Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 20-
Wicked

February 7th.

Sasuke walked into the Hokage's office, kind of chirpy. "Kakashi I am here. What the hell do you-"

Suddenly, Sasuke was slammed into a wall, hearing Kakashi shout. "Hyuuga Hinata was pronounced as dead a week ago. Her funeral is this afternoon. They found her body. The autopsies confirm that it is Hinata. It has her DNA, her chakra, and her chakra pathway," Kakashi looked fervent, still yelling. "Where's the real Hinata? Did someone kill her?"

"She isn't dead. She's at home, picking out baby names. She's settling between Amarante and Hiroaki..." Sasuke said, confused.

"Don't lie, Sasuke," Kakashi said, his fists twisting the heavy cloak Sasuke had on. "It was your child-"

"Don't lose your shit! Nothing happened. The thought makes me sick and my kid... kids- Wait," He saw clearly. Sasuke shoved Kakashi away, irate with the discovery. Huh... "You think I killed her,"

Kakashi tried hard to restrain himself. "Sasuke- you can't have just killed her. She was pregnant. I trusted you butou have motive... Losses don't keep you up at night," Kakashi said with a blank face.

Sasuke would never hurt Hinata... He'd be ruined if Hinata died or left. Ruined. Sasuke was offended. He moved away from his sensei and clutched the doorknob and swung the door open. Kakashi was still convinced that it was him. A killer.

"Stay here," Kakashi said.

Sasuke stopped at the door and turned around. "What do you want?"

"There's more. An impersonator of Hyuuga Hinata is on the loose. Another Hyuuga Hinata got an autopsy. Hyuuga Hinata's body is here, in Konoha without the baby's byakugan/sharingan dojutsu developing. Did you have anything to do with this? Did you fake her death?"

"Christ Kakashi, I'm not that paranoid or that organized so no," Orochimaru could have. Orochimaru cared too much about the sharingan to let an opportunity like this pass up. Sasuke scowled. Kakashi walked back to his desk, not facing Sasuke. "How did no one know about the fake Hinata? Weren't you following my case?"

"I kept tabs on the incoming intel but I believed you fabricated the reports. Another person faked the data. Hyuuga Hinata is the one you are with. She has two clones that a select few call Hinata B and C or just the singular letters for simplicity.

"B is the Hyuuga who impersonated her and the third Hinata clone, C is dead, in a casket at the moment," Kakashi's anger, although there, had simmered down. "The mission was to cure a chakra disease in Na no Kuni. The orginal Hyuuga Hinata was meant to travel to three different nation's countries and investigate. This was the mission we agreed on. Actual chakra diseases in Na no Kuni exist. Somehow, the impersonator Hyuuga Hinata went in, collected data, healed patients and interacted with the disease itself- finding the cure,"

"The real Hyuuga Hinata was with me the whole six months..." Sasuke said, unsettled by the damn news. "Hinata wrote notes on labs and reports... on the hypothetical mission. Did those get sent to Konoha?"

"Not all. The first one did. Instead of other ANBU personnel making it to Na no Kuni, an impersonator, B checked in. Others believe that the impersonator either killed the original Hinata recently. The original Hinata was rumored to be held captive in an unknown region. For the next five months, the impersonator paraded and cured the chakra disease. Na no Kuni, and Tori no Kuni and Kagi no Kuni all got visits from the impersonator,

"During this five month period, the third Hinata, C, was tortured and questioned until she succumbed to the effects. In Konoha... we found her body in an unknown hideout of either the Uchiha's property or Orochimaru's. Most likely Orochimaru's,"

Sasuke felt like throwing up. As disgusted as he was, he was more furious. "How did nobody know it wasn't her? They must have had references and photos of Hinata A. Kagi no Kuni is the best village of shinobi experts in espionage- they must have noticed something was off,"

Kakashi drew a hard sigh. "That's how talented our impersonator was. The woman who impersonated her had the byakugan. She also had the same competency of Hinata A," Kakashi held up a photo. "This is what she looked like,"

Sasuke thought back to the photo he's been shamelessly staring at for the past few days. A match. "Damn it. They're similar,"

Kakashi nodded. "B passes as a decent Hinata. No one knows why she impersonated Hinata for five months while helping Konoha. She knew all of Konoha's customs and she performed Hyuuga techniques,"

"Did this B do it for the money? Curing three countries of disease gets you a lot of cash... How does this B- impersonator have the byakugan?" Sasuke asked.

"In the war, all corpses except for one were recuperated; Hyuuga Hinamori. She belonged to the main house without a cursed seal. Her body was supposedly destroyed by the Ten-Tails but that is our best bet. Our best lead. Mind you, I am the only person that knows Hinata is alive. There's an impersonator at large and everyone thinks Hyuuga Hinata is dead," he said. "Keep her safe in the dark. She was meant to return to Konoha after going missing on her mission. I advise you not to come back until we find the killer of Hinata and the imposter,"

"I don't need you to tell me that. I don't want to come back to Konoha," Sasuke scoffed. "Looks like you didn't want me to either,"

Kakashi looked regretful but folded his hands on his desk. "All I need is confirmation that she is safe. The suspicion of her pregnancy is officially terminated but I need to know that she is alright,"

"Would my word be enough?" Sasuke asked.

