorry," she sighed.

Sasuke huffed through his nose but she avoided his gaze. He got really quiet too. Then, meeting her eyes, his eyes crinkled. She chewed on her lips. She looked like she expected a lecture but he just kissed her forehead instead.

¤¤¤

Nighttime. 8: 37 pm.

The Hokage tower nearby and the academy down the street... reminded her of so much.

The night wind stirred up memories, Sasuke's red knitted scarf flopped in it.

Red is a better color on Sasuke than it could ever be on Naruto. She can't believe she made a scarf for Naruto anyway.

It was oddly chilly... for a night in October, Hinata noted, as she zipped up Amarante's jacket. She walked toward the Hokage residence with the kids while Sasuke dragged his feet.

Sasuke and the kids stopped near purple flowers that oddly reminded her of Kurenai and her plants.

Sasuke seemed increasingly smug and cheery when he strutted here but now he just looks guilty. He just hates using doors or knocking them, she guesses.

The easily colossal building sat in the middle of the village with its looming power... Kakashi lived here.

The jumping Amarante held hands with Hiromitsu. Taiyo sighed and Benjiro shifted in his tie while Sasuke looked straight ahead.

"Anata?" she asked, concerned.

The wind picked up, playing with his hair. He tied it back since it was getting too long. Was there something wrong? Did he not want to come in?

"You knock on the door," Sasuke said, the kids huddling around him for warmth.

"It's your sensei's house," Hinata reminded him.

Why wouldn't Sasuke want to introduce himself or awkwardly shake hands with Kakashi?

"It's your sensei's house too." he responded.

What? Kurenai. Hinata shifted. "Do you not want to see him? We don't have to-"

"No. It's not that. We're late," Sasuke rasped.

Hinata frowned, crossing her arms. "You said it started at a mere 8:30."

"Kakashi said not to be late but he was always late when I was a kid."

You lied... Just to get back at your sensei? Seriously? You are a petty, petty man. I'm marrying this man... Hinata sighed.

"And he was late, so it's even. At least once. Call it what you want- it's payback," he smirked.

Hinata laughed at his tone and childish disposition and Sasuke noticed the humor in the situation.

Two seconds later, Kurenai swung the door open.

"Kurenai-sensei?!" Hinata gasped.

Hinata hasn't seen Kurenai sensei in such a long time. Her red lips and brown hair was glossy in the dim light of the stars. Her hair wasn't chopped at odd lengths and she wore expensive clothing. A red collared dress fit like skin, beautiful and pricy.

"Hinata?" Kurenai's eyes glowed with recognition in the darkness.

Hinata leaned in for a hug but Kurenai reached down to her stomach. She's pregnant. Wow! Judging by the size of Kurenai's stomach, Hinata guessed how far along she was. Just starting her second trimester.

She's so beautiful.

"Thirteen weeks?" Hinata asked, smiling.

"Close but thirteen and a half," Kurenai corrected. "Meat is just disgusting to the baby, can't keep anything down."

They shared a dopey grin.

Hinata asked, "Kurenai-sensei, what are you doing in the Hokage residence?"

"It's my house," Kurenai said casually.

Hinata squinted. "Wait! Is Kakashi- oh my Kami! You're the Hokage's wife! I heard about it but I didn't know it was you, sensei!"

She caressed her stomach. "He's going to look like his father, Kakashi," Kurenai said, smiling.

Hinata gulped. She noticed the ring, the house, and the unborn child. It took her breath away.

Frowning slightly, Hinata asked with a small voice, "What about Asuma-sensei?"

Kurenai stiffened visibly. "We'll discuss that later," Kurenai said with a clenched jaw, her tone was soft.

"Oh Kami- I'm sorry!" Hinata said, covering her mouth.

Inappropriate. It was Kurenai's house. It was her dinner. And she just brought up unwanted feelings... and grief. They stood there, looking at each other awkwardly. Hinata never knows what to say. Hinata cocked her head to the side and looked over to her kids. That's something to talk about.

Hinata stepped back so Kurenai could see her kin and Sasuke.

