[ Holidays ] [ @cloudy-domain ] [ Suigin Ryū, Uchiha Shisui, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Mikoto, Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Manami ] [ Verse: Best Years of You Life ]
“So...any plans for the holidays, hun?”
Carrying an empty sheet pan back to be washed, Hinata sighs. “...not really, no. Probably just going to stay home with my cat,” the girl jokes weakly.
Counting the bills in the till, Ryū glances to her employee, a worried look on her face. “...really? Not headed home?”
“...no.”
The elder's shoulders wilt. “Are things still...tense?”
“You could say that,” Hinata mumbles, setting the tray down as she realizes Ryū is too intent on conversation to avoid her any longer. “...otōsan is still peeved about me taking a year off.”
Ryū's worry turns to pity. “...honestly, I don't understand that man,” she mutters, expression pinching as irritation crosses her features. “Plenty of students do such a thing! And if you weren't sure about your subject of study, it's good for you to spend some time away and see what calls to you!”
“I tried to explain that, but...you know how he is.” Fingers gripping the counter's edge, Hinata leans back against it, her own face crestfallen. “...at least I haven't d-dropped out completely...and it's not like I'm just...sitting idle.”
“No, you're not,” Ryū agrees, lips pursing in thought. “I'm so happy to have the help – it's getting a bit difficult with this thing in the way,” she laughs, laying a hand on her swelling middle.
“It's me that's grateful, though,” Hinata insists, expression adamant. “Jobs around campus get snatched up so quickly...”
“Well, you were well-suited to the task,” the elder replies, a knowing smile on her face. “You're so good with the customers, and you're such a hard worker!” A silver eye winks beneath white lashes. “You never know – maybe I'll just keep you, and you won't have to worry about going back, ne?”
“You know my father would f-flip if I kept a job like this,” Hinata counters with a pout.
“Hun...in the end, the one walking your path is you.” Finished counting, Ryū adjusts the till and turns to face Hinata fully. “...I know you don't want to jeopardize a familial relationship, but...you have to do what makes you happy. And you know I'm not about to let you go under if I can help it.”
The Hyūga woman looks up from her woe, eyes widening. “...you...?”
“I meant what I said,” Ryū goes on. “...if you want to stay full-time after your year is up, you're more than welcome to. You've proven to be a very valuable employee. You're skilled, easy to work with, your schedule is so much more open than a full-time student's...I think we'd be able to keep you around.”
Shock pales Hinata's face, and it trembles as she threatens to cry. “I-I...!”
“Oh goodness,” Ryū coos. “Now now, no tears! You know how easily I cry with all these hormones raging on!”
Managing a watery laugh, Hinata wipes at her eyes, accepting as Ryū offers a hug. “...thank you...”
“Any time hun. Now...let's get the shop closed up, and I'll drive you home.”
With the bakery cleaned and locked up, Ryū shimmies into her car. “Oof...! I'll be more than happy to be able to put my seat back where it belongs,” she complains, her middle forcing her back from the pedals slightly.
Hinata giggles into a hand. “Only a few more weeks, right?”
“Mhm...sometime right after the New Year, we expect,” the elder replies, a boundless fondness in her tone as she rests her palm atop her belly. “...I can't wait to meet them. And gods above, you should see Shisui. He's over the moon.”
Smiling warmly, Hinata replies, “I'm s-sure he is. He's such an exuberant person!”
“That's putting it mildly,” Ryū jokes with a goofy smile. “And he's so excited we get to spend the holidays with his family. We weren't sure we'd be able to afford being closed long enough to make the trip.”
“He doesn't happen to have a h-hot cousin, does he?” Hinata jokes dryly.
The pair both laugh before Ryū suddenly stops.
“...Hinata...why don't you come with us?”
“E-eh?!”
“Really! Manami-san is very welcoming – I'm sure she'd be glad to have you,” Ryū goes on, expression brightening. “And you already told me you have no plans! What do you say?”
“I-I couldn't just intrude!”
“It's called an invitation for a reason, silly,” Ryū rebukes with a smile. “...I'm serious. The Uchiha are a large family – I'm sure one more wouldn't be much trouble!”