Kakashi sighed and finally answered. "I suppose,"

"Then trust me like you have. Or learn to again,"

"Her identity as Natsukawa Momo will be valid in Konoha. I must go back to the funeral. You need to leave for a while," Kakashi sat in his black chair at his pristine Hokage desk. "I forgot to mention. Naruto is expecting a violent confrontation with you because he thinks Hinata A had your child,"

"Allow him to think that she's dead. He won't blab about it. It's better that Sakura doesn't know. Not my choice. Hinata doesn't want her friends to know," Sasuke looked at Kakashi before he left. "It may not look like it but I'm better than you think. I'm not that guy,"

"You're sure,"

"Trust it. I'm not that guy anymore,"

¤¤¤

Sasuke just wanted to get back to Kumo. Spot her glowing face and musical voice. Maybe watch Benjiro a bit and feel the babe kick. Hold her a bit.

Sasuke walked out of Konoha, mind reeling with the impossible. Has everyone he knows lost faith in him? He wouldn't kill Hinata. He wouldn't. Kakashi thought he was a bit psychopathic and this wouldn't hurt him like if he time-traveled a few months back. Damn it, he would have taken it as a compliment but now he has emotions. Is he soft? He hates being soft.

He's not exactly soft around her anymore.

Okay, he knew that she wasn't his type. He's catching feelings and still he falls or whatever. She's short, like dynamite. She's sweet, she sings in the shower and there's a someday with her. He's obsessed with her little sigh/murmurs when he moves beside her in bed as she's half asleep. He's just the sucker who let Hinata fill his mind. Nothing's wrong with it but it's supernatural.

Someone used the rebirth jutsu on Hinata... When would they have been able to plan for this?! He has to find a new place to live! That idiot who put a genjutsu on her... And now he has to break the news to her that everyone thinks she's dead.

Un-fucking-believable.

He seethed under the light peaking through the silvery winter clouds. It was until later that he noticed a man, silently waiting, wearing a black mask that covered his face. It looked like a copy-cat version of Obito's mask but worse. The man wore all black. Black pants, black gloves, and an antique silk haori jacket. He leaned against a black streetlight like a cool guy.

"Why are you following me?" Sasuke asked.

"I have a mask but I'm not dangerous," the stranger said smoothly, having a characteristic laugh.

"That doesn't answer my question," Sasuke snapped.

"It's not the time for transparency," the man said. "Despite that, my name is Taichirou, Hychu Taichirou,"

"Was it you or Kabuto?" Sasuke asked, activating his sharingan.

"It was me. I have Kabuto," Taichirou shrugged. "Personal fun,"

"Is it revenge?" Sasuke asked, taking out his sword.

"Personal fun is revenge while keeping him hostage in captivity," Taichirou said, chuckling. "He must pay. He was a hazard to Hinata. Your child should not be killed by a man who I have no use for. All the turbulence, the sinful riot, and the manipulation will be rewarded. She's worth the use of forbidden jutsu. If you tell her she's dead to the rest of the world- all of our plans will be ruined,"

"We're not making any plans together. There has never been and will never be a 'we'," Sasuke hissed.

"Hm," Taichirou dismissed it. "This is the picture of my dreams. Beautiful night out. Didn't know it snowed in Konoha," Taichirou said, still ignoring Sasuke's vigorous hostility and continuing cooly.

"No one gives a damn about your snowflakes," Sasuke barked.

The man chuckled. "You should be grateful I'm helping. We hold each other to higher standards,"

Sasuke's voice was acidic and low. "Why wouldn't I think you're anything better than scum? You sent Konoha into a damn frenzy. Are you mental?!"

Taichirou leaned back casually on a lit lampost, briefly chuckling. "They're all like mindless goats in a frenzy... The riots are an efficient way to control grazing. I see the world the way it is. I'm the terrible one so other people don't have to be. I seize an opportunity. I take the heard by the horns and take control through submission. Death connects all rogue shinobi. The strongest ones are usually the more corrupt. The more corrupt we are in Konoha, the more sucessful we become. We both despise Konoha. I think we could work well together,"

"I'd never work for you and I don't despise Konoha," Sasuke argued.

Taichirou shook his head, dissenting. "Two lies come from your mouth. What were you planning on doing after those five months finish? I am helping you and I want to protect her."

"It's never that simple," Sasuke said. "What are you? An Uchiha sympathizer?"

"Yes and things aren't ever simple. Take it from one man to another. Her mission wasn't going to fool her father. They would have found out about the pregnancy right away. I was the one who made her copy. Her touch is off. Less endowed," Taichirou nodded. "And the Hyuuga who I sent to Na no Kuni, Tori no Kuni and Kagi no Kuni... That's apart of a bigger scheme,"

"Why did you kill her in Orochimaru's hideout?"

"Who said I killed her? It wasn't my men," he said. "She escaped from us and ended up in the DCA's clutches,"

Damnit. Why...

