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    [ Hello all! This is just a little update post about the content of this blog! Or rather, a new blog that might interest some of you!

    I know several of you came aboard for the Sasu///Hina content I write! Because I want to get more into writing fanfiction for that ship, I’ve actually made a new, separate sideblog for that content: @365daysofsasuhina​.

    All of my old event drabbles for that ship have already been reblogged there. And starting January first, I’m challenging myself to write something every day for a year for SH! (You can find more info about the challenge on the blog’s about page.) So if you’d like more content for that ship in your feed, I recommend giving it a follow! It won’t start, again, until the first of the year, but I just thought I’d give a little heads up now.

    I’m going to queue this post for a few days to help ensure anyone who wants to follow that blog, can! If it tickles your fancy, please give @365daysofsasuhina​ a follow for more ship content this coming year! Thank you so much for your support <3 ]

[kusunogatari-a]

[ Northbound ] [ @yukaikokoro ] [ Hatake Kakashi, Suigin Ryū, Kottakawa Kumiko ] [ Verse: Divine Light ]

Hearing that they’re headed back to the frigid north brings about two feelings in Kakashi. One being elation: he hasn’t been able to see Kumiko in person for weeks. Obito’s proposed portal system is still in the works, and other ‘points of interest’ they want to connect are still debating whether or not to enact the passages. Frustrating, but...one can’t rush politics.

The other is dread.

While it’s true the most current chosen disciple of Glaciris is doing her best to make change...the ice and snow of the north are slow to thaw. The soil isn’t the only thing that remains frozen. He already got a taste of northern ‘hospitality’ during their journey to find the stolen lux mage that now makes her way up of her own volition. Kakashi has to admit, he’s not eager to experience it again.

But, the former point outweighs the latter...or, a least he hopes it will.

This time around, it’s just the pair of them traveling. And despite Ryū’s suggestion that Suigin take them, the berech refuses. One flight on Raziya was enough to tell him he’s really not fond of flying. So, the pair of them take tamer mounts: that being their horses. Kakashi’s bay gelding keeps stride with Ryū’s dappled grey mare, the pair of them keeping hoods over their heads. Thankfully the weather has held - it’s cold, and a little windy, but a far cry from the blizzard he and Kumiko endured.

The roads are largely empty - they take the main path this time, and trade caravans stick largely to another route. Given how few travelers the north gets, they encounter almost no one...and most that they do are leaving.

“It would seem little has changed these past weeks,” his charge notes quietly.

“Winter never does like to give way to Spring.”

By afternoon they finally reach the capital city gates. Pale stone forms the bulk of the architecture, rounded to best let the frigid winds slip between structures. Banners flutter stiffly in the wind, too frozen to properly ripple. People dressed in furs and thick textiles give them curious glances...and a few seem to glower.

Neither of them pay their hosts any mind - it’s not these people they’ve come to see, after all. Instead, the pair make their way through the city toward the northernmost point, where the robust Glacirian castle stands. Unlike Meridiem, what with its reaching spires and parapets, Boralis’ royal quarters are more grounded: two stories at its tallest, sprawling to cover more ground rather than go skyward.

They stop at yet another gate, guards demanding their documentation. It’s something Kakashi finds ridiculous: how many lux mages are there, and how many berech with mismatched eyes? But he doesn’t voice his disdain, instead going through quietly as they’re given leave.

They’re met at the door by another set of guards, their mounts led to the stables as they make their way inside. The snow-like stone only echoes the cold atmosphere of the place, decorations made mostly in deep blues and silvers. Kakashi can’t help but note there’s an unnerving amount of armed personnel. Likely something Kumiko’s father ordered - some kind of display of might, if he had to guess.

Ryū makes no note of it, passing them by without a glance. Thankfully it’s not a long walk to the main hall, and they come upon Kumiko speaking with what looks to be a captain. As Kakashi suspected, her hardened expression and terse tone seem to hint that she’s unhappy with the situation, but she turns to them at the sound of approaching footsteps. A forced smile brightens her features.

“It seems our guests have survived the frozen wilds!” she greets, and Kakashi can’t help a perk of his brow at her falsely-cheer lilt. “I’m sure you’re weary - we’ll retreat to my study for the time being.”

The other pair exchange a subtle glance before nodding. Silence reigns until Kumiko shuts a heavy door behind them. Immediately, all pretense of her expression fades to a scowl.

“Have I no control over my own staff?” she growls, striding tersely across the room to sit at her desk, a hand gesturing curtly for them to take their seats. “I tire of my father usurping my orders ‘in my best interest’. I apologize for your crude welcome - I meant to head the greeting at the gate, but was...waylaid.”

“It’s no trouble - we prepared for as much,” Ryū assures her, giving a wry smile.

“I, at least, had an inkling what we were in for.” Kakashi can’t help but match her dry humor. “We know what was going on...and who we’re actually here to see. Don’t worry yourself over it.”

“If this were the only circumstances, I wouldn’t,” Kumiko replies. “Ever since our disagreement upon my passage through to look for you,” she nods to Ryū, “my father has only grown all the more irritable and closed-off. He’s acting like a child who’s lost their favorite toy. I think it’s finally clear I’ve no intention to follow so closely in his footsteps.” Elbows brace atop the desk’s surface, palms catching her brow. “...the final straw was when I told him about my contact with Glaciris. He refuses to believe me. Claims I’m lying to try and buffer my image over his.”

While Ryū’s brow furrows sharply, Kakashi just rolls his eyes. “What?! He’d dare deny -!”

“He wasn’t there to witness it,” Kakashi cuts in with a glance. “...technically no one really was. I was unconscious, and though the caravan saw it from a distance, the Embrace faded as they got close. Only one person claimed to know what it was.”

The lux mage lifts a lip in a snarl. “What reason does Kumiko have to lie?”

“My father and I have butted heads on the direction to take our lands for some time now,” Kumiko replies, tone weary. “Our lands were one of the few least affected by the Rift. Survival this far north without ven is nigh on impossible, so those without it relied on us...or left. It only deepened the feelings of animosity for outsiders here. As our element is cold, so are we, to a point. Glaciris’ lands have remained in el’ven hands throughout the times of the wars with the el’tahl, and then after most el’ven took to hiding. We’ve remained unchanged, and it’s let us fester. My father wishes to continue on this way, and I do not. Times are changing. If we don’t, we’ll only get left further behind.”

A hand gestures. “He is the main reason we still have not formally agreed to the portal system. Why, beyond trade, we see so little travel between our land and the others. And even then, he argues allowing traders is still too open a border. Some of my people have come to disagree with him and side with my call for moving forward...but not all. Not even most. Our slow approach to things may have saved us in the past...but it’s going to be the end of us in the future.”

“...is that why you called us here?”

“Partly. I wish to try to negotiate with him, but I doubt much will come of it.” Kumiko’s arms fold, and she practically pouts. “...mostly I wanted show I wouldn’t obey his suggestion of distancing ourselves from the other lands, and the renewed Summit. So I brought its unofficial leaders here, instead.”

There’s a pause...and then they all break out into laughter as the tension breaks.

“I’m sorry,” Ryū offers in sympathy, wiping at an eye. “I know you’ve been so frustrated, and I can’t blame you. If only we could get Glaciris themselves involved, he’d change his tune.”

The glacial mage snorts. “Oh, a lot of things would change.”

“I do wonder if we’ll hear from them more after all that trouble with Madara and Tenebreos...true, the Rift brought great imbalance, but that was something else entirely.” Ryū’s head cocks. “...maybe we will hear from the Elementals more. If things get out of hand enough, at least.”

“I’d rather not have to go hunting for you all over the continent again,” Kakashi deadpans.

“Oh gods, no. But maybe -”

A knock sounds at the door, and the three of them glance over. “...yes?” Kumiko asks.

The entry opens, and a young woman sticks her head through, looking a little flustered. “There’s...there’s a man here for the Luxerian mage, milady.”

They all blink. “...a man?”

“A right frightful one, ma’am.”

Another pause, and then something seems to click. Ryū’s expression falls flat. “...I’d best to attend to this…” She stands and mutters something unheard under her breath, the door closing behind her.

Kumiko gives Kakashi a confused look. “...what was that?”

“That, I’m willing to bet, was Obito looking for his ward. He is her bodyguard while on probation, after all.”

“Did you not tell him you were leaving?”

“Oh, we did. He said he’d be fine. Apparently he underestimated his patience.”

After a beat, she largely fails to withhold a snort. “...I see.”

Kakashi can’t help a wry grin. “To be fair, he was stuck with her for quite some time...and she is also one of the few things he knows from both his time under Madara, and afterward. I think it’s made him a bit clingy.”

Kumiko chuckles with a slow shake of her head. “Just a bit.” Giving him a coy look, she adds, “They weren’t the only ones stuck together all that time, you know.”

“...true.” He softens, ever so slightly. “But we’re now about a half a continent away, sadly.”

“Yet another reason to get the portal system up and running…” There’s a sigh. “...I suppose for now, I can suffice with a visit. With your charge busy, maybe we can take a little walk...just the two of us?”

“The two of us, and all the guards spaced ten feet apart.”

She groans. “Don’t remind me.”

“Not to worry - I’m very good at ignoring guards,” Kakashi assures he as he stands, offering an arm she takes with a perked brow.

“...what is that supposed to mean…?”

“Well, sometimes...in order to slay a monster, you have to jump over a few private manor walls…”

“...okay, you have to tell me more about that one.”

“Who says it was just one?”

     ...I dunno what this is xD Kakashi pays Kumiko a visit in Boralis, and...stuff’s still a lil unsteady politically because why wouldn’t it be, lol      I’m still lacking a lot in regards to the various elemental cultures...and even then it’s gonna vary cuz of pocket populations and the like, so most of what this is is literally winged as I went. Hopefully it makes sense xD Though I DID come up with the Luxerian capital, Meridiem. It means glow and is one of the least ridiculous-sounding Latin words relating to light, haha! So now we have two capitals named out of...twelve. Welp.      Anyway, it’s a lil short cuz honestly a month straight of drabbles still has me rather burnt out, but...hopefully it was still a good read ;w; Kakashi has a lot of...interesting stories to tell from his years rogue as a hunter. Trespassing on nobles is probably one of his least trouble-inducing tales, honestly. He could write a book if he had the patience, but I think DL-Kakashi would find that rather boring, so he’ll just retell them verbally (and maybe do some slight embellishing).

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Thirty-One: Night Creatures ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina, blood mention, gore mention ] [ Verse: Of Monsters and Men ]

There are reasons humans are scared of the dark.

It’s late. Far later than she wanted. But friends are insistent and she’s a pushover. Hence why Hinata is walking back to her bus stop from one of said friend’s apartments with only flickering street lamps as her guides.

It feels like a horror movie and every instinct is screaming...but what choice does she have? With work in the morning she can’t stay - everyone else was plastered and sleeping over, unable to drive her. Her only option is the bus, and the proper stop is two blocks away.

It feels like hundreds of eyes are crawling all over her.

Once she reaches the little enclave, she feels only marginally safer. The light is steadier, and she’s alone atop the bench. A hand grips pepper spray stashed in an interior pocket of her coat.

But it’s geared mostly for humans.

Breath pluming in the chill, she jumps as movement catches her eye. A woman glances up from her phone, looking to her with a perked brow as she sits at the opposite end of the bench. Eyes plaster back to her screen, and Hinata wonders how someone can let their guard down so thoroughly in a place and time like this.

In the meantime, she keeps eyes peeled, looking in every direction open to her person, in search of any hint of a threat. The schedule says the bus should be here in twenty minutes.

She only hopes that’s fast enough.

The sound of a dropped empty can to her right draws her full gaze, head turning. The little tube of aluminium rolls forebodingly into the aura of light.

Her eyes glue to it for a moment too long, only to realize she needs to keep up her watch. Back she looks, eventually circling back to her companion.

She’s gone.

The sight stutters her heart for a beat. She didn’t hear her get up, no shoes against pavement or the ruffle of clothing as she stood. For a moment Hinata is tempted to look further but she can’t risk -

“Jumpy little thing, ain’tcha?”

Spinning back around with a gasp, Hinata finds herself face to face with the woman from before, but irises now shine a bright, ensnaring red. Teeth flash in the light as she grins - numerous and pointed with intent to draw blood.

Her sight can’t help her now.

As she stares, the woman’s head jostles slightly, expression wiping clean with shock. Behind her, the sound of a gun’s hammer retracting clicks through the subsequent silence.

“...let’s not do anything stupid,” a masculine voice drawls.

Eyes move in her sockets as though to look behind her. “...I’m a little busy.”

“Oh, I can see that. Busy breaking more than one Mandate. I’d hope you know the penalty for that.”

“We’d rather do this quietly.” Another voice sounds behind her, and Hinata turns to see a dark-haired man giving a grin that doesn’t reach his eyes. “I think you’ve startled the lady enough.”

“Tch…she’s alone. Could have just let it be, Enforcers.”

“You know we can’t do that. Seems we’ve found our serial killer. One less thing to worry about.”

“What about the Daywalker?”

“We’ll give her a hit, play it off as a fainting spell dream. It’s clear she’s the paranoid type. Of course...she had reason to be, tonight.”

“And our little feeder, here?”

“...you know the drill.”

The woman’s eyes narrow...and with a blink, she disappears.

“...this is why we save talking for after we’re -”

With a crash, the glass of the bus stop explodes behind Hinata. Shrieking and attempting to cover her head, she ducks down only to feel herself being tugged from her seat.

“One wrong move and the Daywalker gets it!”

Head whipping up in shock, Hinata finds herself hugged to the stranger’s front, a knife to her throat.

“You think these little flesh bags are worth protecting? Let’s see you handle thi-”

There’s a muffled sound, and a split second later Hinata feels a spray of warmth along the back of her head, oozing down her hair and soaking into her coat.

For a moment the woman’s grip holds...before her body crumples to the sidewalk, pooling what blood remains after the shot to her skull.

“...damn it.”

“The hell, Itachi?! How are we supposed to cover this up now?!”

“I had no choice. Priority is ensuring the target is no longer a threat. A human life is secondary to the countless others she would have taken if she’d escaped.” A third man, long in hair and stern in expression, holsters a silenced pistol that hides beneath his jacket.

The other men - one with curled locks, the other with unruly strands - close the gap between them.

Hinata simply holds stock still in both shock and caution.

“...well, we got our target. What do we do with the human?”

“We can still attempt the hit. Get her address from her wallet, get her home, cleaned, changed...play it off as a dream. Have her watched to ensure there’s no lingering paranoia or thoughts that the incident was real.”

“You’re...y-you’re vampires...aren’t you?”

The trio turn to her, all hesitating at her rather calm expression.

“...Nightwalkers...right?”

All three furrow their brows. “...how do you know that word…?”

Hinata stares. As she concentrates, blood flow increases to her eyes, enhancing her sight. “...my mother used to talk about them. About the wars, and the myths...how we hurt them…”

Confusion lingers on their faces...until the one named Itachi pales, if possible given his tone. “...that can’t be…”

“What?”

“...are you...a witch…?”

“That’s one of the names we’ve been given.”

At that, the other two reel back. “...that’s impossible! Witches aren’t real…!”

Says the vampire.

“...I already knew what you were. There’s no use in trying to make me forget. I’m not...I’m not going to hurt you. Please...I’m just trying to get home. I won’t tell a soul, I s-swear it! I have just as much of a secret to keep!”

Looking completely flabbergasted, the vampires all glance to one another. “...the Mandates are clear -”

“But she’s not a normal human! If you can even call her human!”

“The Mandates address all who are not our own. They still apply.”

“No one’s believed the witches are real in hundreds of years. Do you really think they made the Mandates with witches in mind?!”

“Look...we should bring her in. See what the Senator says. He’ll know what to do.”

“You know how he is - he’ll simply order her killed for the simplicity of it.”

“Covering up a human death isn’t simple. Besides...he’ll want to know about this.”

Wait...they’re taking her somewhere? Where?! Who’s this...Senator? “I...I told you, I won’t give you any trouble! Please just let me go home…!”

Itachi looks her over. “...we need to get you cleaned up. A human covered in blood can’t be seen or it will raise questions. Besides...we need to let the evac team take care of the body and begin investigations. See if this is who we were after.”

“We won’t let anyone hurt you, miss,” the curly-haired one promises. “...we just need to make sure this is handled properly. You’re...a bit of an anomaly.”

“A bit,” the last scoffs.

“Sasuke, please. You aren’t aiding the situation. Shisui, please get the car. We’d best get back quickly - the hour grows late.” With that, Itachi whips out a phone, dialing a number and turning aside to speak.