Hinata pointed. "That's Uchiha Sasuke. We got four little ones. Amarante and Hiromitsu, twins- five years old and Taiyo and Benjiro, nine and eight respectively..."

Kurenai lessened the fire in her eyes when she looked at the kids. "Byakugan and Sharingan eyes and parents. Mirai'll lose her mind with astonishment." Kurenai waved to the kids.

Hiromitsu buried himself in Sasuke's cloak. "You'll be seeing a lot more of her, Hiro, don't be so shy," Sasuke reminded Hiromitsu.

Amarante ran up the steps and grabbed Kurenai's arm, snuggling against it. "You're pretty," she cooed.

Kurenai leaned down and bopped her nose. Amarante smiled widely. "I like you a lot!" Amarante whispered happily.

Sasuke face-palmed and Hinata smiled. "She's not shy. My older boys aren't either. Hiromitsu'll like you, don't worry," Hinata looked at the cowering Hiromitsu.

"Hiromitsu... reminds me of you. Very cute. Come in, come in, don't be out in the cold..." Kurenai said tenderly, inviting them in.

The reluctant kids up the stone pathway and into the grandeur of the Hokage residence. It was strange, to notice the chakra potency and amount of jutsu that might be hidden away in here.

"Kids, tread lightly and take in," Kurenai said softly, reminding Hinata of a tour guide. "The first Hokage lived, slept, meditated and built your very own Konoha from here. Do you feel the history? The sageness? The power?"

They're let out low gasps of awe, taking off their shoes.

"Kurenai... this isn't the original building," Sasuke sighed.

"Oh don't spoil the magic," Kurenai scoffed.

Taiyo stopped. "Wait- is he haunting these halls?" he said, clinging to Sasuke and hiding in his cloak.

"Probably. Can I live here, Mama?" Amarante asked. Taiyo blanched.

"Why? Aunty Kurenai... already lives here," Hinata said.

"Aunty?" Kurenai asked, blushing and Hinata nodded.

"It'd scare the bekami outta Taiyo," Benjiro said and Amarante laughed.

"The first Hokage was a Senju and the most powerful shinobi ever." Hinata smiled. Sasuke coughed and Hinata looked at him. "Your father was perhaps stronger than him but he was amazing!"

"Why can't you tell them the truth?" Sasuke asked, miffed.

"I refuse to badmouth the father of shinobi and Konoha in his home." Hinata said lowly.

"He isn't even alive-"

"Sasuke!"

Sasuke grumbled about pride and being factually correct.

Hinata ignored him. "He also made his house with all of his wood. All this wood is his essence and jutsu," Hinata said. "Well-

"You mean the Hokage built this? With his own bare hands? Can I lick the floor?" Benjiro asked, ducking to the floor ready to lap at the tiles.

"Don't. Don't do that, Benjiro," Sasuke sighed.

Kurenai laughed while Hinata was mortified. Her eyes darted between her sensei and Sasuke prying Benjiro off of the sleek floor.

"I love them but... Ah. Sometimes they could be so embarrassing," Hinata murmured.

"Nah. They're cute!" Kurenai smiled.

Sasuke picked Benjiro up by his arms. "What's wrong with you?"

Benjiro shrugged off Sasuke's grip, glaring at Sasuke. "If you eat, you get power," Benjiro said like it explained everything.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "So? I'm not following..."

"If I chew the first Hokage's wood, then I would get his chakra and ergo power and chakra!"

"Close but no. You're awfully dense like Naruto," Sasuke sighed.

Benjiro sighed, miffed. "I'm not dense. I'm powerful and an Uchiha. I'm gonna have a house like this. Plus, I'm gonna become Hokage!" he exclaimed.

"Exactly like Naruto," Sasuke sighed.

Silence. There was silence.

Hinata came up to Benjiro, smoothening out his hair. "You don't mean that, do you?" Hinata cupped his reddening cheeks.

He kept up a tough-guy front but the tension in his expression told another story.

"You're lying, my love." Hinata laughed.

