Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto!

AN: First thing, thank you so much for the reviews! I actually got a lot of flamers, so thank you to the people who had something nice to say!

Second thing: So I realised after coming back to this story after years, and rereading it, that I messed up the timeline for how I wanted this story to go. So, for people who read this ages ago, Hinata/Naruto are 20 not 18/almost 18 anymore. The war ended sometime when Naruto was 17. This is obviously about 3 years after that. Also, since I started this story years ago, before knowing the outcome of the war and everything it may or may not match up with Shippuden.

Now that we're up to speed... Enjoy. :)

Mistake
R e construction
Chapter Seven: Touch

She was quieter than him now, Naruto realised as Hinata sat across from him in his apartment. They cleared his little coffee table and moved it to the centre of the room. A pillow for each laid to the side if they needed the extra cushioning as they sat, drinking.

He had to make it up to Hinata for what he almost did.

Not had, needed to.

A coffee for him, a tea for her. One casual, one refined. Naruto could see the scales tipping as she took a small sip and calmly placed the cup down. He a little too quickly topped up her cup like any gentleman would, and some spilled over the sides. Her nose scrunched in barely-there mirth as she glanced at him.

Well, the dynamics were different, Naruto thought. It was good. It was normal. It's how life should be, regardless if he had dated Sakura or not.

Resting an elbow on the table to hold his head up, the slouched position made his back press into the couch behind him. His unit was entirely too small he recognised. The acceptance of Hinata's words that a house didn't make a home, made Naruto think. It really wasn't a question if his unit was another reason as to why Sakura left; he could change so many things but not who he was. It would have never helped the relationship, he would never be Sasuke.

But, his life did need upheaval. There were things that he could do to make him a better person, to make him happy again. He had too many memories here and his unit was old. Ironically, it survived the war.

"I'm thinking of selling this place," Naruto said cutting into the comfort.

Hinata looked over the rim of her cup, halfway between a sip.

"Ok," she said and placed the cup down. She seemed to watch the steam swirl before finally looking at him again. "Are you sure?"

"Well yeah, I mean—"

Hinata cut him off, "—this isn't a rash decision? You aren't doing this because of… you know?"

He squinted at her unhappily. "Sakura. Her name is Sakura. You can say her name around me."

She looked back down at her cup and Naruto calmed down. Not allowing her to draw away, he reached over, clasping her hand. She flinched, looking back at him. It was rare for Hinata to touch him willingly since that night, Naruto noticed.

"Hinata," he said soothingly. "It's ok. I need to confront this. I know me and Sakura won't get back together." He paused a moment, thinking. "And I know what me and her had wasn't ideal."

He smiled sadly and continued, "I accept that she probably never felt what I felt for her."

Hinata pulled her hand away from his to press the tea to her lips, remembering the ghost of his.

Placing the cup down again and staring into the tinted liquid, she said in almost a brittle-like tone, "I have a mission later."

Not knowing what changed Hinata's mood, Naruto went with his gut instinct. "Hey, that's awesome! Right?"

Then he thought again and said, "Your gonna be alright, right? What rank is it?"

Almost like flipping a switch, her face gained a warm expression at his worried tone. "I'll be debriefed later—"

"—It's been ages since I went on one, think Granny will let me join? Can you put in a good word for me?" Naruto asked, butting in, excited at the prospect, also covering up that he was scared she'd disappear. She wasn't allowed to be smoke.

"I'll try," she said, and her eyes widened when she spotted the time. "I need to sort out some clan matters today before the mission."

Almost jumping out of his seat, leaving to the kitchen, and then already standing to the side of her, helping her up by supporting her elbow, Hinata was incredibly concerned that he wanted to join her. That he was so keen on helping her. His excitement was so infectious that she didn't know how to tell him that he shouldn't come.

Her arranged marriage wasn't a secret per se, but the fewer who knew the better. Legally, Hinata needed to be over twenty-one to smoothly annul the contract. She still needed to gain more time with her elders and didn't need outside interference.

Being pulled out of Naruto's apartment with the jingle of old keys, she mumbled about the cups needing washing.

"I can do that later, Hinata. Let's do what you need to get done!"

Looking at him as he talked about inconsequential things as he ushered her to the busiest part of Konoha, she could see, although not completely healed, that he was coming to terms with his grief and it's many stages. She felt proud.