Hinata shrinks into her seat, feeling overwhelmed. “B-but -!”
“But nothing! I'll talk to Shisui about it tonight when I get home – I'm sure he'd agree!” Ryū turns on the vehicle's motor, the lights flicking on and revealing the shimmering snowflakes. “Besides, no one should be alone this time of year!” She gives a warm smile. “For now, we'll sub in for your family, ne?”
The Hyūga wilts. She can tell there's no escaping. “...i-if you say so...”
Dropped off outside her building, Hinata drags herself up to her quarters and goes straight to her room, flopping onto her bed.
A little mew sounds beside her, and she turns her head to behold her cat.
“...Kemuri, what am I going to do?” she whines, lips trembling. “I can't impose on Ryū-san and Shisui-san...not to mention e-everyone else!” Her face buries into her pillow, muffling a mortified squeal as her legs kick upon the bed.
Kemuri gives a cry, clinging with his claws as the mattress jumps beneath his paws.
“...but it's rude to refuse an invitation! And...I can't give an excuse – I already told her I've got nothing going on...” Woeful eyes glance to her companion. “...I could tell her you're ill.”
The feline blinks his eyes, the tip of his tail flicking lazily.
“...yeah...that would just worry her,” Hinata mumbles, hugging the pillow with a pout. Wracking her brain, she can't seem to come up with an excuse.
“...I'm really going to have to go...aren't I?” she sighs.
She tries to tell herself that it could be fun! After all, if the Uchiha are anything like Shisui, surely it can't be that bad. She's met Ryū's husband several times, and though he can be a bit...exuberant for her tastes, he's certainly friendly, let alone charming and easygoing.
So as Kemuri knits at her arm with a paw, she makes up her mind.
She'll go.
The following morning, Hinata can't help but drag her feet on her way to work. Ryū lets her walk in the mornings, when the sun is up, but always drives her home when the streets are dark. So fifteen minutes late, she shyly steps through the back door.
Leaned back to compensate for the weight, Ryū hauls a tray to the front to stock the displays. “Ah, there you are! Hop right in!”
Guilt flutters in the Hyūga's stomach, but she nods and sets her things aside before stepping in to help.
Giving Hinata a knowing smile, Ryū asks, “Nervous?”
The younger woman squeaks. “U-uh -!”
“I had a feeling,” the other finishes, giving a sheepish smile. “I apologize for dumping that on you. But...I was just so sad to think of you spending the holidays alone!” Grey eyes look aside somberly with a smile. “I'm from a rather small family myself, so...I know loneliness pretty well. I didn't want you to have to face that if you don't have to.”
Hinata pauses at the admission, considering that. “I...I appreciate that,” she murmurs. With a smile, she adds, “Well...at least it sounds like you're marrying into a big family!”
“I'm still working on keeping names straight,” her employer responds with a laugh. “I hope I get credit for what I know – we don't get to see many of them very often.”
“Oh? Why's that?”
“Well, the main family owns land in the countryside. Technically most live in the city – they're a law enforcement family, as Shisui follows. But being as busy as they are, it's rare to get them all in one place. Hence the old family home for the holidays. It's been in the family for a long, long time! So that's where we'll be headed, which is why we need time off. Everyone's spending the whole weekend from Friday until Sunday! Well, most. Some might come later on if they need to.”
Hinata's face slackens with surprise. “They sound like a b-big deal!”
“In their own way, I suppose,” Ryū muses. “The Uchiha are an old family – they've lived in this area for gods know how long. And they've always been into such roles, even back in the old days! Rumor has it some were samurai...and some were even ninja!” Ryū laughs into a hand.
Hinata echoes the sound. “Ninja, huh?” Her eyes flicker behind Ryū, seeing her husband enter unnoticed. Hearing the conversation, he gets a grin on his face, sneaking up toward them.
“The family land even has a dōjō! I think it's fairly common for all of them to know at least the basics of martial arts – it's helpful on the force!”
“And for unsuspecting wives!” Shisui announces, gripping Ryū around the waist.