"How did you know about Hinata's mission?" Sasuke questioned.

"Not all information is classified from me. Nothing is hidden from one who is omniscient. Nothing is as it seems," Taichirou said, mystic still surrounding the black-clad man.

Sasuke had enough of this metaphorical shit. "Stop playing with scissors and cut the crap. Why are you helping us?"

"You helped me in a big way. Besides, we are after the same things in life. Our beginnings and endings will be quite the same. If you don't open your eyes, you'll never see that we are always on the same side because of our bloodied lives and the darkness we spread," Taichirou said. "I have been protecting her while you're away. If I continue aiding Hinata, you have to promise me one person. You should trust me, I worked with a lot of your colleagues. You weren't in Akatsuki long enough to notice me. I worked with Obito, we fought but I won,"

"Is that why you ripped off his mask idea?" Sasuke snarled.

Taichirou took his rudeness in stride with a soft voice and apathetic tendency. "I won this one- we used to be partners for a few months. However, I had nothing to do with the war and we split. I did not care for it. It gave me nothing in return. I have no compunction after killing to get what I want but I don't want carnage because it doesn't benefit me. I need allies to further my own goal. I do not needlessly kill. I spread influence. Fear. Terror. I thrive on the fear and distrust in the community- it's what I do,"

"Hn," Sasuke said, narrowing his eye. "What exactly are you?"

Taichirou thought for a moment, reflecting deeply. "I like to say a visionary. Innovator to hate. I exploit everyone's weaknesses. I mold others into killing machines. I make others stripped from their values, personality and make them an exhibitionist. Then I am the voyeur to war, to destruction, to hate but I simply have never killed anyone. I do not like death. The people I want to kill are already dead. Except one," his voice became dark, low and full of malicious intent.

"Why are you helping us?" Sasuke asked, still crossed.

He finally looked straight at Sasuke. "Because you have something I want and need. Besides, you protected someone I care for. I haven't killed a certain shinobi. It is not someone who is dear to you... Only a select few people matter to you. When the time comes, Hinata will have to sacrifice them," he said. "In the meantime, I will give my resources to keeping her alive. I suggest you take my offer. I don't have the numbers to bring hell to those who don't conform to my plan,"

"What is your plan? Tell me!" Sasuke commanded.

"We'd have to trust each other for that to happen, don't we Uchiha?" Taichirou let out a characteristic amused laugh.

"If anything happens to Hinata, I'll kill you," Sasuke threatened.

He soon did, indeed, chuckle. "Don't test me, Uchiha. I can force your hand into the unthinkable or I can reveal your little secret,"

"Don't threaten me," Sasuke replied.

The man walked away, pushing himself off of the street lamp. "We'll meet again, as enemies or as allies... I think you'll be more complying to what I have to say. Trust me, the devil works but I work harder. One day, we will fight Akuma-oo-sama. We will settle things with a sword to flesh and blood on steel. That's what I can promise... you can release the genjutsu now. Sasuke, the DCA will be a problem to us. It is best if we eliminate the miscreants before they do something dangerous. I feel it coming- a big battle,"

"That's delusional. They do not have numbers to attack any place at the moment,"

He tilted his head, happy to hear his response. "Underestimating them will be our biggest downfall. I've seen them. Their strength is unparalleled and a problem. If you do not believe me, so be it. I will prepare. Paranoid men are usually the safest,"

"Or they have the most enemies," Sasuke scowled.

"Sasuke. I take this as an answer. I will protect Hinata because after fighting at bars, seeing children almost die... I believe that she deserves some serendipity. I will make it safe for my vessels. When I see fit, we will meet," he said, smoking away on a pipe he pulled out.

"Is this what you really look like?" Sasuke asked.

"I'm above all weak rookies. I feed my red-eyed demons but we're in the same hell with the same devils,"

He got out of the genjutsu.

Sasuke released the genjutsu to find a very distraught fifteen-year-old dressed in the fanciest cloak he's seen with a sword pressed to her neck. Any further would have pierced more skin. Sasuke's sharingan swirled as he took a closer look. Her empty lilac-tinted eyes were puffy and rosea. She looked like she was out for blood. His blood.

She's a much too familiar Hyuuga. He lessened his force and observed her. He was pretty sure that all Hyuuga had cloaks like that... since they were the Hyuuga.

She didn't tremble. She had guts. "Uchiha Sasuke! Hyuuga Hinata is dead because of your insolence. Face the consequences, you rogue shinobi. Answer my questions perfectly! Konoha will arrest you based on my findings. You set meetings with Lord Hiashi-sama! You're in Konoha overseeing the investigation because you killed her!"

Sasuke just scowled. "Hn. I have no interest in fighting you. You are not in the right mind," he said and sheathed his sword. She immediately put distance between them but prepared for a battle to the end. Sasuke noticed she hid how terrified she was. "Are you a maid of the main house with a vendetta?"

"How dare you assume I'm a maid?!" She readied her cerulean chakra blades and Sasuke rose an eyebrow at her chakra manipulation skills.

