What About Love? Don't Let It Get Away.

### Summary

Hayate awakes in hospital and to his surprise, is treated by Hitomi. Tension rises between the two until finally, after a heart to heart with Rin, Hayate realises and subsequently reveals to Hitomi that he loves her.

### Main Character/s

* Hayate Uchiha
* Hitomi Hyūga

### Location/s

* Land of Fire
* Konohagakure - Konoha Hospital

Hayate opened his eyes and squinted as he was visually rushed by the bright sunlight outside the window. He took a moment to gain his bearings before he looked around, slightly confused as to the unfamiliar surroundings that now greeted him. By the layout of the building and the way he was tightly strapped into the sheets of a pristine white bed (not to mention the array of machines next to his person) he summarised he was in Konoha Hospital. The last time he had been to the hospital he must have been a small child.

Trying to retrace his steps to figure out why he was here, he drew a blank, pondering his current situation. He had been on a mission to retrieve some documents for the Hokage that had been taken years ago, that he could remember. Hayate sighed as he slumped back against the bed, with his brain not serving him with the answers he wanted. Turning his head, he suddenly noticed the vase of flowers on one of the bedside tables beside him. Reaching over, he plucked the note from the base and carefully examined it.

'Dear little brother. I hope you didn't hit your head too hard. Not that I worry about you breaking that thick skull of yours. Love, Rin xxx'

He paused, and reread the note. Hit his head? Suddenly, it began to throb with a dull pain. Hayate winced and seeing a glass of water on the side, drank it down in one. Noticing the door to his room was shut, he tried to move himself from the bed but received a sharp pain in his leg when he tried to do so. Just what had happened? Sighing once more, he resigned himself to defeat and lay back into the bed, taking the console attached to the bed frame and pressing the button for assistance.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

The dinging had began to go off at the Medic station. Pushing a loose strand of hair back behind her ear, Hitomi took only a moment more and placed it up into the messy bun she had at the top of her head. It was about par for the day. She normally started her day with a nice hair style but come to the middle of her shift, her long strands were thrown up in a pile on the top of her head, normally with a pen going through it. She was notorious for losing those.

“Hitomi, room 5 is ringing their bell. Would you get that? I’m in the middle of writing out labs for room 2.”

Nodding, she moved around the counter with a bit of grace that was known to her.

“You owe me a hot tea later, Usagi.” She said with a warm smile and a playful giggle as she began to walk from the station.

“I always seem to owe you something, Hime.”

Hitomi just smiled walking backwards for a moment.

“You’re the one that keeps asking the favors. Not me.” She said with a slight hop in turning around and continuing to the room. Lightly, she knocked on the door.

“Medic. I’m coming in.” She said just loud enough that it could be heard through the door. The light came in through the windows as she saw the person on the bed with a bandage on his head. Closing the door behind her, she walked in and over to the bed. She’d reach up and click off the call bell only to smile down at the person warmly.

“What can I…” Her voice trailed off when she realized who it was in the bed.

“...Hayate…”

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Under normal circumstances, Hayate would have simply got out of the bed and discharged himself. After all, he had fared much worse than a bump on the head. But between being trapped under the infernally tight sheets and his leg (which he could only assume from the pain of trying to move it was broken), that was not an option for now, or indeed the near future.

The light on the console remained on as he waited for an attendant so he could try and figure out what had gone on, and more importantly, when he would be out. He heard muffled chatter from down the hallway and footsteps approaching his room, as a woman's voice called through the door. He suddenly felt awkward at the thought, as it had just come to his attention that he was laying up in the bed bare chested, and from what he could feel underneath the sheets, in only his underwear. Obviously a head injury had called for the removal of his clothing.

He sighed and rolled his eyes as the door opened, not recognising the girl at first, having never seen her with her hair done up before. It took him several moments to sink in, just about the time it apparently took Hitomi to realise who her patient was.

“Hitomi?” he responded in surprise, trying to curb it enough to not sound too shocked or insulting. “Wow, you look......different.”

It was all he could think to say in the moment. Stupid, stupid.

“Ummm.....yeh. I've totally forgotten what I was going to say.”

The two were plunged into awkward silence for a few moments before Hayate spoke again.

“Right. I just wondered if you knew what had happened? I feel like there's a chunk of my head missing, and I'm suspicious I might have broken my leg. I see my sister has been along to visit, but her card didn't tell me much.” he could have kicked himself.

The two former teammates had not seen each other in nearly two years, due to their conflicting schedules and new careers, and the first thing he could think to say was to go straight into what was at hand?

“It's umm.....good to see you. I had forgotten you started working here.” More awkward silence. “You look......nice.”

His inner self hit it's head against the metaphorical desk. But in truth, Hayate was being honest. In the two years since they last saw each other, she had definitely grown more into womanhood, having become very attractive.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Upon hearing the familiar voice of her long time teammate, Hitomi bit down on her lower lip as she felt very odd standing in his room.

“You look different too..”

Her voice soft as she looked over his form. Her eyes flowed over his face seeing the stubble from him not shaving and the darkness of his eyes. The same hues that she had seen so many times in their times together as children. Her eyes then moved over to the bandage and her face flushed realizing what she had said.

“I mean.. You look nice.. No.. not with the bandages obviously but I mean.. You’ve changed.. For the better.. I hmm... “

She pressed her lips together and only felt the heat in her cheeks rise more. Her eyes looked to the sheet as she continued to listen to him speak. When he started speaking about what happened to him, she walked down to the end of his bed. Lifting the chart, she opened it up and began reading it. The words on the page caused her to be filled with a calm feeling. They were medical terms. Things that carried no emotion. Like Shinobi were supposed to. Had she forgotten that?