“...c’mon.” Sasuke, as he’s called, steps up beside her, watching her warily. “...you’re not gonna pull anything, are you?”

“N-no!” Terrified, Hinata pulls at his sleeve. “Please...I have to get home. I...I have w-work in the morning - they’ll call the police if I’m missing!”

“We have ways to smooth that over. Look, just...calm down. We’re not gonna hurt you. Enforcers work to keep humans safe, too. We have to be sure our actions cause the least amount of disruption...for both sides.”

A black, nondescript car pulls up to the curb. “Get in - evac team’s here, we need to get scarce.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Sasuke guides her to a rear door, Itachi taking the front and still murmuring into his phone with a drawn brow.

With little choice otherwise, Hinata does as directed.

“Buckle up. You’re in for a ride.”

     Word count: 1425      Cumulative: 42,965      Ending average: 1386 words per day      Welp, I’ll admit...I feel like I ended on a rather flat note (I had a long day and tbh this could be better), but given that this is the last day, I don’t want to wait and write something tomorrow, after it’s officially over...even if it’s after midnight where I am now anyway ^^;      This piece is from my own original monster verse for a novel I want to write called Nightwalkers. It incorporates a lot of different fantasy aspects, mostly monsters and witches. I RP a crossover with it with the Naruto muses I write, and of course the Uchiha are vampires. I play the Hyūga as witches. Much like monsters are myth to humans, so are witches myth to Nightwalkers. I could ramble on about the lore, but...I get the feeling no one really wants me to. Crossover pieces with my own lores tend to get fewer notes, but...it fit the prompt too well not to.      Anyway...SH month is officially over. I’ll admit, I had a blast! While it was exhaustion on top of my other projects, and at times frustrating, it was a lot of fun, and a fair number of you seemed to enjoy these little fics! I don’t write fanfiction too much beyond events like this that aren’t related to my RP blog, so...I’m not sure when I’ll next write something like this. I do have several owed drabbles for a giveaway I did, one of which IS SasuHina, so...there’s that at least. I want to write fics again more often, I just...lack time and inspiration most days. But we’ll see!      I just want to say thank you again to all of you who took time to read my entries, and extra thanks to those that liked, reblogged, and commented. I’m glad to see that the SH community is still pretty active for a crackship of a finished series. Not sure when I’ll see you next, but...thanks again for stopping in and enjoying my works <3      ~Sylvie

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Thirty: Flower Shop AU ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Manami, Hyūga Hiashi, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina, death mention ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ]

Hinata’s love of flowers started when she was but a little girl. Though the memories are fuzzy with both the passage of time, and the young age they were formed, those of her mother in her flower garden are some of her fondest: of both her childhood, and her mother.

Hyūga Hanako had been a quiet, docile person, much preferring plants to people. Their backyard had been littered with grow beds and flowering trees, all kept by the house’s matriarch. With her husband handling work and she being a stay at home mother, she’d spent every spare moment behind the house, tending to the flora with a tender touch.

Hinata had always accompanied her. Much the same in nature as her mother, the private, quiet work suited her. Early on, she learned how to care for them, helping to pull weeds and water. Hanako taught her that you could always whisper your secrets to the flowers, and they would never tell.

Spring was just on the brink of blooming when her mother went into labor with her little sister: something the lot of them had been eagerly awaiting for months. Another bloom for the garden, Hanako had said.

But this flower, sadly, took far too much energy to sprout...and in the end, Hanako’s wilted to make way for Hanabi.

The loss was devastating to them both: Hinata, and Hiashi. The snow-dusted gardens at the rear of the house were too much. So once wife and mother was buried...Hiashi took his girls across town, to another house. The sprawling lawn behind it was simply...grass. A few evergreen trees. But no traces of flowers. Such things were far too painful a reminder for the man.

Hinata, however, missed them dearly.

In one of her early classes of primary school, they were assigned to grow a seed. Hinata had received a carnation: carefully watering it in the little pot in class. Once the assignment was over, they were free to take the flowers home. She’d done so eagerly, putting the little plant in her bedroom window.

Her father never visited her bedroom, anyway.

Over the years, the plant grew...eventually becoming too crowded in its pot. A spare still kept in the garage had done the trick, but every few years, she had to figure out a new solution. And this time, the Summer after her senior year, she faces a bit of a dilemma.

By now, the plant is, admittedly, huge. It sits in a large tub in one corner of her room, standing (tub included) at nearly four feet tall, and the same in width. It needs yet another repotting, but with her due to move to a dorm in the Fall for university...Hinata isn’t sure she can take it with her. After all, dorm rooms aren’t known for being spacious.

But, leave it behind, and it’s sure to suffer neglect. Her father has come to know of it by now, but she doubts he’d pay it any mind, even if asked. Hanabi just...isn’t a plant person. And Hinata isn’t sure she’d keep her kitten out of it, even if she relays the risk of a sick kitty should she ingest any of the leaves.

So, today she heads to the nearest floral shop, mind full of doubts. She can’t ask any friends to take it: they face the same problem, come Fall, about space. And she doesn’t want to simply get rid of it - there’s been too much love, and too many whispered secrets, to betray her floral friend that way.

Stepping into the shop, there’s a pleasant jingle of a brass bell announcing her arrival. A few other customers mill about, considering this vase or that bouquet. Perusing the room, Hinata wilts as she realizes pots big enough for her beauty seem to be missing.

“Can I help you with something?”

Turning to the voice, Hinata finds a woman not much taller than herself standing nearby, donned in a dark green apron with the shop’s name sewn across the top. Dark hair is pulled into a messy bun, a warm, lopsided smile on her face. A name tag reads “Manami: manager”.

It takes Hinata moment to realize that her left lower leg is a prosthetic.

“Oh, um...do you not carry any plant pots bigger than this…?” Hinata gestures to the largest they seem to have.

“Oh, those would be outside, in the back. All of our larger inventory is out there. Like...wheelbarrows, full-size planters, et cetera. Anything in particular you’re looking for?”

“Well, I have a houseplant that’s getting a little big for their current setup.”

“Really? Even for these?”

“Really! I’ve had them for…” Hinata counts for a moment. “...nine years? A carnation I had to grow for a class when I was young.”

“Oh, I see!” Manami heaves a laugh, hands on her hips. “I can imagine how big they must be, then!”

“Yeah...too big, really.”

“Oh?”

“Well, I’m moving out this Fall for school, and...I can’t take them with me. But I’m afraid no one will take care of them while I’m gone. My...father is very adverse to flowers.”

A dark brow perks. “...can’t say I’ve ever met someone who actually dislikes flowers. Maybe those allergic, but...who can dislike a flower?”

Hinata tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “They, um...they remind him of my mother. We lost her when I was four, and...I think he just doesn’t like being reminded.”

Understanding tempers Manami’s gaze. “Ah, I see...well, that’s certainly a pickle…” A thoughtful hand rubs at her chin. “Well...tell you what. I happen to have a corner behind the counter that gets plenty of sun, but is rather empty. I could probably keep them back there for you!”

The offer takes Hinata aback. “Wait...you would...do that?”

“Well certainly! I have my own collection about that I keep up in the shop - helps it feel a bit more homey.” A dark eye winks. “I can’t let such a beloved plant companion go unattended while you’re gone! They won’t be any more work than the rest. I’ll send my nephew with you - he can pick the plant up. He has to do all the heavy lifting,” she adds, patting her leg. “But once your friend is in place, they can stay there until you can take them back. They’ll be in good hands, I promise.”

Blinking, it takes her a moment to reply. “I...thank you so much! Are you sure it’s no trouble…?”

“None at all! I don’t have a carnation, myself - they’ll give us a little variety! Let me go fetch my nephew - he’ll help you. Sounds like it’ll be a job getting them over here!”

A little nervous at being a nuisance, Hinata shyly follows as Manami makes her way through the back door. As she said, all of their larger products are out in a gravel back lot - fountains, cement decorations, lawn furniture...and extra-large planters.

“Why don’t you pick out a planter, and we’ll get that all paid for before you bring them over here. Then we’ll just re-pot them and set them up in that sunny spot!”

“O-okay!”

They split ways, Hinata picking out a lilac-shade pot that should give them plenty of room until she’s done with school. By the time she’s done that, Manami returns with a young man in tow.

A young man she knows.

“My nephew, Sasuke - he helps out during the Summers.” Manami pats him on the shoulder. “He can buzz up in my car, and we’ll bring that bloomy beauty down here for you!”

The younger pair give each other a glance, clearly wondering what the other is doing here. “...I’ll meet you around front,” Sasuke offers, moving toward a parked van.

“O...okay.” Well...this is awkward. She walked here, after all. Unless he wants to wait for her to walk all the way back...she’ll probably have to hitch a ride.

Hinata knows of Sasuke, though...that’s a little hard to avoid in the school they’re in. Or, were in. He’d been one of the ‘cool kids’ that her friends always drooled over. They’ve never really spoken until now.

She leaves her paid-for planter behind, and fidgets as Sasuke pulls around to the curb. “Get in.”

There’s a tick of silence, and then she does as asked. “Um...thank you for doing this.”

“No problem. Aunty explained what’s going on. She’s a bit of a hoarder.”

In spite of herself, Hinata gives a light laugh. “Well...it’s very nice of her to do. Though...I’m not sure how to explain what I’m doing to my father…” She’s never had a boy in the house before. But she’s eighteen, darn it - surely he won’t cause a scene. If only it were a weekday, he’d be at work…

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll just tell him the truth.”

“The truth is just a little odd, is all.”

“Well, doesn’t really matter what he thinks. We’ll be in and out in a few minutes.”

Pulling up in front of her house, they abandon the van and walk in, Hinata scoping out for her father. Should she tell him beforehand, or just explain if he catches them?

“Where’s it at?”

“In, um...in my room. This way.” Down the hall they go, opening the door and revealing the plant in question. “Are you sure it won’t be too heavy…?”

“It’ll be fine.” Scooting a few things out of the way, Sasuke gives a grunt and simply...scoops the plant up, pot and all.

...well all right then.

Leading the way back out, Hinata pauses as they meet Hiashi at the end of the hall.

He stares.

“Um…” Hinata flounders, unsure how to explain.

“We’re adopting your daughter’s plant, sir.”

Both Hyūga turn to look at Sasuke, hardly visible behind the pot and leaves.

Hiashi perks a brow. “...I suppose there are worse things you could do. But why rid yourself of it?”

“I...well...I don’t w-want it to get left behind when...when I move out.”

“You could -” The man pauses, and then abandons the sentence. “...very well. Do take care not to spill any dirt on the carpet.”

“No, sir,” Sasuke assures.

They make it outside without a hitch, setting the planter in the rear of the car. “All right...now we’ll just replant it, and we’ll be good.”

“Thank you for doing this.”

“No problem.”

The ride back, Hinata can’t help a curious glance. “So...how long have you worked for your aunt?”

“Through high school. She took my brother and I in after our parents died - she's my mom’s older sister. Her son’s a few years older than Itachi, and his best friend. She’s retired military, and took up the shop when she got back from active service.”

“Is that how she lost…?”

“Yup. Doesn’t slow her down, though.” His lips twitch. “She’s a very laid-back person. Super sweet. Takes a lot to get on her bad side, but when you do…”

Hinata giggles into a hand. “...I’m glad you got to stay with family.”

“Yeah...she’s been good to us. Itachi used to work for her too, but he’s finishing up business school and will be getting his own place next year.”

“Will you come back next Summer…?”

“...probably. I think she’s gonna be feeling the empty nest after having three boys running around.”

“That’s sweet of you.”

Sasuke gives her a glance. “...you know, I bet she’d give you a job if you asked. She’s always looking for more help, but no one ever sticks around. Seems like you like plants well enough.”

“...you think so?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll put in a good word for you, but I bet she’ll say yes anyway. That is, if you want it.”

“I…” A pause. Her mother had always wanted to start up a flower shop. “...I’d like that.”

Back at the building, Sasuke hauls the planter in, and Manami helps re-pot. “Theeere we are! Plenty of room for you, now.” Bracing fists on her hips, she admires their handiwork. “It’s clear you take good care of that plant.”

Behind them, Sasuke offers, “Just hire her already, Aunty.”

“Well, I didn’t want to spring on the poor girl.”

“I’d love to work here,” Hinata interjects with a smile. “At least...until classes start up. Maybe it can help pay for my board’s rent.”

Manami gives another laugh. “Well then...we’ve got ourselves a deal!”

     Word count: 2104      Cumulative: 41,540      Had to do some thinking for this one! This AU was a prompt in the last SasuHina event I did, so I wanted to be sure it wasn’t too similar. Hence it being Sasuke that works at one this time around!      Manami is an OC of mine from my RP blog, for anyone wondering: a fill-in character for Shisui’s mother! In canon she loses her leg during the Kyūbi attack, hence the parallel here. I don’t get to write her much, so I thought I’d take the opportunity n_n      Welp...just one more prompt to go. Feeling a little burned out (since this one turned out a bit longer than most), so I’m gonna take a break before finishing up the challenge. I’ll ramble more there. See y’all in the next one!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty-Nine: Mafia AU ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyūga Hiashi, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ]

“Get up. We have somewhere to be.”

Opening an eye to glance at his father from his comfortable perch in a lounge chair, expression tinged with obvious annoyance, Sasuke mutters, “Tch...what?”

“Curb that attitude.” Adjusting his tie, the Uchiha syndicate head examines his reflection before glancing to his son. “...we have a client to visit.”

“What’s that got to do with me?”

“It’s good experience. You’ll have to do this someday.”

The blunt announcement only sours the young man’s attitude further. Being reminded of his brother’s disabilities is never a good thing. “...fine,” he spits in reply. But as he moves to head toward the garage, his father grunts in disapproval.

“We’re taking the helicopter.”

A dark brow perks, but he doesn’t protest. Apparently, they’re to make an impression. Maybe this will be interesting. “...who are we going to see?” It must be someone important, if such a means of transport is to be taken.

“You’ll see.”

They make their way to the manor roof, where the chopper is already whirring. The spinning blades throw his father’s hair askew, his own already a mess on the best of days. Clothes ruffle at the force of the wind until they make their way into the interior. The ground soon lurches away beneath them, and they take to the air.

It’s early evening, the sky beginning to darken as they fly across the city. Skyscrapers and antennae obscure the skyline. Watching the passing sights, Sasuke observes each, wondering where they’ll land. Logos and symbols whizz past, until they begin to circle a pristine white building with windows that reflect the fading sun.

So...it’s the Hyūga. Another large, wealthy family...but through more legitimate means than his own. The Uchiha, after all, are mostly Yakuza. The Hyūga are businessmen. Though, apparently, not without a little underground help.

A few minutes later, they’ve landed, meeting an escort atop the roof. Several pale-eyed men watch them warily, thinly-veiled disgust on their faces. Fugaku largely ignores it - apparently, not everyone in the business approves of their arrangement...whatever it is.

Despite being slated as the next kumichō, Sasuke has yet to be fully introduced to the syndicate’s dealings. Up until recently, it was his brother who was assumed to be the next boss. But an onsetting illness has led to a shift in his father’s favor.

Nothing personal. It’s just how it has to be.

Nonetheless, it’s left Sasuke with some catching up to do. For now, he has almost no idea how exactly they’re tied to the Hyūga. The Uchiha’s main commodity is protection racketing. If he had to guess, that’s likely what’s going on. The Hyūga, apparently, haven’t gotten to be so successful on their own.

This he mulls over as they make their way down via elevator, expression neutral with a tinge of aloofness. Let on that he’s a fledgling, it will only make their meeting all the harder. It’s clear Fugaku has a message to deliver...and this, apparently, is to serve as both a lesson, and a test for his younger son.

Eventually they find themselves outside a set of double doors. One Hyūga makes his way through them, and they can just hear the soft murmur of voices. Then silence...before they’re let inside.

An ornate office is revealed, all sheer glass, cool marble, and cold steel. At a desk at the end of the room sits a man about his father’s age, with the same pale eyes as the others, and a head of long, chestnut hair. He looks to them with an expression as unfeeling as his surroundings. “...Uchiha-san. What a...pleasant surprise.”

Regarding the man with a heavy brow, Fugaku doesn’t return the sentiment. “Your payment is late, Hyūga. I was concerned your memory was starting to suffer. So...I made a little trek across the city to make sure you’re still in your right senses.”

Pale, thin fingers steeple, elbows atop the glass top of his desk. “...my memory fares fine. My stocks, however, do not. I am yet short of the monthly agreement. I have been assured that, within the week, this...oversight will be corrected.”

