Chapter 14
She glanced up at him through her lashes, her bangs casting faint shadows across her eyes as she picked up another clump of rice with her chopsticks. The bite tasted dull, barely there. She chewed slowly, barely aware of the texture, her gaze flicking across the table to Sasuke’s familiar silhouette.
He hadn’t said more than a handful of words to her since that night.
Four days ago.
Four days of this quiet that wasn’t peaceful.
Four days of being in the same house, under the same roof, but feeling miles apart.
It hurt. More than she let on. More than she thought it would.
She didn’t know what else to do. She’d apologized. She’d explained herself. She’d told him the truth.
And he still hadn’t looked at her the same since.
She swallowed her bite carefully and let her chopsticks lower to her bowl, the clink of them barely audible in the still kitchen.
She wanted to tell him, again, that it had only been to return a book. That she’d knocked and hadn’t expected Kakashi to answer the door, let alone in that state. He had looked pale, unwell, and she'd only stepped in because she was worried. She hadn’t even stayed long.
But maybe it didn’t matter anymore.
Maybe what mattered was that she went.
And maybe, in Sasuke’s eyes, she’d broken something when she did.
She opened her mouth to speak, to try again, to say something. Anything. But just as the breath left her lips, she heard the scrape of his chair legs dragging across the floor. That low, dragging sound that always made her flinch, even if it wasn’t loud.
She blinked, startled, and looked up as Sasuke stood. He picked up his dishes. His plate empty, his tea cup nearly so, and walked them to the sink. She watched his back as he stood there for a moment, motionless.
Then, without a word, he turned and walked out of the kitchen.
No glance back.
No acknowledgment.
He hadn’t helped her with the dishes once since he came home. Not that she expected him to, but she noticed.
She listened to his footsteps fade down the hall, soft and even. The sound of the front door creaking open. The muffled rustle of his sandals.
Still, she got up. Even if he wasn’t speaking to her, even if he didn’t look at her anymore, she always saw him out when he left.
She moved toward the front, gathering the folds of her sleeves as she stepped softly into the hall.
“Sasuke-kun,” she called gently. “I hope you have a good day.”
He didn’t turn, but she saw him pause, just barely, as his fingers curled around the doorknob.
“I might be a bit late coming home,” she continued, her voice carrying softly through the entryway. “I told Tenten I’d meet her for drinks after I finish work.”
That made him stop.
Really stop.
His hand froze on the knob. The silence stretched a little longer. The pause sharpened just slightly, like something delicate suspended in the air.
“…Where.”
Hinata blinked. “What?”
He turned slowly, his profile cutting sharply against the morning light that filtered in through the windowpanes. His expression was unreadable as it had been for days, but his voice carried a thread of something different. A flicker of tension.
“Where are you going for drinks?”
She hesitated, startled by the question, before answering softly, “It’s called Bitter Lane. It’s the place near the market. We’ve been meaning to go for a while.”
Sasuke stared at her for a moment longer, something unreadable flickering behind his eyes.
Then, without a word, he turned back around and walked out.
The door shut gently behind him.
Hinata stood there in the silence, the faint breeze from the hallway stirring the ends of her hair. The quiet pressed heavier this time, wrapping around her like something cold.
She pressed her lips together and lowered her head.
It hadn’t mattered how gently she explained herself. Or how how many times she apologized. The damage had already been done.
And Kakashi...
Kakashi hadn’t been seen since.
Not a trace of his chakra. Not at the mission hall, not in the markets, not even passing by her window like he often did on his way to nowhere in particular. He had vanished from her life with the precision only someone like him could manage.
But she could feel it.
She could feel that he was still in the village.
He was just hiding from her.
And she knew why.
The image of him, lying back on his bed, flushed with fever but still smiling, drifted to the front of her mind like mist rolling through memory.
She’d seen it clearly now, the sorrow in his eyes, barely masked by that familiar curve of his lips. It wasn’t a smile that said see you soon.
It was a smile that said this is goodbye, for now.
She remembered standing at the top of the stairs, glancing back just once after Sasuke told her to go down and wait.
Kakashi had looked at her like he wanted to say something. Like there was more to be said. But instead, he'd just smiled again, that soft, sad one that crinkled the corners of his eyes in all the wrong ways.
She hadn’t understood then. Not fully.
But now, she did.
And it hurt.
She stepped back into the kitchen and sat again in her seat, her chopsticks resting quietly across the rim of her bowl. Her appetite had vanished entirely, her heart too full of things she couldn’t say and spaces she didn’t know how to fill.
She hadn’t wanted to betray Sasuke. She never had.
She’d thought being honest was enough. That if she told him everything, really everything, he’d understand. After all, he’d been honest with her. Brutally so, when it came to Sakura.
She thought that meant honesty could be their middle ground.
But now, she wasn’t so sure.
Still, she was grateful they hadn’t fought.
Not the way she thought they would.
When they got home that day, she’d braced herself for an argument, something raw, bitter, loud like before.
But he hadn’t yelled.
He hadn’t thrown things or stormed off.
He just closed himself off. As if part of him had quietly shut a door inside his heart and wasn’t ready to open it again.
With a quiet sigh, Hinata picked up her bowl and brought it to the sink. Her fingers lingered on the rim of the dish before she turned on the water, watching the steam rise.
At least work would distract her.
It had to.
XXXXXXXX
Kakashi leaned against the rough trunk of the large oak tree, a gentle breeze rustling the pages of Icha Icha Tactics loosely held in his hand. He stared absently at the printed words, the lines blurring together, unread and forgotten. It had been four days. Four painfully slow, agonizing days since he'd last seen Hinata.
A bitter chuckle left his lips, muffled by his mask. It was pathetic how deeply her absence affected him. But acknowledging that didn't ease the ache in his chest, didn't lessen the sting of loneliness that seemed to seep into his bones. He knew he had made the right choice by stepping away, by assuring Sasuke he'd back off. And he had meant every single word. Hinata wasn't his. She had never truly been his. She was an Uchiha now, Sasuke's wife.
Yet despite the moral clarity, Kakashi couldn't summon an ounce of regret for falling for her. The brief time they’d shared had been some of the most peaceful and fulfilling moments of his life. With Hinata, he had tasted genuine companionship, felt the warmth and ease he'd missed for so long. It terrified him just how much he'd grown accustomed to her gentle laughter, her quiet grace, her subtle way of understanding him without words.
There were moments, dark moments he’d never admit aloud, when he'd selfishly wished Sasuke would never return. When he'd caught himself longing for the impossible chance to claim her as his own, only to feel utterly ashamed afterward. He was better than that, at least he wanted to believe he was.
Now, as he finally forced himself to close his book and tuck it away in his pouch, Kakashi knew he needed to let go of that futile dream. He'd watched closely enough to see the tentative yet genuine warmth beginning to blossom between Sasuke and Hinata. They might not have recognized it fully themselves yet, but he did. Sasuke was different around her, protective in a way that went beyond pride or duty. Kakashi recognized the subtle possessiveness in the younger man, the thinly veiled jealousy that sparked whenever he was near Hinata.
He remembered painfully the day Sasuke came to his place and the way Hinata’s entire world had shifted when she saw her husband. The brief moment when she'd forgotten Kakashi's presence altogether, her expression radiant, solely focused on Sasuke. A knife twisted sharply within Kakashi's chest, just recalling it. He was happy for her, he genuinely was. Sasuke had finally begun acting like a husband worthy of her. Yet, it hurt more than he was prepared to handle.
He lifted his head sharply when a familiar voice broke through his tangled thoughts. "Kakashi!"
Kahyo approached from across the training grounds, her hair catching in the sun, her face illuminated by a warm smile. Pushing off from the tree, Kakashi composed himself, sliding easily back into his casual demeanor, masking the pain behind his familiar, easy-going posture.
"Kahyo," he greeted smoothly, rising fully to his feet.
Her smile softened, concern edging into her expression. "You're looking much better today. Are you finally feeling better?"
He nodded gently, eyes crinkling with an unseen smile. "Mostly just a lingering cough now. Thanks for worrying about me."
"Someone had to," Kahyo teased lightly, eyes twinkling with humor. "You looked like death warmed over the last time I saw you."
Kakashi chuckled softly, grateful for the distraction. "That's flattering," he said dryly, letting her teasing ease some of the tightness coiled inside him.
"Are you feeling up to the café now?" she asked hopefully. "I still really want to check out the bookstore there."
He nodded, hands slipping comfortably into his pockets as they began walking side-by-side. He could sense Kahyo’s interest in him, gentle, subtle, patient. Yet guilt flickered through him. He wasn't naive. She deserved honesty, and he knew his heart wasn't free enough yet to offer her the sincerity she deserved. Kahyo was sweet, charming, and available, exactly the type of woman he should be pursuing. Still, every attempt to focus solely on her ended with his thoughts inevitably drifting back to Hinata. Her smile, her kindness, the softness of her voice when she'd cared for him.