Sasuke grimaced when she moved onto him. She attacked him, attempting to cut off his chakra points. Her efforts were futile as he blocked of her strikes easily. It was easy. She was all deathly pale skin and light bird bones. He was gentle when he seized her arm, spun her around and threw her against the nearest house wall.

She hit zero tenketsu out of three his hundred and sixty-one. She failed to hit him or any of his tenketsu. Sasuke stood over her. The Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms jutsu is solely taught to the main house. She has excellent chakra control and an understandable vendetta. She made impressive milestones for a girl her age. Her taijutsu... was also worth mentioning.

It was when he noticed the crease between her eyebrows his cinnamon girl sported when she was stressed.

Damn. It was the Hyuuga princess with expensive taste; Hanabi.

"You made contact with her," Pant. Pant. Pant. "Why did you butcher her?" Hanabi said, attempting to stand.

"I don't give into civic engagement. I hate accusations that have no basis on truth. Do you think that I killed your sister? Who is your sister?"

Hanabi growled and with a suffer-filled pant, she stood up and got into position. "It is what EVERYONE is talking about?! How do you not know? Or your head is that far stuck up your ass you haven't taken a look around?! She's been murdered and all the Hyuuga point to you. Kiba smells her scent on you. We all think it was you. She was killed in Orochimaru's hideout that our Hokage hadn't discovered! One of which you may have known the location of to torture her for weeks with enemies of Konoha and cancer from Kumo and Nami no Kuni. How were you so damn close to her?! Did you rape her?! You must have done just about everything else!"

So... that's the story. Hinata was tortured by Kumogakure/rogue Konoha-nin... in Konoha's abandoned hideout.

"Uchiha are blamed as scapegoat by this kindergarten village. I've never talked to her. Stuttering is a turn-off," Sasuke said, turning to walk away. And walk away was what he did.

"She's better and brighter and you killed her. You stole her from me! Just tell me why before I get an army," Hanabi yelled.

"You're not in the right mind. Go back home to your snob army. You're in the blur of grief while playing the blaming game," Sasuke grumped, head hurting.

"You don't know anything about death and my grief!"

Sasuke paused, turned around, scowling. "I know the colors of pain, suffering and madness that grief brings. A whole clan massacre, deceased bodies painted black and red. I've seen more death than you have seen looking out from the rose-colored windows of your sheltered Hyuuga castle,"

"You... you-"

Sasuke ignored her fiery expression. "A word from the almighty lady of healing- do not abandon the living for the dead. Once that happens, you have fallen on your own sword. Do not point your sword nor place the blame on those who you cannot overpower or risk getting slain,"

"Uchiha- don't underestimate me! Never thieve from one you cannot outrun! Or you do not have so much as remorse for what you have done?!" Hanabi shook her head. "You'll have to break my arms and legs to make me not fight you to the death,"

"Fine," Her face broke in horror. He took a step forward and stole half of her chakra. He hit a pressure point just on the crevice between her elbow and lower forearm. "Rest. Death makes the souls who are left behind feel less alive," Sasuke said and knocked her out.

She crumpled onto the street with a sigh. He returned her chakra once she was sleeping. This would have been an honorable version of suicide; fighting Sasuke... It's also the most painful.

He then applied the fact it was Hinata's sister he knocked out and that he can be nicer. He put a genjutsu on Hanabi; a supercut of the gray and ebony sisters. They read poetry, had picnics and laughed like so. They're in so much pain cause of him. He will be nicer. He lugged her onto a bench and anonymously shared with the Hyuuga that the princess slept in the streets.

Every choice of his is cosmopolitan.

He got bruised up for two weeks after speaking to the police about his not orchestrating the mudslide that ravaged through Kumogakure.

Now he's got to clear his name for the murder of Hyuuga Hinata?!

People think he's killed Hinata. Orochimaru will be blamed for her death as will Kumogakure. That Taichirou said that the DCA killed the rebirth jutsu Hinata he created... for reasons. He wants to mention to Kakashi that Taichirou has taken Kabuto prisoner and used all Kabuto's jutsu. If he says anything- Taichirou will stop providing security for Hinata... Or he will reveal Hinata's 'longevity' and baby to the world... to the seal. This Taichirou fellow is desperate to help him, an Uchiha. Why?

He punched the nearest tree, not being able to control himself.

Trouble on his left and trouble on his right. He hopes Hinata could help him pull through. For once he had so much to lose. The wicked really has no rest.

¤¤¤

April 3rd.

Two or three months passed by quickly.

Hinata added streaks of dusty teal in her silvery hair just in case someone wanted to get suspicious of Benjiro. Their hair colors matched. Her earlobes got a triple top piercing. She was referred to as Momo and she was used to it. Miyana stopped by often, bringing gossip and girl talk. Jugo and Suigetsu visited just as much.

Both Mitsuyo and Sasuke stopped allowing them to watch television, wanting to get back to the basics. He was anti-technology and Mitsuyo was anti-Kumogakure news after he returned from an impromptu trip to Konoha with Kakashi. She was okay with it.

