The Most Beautiful Bitter Fruit

chapter twenty-five; a notion of peace

Hinata woke up with an aching pain throughout her body. Her head pounded, and her muscles felt weak. The smell of cooking food touched her nose, giving her hope as she realized where she was.

Sasuke was back, and she prayed that he wasn't taking off again. She would be forced to give up on him, if he did.

The man poked his head out of the kitchen to see her struggling to sit up. He came over and assisted her.

"All I really have are eggs," he told her. "Rotten meat won't help you." A playful smirk touched his lips, and she simpered, allowing herself to lay back on the pillow.

"No, no rotten meat for me," she mumbled. "Eggs would be okay, though. Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

"Yeah," he grumbled, returning to the kitchen. Hinata watched him with a content smile. Despite the pain in her body, it felt good to be with him again. She knew that he was being overly kind because he felt bad about her situation, but she was willing to accept that. When she tried to move, that thought was reinforced. Having no chakra wasn't going to be an easy change to accept. She had been deluded from shock the day before, but after a good sleep, she was more aware of the severity of her situation.

"Sasuke-kun," Hinata murmured.

"Hold on," he spoke. After a moment, he came into the room with a plate of eggs. He sat on the bed and she hesitantly accepted the food. "What is it?"

Hinata wore a childlike pout as she poked at her food. Hesitantly, she raised a bite into her mouth and struggled to swallow.

"They're garbage, aren't they." Sasuke stated. Hinata blushed and shook her head.

"No, of course not," she stammered. "I was just thinking... What if I never get my chakra back?"

Sasuke grunted and crossed his arms over his chest. "You will. If Naruto doesn't figure out a way, then I will."

Hinata set down the plate and hugged her arms. "But what if-"

"What if, nothing," he cut her off, standing up with squared shoulders. "You'll get it back."

When he let the room, Hinata sighed. She knew Sasuke was trying to be as nice as he could, and she appreciated that. What she really wanted to ask was if she were to never get her chakra back, would he stick around or not. He was with her then, but under the assumption that she would certainly be getting it back. As always, Sasuke was adamant, confident, everything that she felt she was not.

She shook her head. It isn't fair of me to assume these things, she thought. Right, I'm different now. No longer so insecure. Sasuke said he wasn't leaving.

But he said that before, too...

The Uchiha came back into the room. Seeing the look on her face, he sighed.

"You're too easy to read," he informed, sitting on the bed. She reluctantly met his stone gaze. "If you don't get it back, my feelings won't just disappear."

Weakly, she nodded. "Mine won't, either."

"Then there is nothing to worry about."

Forcing a smile, Hinata shoved her feelings of doubt away. She would trust him again, like she had trusted him before. Like she had trusted Naruto, her father, and even Sakura, because if she didn't put faith in anybody, then she would surely be alone for the rest of her life. Believing him one last time was a risk she just had to take.

Sakura trotted through the streets of Konoha with her head hung low. Naruto had left with Shikamaru, Kakashi and some Anbu members to speak to the leaders in the Rain. Her fiance had been distant the night before, and understandably so. She felt guilty, because she had lied. Because Naruto was right.

She still felt for Sasuke. She knew she always would. That was the sole reason why she wanted Hinata to leave him; because she was jealous. Hinata had what Sakura had always longed for. For years, almost her entire life, she had craved Sasuke, and only him. She reminded herself that Hinata felt that way towards Naruto.

And now I'm carrying his child, wearing his ring on my finger. I stole him from her. I deserve this.

With a sigh, Sakura composed herself and knocked on the ex-Hokage's door. After a moment, Tsunade answered; she was so much older than her, yet was still so young looking and beautiful. Upon seeing her student, the blonde woman immediately knew.

"What's going on?" she inquired, placing a firm hand on her hip.

"I need to talk to you," Sakura said. Tsunade eyed her with suspicion, but allowed her entrance to the home. She seated Sakura in the living room and prepared them a pot of tea. When she brought it over and sat down, the pink haired girl was still solemnly staring at the ground.