“From what it says here, you suffered cranial lacerations and a concussion due to blunt forced trauma. You are also being prepped for a cast to be placed on your right leg and your leg to be placed in traction.”

She flipped the page over the edge of the chart to find the X-ray of his leg. Lifting it up to the window, she looked it over.

“Looks like you’ve broken your leg in three places. Twice in your Femur and once in your Tibia.”

Placing everything back, she put the chart once more at the base of his bed.

“Looks like you’re going to be here for a while.” She said as she walked back around to the side of his bed. Her eyes continued to meet his.

“Yeah, Rin was here earlier. She stopped by the Medic desk and said ‘Hi’ before she went off to work. I didn’t think anything of it since she comes by often.”

Her eyes looked up to the window while her arms folded in front of her chest. She smiled shyly listening to him.

“Yeah, I came here shortly after you went Anbu.”

She could feel the tension in the air as the awkward silence fell between the two of them. It had been years that she had been fond of him. Catching glimpses of him here and there. But there had been so often that she remembered him making the little comments about her. Not mean but enough to let her know that though she was fond of him, he didn’t reciprocate her feelings. Though she was smart, she couldn’t figure out for the life of her what to say to him. Looking up to his face a moment, she took a breath and let it out.

“Well.. I… should get back…Um..”

She began walking backwards with her fingers pointing over her shoulder towards the door.

“.. Rest up.. And um.. If you need anything further.. You can ring…” She said as she clumsily gripped for the door handle from behind and just about stumbled out the door when it opened.

Quickly she stood and closed the door. Standing a moment, she flopped back against his door and lightly banged her head against it.

“Of all the people in this world..” She whispered to herself while she was trying to keep her breathing from going through the roof. She felt stupid for the things she said and embarrassed for her clumsiness. He was sure to laugh at her for that. She closed her eyes and a smile came across her lips. He was indeed handsome as she had always thought he was.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

He was at least content in the knowledge that she was finding the reunion as awkward as he was. What are two people who were so close at one point but hadn't seen one another in years meant to say exactly?

She soon moved over to the edge of the bed and flipped up the examination board. The news wasn't exactly what Hayate wanted to hear, and he furrowed his brow as she explained his time in hospital would be a long one. He simply nodded as she explained the ongoing presence of his sister.

“Well I guess it's good to know she knows I'm here. Not that I'll ever live it down.”

He chuckled, albeit nervously. The silence grasped the room once again, creating a void between the two. Finally, she spoke, managing to get a few words out while tripping over them. He had always liked that about her, the clumsiness she had at times. It was sweet. He often didn't realise why a girl like her seemed so nervous around him.

“Heh. My guardian angel.” he said, as she mentioned needing assistance later on. “Okay. See you around.”

His lips formed a faint smile as she exited the room, and he heard what seemed to be her banging her head against the doorway. Puzzled as to why, he shrugged, the pain returning to his head once more, at which point he lay down and tried his best to sleep.

He woke sometime later, evening judging by the colour of the sky outside the window. He yawned and stretched before looking to the clock on the adjacent wall. Almost six pm. Likely to be receiving dinner soon. He felt his stomach growl at the very thought. Just how long had he been here? Regardless, he was looking forward to a good meal. Hoping this would provide him a good reason to see Hitomi again, he waited patiently for the hand to hit the six.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

She had gone about her day and checked in on him while he slept. Quietly, she’d enter his room and change his water cup, making sure that it was ice cold should he need it. She lightly placed a blanket over him so the cold of the room wouldn’t give him a chill and placed the shades down a bit when the sun went down so the setting sun wouldn’t blind him through the window. Across the room, she’d place a little light on so the room would not fall to complete darkness as the sun set. Then there was a moment that she just stood in his room, and watched him sleep from a far.

So many missions they’d been on. So much time they’d spent together. Why was it so hard for her to see him now. Like this. At the desk, she was filling out some of her reports while his voice calling her ‘his guardian angel’ ran through her mind.

“So what is it with you and that guy in room 5?”

Hitomi’s face didn’t move from her reports as she heard Usagi ask her.

“What do you mean?”

Usagi wheeled over to her in her own wheelie chair and leaned back looking into Hitomi’s face with a raised brow and a smirk.

“You know exactly what I mean. You have been in and out of his room all day. You stumble out of there earlier with your face as red as a apple and have been acting nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”

She jutted out her finger towards the center of Hitomi’s eyes causing her to look up and cross eyed at the pointing digit.

“Out with it, Hime!”

Hitomi could feel her face flush even more than it ever had.

“We used to be teammates.. Nothing more..”

Usagi raised her brow even more if it was even possible.

“Mhmmmm… I’ve never seen that look on you before. Every guy that has come in here, you’ve been cool and even with. Calmly treating them all and it was just another day in the office. What gives?” She flicked the flat in the center of Hitomi’s eyes. “You’re hiding something.”

It was then that the dinner trays had come and it was just in time according to Hitomi. She needed a break from Usagi’s interrogation. Picking up a tray, she looked at the number it was assigned to and closed her eyes a moment.

“Number 5..” She said softly. It seemed that the fates wanted her to be in that room. Knocking lightly once more, she spoke before opening the door.

“Medic. I have your dinner tray.”