Her eyes fly wide. “S-Shisui! Gods above, you scared me!”
He just gives a bellowing laugh, stilling clinging to her. “Maybe we're still ninja, hm?” he teases with a wink. “You didn't even know I was there...!”
“You're too much of a goofball to be a shinobi,” Ryū rebukes, cheeks pink at his teasing.
“I can be serious when duty calls...” he pouts.
Giving a coy smile, Ryū doesn't counter him. “What are you doing here?” is what she asks instead. “Shouldn't you be on patrol?”
“Technically I am...partner's talking to someone outside that witnessed a traffic accident down the street,” Shisui explains. “Sooo...I thought I'd pop in for just a second to praise my lovely wife.”
“And leave your poor partner out there alone?” Ryū chastises with a smile.
“He's a big boy, he can handle himself.” Looking up, Shisui grins. “So, this is our little tagalong, huh?”
Hinata's cheeks go pink. “I-I'm sorry!”
“Just teasing you!” He straightens, abandoning his grip on his wife. “We'll be glad to have you! Can't have anyone alone this weekend, huh? I have a cousin your age – I'll have to introduce you, huh?” Shisui winks an eye again, making her squeak.
“Shisui, leave the poor girl alone,” Ryū huffs, rolling her eyes.
“No one escapes my sass.”
Poking her fingers together, Hinata asks, “Is...is it really okay I come along?”
“Of course! The more the merrier, as kāchan always says,” Shisui assures her, grinning once again. “There's plenty of people outside the family – significant others, or friends dragged along for similar reasons. I think Sasuke's bringing Naruto again, as usual. He's been coming since primary school.”
Ryū gives a somber nod. “True. So, you won't be the only one, Hinata.” She then gives Shisui a coy look. “Now please go back and do your job, and let us do ours, hm?”
“So cruel,” Shisui mockingly mourns, a hand at his brow.
“It's Fugaku who will be cruel if he hears you took an unnecessary break on the clock,” Ryū rebukes with a laugh. “Go on!”
“Yeah, yeah...” Giving a salute, he takes his leave back through the front door.
Hands on her hips, Ryū shakes her head with a smile as she watches him go. Turning to Hinata, she asks, “Feel better, now?”
“Mhm.”
“Good. As he said, it's a long weekend, so be sure to pack accordingly!” She holds up a finger, smiling. “It's a very rural place, so you don't want to be caught without anything. There's very few shops out that far! There is a small city nearby, but even that's a bit of a drive.”
“H-hai!”
In spite of herself, the closer the weekend gets, the more excited Hinata becomes. Arranging to have a friend care for her kitty, she packs her bag several days in advance, occasionally checking and rechecking its contents before Thursday night finally arrives. As they'd arranged, she goes home with Ryū, making them able to get as early a start as possible.
“I'm sure the roads will be a bit troublesome,” the elder woman muses as she settles Hinata in their guest room. “So we'd better get going early and take our time!”
Sleep isn't easy to come by, and when her alarm goes off, Hinata is already awake. Putting her things in the car, she settles into the back seat, prepared for a long trip. Five hours, by Ryū's reckoning. Wedging her bag against her door, she dozes against it as Shisui winds their way from the city and out into the countryside.
When she wakes, she just catches a glance of the wall that encircles the main house.
And what a house it is.
Traditional, huge, and dusted with snow, it looks like a photo you'd find on a postcard. In awe, Hinata follows the pair on autopilot as she takes in the sights.
“...I really hope Shisui has that hot c-cousin,” she whispers to Ryū, making the woman laugh.
At the front door, an elder pair waits to greet them. “Shisui! Ryū!”
“Obasan!” Shisui greets loudly, embracing the small woman.
“That's Mikoto, and Fugaku,” Ryū explains under her breath. “They're the 'main family', so to speak. Two sons. Shisui's mother Manami is Mikoto's elder sister.”
Trying to sort the information in her mind, Hinata is quiet as Ryū takes her turn to be greeted.
“Goodness, you're almost due now!” Mikoto coos. “We're all so excited for the new little one!”