"What's this about?" Tsunade asked, and Sakura faltered. She wanted to confide in her teacher, but Hinata's welfare needed to come first.

"Something happened... To Hinata."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

Sakura cleared her throat. "She ran into some trouble in the forest. She was attacked by some men from Amegakure. They sealed her chakra, Tsunade-sama."

The woman crossed her legs and closed her eyes for a moment. "The situation with the Rain has gotten worse, then," she scowled. Sakura nodded, and Tsunade sighed in irritation. "I knew Naruto was too young for the job. I should still be in charge-"

"It's not really Naruto's fault," Sakura intercepted. "Some information about the Rain had been withheld."

"By Hinata? I find that difficult to see."

"I would have, too, but..." She bit her lip, before taking a deep breath and blurting it all out. "Hinata is in a relationship with Sasuke-kun. She's been sneaking around with him on missions and they ran into some trouble with Amegakure. Hinata withheld the information because she didn't want anyone to find out about Sasuke-kun." Sakura stared her teacher firmly in the eyes, waiting for a response. Tsunade shut her eyes again. Despite her appearance, the woman had grown older, and was less hot-tempered than she used to be. She was still so wise and powerful, and Sakura considered what she said. Maybe, Naruto was too young to be Hokage. It had been him who had set Hinata up with solo-missions that were too dangerous for her skill set. He had been the one to order Sasuke to silently protect her in the shadows. Before Sakura could finish her thought, Tsunade spoke.

"Hinata is in a relationship with the Uchiha?" she queried in a calm, yet irate manner.

"Yes."

"And how do you feel about that?"

Sakura hugged her arms. "It doesn't matter how I feel... I just, I need to know if you know anything about chakra seals."

Tsunade studied Sakura's face for a moment. The pain in it was evident, but she continued through a breath of exhaustion. "Fair enough. There are some rare jutsus or seals that can cause chakra to be put at bay, but I don't know what I'm dealing with, so I'll need to observe her."

"She's hiding somewhere with Sasuke-kun... I have no idea where they are. Naruto told them to stay away from the village while he goes to the Rain."

Tsunade's eyebrow twitched. "He left?"

"Yeah, this morning."

The woman rubbed her forehead in exasperation. "All right. When you figure out where Hyuga is hiding, bring her to me."

"Right," Sakura nodded. She stood up and bowed. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama."

"Sakura, wait," she stopped her as she headed for the exit. "You're handling this well. Like a professional. Better than I would."

"Y-Yeah," she stuttered, blushing. "Thanks."

"I made a bath for you," Sasuke informed, entering the room. Hinata looked up from her book and smiled warmly.

"I may need some help getting there," she said shyly.

"With your clothes, too," he muttered.

"Not that," she giggled. Sasuke walked over to her, and to her surprise, scooped her up bridal style.

"Oof!" she exclaimed. "I didn't mean you had to carry me."

"Too bad." He smirked. He brought her into the bathroom, shrouding the both of them in a comforting warm steam. He set her on her feet and undid the belt around her waist.

"H-Hey," she protested. He ignored her, fully removing the belt. She allowed the robe to fall off her body, but hid her breasts and crossed her legs when he tried to study her nudity.

"What?" He raised an eyebrow. "It's not like I haven't seen you naked."

"It's embarrassing," she affirmed, grabbing his shoulders and turning him around.

"Seriously?" he groaned, before sighing in defeat. "Fine. Have it your way."

Hinata smiled at his back before she stepped into the bath, and when she was fully emerged in the water, she gave him permission to turn around.

"Not nice," he mumbled. She smiled warmly and leaned her head back, basking in the warmth of the water. Sasuke sat down against the wall and stared at her.

"You're going to stay in?"

"Unless you want me to leave."

"No." She took her arm out of the tub and reached for his hand. He accepted it. Her frail hands, which had been so cold, were now warm from the bath. It made him feel oddly accomplished.