Hinata, Someina, and Benjiro had minute dance parties with the radio loud. Benjiro warmed up to Someina but loved Mitsuyo more. Sasuke spent his time with Benjiro whilst Hinata killed time bettering herself with her seals and engaging in profound research of shinobi weaponry.

After her sixth month of pregnancy, Sasuke was home regularly. Sasuke and Benjiro bonded due to her semi-absenteeism. Sasuke didn't particularly appreciate Benjiro but he accepted Benjiro's unending affection for him. Sasuke indulged Benjiro in his toddler talk. She saw them racing popsicle stick boats across the streams. The boys fished, enjoying the wildlife. Benjiro simply liked being in Sasuke's proximity and Sasuke adapted.

Mitsuyo, Someina and Hinata started up with a day-care. The daycare kids were fun for Benjiro. He made friends and they were the perfect, cute devils. Taiyo, Junpei, and Benjiro quickly became a scheming toddler group. Even Sasuke would join in with Benjiro's friends and show them games.

Somehow, Someina became Hinata's self-appointed servant/protector. Sasuke trained Someina to become a better shinobi while pointing a sword at her. With Someina's training- came Hinata's training. Hinata became a better poisons specialist and better medical-nin.

She memorized the chakra signatures of those who passed through the seals she reinforced. She improved on her sword handling and weaponry history. She knew how to distinguish between genjutsus. She doesn't know how to cast genjutsu but she was capable at recognizing, improving, releasing, and determining how to the genjutsu was made.

Hinata could seal multiple things like swords and weapons with ease. A new tattoo came about while practicing her seal work; a solid black band on her upper bicep. The tattoo on her back hasn't disappeared.

Mitsuyo hired a man from her youth to undo the seals but he couldn't. Riichi, Hinata's fuinjutsu teacher, taught her how to manage her tattoo. He came to her dwelling weekly to teach Hinata about seals during combat and everyday life.

Hinata also got in touch with her electric side. Sasuke wouldn't teach her the Chidori but promised to make a modified jutsu for her. He wanted her to use a sword that conducted electricity. If she stabbed someone- she could electrocute them and also maim them.

Electric healing was introduced by Riichi. With electric healing, she could absorb electrons to stimulate molecules and regenerate cells. He also predicted she could use the electric aura; a vortex of chakra being around her while it's laced with lightning. If she gets attacked, she could heal herself, electrocute the person she touches and stand on offense.

She did teach Benjiro not to touch any of the seals she left around because there could be dangerous items. Should they ever leave or get attacked, she could store all their items in seals and unseal them in Konoha.

Benjiro liked picking up swords and swinging them around like Sasuke but Sasuke seemed more pleased than scared. He liked that aspect of Benjiro a lot.

The baby was very healthy. She was worried, the doctor she talked to was... not the best. She didn't have very good skills. She was very grateful and fortunate. She felt as though, she would look at her stomach and think, "Who are you in there?" She found herself waddling around, feeling super pregnant.

Sasuke and Benjiro liked to wake up early and watch the sunrise. Sasuke would be off practicing his sword, but one time she found him sitting peacefully as Benjiro slept at his side, resting. "He couldn't keep up," he explained for why Benjiro's head was on his lap.

Sasuke always left without saying goodbye but returned he stopped and ruffled his hair and apologized for being gone for so long.

¤¤¤

It was breezy and the stifling heat was appreciated.

Sasuke was outside, practicing his sword techniques while Hinata looked around for Benjiro. "Where... Where is Benjiro? He couldn't have run off into the woods," she complained. She carried a weaved basket with loads of clean toddler clothes and baby clothes.

"He said he wanted some drinks and snacks, so he went to you, requesting food," Sasuke said, sheathing his sword and placing it beside him. After Hinata's nagging about his swords, he has learnt to take precautions for Benjiro and Taiyo.

"Ah. That's right! I gave him snacks," she trilled, remembering. It was her pregnancy brain. She forgets things, details, dates and small things...

Sasuke found it funny, looking amused while he gently took the basket from her. He did most of the work since he didn't want her lifting anything. She bent down to sit but he paused. "Nah. Don't sit on the ground, it's much too hard. I'd rather not have you bruised,"

"I can't get bruised by sitting on the ground, Sasuke!" Hinata said. He grabbed a blanket and tossed it on the grass. "Sasuke! That one is clean. We can't use clean sheets as picnic blankets. I'm not a princess. I don't need pampering,"

He just said, "Work with me here,"

With the helping hand of Sasuke, she sat on the laid out sheet. "You hungry?" he asked yet still fetched grapes for her to eat.

She chewed on the plump purple grapes. "I know what you and Someina have been doing. Don't think that I didn't notice you both making the clothesline harder to reach. I'm pregnant, not invalid,"

"I think you're remarkable,"

Flattery. Hinata smiled, pausing. "Well. I was just thinking- you got new clothes. Someina wants to sew on the insignia but your rigorous training would ruin our efforts. So, Mitsuyo found special different types of fabric dyes and we cut out multiple sponge/wooden stamps so we could stamp all your shirts again," she said, jumping a bit. "And I'm so excited!"