Drawing a deep breath, Fugaku releases it as an equally-deep sigh. His chin bows to his chest, making a show of his disappointment.

The other Hyūga shift, clearly unnerved.

“...that’s too bad. A company needs to run like a well-oiled clock. Lost time sets you back...and needs to be corrected.”

There’s a slight clench to Hiashi’s jaw. “...no one realizes this more than me. I assure you, Uchiha-san, that I will -”

“Time is money, and money buys time. If you lack one, you lack the other...and I can’t afford to waste mine. I know of other rising companies in your field that might respect schedules a bit better, Hyūga. I don’t deal with those who can’t keep their ends of our bargains. Need I remind you what you owe me?”

“...that will not be necessary.”

“How is she, by the way? Your girl? What was her name...Hanako...Hiromi…”

“Hinata. She is fine.”

“Ah, good...good. No more incidents with the other syndicates?”

“...I feel you are alluding to something, Uchiha-san.”

“You have to care for family, Hyūga. You never know when it might...disappear.”

Sasuke’s eyes shift to their corners. What is he getting at…?

“...your retrieval of my daughter from the Kumo faction of Hokkaidō is still much appreciated, Uchiha-san. But that is not all I pay you for.”

“No, it’s not. You pay for protection, Hyūga. Assurance that those who would compete with you meet...unfortunate pitfalls that drop them out of the economic running. Failing negotiations, lost funds...and the occasional disappearance of important personnel. But...I can’t provide my services if you don’t provide the money. A week’s delay in my business could be a week spent acquiring new clients. Clients who, incidentally, might force my hand to begin taking from you, instead. And surely...neither of us want that. But money talks, Hiashi. So...can I expect my money by midnight? Or should I go ahead with my arranged meeting with another medical equipment manufacturer I have scheduled for tomorrow morning at nine am?”

A tense silence falls.

“...tell me, Hiashi…” Fugaku’s dark eyes stare into the Hyūga’s pale ones. “...when was the last time you checked in on your daughter…?”

No reply.

“Those socialite friends of hers surely keep her up late...but I’d hope she gets home by midnight. The city’s a scary place at night.” With that, the kumichō turns his back on his client, making his way to the door with a nod to his son. “...keep my advice in mind, Hyūga. I recommend getting your schedule back in order. I, at least, plan to stick to mine.”

Sasuke follows as his father returns to the elevator. No Hyūga bother to show them the way back. The blades spin as they make their way to the roof.

“So...learn anything?”

“...I think so. But what was all the fuss about the girl?”

Fugaku only replies once they’re in the chopper. “...when she was young, very young...an up-and-coming faction in the north kidnapped his daughter, intended to hold her for ransom. This was during the early days of our arrangement. As a show of good faith, I sent one of our boys to retrieve her, and it went off without a hitch...unless you count his twin brother dying in the raid. Fool went in to try and negotiate. Things got dicey, and he ended up a casualty. Not that it mattered - Hiashi was more concerned about keeping the company in his family, so a dead brother was actually preferable to a dead daughter. Hizashi, his twin, has a son. A bit more appealing to a board of trustees, but...he’s less direct now than Hizashi would have been.” The Uchiha smirks. “...a handy bargaining tool. Hiashi has one other daughter, but she’s less appealing - headstrong, brash...already has a questionable public image. A board would rather have Hinata, who’s meek and easy to manipulate.”

“...and…?”

“...and she may be joining us for dinner while her father arranges his monetary affairs tonight.”

Sasuke blinks. His father certainly knows how to keep all the cards...something he’d best learn quick.

When they return, they descend to the entryway. There, flanked by two burly Uchiha, is the young woman in question. Despite the tinge of fear in her eyes, she holds herself steady, head held high.

“...Hyūga Hinata-san,” Fugaku rumbles. “...a pleasure to see you. How you’ve grown since we last met.”

She gives no reply.

“Don’t worry - I expect you’ll be back home within a matter of hours. Your father just needed a little...motivation to get his work done tonight. Until then, you’re my guest. I’d never dare harm a lady, no matter her father’s behavior. Please...I’m sure dinner is ready by now.” Fugaku gestures. “I doubt you remember my son, Sasuke. You were both fairly small when we brought you back from Hokkaidō. He’s done his share of growing up, too.”

Her pale eyes move to him, and the pair study one another silently. He’ll admit...she’s pretty. Not overly done-up like so many women her age tend to be...yet elegant. And despite her obvious nerves...it’s clear there’s a fire there.

Even if neither of their fathers seem to see it.

“Come - we can’t let the meal get cold.” Fugaku motions for them to follow.

Giving her companions a glance, Hinata moves forward without them, instead positioning herself beside Sasuke.

“...best do what the old man says. Consider it a break in what’s certainly your life’s monotony.”

At that, she gives him a questioning look...but doesn’t refute him.

“After all, how often do you get to dine with the head of mafia and not have to fear for your life?”

     Word count: 1650      Cumulative: 39,436      This was actually a lot more fun to write than I thought it would be xD Admittedly, I know very little about the Yakuza, so...I scoured the Wikipedia page about them, and...did my best, lol      Sadly I don’t have a verse for this, so this one is the closest I have. Though this might be one I revisit with this and other characters. We’ll see! But for now, this is all I’ve got in me for tonight. I want to do the last two all tomorrow, but I don’t know if I’ll have the time. Either way, I’ll do my best to finish up the last two prompts as quickly as I can manage!      For now, later y’all!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty-Eight: Bloodlines ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ]

He used to think bloodlines were the pinnacle of importance. Sasuke was a proud Uchiha - is a proud Uchiha - and that will likely never change. Faith in his lineage didn’t waver after the massacre - after his battle with Itachi. Not after learning the truth, or changing his plans of revenge from his brother to the village he was born. The war didn’t shake it, even after seeing his so-called past life incarnate in Madara, and his foolishness. Meeting Itachi again, post mortem. Even now, with the few scraps left of his family he has, Sasuke bears both his name and his crest with pride.

...but he will, admittedly, make concessions.

When he first had his now-bygone dreams of single-handedly restoring his clan, he’d known there were no Uchiha women left with which to do so. Of course, his priorities shifted a bit as he went through his struggles - anything concerning children would have to wait...possibly a good many years, especially when he really knew of no suitable partners with which to carry out such ambitions.

Of course now, he’s not alone as he thought he’d be. And his lingering doubts in his abilities to have a proper relationship after all he’s been through still whisper at him at times.

But she helps drown them out: his unexpected, but unequivocal second half in all things, now. Friend, partner, wife. Once Hyūga, now Uchiha, Hinata.

Never did he think the quiet wallflower of their Academy would catch his eye. Not after her ardent following of his rival, or his own repulsion of all girls by default when young. Their constant carrying on and ignoring his boundaries had soured him to them all...though, if he’d given her the chance, perhaps he’d have found her...tolerable back then.

But it wasn’t until the alliance of their clans, and the blooming relationship between their friends, that the two had any reason to cross paths. The latter was more happenstance...while the former hadn't exactly been his idea, nor a plan he’d been fond of. But, in the end, the Hyūga clan’s help has been irreplaceable...if not still a blow to his pride.

Still, he recognizes that the other line is just as noble as the Uchiha. They, too, come from the moon rabbit goddess, as she’s called. Distant relatives, really. Maybe, in a way, the most logical for an Uchiha to bond with outside of his own clan.

But he hadn't had any of those intentions when they met. She, to him, was mostly just another Hyūga. A classmate, friend of his brother’s wife, companion of his teammates to varying degrees...but otherwise, a total stranger, all things considered. They’d never really spoken as children...and he’d spent his teen years far from Konoha, and any inkling of befriending any more of its shinobi. It wasn’t until his return he had the chance to run into her.

And now...here they are.

All of this he mulls over early this particular morning, as he’s wont to do now and again...mostly due to the lingering disbelief that he’s found the happiness he has now. True, they’ve not been married long now - just a few months. But the slow build of their bond - with so few pretenses, like some of the others he has - has been something he’s actually enjoyed watching grow...even if maybe he didn’t realize it at first.

She’s on her left side, facing him with closed eyes and soft breath. Dark lashes rest against her cheeks, lips ever so slightly parted as she breathes in the early morning quiet. The lilac strap of her nightgown has slipped from her shoulder, draped over the soft skin of her upper arm. Every so slightly curled, she seems oblivious to his museful staring.

There’s a hint of a lift to Sasuke’s lips as he watches her. A few years ago, a vision like this - regardless of the woman before him - would never have crossed his mind...nor seemed possible. Nor this sense of peace. Calm. Happiness. He’d given all those feelings away in trade for determination, drive, and a singular goal.

And now, all of his priorities have shifted. He has a home - one he’s striving to protect, and better. Konoha has its share of problems, but he won’t rest until it - and all his brother has sacrificed for - resembles something worthy of that sacrifice.

He has a family - more than he ever dreamed he’d have after the massacre. Something he won’t ever take for granted.

And now...he has a wife. Someone who’s pledged to stay by his side, through thick and thin, with a pretenseless love for him. Not his image, his strength, his lineage. Just...Sasuke.

For now, he’s no plans for children. They have their work to do, and he still feels ill-prepared. In terms of skills, and in stability. He still questions his ability to be...normal. After everything the prior avenger has done, and faced...part of this still feels like a dream. Like he’s on the verge of waking up.

“...Sasuke…?”

Broken from his thoughts, Sasuke blinks to see Hinata looking to him, gaze soft as she continues to wake up. “...morning.”

“Good morning.” Shuffling slightly, she manages to plant a kiss against his brow, working her way forward to accept an embrace. “You look troubled.”

“Just thinking.”

“Mm...you do that a lot.”

“I have a lot to think about.”

She gives a soft laugh, and the sound warms his chest. “Yes…I guess you do. Anything you want to talk about…?”

“Mm...no.” There’s a pause as she senses he has more to say. “...just...reminiscing.”

“...about…?”

“...this. All of...this. It still seems strange.”

“I’m sure it does...you lived so differently for so long. It’s an adjustment, even now.” She tilts her head to look at him. “...are you worried about anything…?”

That earns a dry chuckle. “More than you probably know. But...we’ll talk about it later.” Ducking his head, Sasuke buries his nose in her hair, letting mismatched eyes close as he takes a deep breath of her scent. “...for now, I just...want this.”

Hinata softens in his grip. “...we can do this.” There’s a slight adjustment of her posture, settling more comfortably against him. “We still have time before we need to get up…”

He smiles. “Not getting lazy, are we…? The best way to keep a schedule is diligently.”

“Mm...as important as work is, you’re more important. Once you feel up to it...we’ll get up.”

Not expecting the reply, Sasuke half-opens his eyes, quieting slightly.

“Though...I suppose we should leave time to make breakfast…”

“We can always get something on the way.”

Her lips draw into a small pout. “But we have perfectly good food here…”

“And there’s perfectly good food elsewhere, too. Relax, Hinata. One meal out won’t break the bank…”

“No, but…”

“Shhh,” he urges, nuzzling against her scalp. “No more discussion.”

She can’t help a little giggle. “Oh...all right. You win.”

“I always win.”

“...you might regret saying that later. A Hyūga suffers from pride just as much as an Uchiha, sometimes.”

So, it's to be a battle of bloodlines, is it? “Hm...I’ll take my chances.”

     Word count: 1210      Cumulative: 37,786      Well, this one feels a little...bland. The theme felt a little repetitive in regards to some of my earlier entries for the month, so...I tried to put a little twist on it. Not sure if it panned out xD      Either way, another day down...and still another day behind. Oh well. We’ll get there when we get there lol

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty-Seven: Indigo Children ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ]

Ask any decent sensor, and they’ll tell you: every person’s chakra is a unique shade. And rather than being dependent on their most prominent elemental nature, it seems to be more derived from a person’s overall character. Personality, actions, mood and temperament.

While not obvious to all, those with dōjutsu can also - to varying extents - see these aura-like colors.

Sasuke has never given the fact much thought. Of course he’s noticed - hard not to, wielding the Sharingan as he does. It boils down, then, to an apathy of the subject. It’s never served him much purpose beyond being able to identify who a person is when his eyes are active. Things tied to a person like that - much like astrology or supposed future readings - all feel like pointless, baseless things to waste time on. Saying that colors can determine a person's traits – or, perhaps, the reverse – seems a little too much like superstitious nonsense to him.

His own is a sort of...indigo color. A blue-purple that’s fluctuated slightly as more one than the other at different points of his life. Another aspect he’s not attributed to much. Naruto’s, for example, is dual toned. At some points it shows a brilliant blue, others a fiery orange...which, he suspects, is more Kurama’s doing than the Uzumaki’s. Sakura’s is a bright green. Kakashi’s is a cool, blue-tinged grey. It’s never meant much to him before.

At least, not until now.

“See anything?”

Byakugan active, Hinata scans the empty building supposedly hiding a serial thief. “...second floor. Their chakra looks agitated...they know we’re here.”

“Doesn’t matter. They’re not about to overtake us. I’ll take point - you can see any possible exits better than I can.” Sasuke doesn’t even bother uncovering his Rinnegan, instead just drawing a tantō. Their thief is supposedly armed, so something to block with is probably prudent.

Not that your typical run-of-the-mill pickpocket is likely much of a threat.

Hinata takes a rear route, Sasuke making his way through the front. Sharingan activating, he can vaguely see their off-yellow chakra through the ceiling. It’s not much of a pool - he doubts they’re capable of much, if any, actual jutsu. Likely just someone trained in a bit of taijutsu and bukijutsu to scrape by nicking wallets.

Hence their warrant for arrest.

It’s clear they’ve turned this little hovel into a home - there’s signs of the abandoned space being lived in. Most, however, is on the second story: a bedroll, cooking lamp, and a bag tossed willy-nilly in a corner.

Approaching the proper room, he senses Hinata outside, ready to cut off an escape route through a window. With a kick, he bats the already-loose door from its hinges.

The thief holds a rusted kunai in a shaking hand, pointing at him. “S-stay back!”

The Uchiha is hardly impressed. “Drop the weapon, and save us both a little time and effort. You’re under arrest for several counts of thievery. Come in quietly, and I won’t have to drag you back to the station by your scruff.”

The young man ignores his offer, backing up to the rear, outer wall...up against an open window.

Mistake.

Knowing Hinata will take the opportunity, Sasuke just has to stall. “You’re hardly in any shape to take someone like me down. We can avoid the violence if you just -”

“Gyah!”

Stiffening, the arrestee collapses, twitching slightly. Clinging to the windowsill, Hinata retracts a flattened palm. Her Jūken strike to the back was enough to lay him out, chakra points blocked and leaving him immobile.

Sheathing his blade, Sasuke sighs. “Well that was easy.”

Hinata hops through the window. “Certainly could have been worse.”

“Mm.” Looking to his partner, Sasuke starts to speak, but stops as he notices something. Up until now, he’s not really looked to her fully with his kekkei genkai active.

Funny...her chakra looks pretty close to his color. Maybe a bit more on the purple side compared to his bluer shade, but...how has he not noticed that until now?

“We should get him back - his chakra points should start unlocking in about half an hour.” It’s then Hinata turn to look at him, brow furrowing slightly at his expression. “...what?”

“...nothing.” His iris fades back to black. “...you’re right. Let’s get moving.”

They take him back to the precinct, Sasuke giving a lower ranked recruit some practice interrogating the man. It takes a little while, but eventually he fesses up to a career of pickpocketing.

“Look - there’s not a lot of work for civilians anymore! All these shinobi retiring after the war are taking up all the decent jobs. And they've all got their freaky ninja skills, it's not fair! I either steal, or I starve!”

“We’re all adjusting to our changing world, but there’s no room in it for behavior like that.” Sasuke closes the door of the man’s holding cell. “You’ll have your trial in a week or two. Until then, I suggest you start brainstorming ways to improve after you get out.”

Arms loosely folded beside him, Hinata gives her partner a glance. “...he does have a point, you know,” she offers as they take their leave, walking beside him. “There’s been a shift in the balance of work lately.”

“Then the village needs to find ways to get its people employed, if they’re able-bodied and minded. Taking what isn’t yours is a mindset Konoha doesn’t need.”

“I agree. But people are desperate.”

“Well...for now, this is our job. At least now he’s got a roof over his head that doesn’t leak, and three meals a day. Then we can get him rehabilitated, and he can start over after he’s had time to mull over his actions. We’re not about to lock him up and throw away the key for something so minor. He just needs time to reflect.”