He needed more time. Time to push past feelings that had grown roots far deeper than he'd anticipated.
Kakashi was still caught in that struggle when Kahyo suddenly waved enthusiastically ahead. "Sasuke-san!" she called warmly, smiling brightly at the figure approaching in the opposite direction.
A tense ripple immediately went down Kakashi’s spine, his jaw tightening beneath his mask. He would have stopped Kahyo if he'd seen Sasuke first, but now he had no choice but to face the Uchiha head-on.
Sasuke’s dark gaze flicked towards them. His expression remained unreadable, yet there was a tightness around his eyes, a tension in his shoulders as he approached.
"Good to see you again," Kahyo greeted cheerfully. "How have you and your lovely wife been?"
Sasuke gave a polite nod to Kahyo, responding, "Fine," before his gaze sharpened subtly, sliding pointedly toward Kakashi. "Though it could be better."
A pang of discomfort surged through Kakashi, even as he kept his expression carefully neutral. He knew immediately Sasuke was referencing him indirectly.
Kahyo tilted her head in innocent concern. "Oh? Is everything okay?"
"Just marital differences," Sasuke answered vaguely, his voice heavy with implication. His eyes lingered sharply on Kakashi, judgment clear in that single glance.
Kakashi felt frustration rise sharply, a bitter taste flooding his mouth. He wondered if Sasuke was also upset with Hinata. Were they talking? Had Kakashi inadvertently reignited tension between them? Guilt twisted within him, bitter and biting.
Unbidden, his mind flashed painfully back to when he'd nearly kissed Hinata, the memory resurfacing with sharp clarity. His heart jolted guiltily, the recollection shaking him even now. Before his thoughts could spiral further, Kahyo spoke again, hopeful yet oblivious to the charged atmosphere.
"Well, hopefully when things smooth over, we can all have dinner together sometime," she offered lightly.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow slowly, his expression shifting to something deeply cynical. "You mean like a double date?"
Kahyo's face colored slightly, her expression suddenly shy. "I suppose I do," she admitted softly.
"Interesting," Sasuke murmured dryly, eyes locked mockingly onto Kakashi's. "I guess you really were just playing around all along."
Kakashi knew precisely what Sasuke insinuated. That he'd only toyed with Hinata's heart. Anger bubbled beneath the calm surface of his demeanor, but Kakashi refused to rise to the bait. He had already told Sasuke before he wasn’t toying with Hinata.
Instead, he forced his voice even, measured, almost dismissive. "Kahyo and I were on our way somewhere," he said calmly, smoothly sidestepping the provocation. "But maybe one day we should double date."
Without waiting for Sasuke's reply, he stepped deliberately past him, his footsteps steady and unhurried. He heard Kahyo quickly bid Sasuke farewell before hurrying after him.
When Kakashi risked a glance back, Sasuke remained still, a smug smirk tilting his lips arrogantly as if he'd won some invisible victory. Irritation surged sharply within Kakashi, but he kept walking.
Kahyo fell into step quietly beside him, watching him thoughtfully. "Are you and your student still upset with each other?"
He sighed. "Something like that. Sorry, I'd rather not talk about it right now."
She nodded understandingly, her eyes softening gently. "Of course. But I'm always here if you ever need an ear."
Kakashi managed a small nod, grateful for her patience. Even as he pushed Sasuke’s cryptic words away, Hinata lingered stubbornly in his thoughts, a bittersweet presence he knew would be far harder to relinquish than he had ever imagined.
XXXXXXXX
Sasuke’s frustration simmered just beneath the carefully maintained calm of his expression as he moved through the busy village streets. The sunlight seemed brighter, harsher today, irritating him further. Kakashi's face, passive and unreadable, lingered stubbornly in his mind, a constant taunt that sharpened his agitation.
It shouldn’t have surprised him to see Kakashi walking so casually beside that woman, moving on as though Hinata had meant nothing. The thought alone burned like acid in Sasuke’s throat, confirming every suspicion he’d held. Kakashi had been playing with Hinata’s feelings after all or so Sasuke wanted desperately to believe. Yet something nagged at him, a tiny, stubborn whisper of reason he begrudgingly acknowledged. Kakashi’s affections weren’t that superficial. He knew better. He’d seen the quiet longing, the pain concealed beneath that aloof mask. But Sasuke buried that notion, smothering it fiercely beneath his anger and hurt.
Still, the suggestion of a double date lingered like venom in his veins, an oddly tempting revenge. He imagined how deeply satisfying it would feel to flaunt Hinata openly, to show Kakashi exactly what he’d never possess. It was petty, he knew, yet disturbingly appealing.
Lost in his thought, Sasuke barely noticed Naruto slide into place beside him, casual and quiet. The blond had discarded his Hokage robes, probably hoping to blend into the crowd, a hopeless endeavor with his unmistakable yellow hair.
“You’re brooding,” Naruto observed lightly, hands casually tucked behind his head, a sly smile teasing at the corners of his mouth.
“I’m not brooding,” Sasuke snapped irritably, narrowing his eyes forward, refusing to give Naruto satisfaction by fully acknowledging his presence.
Naruto leaned closer, a playful spark in his vivid blue eyes. “Hate to break it to you, Sasuke, but you’re the literal definition of brooding right now.”
With a surge of annoyance, Sasuke quickened his pace. Naruto matched him stride-for-stride effortlessly, his easy grin morphing into something softer, a trace of genuine worry.
“Seriously, though,” Naruto pressed gently, his voice dropping slightly. “Is everything okay?”
Sasuke’s jaw clenched, lips thinning in irritation. “Don’t you have Hokage duties to do instead of stalking me?”
Naruto laughed, a warm sound that Sasuke secretly envied. “I’ve been stuck behind my desk for days. If I didn’t take a break, I was going to lose my mind.” Naruto’s expression sobered as he continued softly, “But enough about me. What’s going on with you?”
Sasuke exhaled sharply, halting his steps abruptly as he glared pointedly around them. The village buzzed with activity, too many prying eyes, too many listening ears.
“Not here,” Sasuke finally muttered, voice low and strained. “Somewhere private.”
Naruto’s brows shot up in surprise, but he quickly composed himself. “Alright, let’s go.”
They found themselves at the edge of the training grounds, beneath the familiar privacy of a large oak tree. The leaves whispered softly, casting dappled patterns of shadow and sunlight around them, offering the semblance of peace Sasuke craved but couldn’t feel.
Sasuke turned sharply toward Naruto, dark eyes piercing through his friend. “Not a single word of this conversation leaves here. Understand?”
Naruto chuckled. “Wow, okay. Got it.”
“I’m serious,” Sasuke warned quietly, the threat implicit in his cool tone.
Naruto’s amusement vanished completely, replaced by earnest sincerity. “Alright, Sasuke. What’s going on?”
Sasuke finally forced the words out, laying bare the tangled mess of his marriage. The embarrassing realization of how deeply Kakashi had ingrained himself into Hinata’s life. He spoke quietly, harshly, bitterness and humiliation seeping through every syllable.
“I wasn’t there for her,” Sasuke admitted, voice thick with resentment aimed mostly at himself. “When I was wasting my time with Sakura, Kakashi was there. He filled the void.” His jaw tightened, gaze flickering angrily toward the ground. “And now I’m sure he’s in love with her. And she admitted she has feelings for him to me once.”
Naruto’s eyes widened dramatically, disbelief plainly etched across his face. “You’re serious?”
Sasuke nodded grimly, eyes distant, shadowed by memories. “Before I left for that mission, I specifically asked Hinata to stay away from Kakashi. She promised she would.” He swallowed hard, remembering how his heart had frozen in his chest seeing Hinata at Kakashi’s home. “But she didn’t keep that promise.”
“So that’s why you didn’t want to leave,” Naruto murmured knowingly.
“It was one reason,” Sasuke admitted grudgingly.
Naruto shook his head, confusion furrowing his brow. “But…Hinata wouldn’t—”
“She did,” Sasuke interrupted sharply, the anger raw. “Maybe not physically. But emotionally? She went to him. She broke my trust.”
Naruto’s eyes grew distant, reflecting inward as realization dawned slowly. “At Kiba’s party…I noticed something odd between them. But I brushed it aside.” He frowned thoughtfully. “Kakashi-sensei has been hanging around my office more, too. I think he's been trying to distract himself.”
“He’s already moved on,” Sasuke spat bitterly, voice laced with disdain. “Just saw him today on a date.”
Naruto’s eyebrows rose. “That was quick.”
Anger surged sharply through Sasuke’s chest, mingling uncomfortably with a twisted relief. “Part of me wants to punch him for moving on from Hinata so fast,” Sasuke growled quietly. “But another part’s relieved, maybe now he’ll finally leave her alone.”
Naruto studied him quietly, absorbing every word before finally sighing, expression softening sympathetically. “Sasuke, you might not like hearing this, but…you weren’t exactly a saint in this marriage, ya know?”