He put the basket of clothes beside her and she grinned, looking at the baby clothing she picked out. "Hn. Pink and blue... Awful colors" he said, grimacing.

"Yellow and green are awful colors and purple and green seemed too wild. It's very stereotypical," Hinata said.

"Uchiha aren't stereotypical," he shrugged. "I don't know if the baby is a girl or boy. Either way, I'm happy,"

"Since we're away from a real hospital and I strayed away from neonatal care and pediatrics- we're not sure about what's happening. I'm sure that my baby is fine- although I feel like we're missing something. The methods they use are ancient," Hinata hummed absently. She used a scrolls to summon Sasuke's test subject shirt, one shirt and a dress. "These are the items we need for stamping your clothing," she explained.

There was white fabric dye, red fabric dye and the wooden stamps along with the sponges. He looked at the basket and sat beside her on the white sheet. He picked up one of Benjiro's shirts with a high collar. "Hn. Why a high collar?" he asked.

Hinata shrugged, picking at a onesie. "It was... Mitsuyo's idea. Mitsuyo fancies them. She's always wearing them when she goes out of the house," Hinata said.

Sasuke looked thoughtful. "Aren't we going to stamp them?" he asked. Hinata jumped in place, honestly flabbergasted. "Don't act so shocked, Hinata, he's one of us, isn't he?"

¤¤¤

Noon.

They laid Benjiro's clothes down and chose two shirts and three of his outdoor wear clothing to have the Uchiha insignia on the back. Her arms were dirty and he wasn't much of an artist. The white sheet was ruined forever. She didn't mind- his hair looked luscious today.

"There- finished," he said, gazing at his art-work. Proud. He looked handsome with his spiked black hair. He needed a haircut.

"It's nice. I like it," she said, looking at his locks. Looks shiny. Is it soft?

Sasuke hummed in agreement. "It's the Uchiha insignia. It's always been nice. It's good that you like it. There's something elegant about it,"

"Yeah. Very handsome," she agreed.

"A paper fan is handsome?" he asked, noticing her daydreaming.

She came back to earth and blushed- hard. Why was she intrigued by his hair?! She got caught! He was talking about the- the clan insignia and she was drooling over his hair.

"Yeah! And those who will wear it is handsome as well. Like- are you sure? About... you know who," The gray-haired Hinata fretted.

"Ah. Benjiro. The Aoi," Sasuke inhaled deeply and watched the birds fly overhead. "I don't want to be his dad but the kid could use some Uchiha-styled toughening up and Hyuuga-styled love. I admit, he's not such a bad kid. He's irrevocably clingy but he's alright. I wouldn't mind killing time with him," he exhaled again, as if freed from a burden. "It's a work in progress,"

Her deeply reflective countenance morphed into one that sparkled joy. She pulled him into a warm hug and laughed happily in his ear. "I knew you'd let him in and get a soft spot for him," she pushed him away slightly but removed her arms, still sitting close beside him. After a while of not talking, she got very quiet and modest.

Sasuke paused, and finally looked back at her. "Why do you keep on looking at me like that?"

"I'm glad to have gotten to know you better. To have met you," Her eyes darted away and that chiming laugh sounded paired with a lasting smile. Of course, she muffled the sound with her palm. "Honest,"

"Vice-versa," Sasuke whispered. Sincere.

"You're not salt. I've seen... your heart," she murmured shyly, eyes roaming his face.

"And it's black. Just black. I'm not sweet," he responded, a bit miffed. He looked at her for a moment. "Aren't you going to choose a shirt to brand with the Uchiha insignia?" he asked casually.

What?! Hinata almost swallowed her tongue. She was honestly tongue-tied. She tried to open her mouth and say words but she lost her voice. She scrambled away from the Uchiha, wanting to get away but staying on the soiled sheet.

"Don't short-circuit on me. You're aware... you're apart of the Uchiha. Apart of my family," he told her seriously although he was confused at her outburst and distance.

She blushed a champagne rose, tripping over her words. "I'm your- just. Sasuke... I'm not. I can't. I'm not worthy. It's an honour but it feels wrong,"

"You're probably more worthy than half the bastards in my clan. Nothing feels more right," he insisted. "Meanwhile, think about what we are. What you are. Then come back to me," he gave her a nod and went back inside.

She grabbed a shirt, her gray calf-length tunic dress with a low cut v neck and flipped it over. She was an outcasted Hyuuga... An accepted Natsukawa and a worthy Uchiha. Then where does her heart belong?

She stamped the shirt. With the Uchiha, to her Uchiha, she answered.

¤¤¤

"Why is there a huge turtle in my living room?" Hinata asked as she moved beside an equally confused Sasuke. Taiyo sat on the hard shell with a deep frown face and some luggage. Benjiro bounced around the tortoise like a kid at the candy shop.

"His name is Chuhei," Benjiro went up to the pair and said, "Nata, Sasu- can I have one? A chuhei?"