Hinata only half-listens. “...I’ll have to talk to Hanabi and see what she thinks. Maybe the clans should ask for a meeting about this. We might be able to brainstorm more ideas to help ensure shinobi don't hurt the civilian work trade.”

Watching her as she thinks, Sasuke can’t help but let his Sharingan flicker back. The same indigo shade meets his eye, though now brighter as she concentrates, the motion through her system quicker and more concentrated around her brain.

“...Sasuke-kun?”

“Hm?”

“Um…” She hesitates. “Why are you...using your Sharingan…?”

“Watching your chakra.”

“W...why?”

Well, he might as well explain now that he’s been caught. “I noticed yours is a similar shade to mine. Made me curious.”

“...oh!” His answer seems to take her aback. “I noticed that too, a few weeks ago. Though yours is more...blue. And maybe a little...darker?” She smiles. “I think it suits you.”

“...yeah? Yours too.” It’s hard not to think of purple when picturing the Hyūga. She wears it, her hair is a deep violet shade, and even her eyes have a tinge of lilac to them.

“Do you ever believe in they say about chakra color and personalities?”

“No. At least, I’ve never thought about it. Seems like nonsense to me.”

Hinata laughs softly into a hand. “I had a feeling you’d say that. I guess I’m not sure, but...maybe it explains why we get along so well, ne?”

“...hn. Maybe.” Moving forward, he hears her jog to catch up.

He doesn’t want to admit, he thought the same thing.

     Word count: 1259      Cumulative: 36,576      Woo, one more down! I’ll admit, the more technical definition of indigo children wasn’t really one I wanted to work with due to its negative connotation with mental illness (aka being a “magical” explanation for real conditions, which allows some parents to then skip treatments that would likely help a child). So, I took a bit of a twist on it and referred it to chakra colors!      A Karin RP blog I follow has been headcanoning about sensors and chakra colors recently, so that also helped serve as some inspo :3 Indigo can refer to a variety of shades of purple to blue, and I see Hinata as more purple and Sasuke as blue, so it fits fairly well! Even if Sasuke might not believe it. I see him as a little skeptical when it comes to things like this x3      Anyway, I’m still not 100% caught up - I hope to be before this all ends, at any rate! I’ll admit...I’m sad this is almost over, but also a bit relieved. I’ve maintained a good average word count, so I’m proud of my work! And I’m super stoked y’all seem to be enjoying them! But I’m also feeling a little burnt out, especially with other projects currently going on ^^; But I’ll save being sappy for the last day. Just happened to be thinking of it today - only four more drabbles to go!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty-Six: Coffee Shop AU ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Itachi ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ]

If there’s one thing an intern needs...it’s copious amounts of caffeine.

Sasuke doesn’t even understand why he’s in this position. It feels like nothing more than his father testing his patience. Four years of business school apparently wasn’t enough. Now he has to fill in as an intern at his family’s company.

Experience in the real world, his father says.

Yeah, right. Labor without pay is more like it. Sure, he didn’t have to pay for his education (so long as he fell in line and took the right major and went crawling back to dad once his years at university were up). But now that school is over and he’s officially out on his own...Sasuke has bills to pay. Rent to cough up.

And coffee to buy.

Hence why, every morning since graduation and moving back to his home city, Sasuke finds himself in line at the coffee shop nearest the company’s front doors. It’s a chic little place at the bottom of a two story building. Apparently the owner lives upstairs...not that Sasuke’s paid much attention.

Mostly because he’s practically a zombie whenever he’s in here. Walk in, order, pick it up, leave. One black coffee, large, and two plain bagels with little packages of cream cheese. Every day, for...three weeks now. And probably for...a lot longer than that to come. Fugaku promised that once his three months are up - those that would typically be a Summer break - he’ll be fully employed...given that he performs well enough. So, odds are, he’ll be here every day for...well, who knows. But likely a very, very long time.

He better damn well hire me...who doesn’t hire their own son? Especially after putting me through so many hoops...this is such bull-

“Good morning!”

Dragging dark eyes (with even darker circles) up, Sasuke blinks. There’s...a new girl at the counter. And unlike himself, she sounds entirely chipper. Large pale eyes look to him jovially, complete with a smile that dimples her cheeks.

...cute.

She’s wearing the little bakery’s logo on a hat to match her apron, beneath which her dark hair is (mostly) contained. A fringe peeks out beneath the bill, a few wisps too short to be contained framing her face.

“...morning.”

“How can I help you…?”

“Large black coffee. Two plain bagels. Cream cheese.” Pause. “...please.”

“Of course! Give me just a minute.” Scurrying to fill his order, the young woman bustles about quickly, a bit hesitant in her actions.

Yeah, she’s definitely new.

Though perhaps a bit peeved at the usually-streamlined service having a few hiccups, Sasuke watches her with a hint of amusement. She pours the coffee just fine, but then can’t seem to find the right sized lid. Bagels are slipped into a bag, complete with the cream cheese...and are then promptly dropped on the floor.

“Oh! I’m...I’m sorry. Let me just…” Clearly torn between cleaning up the mess and replacing his order, she eventually decides on the former before the latter.

By the time all is said and done, he’s been here more than twice as long as usual. Pinkened cheeks betray how flustered she is. “Sorry again for the...for the mix-up.”

“Don’t sweat it. Everyone’s shaky when they first start.” Accepting his order, Sasuke gives her an exhaustion-tinged smile. “Hang in there…” He looks to her name badge. “...Hinata.”

Blinking in surprise, she doesn’t have a reply before he takes his leave.

Once at his desk (if he can even call it a desk), Sasuke takes a few minutes before clocking in to sip at his coffee and spread his cream cheese. Another day, another schedule of thankless tasks.

But at least he got his coffee.

The day is largely uneventful (save for a coworker being splattered with ink after engaging the printer in combat), and Sasuke makes to leave before another catches him on his way out.

“Hey, sorry - we missed sending out a memo this morning, but that meeting we’re having Friday is being catered - anything in particular you want? The place needs an estimate of what to bring.”

Eyes falling to the document she gives him, Sasuke blinks at the familiar name across the top. It’s the little bakery across the street. Well...that makes sense. And is probably why the owner has some extra help. “Uh…” Taking out a pen, he fills out the sheet before handing it back. “What time was that meeting, again?”

“Eight sharp, hence it being breakfast food instead of the usual lunch. But thanks for the info - I’ll pass it along.”

“Yeah, sure.”

On his way out the door, Sasuke startles a bit as someone falls into step with him: none other than his brother. “Oh...hey.”

“I actually caught you for once,” Itachi teases. “Seems like you’re always out before I am.”

“What can I say, I’m not eager to stay late.”

“And I have little choice in the matter,” the elder brother sighs. “I take it you got the catering memo?”

“Yeah, end of the day. You set that up? Wasn’t this meeting some deal you’ve got going on?”

“It’s a presentation of my current project, yes. And I did. I thought we should use some local business, and I’ve heard good things about them.”

“They have good coffee.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I stop in every morning. Lifesaver.”

Itachi looks a bit intrigued. “...I’ve never actually been there myself, but they have good reviews. If you give it a good rating, then it appears I made a good choice.”

“Maybe you can swing in with me tomorrow. If you’re not too busy…?”

“Well...I should go in early to work on my presentation...but perhaps it would do well to speak to the owner in person. She seems pleasant.”

There’s an ever-so-slight lift to Sasuke’s brow, but Itachi clearly ignores it.

The next morning, he finds his brother outside, talking on the phone and hanging up before he approaches. “Business?”

“As always. So, what do you recommend?”

“I’m the last person to ask: I get the same thing every morning. Besides, you like all that sweet junk.”

“Mm, I do. I find a little sugar in the morning helps kickstart my engines.”

Sasuke can’t help a snort. “Whatever you say…”

The interior, as always, smells like fresh baked bread. Warm, clean and inviting, it beckons them to the counter amidst a quiet spell. The same girl from yesterday stands behind it, and stiffens slightly as she recognizes him.

“Hey. Remember me?”

Chin ducking, she gives a sheepish smile. “It’s...rather hard to forget. Um...are you here for the same as yesterday…?”

“Yup. You better get used to me. I’m a regular.”

“Okay! And you, sir?” She looks to Itachi.

“Two slices of banana bread, and a medium mocha cappuccino - extra sugar. Also,” Itachi cuts in, bringing her to a stop as she moves to start their orders. “Would you mind seeing if your employer is free for a moment? I’d like to speak to her.”

“...o-oh! Sure! Um...just a moment.” Looking a little curious, Hinata moves to the back, disappearing through a door.

“So, you arrange everything over the phone?”

“I did. But it doesn’t hurt to introduce myself now that I have the opportunity. It may make things smoother for Friday, too.”

“...mhm. Or are you just looking to charm her for extra sweets?”

“Of course not. I always pay fairly for sweets.”

Rolling his eyes, Sasuke watches as the woman in question emerges, clearly confused as Itachi engages her in conversation. Recognition, however, lights up her face once they start talking.

Leaned over the counter, Sasuke watches them from the corner of his eye as Hinata busies herself behind it. “So…getting the hang of things?”

“I think so! At least...I haven’t dropped anything else…” On her way by, she gives another embarrassed smile. “...I still feel bad about that.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Still…”

Considering her for a moment, an impulse flickers through his brain...and makes its way to his tongue before he can stop it. “...how about you repay me by going to dinner?”

“I...w-what?” Pausing mid-pour, she turns to him in surprise.

...where did that come from? Too late to back out now. She is cute, at any rate… “...dinner. With me.”

“...but that...that doesn’t pay you back. That m-makes me more in debt!”

“Consider it the value of your time.” He perks a brow. “...so, what do you say?”

“I…” She blinks, clearly still taken aback. “...s-sure.”

“Cool. Friday work for you?”

“Oh, well...we have a catering to clean up after…”

“You can blame my brother for that. Well...Sunday brunch instead?”

Another blink, a glance to Itachi...and then she seems to put it all together. “...oh! You mean you’re…? And he’s…?” A finger points. “...oh. Um...okay. We can do that…!”

Sasuke can’t help a smile. “It’s a date.”

“Hinata! These gentlemen are going to be late!”

“Oh, s-sorry!” Finishing up their orders, Hinata hands them over, cheeks rosy. “En...enjoy!”

Nodding, Sasuke takes his leave alongside his brother.

“So, seems you got yourself more than breakfast arranged.”

“How’d you notice over your own conversation?”

“It’s called multitasking. You better start practicing.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Sasuke shoots his brother a look. “Trust me, being bottom of the ladder as an intern is getting me plenty of that.”

“It only gets better from here, little brother. But at least you have something to look forward to.”

“Tch…”

     Word count: 1613      Cumulative: 35,317      Another day, another prompt behind xD But this one was fun - I’m the BIGGEST sucker for this AU. I’ve always wanted to work in a little coffee shop or bakery n_n So I’ll let myself live vicariously through Hinata for today, lol      Poor Sasuke - interns have it rough. But now he’s got his coffee, and a lil something sweet that even he can’t help but like ;3      Anywho, sorry for yet another day behind. I’ve had a lot going on irl, and today was...some of the worst of it. But we’ll see what tomorrow brings!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty-Five: Samurai AU ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hiashi, Hyūga Hinata, Hyūga Neji ] [ SasuHina, blood mention ] [ Verse: At The Beginning ]

The dust of the road settled after a light morning rain, his trek south is both quiet and calm. A gentle breeze rolls through the trees that line the mountain road, grasses churning like waves. If it weren’t for the task he’s been assigned, it would be a picturesque day.

But the samurai has work to do.

An estate south of the city - large, rich, and responsible for countless rice paddies - has been suffering raids by unknown bandits. According to his father, it should be something simple for the younger of his two sons to handle on his own. A few honorless thugs stand little chance against a carefully-trained samurai.

Geta silent against the soft soil of the road, Sasuke travels with one hand resting atop one of his blade’s hilts, the other tucked into the gaping front of his top. Dark eyes half-lidded, he’s nonetheless alert despite his lax aura. Sharp senses pique, trained for telling noises and visions. If need be, a swift draw will take him only a moment to bury steel into his foe.

But not yet.

Eventually he’s on the downward slope, and a break in the trees reveals the estate. A large manor sits atop the highest foothill, the rest tapered into terraces, fed by a river that winds between the hills. From this distance, the people tending the rice crops are like little hunched-over ants. It will still be a time before he descends to the lord’s lands. One Hyūga Hiashi, once part of the land’s military, retiring to his rice paddies and rather large clan. A widower, with two daughters...and a branch family that handles most of the labor on his estate.

Being part of a large samurai clan himself, Sasuke knows of established hierarchy...but his own doesn’t operate quite like this. But...it’s not his place to intervene. He’s been hired to defend the lord’s lands. Nothing more.

The sun is high when he arrives, taking the path from the road toward the manor. Those in the paddies straighten to look to him curiously, murmuring to one another, the same word on everyone’s tongues:

Samurai.

Ignoring them, he makes his way to the gate, a runner announcing his presence. Adjusting himself only slightly, he prepares to meet with the clan head.

“Ah, you must be the Uchiha.” Hiashi speaks ahead of himself, hands in his sleeves as he approaches with a small gaggle of underlings. His gaze is hawkish, looking down his nose at the young man despite their rivaled levels of power. Soil-shade locks are greyed at his temples, lines carved into an otherwise-infallible face.

Hand still on his sword hilt, Sasuke ignores the slight and gives a shallow bow. “Hyūga Hiashi-sama.”

The man’s nostrils flare slightly as he sniffs. “...as stated in my letter, I have had issues with thugs ransacking my property. We can discuss the details inside.” An arm brandishes to gesture before tucking back to his sleeves, turning and not waiting for Sasuke’s reply.

Following through the entryway courtyard, Sasuke spares subtle glances at the landscapes. Gardens of both flora and stone are well-kept, attendants seemingly in every corner. All bow, only risking glances to their guest once Hiashi passes.

Tucked away in a corner, nearly so hidden he almost misses her...is one of Hiashi’s daughters. Dainty fingers pluck blooms from obliging plants, arranged into a vase held aloft by yet another lesser Hyūga. She glances up as the procession passes, and for a moment their eyes lock.

Her hair is a curtain of ink, highlighting amethyst in the sunlight and falling to a blade’s edge along the tip of her spine. A lavender-shade kimono is tied with a baby blue obi, silk shining in the light and highlighting doves and clouds soaring across the fabric. Pale skin is without mark, eyes like newly-bloomed lilac. Round-cheeked and doe-eyed, she looks much like one of the ladies of the emperor’s court his father has described after travels to the capital.

He’s never seen a woman so beautiful.

Sasuke, however, is thankfully a level-headed man. He’s entranced only a moment before turning to watch Hiashi’s back as they enter the manor. Something tells him ogling the man’s daughter wouldn’t make the best impression.

It would probably get him chased from the manor by a swarm of naginata-wielding Hyūga.

Within the manor, Hiashi takes him to a table, whereupon a map of his lands is unraveled. Once the party gathers around, he gestures to the paper, a few small figures stood across it to signify the damage. “...we have been been hit mostly from the east. Our crops dismantled, and a store of tools raided and burnt. A watchman was grievously injured when he attempted to confront them. We’ve lost several paddies already to the disruption. Should we lose many more, our profits will be in danger. Whoever has targeted us must be stopped.”

Sasuke studies the diagram carefully. “...what sort of defenses do you have?”

“We have patrols armed with kama. But admittedly...most of my men are not experienced in combat. They are mostly for show, and until now, we’ve not had much trouble.” Hiashi scowls. “...unrest further south has made the people unruly. At first I thought perhaps the poor were looking to steal...but nothing is missing, simply destroyed.”

“...do you have a map of the lands around yours?”

“I do. Why?”

“Are there other rice farms nearby?”

“...not for some miles.”

“Perhaps someone has hired a few bandits to ransack you. Drive you out of business to better theirs. The less rice there is to be sold, the higher the price...and less competition.”

The Hyūga’s brows furrow. “...it may be so. If you can, take a man alive. Attempt to wrest answers from him. But to me, what matters most is that the raids stop. Perhaps a show of force will deter anyone else.”

“Understood. The attacks surely come at night?”

“They do. Once every week or so, but mostly at random. We know not when they will strike...only that they will.”

“I’ll need to stake out the property. Wait for them to arrive.”

“You may rest in the branch quarters. I will have a room cleared for you.”

Remembering the apparent caste system of the clan, Sasuke replies, “...that won’t be necessary. I’ll rest on the engawa. I need to be able to watch and listen, anyway.” He doesn’t want to take what little they appear to have.

