Two Lives, One Love

### Summary

Hayate and Hitomi meet for a date at the Sakura Festival and encounter several of their friends and Hayate's grandparents. Hayate later transports them to the Valley of the End for some much needed alone time.

### Main Character/s

* Hayate Uchiha
* Hitomi Hyūga

### Location/s

* Land of Fire
* Konohagakure - Various Locations
* Valley of the End

Pale hues reflected back at her as she gazed into the mirror. Her hair was wet as she rolled it about and tried to get it into the right position. Each time it failed, she only growled in frustration. For a moment, she thought she sounded like Kuro when he scented a piece of raw beef. It caused her to sigh softly and place her hands down on the vanity counter a moment. Her eyes closed and she began counting while a water droplet streamed down over her face from the left side.

“Why are you getting so worked up over this?” She said to herself as she looked to her reflection. She had placed on a perfect garment for the festival. But then again, it wasn’t just the festival that she was going to. Hayate was taking her so she had to look her best for him. The thought of him and his tousled hair that fell into his face here and there made her smile and catch her bottom lip with her teeth. How that man affected her, she was never quite able to point out. But there were times that she really didn’t want to know. She liked who she was with him and how he made her feel. It was because of him that she picked out the dress that she was wearing. A cross between modern sexy and old tradition, the perfect combination for the young woman that was going to be enjoying the festival with her gentleman.

A buzzing came from her phone as it sat on her dresser. Once more, she had her hair twisted to the side and it was finally coming together as she placed the hair piece in her mouth and reached for the phone.

‘Don’t forget to place lip gloss on.’

Hitomi rolled her eyes and put her phone down. She loved Rin as a sister but there were some times that she just hit her up at the wrong time. Placing pins in her hair to keep it still, her phone went off again.

‘Did you get the lilac oil for your hair?’

Fighting with pins and trying to keep her hair where she wanted it was aggravating enough. Now she was getting pointers from her best friend while she was trying to get ready. Finally getting her hair the way she wanted it, she finished off her whole look with a few hair flowers that had some ribbon. Then her phone rang.

“Yes?”

“You shaved your legs right?” Hitomi rolled her eyes and plopped down on the bed with her hand going across her forehead.

“Rin.. I am going to the festival with Hayate.. Not the local hotel.. But yes. I shaved my legs.”

She heard an excited giggle on the other end.

“What are you laughing about?”

A squeal came across the line.

“You two are so adorable!!!”

Hitomi could only close her eyes as she tried to keep herself calm.

“Rin, we’ve been seeing each other for a few months now. You’re acting like we just started dating last week.”

“I’m just excited. You are my best friend and I want the best for you even if I can’t give it to you. Because you know that I’m the best at everything.” She said in a mocking tone what caused Hitomi to smirk.

“I don’t know, Hayate is a rather nice kisser… “ She heard a gasp on the other end of the line.

“Hitomi Hyuga! Don’t make me come over there and kiss you just to prove I am better at it!”

That got her smiling.

“I’ll have to decline that offer, Rin. Hayate will be here soon and I have to finish up.”

She could hear the audible sigh on the other end.

“Fiiineee… I’ll catch you later. AND I WANT ALL THE DETAILS!”

Smiling Hitomi laughed softly.

“We’ll see. Bye Rin.”

Hanging up the phone, she took a deep breath and let it out. She pushed off the bed and walked over to the dresser once more. Taking a small vial of lavender oil, she placed a few dabs behind her ears, on her wrists and after a few moments debate, she placed a dab in the center of her chest between her breasts that were only accentuated more with the dress that she was wearing. A light dab of lip gloss went across her lower lip and she was ready to go. She wore no other makeup. She didn’t think she had to. The man had confessed that he loved her when she looked like hell and he was lame with a broken leg. There was no need for the false beauty when the true beauty was so much nicer.

She walked to the living room and picked up her teacup from the table. Standing, she looked out the window and smiled seeing the beautiful pink blossoms that filled the trees. The moment’s peace was nice as she sipped her tea and waited for Hayate to come calling.

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Hayate sat on the end of his bed contemplating calling the whole thing off. He had a rare day off from duty, and he was taking Hitomi out to the Sakura Festival for a treat. But with the combination of nerves, and his phone constantly going off from Rin texting and calling him, he felt like he was losing the plot.

'Did you remember to shave?'

'Have you brought her flowers?'

'Did you tell her you were looking forward to it?'

'Did you arrange a time to pick her up?'

His phone went off again but he ignored it as he put on his boots, then taking a glance at it. 9 missed texts from Rin. He sighed and picked the phone up, but as soon as he did, there was a knock at the door. Raising a brow, he got up and wandered over to the door. Had Hitomi come to him? It seemed rather unlikely. Unbolting the door, he opened it and a shrieking Rin ran inside.

“Ok, have you combed your hair/brushed your teeth/put deodorant on/used aftershave/made sure your clothes are clean/picked out a good outfit/planned an itinerary/shined your boots etc etc etc????”