Giving a bashful dip of her head, Ryū's cheeks go pink. “And I'm excited to stop waddling everywhere!”
Mikoto laughs. “I remember that wish all too well. Soon enough!” She peers around. “And who is this?”
“This is Hyūga Hinata, a friend and coworker. She's the one Shisui told you about – I wasn't going to let her spend the holidays alone!”
“Ahhh, I see! The Hyūga are another notable family in the area, hm?” the matriarch muses, a coy look on her face. “It's so nice to meet you, Hinata-san!”
“A-and you!” Hinata squeaks in reply, bobbing several bows.
“Ne, where's kāchan?” Shisui asks.
“Running a tad late, I'm afraid,” Fugaku replies, hands tucked in his sleeves. “She called about an hour ago, said she'd be a while yet.”
“Aw, shoot.”
“Well, you'd best come inside – you can say hello when she gets here,” Mikoto offers. “We can't just let you sit on the porch all weekend, after all! The boys are eager to see you both.”
“Naruto here?”
“Of course.”
“All right! We're gonna have to have a rematch from last year!” the man crows, hauling in their bags.
“Wrestling,” Ryū explains in a word at Hinata's curious glance. “Naruto managed to pin him. He's complained about it all year.”
Within the monster of a manor, the three are lead to their guest quarters. “I'm afraid you'll have to bunk up,” Mikoto offers. “There's a spare cot in with Shisui and Ryū's, Hinata-san.”
“That's f-fine!”
With their things settled, the trio head to the belly of the house. Adults and children alike are peppered all over the place. “There's s-so many!” Hinata notes, dodging several younglings.
“I told you it's a big family!” Ryū laughs.
“Oi, Sasuke!” Shisui waves, greeting yet another dark-haired man, who stands beside a blond.
“Shisui,” Sasuke greets, a cool smile on his face. “Ready for that rematch?”
“You know it!” A hand ruffles Naruto's hair. “You ready?”
“Hell yeah!”
“Sasuke,” Ryū cuts in, taking Hinata forward by the arm. “This is Hyūga Hinata – she's a recent employee of mine taking a year from uni. Hinata, this is Shisui's cousin, Sasuke.”
The man gives a dip of his head. “Hyūga-san.”
“Oh, p-please just call me Hinata, Sasuke-san!”
“Sure.” He jerks his head to one side. “This is Uzumaki Naruto. Friend of mine.”
The sunshine blond gives a grin. “Yo!”
“Where's that weasel brother of yours, Sasuke?” Shisui inquires. “Not hiding, is he?”
“I think he was running some errands for kāchan,” the younger replies. “I'd expect him back soon, though.”
“Good – he can't avoid us forever!”
“Itachi is Sasuke's older brother – Mikoto's other son,” Ryū fills in. “He and I are the same age. Shisui is three years my senior, and I'm Sasuke's by five years.”
Hinata gives a thoughtful nod.
“In all honesty, they're the ones I know best,” the elder woman adds sheepishly. “Everyone else tends to be further branches – I'm still learning!”
“Given the crowds, I don't b-blame you!”
The time fades into conversation and general small talk, each of them finding seats and speaking easily. Though she feels a bit out of place, Hinata does her best to participate, slowly relaxing and settling into the group.
“Onēchan!”
They all look up as Mikoto squeals, moving to the front door where a shockingly-similar woman walks in, burdened by several bags and a limp.
“Ah, imōto,” Manami greets with a smile. “Forgive the delay! I had a hero dig me out of the snow.”
Looking surprised, Mikoto looks around and smiles. “Itachi, dear!”
A young man steps forward, his own hands full of bags. “As it turns out, she got stuck in a snowbank a ways out of town. We got her out, though there's a bit of damage to her car.”
“Oh goodness...well, I'm so glad you're all right, and that Itachi found you!”
Several others, including Hinata and her group, approach to greet them.
“You sure you're all right?” Shisui asks, stepping forward and gripping his mother's arms, giving her a once-over. “How’s the leg?”