He... wouldn't need her help anymore.

"Alright," he said, pulling them to a halt in the middle of the market district. People barely avoided them from the suddenness. She moved that little bit away from him. "So, what you need?"

Before Hinata could respond, her name was called from across the road. Both Naruto and she turned to the voice. Naruto visibly deflated, Hinata didn't understand Naruto's reaction to Ino's appearance. He purposefully placed his hands on Hinata's shoulders and tried to steer her away.

"Hey! I know you saw me! You can't keep Hinata all to yourself!" Ino shouted, her pace getting faster. Ino had her apron on which foretold that she was in-between working at her family's flower shop. Gardening gloves were poking out of the main pocket.

Cocking his head towards Ino, Naruto became perplexed. "Wha— no! Hinata has a mission later and she's in a rush today," he tumbled out.

"Right," Ino snarked.

Seeing this could turn for the worse, Hinata pitched in. "It's true," she said, waving her hands, almost like a barrier.

"See!" Naruto said a little too loudly and Hinata pushed on his chest, nearly like a warning. There was an instant where he just stared at Hinata's hand. Hinata could swear something internal changed within him, and his eyes became a little brighter.

Hinata pulled away. To Further dissipate the situation, Hinata asked Naruto if he could pick up a few items.

In fascination Ino watched Naruto walk away to get what Hinata asked from one of the shops. "He's very helpful now, isn't he?" Ino stated.

Hinata bit the inside of her cheek. "Yes."

Ino's brow furrowed in confusion. "It's different. Not like he used to be before the whole Sakura ordeal, though. He's almost like a puppy around you." Ino's words sharpened, "You flinched. What happened?"

"Nothing." Hinata instantly lied, thinking of that night when Naruto was very, very drunk. Hinata wasn't so sure Ino believed her and was close to uttering her troubles.

"This is some weird stuff your family needs, Hinata," Naruto said as he suddenly appeared next to them again, holding all the stuff she said she needed. Holding up a porcelain plate with intricate designs, his face pulled. "I mean, what do they need with one plate and some tiny cloths?"

Obviously shifting with the conversations new direction, Ino knew the predicament Hinata was in with her clan. Seeing the delicate linework, stitching, and quality, Ino instantly knew what Naruto was holding. Ino poked Naruto in the chest, berating him about questioning the private, inner workings of clan business. Clan business was intricate, and he should know this for when he becomes Hokage.

He pretended to wipe away a tear with one of the cloth napkins. "You truly believe it. I'm going to be Hokage."

He poked his tongue out as Ino laughed, swiping him across the shoulder. Hinata wasn't so sure how hard Ino hit him by what Ino asked of Hinata before Naruto returned. Ino was protective of her friends after all. Naruto rubbed the spot with a petulant look.

"No way, it was just practically insinuated after the war." Ino said sarcastically. "How's the studying Tsunade is making you do?"

Naruto thought about the papers he and Hinata moved off his coffee table this morning, and how he dumped them into the small linen closet.

"Good."

Not quite believing him, Ino's face turned stony.

Hinata quickly intervened. "It was nice seeing you Ino, but I really am pressed for time today," Hinata said, half bowing, half going to hug her out of awkwardness. "I'll see you later."

"Yeah, you will!" Ino said as Hinata and Naruto walked—scurried—away.

Distance furthering, Ino watched as Hinata tried to take the items from Naruto who seemed very adamant about holding everything for her.

It was a peculiar group standing in the Hokage's office. Tsunade looked at the occupants over her clasped hands, frowning. Hinata hadn't arrived yet.

"Kakashi, Sakura, Neji, since Hinata hasn't arrived yet, I'll tell you what she already knows," Tsunade said.

Sakura was the only one to straighten as Neji already had impeccable posture, and Kakashi would never show a damn.

"As some of you may know, Team Eight has been, for lack of better word, tracking Sasuke since the war," Tsunade paused, glaring at Sakura when she went to open her mouth. "We know that he said he wanted to 'atone for his sins' or whatever but—"

"—but Shishou," Sakura stated, "Sasuke has done nothing wrong since. He served his time in jail."