Hayate stood there as Rin fired off question after question at him, moving around the apartment like a whirlwind, rolling his eyes at her.

“I need to know these things!” she said. “Think of me as your life coach!”

Hayate raised his brow at her.

“You also advocate drinking before 9am.”

Rin grinned at him.

“Only on special occasions. Or y'know. Stress.”

She squealed loudly, making Hayate wince at her supersonic pitch as she threw her arms around him and hugged him tight.

“Rin, would you quit it? We've been on dates before.”

Rin answered with a massive grin on her face.

“I knowwwwww, but you're both going to the Sakura Festival, and it has to be perfect! Oh you two are so adorable, I could just eat the both of you up.”

Hayate playfully pushed her away.

“Come on, I've gotta get going, get out of my hair.”

Rin sighed happily, then straightened up.

“Did you get her flowers????”

Hayate drooped his shoulders slightly. “I was going to pick some up from Yamanaka's on the way.”

Rin's temple began to twitch.

“You didn't.....get her.....flowers.......”

“Relax, I said I'm going to get some now! Besides, it's not like they'd be for you!”

Rin prodded her brother in the chest.

“But they would be for me. I'm like.....” she paused in thought. “Hitomi's spirit animal.”

Hayate looked at her painfully.

“Her spirit animal? That's the best you could do?”

Rin tittered and padded his clothes down.

“I'm just so excited!”

Hayate rolled his eyes at her.

“I would have never guessed. Anyway, piss off, I've got to leave.”

Rin narrowed her eyes and shook her head while pursing her lips before making her way to the door.

“You better treat her well, she's telling me everything!” she said, laughing before she shut the door. Hayate breathed a sigh of relief, checking he was ready before leaving. As he had said, he stopped along the way at Yamanaka's, browsing the selection as Inoju appeared from the back stores.

“Hey Hayate.” she said cheerfully, waving at him. “Looking for anything in particular?”

Hayate waved back to her.

“I don't know to be honest, flowers aren't really my thing. Any suggestions?”

Inoju cradled her chin and hummed, before seemingly arriving at a conclusion.

“You're taking Hitomi to the Sakura Festival right?”

Hayate frowned slightly.

“How did you....” He cut himself off as he spoke the answer.

“Rin.”

Of course. Inoju grinned as she carried on with her suggestion.

“How about some Sakuras? We got the first batch in today?”

Minutes later, Hayate walked out with a fresh boquet of Sakuras, heading for Hitomi's place. Upon arriving he coughed several times, making sure his voice was clear, before knocking on the door and waiting outside.

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It had been quiet in her apartment as she sipped at her tea so there was no mistaking the clearing of his throat that Hayate did before knocking on the door. Placing her tea on the coffee table, she walked over to the door and took a deep breath before she smiled and opened the door. Her heart began to pound heavily in her chest as she looked up with pearlesque hues to the man that was able to steal her heart away in an instant. Her cheeks flushed a bit  and a smile that could rival the sun crossed her lips.

“Hi..”

Her voice was soft and whisper like while her metal fingertips clinked lightly on the door handle.

“Would you like to come in for a bit before we go?”

She tilted her head slightly as she pushed the door open a bit more revealing her kimono that was a cross between modern and traditional with her hair done with twists and flower decorations that matched the fabric of her garment. She tried to keep the nervousness under wraps while she waited but she was completely sure that he could see it in her eyes and the way her chest rose and fell. Mentally, she had to tell herself to calm down her breathing or she was going to end up passing out.

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The door opened as she stood there in a flowery kimono, with her hair done and flower decorations accompanying her look. He felt slightly underdressed as he gazed at her, standing still like he was frozen to the spot.

“Hi.....” he repeated back to her, seemingly entranced until she spoke again, inviting him inside. He stepped inside of the apartment, closing the door behind him. He then turned to her, taking his left arm and wrapping it around her waist, placing a kiss upon her lips.

“Here, I brought you these.” he presented the flowers to her, hoping she would like them. Although they had been at Inoju's recommendation, so he was sure she would. As his body was next to hers he felt her heavy breathing and chuckled at her, kissing her once more.

“Are you ok?” he asked, taking care to not press against her too tightly. “Do you need to sit down?”

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Her heart continued to pound when his arm went around her and the feeling of his lips on hers was felt. Almost completely lost in the simple touch of his kiss and his embrace. How could she have possibly not get lost in the feeling of his touch. It was her dream come to life every time he touched her. Slowly her eyes opened and she looked to the flowers. It took her a moment to actually see them from being in her own little fantasy world. A smile came to her as she took them and smelled them. Her hues looked over the blossoms of beautiful pinks and whites.

“So beautiful… Thank you..”

She smelled them once more and lifted her face to kiss him again after he began to laugh. She felt her face flush a bit more hearing his question.

“I’m alright. Just a bit nervous, I guess.”

She moved her fingers over the lapel of his top, kinda straightening it out a bit. She moved from his arm and went into the kitchenette to find a vase.

“I guess that Rin got me more worked up than I thought that I would be.”