He was sheepish- silly when Hinata cracked a smile. "I'd rather eat dirt than being cooped up," Benjiro said honestly. He pointed to Amarante. "Ama actually wants to be a Kage by this is a neat house. Our old one was bigger, though."

Kurenai and Sasuke were shocked.

"Is it true, Hime?" Sasuke asked lowly to Amarante.

"Don't be mad... I know how much you don't like 'em but I wanna be one!" Amarante said, crawling into his arms.

"I'll be sure to vouch for you," Sasuke said into her hair.

"Thanks! Papa! You're the best!" Amarante hugged his chest.

Kurenai watched the scene. Hinata heard rapid footsteps and heavy panting that only indicated a presence of an animal. Akamaru!

Akamaru attacked Hinata in licks, hugs, and fur in her mouth. She was so happy. It's been many, many years! He's wagging his tail and barking. He's happy to see her as well.

"Akamaru! You remember me, boy?" Hinata crooned, scratching behind his ears and looking into his familiar brown eyes.

The dog nodded, dragging his snout against her skin. She was uncaring of how he was drooling on her.

They sat and held each other, memories of childhood and team rushed in. Kami... All the nostalgia, bad jokes from Kiba and protectiveness of Shino made her feel nice and warm. Young again.

"I missed you. Has Kiba been feeding you well?" Hinata asked. He barked in response. "Good. The missions were good, eh?"

Kurenai clapped her hands together, her voice sounding tear-filled. "So precious."

"Precious? What is this oversized dog doing in a house like this? It's sad," Sasuke asked while Amarante and Hiromitsu crawled up him to not get attacked by Akamaru. Hiromitsu trembled and Amarante bit her lip.

"Mama! Get away from him!" Hiromitsu demanded, oddly assertive but nervous all the same.

"My loves, he's not oversized nor is he just a dog! He's the fourth member of my old team! Team 8!" Hinata said tenderly. He was so... big. Is he as big as the memories she's missed with all of her friends?

That doesn't dismiss the fact that she felt metal and movement above her and the chatter of adults and the scamper of kids. There were people upstairs. A lot of them and they might include people who became her past...

"Kurenai... are there other people... from the Konoha 12 here?" Hinata asked.

"Kakashi didn't inform you?" Kurenai narrowed her eyes and Sasuke facepalmed.

Sasuke sighed and Hinata gave him a look that said, "Told you... "

"So, lemme guess," Sasuke gestured to Akamaru. "This guy's owner is here, too?"

Akamaru became a wound up coil with small rumbling growls frothing from his lips.

"Akamaru has a partnership with Kiba... no one owns anyone."Hinata petted the dog's tense shoulders.

"Hn," Sasuke said slowly. "I'll pretend that makes sense."

Akamaru growled at Sasuke and the kids while Hinata shook her head.

"Akamaru, that is my child. That is my beloved, Sasuke. You cannot growl at them."

He whimpered at her, eyes huge and pleading. He tilted his head at Hinata and Hinata was about to say something but Sasuke spoke.

"Don't talk to that dog like he understands, it's a dog," Sasuke called out.

Akamaru growled at Sasuke, teeth bared and eyes sharp.

"Uchiha-san..." Kurenai started but stopped when Hinata shot a pointed glare at Sasuke.

"Sasuke, you're not helping at all," Hinata hissed lowly.

"I'm just saying the truth. Maybe you should..." Sasuke paused momentarily, noticing the aggression in both Kurenai and Akamaru displayed. "Maybe we should get the kids out of mauling reach."

Kurenai shook her head. "How could you possibly assume that Akamaru would maul your children?"

Sasuke looked at Akamaru. "He understands me. He smells me on you and the kids. He doesn't like me... That means... Who was it? Kiba... Yes, him, I recall not liking me..."

"Why would he not like you? When did you guys meet?"

"Briefly but hate takes no time to breed. Ben, Taiyo, please get behind-" Sasuke moved his bandaged arm and Akamaru began barking like the end of the world was approaching.

Kiba? And Shino.

"Akamaru, you can't go barkin' round at everything, man," Kiba's loud and playful voice rung out when he came thundering down the steps.