“...as you wish. Do you require anything else?”

“No...beyond lodging, food, and water...it’s best you carry on as if I weren’t here.”

Hiashi nods. “Very well. I will have our foreman give you a tour of the estate, as to orient yourself. A meal will be delivered this afternoon to the...engawa.”

Sasuke follows Hiashi’s suggestion, mapping out points of interest...and possible places any bandits may strike next. The afflicted fields - still early in the season - are in the process of being replanted.

“It is even more work for the branch family,” the foreman offers when asked, brow drawn. He looks very much like his uncle, Hiashi - the son of his younger twin, upon his introduction. “And should we fare poorly this season, times will be lean...and it is us who will suffer before the main house.”

“Hn...any other information you can offer?”

“The watchman who was attacked said he could see little of them - it was dark, and his torch dropped when he was struck from behind. His estimate put their numbers at six, maybe eight.” Neji gives him an inquiring glance. “...do you require any help?”

“No. Besides...you don’t need any more injured to care for.” Dark eyes glance to pale. “...you sound assured. Have you combat training?”

“I do. My father, alongside his brother, were both in the army. He died saving my uncle’s life. I took up the practice in his honor. At times, I am called upon to guard Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama. I am most proficient with a bow.”

“Your cousins…?”

“Yes. Hinata, the elder, and Hanabi, the younger by five years.” As they walk, Neji asks, “What about you, Uchiha-san? Have you siblings?”

“One, an elder brother. I am close only to one of my cousins...for I have many. They too are samurai of high reputation.”

“And yet you were sent alone?”

“I am capable. And they have their own tasks. We are often called upon.”

“I see...the samurai are said to have much influence. The emperor, they claim, is more a figurehead to their power.”

“...you wouldn’t be wrong.” Finding himself feeling rather companionable with the man, Sasuke goes on. “It’s not rare for samurai men to marry women of the court...or even relations of the emperor himself. It’s a tangled web...but I care little for it. I simply prefer to peddle my skills and make myself useful. Politics is more my brother’s game.”

“I must wonder what it would be like. The branch Hyūga have no such options. We are serfs to the main house. I am lucky: among them, I am the highest ranked. But it is still nothing to my uncle or cousins.” He gives a wry smile. “...I am simply the most useful.”

“I would offer you pity, but something tells me you’ve little need of it.”

“You would be right.” As they reach the branch barracks, Neji gestures. “...are you sure you won’t lodge inside with us?”

“I don’t mean to interrupt. And won’t take anything further from you.” Despite decorum, Sasuke gives a polite decline of his head. “Thank you for your help. I think I know the lay of the land well enough, now. All that must be done now...is wait. Please, tell your watchmen to be careful - don’t attempt to fight them. Just make enough ruckus to draw my attention. From there...I’ll handle it.”

“It will be done.”

Settled along the south porch of the branch quarters, Sasuke sits with his back along the wall, eagle eyes watching over the downward slope toward the paddies. As the sun sets, another branch Hyūga brings him plain rice and miso, accompanied by matcha. Accepting with a nod, he eats in silence, still keeping watching eyes over the estate as the sky goes dark.

Along the perimeter, torches blink into being, slowly making rounds in the blanket of night. Flickering between each in an effort to see the first sign of trouble, Sasuke snicks his blade slightly as a sound emerges beside him, half-drawn and ready to strike.

Illuminated by a candle, Hinata stills with wide eyes.

“...what are you doing out here?”

Gaze trapped on his katana, it takes her a moment to look up. “...I brought you something. For luck.”

He nearly scoffs. Luck? “You'll get the both of us in trouble if you're spotted.”

From her sleeve she draws a talisman, holding it out for Sasuke to take and clearly ignoring his warning. Once he does, he draws back his hand to reveal an omamori.

“...it was my mother’s. I know my father is paying you, but…” Her head bows. “...I’m grateful for your help to protect our home. Were you to be hurt for our sakes…”

Considering the trinket for a moment, Sasuke tucks it into his sleeve. “...you don’t have to worry about me, Hinata-sama. But you should get back inside, it’s not -”

He hears the shift of gravel, and without a moment’s consideration, Sasuke springs forward. Arms encircle the heiress, rolling with her as an arrow buries with a thwack into the post she’d been knelt behind. With a draw of his blade he blocks another, pushing her behind him. “Go! Now!”

“But -?”

“NOW!”

“Hinata-sama!” Neji’s voice sounds behind them, insisting she retreat with him as Sasuke readies his stance. Where was the patrol? How did they slip through unnoticed?

A band of eight men encircle him, armed with crude but deadly weapons. “Ah, a samurai…? Seems Hiashi finally sacrificed some coin,” one rumbles.

“I’ll warn you once: stand down, or I’ll cut you down.”

“You might be a samurai...but you’re outnumbered!”

Knees bent and blade slightly lifted in its sheath, Sasuke lets a smirk grow across his lips. “...and you are outclassed…!”

Falling for the insult, two men rush forward...and fall in a spray of blood. With a quick draw of his katana, Sasuke makes clean cuts to their chests, dipping the tip through their backs as they fall to finish them.

“...next…?”

Clearly more cautious now, the remaining five spread out, shifting as they consider their means of attack. Dark eyes flicker between them, watching for openings.

But before any make a move, a bolt strikes one man through the eye, whipping his head back with a cry. The rest panic, Sasuke glancing furtively behind him.

Armed with a bow, Neji already draws another arrow. “I will cover you, samurai!”

Not needing to be told twice, Sasuke takes advantage of the chaos, cutting down another bandit and parrying a second. Four down, four remain. Two take to striking at the Uchiha, the other two making to chase the Hyūga, fumbling to block bolts. One crumbles as a shaft buries in his thigh, a second to the chest laying him flat. Too close to shoot the second, Neji shoulders his bow and draws a kama, twirling fighting style too fast and unpredictable to be countered. When the man’s hand is cleaved from his wrist, a strike to the throat is all it takes to finish him.

Sasuke, in the meantime, disarms one man armed with a club before beheading him in a fountain of crimson. The last, falling to his rear, makes to shimmy back. “Please, master samurai! Mercy!”

Sword at his gullet, Sasuke considers Hiashi’s request to take one alive. “...very well. I’ll grant it.”

The man slackens...before Neji delivers a kick to his head, knocking him out cold.

“...but they won’t.”

By then, Hiashi rushes from the manor yard. “Have you done it?”

“Yes, Hyūga-sama. All but one bandit lay dead. Your foreman has the other tied by the branch quarters.”

He nods stiffly. “...then we may find out who sent them. My thanks, Uchiha-san.”

“It’s not just me you owe your thanks. Neji handled half of them on his own. His skill with the bow is impressive...you chose your foreman well.”

Hiashi’s jaw tightens slightly. “...it appears I have.”

Behind him, the lord’s daughters emerge. Hanabi is shielded from the gore, but Hinata peers to the samurai. They exchange a glance, but no one seems to note her rumpled state.

Neji says nothing.

“...well, I will have this...mess taken care of. Perhaps we can speak of coin in the morning, after you rest?”

“As you wish. I will want to take my leave early. I’ve a long trek home, Hyūga-sama.”

“Of course, of course.” Dismissing them, the clan head retreats, his daughters in tow. Hinata manages one last glance, and Sasuke gives her just a hint of a nod and a smile.

“...do I want to know what Hinata-sama was doing out here?” Neji asks once they leave, murmuring as he closes the distance between them.

“She came to give me this.” Sasuke displays the charm. “...apparently it worked.”

“...I will not tell Hiashi-sama she was here. It will only enrage him. Had anyone else seen you two together, alone after dark?” The Hyūga shakes his head. “...imagine the rumors.”

“I didn’t even touch her,” Sasuke mutters. “...until I had to get her out of the way from those arrows. But I think Hiashi would rather her kimono get dusty than her chest impaled with a bolt.”

“My point is that she should not have been out at all,” Neji retorts. “It is...unbecoming of a lady of her stature.”

“Then tell her that, not me. I did nothing to warrant it!”

The pair stare at one another before the elder sighs. “...Hinata-sama is a shy, unobtrusive person. That she approached a stranger like yourself in such a way is...worryingly out of character for her.”

“I looked at her. Once. It was she who approached me. I did nothing to dishonor her.” Wiping his blade clean on a bandit’s shirt, he asks, “Now, are we going to clear away the bodies, or not? They’re going to draw flies come morning.”

“...very well.”

Sasuke sleeps little once the task is done, washing blood from his skin in the river and replacing his stained garments. Hiashi summons him, giving him the arranged coin.

“Should I ever have need of another samurai...I know which clan to call.”

“We appreciate your patronage, Hyūga-sama.”

With the coin in his sleeve, Sasuke takes his leave, escorted by the foreman to the front gate. “...here.”

Pausing, Neji accepts the omamori. “...I do not think she will want it back.”

“It’s hers, not mine.”

“Is this how you react to every gift? Besides...last night should have been omen enough: you need it.” He holds the trinket back out.

“...fine. I’ll hold onto it for now. But she’ll get it back eventually.”

“You make it sound like a threat.”

“...something like that.” Giving Neji a nod and a smirk, Sasuke leaves the gate behind, heading back toward the pass.

Well...now he has an excuse to see her again.

     Word count: 2929      Cumulative: 33,704      WELP, this ended up like...more than twice as long as usual, but I couldn’t help myself xD I read over the wikipedia page about samurai to try and get a better idea about them...no idea if I wrote this very accurately, but I tried. I also don’t have a verse for this, so...this is my closest stand in, lol      I’m still technically behind and need to do today’s, but ngl...this one wiped me out, and I still have a lot I owe on another blog. So we’ll see if I catch up or not, but I wouldn’t hold my breath, lol      Either way, hope y’all enjoyed! See ya in the next one~

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty-Four: Family ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Itachi, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ]

In the end...this is what matters most.

He’s been home a few years now...but home refers less to where he is, and more to where they are. His family. The few scraps left of a once-mighty clan, rebuilding and growing out of the cracked, blood-soaked ground of the compound of the Uchiha. Before the war - before his last stand began - he never imagined coming back here. Instead, Konoha had been slated for destruction. Repayment for what they took from him.

But now...Sasuke takes steps forward into a future he never foresaw. It’s not as it should be. So much is missing. And yet...there’s more than he hoped, once upon a time, when he first felt the thirst of vengeance like rising bile in his throat.

His brother. His cousin. Itachi’s children and wife. Not the perfect ending...but enough to give him hope for a future he once thought ripped from him.

The twins are four years old already - time really is flying. More than anyone else, Sasuke is soft with them. They, he swears, will have a better future than their namesakes. The sight of them always warms his heart. New Uchiha lives, nine years after the rest were taken...or assumed to be taken.

“...do you ever think about this, Sasuke?”

Tearing his eyes from his niece and nephew, Sasuke gives his brother a questioning glance. “...what do you mean?”

“Family.”

“...it’s all I think about.”

After a pause, Itachi chuckles, head bowing slightly with closed eyes. “No, not in regards to what we have...I mean a branch from you. Children. A spouse.”

The younger brother stiffens slightly. “...I…”

“I don’t mean to sound pressuring. I’m simply curious.” There’s a playful glint in Itachi’s eyes. “...that Hyūga officer you partner with seems...pleasant.”

“...Hinata’s fine.”

“Sasuke…”

“Look, I…” A hand combs back through his hair in a nervous gesture. “...I don’t know if...I could do...this.”

“...this…?”

“...be a father. Or a...a husband.”

“Why not?”

How to explain? “...I don’t know if I’m...if I’m...stable enough for that.”

Itachi’s brows furrow. “...do you fear you would hurt them?”

“No! I mean...I don’t…” Sasuke sighs curtly. “...I would never mean to. But I…”

“...you’ve gone through so much,” his brother murmurs. “...I understand. At times...being hardened for so long can make being soft seem...impossible.” His gaze moves out beyond the porch on which they perch. His children squeal as Shisui mock-fights with them, over-dramatically reacting to their blows. Or...his daughter’s, at least. His son looks more concerned than enthused.

“...but just as instinctive as combat may be for us, so too is love. If you were to find someone to call your partner...I’m sure you would do well by them. After all, if I know anything about you...you would first have to trust them implicitly. Surely, then, you’d have no reason to react poorly to them…?”

Sasuke seems to brood, also watching the scene atop the grass. “...consciously, sure. But...reflexes aren’t easy to tame. And I’m...I’m too strong to take that risk.” A palm comes to rest atop the cloth of his hitai-ate, wherein his Rinnegan hides. “...if I ever hurt them...I’d rather die. I’d never be able to live with myself.” The admission is quiet, a worry that’s weighed on him since returning to Konoha.

It’s Itachi’s turn to sigh, quiet as he mulls that over.

“Are you ever scared you’ll hurt them?”

“...no.” He turns to Sasuke, looking thoughtful. “...my biggest concern is not being able to protect them. And…” A hitch, as though debating his next words. “...I worry that I...may fall into old routines. Distance myself. Manipulate them as I see fit. My ego, when I was younger, led to me often subtly driving people to ends that would suit me. I don’t want that to happen...but old habits are hard to break. But, Sasuke…” His expression softens. “...I truly think you would do right by your family. Because...I feel that your desire to keep them safe would far outweigh your fears of doing them harm. Look at all you have done for your family. It is ingrained in you like an instinct. That, more than anything else, drives you and your actions. Therefore...I’m certain you would never lift a hand against your family, should you choose to have one. Neither consciously, nor unconsciously. But...it’s not required of you. Not by any means. What I want most for you is to be happy. Whether that be by yourself, or with someone you come to love. That is what is most important to me. To us.”

Quiet falls between them, and Itachi lets it go unfettered, seeing the gears turning in his brother’s mind.

...maybe Itachi is right. His last goal in life, now, is to protect what remains of his family. Surely that would come to encompass anyone else be brings into his life with intent to call them the same.

Hinata is...what is she? They spend time together, mostly due to their work with the police force. They see one another outside their rounds, but...there’s never been any crossing of the line between friendship and...anything else. Does she even feel that way about him? Could she?

True, they’ve lamented their pasts together, and she claims she no longer holds affection for Naruto. But surely there’s someone else. One of her teammates, maybe. After all, it’s a high statistic: teammates getting married happens more often than not. But though she mentions both Shino and Kiba often, there’s never been talk of dating...or would she reveal that to him?

...he doesn’t know how she feels.

He doesn’t know how he feels.

During his most formative years - puberty, being a teen - he had entirely different goals than most. No intentions to form bonds, let alone romantic ones. His priorities had been narrowly focused on avenging those he lost. He’s never had a relationship. Never kissed anyone...intentionally. At this point, he’s not even sure what romance is actually meant to be. He looks at his brother and his wife, and wonders if he could emulate that with someone else.

He’s struggled over the years to reconnect with his agemates. He’s on good terms with them all - or, at least, neutral. But none have truly stood out to him - not in that way, at any rate.

But when he thinks about it - truly considers the theory - it’s Hinata that first comes to mind. Does that...mean something? He enjoys her company. They work together seamlessly - they hardly even need to speak most days when things get intense. They just...react. Their battle chemistry developed quickly, and meshes well enough that he never has to question it. She’s quiet, but sweet...funny, in her own way. Unobtrusive. More often than not, they can simply sit in the silence together. Nothing else is needed but each other’s company.

At that...he makes up his mind.

Sensing the shift, Itachi glances to him curiously, watching as he stands. “...going somewhere?”

“Need to do something.”

“Don’t be late for dinner. You can bring her, if you’d like.”

Halfway through the door, Sasuke looks back to give his brother a suspicious glower before heading back through the house.

Staring for a moment, Itachi eventually chuckles to himself, looking back just in time to see Shisui heroically collapse, his daughter standing triumphantly over his corpse.

Walking swiftly through the village, Sasuke spreads his senses, looking for her soft lilac signature. It’s not long before he finds it, just exiting a yarn shop. Seeing him, Hinata comes up short, a bit startled. “Oh!”

“Hinata.”

There’s a blink. “Um...yes?”

For a moment he debates, letting her linger in silence with a curious tilt of her head. “...would you...like to have dinner with me?”

Another blink. Something alights in her expression, as though coming to a realization. After a pause of her own, she eventually replies, “...I...would like that very much.”

Well...it’s a start.