Hinata shook her head, apologizing. Benjiro narrowed his eyes and turned to Sasuke, opening his mouth. Sasuke also shook his head before a syllable could come out.

Benjiro turned back to Taiyo, sagging while exchanging depressed looks. "They say no. It was woth a twy,"

Miyana entered the living room, carrying a small packages of what seemed luggage with a cabbage head. "This is Chuhei, Taiyo's pet. I have an urgent mission so I have to drop Taiyo and Chuhei off for a few days. Is that alright?" Miyana asked and Taiyo frowned, huffing beside his giant turtle.

"Of course," Hinata said, nodding. "He's here all the time. Benjiro would love to have some of his company. Miyana, it's alright. I would do it anytime,"

"Thank you," Miyana replied, grateful. She brought money, his toys, his bed time stories for her silver-headed kid. "I'm coming home. Don't worry. I love you- you're going to have so much fun,"

Taiyo just scoffed and sighed, turning away from her. Benjiro gave him a small smile and said, "Let's play! Sasu got me new toys! Wace trains and boats that move by themselves! He could buy a village!"

Taiyo's face lit up and his aquamarine eyes looked clear. "Cool!"

Hinata threw a side-glance at Sasuke, genuinely curious. "Can you?"

"Depends," Sasuke shrugged, all nonchalant, "do you want one?" he asked.

Hinata laughed, shaking her head. It's crazy that he can offer houses of gold.

Benjiro grinned. "Chuhei's awesome! Sasu, Nata- you show I can't have one?"

"Yes," Hinata nodded. "He is awesome but love, I don't think we have the time,"

Benjiro lamented, looking at Sasuke hopefully. "Maybe," Sasuke said firmly.

Hinata shot a betrayed look at him. "Unbelievable," she mouthed.

"Sasu say maybe- Means Nata say yes. They say yes," Benjiro shouted triumphantly and threw a fist in the air.

Hinata lightly smacked Sasuke's arm. "You can't say that. He'll go on and on about it for months. Our cat dreams are just gone in smoke?"

"Cats are dominating and active," Sasuke shrugged. He leaned beside her ear. "Turtles are interesting. Slow. Better alive than in soup. I feel remorse for those turtles,"

She rose an eyebrow. "You've had turtle soup?! Sasuke!" Turning her neck to face him, she found their noses almost brushing.

"It was Orochimaru's choice. Don't worry, it's not much better than your cooking," Sasuke assured her.

"Oh- you," Hinata then shoved his arm, laughing. She leaned her head on his shoulder while looping an arm around his. "I've improved,"

"Nata? You say yes?" Benjiro asked.

"I'll think about it," she said. "Don't you both gang up on me like that, that's not fair,"

Benjiro and Sasuke nodded to each other.

Miyana observed them with a loving half-envy, half-wanting smile. Benjiro was busy marveling at the tortoise. He brought his fingers up to its face.

"He likes cabbage heads and fingers," Miyana said. "Don't put your fingers next to his beak.. He will think it's food. He could snap your head off,"

He immediately scurried behind Sasuke's leg, hiding. The tortoise moved his head to look at Hinata, a docile smile on his face. Benjiro shrieked and moved in front of her, a starfish with limbs in every direction. "You can't hurt baby Nata!"

"He won't hurt your family. He's very kind. Just beware," Miyana said.

Taiyo crossed his arms, suddenly fuming on the turtle. "Ben's gon have a sibling, mama. When am I going to get siblings?"

Benjiro looked smug as he stood in front of Hinata's belly bump.

Hinata and Miyana exchanged uncomfortable glances. "Taiyo... know that you're the right amount for me. I love you just the way you are,"

Sasuke announced that he was leaving the room, resuming his weaponry training. Benjiro and Taiyo followed suit. Benjiro paused, looked at Hinata then at the turtle and leaned in, telling Taiyo a secret. Taiyo shrugged, nodding and Benjiro was off. Taiyo grabbed the cabbage head from a Miyana and broke off little patches, leaving a trail of food in the direction of where the boys were off to.

"He's clever," Hinata commented, watching her boys go off.

"It was Benjiro who told him how to do it," Miyana dismissed, waving her hand. She heard giggles erupt from the two boys and Miyana shared a knowing look with Hinata, laughing a bit. "They'll give us absolute hell, doncha think? When they're older and more mobile," Miyana said.

Hinata nodded, smiling. Probably. She waited for those moments eagerly. She just had to laugh! Sasuke is too generous and kind with her. "Buying me a village... how ridiculous!" Hinata laughed.

Miyana quirked her lips into a smile. "You and Sasuke... if it weren't for the missing ring, I wouldn't have a doubt in my mind that you guys were married for years,"

Hinata had heat on her cheeks. "Pffft. No. We don't seem like a married couple! That's unbelievable," she refuted.