"There could be danger..." Shino responded in his low and collected type again. "Or it could be... Her."

Hinata. It was Hinata. They stood at the base of the staircase and Hinata stared at them.

"Hinata..." Kiba said slowly.

"It's her..." Shino said lightly.

"It's me," Hinata smiled.

Shino was the first to crush her in an embrace and Kiba was at the staircase, cross-armed. He turned around and marched up the stairs.

"Kiba-" Hinata called out. Akamaru ran up the stairs, following his companion. Hinata reached out for him. "Akamaru-"

Shino shook his head. "Ignore him. He's always been jealous."

Jealous of you? Hinata started, "Shino-"

"You're alive," Shino said, a burst of emotion she hadn't expected. Hinata didn't have an answer. Instead of waiting, Shino hugged her tightly.

¤¤¤

Hinata believed in silence and contact.

She could go hours in bed, snuggled up in Sasuke's arms. She believes that the soul reconstructs itself when you hug. Sasuke wanted to be jealous but he had a feeling they had a family... history. They were tucked into each other, whispering things. It reminded Sasuke of Amarante and her brothers...

He couldn't feel deep-rooted jealousy. All he felt was relief that she had friends. Good friends. That's the only thing he wants.

Kurenai gave him the evil eye, which was weirder since she had red eyes. He would have appreciated that but she was annoying. She looked an awful lot like an Uchiha. If she were an Uchiha, they probably wouldn't have gotten along anyway.

He didn't care that she fucked the Hokage, she's still annoying.

Kurenai wiped away a tear. "Sasuke, you tear up families. Team 7 then team 8... I forgive you for that. My husband did too."

"You don't like me, I don't like you.. so yeah, let's not talk. I agree to that way of conversing in silence." Sasuke said.

Ignoring his words, Kurenai gave a low whistle. "Did you know... you kept Hinata from Shino, Kiba and I?" Kurenai asked lowly.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sasuke asked.

Sasuke could barely keep from remembering Kurenai's name and now she's threatening him? Albeit cleverly?

"If you traffic her heart with the wrong things, I'll get every political figure, every shinobi and everyone's who you've ever met- to make her feel better."

"You can't do anything to me," Sasuke laughed. He could snap and her brains would be splattered on the floor.

"I know I can't but Kakashi can," Kurenai said, tapping her chin. "He'll ruin you."

"Ah. You underestimate what value he puts in me as well. You know what, stay classy, Hokage-hime," Sasuke sighed.

"I'm protecting my students," she shrugged.

He understood that. "Hinata's made of iron, a fresh breath of air. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things fall together."

Kurenai stared at Sasuke, unblinking.

"What?" he practically growled.

She looked down, cheeks and eyes red. "You... are just as reflective as Kakashi... I thought you would start lecturing me or something."

Pffft. As if Sasuke would talk to her for that long. "Whatever. I'm not a bag of flesh without a brain." he shrugged.

Kurenai shot a quick look to him then shuffled away. "Hm... Right... I'm going upstairs. Call me when Hinata wants to eat..." Kurnai said.

Kurenai kissed Hinata's temple when passing, going up the stairs. Sasuke glared at her, Hinata's sensei wanted to look out for her student. Sasuke wouldn't let him kill her..

"Why is Ka-san so happy?" Hiromitsu asked, floating beside Sasuke. Sasuke knew Hiromitsu was deathly uncomfortable in social situations. He wasn't like Benjiro and Amarante, who got on with others. Sasuke knew that feeling all too well.

"Hiro, you know when you have blood family and water family?" Sasuke asked.

"Blood- red, like you me, Taiyo, Ama, Ka-san, Meina, and Mitsuyo?" Hiromitsu asked.

Sasuke nodded. "Water families adhere to each other and water runs wide and deeper than veins."

"Is that her family too?" Amarante asked.

Sasuke nodded. "Families hug each other. Lots."

"No wonder ka-san hugs me so much. Families hug each other," Hiromitsu cheeks red.

Both Amarante and Hiromitsu hugged his legs and giggled. Sasuke smiled a bit. They're... arguably cute when they're like this.