Opening the door, she stepped in and saw him laying there awake now. She made her way over to the bedside table and placed the tray down.

“I took the liberty of ordering you your dinner tonight. I hope that’s alright. You were asleep when they took the dinner order.”

Without looking at him, she was going about her business and moving things so he could sit up and eat his meal without hurting his leg or making his headache any more.

“How are you feeling?” She finally looked up and met his eyes. It was as if the world had just stopped for her and she was 10 years old once more looking to him from the other side of the desk.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Looking around, he noticed several things were different in the room from when he had gone to sleep. A newly filled water cup, drawn blinds, a dull light on at the end of the room, an added blanket.

He smiled to himself gently as he thought about Hitomi exerting herself just to give him a bit more comfort. She had always been that way, even from their days at the academy. Always looking out for the group. When they, along with Rin and Arashi had been under Buseki's team, she had always been the one who was fussing over the other three, making sure their food was ready, applying bandages and dressings at a moment's notice.

Being a Med-Nin suited her to no end, and Hayate was glad she had found something that was worth her talents. As he pondered the past, he heard her voice on the other side of the door, announcing his dinner. He chuckled to himself at the formality in her tone. She came in with the dinner tray, and began to move the dinner table around his bed, whilst tucking in his sheets, still carrying the tray.

“Thanks Hitomi, let me.” he said, and took the tray from her, stopping her from trying to do several things at once. He laid it down on the table, now positioned over the bed. As she asked how he was feeling, their eyes met, his deep black pupils meeting her pearl white hues.

“I'm ok.” he said, smiling subtly. “Thank you though, for everything you've done. I know it's just doing your job and all, but I appreciate it.”

He grabbed his hair which he now wore at shoulder length into a bunch with one hand and swiftly tied it into a messy tail before he ate, avoiding getting long loose strands caught up in his food. He took the lid from the bowl and was greeted with the sight of egg fried rice with pork cutlets, and a bowl of miso soup on the side. He closed his eyes briefly and gave a quick laugh, before looking back at her.

“You remembered huh?” His favourite dish sat in front of him, apparently picked out by her. He took a few mouthfuls, before taking some water from the side and washing it down. He then turned back to her, still waiting by his side in silence.

"So.......how are things with you? Any new guys in your life who I have to give a talking to?” He was referring to the incident with her brother all those years back when he first defended her from Toshi's bullying.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Being brought back to reality with him continuing to speak to her, she smiled softly with a slight tilt of her head and her arms crossing over her chest once more.

“Things are alright. I moved out of my parents’ home about six months ago. Away from my father and my brother. Mom comes by the apartment just about every morning. We have breakfast together and chat before work. Sometimes Rin comes over for breakfast as well.”

She moved to the side of the room and picked up a chair, bringing it over to the side of his bed. Sitting down, she placed her hands in her lap and lightly tugged at the hem of her shirt. Asking about any new guys in her life, she blushed and looked down at her knees.

“No. There’s no guys in my life unless you count my pets. I have a parakeet named Mamaru and of course Meeko.”

She smiled softly looking up to him as he began to eat.

“Of course I remembered. How could I forget what your favorite food was?” She continued to smile while she fell silent once more. She hadn’t felt this odd talking with him ever. Yes, she was shy and such, but she hardly ever had not found something to talk to him with.

“What were you doing that caused all this to come to you?” She moved her hand slightly over the length of his body. “This wasn’t another of you rushing into things, was it?”

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

“Oh, well that's good.” he remarked on her housing situation.

“And yeh, Rin was talking about going to see you the other day. I moved out when I joined up with Anbu, so I don't see people all that often anymore, too busy. But yeh, I'm glad to hear you're doing ok. I'm sure Arashi would like to say hi as well at some point. I hear he has his hands full with his new genin team. That and spending an awful lot of time with Rin.”

He laughed at the thought then continued to have more of his dinner while she went on, surprisingly pulling up a nearby chair to sit down next to him.

“Ha! I'll never forget that time we had to chase that damn ferret halfway through the village when he stole Moriko's timetable and Arashi got himself stuck in the stormdrain near Ichiraku's.”

He sighed happily.

“Well thanks. It's nice to have a few home comforts, and a break from work, even if it does involve hospital.”

He laughed to himself again as she fell silent once more, then finding her voice to enquire about his current situation.

“Well. I can't tell you much, confidential and all. Even if I wanted to tell you I couldn't. All I can remember is the mission purpose, getting the target and then waking up here with a lump on my head and a broken leg. So yeh, I was probably rushing into things.”

He could hear his father now, lecturing him on how an Uchiha never rushes things, how they are calculating and tactical. Hayate had always left the calculations on missions to Hitomi, as he and Rin, and Arashi to a degree were alike in that sense, going in all guns blazing. Hitomi's disapproval of it was something she shared with Buseki, who had found the groups' antics little but stressful at the best of times.

“So yeh, I guess I've only myself to blame. Sorry I'm giving you extra work.”

He grinned and quietly laughed.

“But thanks though. Besides, it's good to see a friendly face again. And I'd rather you fix me up than that one who's worked here forever. She looks like she could've been tending to Hashirama when he was a kid.”

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Hitomi knew she should not have gotten her hopes about not knowing what his mission was about.

“Oh. I didn’t realize that it was all confidential. But I guess I should get used to that it’s not like the team missions like we went on.”

She felt herself become a little more disappointed than she thought she would have been with the information that she wasn’t allowed to be involved in. It kinda hurt not to be involved in his life, especially a part of his life that she had been part of for most of their lives. She smiled softly and tilted her head a bit.