"You even sound like him,"

"No. I don't think of him that way. We're only friends. Friends," Hinata assured her friend. "Sasuke... doesn't think of me like that. We're on the same page of friendship,"

"In the book of lies. I'm no Musubi-No-Kami but I'm sure he thinks differently. He would have your children,"

Hinata shook her head, flustered. "I mean... he already has- not that it means anything. I would have his kids. I don't know. Just don't know, so don't ask me why. That's how we are,"

"Did you notice how nice he is to you? He acquiesces to whatever you want, no questions just... swaying with it. That's what I call husband's affection. The purest love out there,"

Hinata's heart sped up and she was red. "It's just being friends,"

"Do you act like this with every guy friend you know?" Miyana asked.

Hinata shook her head. "Heavens no. Sasuke would be upse-..."

"Then what is he to you?"

"We don't have labels," Hinata whispered.

"Eventually, you will," Miyana hummed, ignoring the mortified expression on Hinata's face.

¤¤¤

Late. After 10 p.m.

It was just him and her, just staying there, just forgetting the world. He liked it when it was like that. He's always looking for the tumultuous and new but he's fine.

They were in the chiefly glass greenhouse, sitting quietly in the dark. It was a cool night. He worried but for now, he just wants to revel in the wonder and safety that is her.

Someina and Mitsuyo were at a staff party and the kids were asleep. It was just them.

"I don't like people," he said, continuing their conversation.

He watched her knit a red scarf.

She's always ignored his questions of who it was for. He was convinced that it was for Naruto because she does a lot of things for him. She made him food, she followed him around and probably gave him head or something. Sasuke didn't know but the last one seemed unlikely and kind of sad... but- but she mentioned something about being Naruto's Keisuke. The one girl Naruto always wanted to avoid because being near Hinata will only hurt Naruto.

She said she didn't care 'cause stalking someone doesn't mean getting love nor does it mean being in love.

He didn't want her to be Naruto's anything but that was better left unsaid. A lot of things were better left unsaid but he should probably wait for her to shy away. Maybe she won't-

Why is he thinking about this? Damn.

The sound of clacking knitting bamboo needles was absent. "I noticed," she hummed, a smile morphing her lips. "I'm an exception and Benjiro's as well,"

Sasuke thought for a moment then looked at her shadowed face. "You don't like people either but it's fine. You're my personal outcast,"

My... Mine, somewhat, he thought. That was possessive but it was true. Fuck those other guys, he's probably coming for her love anyway.

"Have you noticed we do a lot of nothing all the time?" Hinata asked, her eyes glowing. "We do nothing and love it,"

"You will have lots to do when we return," Sasuke said.

She exhaled roughly, frustrated. "I admit, is it wrong for me to not want to go back? Knowing this temporary paradise must end guts me," she admitted, avoiding his gaze. "Can't we grow old here as long as we still make tea and fish and travel?"

"You can't make plans if you don't know if I'll be alive," he told her.

"Then stay alive for me, our baby and Benjiro. That's just the scenario I'd imagined happening anyway. You and me, senile and fishing. It's not the worst case scenario or best one- it's just what's happening," she said like it was given.

"Do you like fishing?" he asked.

"Yes. You just hate when I release them. Sasuke, please stop terrorizing the koi. They're super scared of you already,"

"Good," he grunted.

She got quiet and serious again. "Don't quit what you're doing. People call us misfits but hey, that's that thing I like about you... Train me, be harsh and we become equals. Then I'll come back, remarkable and strong. I'd blindside the vision clan and everyone," she said. She brushed her fringed bangs from her eyes. "You say I'm remarkable enough to be an Uchiha... Why am I held to such a high esteem to you? I'm nothing to everyone else. Just plain, boring Hinata,"

"If you're there long enough or if I trust you, you're an Uchiha to me. Maybe it's not all in the blood," Sasuke suddenly felt heavy and honest. "I'm learning that with Benjiro. I'm restarting, building it better the second time around,"

Sasuke knows he doesn't commit because he'd have to make attachments and form bonds because he thought those were useless. He didn't know how to deal with himself or his problems... or his grief.

The blood on his hands scared him to death. He intends to heal all the scars he caused. He can be so mean when he wants to be. She shouldn't accept him... a sinner. He realized he can hardly see and this is all new to him. She's gathering his attention on the sunny parts of life. The most he ever said was sorry... one of these days- he'll apologize. He felt a hurricane of emotion consuming him but now he's fine.

Sasuke lamented, looking at the stars. "Kami, I'm the villain. People tried to call out to me but I didn't want to hear. How should... can I be forgiven? How can anyone come back from that?"

"Honestly, if they can't forgive someone and move on then they're the real villain," she said firmly. "I wasted a lot of time feeling sorry for myself. You went through the dark. You made it to the morning. Now when in the new dawn, you can begin again and set the path to self-discovery,"

"I don't think you'll see me through the dark," he admitted bitterly.

"Good thing I have night vision," she said. "And you're so much more the wars you faced... You remembered, you reflected and you released. I think it's time for you to.. forgive yourself,"

She stopped talking, put away the knit scarf and draped his arm around her shoulders. "But that's another topic entirely. Let's just... relax,"

They were quiet sitting on a bench surrounded by nature. Here in Kumo, he felt at peace with Hinata. Maybe redemption can be found in these small moments.