     Word count: 1335      Cumulative: 30,775      Still a day behind, but one of these days I’ll catch up xD Gotta run and get some things done, so not much to say this time around.      Go get her, Sasuke!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty-Three: Wounds and Scars ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ]

Slow, exaggerated kata take him around the training field. Like water he flows into each new pose, only to abruptly reach the end of a strike like a wave against a stone cliffside. Muscles ripple with each imaginary blow. Between the heat of the summer morning and the rigor of his routine, sweat glistens along his skin, breath deep but even through his nose. Already his shirt is abandoned, leaving him in pants, wrapped forearms and calves...and his modified hitai-ate that covers the Rinnegan. For now he’s barefoot, feeling the dirt shift beneath his feet. Something about it helps him solidify his stances.

He may not be a mission-taking shinobi any longer, but training his body helps maintain his mind. It’s harder to brood when he’s focused on the ache of his muscles and the beating of his heart. And police work still takes physical effort, even if nowhere near his full capacity.

As his father always said, your body is your most basic weapon - one you’ll never be without. Hone it like one.

Reaching the end of a sequence, he comes to a marble-like stop, holding a pose for a long moment before exhaling slowly. Drawing back into a relaxed stance, he bows to an imaginary instructor.

“...oh!”

Having already sensed her, Sasuke doesn’t react to Hinata’s startled sound. “Hyūga,” he greets, a forearm swiping at his brow, giving her a glance as he straightens.

“I...s-sorry, I didn’t realize anyone was here. I’ll just -”

“I’m finished.”

“...oh.”

Taking up his shirt, he decides to reduce it to a rag for the moment, taking off another layer of sweat until the breeze wicks away the rest. She’s avoiding looking at him directly, and he can’t help a short, curt laugh of amusement.

“...what?”

“You always so prudish, Hyūga?”

“It’s not polite to stare,” she sniffs in reply. “...and I told you, please call me Hinata. There’s too many Hyūga for you to keep track of.”

“You can look and not stare. Surely you’ve seen a bare chest before, Hinata.”

“I realize that. And yes, I have. Are you assuming I’m eager to see another?”

Oh, this is too much fun. Why is she so enjoyable to taunt? “Maybe I’m offended you don’t want to see mine.”

That gets her to look at him, brow furrowed and clearly confused. “I...what?”

He opens his arms in a displaying gesture, snorting as she spins back around. “I’m just saying.”

She doesn’t have a retort, just staring obstinately to one side.

After a pause, Sasuke shrugs. “...all right then. I’ll just get out of your way. Unless you want a sparring partner?”

“I...wasn’t planning on it.”

“...but…?”

“...but, I wouldn’t mind it.” She gives him another glance, looking pointedly to his sweat-drenched shirt. Apparently she knows he’s not about to put it back on.

“Sorry, I don’t have a spare. Unless you want to loan me yours.”

Hinata sputters, flushing red. “W...what has gotten into you?!”

“What do you mean?”

“Y-you’re never…!” A pause, and then, “...oh, nevermind!”

He just huffs another amused snort. But when she goes oddly quiet, he pauses. “...what?”

“...I just…” She seems to hesitate, gaze caught on his chest. “...that’s...quite the scar.”

A brow perks...and then the dots connect. Ah...where Madara impaled him. Technically killed him, if only for a few moments. “...it’s from the war. From my own damn sword.”

“You…?”

“Madara took it from me. Bastard.” Hands fiddle with his shirt, which he watches with a downturned face. “Apparently I was dead for a few before the sage brought me back. Naruto, too. It’s far from the only one I’ve got, but definitely the most memorable.”

“...I see…”

“At least it’s got a notable story behind it.” A dark eye lifts questioningly. “You?”

“Eh?”

“Every shinobi has the scar.”

Hinata blinks, looking thoughtful for a moment before wilting. Setting aside her gear, she (to his surprise) lifts the hem of her top, turning to showcase her left side. There, just beneath her ribs, is a large, puckered scar atop the pale plane of skin. “...when Naruto-kun was facing Pein, I...tried to intervene. Buy him some time. I was caught in a jutsu and...thrown into the ground. Then stabbed with one of those strange...black rods.”

...a memory stirs. Madara had wielded rods like that. Turned Tobirama into a pincushion with them just before he -

“It had to be healed a bit late - organs had to be tended to, first. So it’s a bit of a large scar. But as you say...it has a story.”

Stepping up, he seems to ignore her words. Instead, Sasuke considers the mark with a tilted head, fingertips reaching and feeling the rugged geography of the healed skin.

Too taken aback, Hinata doesn't rebuke him, just...watching, eyes flickering between his hand and the faraway look in his eyes.

“...bit of a foolish thing to do, wasn’t it?”

“I had my reasons.”

Coming to a stop, he looks to her. Everyone in their generation, seems like, knows about her idolization of his blond best friend. But something about that revelation bothers him. A risk like that wasn’t calculated, it was on an emotional impulse. Sure, he’s fallen victim to the same thing, but...this is different. Even if he can’t name why. “...I guess we all do.”

Eventually her gaze breaks from his, lowering to the narrow, ropey scar sitting between his ribs. If she has to guess, there’s likely a match along his back. Forgoing her grip on her shirt, she decides to pay him the same attention, running the pad of a finger along the ridge.

He watches without comment.

“...did it hit your heart?”

“Not sure, but I’m willing to bet. Didn’t take long to take me down.”

Slowly, Hinata lets her hand drop, eyes still trained upon the mark as she seems to get lost in thought.

“...guess we’re both just harder to kill that our enemies realize.”

“...or the medics we have are better than they know.”

“...that too.”

After a lengthy pause, the atmosphere seems to shift. “W-well...this isn’t getting my training done,” Hinata offers, brow wilted and giving a small, sheepish smile. “And...I don’t want to take up any more of your time, Sasuke-kun.”

“I wouldn’t mind staying.”

“It’s all right - I’m used to having some solo training in the mornings. It sort of...helps me focus through the day.”

Sasuke nods in understanding. “I get that.” Throwing his sweaty shirt over his shoulder, he moves to collect the few things remaining: namely his shoes and a water canteen. With that, he gives her a mock salute. “See you around, Hy-...Hinata.”

His near-slip twitches her lips, but she doesn’t comment. “Ja ne, Sasuke-kun.”

“You know...at least we made some progress.”

Hinata’s brow furrows.

“You wouldn’t even look at my chest, but you ended up touching it. We’ll break you of your prudish habits, yet.” Smirking, he easily dodges a lobbed rock.

“My prudish habits are just fine, thank you v-very much!”

Chuckling to himself, Sasuke consents to leave her be, hiking back from the secluded training ground toward the village. Ugh, he needs a shower… Itching absently at his scar, he chooses to ignore the slight tingle the raised flesh still feels.

     Word count: 1242      Cumulative: 29,440      Well, safe to say I like this one a lot better xD Easier prompt, and a bit more touchy-feely...literally :3c      I’m still behind, but we’ll see about catching up tomorrow. Got a lot going on on my other blog, so juggling the two things is kinda hectic. But we’ll get there!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty-Two: ANBU ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Itachi ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ]

He’d considered the position, once upon a time. After his return to Konoha, what with his brother rejoining the corps, Sasuke thought that ANBU may have been a proper outlet. Dangerous missions, masked faces, and a direct hand in stopping the greatest threats to the village he’s determined to reshape.

...but in the end, he’s glad he didn’t.

In truth, he wouldn’t have minded the role. But his current path - reforming and revamping the police force - is closer to his most critical goal. That being ensuring that the village soaked in his clan’s blood stays on a better path that he and Itachi started. While his brother and the rest of the ANBU black ops confront the hidden threats, he and the rest of the police tackle that in plain sight. He interacts directly with the villagers, regaining the trust he’s lost...and rekindling his love of the village proper. Not its dark politics or string-pullers...but the people. Those who make the heart and soul of Konoha.

Besides...if he didn’t...he wouldn’t have met her.

Well...re-met her. They weren’t the best of friends, but he knew Hinata from a young age. Hard not to as main family members of major clans, especially with their similar roots and abilities. And as the same age, they’d attended the Academy together. But there’d never been that push or pull toward each other then.

And in all honesty, he hasn’t really intended it now, either.

Despite her prior position as heiress, Hinata is now mostly a regular Hyūga clan member. Advisor to her sister alongside her cousin, she’s mostly your typical shinobi. But when Sasuke brings forth the idea of their alliance extending into his plans to rebuild the police force, she takes the plan to heart...and signs up herself.

“You sure this is what you want?”

“What do you mean?”

Sasuke nods his head toward the other gathered Hyūga currently speaking with his cousin. “...this. It’s a far cry from shinobi work, honestly.”

“Well, what about you? What makes you want to do this?”

A dark eye blinks, his Rinnegan hidden under his slanted hitai-ate. “...it’s what my family did. And I think it’s a good idea - help give the village more internal structure for law enforcement.”

“Oh…” Apparently she wasn’t expecting that answer. “...I guess I...saw you as more of an ANBU sort.”

“You’re not the first person to make that suggestion. And I doubt you’ll be the last.”

“Are you...against it?”

“No. I just think this will get me closer to what I want.”

“Which is…?”

...didn’t he just tell her?

Hinata’s head tilts, looking to him with those pale eyes of hers. “...are those really the only reasons…?”

“What does it matter to you?”

“Well, if you’re going to do this...you should take it seriously. Which I can see you are. It just seems like an undertaking that would take more...motivation than that, is all. You don’t owe me any answers, Sasuke-kun. But...if my clan and I are going to be working with you, shouldn’t we know what we’re getting into, and why?”

He heaves a soft breath. “...it’s true, ANBU do a lot of good in keeping the village safe from the outside...but I want to do something more...internal. At first I thought that meant being Hokage, but...I don’t think I’m a leader. Not on that scale, at least. What I want…” He trails off, gathering his thoughts. “...when we dissolved the old council - took away their power - we made a huge internal change. It’s now up to Kakashi and his administration to build on that. I guess...I want to start small. Work from the inside out. It’s true, there will always be shadowy places and people in the hidden villages. And my brother is managing them. I could join him, true…”

Sasuke looks to the other Hyūga. “...I guess I just want something more...real. More...tangible. Observable. Konoha is more than its most powerful, influential people. I could be one of them...but I want to take that and use it to work on the rest.”

Waiting to be sure he’s done talking, Hinata smiles. “...I think that’s an admirable goal. You have a point...there’s not a lot done on a basic level in the village. Sure, genin do bits and pieces...but most shinobi handle affairs outside Konoha. Maybe it’s time we have some dedicated to what happens inside.”

He nods...and then asks, “What about you? Why give up normal missions for something like this?”

“Hm…” Considering that for a long moment, she replies, “...I think, for reasons similar to yours. I have diplomacy training - even if I’m not heiress anymore, it was still required of me. I know how to talk with people - ensure things go smoothly. And...civilians need that when face to face with those who uphold the law, right…?” Her lips lift. “I’m used to dealing with my clan. I think that, and my abilities, would make me a decent officer, don’t you think? I can stop what happens...but also address the other details, too.

“As for a why...I just think that will be more useful in the long run. It’s true, we lost many shinobi in the war...but so too has the demand for us declined since the war’s end. The world is changing. Maybe roles like this are more suitable. More...important. Those like ANBU are still necessary, but...maybe someday, they won’t be.”

Sasuke gives a soft snort. “Job security it is, then?”

Hinata replies with a look.

“Not cut out for ANBU yourself, are you?”

“...no. I don’t think I could do missions like that. I understand that what they do needs to be done, but...it just all feels a little beyond me. I prefer what’s out in the open. You know?”

“...yeah.”

Silence falls for a time.

“...well, I guess it’s good we’ve got our alternative, huh?”

She smiles. “It is. I’m excited to get started! But also a little nervous...strange, isn’t it? You’d think after a war like the last, nothing could really phase us. But...I don’t know. It’s still a little daunting.”

“Hn...our scale of normal might be a little skewed after all that, but we’re still human. Still have our own doubts and fears. But you’ll do fine - you’re a capable shinobi. This work might have a slightly different tone to it, but something tells me it’s right up your alley.”

“Oh...well, thank you. I guess there’s only one way to find out, huh?”

His only reply is a nod.

While the work they garner in the months that follow is nothing as prestigious or respected as others, the pair find themselves immersed in just what they wanted. It’s not long before the new police force builds a shining reputation, the combined clans’ efforts rewarded as civilians and officers foster a mutual respect and camaraderie. Konoha’s streets have scarcely been safer, nor its people as content.

“It looks like the UHPF is doing fine work.”

Turning to his brother, Sasuke lifts a brow. “Heard that, did you?”

“I did indeed.”

“Funny, never hear much about yours.”

Itachi chuckles, ruffling Sasuke’s already-untameable locks. “...I think that’s as it should be, don’t you think?”

“...guess you’re right.”

     Word count: 1222      Cumulative: 28,198      Blugh, this prompt gave me trouble. While I do like the idea of Sasuke in ANBU, I don’t really have a verse for it, nor Hinata. So I struggled with how to incorporate this prompt. Tbh I’m...not too fond of this piece, but it had to get done. I’m already behind OTL So, apologies if that sort of came through in the writing, but I don’t think I could have done much better with this particular prompt =/      Probably won’t get today’s piece done today - too much to do otherwise, on top of a headache. But I’ll do my best to catch up when I can~

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty-One: Parallels ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ]

He never really had a chance to notice just how similar they are. And not just as individuals...but in their circumstances. But as he spends more time with the Hyūga, the more Sasuke finds himself surprised at their parallels.

“So your father wasn’t keen on you, either.”

Before she can stop it, Hinata gives a soft, flat laugh. “...that’s...one way to put it.” There’s a pause as she sips her tea, a pained, faraway look in her eyes for a moment.

They’re tucked in a little cafe, rain pelting against the window beside them. She’d already been here, enjoying an afternoon off, when he picked the first door to escape the downpour. After ignoring all the odd looks, he’d found the one truly familiar face and taken a seat. After a curious blink, she’d simply gone back to her book before they started tentative conversation.

“...he was disappointed in my...lack of drive. I was a very timid child.” Her lips flicker into a humorless smile. “As I’m sure you and everyone else noticed.”

“Hn.”

“...when Hanabi was born, we lost our mother. I have to wonder if he took that as some...twisted sign that she would be stronger. From the beginning he pitted us against each other. When we were young, we still remained friends, but...after I lost my title, it was...strained for a time.

“But eventually I decided to forgo impressing my father, and simply work on impressing myself. Lo and behold...my improvement accelerated.”

Sasuke gives just a hint of a nod. “...Itachi was always better than me. Our father put a lot of pressure on him from a young age. Add in his brilliant mind, he was a perfect heir from the get go. I was just a spare. Not paid attention to until Itachi began distancing himself before the coup.”

Unable to help a small flinch, Hinata has no reply save for, “...it’s a cruel thing, but...it’s also how bloodlines survive. I just wish it wasn’t still such a focus…”

“Times are changing. Maybe clans will follow suit.”

“Neji-nīsan was always the genius of our family...which made it all the more shameful he was branded.” Hinata expression hardens. “...it made me hate the seal. I always planned on eliminating it once I became clan head, but...I’m glad he and Hanabi are working together to stop it.”

“...he hated you for a time, didn’t he?”

“...he did. But it was born more out of his hate of the clan system. After the chūnin exams, we grew much closer. He helped trained me. Which is why...it was so hard to lose him. He truly is my brother. I’m...beyond grateful for every day he’s had returned.”

“...I know the feeling. Itachi and I...well, you know as well as anyone what happened between us. But now we’ve got our second chance.”

“...funny how that happened.”

“...guess it is.”

The pair of them go quiet for a time, both silently pondering the mirrored circumstances.

“...I feel bad, only learning so much of this now,” Hinata muses quietly. “Maybe...we could have been closer when we were younger, if only we’d known.”

“Hindsight is always twenty-twenty.”

Light eyes drop to the table, somber. “...you always seemed so...closed off. And I saw how the other girls bothered you. I didn’t...want to contribute to that.”

“...well, I appreciate the sentiment.” It’s Sasuke’s turn to give a flat grin. “I had plenty of nagging girls to deal with. Still do, on occasion. But most of them also think I’m unhinged. So at least that’s helped it die down.”

Hinata’s brow furrows. “...I don’t understand how anyone can be so...insensitive that way. You’ve been through so much...all of that trauma would leave anyone changed and scarred. The fact that you lived through all you did makes you strong.”

He considers her quietly. “...do I scare you?”

“...no.”

“I asked Sakura that the other day. She flinched, but said no. I hate it when people lie to my face. I’d rather have a hard truth than a soft lie.” A pause as he broods over his tea. “...granted, I did...horrible things to her. I just wish she would accept that and treat me as I deserve rather than still try to act like we’re still the kids we were.”