“You’re welcome, it’s really no problem. I rather have a bit of time to spend with an old friend to change up the normal routine.” She said with a soft laugh.

But that didn’t last much longer. She once more felt the awkward silence coming to rest between them. There was only so much she could come up with that wouldn’t be bringing up the past. She had tried so hard to just live for the present and not dwell on the past. Especially with everything that her father and brother had done to her in the past. Slowly, she stood up and smiled. Placing the chair back to where she had found it, she walked back to the side of the bed.

“I suppose I should get back to the rest of my duties. And you are welcome for the small things. It was no issue.” She gave him her trademark smile that radiated with warmth and care. “I’ll be back later to collect your tray.”

She said as she almost hesitated for leaving his room. Slowly, she closed the door behind her and was almost immediately bombarded by Usagi once she took two steps from his door.

“What is with you?!”

Hitomi’s eyes widened and she looked to her coworker.

“What are you talking about? I just dropped off his dinner tray?”

Usagi reached out and grabbed Hitomi’s wrist. She stomped down the hall and threw the black haired woman into an empty room and closed the door.

“Out with it, Hitomi Hyuga! What is with you and the Uchiha!?”

Hitomi sighed softly and walked over to the empty bed.

“We were in the Academy together and then on teams together. I had always been fond of him. Secretly holding a crush for him though he never carried any feelings for me.” She sighed softly and looked to the floor. “I guess I wasn’t over him… Now it’s just extremely awkward for the both of us but I can’t bring myself to let anyone else tend to him.”

Usagi had crossed her arms over her chest and after looking at Hitomi for a moment, she smirked and began to laugh. Hitomi looked up at her with a surprised look on her face.

“What’s so funny?”

Usagi continued to laugh as if she was about to double over.

“You are so naive and innocent, Hitomi. If I was like this with every guy I liked, I’d never get on with my life.”

Hitomi looked to her and sighed looking down at the floor.

“Thanks for making me understand that I am completely hopeless with understanding my own feelings.” She sighed and stood from the bed. “I have to get back to work… “

Pushing past her friend, she left the room and began bringing the other trays to the other patients that were on the wing.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Hayate felt bad in a way for not being able to tell her, with the evident disappointment on her face. After all, in the years prior they had shared so much and been at each other's side constantly. He smiled back at her when she went on about how she was simply doing her job, and nothing was too much trouble.

Although it didn't last long, as the look of disappointment and regret soon came upon her face again, and she soon left the room, making it feel empty and silent once more. Hayate sighed and leaned back into the bed. Had he said something? Maybe it was simply the result of them having been apart for too long, having grown as individuals. Either way, she obviously was having a hard time of it, and needed to figure things out for herself. He finished up the last of his dinner, then lay down and slept.

Days went by with him still being confined to the bed, while several staff would come in and out everyday to attend to him, but Hitomi had seemed to disappear. It was as if fate had granted them that one day together, then decided that was more than enough. While the other medics were always pleasant and helpful, Hayate never built up any kind of relationship with them. He wondered if Hitomi was still at the hospital, avoiding him for some reason or other. Had he really upset her that much? His thoughts about the matter were often broken by the medics arriving, helping him to rehabilitate himself and get his leg back into a position where he was mobile once again.

One particular afternoon, there was a knock upon the door, and Hayate turned his head, expecting to see another medic, but was surprised to see Rin walk through the door, bearing a fresh bouquet of flowers. At this point, Hayate was using crutches to move, and was sat on one of the armchairs in the room. He attempted to get up to greet his sister but was quickly shooed back down.

“Sit down or you'll end up breaking it all over again.” she said, rolling her eyes and putting the flowers in the empty vase, before coming over to him and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I went to Yamanaka's before I came here, Inoju says hi and hopes you get better soon.”

She pulled up a chair beside her brother, and crossed her legs, placing her head on her fist and looking at him intensely.

“What have I done now?” he said, raising his brow at her.

“I hear Hitomi was looking after you, but not anymore.”

Hayate was puzzled.

“Yeh, she was here when I woke up, but hasn't been back for almost two weeks. I dunno. She's a busy woman, she's probably on a patient rota.”

Rin sighed and rolled her eyes once again.

“What did you say to her?” she questioned, rather demandingly.

“What?” he answered in reatlization, quite defensively.

She giggled and roughed his hair, to which he playfully swatted her arm away.

“You are so dense little brother. Do you still not get it after all these years?”

Hayate was more confused than ever now.

“Get what?” he exclaimed. “After all these years? What are you talking about?”

Rin narrowed her gaze at him, and looked like she might thump him, then shook her head chuckling.

“What???” demanded Hayate.

Rin took her brother's hands in her own, now changing her tone to that of a caring mother.

“It's so evident, and you've never noticed it, have you?”

Hayate was about to lose it with her cryptic questions.

“What are you talking about?”

She smiled at him, keeping direct eye contact.

“She really likes you. I don't even have to ask her to see it. She has for years, and my guess is she's upset because you don't seem to notice, or return her feelings.”

Hayate sat there, stunned. Neither said anything for several moments, before Hayate uttered a quiet “Oh.”

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Hitomi had gone about her work. Keeping track of his progress but she stayed away while he was awake. She couldn’t handle the ache of silence between the two of them while they were together. It was more difficult to deal with than she ever had thought knowing that he was here and hurt. But it was while he was sleeping that she would go in and watch over him. She’d change everything for fresh things and warmed blankets. His water was always fresh and in the middle of his rest, she’d take a bit of time to heal his head and leg. She couldn’t bear knowing that he was in pain.

