Silent Heartbeats

Neji was very happy when Tsunade handed him the folder which contains dietary chart detailing Sasuke’s recommended meals and supplements.it meant that he got silent approval from Tsunade and Shizune, and Kakashi, despite kakashi's natural skepticism, He felt a flicker of reassurance.

Neji the prodigy he is, checks the folder immediately with Sasuke’s diet and exercise recommendations carefully, mentally cataloging every instruction, every detail.
He looked down at the chart, taking in the meticulous details—the list of nutrients, portion sizes, timing, and even recommended types of tea. He’s already memorized the dietary suggestions and notes on Sasuke’s physical limitations for the coming weeks but still reviews each page as if committing it to memory will somehow guarantee Sasuke’s wellbeing.

This outlines everything Sasuke needs,” shizune explained. “We’ll monitor his condition with follow-ups, but his recovery now depends on maintaining this regimen.”This is everything he’ll need for the next few weeks. It’s important he follows it carefully.”

“Thank you, Shizune,” he replied, meeting her gaze gratefully.There was a satisfaction in his gaze as he realized the significance of being entrusted with Sasuke’s care.

Sasuke, however, watched the interaction in silence, feeling distanced from the concern around him, as though he were an observer in his own life.

Tsunade exchanged a subtle glance with Shizune before turning her attention to Kakashi. He took a step closer to Sasuke, his voice soft but firm. “Sasuke, we need to talk about Naruto.”

The name hit the air like a spark igniting dry kindling. Sasuke’s hand gripped the sheets, his knuckles whitening as he kept his face unreadable. “I don’t want to discuss Naruto,” he said, his tone low but resolute.

Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. “Sasuke—”

“I said no.” Sasuke’s voice hardened, his sharp gaze locking with Kakashi’s. “He has no claim to this. He lost that right when he—” He stopped, his lips pressing into a thin line.

Tsunade, stepping in, softened her approach. “Sasuke, no one’s forcing you. But there are matters that will be harder to handle the longer they’re left unspoken.”

“I don’t want him involved,” Sasuke repeated, his voice quieter but no less firm. His gaze drifted toward the window, shutting out the concerned looks directed his way.

Tsunade folded her arms, her expression uncharacteristically solemn. “Sasuke, you know as well as anyone that we don’t have the luxury of hiding things indefinitely. Naruto needs to know about the baby. You owe it to him—and to the child.”

Sasuke’s jaw tightened, his eyes shifting to the ceiling as he tried to hide his discomfort. “I don’t want to talk about him,” he muttered. His tone was quiet but firm.

Kakashi, standing at the foot of the bed, sighed. “I understand your hesitation, Sasuke. But keeping this from him won’t make things easier. The sooner he knows, the better. There’s a lot at stake—for both of you.”

Sasuke’s gaze didn’t waver. His voice grew colder, almost a whisper. “I said no.”

The room fell silent, a thick tension settling over everyone present . As much as Sasuke might try to avoid it, his responsibilities as an Uchiha and as the father of this child couldn’t be ignored. It was a matter that went beyond personal feelings—it touched the heart of their world’s legacy and balance.

Kakashi’s expression softened, though his voice remained steady. “Think about it, Sasuke. Naruto deserves to know. Council will demand answers. This can’t stay hidden forever.”

Sasuke said nothing, his silence final. Kakashi gave a slight nod, acknowledging the refusal for now . With a small nod, he motioned to Neji, silently asking him to step outside. Tsunade and Shizune followed, leaving Sasuke alone in the stillness of the room.

Kakashi led Neji down the hallway, Tsunade and Shizune falling in step behind them. Once they were a safe distance from Sasuke’s door, Kakashi turned to Neji, his voice low but filled with intent.

“You’ve been here for days. The Hyuga elders are bound to notice your absence. You’ve done more than we could’ve asked, Neji. The Hyuuga elders are going to start asking questions about why you’ve been gone so long. They’ll expect you to return soon.”