She smiled over to him with a tilt of her head while she placed the flowers into the vase and filled it with water. She walked over and placed the vase on the small table and walked back over to him. Looking up, she smiled with her fingers clasped together.

“Would you like anything? Some tea perhaps?”

Before he could say anything, she turned slightly and placed her head against his chest and closed her eyes. The small comfort of him being near was all that she needed. She could stay just like this against him and be perfectly content.

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“I know the feeling.” he chuckled in response to her observations about his sister. “She was round mine earlier lecturing me about every aspect of relationships known to man. It's times like this I think she should quit being a shinobi and change her occupation to Life Coach. She'd probably have a cult following by the next day.”

He smiled in her direction as she put the flowers in a vase. 'Good choice Ino.' he thought to himself, praising Inoju's thinking silently. While he was about to decline the tea, having had lunch before he arrived, she suddenly moved towards him and laid her head on his chest, pressing her palms up against him and resting there. He was slightly taken aback by the movement but nevertheless placed his arms around her, holding her close and kissing her forehead softly. He forgot how surreal it felt at times, like nothing he had ever experienced. Regardless, he wouldn't change it for anything in the world. He leant his chin on her head and continued to hold her in silence for several moments. He looked down at her, smiling.

“Well, I'm ready to go if you are.”

He waited for her response as after all, he hardly wanted to rush her, plus it was her apartment they were in.

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The moments of just quiet and being in his arms was worth all the nerves that Rin had put her through earlier. Hearing his voice, she sighed softly and nodded pushing off of his chest slightly.

“I’m ready.”

She really didn’t want to move away from him but she was sure that they would have time together later on as well. That was if Rin let them have time alone. She walked over and placed her tea cup on the counter before taking up a small clutch. She opened the clutch and looked to make sure that she had some money in it as well as anything else she would possibly need. Her eyes looked about a moment as she pressed her lips together.

“Where did I place my keys?”

She spoke softly before moving around the apartment. Moving into her room, she looked on her vanity and signed seeing her keys half hanging out of her jewelry box.

“What sort of state was I in this morning?”

She sighed to herself as she walked over and grabbed them. Walking back to him, she smiled and gave a nod.

“Now I’m ready.” she said with a bit of an embarrassed smile.

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Hayate chuckled as she searched for her keys and came back to him with a sheepish smile on her face.

“Alright then. Ladies first.”

He motioned to the door with his right arm, letting her walk on ahead. Once they were outside he took her keys, locking her door and then returning them to her, letting her put everything away before he took her hand, smiling at her. It was a beautiful spring day, with the sky a bright blue and clouds lazily passing by. The air was warm with a gentle breeze that drove through the streets, catching in both their hair playfully. As they talked along the way, the more busy and crowded the streets became the further they walked towards the village centre. Nearly everyone in the village seemed to be out in attendance. Hayate's phone bleeped in his pocket, although seeing as this was a rare day off spending time with Hitomi for him, he ignored it. Another beep, then another. Finally, it started to ring as he sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Sorry about this. I think I know who it is.” he said, sarcastically raising his eyebrows at Hitomi. He took the ringing phone from his pocket and flipped it open, putting it to his ear.

“What do you want?”

“Where are you two????? I'm out with Arashi, we can double date!”

Hayate curled his lip in humorous annoyance.

“I understand that while you're wildly enthusiastic about other people's dating life, it is my only day off in a while and I'd like to spend at least part of it with my girlfriend.”

“Oh come on silly, it'll be fun!”

Hayate sighed.

“IF we bump into you, we'll say hi, maybe grab lunch. But that doesn't mean we'll be looking out for you.”

He heard her give an excited squeal on the other end.

“And it doesn't mean I'm giving you the go ahead to come and stalk us either.”

“Spoilsport. Catch you later!”

He put the phone down and turned to Hitomi and gave a small laugh.

“Well Rin says hi. And I have no doubt she will be trying to track us down, so if you do happen to see her but she doesn't notice, I think it's best we just move on.”

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Hitomi had laced her fingers with his while they walked towards the crowded streets. She could hear the crowds and the music flowing up over the hill. The sound of children running about from their homes were cause to make her smile brightly and laugh a bit. The perfect moment was ruined when she heard the ringing of his phone. Ignoring it, she continued on. Then took a deep breath in while she heard it go off multiple times. When he answered it, she smiled understandingly. The moment he spoke, she knew who was on the call. Smiling, she placed her hand over her lips and chuckled softly. She could just imagine the other end of the line. When he hung up the phone, she smiled and looked to him as he told her about Rin. Not able to help it, she smiled and laughed.

“Of course. I think we both could use time away from our dear Rin.”

She slid her arm into the crook of his elbow and continuing walking down into the center of the village. She looked to the little displays and loved that the shops had little stands out and that the aromas were filling up the air. Fresh pork buns and the smell of the spring tea blends sweetened with honey. She couldn’t stop her head from moving over everything like being on a swivel.

“So far, I haven’t seen any signs of Rin.” she said with a smile and looking to him sideways.