Sasuke’s eyes narrowed defensively. “Don’t start—”
“I’m serious,” Naruto interrupted firmly, gaze unwavering. “You openly chose Sakura-chan over Hinata, multiple times. You neglected her emotionally, so of course she gravitated toward someone stable like Kakashi-sensei.”
Sasuke turned sharply away, jaw clenching tight. Naruto continued anyway, gently relentless. “I’m not excusing what Hinata did. She broke her promise. But compared to what you put her through…?” He shook his head slightly. “She’s forgiven you for way worse, Sasuke. Can’t you see how hypocritical you're being right now?”
Sasuke stood rigidly silent, unwilling to concede but unable to argue.
Naruto’s voice softened further. “I’ve seen how she looks at you. The same way you look at her, whether you admit it or not. Don’t keep punishing her.”
Embarrassment heated Sasuke’s face, forcing him to look away as Naruto chuckled gently, clapping a comforting hand onto his shoulder.
“I’ll talk to Kakashi-sensei,” Naruto finally said, determination clear in his tone.
Sasuke turned sharply, eyes darkening again. “I said not—”
“I’m not telling anyone new,” Naruto reassured quietly. “Kakashi-sensei deserves to explain his side, and if he’s in the wrong, trust me, I’ll deal with it.”
A quiet pause settled between them, wind whispering softly through the leaves. Naruto eventually offered a gentle smile. “I’m proud of you, Sasuke. For opening up like this. You’ve come a long way.”
Sasuke exhaled slowly, tension easing slightly, a small, reluctant smile ghosting briefly across his lips. “Thanks.”
Naruto’s eyes warmed affectionately. “Even when I was pissed about this marriage, you’ve always been my brother. I’m glad you’re finally figuring things out.”
Sasuke glanced away, discomfort creeping along his neck as warmth. Vulnerability didn’t come easily, not even around Naruto. "Took you long enough to say it," he muttered softly, a reluctant humor threading through his voice.
Naruto laughed warmly, crossing his arms loosely over his chest. "Yeah, well, you’ve never exactly been easy to talk to, you know. I usually have to drag everything out of you."
Sasuke's lips quirked into the faintest hint of a smirk, a subtle acknowledgment of truth. He hesitated a moment, thoughtful shadows returning to darken his gaze. "Do you think I've waited too long to fix things with Hinata?"
Naruto studied him closely, his expression shifting from playful to deeply sincere. He shook his head firmly. "Nah. It’s not too late. She’s still there, isn’t she? If I know anything about Hinata, it’s that she doesn’t give up easily, especially on people she cares about."
Sasuke exhaled quietly, shifting his weight uneasily. His gaze lingered distantly on the shadows dancing beneath the tree. "I don’t want to lose her," he admitted quietly, voice thickening with a reluctant vulnerability. "It scares me how much I care now."
Naruto softened, the playful mask melting away completely. He stepped closer, gently nudging Sasuke's shoulder with his own. "That's good, Sasuke. Caring means you're finally being honest with yourself." He hesitated before adding gently, "She deserves that honesty from you, too."
Sasuke grimaced, lifting his hand to rub at the back of his neck awkwardly. "I don’t even know how to start. Everything feels…different now."
Naruto grinned knowingly, leaning in as if sharing a secret. "You could always start by actually talking to her. I know that’s hard for someone as emotionally stunted as you—"
"Shut up, idiot," Sasuke interrupted, scowling deeply despite the amusement glittering faintly in his eyes. "I’m serious."
Naruto chuckled softly, shaking his head. His expression grew thoughtful once more, contemplative as he spoke slowly. "You know, Hinata's always been someone who listens first and judges second. Whatever you say, she'll hear you out. Just...be honest. She can handle it." Naruto paused, a sudden mischievous smirk spreading across his face as he teasingly added, "And try not to scowl so much when you do it. You’re gonna scare her off."
Sasuke scoffed, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward slightly. "She knew exactly what she was getting into when we were married."
Naruto laughed. "Yeah, maybe she did. But don't push your luck."
A comfortable silence settled between them briefly, filled only by the soft rustling of leaves overhead. Finally, Sasuke glanced back at Naruto.
"Thanks," he said quietly, sincerity warming his voice.
Naruto smiled back warmly, blue eyes crinkling softly at the edges. "Always. That's what family does, right?"
The tension in Sasuke’s shoulders eased further, the quiet reassurance settling warmly in his chest. He nodded, allowing himself to accept the comfort Naruto so freely offered. "Right."
Naruto rocked back on his heels, a mischievous glint returning to his gaze. "Now, can we go get something to eat? All this emotional stuff makes me hungry."
Sasuke rolled his eyes lightly, shaking his head with faint amusement. "Do you ever stop eating?"
"Nope," Naruto declared cheerfully, already turning toward the village. He glanced over his shoulder expectantly. "Come on, Sasuke. You’re buying this time. You owe me for this therapy session."
Sasuke’s lips curved into a reluctant but genuine smile as he followed Naruto back toward the bustling streets, feeling lighter than he had in days. "Fine. But you better not bankrupt me with your ramen obsession."
Naruto’s laughter echoed warmly, chasing away the shadows lingering in Sasuke’s heart, at least for now.
XXXXXXXXX
Hinata kept her eyes carefully focused on the neat pile of returned books in front of her, her fingers delicately tracing their familiar spines. The silence felt comforting in a way, punctuated only by the distant muffled chatter of students filtering through the hallways. Still, she could feel the older woman’s eyes gently observing her from across the library.
“Hinata-san,” the woman’s voice drifted softly, gently pulling Hinata from her quiet thoughts. “Are you alright?”
Startled slightly, Hinata glanced up, feeling heat rise quickly to her cheeks. She swiftly painted a bright smile on her lips, hoping it would conceal the aching melancholy that clung persistently to her heart.
“Oh, yes. I’m fine,” she assured lightly, praying her voice sounded steadier than she felt. It was exhausting, trying to mask the tangled turmoil in her heart. Clearly, her attempts were faltering lately, given that Shino had already gently questioned her earlier in the day.
Madam Yuki studied her carefully, her dark eyes thoughtful behind rounded spectacles. Finally, she smiled kindly, though her expression held a faintly knowing glint, as if she saw through the thin veil of Hinata’s forced cheer.
“You’ve been doing such a wonderful job here at the academy, Hinata-san. Truly, it’s refreshing to see your dedication,” the woman praised warmly. Her gaze turned thoughtful, considering. “The teacher you’ve been filling in for will return soon, but I’ve been speaking to the principal. When your time here in the library is over, would you be interested in staying on as one of our permanent teachers?”
Hinata’s eyes widened, a pleasant shock flickering through her chest, briefly chasing away the shadows that lingered heavily in her mind. “Really? I-I’d love that, actually.”
The older woman nodded in satisfaction, a pleased smile shaping her lips. “Wonderful. We’ll finalize everything later today before you leave. Of course, you’ll finish up your librarian duties first. We wouldn’t want to overwhelm you by jumping into it too quickly.”
Hinata considered briefly protesting, desperately craving the distraction and wanting to lose herself in something new. Yet, perhaps it truly was best to pace herself carefully for now. She managed a genuine, grateful smile instead. “That sounds perfect. Thank you.”
With a nod, the woman moved gracefully toward the library doors, closing them quietly behind her.
A rustling sound abruptly caught Hinata’s attention, and she turned quickly, startled, to see Daiki’s mischievous, familiar face poking from between two shelves.
“Hinata-sensei!” the boy whispered loudly, eyes bright and excited. “Did I hear right? You’re staying on as a permanent teacher?”
Warmth instantly softened Hinata’s heart, affection blossoming in her chest. She smiled softly, placing the books in her hand down on the counter as she turned fully toward the eager boy. “Yes, Daiki-kun, that’s right.”
A huge, radiant grin split across Daiki’s youthful face, pure delight sparkling in his eyes. “Awesome! I knew you’d stay. I told Emiko and Riku you would!”
Hinata laughed gently, shaking her head fondly. “Thank you, Daiki-kun. I’m glad I get to stay, too.”
As the boy disappeared once more behind the shelves, Hinata returned to her task, carefully placing the returned books in their proper places. As she worked quietly, thoughts of Tenten drifted through her mind. They’d planned to meet later at Bitter Lane, and though she wasn’t usually one to seek out alcohol, tonight it seemed particularly appealing. It would be her first time visiting the popular Konoha bar, but she found herself genuinely looking forward to it. Perhaps, for just one evening, she could let go of the heaviness in her chest.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
The sky deepened into shades of lavender and burnt orange, splashes of fading gold painting the horizon, as Hinata finally arrived at Bitter Lane. The bar had a rustic yet inviting feel, nestled warmly within the heart of Konoha, amber lights spilling softly through the wide windows. Stepping hesitantly inside, Hinata immediately felt overdressed. Her tidy work uniform stood in stark contrast to the comfortably casual clothes worn by nearly every other patron filling the cozy establishment.