Her days were silent as she tended to the other patients in the wing and constantly stared at his door.

“You haven’t gone in there in days, Hime. Why?”

Usagi handed her a take out cup of jasmine tea with honey. Taking the cup, she softly just spoke.

“I can’t. I thought that if I ignored it, the feelings would go away, but they have only grown stronger.”

Turning away from his room, she looked to Usagi.

“Why continue to wish for something that will never come? I think I should just move on about it and understand that I’m not what he wants or needs.”

She took a sip of the tea and sighed softly.

“I’m going to go take my lunch. If you need me, I’ll be in the courtyard.”

She went to the heating box and took out her lunch that she had made for herself and took her book. Perhaps the quiet of the courtyard was just what she needed. Among other things.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

The two sat there as Hayate drew the whole thing in. What Rin was saying made sense the more he thought about it. In one way or another, Hitomi had always been there for him, always picking up behind him, always making sure he was ok.

“But how do you know she hasn't been here?” he questioned her, far more gently than before now. “And why are you telling me this now?”

Rin brushed some stray hair from her face and giggled.

“I know a lot more than you think I do. And she has been here, just not when you can see her. She's been with you everyday, making sure you're ok, tending to you when you least know it. As for why I'm telling you this? Hayate. I'm your big sister. I know you more than you know yourself, and I know that somewhere, deep down beyond that thick skull of yours, you like her too. Remember that that you hit Toshi for talking down to her? You wouldn't have done that if you didn't care about her.”

Hayate slowly nodded in response.

“I know you don't think about it, but we talk all the time, and have done since we were little girls. You think I don't remember how you would go out of your way to help her when we went out on missions.”

She poked his chest, a scar embedded on his skin there.

“You got that from protecting her from a kunai, remember? "

She stopped for a moment, deep in thought before continuing.

“I could go on all day, but my point is, she loves you. And it hurts her so much that she doesn't think you feel the same. But I think somewhere inside, under all that stubbornness of yours, you love her too.”

She stood up, patting down her jacket before she leaned over and kissed his cheek again.

“I've got to go, I promised mum and dad I'd help them with the groceries today. But just accept it. And tell her.”

With that, she made her way from the room, shutting the door behind her. Hayate was left in contemplation about everything they had just talked about. As much as he hated to admit Rin was ever right, she was. He needed some time to think, but a small smile grew on his lips.

The day went by, and Hayate was greeted again by one of the medics, come in to serve his dinner and check on his leg.

“Well it's looking much better than it was two weeks ago. You're still going to be needing that cast on for a while yet, but it's definitely getting there.”

Hayate thanked her for the food then stopped her just as she was about to leave.

“I've got a quick favour to ask. Do you know what time Hitomi is here til?”

The medic paused, looking slightly confused but obliging.

“Till late, why?”

Hayate smiled slightly.

“Can you ask her to be out by the lake later on this evening, when it gets dark? I mean, please don't tell her I asked her to be, if you could just make some excuse. I'd really appreciate it.”

The medic looked very puzzled now, but nodded.

“I'll see what I can do.” she said, and then left the room. Hayate looked out of the window to the lake running through the gardens and smiled to himself.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Suki had come up to Hitomi just as she was coming out of room 12. The blonde haired woman had to think on her feet because it would be hard to fool Hitomi and she knew it. The woman had seen the girl grow and with her mother having had worked here before her, she knew the child well.

“Hitomi. I was asked to have you go out to the lake in a few hours. After your rounds of course. It seems that there is a presentation going on about medical procedures in a survival situation and you are to be heading it.”

Hitomi raised a brow in surprise.

“Wouldn’t the department head have talked to me before hand about it?”

The woman shrugged her shoulders and looked to the pearlesque hued girl.

“You know how they want to make sure that we are always battle ready. The spur of the moment presentations are to make sure that we still know our stuff.”

Hitomi sighed.

“Very well. I’ll make sure that all is taken care of.”

Within the next few hours, Hitomi had taken care of her patients and did her chores that were needed. Stacking fresh linens, she turned to the blonde woman and gave a nod.

“Wish me luck. I’m heading out to the presentation.”

The woman smiled and waved.

“Good luck.”

Hitomi smiled and finished up a few more things before making her way out towards the darkened lake.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Hayate finished his meal then went about preparing himself. While not an easy task, he managed to eventually get himself dressed. His was already wearing his Anbu pants, sticking one of the shin length sandals on, his other foot still in the cast. Moving over to the wardrobe, he rummaged around and found a loose fitting grey shirt, throwing a black robe on top and wearing it open. He tied his hair up into a tail and then sat down again, rehearsing what he was going to say to her over and over. When nothing he thought of seemed right, he decided that in this case, the heat of the moment may be a better approach. His stomach felt like it was tied in a knot as he made his way from his room, hobbling along on his crutches. Hardly the most romantic look, but it would have to do. As he exited the room, he saw Suki and looked over to her, before approaching her.

“Hitomi's gone out to the gardens.” she said, turning around to him before he could even speak. She looked at him, her eyes narrowing.

“I don't know what you're planning on, but if she comes back upset, I will break the other leg.”

Hayate gulped, before nodding his head to her.

“I assure you, if she comes back upset, I will be breaking it myself.”