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He was glad that they were both in agreement regarding his sister. While she had always been the life and soul of their social circle, and was loved dearly by all of them, her constant need for interference, even for a good cause, could wear thin at times. Linking arms with Hitomi, they continued on, Hayate watching her as she seemed to marvel at every little stall and shop, selling everything from trinkets to delicious cuisine, a hundred different smells in the air. He nodded as she spoke in regards to Rin's unknown whereabouts, his sights elsewhere. Further up the street, there was a stall attended by a single old lady. Hayate looked at Hitomi, gesturing with his head in the direction. They walked over to the stall, as the woman had her back turned.

“Granny?”

The woman turned around in confusion at first, before a smile as bright as the sun formed on her face. She moved around the counter, coming to Hayate's side and bringing his face down before planting a kiss on his cheek.

“I always forget how tall you are now. And so handsome as well. It's lovely to see you dear. Is your sister with you?”

Hayate bent down so she could kiss him, as she was quite diminutive.

“I know she's here somewhere but I'm doing my best to avoid her.”

His grandmother squinted.

“Why is that dear?”

Hayate chuckled before answering.

“I'm on a date.” he said, squeezing Hitomi's hand. “And Rin's trying to crash it.”

His grandmother laughed in turn.

“Oh that girl, always eager to be the centre of attention. Well I will keep your secret, if I see her then I haven't seen you.” She laughed again before turning her head. “And you must be Hitomi. How lovely to finally meet you dear. We thought he was going to keep you hidden away forever.”

She went over to Hitomi, also having to get her to lower her head to kiss her on the cheek.

“Well, you know I've been busy.” said Hayate. “And it's not been that long. Is grandad here?”

His grandmother looked towards the stall. “Oh yes dear, let me get him.”

She wandered off into the shop, taking several moments while the two younger people stood there, before she emerged with an elderly gentleman, a walking stick at his side. She whispered in his ear, a look of confusion on his face as she spoke. She whispered once more and his eyes seemed to change, whilst a smile formed on his face.

“Hayate!” He came over and the two embraced. “And who is this?” he said, gesturing at Hitomi.

“Grandad, this is Hitomi, she's my girlfriend.”

The old man looked at her.

“Ah, a Hyūga. I knew a Hyūga once. Good man, was in my team as a boy. Ended up becoming Hokage after my mother he did. He was quite the shinobi I tell you, I remember as boys we would......”

Hayate's grandmother came over, taking his grandfather's hand.

“Now Kazuya, I think these two have things to do and places to be.”

Kazuya stopped, a look of confusion on his face once more, before changing back to his smile.

“Ah, yes. Well then. Be uhhhhhh......be good. Do well at school.”

He turned his back and walked slowly back into the shop. Hayate's grandmother sighed happily.

“He's getting old, he forgets a lot.” she said, directing her speech more at Hitomi than Hayate. “Before you go though.” she said, walking around to the back of the stall and rummaging through a stock drawer. She brought out a necklace, seemingly with two cords. The pendant it bore was in the shape and colour of the yin-yang symbol, carved from wood. She then took it, splitting it into two.

“This was mine and Kazuya's for many years. It's so nice to see you both so happy, I want you to have it.”

She gave the pieces to the two accordingly, the yin to Hayate and the yang to Hitomi, looking at them curiously.

“You two will be together for a very long time, I know it. Call it an old woman's intuition.”

She kissed both on the cheek once more.

“Now go and enjoy your day. If your sister comes, you were never here.”

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Hitomi looked up and smiled seeing him nod towards the stall. Her curiosity came into full bloom and excitement rose in her. Her pearlesque hues became tinted with the vibrant pink of the flower petals that were above them and flowing through the street on the wind. So many were on the wind breeze that then had began to collect slightly in the lose strands of hair at the back of his head. She chuckled softly and began to pick the small petals from his hair before she turned her eyes to the woman that he had called “Granny.”

With the woman turning, she could see the bit of resemblance between her and Rin. When Hayate had turned the conversation towards the two of them, she looked up to him and smiled brightly feeling his squeeze on her hand. She bent over to allow the woman to kiss her cheek and further bowed with respect to the woman that was the Matriarch of the Uchiha family. At least Hayate’s line.

“It is such a pleasure to meet you.” she said as she straightened up and tilted her head with a smile. There were many things that people forgot about but there were many traditions that Hyūga didn’t forget about. Proper manners and traditions were one of them. It was often that she heard people call her a princess of her clan though she didn’t know her clan to be royalty. But none the less, she would never give any reason to shame Hayate in front of his family. Even the smallest bit of manners were not overlooked when meeting his family. As the woman disappeared back into the shop, hitomi looked up to hayate and smiled.

“She is such a warm woman. I can see there was much love in their home while your father grew up. It makes me wonder where he came from.”

She laughed softly and placed her hands before her clasped lightly. Her eyes moved over the shop and she marveled at the wooden carvings that would take care, dedication and patience to sculpt. Such art and beauty was something rare in the younger people that cared so much for their technology. It was refreshing to see the old arts still alive.