Her eyes moved across the crowded room, small clusters of friends laughing animatedly at high wooden tables, couples murmuring intimately in secluded booths, and a constant hum of voices blending warmly with the soft clink of glasses.
Then, amid the crowd, she spotted Tenten perched cheerfully at the large L-shaped bar, energetically waving her hand to beckon her over.
Hinata smiled gratefully, maneuvering through the busy room until she slipped carefully onto the bar stool beside her friend.
“Took you long enough,” Tenten teased playfully, sliding a small, clear shot glass toward her. The liquid within shimmered faintly beneath the lights. “This has been waiting here for five whole minutes. And trust me, you look like you need it.”
Hinata laughed softly, lifting the small glass hesitantly between her fingers. “I suppose I do.”
Tenten raised her own glass dramatically, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Then here’s to friendship, to surviving terrible days, and to cute boys with weird eyebrows!”
Hinata giggled despite herself, lightly clinking her glass against Tenten’s before bringing it to her lips. The liquid burned sharply down her throat, a bitter taste lingering unpleasantly on her tongue. She coughed slightly, eyes watering as warmth flooded her chest.
Tenten burst into laughter at the immediate expression of discomfort that twisted Hinata’s face. “Oh, your face! Priceless!”
“It tastes awful!” Hinata gasped quietly, her cheeks burning.
Tenten grinned, placing her glass down triumphantly. “They always do. It’s part of the fun.”
They both laughed, the mood instantly lighter, easier. Conversation flowed effortlessly, their words punctuated by laughter and playful teasing. Eventually, their talk drifted naturally to relationships, prompting Tenten’s cheeks to pinken, eyes glowing softly with happiness as she spoke of Lee.
“Honestly,” Tenten admitted shyly, swirling another drink lightly between her fingers, “being with Lee…he’s just incredible. Sometimes I still can’t believe it’s real.”
Hinata watched her friend warmly, heart swelling at the visible joy shining in Tenten’s gaze. “It’s beautiful to see. I’m so happy for you.”
Tenten gave a soft, dreamy sigh, leaning on the bar with her elbow propped gently. “You know, he brought me flowers yesterday, a huge bouquet. Accidentally dropped half the petals while enthusiastically describing how they reminded him of my ‘Youthful Beauty.’ I swear, Hinata, he’s something else.”
Hinata burst into bright laughter, picturing Lee’s earnest expression vividly. “He really is. That sounds exactly like something Lee-kun would do.”
“I know, right?” Tenten laughed warmly, eyes sparkling with pure affection. “It’s ridiculous, but it’s so…Lee. And somehow, I just love it more.”
They both giggled helplessly, the warmth of friendship enveloping them completely. Tenten leaned conspiratorially closer, mischief sparkling anew in her eyes. “Enough about my love life. How about you, Hinata? Has marriage made Sasuke less moody, or does he still have the personality of a brooding houseplant?”
Hinata choked lightly on her drink, laughter bubbling past her lips at Tenten’s blunt assessment. “Well…he still does plenty of brooding.”
Tenten nodded solemnly, feigning seriousness. “Naturally. It’s a full-time job, after all. Someone’s got to do it.”
Before Hinata could respond, Tenten casually lifted her hand and waved over the bartender with the same breezy confidence she used when wielding a kunai. Hinata’s eyes widened slightly, watching in disbelief.
Hinata gasped, blinking at her. “You’re already ordering another shot?”
Tenten grinned wickedly. “Yup. But hey, no pressure, you don’t have to have one too.”
Hinata hesitated for only a second before reaching for the edge of the bar and leaning in slightly. “I’ll have one too,” she said with quiet determination, though inwardly she thought: One more probably wouldn’t hurt. She was already feeling lighter. Looser. Like her limbs were humming and her thoughts were fuzzy at the edges in a not-so-unpleasant way.
The bartender returned quickly, placing two fresh shots down. Except...there were four.
“Two each,” Tenten said smugly, nudging Hinata’s hand. “We’re committing now.”
Before Hinata could protest, Tenten lifted one of the small glasses. Hinata followed her lead, their cups clinking with a crisp sound. The second shot burned even worse than the first. She shivered as she set the glass down on the counter, harder than she meant to and broke into a small coughing fit.
Tenten leaned over, patting her back between the shoulder blades. “Whoa there. You good?”
Hinata waved her off with a smile that was a bit too wide. “All good—” she hiccupped suddenly, slapping her hand over her mouth in surprise. “S-Sorry!”
Tenten stared at her for a long second before slowly breaking into a sly grin. “You’re tipsy already. Oh my! You’re a lightweight.”
“I am not,” Hinata said, her cheeks flushing a deeper pink. She swatted at Tenten’s arm, but missed by a full inch and tried to play it off by reaching for her water instead.
“Oh, you so are,” Tenten said, laughing. “You’ve got that squinty, sparkly look in your eyes, and you just hiccupped mid-sentence.”
“I-It’s just the lighting,” Hinata said weakly, sipping her water and trying to sit straighter. Her back wobbled a little.
After a brief pause of laughter and elbow nudging, Hinata’s smile began to fade. Her eyes dropped to the counter, fingers lightly toying with the rim of her glass. “Sasuke-kun is mad at me,” she mumbled.
Tenten blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone. “What? Why? Do I need to call Kiba and Lee? We’ve got your back, you know.”
Hinata shook her head quickly. “No, no, no, it’s not like that.”
And then it spilled out. Word vomit.
“I have a crush on Kakashi,” she said quickly, “and it wasn’t supposed to happen but it just sort of did because I was lonely and he was there when Sasuke-kun wasn’t and we became friends and then maybe something more but not really and I didn’t kiss him but I think he almost did and Sasuke-kun asked me not to see him while he was gone but I did anyway and it was just a short visit but it was still a visit and I broke my promise and now Sasuke-kun won’t talk to me.”
She hiccupped again, blinking hard. “And I think he might hate me.”
Tenten sat there frozen, eyes wide. She stared at Hinata like she’d just admitted she was dating Orochimaru. “Wait. Hold on. Back up. You and Kakashi Hatake? Like—Kakashi Kakashi? Gai-sensei’s best friend Kakashi?”
Hinata glanced at her from under her bangs and gave a slow, sheepish nod. “But I wasn’t wrong. He said not to go to Kakashi’s, and I know I promised, but it was just to drop off a book, and I noticed he was sick. I didn’t do anything wrong. I just…I couldn’t ignore it. I wanted to make sure he was okay.”
She looked at Tenten helplessly, the weight of guilt and confusion battling behind her red-stained cheeks. “Is that really so wrong?”
Tenten was quiet for a moment, lips pressing together thoughtfully. Then she sighed, placing a comforting hand on Hinata’s hand.
“Okay,” she said slowly. “Here’s the thing. I get why you don’t think you did anything wrong. You weren’t trying to hurt Sasuke. But from his side…”
Hinata’s expression faltered.
“…you made a promise. And from what you just told me, Sasuke was already insecure about your friendship with Kakashi-sensei. Maybe even jealous. But he still trusted you enough not to go. And you promised. But you still did.”
Hinata looked down.
“And you’ve said it yourself, he’s been trying, right? He’s changed. The Sasuke from the beginning of your marriage and the Sasuke now? Night and day. Honestly, sometimes I don’t even recognize him. In a good way.”
Hinata nodded slowly, her eyes beginning to sting as her heart twisted.
Tenten gave her a soft smile. “You wanted a husband who loved you. You never said it, but I know you did. He’s trying. He’s showing you that. And you’ve been so happy lately, Hinata. I’ve seen it.”
“I am happy,” Hinata whispered.
“And he probably was too. Until he came back and found out that the one promise he asked for, the one thing he was probably clinging to while he was away was broken.”
Hinata didn’t respond right away. Her mind turned inward, replaying everything she’d said to herself to justify her decision, how small it seemed, how innocent. But hearing it like that, hearing what it must have looked like to Sasuke…it hurt.
She sighed, her shoulders drooping as realization settled in slowly, heavily.
“I didn’t mean to hurt him,” she said quietly.
“I know,” Tenten said, squeezing her hand gently.
They sat in silence for a moment. Then Tenten picked up her third shot glass, sipping it this time instead of tossing it back. She smirked. “Okay, serious talk over.”
Hinata blinked at her, caught off guard by the sudden shift. “Wha—?”
“So…you’re secretly into older men, huh?” Tenten teased.
Hinata let out a strangled sound and swatted her arm. “I am not!”
“You totally are!” Tenten grinned, leaning in. “So, come on. What kind of guy is Kakashi-sensei? Is he funny? Is he shy? Is he a romantic? He goes around reading that erotic book, I would think a man reading any type of romance must be a romantic at heart. Have you ever seen him without his mask?”