Neji’s jaw tightened. He knew the pressure from the clan would come sooner or later, and yet, the idea of leaving Sasuke now felt wrong. He opened his mouth to reply, but then, before he knew it, his words had already formed, confident and unwavering. My priority is here. Sasuke’s wellbeing takes precedence. “I’m not going back. Not yet. Sasuke needs someone by his side, and I want to be there for him.”

Kakashi’s gaze softened, a hint of approval flickering in his eye. “I suspected as much,” he murmured, glancing down the hall where Sasuke’s door lay. Well.....Sasuke has started to rely on you, and… I don’t think I’ve ever seen him respond like this to anyone else.”

Kakashi placed a hand on Neji’s shoulder, giving him a gentle squeeze. “One more thing, Neji. You understand the importance of clan responsibility. The Uchiha’s legacy is intertwined with Naruto’s now, whether Sasuke likes it or not. Village Hero and former Village Traitor . Make him understand the bigger picture. Sasuke’s choices affect more than just himself. You know what it means to be part of a clan. Help him see that.”

Tsunade and Shizune both nodded in agreement. Tsunade's voice was kind but firm. “I don’t know what drove you to get this involved, but I’m glad you’re here , Sasuke’s carrying more than just his own burden now.”

It’s up to you to help him realize that.”

Neji straightened, his gaze determined.“I won’t push him,” Neji said firmly. “But I’ll ensure he knows ”

Kakashi studied Neji’s determined expression for a moment before nodding. “That’s enough. If the Hyuga elders press you, tell them it’s by my direct orders. If they have a problem, they can take it up with the Hokage.” I’ll handle the rest.”

Neji’s expression softened, and he gave Kakashi a respectful bow. “Thank you. I’ll make sure he’s taken care of.”

Satisfied, Kakashi pushed off the wall, his tone softening. “I’ll take care of the Uchiha compound. When Sasuke returns, it’ll be ready for him.”

Neji watched Kakashi walk away, his gratitude unspoken but deeply felt.

Back in the hospital room, Sasuke lay staring at the ceiling, his thoughts circling like restless crows. The soft creak of the door announced Neji’s return. As Neji stepped back into the quiet room, he took a moment to observe Sasuke, who was lying silently, his gaze distant. He was lost in thought, The silence that followed was deafening, filled with the unspoken truths that Sasuke wasn’t ready to face.

As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, his mind churned with memories of Naruto—the laughter, the promises, the betrayal—and the weight of what lay ahead.The words lingered in his mind like an unwelcome guest: Naruto deserves to know. He clenched his fists, the sheets twisting in his grip, and shook his head slightly, as if trying to dispel the thought entirely. Neji’s heart clenched, but he steadied himself and moved to sit in the chair beside Sasuke’s bed

.

Sasuke you can't keep this secret forever… it might hurt more in the long run.”

Sasuke didn’t respond, his gaze drifting back to the ceiling. The room fell into silence once again, the only sound the faint rustle of the wind outside.

Neji watched him for a moment longer before rising to his feet. “Think about it,” he said quietly, his voice tinged with a note of finality. “Not for Naruto. Not even for yourself. Think about it for the child.”

He placed a hand on Sasuke’s arm—a small, silent promise of solidarity.
He took a breath, letting the quiet settle between them before speaking. “They’re right, you know. About Naruto.”

Sasuke’s gaze shifted, his expression hardening. “I don’t want to talk about him.”

“I know,” Neji said calmly. “But ignoring this won’t make it go away.”

“I can’t,” he whispered to himself, his voice cracking. But even as the words left his lips, he couldn’t ignore the seed of doubt that Neji’s words had planted in his mind.

Sasuke’s voice broke the silence. “They think I should tell him, don’t they?”

Neji nodded, his reply measured. “They believe it’s important. For you. And the child.”

Sasuke’s jaw tightened, and his gaze turned away. “He doesn’t deserve to know.”

They’re not wrong,” Neji began softly, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, unpressing. “But it’s still your decision to make.”

Sasuke turned his head slightly, his expression cold and unreadable. “I’ve already made it. I won’t tell him.”

Neji regarded him carefully, his white eyes filled with quiet understanding. “Why, Sasuke? Is it about the betrayal, or is it more than that?”