“Do you know how to do this?” she said pointing to the carvings when she noticed the older man come forward. Hearing his exclamation of Hayate’s name, she smiled softly and when gestured to, she blushed a bit and bowed deeply to the man that was his grandfather.

“You honor me with your words.”

Standing she smiled as he continued to speak of her Great Uncle. She looked to the ground a moment then looked to Hayate a moment before hearing the woman speak to him.

“Perhaps we may come back to hear the rest of that story.”

She giggled and took Hayate’s hand once more while the woman ushered the old man back and went about her own direction.

“Please don’t feel you need to explain. He has honored his family and his village. There is no need to say anything further when it comes to his memories or the way he conducts himself. It’s almost as if it’s an earned right of the older generation.” she said softly while the woman took the two necklaces and brought them forward. Hitomi’s eyes went wide as she looked to them and then to Hayate. Leaning forward to allow the woman to place it around her neck, she looked to the wooden carved pendant. Whispering softly to herself.

“The yin and yang. Darkness and light.”

They were the eternal balance in all things they did. Smiling, she looked to the woman.

“This is a great honor. Thank you so very much.”

A light glistening rimmed her eyes as she was touched so deeply with such a simple gift from the woman. Looking up to Hayate, she held a smile on her face that just didn’t quit. Even if Rin had managed to find them, her day couldn’t have been ruined. This was a treasure that they were given and she was so very humbled by it.

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He laughed at her joke about his father.

"Mum apparently asked Granny if he was adopted the first time she met her and Grandad. I can see why.”

He never ceased to marvel at the cultural differences of the clans of Konoha, particularly the Hyūga. Always so proper, so formal in every move they made. Even at the academy, Hitomi had always been one to bow and never forgo the use of honorifics. He watched as she turned her attention to the carvings on the display and asked him if he had any role in it. He half shrugged.

“Yeh, I can do it. Grandad and Dad taught me but I haven't done any for a while.”

When his grandmother placed the necklaces on both of them, Hayate smiled and looked to Hitomi, clearly thrilled with the gift.

“Thank you Granny. It means a lot to both of us. Look after Grandad, I'll let Mum and Dad know we stopped by.”

As she made her way back to the stall, the two continued to wander round, taking in all the displays and goings on. He noticed people were flocking to one stall in particular and they made their way over. Getting a good look in past the crowd, they came to see the Yamanaka's had set up numerous flower displays of the utmost craft using only sakura petals, fit for the occasion. Moving closer to the stall, they saw Inoju, handing out various pieces to the villagers. Spotting them, she waved and made her way over to them.

“Hey, if it isn't the most talked about couple in Konoha.”

She laughed as Hayate rolled his eyes at the joke.

“I hope you liked the flowers Hitomi. I mean, I did pick them out, but I guess Hayate did the real work by paying for them.”

She sniggered before turning her head back to the stall.

“I've gotta run, will see you guys later!”

Hayate turned to Hitomi, kissing her forehead.

“So there you have it, I officially know nothing about flowers.”

They carried on walking, soon coming to a group of small children being entertained by beast scrolls, the artist conjuring up a variety of animals with his brush, with the children gasping and cheering every time a new one came to life. Suggesting they get something to eat, they browsed over various food stalls, offering everything from pork buns, honey roasted chicken, sushi, wasabi vegetables and more. They finally settled on a stall selling handmade bento lunches, from traditional styles to kyaraben, styled in the images of the various Hokage, and oekakiben, ranging from meals set out as clan crests, to popular animals, landmarks and sakura petals. Hayate took a Uchiha themed oekakiban, consisting of pork, boiled rice and steamed asparagus, plum tomatoes, red onion and boiled cabbage. Once Hitomi had chosen hers, Hayate paid the stall owners and they found a small wooden table beneath one of the sakura trees.

“Itadakimasu!” he said, smiling at her while taking up his chopsticks.

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Once they had left and they continued to walk, Hitomi was still very overwhelmed over the gift given to them by his grandmother. Her metallic fingertips lightly traced over the edges while she looked over the white enamel.

“These are truly precious, Hayate.” she said to him as she looked up and smiled. With a permanent smile crossing her face, she content to see the people enjoying themselves. Seeing the Yamanaka stand, she smiled and waved to Inoju. With Inoju’s exclamation about them being the most talked about couple, Hitomi blushed deeply and looked to the ground with a soft smile.

“We’re not that popular..” she looked up to Hayate. “Are we?”

Being wrapped in his arms, she smiled and closed her eyes feeling his lips on her forehead. She chuckled softly with his confession of not knowing anything about flowers. Her hand rested lightly on his chest as she looked up and met his eyes.

“I didn’t fall in love with you for your ability to pick out flowers, my dear Hayate.”

Before they left, she smiled and waved to the Yamanaka family before she and Hayate continued on their way to the food stands. Looking over everything, she took a box that had sakura petals on the top. Hers held fish, rice and radishes that were sliced. After they were paid for, she sat across from him and took up her own chopsticks. Laughing softly, she nodded.

“Hai.”