They sat in silence for some time. Hinata rested her eyes, and he simply watched her. If she fell asleep, it would be okay. He just wanted that moment to last as long as it could.

"I almost left you," he accidentally spoke. When Hinata didn't stir, he assumed she was sleeping. "You're ridiculous, sometimes. And childish. But you're the only woman I've ever liked." He laughed at himself, feeling pathetic. "Why would I want to leave?"

"Because you're silly," she cheeped. His eyes snapped to hers, seeing that they were half open and sleepy, albeit full of admiration.

"I thought you were sleeping," he grumbled. He dropped her hand and crossed his arms over his chest.

"I was faking it," she grinned.

"Idiot," he muttered. She shut her eyes and drifted back into her mind. The steam from the bath helped open her lungs and clear her hazy thoughts. Sasuke shuffled up to the bathtub and submerged his arm in it. He felt the contours of her silky shoulder, hoping that his touch would ease her. Even if she told him otherwise, he felt responsible for the pain she was in.

"It should have been me," he said, and she peered at him through thick lashes.

"If it were you," she brought her hand to his, "then it would have been both of us." He rested his head against the sill of the tub. "And if I never get it back," she continued. "Then it would still be worth it."

"You're supposed to be the positive one," he grunted, pulling his arm from the water. They enjoyed the stillness for a short while. Sasuke moved back to the wall and allowed his head to hang back. "Once this is over, what do you want to do?"

Hinata sat up and brought her knees to her chest. "What do you mean?"

"I don't think I want it to go back to the way it was before," he explained. "To sneaking into your apartment and only seeing you on missions."

Hinata took a moment to absorb the statement. "I still don't understand," she spoke nervously, unwittingly taking offense.

"I want to stay with you." He looked away. "I think I want you to live with me."

His eyes had been shut, but when Hinata said nothing, he opened them, unsure what to expect. What she displayed was a twisted look of disbelief, as though he were mocking her, and he growled in irritation.

"I'm serious," he asserted. "If you want to say no, just say it."

The corners of her mouth lifted. "N-No," she sputtered. "I'm just surprised." She ducked her head for a moment so he wouldn't see the complete smile of relief on her face. She raised her face again, attempting to contain herself, though failing. "I would love that," she spoke breathlessly.

"Really?" He cocked an eyebrow. "But... You know I can't live in the village."

"Right," she trailed off. Of course he couldn't live in the village. He hated going there. Hinata nodded understandingly. "Then we'll live here," she declared. His eyes flickered to hers.

"You would really live in this dump?" he inquired, laced with disbelief.

"Well... We could fix it up. And it isn't too far from the village, so... If it works for you, it will work for me."

"And your family?"

"I'll tell them, but..." The corners of her eyes crinkled in grief. "It doesn't matter. They've already disowned me."

Sasuke let out an exasperated sigh. He tried to comfort her when he could, but he couldn't relate to all matters. His family never disowned him, they died. He felt it an appropriate time to stand up.

"Where are you going?" she asked softly.

"To get a drink," he responded. Hinata nodded. Getting out of the washroom was a good idea for her, too, before she melted into the bathtub.

When she exited the heat of the room, she was welcomed by coldness. Reading her mind, Sasuke started a fire in the fireplace. It hadn't been used in months, and left of a strange smell that was quick to burn away. Summer was over; before long, warmth would be more scarce.

Wearing the same robe as the night before, Hinata sat down on the bed and watched as Sasuke left the kitchen with two glasses. He went into a cupboard and took out a bottle of alcohol. He set the glasses down on the nightstand. He was about to pour the liquor into one of the cups. Hinata opened her mouth to object, but to her surprise, Sasuke stopped himself before she needed to.

"No," he muttered. "Don't need it." He put the lid back on the bottle and tucked it away to the safety of his cupboard. He took away the glasses and returned to her curious stare.

"That's a first," Hinata commented. He sat beside her and and quickly snatched her hand.