Sasuke scoffed, the sound sharp and bitter. “Do you even need to ask? He destroyed any trust I had in him. He chose someone else while pretending to be loyal to me.”

Neji didn’t flinch at the venom in Sasuke’s words. “And yet, you still care,” he said, his tone gentle but firm.

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed, the faintest flicker of pain breaking through his stoic mask. “Caring doesn’t mean I’m obligated to forgive him,” he snapped. “Or to involve him in my life—or this child’s life. He doesn’t deserve that right.”

Neji leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on his knees. “You’re right. He doesn’t deserve your forgiveness. But this isn’t just about him, or you. It’s about the child. What happens when they start asking questions? When they want to know about their father?”

Sasuke flinched at the thought, his grip on the sheets tightening. “Then I’ll handle it,” he said sharply. “They don’t need him. They’ll have me.”

Neji exhaled slowly, his expression softening. “And what will you tell them, Sasuke? That their father was a mistake? That you kept him a secret out of spite? You’ve lived with the weight of your clan’s history. Do you really want that for your child?”

For a moment, Sasuke’s resolve seemed to waver. His eyes darted to the window, where the soft light of dusk painted the room in muted hues. “I don’t know,” he admitted finally, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know what’s right anymore.”

Neji remained quiet, letting Sasuke’s words hang in the air. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone measured. “You don’t have to decide everything right now. But you should think about what’s best for your child—not just what feels right for you.”

Sasuke let out a bitter laugh, his gaze still fixed on the window. “It’s easy for you to say. You didn’t have your life torn apart by someone you trusted. Someone who promised to stand by you, only to turn around and—” He stopped, his voice breaking slightly.

Neji’s expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of pain in his eyes. “You’re right. I haven’t been through what you have. But I know what it’s like to carry resentment, to let it shape your decisions.” He paused, his voice softening. “It doesn’t help, Sasuke. It only makes the burden heavier.”

Sasuke turned to look at him then, his dark eyes meeting Neji’s steady gaze. “What would you do, then? If it were you?”

Neji hesitated for only a moment. “I would tell him. Not for his sake, but for the child’s. They deserve the chance to know where they come from. And if Naruto fails them, that’s on him—not you.”

Sasuke’s expression hardened again, though his grip on the sheets loosened slightly. “I can’t,” he said, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow. “I can’t let him back into my life, Neji. Not after everything.”

Neji leaned back, giving Sasuke the space he seemed to need. “Then don’t let him back in,” he said simply. “But don’t close the door entirely, either. You don’t have to forgive him, Sasuke. You don’t even have to see him

Sasuke’s face twisted in frustration, and he pushed himself up slightly, wincing as he did. “Why does everyone keep insisting on this? I’ve had enough of people telling me what I should do.”

Neji’s expression didn’t change, his voice steady but compassionate. “Because this isn’t just about you, Sasuke. This child—your child—deserves the chance to know its father. You understand what it’s like to carry the weight of a clan.”

Sasuke’s gaze dropped to his hands, his jaw clenched tightly. Neji knew that Sasuke was torn, struggling between his pride and the undeniable responsibility he couldn’t escape.

“I don’t want to depend on him,” Sasuke whispered, his voice laced with bitterness. “He… he made his choice.”

Neji leaned forward, his eyes softening. “Perhaps. But you still have a choice too. Don’t let Naruto’s mistake take away from the life you’ve been given… or the life you’re creating.”

Sasuke’s hand clenched into a fist, his knuckles turning white. “He doesn’t deserve to know.”

Neji reached out, placing a hand on Sasuke’s clenched fist, his touch gentle but grounding. “Then don’t tell him for his sake. Tell him for your own. Because you deserve the peace of knowing you did what was right.”

Sasuke didn’t reply, but the tension in his hand eased slightly under Neji’s touch. A long silence stretched between them, but Neji didn’t pull away. He remained by Sasuke’s side, his presence a quiet, steady anchor.

When evening came, a nurse entered with newly pressed clothes , She placed them on a nearby chair and left just as silently, giving them space. Neji offered a small nod of thanks, his thoughts already moving to the tasks ahead.Neji glanced at the clothes, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “they’re preparing you for your discharge .”