Silence falls for a time as Hinata mulls that over. “...it’s true, you’ve done bad things in pursuit of what you thought were the right goals. People shouldn’t...forget that. But nor should they write you off completely - it’s not like you’re unable to change. After all, how you handled the council was honestly impressive. I’m not sure I could have kept my temper as well as you did, facing the people who called for the massacre.”

Sasuke stares at the woodgrain of the table. “...it was a long time ago now.”

“But -!”

“All I wanted was to be sure it wouldn’t happen again. My brother gave everything for this village. And I want it to become a village worthy of that sacrifice. Losing my temper would only have discredited us further. I couldn’t do that.”

“...well...I still admire you for it, Sasuke-kun.”

“...speaking of, how are things in regards to your clan council? I’m sure talks with them have been pleasant.”

Hinata’s nose quickly wrinkles. “...they’ve been obstinate. All in the name of tradition.” There’s a curt sigh through her nose, eyes closing as she reins in a spark of temper. “...but I won’t get into that now. Slowly, we’re gaining ground. The seals can’t be removed - not like Neji’s was, it’s too exhausting. There’s too many. But soon, we hope to have a total ban on it being implemented. I want the records of them and their application destroyed, but…” Another sigh. “...we need them to study, to see if there’s another way to remove them that’s not so costly. But none of us - myself, Neji, or Hanabi - are ever permitting their use again.”

“How’s your father handling it?”

“...fairly well. He feels great guilt after Neji’s ordeal. It’s finally fully sunken in what his brother did, and what Neji did: taking their duties and molding them with choice rather than force. He’s been standing with us to help get the practice shelved.”

“Good.”

They fall into another bout of companionable quiet.

“...you know...I think out of all of our classmates, I can stand you the best.”

She blinks, clearly taken aback. “...I’m...glad.”

Chin cupped in a hand, Sasuke stares through the rain-slicked pane to his right. “...I’m tired of everyone walking on eggshells around me. You don’t do that. You just...treat me like anyone else.”

“...well, if we’ve learned anything today, it’s that we have our similarities. Maybe I just...understand you in a way the others might find...difficult. But surely Naruto-kun…?”

“Tch…” Sasuke scowls, eyes closing. “...he’s my best friend. We understand each other, yeah. But there’s still a lot of subtleties he misses. Both in general, and...in regards to me. And he’s obnoxious.”

Hinata can’t help a quiet giggle, stifling it in a palm. “...he’s very boisterous. Kiba-kun is the same way. He can be a little...exhausting, but he’s still a dear friend.”

“...I can tell even he has his doubts. We might have settled things after the war...but he knows I’ve still got a lot to work on. At least he seems to know it’s nothing he can help with. Not like how he’d probably want to. His boundless enthusiasm and positivity only gets so far.”

She gives a soft but weary smile. “...you have a point. Not everything is that...simple. Some things require a more delicate touch. A bit more...finesse.”

Sasuke huffs a small, humorless laugh. “At least someone gets it.”

“...well, I know I’ve said so already, what with our clans allying while the Uchiha find their feet again, but…” Hinata gives him a warm, genuine smile. “...anything you need, you can ask me for, Sasuke-kun. We’re friends, and...if there’s something I can do to help ease your burdens after all you’ve faced, then...please, do let me know.”

His one visible eye slides to glance to her, surprise at the gesture hidden with practiced neutrality.

“...I’ll keep that in mind.”

     Word count: 1391      Cumulative: 26,976      Phew, finally caught back up! Sorry for the delays - life’s been kickin’ my butt!      I adore the subject of parallels between these two These two posts are some that I think illustrate some of the big ones. So much wasted potential between these two to interact in canon. But hey, that’s what fanfics like these are for ;3      Anywho, I’ve got some more writin’ to do, so I’ll stop my notes here. Hope y’all enjoyed!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Twenty: Old Clans/New Clan ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ]

“...I have a random question.”

“Hn.”

Taking that as a signal to go on, Hinata collects her thoughts for a moment as they lounge in bed. “...um...which clan do we...call ourselves?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well…” Shuffling, she turns in Sasuke’s loose grip to face him with a slight frown and furrow to her brow. “...because...we’re both part of very specific bloodlines…? I mean...I might be called Uchiha now, but...I’m still a pure-blooded Hyūga. So…”

Sasuke blinks mismatched eyes. “...I guess I assumed Uchiha. I might not have much of a clan left, but...there’s still enough to be called a clan.”

“...but -?”

“True, prominent bloodlines don’t often mix, but...it still has to just be one or the other. And I guess since you took my clan’s name, live in my clan’s compound...it’d be Uchiha.”

Lips pout. “...what if we have a child with the Byakugan?”

“They’d still have Uchiha blood.”

“And Hyūga!”

“What, you want to make a new clan? My brother didn’t marry a Hyūga.”

“Well, no...but still…”

“If you wanted to stay a Hyūga, you should have married a Hyūga.”

Hinata makes a sound of protest at his deadpan remark. “...we could be the...Hyuchiha.” Jumping as Sasuke coughs, it takes her a moment to realize he’s choking on a laugh.

“That’s ridiculous, Hinata.”

“I just…!” She huffs a sigh. “...I don’t know.”

“You don’t want to be an Uchiha?”

“That’s not it. I don’t think that’s it? I don’t know!”

“You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.” An arm slings over his eyes. “...look. There’s a lot more Hyūga than there are Uchiha. So how about, to make things fair, we say Uchiha.”

“But I don’t look like an Uchiha -?”

“Neither does my brother’s wife. Just…” Sasuke heaves a heavy sigh. “...call yourself whatever you want. But we can’t just...make a new clan. Besides, if you think about it, we already were, in a way, one clan. We’re both branching bloodlines from the Ōtsutsuki. And no, we’re not calling ourselves that, either,” he adds preemptively.

“I wouldn’t want that name, anyway.”

Considering her for a few moments, he asks, “...what brought this on in the first place?”

“I don’t know...it was just a passing thought the other day.” She turns until she stares up at the ceiling with pale eyes. “...I guess...I just wonder what your clan’s future is.”

“Hn...so do I. There aren’t any pure-blooded Uchiha women, so...we just have to make due. If anything...I guess integrating with the Hyūga line does make the most sense. I can’t really know how the genetics will react, but...given our shared roots, I’d guess they’d have the best chance to keep mine going, at least in relative terms.” He mimics her stance. “...I don’t know if there’s much future for the bloodline. The kekkei genkai. But honestly, I’m not too worried about that. Something tells me the others aren’t either.”

“...oh?”

“...our line has known a lot of sorrow. Our very abilities have grown to feed off of it. Do we really want something like that to keep going? The Sharingan is, admittedly, a rarely-paralleled tool in battle. But there’s hope that this future won’t have as much violence or war as the past. The fourth was meant to be the end of it all, one way or another. There’s a lot of talk of what it means to be a shinobi without war...without an enemy. Sure, there will always be bad people to fight. But as time goes on...if we truly do change...what will that mean for shinobi? Bloodlines? Kekkei genkai?”

Hinata gives him a glance. Apparently this has been on his mind before...in much more serious ways than hers.

“...when I was young, I dreamed about reviving my clan. I know now that’s not really possible without resorting to some serious inbreeding. And I want my family to be healthy above all else. Happy.” It’s his turn to look to her. “...the Uchiha are less of a clan, now...and more just a family. Call yourself a Hyūga if you want. The only other title I hope you’ll want to keep is that of being my wife.”

Unbidden, Hinata feels tears spring up along her lids, stiffening slightly as emotion overcomes her.

“...why are you crying? Please don’t cry...it’s too early for crying, Hi-”

Rather than reply, Hinata contents herself with flopping atop him for a hug. “Of c-course I’ll keep that title, s-silly. Always.”

Ah...he accidentally pushed an emotion button. He seems to do that with her a lot. Relaxing with a sigh, he lifts arms to embrace her back. “...then that’s all that matters to me. Now...are we going to lie in bed all day, or get up and do something useful?”

“I don’t feel like being useful right now…”

“...is that because you’re crying?”

“...maybe.”

“...all right. First you have your cry, then we need breakfast. I’m starving.”

“If you’re hungry, you need to eat!”

“I can wait.” Pause. “...or I can go start while you…” Awkward pause. “...do what you’re gonna do.”

That gets her to snort. “Okay…”

Sliding out of bed, Sasuke throws on a pair of lounge pants and shuffles groggily into the kitchen. Days off really do him in - he’d much rather just get up the same time every day, but Hinata doesn’t share the sentiment...and hates being in bed alone in the morning. Hence their usual routine of hanging about until she feels like getting up. It's nice in a way, but a little disruptive of his schedule, otherwise.

But then again, it's one of those tiny sacrifices you make when you love someone.

Thankfully he knows well-enough how to cook, starting a simple breakfast while he waits. The clock says it’s not too awfully late. He should be able to get a full day’s worth of stuff done. As for what that will be...he’s not sure yet. But there’s always plenty to do. And if all else fails, he’ll try to find someone to spar with.

“Mm, smells good.”

He jostles slightly as Hinata comes up behind him, leaning against his back lazily and hugging his waist. “Should be done soon.”

“Mm…”

Realizing she’s probably dozing against him, Sasuke waits a moment before adding, “...wife of mine.” He grins as she gives a soft sound of indignation, clearly burying her brow against his spine as she chastises him for working her up again. Apparently he’s discovered a bit of a secret weapon...not that Hinata is the hardest to fluster or embarrass. Quite the opposite really.

It’s...cute.

Eventually he finishes their breakfast, shuffling with her still attached to his back to the table. “...do you want me to sit on you?”

Another muffled complaint before she finds her own seat. With a sleepy, “Itadakimasu”, she quietly digs in, not noticing him watching her for a few moments before doing the same.

....clan or no clan, he has what he wants. Anything else...doesn’t matter anymore.

     Word count: 1189      Cumulative: 25,585      III am still behind...whoops. This prompt gave me a little trouble, but hopefully this both works, and was good to read! Hyuchiha is a term a fellow SasuHina shipper friend of mine utilizes a lot, so I had to throw that in there for them x3      Anyway, I can’t make guarantees about catching up tonight, but I’ll give it my best! I don’t like to grind drabbles out too much cuz it burns me out. Either way, thanks for reading, and see you in the next one!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Nineteen: Jealousy ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Haruno Sakura, Uzumaki Naruto ] [ SasuHina, NaruSaku ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ]

He doesn’t like to call it jealousy. Jealousy is a petty, insecure thing. And Uchiha Sasuke is not insecure.

...though he may, in some small ways, be just a little bit petty.

It’s hardly unheard of to run into his teammates while out and about. Konoha may be big, but so too does it crawl with people he knows, whether it be as well as the rest of squad seven, or just acquaintances he knows by face, if not by name. And anymore, he has quite a few outings with Hinata. Another unsuspicious thing, given that they are, indeed, dating.

...but still…

Like themselves, Sakura and Naruto tend to travel in a pair. That, at least, doesn’t bother him in the slightest. They suit one another, he thinks. Both loud, obnoxious, but with good hearts. Just like he and Hinata are quiet, unobtrusive, and fairly good people.

...perhaps she more so than him, some days.

...most days.

Today they run into one another along one of the village’s busy shopping district streets, the dark-haired couple just emerging from a door as the others pass by. Without pause, Hinata (a few paces ahead of him, carrying her bags) gives a greeting, asking how they’re doing, what they’re up to.

Cocking a hip and preparing to wait, Sasuke leans against the building, expression cool and hands in his pockets, handles looped around his wrists. And he watches.

She’s so good at talking to people. Which, admittedly, wasn’t always the case. There are few who weren’t aware of Hinata’s reclusive nature as a child. But time and experience have helped temper her hesitation. She quips openly with Sakura, making plans to see them again (something he’ll have to put up with for her sake). Naruto then chimes in about how they haven’t seen each other in a while - feels like they’re all so busy!

And then he...hugs her.

Sasuke’s one eye narrows ever so slightly as Naruto’s blooming height reaches down and gives the little Hyūga a warm embrace. She smiles, laughs a little.

Something clenches in his chest.

“So, we’ll see you Friday, then!”

“Yeah for sure!” the blond replies, grinning. A hand reaches to the back of his head to scratch. “It’ll be good to spend a little time together, eh teme?”

Broken from his broodings, Sasuke blinks. “...sure.”

Sakura makes a small sound of disappointment, planting hands on her hips with a forward lean. “Don’t sound so enthusiastic, Sasuke-kun. It’s not like we’re going to be torturing you.”

...aren’t you? “...we should get going, Hinata.”

Looking to him curiously, pale eyes blink, clearly a bit taken aback by his wanting to leave. “...all right. I guess you are carrying all the bags - here, let me take some.”

Wordlessly handing them over, Sasuke gives the others a curt nod before they head down the roadway.

Silence hangs for a few minutes. Only once she’s sure the others aren’t near enough to overhear does Hinata ask, “...what was all that about?”

“What?”

“You sounded...annoyed.”

“Dealing with those two is exhausting. Something I have to build a buffer for.”

In spite of herself, she laughs softly. “I know...but still...are you sure nothing’s bothering you…?”

His one dark eye glances to her, trying to see if she’s cheating and reading his chakra flow. “...I just want to get home. Shopping’s not my thing. Didn’t want to just stand around and chat when we’ve got things to do.”

Another pause.

“Sasuke-kun...you aren’t jealous, are you?”

There’s a clench of his jaw. “No.”

“...are you -?”

“Look, maybe it’s a little hard to see you and Naruto act so buddy-buddy sometimes.”

“...but -?”

His mood is souring, and he wouldn’t admit this otherwise, but he’s already said too much. Might as well just go all-out. “...I know you cared about him. That you loved him. And I know that sort of thing isn’t so easy to let go off.” He’s seen someone else close hang onto a love even after the atrocities her heart’s desire had done. “...maybe I’m worried you’ll...fall back into that sometime. Don’t you feel that way when Sakura talks to me?”

For a time, Hinata goes quiet, and that only serves to make him more...nervous.

“...no. I’m never jealous of Sakura-chan.”

He gives a snort of disbelief.

“...because I know you never loved her. Just like Naruto never loved me.”

...oh.

Watching the ground as they walk, it’s clear she’s mulling over her words carefully. “...Naruto-kun was...everything I wanted to be. Confident, not caring what people thought, without the burdens I bore. I wanted that freedom, that ability to love myself and turn my back on all the bad things people thought about me. But…” She sighs, shoulders wilting. “...eventually, yes, that turned into a crush. And maybe something more than a crush. But...I think I was still just chasing what he had. He was getting so strong, and everyone was rallying to him. As I was. And while it’s true, I do still care about him...I know now I don’t feel about him as I did before. Naruto-kun is a wonderful person, and he’s a good friend. But...he’s not someone I want to spend the rest of my life with.

“What I have now - how my life has changed - isn’t quite what I envisioned when I was young, and when I idolized him. I gave up being heiress. I no longer want to impress my father...I just want to be myself, and be strong for myself. My clan is moving in a better direction...one I helped start. And I have a job now that lets me feel...appreciated. Useful. More involved with my village. It makes me happy.”

Turning to him, she gives him a warm smile. “...and you make me happy. I have everything that I want, even if it’s not what I started out wanting. I’m...content. And I wouldn’t risk that for a moment. I don’t want you to feel...uncomfortable around Naruto-kun when I’m there – he's your best friend! I hope you know...I don’t have any intentions of ever chasing after him again. That’s in the past. And you...you are my future.”

Silent as Hinata speaks, Sasuke can’t help but swallow thickly at her last words. He glances aside, trying to disguise his faltering expression.

Gods he’s an idiot.

Averting her eyes as not to make him uncomfortable, Hinata instead gently weaves fingers with his own, feeling his grip clench tightly. “...let’s go home - it’s getting late. I need to make dinner, and you need to be ready for your early shift tomorrow.”

“...so do you.”

“Which is why I’ll be right beside you.”

     Word count: 1124      Cumulative: 24,396      Welp, another one a day late - yesterday was a rather not great day, sooo I thought better to try today as not to let that tamper with my writing~      Uchiha certainly never get jealous. Jealousy is beneath them! They just...are very protective of what’s theirs. That’s all x3 They also don’t get teary-eyed when their girlfriends get mushy. Nope. Not at all.      I’ll probably do today’s ACTUAL prompt later on this evening. I’ve got a lot to catch up on my RP blog, too. But I should (gods willing) see y’all again tonight with today’s drabble!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Eighteen: Dreams ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Hyūga Neji, Uchiha Itachi ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ]

What remains when one’s life dream finds its end? What is left of a person’s purpose - what more do they have to accomplish when all they prepared for...is lost?