Taking a bite of her fish, she closed her eyes as she savored the meal.

“This is really good.”

From behind her, she heard another voice which made her almost want to duck.

“Mmmmmhmmm. I know I don’t see that head of yours all a mess, Miss Hyuga. I know… I KNOW… it ain’t just thrown together like it be alright.”

Hitomi looked up to Hayate as she swallowed her food hard. Slowly, she turned around to see Cho standing there with her hands on her hips, her hair styled with fresh sakura blossoms in it  and a kimono that made her plus sized form look like she was just a very busty woman.

“Hello Cho. Enjoying the festival as well?”

Hitomi smiled and tilted her head a bit. The big Akimichi woman came over and just like lightning took a comb and hair pins from the folds of her outfit and began fixing Hitomi’s hair.

“Really, Cho. This isn’t that important..”

Hitomi felt so embarrassed as Cho moved through her hair with speed that would surprise any shinobi.

“Oh dun you be telling me that you out with your maan..” the woman’s head moving from side to side while she spoke. “...Looking like you be half made up. Now you just sit here and hush your pretty little mouth. Mama Cho gotchu.”

Helpless in the hands of the Akimichi woman, Hitomi could only feel her face grow flush in embarrassment while she looked to Hayate with an almost pleading look hoping that he wouldn’t pick on her for this later.

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Hayate could only agree with her on the state of the bento they had chosen. After gulping down a mouthful of pork and rice, he grinned.

“I could eat this stuff forever. Always said the best bento comes from Konoha.”

He too then heard the booming voice of their old classmate, and looked up to see Cho, in an outfit he couldn't really say complemented or insulted her large figure. He opened his mouth to greet her before he was interrupted by the verbal tussle between her and Hitomi, as Cho moved over quicker than even his sharingan could decipher to her side, armed with various hair products that she somehow hid in her outfit. He often forgot how quick she was for an Akimichi, learning for the first time back in the academy when she floored him for mocking her size to speed ratio. His eyes flicked between her and Hitomi as they spoke, watching Hitomi's face as Cho began her unexpected work.

“Ummm....Cho......we really appreciate it but.....”

He too was then cut off by the large Akimichi woman, as she lifted her eyes up to berate him, while her hands worked in perfect synchronisation on Hitomi's hair.

“Don't chu be backchatting Mama Cho now boy!”

Hayate went to speak again but was instantly cut off.

“And don't you be tryin' to think of somethin' to say because you just as bad as Miss Hyuga here, lettin' her come out wid her hair lookin' like dat!”

He began to roll his eyes on default before she instantly leaned over the table, still doing Hitmoi's hair by some marvel.

“Don't chu be givin' me yo crazy eye! I knows you gots your fancy sha-ring-an and all but you go crazy eye on me I go crazy eye on you mmhmm?”

She seemed to finally finish up, before admiring her handiwork, and leaning over to peck Hitomi on the cheek.

“Mmm gurl you look real good now. You remember to come by and Mama Cho always got a seat fo' you, you tell me all 'bout what's goin on wit chu gurl. And you!”

She pointed a pin menacingly at Hayate. “Chur hair's almost long as yo woman's, you come down soon, no charge, Mama Cho fix you up. Ok, gotta run gurl, yo man give you problems you come to me!”

With that she ran off back towards the hair salon. Hayate sighed a breath of relief and slumped in place.

“She hasn't changed.” he laughed, looking at Hitmoi, still red in the face. “Hey. You look really nice.” he smiled, taking her hand over the table.

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Hitomi could only wince here and there with her hair being pulled by the large woman. Her scalp feeling like it was about to be ripped from her head at times while she lifted her head to the side slightly while the large woman had complete control of her head. Her eyes looked over to Hayate as he tried to help her only to be quickly shot down by the woman. Silently, Hitomi prayed that Cho would be done soon. Though she knew that she did it out of the kindness in her heart, sometimes Hitomi wished that Cho wasn't so fierce in how she cared for others. When she was finally done and she kissed her cheek, Hitomi looked up at her and smiled.

"Thank you, Cho. I'll try and be down some time this week to get a cut and style. Work permitting of course."

She watched Cho run off and let out a deep sigh as she looked to Hayate while he was laughing. A smile crossed her face.

"Some people are the best when they don't change." She looked to the silhouette of the Akimichi woman that was walking back to her shop with a lunch box in her hand helping herself to it's contents.

"Sometimes they only get better with time."

Feeling his hand, she smiled and looked up to him. Her cheeks blushed slightly and she looked down at the table for a moment.

"Thank you. Though I kinda wished you didn't see all that."

She ran her metal tipped fingers over his and looked to them a moment.

"Does it ever bother you that I wear these?"

Though she was proud of the metal finger tips and how she got them, it was a bit of a concern for her every now and again.

"I never thought about how others see them.. but I have seen people stare."

She looked up at him from the metal tips.

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“Who cares if people stare?” he said, holding her hands tighter. “The only person who should need to accept them is you.”