"Do not interrupt me!" Tsunade snapped, standing up suddenly, slamming her fist on the desk. The chair made a loud slapping noise when it finally fell from the abruptness.

Sakura jumped, quietening down.

"Sakura," Kakashi said calmly, "Sasuke was gone for years, and after being pardoned, he left again quite soon. It doesn't give much room for people to trust him again, considering."

Tsunade nodded, and Kakashi continued, "besides, there would be a reason why Tsunade would be issuing such measures."

Sakura looked down, bracing one of her arms like a half hug. It could have been due to the subject matter or to the subtle berating. She could hear the logic behind the words, but she and Kakashi were there. She healed both Naruto and Sasuke at the Valley of the End. Naruto sorted Sasuke out. He got through to him. This wasn't making sense.

There was knock on the door and Hinata slowly entered when she realised the tension in the room.

"Sorry for being late," Hinata said with stilted softness while bowing. "I had clan matters."

Neji glanced at Hinata with an odd expression and then back to Tsunade.

Tsunade accepted Hinata's excuse, getting back to topic. "Alright, since we're all finally here, Kakashi, Sakura, Neji and Hinata, I want you to find Sasuke and bring him home. If it comes to it and he resists, kill him," Tsunade said firmly.

Sakura's spine straightened at the order. "Shishou, what reason do we have to be suspicious of him!"

It could be seen that Sakura's objection was further thinning Tsunade's temper.

"Recently direct reports from him have been intercepted by rogue ninja. This is odd considering he seemed to take great care in delivering them one way or another." A thoughtful look befell Tsunade as she continued, "he is a high risk. I will allow you to find out why this is happening, Sakura. But, no questions will be asked if it ultimately does come to the inevitable. He has been given many chances."

Sakura felt aghast, bright green eyes looked around the room for a way out. "What about Naruto? Why isn't he here? He should be here!" She questioned without thought.

Blandly, Tsunade replied, "he is not fit for missions."

Sakura soured from the look she was given.

Tsunade's mood was now dampened for the remaining day. Thus the next bit of news was said more bluntly than she would have liked, "since we're on this topic, this is why Neji is here. Due to circumstances, Hinata, after this mission Neji will be taking your spot regarding Uchiha missions... If it doesn't reach the inevitable."

Hinata tried to be expressionless but felt the tightening of her lips. Although indirectly said, her replacement could be taken in two ways. It could be due to Naruto or her forced marriage, Hinata suspected one of her clan elders talked to the Hokage recently. She hoped Tsunade wasn't taking her off missions permanently. If it was due to Naruto, that would be ok. Hinata could see the reasoning behind Tsunade taking her off these missions. Hinata was spending a lot of time with Naruto, it could be a conflict of interest. She nodded in agreement.

Hinata could see the power difference in the room compared to Team Eight. This team was still tracking-worthy, but it had the brute force needed to capture Sasuke if it came down to it.

"There have been sightings of Sasuke on the southern border. I want you to leave within the hour. Good luck. Dismissed." Tsunade sharply finished, giving no room for more insubordination.

Once the others left, Tsunade took her time to straighten the room before addressing why Hinata was still there.

"Lady Tsunade," Hinata said, she wasn't sure if she should bow out of respect again considering how Sakura addressed her, "regarding Naruto and missions…"

Hinata faulted. What right did she to correct the Hokage's judgment on Naruto? It was only a few days ago when Naruto was drinking himself silly. But Hinata could see him. The stubbornness. The determination. The want to crawl out of the ditch he dug himself into. She had to try.

"I think Naruto is ready to go on missions again."

Hinata wasn't a fool to suggest this mission as Naruto wanted. If he knew what the mission was about, Hinata knew he wouldn't cope. He already lost one thing he loved. In every other sense, Sasuke was like family to Naruto.

It would kill him.

Tsunade made a humming noise. Hinata knew that would be the best she'd get out of the Hokage currently. Hinata wasn't as close to her as Sakura and Naruto were. Sakura was Tsunade's apprentice. She was like a daughter, she could get away with pushing Tsunade's buttons. Hinata only just started training under Tsunade and it was nothing to do with being a Shinobi and everything political. Hinata and Tsunade's tying bond was this village and Naruto.

"Thank you for your time," Hinata said dutifully, leaving.