After a minute or two of them embracing, Hinata laughed and oh, he missed that sound. Shino pulled back and he got a glimpse of wetness on Shino's face. Was he crying? Pathetic. Sasuke'll never be able to take this guy seriously. Ever. That metal guy or whatever. Damn.

"You're safe now," Shino said.

"I was always safe." Hinata smiled, laughing.

"With him?"

Hinata nodded. "Can you trust it?"

"I trust you but not him."

Hinata brushed away some of her white hair, smiling. "Can you trust my love in him? And my children?"

"They're yours? And his?" Shino asked.

Hinata held his cheek. "Shino, he sustains me. He is right. He is left. He is mine and he smells like the sun," Hinata whispered.

His voice wasn't monotone and dull, it was full of quiet emotion and happiness that she loved.

"I said that about my wife." He smiled a bit, lightly.

"W-wife?" Hinata stuttered. "Has she seen your eyes?"

"Only you and her..." Shino said.

"That's beautiful. I hope you both had a plentiful marriage," Hinata smiled, holding him.

There were thunderous steps and determination and then the sound of dog barking. With that, Kiba came down the stairs and crossed his arms. A scowl on his gruff face.

"Oh, the idiot returned..." Sasuke said, sighing. He doesn't like dogs. He's more of a cat person.

"Anata- they're my friends! Be happy we're reunited," Hinata said.

Sasuke would be happy if Kiba didn't fucking get a boner every time he saw Hinata. Kiba's slicked-back brown hair looked tacky and he was stupid, just like his damned mutt.

Kiba or whatever looked between him and Hinata, gaping and undeniably crestfallen.

"You- called Sasuke... Oh- you and Sasuke you guys-"

He fainted. Hinata gasped at his slumped body, tumbling down the few stairs. Sasuke looked away, as to not laugh. Shino, unamused and sad, sighed.

Hinata laid Kiba's head on her lap, running his hands over his bristly eyebrows, whispering apologies, and such. She had a smile, which was wildly misplaced but Sasuke scoffed and turned away at the scene.

The green glow of her gorgeous hands told him that she didn't even know that she was healing him. Shino was crouched beside her, trying to keep the sighs out of his voice.

"That's my thing..." Hinata murmured.

"Huh?" Shino asked.

"Fainting. That's my thing," Hinata reiterated, sighing.

Shino looked at Hinata and suddenly chuckled.

He kept on laughing until Hinata pulled on his sleeve. "Stop laughing at me."

"You are really something else. Making me laugh like this. You're as lovely as the first dawn," Shino said.

"Oh hush up, it's not supposed to be funny! So what if I fainted that much?"

Shino couldn't stop laughing.

She sighed, looking at Sasuke. "Sasuke- would you help since Shino is laughing too much?"

"I don't want to touch Kiba," Sasuke scowled.

"Take this seriously! Ano, Shino-" Hinata said.

Shino let her shove him a lot and joke around while they sat around the knocked out Kiba like the old days. Like how Jugo, Suigetsu would talk to him after Karin fainted because of Sasuke.

"Are you sure you want to put your face so close to his... person?" Shino asked.

Hinata nodded, hair brushing Kiba and caressing the floor. "He still smells like grass and beer..."

"That's disgusting," Shino scoffed.

"It smells like celebrations and happiness. I don't know why he fainted," Hinata whispered lowly.

"It's a show of love," Sasuke scowled, low voice barbed, "and disappointment. A coincidence of want."

"For what?" Hinata's lip quivered.

"You..." Shino coughed. "Even after all these years.... you still don't know? He keeps a photo of you in his wallet. At all times."

Che. Must be real... Even I don't do that, Sasuke thought, shaking his head.

Hinata gave him a scathing look that suggests he said his thoughts aloud.

"You don't keep a picture of me in your wallet? You still don't even have a wallet?" Hinata questioned.

"No, I don't have a wallet but if I did- I would," Sasuke sighed.