With that, he turned on his heel and slowly made his way out to the gardens. The night air was pleasantly warm, and Hayate was glad he hadn't decided to overdress, as the heat wouldn't have helped his confusion. He hobbled along the path to the lakeside, and saw Hitomi standing there, gazing out onto the lake. He waited for several moments, watching her silently before he gulped again, making his way over to her.

“Hey.” he said, trying to remain composed as he arrived at her side. Then, the awkward silence came, made all the more worse by the crickets surrounding the lake chirping.

“It's....ummm.....a nice night, don't you think?”

Stupid, stupid, stupid. What would Rin say to his feeble attempt at small talk?

'Tell her how you feel.' Rin's words echoed through his head.

“I wanted to say thanks again for everything.”

That was it? He kicked himself mentally at his own embarrassment. He could easily produce high level ninjustu, track down enemies and friends alike with merely a footprint, tackle direct threats to the village, but he couldn't express his feelings to a girl? 'Come on Hayate' he thought to himself, although he stopped there, realising all this time he had been thinking, he was in fact silent, and probably only making things worse.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Hitomi’s gaze had been on the mirrored lake that shined with the light of the newly risen moon. The peace and quiet of the night had caused her to smile softly. It was beautiful to her. A light breeze blew and only caused her messy hair to fly around her head a bit more. She had been lost in the simple beauty of the outside and jumped a bit when she heard the familiar male voice. She turned with a bit of a start and smiled softly seeing him.

“Hey. Good to see you are out of bed and getting about.”

With the bits of silence that came, she felt the small stabs that would no doubt hurt later.

“Yes. It’s a very nice night…” She said as she looked up to him. The moon causing his features to be just as breathtaking as she had always known them to be. Yet she felt her heart pound in her chest and her breathing begin to quicken though remaining quiet. His attention was on her. There was nowhere for her to hide and just peek at him. Nothing to place up as a barrier between the two of them. Her pearlesque hues looked to him as she smiled waiting for him to say something. Was this his idea? She was beginning to get excited. Then she heard him thank her for everything that she had done for him.

She exhaled slightly but had continued to smile. She hid the slight disappointment that had come from hearing just his thanks. Something that she knew already.

“You’re welcome. You know that I’d make sure you were taken care of well.”

She bit her lower lip and placed her hands in front of her clasped together as another awkward silence fell between the two of them.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

That had done it. Although she continued to smile at him, he heard her sigh of disappointment, and felt awful. Why was he so awkward? He watched her bite her lip and clasp her hands, waiting for him to say something. This was it. His heart felt like it was going to jump out of his chest, and he could hear Rin shouting in his head 'Just tell her!' Had he really brought her out here just to tell her he was happy his leg was being taken care of? If so, he may as well just jump in that lake now and drown himself in shame. He stared at her, her blank eyes reflecting the moonlight in them. He hadn't appreciated how truly beautiful she was until that moment, when they were well and truly alone, with only the sounds of nature to accompany them.

“Hitomi.....I'm sorry......”

He paused again, thinking now he had said he was sorry she would probably be taking it as a final rejection. He quickly gathered his thoughts and began again.

“I'm sorry that you were always there for me and I never appreciated you for it. I'm sorry for never telling you that I cared, for never thinking about what you were trying to show me. I'm sorry for every time on a mission where I pushed you away, or yelled at you, or pushed you beyond your limits. I'm sorry for never thanking you for teaching me how kind people can be. I'm sorry for never giving you the attention you deserved as one of my best friends. I'm so sorry for everything......”

He paused again.

“And I'm sorry for never seeing......never thinking about.......never telling you that.......that........”

Pausing for the final time, he gulped.

“....I love you.” he whispered.

There was a moment’s silence between the two before he exhaled, casting off his crutches and taking her face softly in both his hands, bringing his own to hers and placing a kiss on her lips.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

She watched him as it seemed he was mulling over his own thoughts. Hearing him call her name, she looked up a moment and met his then heard his apology. Her smile remained warm and caring for him as it always had yet she felt the sinking feeling inside that it  was truly the end of her childhood dream.

She waited a moment and as she parted her lips to speak, he continued. Her gaze remained on him while he spoke. Hearing the deeds and things that she had always wanted to hear coming from his lips, she smiled and looked down to the ground as he continued.

She felt her cheeks radiate with heat and was thankful for the night sky hiding her blushing cheeks. She listened to him apologise for everything for things that he never did that he should have and things that he did do.

The rim of her eyes pooled with unshed tears as she looked to him. Then came the silence that she felt last what seemed like forever but it was a forever that would not last. His voice brought the chorus that her heart had always sang for him. The truth that she had ran from and denied for so long. Her breath caught in her throat as a single tear fell from one side than the other as she looked to him.

Her pearlesque hues gleaming with the moonlight and the tears that were being washed over her eyes with every sweep of her lashes. It was nothing more than a whisper from his lips but to her it was as if he had shouted it from the top of Hokage Mountain.

Seeing him cast his crutches down, she almost protested before she felt his hands on her face then his lips meeting hers. Her eyes closed and her hands moved forward to lightly touch his side with one and the other reaching up to lightly caress over the back of his hand, her fingers lacing slightly with his as her palm stretched out over the back of his hand. She couldn’t have asked for a more perfect moment if she had dreamed it out a thousand times.

From the doorway, two figures stood. Usagi began to open her mouth to cheer them on when an older hand covered the young woman’s mouth. Suki looked to Usagi and raised a brow.

“Do not ruin this on them..”

Usagi looked to the woman and pouted a bit.

“Awe.. come on Suki.. live a little.”