"So is this," he mumbled with uncharacteristic shyness. Hinata smiled. A first, she thought, and hopefully a last.

A knock at the door shook Sasuke from his sleep. He rose his head, thankful that he had decided against the whiskey the previous night. Hinata was curled in his arms. Carefully, not to wake her, he slid away from her grasp. The girl was in a deep sleep and didn't so much as stir as he walked to the door.

Naruto waited for him on the other side. Sasuke hushed him. He pushed past the blond and shut the door behind them. Naruto was alone, and the guilt stricken look on his face said nothing but bad news.

"What's going on?" Sasuke asked.

"They have a technique that will heal Hinata." Naruto said. Sasuke knew better than to sigh in relief yet. "But," the Hokage continued. "They're refusing to do it."

Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose in discontent. "What will it take?" he questioned.

"You," Naruto answered. "They want you."

"And what did you tell them?"

"That it isn't an option."

Sasuke thought for a moment. "It is an option," he grumbled under his breath. Naruto shook his head.

"No, it isn't."

"Then what else am I supposed to do?" Sasuke questioned, his frustration quickly peaking.

"You really care about her, don't you, Sasuke?" Naruto asked through an elongated breath. His former-teammate looked away.

"Yeah," he said after a short reticence. "I do."

"I do, too. I'm not going to let it end like this." Naruto's eyebrows knotted. "Hinata deserves someone who loves her, like I wasn't able to."

Sasuke was silent. He glanced over his shoulder, and through the window, could see between the cracks in the drapes that Hinata was still sound asleep. He cleared his throat and turned to his friend.

"So what do we do?"

"Hinata is one of our own... The village will fight to protect her."

"It's my fight, Naruto."

"It's my fight, too."

Sasuke was quiet for a moment. "Then we'll go together," he said, almost as a whisper.

Naruto's eyes flared to his in an understanding only the two of them could recognize. "Infiltrate, just the two of us."

Sasuke nodded. "No casualties."

"We'll sneak in and grab the bastard who wrote that jutsu."

"I can trap him in a genjutsu and force him to fix her," Sasuke trailed off. "But the problem is, getting in and out of there undetected is a pain. When you went and spoke with them, who was their representative?"

"Some big dude with red hair."

"That's him."

Naruto touched his chin in contemplation. "So we just need to get that guy. I can try to arrange another meeting outside of the village, but last time, he was heavily guarded."

"Then bring the same team you brought last time. Made it look normal. I'll sneak out of the bushes and catch them all with my Sharingan."

The Hokage scratched the back of his head. "Well, I guess it's worth a try."

"Unless you want a full blown war with them, it is probably the best course of action. It's doubtful the village will retaliate without their leader. All of their citizens, even the military, seem miserable at best."

"Okay..." Naruto trailed off. "So it's settled then. I just have to consult with Kakashi and Shikamaru."

"All right."

The blond turned away. "I'll be back tomorrow..." Behind his shoulder, he peered through the window, seeing his ex-girlfriend peacefully resting from reality. "How is she?" he asked softly.

Sasuke glanced at her, then to his friend. "She is taking it well. Better than I would."

"Me, too." Once more, he turned away, positioning himself to take off. "Look after her, Sasuke," Naruto said, before leaping into the air and out of sight.

A/N: Guys okay I'm so sorry for not updating this for like... months! And this chapter was pretty short and uneventful too, I'm sorry if its shit :( I really was having writers block with this fic... Like, bad. lol. I guess that's what happens when you plan a story out poorly. :/ I hope it didn't disappoint you guys too much!

I totally understand if you don't want to review, but I would really appreciate it if you did. I know the chapter didn't contain much. I wanted to write more, but it's been so long since I've updated, I needed to get something out there to let you guys know that I have not given up on this story. It will see its end.

ANYWAY, thanks for not giving up on me or this story. I will be posting the next chapter much sooner than this one, I can promise that much. :P

Please review!