Hinata huffed, trying to hide behind her hands. “Y-yes, he’s funny! And smart. And calm. And polite. A little sarcastic sometimes. He would tease me a lot. And no, not shy! I can’t say if he were a romantic or n-not, but he was very sweet and a-always made me feel happy. And yes, I’ve seen him without the mask plenty of times and—hic—ugh, I’m saying too much!”
Tenten leaned in closer, eyes gleaming. “Is he hot?”
Hinata leaned in too, voice dropping to a tipsy whisper. “So hot.”
The two women burst into a fit of giggles, their laughter weaving into the warm background hum of the bar. Hinata’s head wobbled slightly as she tried to sit straight again, her movements loose and floppy. Her fingers knocked over her water glass, thankfully empty, and she blinked at it in confusion before giggling again.
Tenten watched her, clearly amused. “Okay, you’re officially drunk. You’re kinda funny when you’re drunk, actually.”
Hinata buried her bright red face in her hands, groaning softly. “I’m a disaster...”
Tenten smiled and nudged her shoulder affectionately. “You’re not a disaster., but you do have incredibly good taste in overly attractive men.”
Mortified but laughing, Hinata buried her face in her hands. “Please!”
Tenten only laughed.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sasuke didn’t know why he let it slip.
One dumb comment. That’s all it took. He had casually mentioned, muttered, really, that Hinata had plans to go to Bitter Lane after work, and somehow Naruto latched onto it like a leech.
“A perfect opportunity,” the idiot had said with stars in his eyes. “You should surprise her!”
Sasuke scoffed at the memory now, jaw tightening as he leaned back in the hard wooden chair at the far end of the bar, tucked into the dimmest corner of the room. Surprise her, Naruto said. As if cornering your wife in a loud public tavern was romantic.
He would have preferred to talk in private. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere without clinking glasses, shouting drunks, or Naruto breathing down his neck. But no. Naruto had dragged him here by the collar before he could get a full protest out. Literally.
“You’re brooding again,” Naruto had said cheerfully as he shoved Sasuke through the bar doors. “That means it’s time for more drinks and confrontation.”
Now they sat together at a small table in the back, a half-drunk cup of beer in front of Sasuke, and a completely wasted Hokage slouched across from him.
Naruto had only taken a few sips before the color started rising in his face. His words slurred slightly now as he rambled about something stupid that happened at work. Sasuke wasn’t listening. Not really. He was barely nodding along, his gaze skimming across the noisy crowd. His thoughts had long wandered somewhere else.
Then everything slowed.
The bell above the door chimed, and Sasuke’s attention was snagged by instinct. He turned his head just in time to see Hinata step into the bar.
He straightened in his chair, posture rigid, fingers curling around the edge of the table.
She looked uncertain at first, scanning the crowd. Still in her work uniform. A little overdressed. Her gaze searched the space until she spotted Tenten at the bar. Sasuke’s eyes followed every step she took, drinking in the way she smiled, how her shoulders finally relaxed as she slid onto the stool beside her friend.
He didn’t even realize he was staring until Naruto leaned forward slightly.
“What are you looking at?” the blond asked, squinting.
Sasuke said nothing, but Naruto followed his gaze, and spotted Hinata immediately.
A slow, obnoxiously sly grin spread across Naruto’s face. He straightened up like a kid about to yell across a classroom.
“Oi—Hina—”
Sasuke’s hand clamped firmly over Naruto’s mouth, silencing him instantly.
“Shut up,” he hissed, glaring daggers at him.
Naruto’s muffled voice protested beneath his palm. Sasuke finally let go, and Naruto exaggeratedly pouted, rubbing his chin.
“What are you so afraid of?” Naruto muttered. “You’re the one who wanted to come spy on her.”
Sasuke’s eyes snapped toward him. “You dragged me here.”
“And yet, you’re here,” Naruto pointed out smugly, gesturing around them. “You could’ve said no. Could’ve turned around. Could’ve used your teleporty-thing.”
Sasuke scowled, color creeping up his neck. He reached for his beer and downed it in one long gulp, slamming the glass back onto the table harder than necessary.
Naruto leaned forward again, elbows propped on the edge as he tilted his head toward the bar. “What do you think they’re talking about?”
Sasuke didn’t answer right away. His dark eyes flicked back toward Hinata. She was laughing, shoulders shaking a little, hand covering her mouth. Tenten looked equally amused, clearly in the middle of a story.
Naruto snorted and sat up straighter. “I bet Tenten’s like, ‘You seriously had a crush on Kakashi-sensei?’ And Hinata’s all, ‘He’s mysterious and brooding!’”
Sasuke rolled his eyes. “You’re an idiot.”
“You’re welcome,” Naruto replied proudly.
Sasuke’s gaze lingered on Hinata again. He hated how his chest ached just watching her. She looked more alive than she had in days. Laughing. Relaxed. And not because of Kakashi.
“You should go talk to her,” Naruto offered casually.
Sasuke glanced at him, then back at the bar. “I’m not ready to forgive her yet.”
Naruto groaned, throwing his head back dramatically. “You’ve been punishing her for days. How long is this gonna go on?”
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. “What do you care?”
Naruto gave him a flat, unimpressed look. “Because I know you. And I know her. And you should go talk to her.”
Sasuke didn’t respond. He glanced back across the bar.
Hinata’s smile had faded slightly, and her posture changed, shoulders sagging a bit, head dipping. Tenten seemed to notice too, shifting in her seat, reaching across the bar to squeeze Hinata’s hand in comfort.
Sasuke inhaled slowly through his nose.
He stood up without a word, pushing his empty glass away.
Naruto grinned, sitting up straighter. “There he goes.”
“Shut it,” Sasuke muttered.
“Oooh, look at him go. So brave.”
Sasuke shot him a glare over his shoulder, but Naruto only wiggled his eyebrows in return, slouching back with a smug grin.
It wasn’t worth it. Sasuke clicked his teeth in annoyance and turned away, walking toward the bar.
Each step felt heavier than the last.
He could feel his pulse thudding in his ears, but his face stayed blank, unreadable. He focused on Hinata, on her presence, on her back turned slightly as she leaned toward Tenten. He didn’t know what he was going to say, didn’t have a plan.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Kakashi shifted quietly in his seat, casually resting an elbow on the polished surface of their small corner table. From beneath half-lidded eyes, he watched quietly as events unfolded around him, feeling strangely removed from it all, like an outsider observing through a distant window.
He'd noticed Naruto and Sasuke from the moment they stepped into Bitter Lane. They'd been impossible to miss. Naruto's blond hair practically glowing in the dim bar, and Sasuke radiating discomfort, scowling harder than usual. Kakashi’s jaw had tightened slightly at their arrival, annoyance prickling at him again, recalling the confrontation from earlier that day.
But when Hinata walked through the door, everything else faded away.
His heart lurched painfully. It felt like a knife had twisted deep inside, and he was caught in a trap of his own making. He watched, unable to look away, as she hesitated at the entrance, dressed neatly in her uniform, looking slightly out of place among the casually dressed patrons. Yet, even from this distance, he saw the sorrow in her eyes, her shoulders burdened by something unseen.
She wore sadness like a shadow now, and Kakashi felt responsible for at least part of that heaviness.
He had known coming here with Kahyo was probably a mistake. A casual drink, just something to wind down before parting ways, but fate clearly had a cruel sense of humor. To see both Hinata and Sasuke here, now, of all times...it felt almost like punishment.
From where he sat, Kahyo’s back was turned toward Sasuke, Naruto, Tenten and Hinata. To Kahyo, it probably seemed like Kakashi was merely idly watching the bar’s bustling activity, but in reality, his attention never strayed far from Hinata’s quiet presence.
He saw the exact moment Sasuke finally noticed Hinata, dark eyes locking onto her with unmistakable intensity. Kakashi understood the look in Sasuke’s eyes well because it mirrored the same painful longing he himself was desperately trying to ignore. Sasuke was stubbornly resisting Naruto’s prodding, the blond urging him toward Hinata. Kakashi knew exactly what that resistance felt like, the hesitance, the weight of pride tangled with insecurity.
Yet, amidst the quiet ache, Kakashi found himself smiling softly behind his mask when he noticed Hinata gradually succumbing to the drinks placed before her. Her cheeks flushed quickly, eyes glazing slightly as her movements loosened. It was oddly endearing, the delicate and restrained Hinata losing herself in tipsy laughter and hiccups, a sight he’d never witnessed before. He wished he could’ve shared such carefree moments with her.
Kakashi’s chest ached at the thought. He wished so deeply he could cross the room right now, gently pull her aside, hold her in his arms and apologize for everything. The quiet whispers formed clearly in his mind, everything he wanted to say, everything he’d been carrying inside his heart for days now:
I’m sorry for leaving you alone.
I’m sorry I nearly kissed you.
I’m sorry my feelings won’t just disappear, even when they should.
I promise I’m staying away not because I don’t care, but because I care too much.