"Why don't you carry a wallet? You promised once we got to Konoha you would try to respect the value of money and wallets-"

He doesn't want to argue about wallets. They're meaningless. "Hinata, I hate them. They make fighting less enjoyable if they just fall out of your pocket."

"Then wear pants with good pockets or seal the wallet away. After the fighting, if you want a drink, how would you buy one if you don't have a wallet?"

"Uchiha don't get fatigued by fights so I don't think it's possible."

She groaned lightly. "Shouldn't you have your ninja ID, cash, and change- receipts at all times? Wallets are valuable- we will discuss that later," Hinata said.

No. She'll yell at him for this. There's no such thing as discussion. She looked down at Kiba so tenderly it sparked irrational caveman thoughts in Sasuke.

"Kiba must've found peace with her... What about Tamaki?" Hinata asked.

Shino looked away and it got quiet. "She's..."

Suddenly shifting in, Kiba groaned. "Dead," Kiba coughed.

Hinata looked crushed. "Kiba- I'm so sorry! You were- she was your- I'm sorry I brought this up-"

"Ah... it doesn't matter. It happened, years ago. When everyone gave up on finding you. She never met you..."

"Kiba- I'm so... sorry. Why didn't you tell me you were awake?"

"It's more fun to stare," he chuckled.

What the fuck?

"You were gone from all of us without so much as a word. What the hell Hinata? For more than two thousand days- whatever, you're here now. You come back to what you need. Why have kids with Uchiha Sasuke?"

Hinata laughed.

"Hey- I'm right here," Sasuke growled.

"Shut up- we know. Strange bedfellows. You and him, Hinata," Kiba laughed. "Why?"

"You know why..." Shino said lowly.

"Shut yer trap!" Kiba roared.

Strange? It's the only thing that makes sense. And Sasuke's in so deep. A fool for her.

"I smelled him on you. Disgusting. Your sister called me crazy when I knew you were alive. Some of us had speculation that you were in Kumo since no Hyuuga were allowed in Kumo," Kiba said.

"I wasn't waiting for you guys to find me," Hinata sighed.

"I was still looking..."

Is smelling each other a fucking ritual in team 8 or something? Team 7 arguably only fights and trades punches instead of tolerance. So Sasuke can't say shit.

Hinata shook her head.

"Let's go upstairs. You're already mad late," Kiba said. "We need to talk about..."

Hinata nodded. "Anytime..."

Kiba looked at Shino, who went upstairs. "Go. I want to sit like this for long."

"No." Hinata pushed a shocked Kiba off of her lap. "I'm not a cushion or a piece of furniture fot you so let's go upstairs."

Sasuke smiled, shaking his head. She has all the curves and firmness of a couch. She's comfortable.

"The kids will eat shoes if we don't get some food in them." she looked at the kids.

She helped Kiba up, though.

¤¤¤

They got upstairs, Hinata holding the kid's hands and smiling a lot.

Hinata couldn't believe Kiba was... remotely in love with her. He loved her- plain and simple. He wasn't in love with her. She couldn't break this, no matter how much she wanted to be liked- she can't be loved by Kiba. He's her brother.

And he's just- it's so weird. They can't... Kiba's laughing, carrying Hiromitsu and Amarante on his shoulder. They've already imprinted on Kiba... the kids love him, much to Sasuke's dismay. He glares at Kiba with bloodlust that is so detectable, it makes Kiba nervous.

The crew went up wooden stairs and daw paper memories of the development of Konoha. It was beautiful. So pretty. She sighed, at what's to come.

She's already offended Kurenai and she forgot to bring a gift and the kids are a handful. She's ready to apologize to Kakashi profusely for her childish boyfriend wanted revenge in the small things, as he'd say.

Just as they got to the second floor, Hinata realized it was super quiet and they were the only ones talking.

"Welcome back Hinata and Sasuke!" a cacophony of cheers came at her.

Oh, Kami! Everyone has wine, toasting and they're in arms with their children. They all came- for them. For her. There's even a banner, a long table full of food and all the faces she's missed are there.

Hinata staggered backward. "A welcome back party?"

"Believe it," Naruto said and everyone laughed.