For both Sasuke and Hinata...such questions plague them at the war’s end.

Hinata reunites with her family, her cousin’s life returned by hands claiming a debt. The Hyūga have a long path ahead of them: the horror that is the Caged Bird Seal has no place in a world so changed. Neji’s sacrifice - nearly his last - opens the eyes of her father...and they begin motions to bring the practice to a halt for good.

It’s a hard-won accomplishment. She’s detested the seal for years, since it made an enemy out of her most beloved cousin. Time and time again she has seen her father wield it like a weapon. She may no longer be heiress...but she and Neji both advise her sister to move ahead with the times, and eradicate the practice.

She finds herself happy at the change. One she helped bring about. Her family is whole again, leaving behind pieces of their dark past.

...what does that leave of her future?

Meetings with her agemates are weary, but had with smiles. They’re lucky to be alive. But among them is a bond now awkward.

Naruto seems to avoid her. She knows why. Between her actions during Pein’s invasion, and the war...her feelings have been laid bare, more than clear.

But he doesn’t seem to accept them.

...she isn’t...sure what to do. Hinata knows letting one’s happiness depend entirely on one person is foolish. Unrealistic. But though they had at least been budding friends before...it feels like even that is now a bygone dream. She had hoped to - in any way - remain by his side.

But he doesn’t want her there.

So...where does she belong?

Sasuke faces similar feelings of exclusion. Everyone treats him like a bomb with no visible fuse: just waiting for him to explode. Part of him can’t blame them: he knows how unstable he’s been. But so too does he know his treatment over a lifetime has warranted such a broken psyche. It will be a long while before he can heal.

But at least he doesn’t do it alone.

He too has family returned to him by the same giving hands. And to him, more than anything...that’s what truly matters. Itachi’s life, much as his was to his brother, is worth more than the village to him. And it always will. True, they work together to begin purging Konoha’s shadows: addressing the massacre and exposing the truth. No longer will the Uchiha be dogged by their past. They seek a brighter future.

But...what exactly does that entail?

He isn’t sure.

For so long - more than half his life - his only goal has been to kill the man he now stands proudly beside. They are on their way to cleansing their pasts. But when Sasuke looks ahead now, he sees...nothing. No goal, no path. Just a void with no direction.

He is lost.

He tells himself he wants a clear future for his family. His brother’s children, and his own...someday. But can he really find himself close enough to another person to raise a family? Sakura...is not for him. Not now. Perhaps she never was despite her wishful thinking. He can’t bring himself to hate her...but nor can he ever truthfully claim to love her. Their differences are far too stark. There are too many parts of himself he can’t allow her to see. Allow anyone to burrow to.

And he sees the way she looks to Naruto, now. He’s...happy for them.

Will he ever be happy for himself?

Perhaps it’s a trait of wandering paths, to eventually cross. Not that such a thing is unlikely in their case. Hinata and Sasuke’s circles overlap a great deal. There’s little avoiding one another. But it’s only now, with their eyes no longer trained on their goals, that they can begin to see...something else.

It starts innocently enough. A common topic - their restored brother figures - is the first thing they reminisce. The uncertain but brighter futures for their families.

The loneliness they feel.

They tread around one another carefully - after all, until now, they’ve been relative strangers. But between similar natures and similar stories, they can’t help but find common ground...which in turn opens their curiosities, and their trust.

They have so much aligned, in ways few would likely ever guess.

And once they realize it...they both admit to their greatest insecurities:

“Where do I go from here?”

Neji serves as an advisor to Hanabi alongside Hinata, also helping integrate the branch house into their new, unified family. But there’s still a kind of disconnect. No longer does Hinata dream to be heiress – the only person she wishes to prove herself to, is herself. Any change she hoped to bring is already in motion: though she helps, it can continue on without her. What is left for her to do?

Itachi rejoins the ANBU - does as he always has: serves the village in the shadows. Sasuke has tried reentering the mission pool...but something just feels...amiss. And not just the looks he’s gotten from teammates. Even solo assignments feel lacking. But how else can he help ensure Konoha’s safety...and that it never again strays down the wrong path that led to his losses?

...and then it hits him.

The old building is gone...they all are. So too is the force that once occupied it. But Sasuke still remembers his father’s pride and joy: the Konoha Military Police Force. Those that helped ensure the laws within the village...much as his brother does outside. They kept the peace and helped the citizens feel safe. Maybe...they can do so again.

But there are so few Uchiha left. He can’t do this by himself. The once-watchful eyes of his clan need bolstering in their numbers.

Who else better than those with such a similar gaze?

He brings his proposal to Neji: reinvent the police force under both their clans’ banners. Let their eyes watch over the village. Give those of them feeling unfulfilled a new purpose again.

Himself foremost.

The advisor seems intrigued, and promises an audience at their next clan meeting. Sasuke presents his case...and is bolstered when many show an interest. They begin preliminary talks between themselves, and then with the Rokudaime.

Kakashi is just happy to see him look so driven again...and this time, with good intentions.

Itachi praises the idea, promising full support and compliance with his own ranks of the ANBU. The administration pledges a new building, and the revival of the proper training.

Together, the brothers will keep watchful eyes over the village that once tried to drive them to ruin. So too will their allies in the Hyūga. And perhaps Sasuke’s feeling of disconnect can fade, working so closely with the people of the village his brother died to protect. They may, in time, come to mean just as much to him as they do to Itachi.

They take their first round of recruits three months after he speaks to Neji.

To his honest surprise...Hinata is the first at the door.

“...what are you doing?”

“...giving myself purpose again.”

“What about your sister? She needs your help.”

“Neji-nīsan is a far better advisor than I’ll ever hope to be. She has a view from the main house already in herself. He tempers her with the branch house’s side. I’m...unnecessary.”

Sasuke makes to retort, but she quiets him with an imploring glance.

“...I want to make a difference in this village. My clan has found their stride. So has yours. Maybe here...I can, too.”

He considers her for a long moment, seeing the determination in her eyes. So...she’s finally let go of what used to be. No more heiress, no more Naruto’s shadow. She’s sought her own strength, and seeks to use it in a way she sees fit.

...sounds familiar.

“...all right, Hyūga. You’re in.”

“There’s going to be quite a few of us here, you know. Calling me Hyūga might get confusing.”

There’s a curt snort. “...fine. Hinata.”

“...I look forward to working with you...Sasuke-taichō.”

     Word count: 1381      Cumulative: 23,272      Phew, got this done just in time for bed xD       I actually haven’t plotted Hinata’s role in ALAS too much. Especially since I’m thinking of reworking a few things about its overall plot (not that I’ll ever write the whole thing). But I really do enjoy the idea of Hinata joining the UHPF (Uchiha-Hyūga Police Force). Neji, I think, makes a good advisor for her sister. Which leaves her at a bit of a loss as to a purpose.      Sasuke, I’ve known since the epilogue’s beginning, wants to revive the PF. It’s just a little hard to do alone. Hence asking their allies in the Hyūga for help. And I like the metaphor of those with dōjutsu helping keep watch on Konoha from threats interior.      ...anyway, I’m rambling. I need sleep, lol - but hope y’all enjoyed!

[kusunogatari-a]

[ SasuHinaMonth Day Seventeen: Angst ] [ @sasuhinamonth ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina, blood mention, death mention ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ]

“What are you going to do with your life, Hinata? Do you have any ambition in that empty head of yours?! You’re a high school senior - you haven’t picked a college. No ideas for a major. All you do is spend all your time out of the house doing God knows what. If you don’t get your act together, you’ll be out on your own - I won’t abide a layabout under my roof. Then we’ll see how quickly you start taking on the real world!”

Shut up shut up sHUT UP!

The treads of her sneakers grind against the pedals, propelling her faster and faster. Where? She doesn’t know. Anywhere but there. Anywhere but home. If she can even call it home anymore. It hasn’t felt like home in a long time. Rain soaks into her lavender hoodie, chilling her to tremors. But still she doesn’t stop, venting her rampaging emotions through strain and effort.

Even now, her father’s words echo in her head like some kind of demon over her shoulder. What does he know about her life? He never asks - never cares. The only person he spends time on is his younger daughter. Miss perfect. Miss right the the second time around. Miss doesn’t look like their dead mother.

...why does it feel like she’s the only one who misses her?

Hiashi wonders where she goes all the time. She wishes it was to see friends. Go to the mall. Anything normal. But she doesn’t have friends. Has too much anxiety for the mall. So she spends time with the one person who cares. The one place she doesn’t feel so out of place.

Her mother’s grave is a somber, but serene place. There, Hinata can talk about...anything. Everything. She tells her mother her worries, her accomplishments...everything her father will never hear. Would never want to hear. Hanako listened when the boy she liked kissed her ex-best friend at homecoming freshman year. About her anxiety attack during an oral exam - one that cost her her grade, and forced her to repeat the class. About the rumors, the whispers, the shady looks from the corners of everyone’s eyes.

She’s tired...so tired. Of all of it. Her sister’s gloating, her father’s indifference beyond her reputation as it concerns his. Her school where no one cares, earning grades that don’t matter. She barely makes it through her days - how can she plan for those five, ten, fifty years in the future?

All Hinata wants...is a day. One day. Without anyone and their expectations.

Head craning back, she lifts her face to the rain, coasting down a small residential hill. If only she could pedal forever - take this bike to a better place. Somewhere she’d feel like she belonged.

Her eyes are closed for just a moment. Just long enough to miss the stone in the road that flings her bike askew. Her balance is lost, tipping and skidding along the pavement. Thin jeans quickly give way to friction, skin tearing and metal clattering.

All it takes is a moment.

For a long minute, she lays on the sidewalk, dazed and uncomprehending. Then the pain slowly builds, worming its way up through the shock and the cold of the rain.

...shit.

Dizzy and disoriented, she struggles to sit up, not noticing the wet, slapping footsteps approaching at a run.

“Hold up - let me help you.”

Hands start pushing, pulling - maneuvering her into a better position. Still fogged, she doesn’t resist as arms take her up from the concrete. Several minutes disappear as she surrenders, surfacing again and realizing she’s on a couch...inside. It smells like clean, foreign house...and Febreeze.

She’s alone…?

Managing to bring herself upright, there’s a hiss as several road rashes protest. Her jeans’ knees are threadbare and bloodied, speckled with grit. Her palms are similarly mauled, a few places along her forearms and elbows in no better shape.

“Shit, Hyūga - you look even worse than your bike.”

Turning and swaying, Hinata blinks as she spies a classmate: Uchiha Sasuke. How did he…?

“Picked a hell of a place to crash. Saw the whole thing through the kitchen window. Lucky I did - had to peel you off the sidewalk. Here…” Stepping up to her seat, he takes a knee, a bucket of warm, bubbly water wrung from a cloth.

“W-wait, you don’t have to -”

“Just hold still.” Carefully, he starts clearing away the debris, glancing up as she flinches. “Yeah, it hurts - but you don’t want all that shit in there. Hold tight.”

Doing her best to hold her bearings, Hinata bites her lip as he mops up what he can from her knees. Then on to her arms. He’s...oddly delicate. Funny, he doesn’t really seem the type. Mr. Cool Guy at school - quiet, distant, with a major case of resting bitch face.

“How’d you wipe out so bad, anyway?”

“...I’m not sure. It...happened really fast.”

“Hn…” Still focused on an elbow, he murmurs, “...guess the road was wet. Maybe you hit a puddle or something. Threw you off.”

She doesn’t admit to having her eyes closed - he’d probably think her stupid. Instead, she just stares numbly at his work.

“...so what’s going on with you? Normally you’d be all stammery and apologetic, right? You’re too quiet, even for a wallflower.”

...she didn’t think he knew her that well. “...just...having a bad day.”

“Hence riding your bike in a downpour? That’s some top-tier angst if I’ve ever seen it.”

Her expression turns cool. “...you’re hardly qualified to talk. You don’t even know me.”

“No, but I still see things. Hear things. Pretty clear you’re in a shitty place. Sure you weren’t looking to crash that bike of yours?”

Her throat tightens against a retort.

Finished cleaning her up, Sasuke gives her a look. “...true, I don’t know you, Hyūga. Maybe it’s none of my business. But given you literally crash-landed on my doorstep, maybe it wouldn’t kill you to open up. I can listen.”

Hinata gives him a wary look. “...w-what do you care?”

“Dunno. Maybe I’ve got nothing better to do. Maybe I’m tired of watching you self-destruct from a distance. Maybe I don’t want to see you lurking in a graveyard like a wannabe goth anymore.”

“Y-you -?!”

“I’ve got parents in there, remember? I’m there a lot. But not as much as you, if I had to guess.”

...well this is embarrassing. So he’s been watching her hide with her mother, seen her reclusion at school, and now he’s just watched her completely biff it on her bike. Meanwhile, she knows almost nothing about him beyond his general reputation. “...my mother is there. I...visit her often. Nothing else to do.”

He just gives a hum.

“...w-why do you watch me so much?”

“Because you think no one does. Everyone else is struggling to be the center of attention. You avoid it like a plague. Consider it intriguing.”

“Or maybe you’re just a nosy jerk.”

“This nosy jerk just saved your ass from laying in the rain and getting a chill after nearly knocking yourself out. Would it kill you to trust someone, Hyūga? I don’t want anything from you. I just find you interesting. You’re not like anyone else I know.” A pause. “...I’m gonna make you some tea. Then we’re gonna wrap those injuries. And you’re gonna keep your butt on that couch until I do.”

Her brow furrows, still confused. “...I didn’t think you were the n-nursing type.”

“My sister-in-law is a nurse. She’s taught me a few things, whether I wanted to learn them or not. Lucky for you, some of it stuck.”

It takes a few minutes, but eventually she has a cup of black tea, cradling it as he considers her legs.

“...you’re gonna have to take your pants off.”

She nearly spits. “W-what?!”

“I’m not gonna wrap over your jeans. Either that, or I hack them off. They’re ruined, anyway.”

Still startled, she thinks for a moment. “...yeah, just...c-cut them off. I can sew a new hem and make them into shorts later.”

“Got it.”

Once the fabric is out of the way, he lays down disinfectant-doused gauze before securing it with medical tape. Soon her arms match her legs, and he’s done.

“...so.”

“...so…?”

“C’mon, Hyūga. It’s clear you’ve got no friends. You gotta talk to someone.”

She bristles.

Before she can retort, he adds, “...and I mean someone who can listen. Reply. I get venting to the dead is therapeutic, but...it’s not the same as talking to the living.” He gives her a calculating glance. “...give it a try before you go off the deep end.”

Pale eyes flicker between his dark ones. Part of her is loathe to tell him anything. As soft as Hinata is...she’s stubborn. And he’s being such a jerk! Sure, a helpful jerk, but...still!

...and yet…

There’s something in the base of her gut that wants to open up. Spill all her secrets. It’s a little strange, she’ll admit, how he seems to have already been paying attention. Given his own following, she’s never bothered. The only thing she knows is that he’s Naruto’s best friend...and she’s tired of thinking about Naruto. Tired of a lot of things.

Slowly, her countenance loses its defensive edge. She softens, looking less stubborn and more torn. Maybe he’s right. Maybe...she just needs someone to listen. Her mother’s done what she can, but...it’s just not quite enough.

So, after one last hesitation, Hinata draws a deep breath...and talks.

     Word count: 1620      Cumulative: 21,891      I didn’t think I’d get this done tonight - had a really rough day and put it off until waaay late. Didn’t help the vague prompt left me a little at a loss. But then I just started goin’, and...here we are!      So far, I’ve noticed I write more from Sasuke’s POV...like a lot, lol  - so here’s something more Hinata-centric! I don’t write modern too much, but...I tried to imagine how her canon struggles would translate in a modern setting. I think she’d have a tough time of it. And Sasuke, I think, would be pretty understanding. He’s not the best therapist, but...he’ll give it his best shot, lol      Anyway, it’s suuuper late where I am, so...time to call it a night! Hope y’all enjoyed - I’ll try to reply to a few comments I’ve gotten the last few days tomorrow when I’m more awake. Thanks for all’y’all’s support. As hard as it’s been to write lately due to some irl struggles, I’m really enjoying this ship month and getting back into fanfic writing a bit more. And the positive feedback has been super encouraging, so...thank you~ <3      Also super sorry for the typo in yesterday’s heading - I didn’t catch it before some peeps reblogged, but it was (obviously) day sixteen, not six. I was tired, okay xD