He wanted to explain himself, to promise her that once he regained control of his emotions, once he stopped selfishly wanting more than friendship, he would come back. They’d rebuild what they had, reclaim their easy friendship. Things would return to normal, comfortable and safe once more. At least, he hoped they could.
Kahyo’s gentle voice startled him slightly, pulling him from his tangled thoughts.
“I’ll be right back,” she said softly, sliding gracefully out of her seat. “I just need to use the restroom, then we can leave.”
Kakashi nodded, managing a faint smile beneath his mask. “Take your time.”
He watched her walk away before allowing his gaze to drift immediately back toward Hinata and Sasuke. Naruto was still attempting to coax Sasuke into action, and Sasuke was clearly still resisting. But then, Kakashi saw a shift. He recognized it immediately, the subtle resolve hardening in Sasuke’s posture as he stood, hesitantly but determinedly making his way toward his wife.
Kakashi studied Sasuke’s every movement, noting how each step was taken carefully, how Sasuke’s dark eyes betrayed his nerves. He approached silently, coming to stand unnoticed just behind Hinata, whose back was already angled away.
Sasuke motioned to Tenten discreetly, placing a single finger to his lips, requesting silence. Tenten smirked knowingly but complied, quietly watching. Sasuke then reached out, gently grasping Hinata’s stool, and smoothly turned her toward him.
Kakashi’s breath caught softly, heart clenching painfully in his chest as he saw Hinata’s startled eyes widen, her cheeks still rosy from drink and laughter. Sasuke leaned forward slightly, murmuring something quiet, intimately close, into her ear. Kakashi watched closely, fascinated and deeply pained at the same time. He wanted desperately to hear their words, yet he knew he shouldn't wish for something that would only hurt him more.
Hinata stared at Sasuke, lips parted in surprise, and just as she opened her mouth to respond—
Kahyo stepped neatly into Kakashi’s line of sight, cutting off the moment completely. Her gentle smile pulled him from his trance.
“Ready to go?” she asked lightly, eyes bright and expectant.
Kakashi inhaled slowly, forcing himself back into the present. “Yeah,” he said softly, standing and placing a hand casually in his pocket. “Let’s go.”
As he followed Kahyo toward the exit, Kakashi couldn’t resist one last glance over his shoulder. His heart sank at what he saw now: Tenten was no longer there. Sasuke and Hinata’s bodies were angled toward each other, intimate and private, eyes locked intensely. Somehow, in the brief moments he’d looked away, the entire scene had shifted.
His chest tightened sharply, a painful stab of longing twisting deep inside. But he straightened quickly, lifting his chin slightly, forcing his posture back into relaxed neutrality. He reminded himself once more that it was time to let go.
Hinata wasn’t his. She never had been.
He smiled bitterly beneath the fabric covering his lips, feeling somewhat dejected as he stepped out into the cool evening air after Kahyo.
Perhaps, he told himself, pushing his feelings down forcefully, he would eventually become better at convincing himself that he was okay.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Sasuke hovered silently behind Hinata, his presence unnoticed as Hinata’s voice tumbled out in drunken, enthusiastic whispers. She was leaning forward too eagerly, her cheeks flushed an adorable shade of pink. Sasuke’s eyes narrowed slightly, curious yet cautious.
Suddenly, Tenten’s gaze drifted upward, widening slightly as it collided with Sasuke’s intense stare. Swiftly, he lifted a finger to his lips, silently pleading with her not to ruin the moment. A smirk ghosted across Tenten’s lips, eyes glittering with amusement as she nodded, slowly sliding back from the barstool.
Without hesitation, Sasuke gracefully slipped into the empty seat beside his oblivious wife. He grasped the edge of Hinata’s stool firmly and spun it gently toward himself, positioning her neatly between his parted legs.
Hinata gasped softly, wide, startled eyes flying up to meet his, pupils blown wide, mouth agape, and utterly bewildered. Sasuke barely resisted the tug of a smirk at her adorably stunned expression, leaning close, his voice dropping to a soft, teasing murmur.
“Are you drunk?”
She blinked sluggishly, her eyes narrowing in exaggerated suspicion. “Mmm…nooo,” she drawled stubbornly, swaying slightly as she poked his chest weakly. “Wait, are…are you stalking me?” Her voice was theatrically conspiratorial as she leaned even closer, whiskey-breath warm against his face. “Making sure I’m not with Kakashi?”
Sasuke’s lips thinned, his brows knitting tightly. He turned briefly toward Tenten, whose eyes were gleaming with curiosity. At his pointed stare, she flinched and quickly excused herself.
“I’ll give you two privacy,” Tenten sang, slipping away smoothly into the bustling crowd.
Left alone, Hinata let out a small huff, her lower lip jutting forward as her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her cheeks puffed in frustration, eyes narrowed slightly beneath the fringe of her bangs. It was a childish pout, soft, unintentional, but something about the way she looked at that moment tugged at Sasuke’s attention.
His eyes lingered, unwillingly drawn to the scrunch of her nose, the quiet flare of emotion in her expression.
Cute, the thought came without warning.
Too cute.
He scowled inwardly, jaw tightening.
No. It wasn’t. It wasn’t cute. He was still angry with her. Still trying to make sense of the trust she’d broken and the ache it left behind.
He tore his gaze away, coldly stuffing the reaction down before it could take root.
He wasn’t here to be charmed. And no amount of childish pouting, adorable or not, was going to change that.
“Naruto dragged me here,” he finally said, nodding irritably in Naruto’s direction.
Hinata’s eyes followed the gesture, lighting up immediately. Naruto waved drunkenly from afar, grinning foolishly, and Hinata matched his enthusiasm, waving back with exaggerated vigor.
Sasuke groaned, pressing the bridge of his nose between two fingers. “Idiots. Both of you.”
Hinata spun back, suddenly serious again. Her voice quivered, her pout deepening into a frown. “Just because you have an alibi doesn’t mean anything,” she slurred softly, eyes downcast. “You still thought I’d…I’d break your trust again, didn’t you?”
He paused, startled, watching how quickly her playful facade had cracked. Clearly, this had been weighing heavily on her, even now, even through the haze of alcohol. Sasuke exhaled quietly and leaned forward, eyes sincere and gentle.
“I trusted you when you told me you were going to be here with Tenten, Hinata,” he whispered. “And if I’m honest, I was planning to come here tonight anyway to check on you from afar, to make sure you got home safely.”
Hinata’s head jerked upward, eyes widening in astonishment, lips parted softly in surprise. Her expression softened immediately, disbelief and joy mingling in her gaze, making Sasuke’s heart stutter unexpectedly.
“You…were?” she breathed softly.
Feeling suddenly vulnerable, Sasuke jerked back awkwardly, averting his eyes. “Don’t make a big deal of it,” he muttered quickly.
Hinata hiccupped softly, her shoulders curling inward as she shifted on the barstool beside him. Sasuke could see her fingers twisting the fabric of her skirt again and again, the motion nervous, restless. She wasn’t looking at him. Her head was bowed slightly, and for a moment, she just sat there, breathing like she was building up the courage to speak.
“Sasuke-kun, I’m sorry.”
He didn’t move, but something in him stilled.
“I really am,” she whispered, her tone wavering like she was trying to stay upright in her own thoughts. “I wasn’t thinking clearly. I just—” another hiccup, her hand fluttering uselessly to her mouth, “I thought it would be okay if I told you the truth.”
She shook her head gently, eyes still fixed in her lap. “But I understand now. Why it hurt you. I didn’t want to make you feel that way. I didn’t mean to. Not ever.”
Sasuke stared at her, really looked.
She was clearly drunk, but the emotion in her voice wasn’t dulled by it. If anything, the alcohol had stripped away her filters and left only sincerity. Her words weren’t polished or careful. They were raw. Earnest. Her voice had lost all its usual softness, it cracked in the middle, sharp with guilt and a kind of desperation he didn’t know how to respond to.
He looked away for a breath, jaw tight. She didn’t see him clench his hands, or the way his throat moved as he swallowed. Because she wasn’t the only one who had messed this up.
His voice came low, barely audible. “…I’m sorry too.” He didn’t look at her. Not yet. “For ignoring you,” he said. “For not hearing you out. I didn’t want to listen. I just…didn’t want to feel like you’d picked someone else over me, and it hurt me to know you broke your promise to me.”
There. It was out. Not everything, but enough.
He heard the breath catch in her throat. Her eyes wide and glistening under the dim lighting. The expression on her face wasn’t relief. It wasn’t joy. It was something deeper, something like hope reaching for solid ground.
And for the first time since he’d come home, Sasuke felt the tightness in his chest ease. Just a little.
He wasn’t good at this. He wasn’t good with apologies. With soft things.
But she was.
And tonight, she needed to hear him say it.
So he did.
The tension between them dissolved gently, leaving only relief and warmth behind. Then, without warning, Hinata lurched forward, nearly tumbling straight into his lap.