Hinata avoided his gaze, looking away immediately. She can't even look at Naruto anymore. Even the thought of him drove her into a panic.

"Yes. We all haven't welcomed you in the best way and here's my apology," Ino smiled.

"And you're so late you can't even enjoy it. Troublesome," Shikamaru sighed.

Ino punched Shikamaru's arm while Temari scolded him.

"Shut up, Shikamaru! Be nice, she might've gotten the time wrong," Tenten smiled. "Things happen, don't they?"

Sasuke happened. Hinata gave a dirty look to Sasuke.

Sasuke chuckled nervously. "We're here now... right, Hinata?"

"We didn't think you'd come..." Temari said. "You were so late..."

"I wanted to emulate my sensei..." Sasuke smirked.

Hinata and Kurenai rolled their eyes. Naruto had a ghost of a smile on his face. Sasuke noticed and looked away.

"And Sasuke- welcome home. This is my home and the dinner you almost missed," Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck.

"It had the food, the chairs, the whole ensemble. Thank you all for the welcome. Hinata- I mean, we appreciate this," Sasuke nodded.

Hinata smiled. "The kids will love your ink bunnies, Sai! They were my favorite!"

"Yes. I remember." Sai smiled, in that pale, odd but endearing way that he does. He watched the kids. "They're really your children."

Kakashi's eyes crinkled in a happy way? Hinata couldn't tell but the tension was dispelled. Everyone looked at Naruto, who was locked in a staring contest with Sasuke. Hinata uncurled his fist and held Sasuke's hand.

Sai spoke up, "Sasuke- I have noticed you have not welcomed Naruto nor has Naruto welcomed Sasuke-"

"Don't hold your breath," Sasuke muttered.

"What did you say?" Naruto yelped and Shikamaru patted Naruto's shoulder, shaking his head slightly.

"Not now! They've prepared this for us and you cannot- no, will not stop it because of a petty fight," Kurenai said. "Boys, boys- relax..."

"Oh- this is Sasuke- my beloved," Hinata laughed, "but you guys know that."

"All too well," Naruto murmured.

Hinata paused before pointing to Benjiro and Taiyo. "My oldest boys with the sharingan each. And the twins are- somewhere. With the sharingan and the byakugan as well. They are our children," Hinata smiled.

The women cooed and Lee looked at them, bushy brows furrowed.

"Why aren't they enrolled in the academy?" Lee asked. "Shino and I would like to teach the future generations of Uchiha in Konoha. They will feel the springtime of youth in my classroom!"

"I guess-" she looked at Sasuke for confirmation. He shrugged. "We could make room for them in the academy..."

"Yes! We shall have fun together! Shino will love your insight-" he ran over and picked her up, twirling her around. "We must start planning now!"

Hinata squealed a bit when he hauled her over his shoulder, in haste- already walking away.

"To the scroll room!" Lee said.

"Lee- put me down," she laughed. "I'm not a sack of potatoes."

"You feel like air. Shall I prove it to you and run around Konoha with you on my back?"

"No- like seriously d-don't," Hinata said.

"I'm just greeting a fellow teacher. Kakashi told me you taught in Kumogakure- will you teach here?" Lee asked.

Hinata gave a look to Kakashi. What's up with him making promises for her? Sasuke frowned. Lee put Hinata down and smiled a bit. He patted down her disheveled frizzed hair.

Sasuke put his arm out in front of Hinata. "No," he said. That's all.

Lee bowed to Sasuke. "Take care of her." he smiled. "The thought of it makes me feel the vigor of happiness and life!"

"Your optimism is a disease we can't cure," Sasuke muttered under his breath but everyone heard.

"Then you must get infected. Quick," Ino smiled, Sai's arm around her waist. There were muted chuckles and other laughs.

Sasuke threw a dark look at Ino. "Hardy har har, Ino," Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"You're so red, Hinata," Kiba called out. "There's the Hinata we know and love."

Him saying it made Hinata feel so awkward. "Ano- g-guys stop!"

His last words held a lot of weight. They all laughed and Hinata's faced burned. For once, it was the good burn. A very great burn.