Suki looked to Usagi and raised a brow.

"Don’t you have rounds to do?”

Hearing that, Usagi sighed and slumped forward as she marched her way back to her duties. Suki leaned against the door jam with her arms crossed over her chest and lit cigarette in her lips. Taking a drag in, she whispered softly.

“Well done, Uchiha.. Well done.”

She exhaled and put her cigarette out before walking back to do her own duties. Hitomi didn’t want this moment to end, tilting her head a bit more to enjoy the touch of the man she had dreamt about her whole life. But she had a feeling that this would not be the last time she’d feel this. Slowly, she parted from his lips and looked up to him with a smile on her lips that could rival the sun. Her eyes met his as a whisper came from her lips.

“I love you too…”

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

It was an odd feeling, but a good one. Overall, Hayate felt relieved, like a huge weight had been taken off of his chest.

He held the moment with her for what seemed like an eternity before they finally parted and she whispered back to him. He had never known anything like it. He realised in the nineteen years he had been on the planet, he had never once been with, or expressed interest in being with a woman. Between friends, duties and everything else, he simply hadn't had the time to think about it.

He chuckled, taking Hitomi's hands in his and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. He felt slightly lost for words now, looking at her and brushing away the tears , smiling gently at her. He was suddenly aware however that he required his crutches now, as his leg was still very much broken. He gathered them up then chuckled as he leaned back onto them.

“Well.......got it out there eventually huh?”

He made his way back into the hospital with Hitomi at his side, talking like newly made friends as he returned to his room. There they stayed for a while, until he needed to rest. He kissed her goodnight and then got into bed, closing his eyes.

He awoke the next morning to the door bursting open, with Rin running in and leaping onto him, hugging him tightly and squealing. His only response was to wince and shove her off of him before she clasped her hands to her mouth in horror.

“I'm sorry!” she said as Hayate rolled his eyes. “But congratulations! I knew you could do it you big old softy.” She smiled down at him with glee. “Arashi sends his congrats as well, and says sorry for missing you but he had an early start with his team.”

Hayate looked around to the clock.

“Rin.....it's not even gone 9.......the hell?”

Rin gave her brother a mischievous look.

“Well, Hitomi texted me last night, and I might have told a few people.....”

Hayate narrowed his eyes at her.

“By a few people, I'm assuming you mean everyone?”

Rin looked slightly sheepish, then giggled.

“Mum, dad, Arashi, Granny and Grampa, Inoju, Cho, Shikako, Kasumi, Kuro, The Lees, Kotaro.....”

Hayate stopped her there.

“I get the picture. Well thanks for keeping it on the low.”

Rin stuck her tongue out at him.

“My baby brother has a girlfriend!” She squealed again before she ran off, presumably to track down Hitomi. Hayate sighed and fell back into bed. He suddenly jerked upright when a thought came to his mind; Tsura. As far as Rin, or anyone else knew, this was Hayate's first ever relationship of any kind. He hadn't told a soul about what happened those years back, afraid that he'd be endangering those he cared about the most. Still, Tsura hadn't made herself known to him for almost two years, so there was little point in worrying. Resting back down, his thoughts turned back to the matter at hand.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Hitomi smiled and looked up to Hayate as he spoke to her.

“Some of the best things are worth waiting for.”

She helped him back to his room and now that the silence had been lifted, she truly didn’t wish to talk but she listened to him. To every word that came from his lips. She just wanted to be with him. She’d sit on the side of his bed and hold his hand while they simply let time slide by them. While he spoke of past memories, she smiled as she helped to heal his leg a bit more, taking the stress and the pain from it. She caressed lightly over the side of his face and kissed him once more before she left for the night. The next morning was a day that she had woken for once without worry. She felt like she could soar when she heard a rap at her door.

“Hitomi.. I brought sweet rolls…”

She smiled hearing her mother’s voice as she walked over and let her in. Going about the kitchen, she hummed to herself while her mother watched her.

“So, who is the one that has you like this?”

Hitomi looked over to her mother and smiled brightly.

“Dreams come true, let me just put it that way.”

Minato looked to her daughter and raised a brow with a smile.

“So my daughter is with the young Uchiha of her dreams?”

Hitomi could only turn around and grin.

“If I said yes, are you going to fangirl with me?”

Minato laughed and wrapped her arms around her daughter and kissed her cheek.

“I’m so happy for you!!”

They chatted over breakfast and Hitomi had gotten ready for work. Once she had arrived at work, she went about her way getting her work for the day started. But it did not take long before she heard a squeal and was knocked off her chair.

“HITOMI!!!”

Hitomi cried out as she hit the ground with a weight on top of her. Looking up, she smiled softly but looked confused seeing Rin.

“Umm.. Hi?”

“Oh my god!! It finally happened!” She wrapped her arms around Hitomi and hugged her tightly. “My best friend and my little brother are finally together!”

Hitomi blushed deeply and chuckled a bit.

“Yes.”

She squealed and rocked them back and forth.

“Rin.. let go..” She said as she tried to wiggle from the girl’s grip. When she was able to finally get free, she said her goodbyes to Rin before she went to Hayate’s room with his breakfast tray. Knocking softly, she opened the door and walked in and placed his tray on the bed side table. Seeing the sheets all rumpled and things disheveled a bit, she smiled.

“I see that Rin had come to you first.”

She sat down on the side of his bed and stroked over the side of his face.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

The door opened once the knock had commenced, Hitomi coming through and carrying a tray with breakfast on it. She placed the tray on the table besides Hayate and sat on the bed, commenting on the state of the sheets.