“Hinata—what—?” he gasped, startled, reaching to steady her. Before he could finish, her soft lips pressed warmly, sloppily against his cheek, lingering sweetly.
Sasuke stiffened, heart thundering madly. Heat erupted across his face, spreading swiftly to the tips of his ears. He pulled back sharply, covering the burning spot with his palm.
“What—why did you do that?” he sputtered, flustered.
Hinata pulled back with a drunken giggle, her eyes sparkling brightly. “For becoming a better husband,” she announced proudly. Her voice lowered shyly, adding quietly, “And because you’re my husband.”
An awkward silence stretched between them, though he was sure he was the only one who felt awkward and embarrassed as his hand was still pressed dumbly against his cheek, heart hammering erratically.
Hinata suddenly hopped down unsteadily, swaying dangerously. “I-I’ll be right back,” she announced with exaggerated dignity. “Bathroom.”
He allowed himself a faint smirk, raising an eyebrow playfully. “Can you even walk straight?”
She turned, wobbling slightly, and scowled adorably. “I’m a big girl, Sasuke-kun! I can do it myself!”
He snorted lightly as she stumbled away, her figure disappearing into the bustling crowd. Chuckling softly to himself, he turned back toward the bar, feeling inexplicably lighter.
Then suddenly, the stool beside him creaked, and a feminine voice, silky and confident, drifted toward him. “I was beginning to wonder when she’d finally leave.”
Sasuke glanced sideways, instantly wary. The woman sitting beside him possessed dangerously alluring features, flowing black hair like ink, eyes dark and captivating, radiating a siren-like charm. Yet, despite her undeniable allure, he felt nothing.
Sasuke turned away, pretending she wasn’t there. But she pressed closer, her hand boldly sliding onto his knee, nails gently grazing his skin.
Sasuke froze instantly, jaw clenching tightly as irritation flared hotly.
“I’ve been watching you all night,” the woman purred seductively, leaning in further. “You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
Before Sasuke could harshly respond, Hinata’s bewildered voice interrupted.
“S-Sasuke-kun?”
His head snapped toward her. Hinata stood there unsteadily, eyes glued to the woman’s intrusive hand.
The woman smirked arrogantly, oblivious to the weight of the stare drilling into her.
“Can I help you?” she asked, saccharine and smug.
Sasuke barely had time to react before he felt Hinata’s presence suddenly close beside him, her chakra, her warmth, her voice.
“I’m just wondering,” she said, her voice clear despite the soft slur at the edges, “why your hand is on my husband’s knee.”
Her tone wasn’t sharp. It was soft. But behind that softness, something burned.
The woman blinked, taken aback, but tried to recover. “Husband?” she scoffed. “Impossible.”
Before Sasuke could open his mouth, Hinata took a bold step forward.
Too bold.
She reached out and grabbed his arm, not gently, and without hesitation, looped it tightly around her waist, anchoring herself against his side. Her body pressed into him, warm and unfiltered, her cheek brushing his shoulder, her eyes defiantly focused on the woman like a lioness claiming what was hers.
Sasuke froze.
For half a second, his brain short-circuited.
He could feel the exact contour of her against him. Her hip against his thigh, the dip of her waist under his palm, her scent of vanilla and something else sweet teasing his senses. His fingers twitched, then involuntarily curled around the curve of her waist, holding her tighter, pulling her slightly closer.
He told himself it was for the act.
For the sake of the moment.
Not because it felt good.
He could feel the heat rising into his face, crawling from the base of his neck to his ears. He turned his head slightly, just enough to glance down at her.
She looked smug. Drunk. Proud.
She was drunk. He knew that. That didn’t stop his pulse from climbing.
Still, he decided to play along, cool, composed, distant, while forcing down the burn that was steadily spreading through his chest.
“She’s right,” he said at last, his voice low and detached, but each word shaped like a blade. “She’s my wife.”
He shifted his gaze back to the woman, now visibly uncomfortable.
“I’m not interested,” he added, eyes narrowing slightly. “And if you want to keep your hand intact, don’t ever touch me without my permission again.”
The woman’s mouth parted in disbelief. “Excuse me?”
Sasuke’s expression didn’t change. “Only my wife can touch me like that.”
The words were simple.
Matter-of-fact.
But they lodged like iron in the air.
Hinata, drunk and completely swept up in her own satisfaction, let out a breathy little hum, then, with no warning at all, nuzzled her face against Sasuke’s shoulder, her lips brushing the fabric of his shirt like it was second nature.
Sasuke stiffened again.
He could feel her breath through the cloth. Her arm squeezing around his waist. Her fingers playing idly at the hem of his shirt like she owned every inch of him.
His brain shorted out again.
The woman stared at Hinata, then back at him, shock finally breaking through her previously untouchable expression. She scoffed under her breath, cheeks burning.
“Your loss,” she muttered bitterly, spinning on her heel to leave.
But Sasuke didn’t let it go.
He straightened, his arm still around Hinata, his eyes fixed on the woman’s back.
“Next time,” he called coolly, “learn when someone’s not interested before embarrassing yourself.”
She stopped mid-step, shoulders going rigid.
Then, without turning, she muttered a half-choked, “Sorry,” and fled into the crowd.
Sasuke exhaled through his nose, the sharp tension easing just enough for him to realize his hand was still on Hinata’s waist.
Immediately, Hinata erupted into giggles, releasing Sasuke’s arm and flopping into the stool again. “That felt really fun to do together as husband and wife!” she slurred excitedly.
Sasuke watched her in astonishment, barely suppressing laughter. “You’re incredibly drunk,” he drawled dryly.
“No, I’m not!” Hinata insisted.
Sasuke reached forward, gently flicking her forehead. “Yeah, sure.”
Hinata’s protest faltered, melting into a genuine, heartwarming smile, pure, warm, beautiful. Sasuke’s heart twisted softly, gaze swiftly averting in embarrassment. “You’re such a weird drunk,” he muttered shyly. “Ready to go home?”
“One more drink—?”
“No,” he said firmly, shaking his head. “Absolutely not.”
Sasuke glanced across the bar, his jaw already tightening when his eyes landed on Naruto, slumped over the table, mouth half-open, completely out cold.
“Tch…” he groaned under his breath, eyes narrowing. “Idiot.”
The so-called Hokage looked like he’d lost a brawl with the table itself. And now, because of course it would end this way, Sasuke would have to carry him home.
He was still scowling when Hinata swayed beside him.
“I’ll help—” she chirped, far too chipper for how drunk she clearly was, and stood up only to wobble instantly.
He moved fast, catching her before gravity had its way with her. One hand snapped around her waist, steadying her with practiced ease. She blinked up at him, smiling like she hadn't just nearly face-planted on the floor.
Sasuke stared down at her, unamused.
Grumbling, he crouched slightly. “Climb on.”
He barely got the words out before she squealed and flung herself onto his back like she’d been waiting her entire life for this moment.
The impact jolted through his spine.
His knees buckled forward slightly, hands shooting out instinctively to brace against the bar. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, and her legs kicked a little as she tried to reposition herself, badly.
He clenched his teeth. “Damn it, Hinata—”
She giggled against his ear, completely unaware of the near-death experience she’d just caused. Her breath was warm, her body flush against his back, and she shifted again, settling with the contented weight of someone who had no plans of getting down anytime soon.
Sasuke adjusted his grip under her thighs, hauling her higher. His fingers slipped slightly over bare skin where her skirt had ridden up, and he froze for half a second, ears warming.
No. No.
He was not going to think about that right now.
He straightened, ignoring the stares now clearly following them from all sides of the bar. His expression remained flat, but his patience was thinning by the second.
With his wife drunkenly clinging to him like a smug little barnacle, Sasuke turned from the bar and made his way toward the other problem of the evening.
Naruto.
Still draped across the table like a broken scarecrow.
Sasuke let out another slow breath. He shifted Hinata slightly, gripping her more firmly with one arm, and reached out with the other to shake Naruto by the collar.
“Get up,” he muttered. “I’m not carrying both of you.”
Naruto didn’t budge. Just mumbled something into the wood and drooled on the table.
Of course.
Sasuke reached down, hooked an arm under Naruto’s, and hauled him to his feet like a sack of potatoes. The blond flopped gracelessly against him, dead weight, his sandals dragging along the floor.
With one drunk clinging to his back and the other draped over his shoulder, Sasuke turned back toward the bar counter.
“I need the bill,” he said flatly, approaching the bartender with both burdens in tow.
The bartender looked up and blinked. A smirk tugged at his mouth.
“Hokage and his friends drink free,” he said, waving off the request. “It’s on the house.”
Sasuke’s first instinct was to argue. He didn’t like free things. He didn’t like favors. He would’ve paid double just to avoid the attention.
But Naruto was deadweight. Hinata was humming some nonsense against his neck.
And he was tired.
He gave a short nod. “Fine. Thanks.”
Then, without another word, he turned and carried the both of them out into the night, ignoring the stares, the whispers, and the amused grins trailing behind him like shadows as the fresh night air git him.