Sasuke sighed, his eyes following the nurse as she left. “I suppose so.”

And Sasuke was discharged from the hospital by Night .

Neji handled the discharge with quiet efficiency, taking care of the paperwork and gathering the prescribed medications. As they walked through Konoha’s streets, the familiar sights of the village were muted by an unspoken tension.

Arriving at the Uchiha compound, Sasuke paused, his eyes scanning the entrance. The grounds were spotless, the lingering signs of neglect now gone. Kakashi had kept his promise.Everything is orderly, spotless, exactly as it was before. Kakashi has kept his word.

Neji's sharp gaze was scanning every corner with the instinct of someone who never truly let their guard down.

They checked the main rooms first. Neji’s Byakugan flared to life occasionally, scanning the surroundings as though there might still be unseen threats. When they finally reached Sasuke’s bedroom, Neji paused, his pale eyes darting briefly toward the adjoining bathroom.He checks the adjacent rooms to ensure everything was in order. The house was clean, organized, and eerily quiet.

He checks the kitchen, mentally noting any groceries or items they might need, and then makes his way to the bedroom. The bed is freshly made, sheets smooth and inviting, untouched. Neji feels a surge of gratitude for Kakashi’s efforts to maintain the place, within few hours of knowing Sasuke will be discharged today , he has cleaned and stocked it very well. Aware of how much it must mean to Sasuke to return to a home that feels… well, like home.
He was also planning to go to Hyuga district for getting some of his clothes and items.He has a scroll which he usually carrys everywhere, sealed with few clothes and essential items, which was really helpfull during Sasukes hospital stay .

As they enter the bedroom, Neji guides Sasuke to sit on the couch. “Rest here for a moment,” he says, his tone gentle but firm .

After setting down the bags, Neji moves to the bathroom and begins to run a warm bath. He checks the temperature, adjusting it to just the right level. Once the tub is filled, he returns to Sasuke.

“Sasuke,” Neji calls softly, “the bath is ready. It might help to relax a bit.” His tone is calm, almost encouraging, though he says little else.

You can go ahead and take a bath first,” Sasuke said, his voice even.

Neji looked at him, a little surprised. “Are you sure?”

He motioned toward the wardrobe. “Take some clothes. They’ll fit well enough. towels are there too, Take whatever you need.”

Neji opened his mouth as if to protest, but one look at Sasuke’s expression silenced him. He moved to the wardrobe, pulling out a midnight blue yukata. Sasuke watched as Neji unfolded the fabric with meticulous care, his movements precise and deliberate.
When Neji removed his forehead protector , Sasuke’s gaze caught on Neji’s forehead.

The Caged Bird Seal stood out starkly against his pale skin, its intricate design a cruel reminder of the Hyūga clan’s rigid traditions. Without his usual headband to obscure it, the seal felt glaringly obvious, like an open wound for anyone to see.

Sasuke didn’t avert his gaze. Instead, he allowed himself to study the mark with quiet intensity. It wasn’t just a symbol of control—it was a reminder of the chains Neji had carried his entire life. Sasuke thought of his own burden, the legacy of the Uchiha clan, and how he had fought to break free of it.

But Neji… Neji still bore his chains with a quiet dignity that Sasuke couldn’t help but respect.

“You’re staring,” Neji said suddenly, his voice calm but tinged with something unspoken.

Sasuke blinked, his expression unreadable. “Your seal,” he said simply.

Neji’s hand twitched slightly, as though he wanted to touch his forehead but stopped himself. “It’s nothing new.”

“It’s not nothing,” Sasuke countered, his voice low. “Does it still hurt?”

Neji’s pale eyes met Sasuke’s dark ones, and for a moment, there was silence. Then Neji shook his head. “The pain is nothing compared to what it represents.”

Sasuke didn’t reply, but his jaw tightened slightly. He understood the weight of legacy and expectation, but the Caged Bird Seal was a different kind of cruelty—a mark of servitude, even to one’s own family.