Having all but finished his food, he got to his feet, still holding on to her, pulling her up as well. He let go of her hands, putting his arms around her and looking down at her for several moments in silence, before kissing her. It was a rather public display of affection, but he didn't care. After it ended, he looked back at her, smiling.

“I love you and every part of you, and I accept whatever comes with that. People can stare all they like, they don't know you like I know you. They don't know how kind you are, how loving you are. They don't know how beautiful you are, not only on the outside but on the inside. As long as the person who loves you first is you, then nothing else should matter.”

He softly stroked her face then paused as an idea came to him.

“I've got an idea”

Taking her hand, he led her further down the village, to a secluded spot where no one else could be seen. Hayate grabbed hold of her by the waist as he activated his mangekyo sharingan, the atmosphere around them warping as he cast kamui. They were gone from Konoha in an instant, appearing at the top of the waterfall of the Valley of the End. Although the statues of Hashirama and Madara had been destroyed by Naruto and Sasuke well over a century ago, the valley still stood intact, with the cliff the two now stood on overlooking it, hearing the water crash down onto the rocks below. From there, they could see for miles, with the skyscrapers of Konoha on the horizon. Hayate looked to Hitomi.

“No one to look at you now.” he said, smiling at her.

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She smiled as he took her hands tighter and spoke to her. She'd stand when he pulled her up to be with him. Her eyes locked with his making the moment feel so surreal. She felt her heart start to beat faster while he held her close and neared until his lips touched upon hers. At that point the world around her could have been watching and she didn't care. If the man could have melted her into clay, he could have molded her into whatever he wished for her to be in that moment. Parting from his lips, she looked to him while he spoke more. It filled her with a warmth that she couldn't possibly begin to describe. Her eyes closed and she leaned into his touch as it stroked over the side of her face. It was a happiness that she couldn't have thought that she could have ever held for herself. With him leading her to a more secluded spot, she smiled and could feel herself getting excited over not knowing what would wait for her. She hadn't felt this excitement since they were children and teammates.

"What do you have in mind?" she said with a giggle before seeing the landscape change around them and see the waterfall at the Valley of the End. She smiled as she felt the breeze come off the water before looking at the valley around them. The plant life had come back over the century that had span between the great battle. But it was when she heard Hayate speak to her once more, she turned and looked to see his smile. The smile that was just for her.

"Well... you can't say no one..." She said with a smile as she took a deep breath. Then for the first time in front of another, she brought her hands together and grasped the metal tips of her hands. One by one, she removed the metal tips of her fingers while biting her lower lips. When they were gone, he'd see that the first two fingers of each hand halved. She'd kneel and place the tips on the ground but there was something she wanted. Reaching up, she touched upon the side of his face and lightly spread her fingers along his scruffy cheek. It was the first time she would have touched him without the covers.

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He gave a small smile at her play on his words, brushing a stray hair from her face and caressing her cheek. He did not expect what came next, but silently watched as she removed the metal tips and slowly touched his face with her hands, stumped fingers and all. He put his own hands to her wrists, holding her touch.

“I remember.” he said, keeping his eyes on her. Picturing back to the Chunin exams, he remembered as she exerted herself, with Rin screaming for her to stop. He had visited her in the hospital soon after, where they had received the news that the damage was permanent. The day had included yet another altercation with Toshi, who had merely sneered at his sister's state. Hayate cupped her hands in his own, lowering them down and holding them there.

“You are beautiful.”

He released his hold on her hands and placed his arms around her, kissing her intently.

“I love you, no matter what. And I love you now more than ever."

He took her hands again, gently squeezing her fingers.

“This doesn't matter. All that matters is that you love yourself, and that you know there are people who love you and would do anything for you.”

He kissed her gently, before seating himself on the cliff edge, watching the afternoon sun as it began its descent, the breeze drifting through the air as he smiled happily to himself.

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She smiled and felt a soft tear roll down her cheek. She knew he remembered. It was the first time she ever had hope that he cared for her as well when she heard what he had done to Toshi. She held his hands in hers and looked to him as if this was all a dream.

“I love you too and I know that there are those that love me. They never let me live a day without telling me so in some way.”

She laughed softly pushing a hair pin back into her hair that Cho had placed. Seeing him seat himself on the cliff’s edge, she sat next to him and placed her head on his shoulder as she leaned into him. Her hues looking to the horizon as the sun began to make its descent. She softly slid her hand down his leg and played against the fabric.

“This is beautiful.” she said softly. Looking up to him, she smiled.

“This is a lot nicer than staying in the village. At least we can be alone now.”

She chuckled softly to herself as she raised her face up a bit and kissed the bottom of his jaw.

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Hayate settled down with her on the cliff edge, staring out into the setting sun, the sky having turned a fading orange, casting the last light of the day over the valley. The sun sparkled, reflecting in the waterfall as they both sat there in silence with her head resting on his shoulder. Placing his arm around her, he took a moment to appreciate the stillness of the moment, the only noise the rushing of the water below. It had truly been a rare day, and he hoped that they would be able to do it again sometime soon. For now, he was content in the moment, holding her close and kissing the top of her head. They sat there together until night had fallen, with the stars coming out to blanket the sky. Far in the distance, the lights of the Konoha skyscrapers could be seen as Hayate looked up, the stars so far away twinkling like diamonds. He stood up, taking Hitomi's hands and pulling her up with him before he smiled at her, gazing into her eyes.