Hinata nestled warmly against his neck, Sasuke blushed furiously, just as Naruto stirred and laughed sleepily. “Aww, teme…you two are adorable.”
“Shut up,” Sasuke hissed. “Or I’m leaving you in a ditch.”
Naruto only laughed louder.
Yet, despite himself, Sasuke smiled.
XXXXXXXXXXX
The door clicked shut behind him when they finally made it home. Sasuke stood still for a breath, adjusting his grip slightly around Hinata’s legs.
She was asleep.
Her breath was warm against his neck, steady, featherlight, and rhythmic. Each inhale brushed against his skin like the hush of wind through leaves. Her cheek was pressed against the slope of his shoulder, her lips parted slightly and then—
There it was.
A sound. Barely audible.
A tiny, delicate snore.
Sasuke blinked slowly, unsure if he was imagining it. He tilted his head just enough to glance at her without shifting her weight. Her mouth remained parted, soft and slack, breath ghosting out in a quiet puff. The tiniest snore followed again, almost comically gentle.
A corner of his mouth twitched. He pretended it was irritation.
With a quiet sigh, he moved forward, stepping out of his sandals. He crouched a little to ease Hinata’s feet out of her shoes, his knuckles brushing her ankles. Even unconscious, she was warm, comfortingly so.
He straightened, carrying her down the hallway. The house was still. Dark. The kind of quiet that crept up the walls and lingered in corners. The floor didn’t creak under him. He knew which spots to avoid. He moved with purposeful ease, eyes half-lidded, his thoughts slower than usual.
Hinata’s bedroom door was already ajar. He nudged it open with his foot, stepping into her space like it was unfamiliar territory, even though he’d walked this path before.
Moonlight spilled through the thin curtains, painting silver across the wooden floor and onto her neatly made bed. Sasuke shifted his weight, reached out with one hand to pull the blanket back, and gently knelt down.
He laid her down as if she were made of spun glass. Her head tilted to the side, hair fanning slightly across the pillow. Her lips twitched in her sleep, the softest sigh escaping her.
He lingered just long enough to make sure she was settled.
Then he moved to rise.
But her fingers caught him.
She wasn’t gripping him hard, there was no panic in her hold. Just intention. A quiet, vulnerable tether. His heart thudded once, sharply. He turned slowly to look at her, gaze dropping to where her hand circled his wrist.
Her eyes were open now, half-lidded, hazy, but focused. The moonlight caught her irises, turning lavender to misty silver-blue.
She tugged. “Stay,” she whispered.
His heart skipped again. “Hinata…” His voice was soft, hesitant. “You’re drunk. You don’t know what you’re doing.”
She blinked up at him. A smile teased her lips, sluggish, crooked, sleepy. “Sasuke-kun,” she murmured, her tone faux-innocent, “what exactly do you think I’m trying to do?”
His cheeks went hot instantly. His mouth opened, closed. Words refused to come.
She chuckled faintly, curling into the pillow. “Pervert.”
His jaw locked. Embarrassed. “Tch. I didn’t mean it like that.”
She waved a hand lazily. “I’m not trying to seduce you,” she said with mock drama. “I just don’t want to be alone. Sit with me. Just…for a little while.”
Sasuke hesitated, staring down at her.
She wasn’t teasing anymore. Not really.
Her voice had quieted. Her expression shifted into something smaller, something honest. Her fingers, still around his wrist, trembled faintly, not from fear, but from whatever thoughts were spinning through her cloudy mind.
He gave in with a slow sigh, lowering himself awkwardly onto the mattress. The bed dipped beneath him. She didn’t let go of his wrist.
“What do you want?” he asked gruffly, refusing to meet her eyes.
Hinata’s lashes lowered slightly. “I felt alone,” she said softly, and that word, alone, hit the air like a shuriken against stone. “Even with you in the house. You didn’t look at me. You barely spoke to me. I missed you. I missed talking with you. Laughing with you and just being present with you.”
Sasuke’s throat tightened.
He hadn’t known how much his silence hurt her.
He didn’t know what to say. Every word he thought of sounded too heavy, too big.
“Don’t say weird things,” he mumbled.
She smiled again, drunken, but genuine. “Does that mean I’m making you shy, S-Sasuke-kun?”
He turned his head sharply, glaring at the window. “Shut up. Close your eyes and go to sleep. You’re drunk.”
“I like looking at you better.”
His head jerked toward her. She looked so smug. Tipsy, smug, and entirely too dangerous in that moment.
He stood up abruptly. He couldn’t handle much more of this.
But again, she didn’t let go.
“Don’t. I’ll stop teasing,” she whispered, her smile dimming to something quieter. “I just really want you here.”
Sasuke stared down at her, lips thinning. “Don’t drink again,” he muttered.
She only smiles, her thumb brushing softly over the back of his hand in a way that made him forget how to breathe.
She looked up at him through thick lashes. “I’m really sorry, Sasuke-kun. I didn’t mean to break your trust.”
His eyes softened.
“Stop,” he said, more gently this time. “It’s okay now. Don’t keep repeating it.”
She hesitated, then slowly loosened her hold.
But he didn’t pull back.
Instead, his hand lifted. He reached toward her face, pausing just inches from her cheek. He watched her expression shift, her breath catch as his knuckles brushed against her skin.
His fingers trailed softly along the curve of her cheekbone, a delicate path from the hinge of her jaw to her temple. Her eyes never left his. Neither moved. Neither spoke. The silence held them there, suspended.
For the first time in days, Sasuke felt still. Truly still.
His heart wasn’t racing anymore.
His head wasn’t spinning.
It was just her. Just this moment.
“You’re a pain,” he murmured, fondly. “But I guess I’m used to you now.”
Her lips curved into a smile, causing him to smile back at her.
Sasuke remained seated on her bed, his body half-turned, posture awkward in a way that betrayed the storm quieting inside him. One hand rested against his thigh, the other still hovering near her cheek, his fingers having barely brushed the warmth of her skin a few seconds earlier.
He didn’t know why he was still sitting there. It wasn’t his intentions to stay as long as he did. It was only supposed to be long enough to make sure she was settled. That she hadn’t rolled off the mattress in some drunken haze. That her breathing had evened out.
But she wasn’t asleep.
Not really.
Her eyes were still open, languid beneath heavy lashes, reflecting the faint blue glow of moonlight streaming in through the curtains. She hadn’t said anything in a while, but he could feel her watching him. Not with judgment. Not even expectation. Just…softness. Quiet, lingering softness that seemed to reach right past his usual defenses.
It made him restless.
The image of her kiss from earlier crept back into his thoughts.
The memory was uninvited, but persistent.
That clumsy press of lips against his cheek. The blush that crawled up his neck afterward. The way her breath had lingered there like she didn’t want to pull away. She’d been drunk, but there had been something genuine in the way she looked at him afterward, despite the teasing.
His cheek still felt warm just thinking about it.
He blinked, dragging his attention back to the present, only to find her gaze still locked on him.
Sasuke’s chest tightened.
He didn't plan to lean in, but his body moved anyway. Slow. Measured. Testing both his own limits and hers. His hand lifted again, this time without hesitation, fingers brushing just below her jaw, where her pulse beat steadily beneath soft skin.
She tilted her face the slightest bit upward. Just enough to tell him she knew what he was doing. Or what she thought he was doing.
And for a moment…he almost did.
But then his fingers rose higher, two knuckles gently tapped her forehead.
A quiet poke.
Sasuke leaned back smoothly before she could react. His hand returned to his lap, expression unreadable, but inside, the smug flicker in his chest was hard to ignore.
Her eyes fluttered, stunned, mouth parted.
He let the corners of his mouth lift just slightly.
“You called me a pervert earlier,” he said, voice edged with amusement. “But you’re the one staring like you’re expecting something.”
Her eyes widened. The flush in her cheeks deepened instantly, spreading across her face in a rush of color. She looked like she wanted to say something back, anything, but all she managed was a half-formed smile that faltered under the weight of her own embarrassment.
Sasuke watched her squirm with a small, satisfied glance, saying nothing more. He didn’t need to.
That was enough payback.
Sasuke stood without another word, the mattress shifting as he rose. He watched her fingers briefly reach toward her forehead, touching the place he’d tapped.
As he reached the door, he glanced back once. “Goodnight, Hinata,” he murmured.
Her voice came back faint, muffled by the pillow she was now half-hiding under. “Goodnight…Sasuke-kun.”
He clicked the light off and stepped into the hallway.
The door whispered shut behind him.
The silence that followed wasn’t heavy, it was quiet in a different way now. Settled.
Sasuke moved down the hall, his footsteps soundless, one hand shoved in his pocket.
His face still felt warm.
And before he reached his door, a rare, unguarded smile curved faintly at the edge of his mouth. Amused.
She thought I was going to kiss her.
And for a second, he almost allowed himself the chance to.