Without another word, Neji turned and headed toward the bathroom. Sasuke watched him go, his thoughts lingering on the seal and the unspoken resilience of the man who bore it.

The sound of running water filled the silence, but Sasuke didn’t move. Instead, his gaze fell on the wardrobe, where the midnight blue yukata had been neatly folded before Neji took it. He thought again of the seal, of how it bound Neji to a life he hadn’t chosen.

When Neji emerged from the bathroom, his damp hair clinging to his face and neck, he looked different—relaxed, almost vulnerable. The midnight blue yukata fit him perfectly, its simplicity contrasting with the complexity of the man wearing it.

Neji walked over to the wardrobe again, this time pulling out another set of clothes. He placed them neatly on the bed. “I’ve prepared the bath for you,” Neji said, inclining his head slightly. “The water is still warm.” and “I’ve laid out some clothes as well.”

Sasuke’s eyes flicked to the clothes—a black yukata with crimson accents. He gave a small nod, standing and heading to the bathroom without a word .

He disappears into the bathroom, and Neji resumes his quiet organization, making sure everything is in its place, that Sasuke will have all he needs for the night.

As the sound of running water fades, Neji goes to the kitchen and prepares a light meal, following the dietary suggestions to the letter. He works methodically, each action infused with care. After a time, he hears the soft padding of Sasuke’s footsteps as he emerges from the bath .

When Sasuke emerged, looking more relaxed but no less weary, Neji gestured to the dining table. “You need to eat.”

Sasuke hesitated before sitting down, his movements slow but deliberate. Neji sat across from him, offering quiet company as Sasuke picked at the food.

After a few moments, Sasuke broke the silence. “Everything here… it’s just as I left it.”

Neji inclined his head. “Kakashi wanted you to feel at home.”

Sasuke’s gaze drifted toward the window, his voice soft. “Home,” he murmured, as though testing the word.

Neji watched him carefully, saying nothing.

Later, as the night deepened, Neji cleared the dishes and returned with a glass of water and Sasuke’s medication. “Take these,” he instructed gently.

Sasuke complied without protest, the simple act feeling strangely intimate. When he handed the empty glass back to Neji, their hands brushed briefly, the warmth of the contact lingering.

As Neji moved toward the bedroom couch to settle in for the night, Sasuke spoke, his voice halting. “You don’t have to sleep there. There’s room…” He trailed off, gesturing vaguely toward the bed.

Neji paused, meeting Sasuke’s eyes. “Are you sure?”

Sasuke nodded, the faintest hint of vulnerability flickering in his eyes before he looks away. “You’ve been here for me this whole time. The least I can do is make sure you’re comfortable.”

Neji takes a moment to process Sasuke’s words, feeling the weight of their sincerity. He finally inclines his head in acknowledgment, his usual calm masking the warmth spreading through him. “All right,” he says Neji retrieve the blanket from the couch and turned towards the bed

Sasuke watches Neji’s movements quietly, his mind a swirl of emotions. He’s not used to someone staying, to someone prioritizing him without an agenda. Naruto had once made him feel that way, but the betrayal had shattered the illusion. Yet Neji’s presence is different—steadier, quieter, without expectations. It feels… grounding.

Neji places the blanket neatly on the other side of the bed, careful not to intrude on Sasuke’s space. He sits on the edge for a moment, adjusting the pillow, before glancing at Sasuke. “If you need anything, just wake me,” he says softly, his tone more a promise than a suggestion.

Sasuke offers a faint nod, his voice low. “Thank you… for everything.”

The room falls into a comfortable silence as the two settle in. Sasuke lies back, staring at the ceiling, while Neji remains sitting upright for a moment longer, his posture relaxed yet alert. After a while, he lies down as well, maintaining a respectful distance.

The quiet is only broken by the soft sounds of their breathing, a shared rhythm that brings a sense of calm to the room. As sleep begins to pull Sasuke under, his thoughts drift to Neji’s unwavering presence, a quiet strength that feels like a lifeline amidst the chaos.

The two settled into the quiet of the night, a fragile peace forming between them. For the first time in days, Sasuke felt the faintest flicker of something he thought he’d lost—trust.