“I wouldn't have traded this day for anything in the world. I love you.”

With that, he kissed her passionately, his arms folding around the small of her back as he pulled her close to him, the moonlight casting its gaze down upon the both of them.

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She watched with him as the sun set leaving the sky to become a beautiful array of colors that were perfectly streaking over the night sky. She couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful night. The night breeze mixed with his scent and filled each breath she took causing a soft sigh to leave her with a smile to match it. She’d feel his kisses on the top of her head and smile more with her eyes closing just a bit enjoying the soft touch that meant so very much to her. Every thing he had done, meant more than she could possibly begin to explain to anyone. With the sheer beauty that he had shared with her this day, especially in the afternoon and evening, she didn’t want to tell anyone about it. Not even Rin who she knew would be just about to burst to find out what happened today.

Hitomi closed her eyes and sighed once more, enjoying the night air and enjoying more that she didn’t have to share this night ever with anyone else. It was just the two of them. No one would understand how much this night meant to her. Standing with Hayate’s guidance, she smiled looking to him. In the night sky, his dark hair just about sparkled like the stars above but she wasn’t going to tell him that. It would have been a very girly thing in his eyes but she was able to admiror that for herself. Meeting his eyes, she smiled and stroked over the side of his face as he spoke. His words burying themselves into her very soul.

“I love you too. Today has been wonderful. I hope we have the chance to do this more often.”

She met his lips and pressed against his form with hers. Her kiss fueled by her love and passion for him. She truly didn’t wish this night to end and that she would always be able to be with him like this.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Hayate stayed silent as she spoke and reciprocated to her body afterwards. He too wished it could be this way from now on, but reality beckoned the both of them. However, he would make sure that this was not a mere one-off occurrence. Ever since that night at the hospital, he had come to realise that she was the most important thing in his life, even above duty, and he would do all he could and more to keep her and never let go. Taking hold of her hands, he smiled at her gently, before casting his eye over to the lights of Konoha in the distance.

“I'll take us back. But I promise you, we will always find our way back here.”

With that, he activated his Mangekyo Sharingan, teleporting them back into the village and to Hitomi's front door. He stood there with her in silence, but not an awkward one, one of admirability and peacefulness.

“I have to leave for a few days, but you know I'll be thinking of you. And when I get back, the first thing I'll do will be to come see you. That's a promise.”

He pulled her close to him in a tight embrace, not wishing to let her go. In one way or another, she had always been there to hold him, it felt only fitting that now their roles should change. Finally he kissed her for the last time, making it linger.

“I love you. Be safe. I'll see you soon.”

After making sure she got inside, he began to walk towards his apartment, comfortable in the silence of the night, with the glowing street lamps his only company. He looked up to the same stars he had gazed at atop the valley and smiled to himself. He had never been one to believe in fate, but he would wish how things had unfolded no other way. Whatever had happened in the past had shaped destiny to this moment, and he was glad for it. With a last look at the sky, he vanished, leaving nothing to suggest he had ever been there.

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Now with their lives intertwined, Hitomi was finding it harder and harder to leave his side. But their lives would continuously beckon them back to the reality of what had been laid out before them by their own hand. As a young girl, she dreamed of moments like these with him and now as a young woman, she lived those dreams. But the one thing that was certain was that dreams came to an end when they woke in the morning. However the one certainty was that her life was not complete without him.

Just as the seas needed the moon to maintain their constant balance of tide and waves, she needed this man to maintain the happiness in her life. There would be no other for her. Not in this life or the next. Being held tightly to him, she looked into his eyes as he activated his Mangekyo Sharingan and brought them to her front door. The silence between the two of them was full of love for each other. She could spend forever just holding him in silence but so long as he was in her arms and she in his, she could withstand just about anything. She smiled hearing him speak about having to leave again.

“Don’t think about me, Hayate. Think about your mission and know that in the night while we dream, I’ll be in your arms. But in the waking hours, I need your head on your shoulders so you can come back to me. Whole and so very much alive. Be safe and promise me you’ll think before you rush into things. I won’t be there this time to make sure you think things through.” she said with a soft teasing smile. Raising up onto her tiptoes, she kissed him again with her lips lingering upon his before finally parting. Her whispered breath passing over his lips,

“I love you. Come home to me.”

Finally parting from him, she walked into her home and closed the door behind her. A smile crossed her lips as she sighed softly in bliss of the wonderful time she had with the man that made her feel whole and safe. Walking over to her window, she watched him leave and walk along the street lamps.

“So many women look for perfection in their life but never realize that perfection can come from one with flaws. I hope he never tries to be perfect. He already is.” she said to no one but herself as she looked up to the sky and said a silent prayer for the stars to watch over him while he was away from her.