It had been days looking for Sasuke. The humidity was high today and all the group wanted to do was have a cold shower to rid of the sweat. Hinata was very much in the background, only relaying information when Kakashi or Neji asked regarding previous missions. How her team usually found Sasuke, where they found him and what distance they kept from him, so he wouldn't know they were following.

Hinata found it exceedingly awkward being around Sakura. So many times, she had to bite her tongue from asking a question.

Why did you not accept Naruto's proposal?

How come you stayed with him for so long?

Do… do you still love Sasuke?

And if so, then why did you agree to a relationship with Naruto?

Hinata's hair was sticking to her face, neck, and arms as she stood on a thick tree branch close to the team, waiting for Neji to tell them if he spotted Sasuke. Kakashi's summon led them into the thick of the forest before losing the scent and going back, waiting to be summoned again.

Changing directions, they came to a clearing, abruptly stopping. The sun glared down on them as Sasuke waited on the other side of the clearing, crouched on a high branch. Hinata had to crane her neck to look at him.

Sasuke stared unblinkingly. "Hinata Hunga. It's been a while," he said flatly and then finally looked at the other people.

His unnerving stare went back to Hinata. "I see Hokage has finally become distrustful."

Team Eight came that little too close to Sasuke once by accident when they were tracking his trail. By how at ease, for lack of better word, he seemed to be with her currently, she wondered if he always knew when Team Eight was following him.

He smirked as Kakashi's clone snuck up behind him and said, "Tell the Hokage I'll come soon."

And he disappeared as the clone went to grab him.

Hinata felt the blood underneath her skin crawl and saw the worried expressions on everyone's faces. They failed.

"Kakashi! Get your summon!" Sakura spat out as she channelled chakra, trying to sense Sasuke. Kakashi was already one step in front of her when the sound of a pop happed on her last word.

"Find Sasuke," Kakashi said as soon as Pakkun and the other ninken appeared. The dogs instantly sniffed the air.

Hinata watched it all in slow motion, knowing it was futile. Turning to Neji as the expression on Sakura's face started to break, she saw how his Byakugan was activated.

"Stop."

Neji instantly did at her whisper. It felt like gasoline filled Hinata's mouth as she said it again. Louder, sharper, trying to stop Sakura's unravelling. Kakashi and Sakura froze.

"There is nothing else that we can do," Hinata said almost like an apology. "We should go back home and report to the Hokage," she finished off, ever so gently.

The downtrodden group was finally home. The familiar road, the thinning of trees, the blue flowers growing around an old bolder that jutted a meter out from the track. The gates that could be finally seen.

Naruto was there. Walking through the gates, towards them. Kakashi would have been the first person he saw if it was any guess by his smile and wave. It felt like a strike was coming directly towards her in slow motion when his blue, blue eyes move from Kakashi to the person behind. The instant facial shut down. The emotions that fleetingly crossed his face, the confusion.

It felt like Hinata was walking through mud.

Then something stubborn touched his face, and his shoulders loosened. He looked away from Sakura, briefly glanced at Neji before settling on Hinata.

His face lit up to something she seemed to have long forgotten. To an expression she'd never seen him direct towards her before. She stopped walking as he got closer. Barely a breath away, he stopped.

The silence stretched between as he analysed her from top to bottom, only pausing on a scratch as they stood, her team walking further away. The bags under Naruto's eyes had lightened, showing he was taking care of himself better since she left.

"Welcome home," he said in a surprisingly quiet tone.

"Thank you," Hinata said back, unsure what else to say.

He stood a little too close, but she held her ground, proud of Naruto. She didn't want to ruin his obviously good mood, considering he didn't fly off the rails after seeing Sakura.

"So," he said briefly, "I have a mission. Thank you for that."

Hinata blinked at his grinning face. "I didn't say much—"

He cut her off stubbornly, "—doesn't matter what you said. Still, thank you, Hinata."

A very small, hesitant smile crossed her face and then surprise washed it away as she got pulled into a hug.

As soon as she felt Naruto's warmth, it was already gone. She had no time to react as he moved around her, continuing the distance from Konoha. From her.

"Oh also!"

She quickly faced him.

"I bought a house! You'll have to help me when I get back from my mission!" He said, waving, and he was gone.

Hinata was left staring.

She felt like she was sinking.