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“So...you’re sure about this?”
“I am.”
“...are you sure your father’s okay with it?”
Hinata gives Sasuke a look tempered with a weary smile. “...we discussed it. As...traditional as the Hyūga are, I think I’m of the age - and experience - to make a decision like this for myself.”
He doesn’t look so convinced. “...I don’t want you putting your reputation on the line for my sake.”
“Who says it’s just for your sake? I want to do this.” Heaving a soft sigh, Hinata thinks for a moment. “...I’ve nearly died several times, and I’m barely twenty. Maybe not atypical for a shinobi, but...it made me realize several things. Life is fleeting. And...so is happiness. You make me happy, Sasuke-kun. I’ve wasted a lot of my life chasing after things I thought I wanted...only to realize they aren’t what’s best for me. I don’t want to spend any more of my time chasing things. I want to have them. I know that you make me happy. I know I want to be with you. So...why wouldn’t I want to live with you?”
Sasuke goes quiet for a moment. There’s several things that come to mind. One is his reputation...it’s bad enough they’re together. But having Hinata in the compound will only solidify her place with them more. There’s also the traditionalism of both their clans. True...his brother went about things rather untraditionally, and no one’s making a fuss. But…
...what truly bothers him the most is the risk. Sure, people might dislike Hinata for associating with the Uchiha, let alone Sasuke...but there’s also those who have been angry. Making threats. The ones he and his brother have yet to root out of the shadows and put a stop to. If she takes this step - if they go this far - there’s likely no turning back.
But rather than voice this for the umpteenth time (he’s always trying to ensure she knows what she’s getting into), Sasuke just heaves a heavy sigh. “...all right then. You can move in.”
Immediately, her eyes brighten, a smile blooming across her face. Leaping, she latches arms around his neck. “...thank you, Sasuke-kun. I promise it will be fine.” Retreating from the crook of his shoulder, she gives him a smile so warm it makes his heart flutter. “...I can’t wait to wake up beside you…”
In spite of himself, Sasuke goes a bit pink. “...yeah. Me too.”
Moving, thankfully, doesn’t take much. Hinata’s not one for things, and all her belongings are easily sealed into scrolls, and unpacked back at the little house Yamato built for the younger Uchiha brother: one of only three in the otherwise-empty compound. The day is spent putting things where appropriate, Hinata reminiscing over that trinket or another.
“So...you really don’t spend much time in here?”
“Nah...at least, not until now,” Sasuke admits. “Shisui and I have spent most of our time since he got back in the manor. It just feels...safer that way.”
That gets her to wilt. “...I see…”
“...sure, we can protect ourselves. Shisui, Itachi and I are strong. But we’re still all that’s left of the old clan. Itachi’s kids are great, but they are halfblood. And vulnerable…”
Hearing the worry in his tone, Hinata gently sets a hand atop his own. “...we’ll be all right. Surely, eventually...things will settle down. People will have better things to concern themselves with. And we can go about our lives.”
Sasuke doesn’t reply...he’s not so sure. But for her sake, he glances up and gives a small smile. “...I hope so, Hinata.
“...I really hope so.”