“Whatever gave you that impression?” he said jokingly, wrapping his fingers with hers as he leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss.

“I gather you two talked last night. I also gather thanks to my dear sister, the whole village knows. I wouldn't be surprised if within the hour half the world knows.”

He let out a laugh.

“If there's one thing Rin's never been good at, it's subtlety.”

He brushed a few rogue hairs from his face with his free hand.

“Last night.......I'm glad it happened. And although she's broadcast our social life to everyone from here to Suna, I think I owe her a thanks. Without her, it wouldn't have happened.”

There was another knock at the door, with Hayate fully expecting Rin to come in. He was surprised when the visitor revealed themselves to be his mother, and even more unexpectedly, his father.

“Oh my, I hope we're not interrupting.” were the first words from Tomoka's mouth. Hayate smiled up at her.

“Hi mum. And no, you're fine. It's good to see you.”

Tomoka moved over to the bed and embraced her son. Being no stranger to her after all the years of coming over to the Uchiha household with Rin, she then hugged Hitomi.

“Rin told me last night. I'm so happy for you both. It has been years in the making has it not?” She giggled, reminiscent of Rin.

Hayate couldn't help but notice however Hiro standing in the corner of the room in silence.

“Hitomi, why don't you and mum go grab a coffee. I'm sure she's dying to hear all the gory details.” He gave a small laugh as the two women left the room, leaving Hayate and his father alone. Hayate went to stand but Hiro simply ushered him down.

“Sit.” Hayate sat down, feeling like he was back at the academy and being told what to do by one of his sensei. Hiro walked over to the bed, pulling up a chair and seating himself.

“Your sister told me what happened.”

Hayate sat in silence, thinking how he was meant to respond. Rin had told their parents from the minute Hayate was hospitalised what was going on with his leg, and while Tomoka had visited him regularly, Hiro had been absent. In fact, Hayate had not seen his father for several months.

“Why are you here?” he questioned his father calmly. Hiro's face kept the same emotion it always did; indifference.

“Your mother makes me very happy Hayate. I am glad you have found someone who does the same for you.”

With that, he did something which he had never done in Hayate's memory. He patted his thigh, in a gesture of pride. Hayate sat there, visibly shocked at what had just occurred, while his father rose up and brushed down his long coat.

“I have to be at work soon. Tell your mother I will see her tonight.”

With that, he left the room. Hayate felt like pinching himself to see if he was in some kind of waking dream. First Hitomi, now his father. The last 24 hours had been somewhat surreal. Nevertheless, he shrugged the thought off, rising to dress himself before helping himself to his breakfast.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Hitomi had gotten a hot tea with Hayate’s mother as she told her of how romantic her son truly was. Tomoka chuckled a bit and placed her hand on Hitomi’s as she spoke.

“He is so much like his father. But don’t tell him that. You see, when I was your age, Hiro was just like Hayate was. So sure of the mission, of his comrades and of the duty to his clan and village that he never stopped to see life beyond that. Much like you, I was on his team for everything. I even followed him to the Anbu to be at his side whenever he needed me. It wasn’t until we were on a mission that almost cost me my life that Hiro finally stopped to see life around him. Unfortunately, it was the color of my blood that woke him up. But since that day, he has been the most loving man. He may look cold and stern but I can assure you that underneath that cold demeanor, is an amazing man that I could never live without.”

She smiled looking to Hitomi and sipped her coffee. Hitomi smiled looking to the cup in her hand.

“So long I have waited for him.. I almost gave up.”

Tomoka looked to Hitomi and cupped her cheek softly with a warm smile.

“Aren’t you happy you didn’t?”

Hitomi smiled and gave a nod. Standing, Tomoka waited for Hitomi.

“I do think I should go back to visit my son and see that his father hasn’t scared him again.”

She laughed softly as Hitomi walked with her back to Hayate’s room. Knocking softly, Hitomi pushed the door open. Seeing Hayate dressed and eating his breakfast, she smiled and felt her heart soar. There would be no other man in her life. Not when she waited a lifetime for him.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Hayate was just finishing his breakfast as Hitomi and his mother came back through the door.

“Did your father leave already?” Tomoka inquired.

“Yeh. He said he had to get to work and to let you know that he'd see you tonight.”

Tomoka sighed, although happily.

“Well I suppose it can't be helped. Your father is a busy man after all.”

She walked over to Hayate, placed her hand on his cheek and gently kissed his forehead.

“I hope you get better soon my love. And you treat this young lady well do you hear me?” she said, the playfulness in her voice evident. “After everything she's been through for you, you owe her it.”

She stood, moving over to Hitomi and kissing her on the cheek.

“Take care of him dear. We wouldn't want him breaking the other leg tripping over himself being blindsided by love.”

She waved at the two as she exited the room, happily humming to herself.

Hayate looked over to Hitomi, who was beginning to clear his tray. Getting to his feet, he hobbled over to her, making her put down the tray momentarily. He took her hands in his and simply stared at her for several moments.

“I love you.” He kissed her softly before he smiled at her. “Have a good day.”

After she left, he went to sit down, lying back on the bed and staring up at the ceiling. For the first time in a long time, he was happy. His phone beeped, signalling a text having just come through. He opened it up to see a message from Rin.

'Do I hear wedding bells yet? X'

He chuckled to himself as he tapped the keypad before closing the phone and placing back on the table.

'Piss off X'