Manami laughs softly. “Yes, yes, I'm fine. The prosthetic is undamaged, as far as I can tell. Your cousin took good care of me.”
Sasuke wordlessly helps Itachi with his burdens, the pair disappearing toward the kitchen.
“Ah, Ryū dear – so good to see you,” Manami goes on, carefully embracing her daughter-in-law. “Closer and closer to my first grandchild, hm?”
“Hopefully they have the patience for the weekend,” the snow-haired woman replies.
“Indeed – the roads are treacherous. Best we just stay here huddled where it's warm!”
“I'd best go help the boys,” Mikoto offers.
“May we help?”
“Certainly, Ryū!”
Dragging Hinata with her, Ryū leads her to the kitchen, which is just as impressive as the rest of the house. “You know, obasan, I might just come live here year-round so I can use this kitchen,” Ryū notes with a laugh.
“You're always welcome to make the trip up!” Mikoto replies. “Besides, you'd better once the little arrives!”
“Of course, of course!”
Along a counter, Itachi and Sasuke are emptying grocery bags, and Ryū steps up to finish introductions. “Itachi! It's good to see you!”
“And you,” he replies automatically, giving a smile. Dark eyes flicker to Hinata. “...and this is...?”
“An employee of mine – I'm adopting her over the weekend, so she's here for the holidays,” Ryū explains. “Hyūga Hinata.”
“Hyūga,” he muses.
Cheeks pink, Hinata bows her head politely. “It's n-nice to meet you, Itachi-san.”
“Likewise, Hinata-san.”
Looking coy, Ryū goes on. “She's a model employee! So kind and helpful, and so polite! Always a joy to have around. You know, she reminds me a lot of you, Itachi.”
“Is that so?” He gives the younger girl another glance. “...in that case, I look forward to getting to know you over the coming days, Hinata-san.”
“M-me too,” she replies weakly.
Taking Hinata back over toward Mikoto, Ryū grins as Hinata demands what she's on about. “Oh, you know,” she replies airily. “Giving...encouragement.” She leans in to whisper. “I'm fairly certain Sasuke isn't particularly...interested in your type.”
Frowning, Hinata pauses before surprise pulls at her features. “You mean...?”
“Let's just say I suspect he and Naruto are a bit...more than friends,” Ryū teases. “At any rate, Itachi seems much more the better match to your personality.”
“R-Ryū -!”
“You asked for a hot cousin, and I provided.”
Hinata deflates. “...oh gods above...”
Ryū laughs. “I just laid a patch of groundwork! Do with it what you will,” she offers with a wink. “Now, let's help Mikoto with the food, hm?”
Manami joins them, Shisui and his cousins handling menial labor like peeling and washing. The women spend their time gossiping as they chop and stew.
“So, do you have any names picked out?” Manami asks.
“Not really,” Ryū admits. “After all, we've left the sex a surprise. I just feel like I'll know when I see them, you know?”
Mikoto nods. “A good point!”
“I'm still hoping it's a little girl,” Manami grins. “Shisui would be so surprised. He's been betting on a boy since the beginning.”
“I'd like a girl,” the snow-haired woman agrees. “But I suppose I'm just hoping they'll be healthy.”
“Of course.”
The entire family gathers for dinner, talk and food in abundance. To Hinata's chagrin, Ryū positions her between herself and Itachi. No matter how many pouts Hinata points Ryū's way, the elder seems to ignore her.
Itachi, however, makes polite attempts at conversation, and Hinata slowly opens up about her own situation. From family to school to work, they trade information, and an air of ease blooms between them.
“So...going home w-wasn't really something I wanted to do this year,” she admits, glancing aside.
The Uchiha gives a solemn nod. “Understandable. Forgive me if this sounds selfish, but...in a way, I am glad.”
She glances up, a question on her face.
“After all...if you had, you would not be here. And we would not have met.”
Hinata jolts slightly, cheeks flaring pink.
When the meal ends, people fall back into groups, talking and enjoying the warmth of the house. Ryū dozes against Shisui's side, his cousins speaking softly as not to wake her.
“Poor thing must be so tired lately,” Manami muses. “Between running that bakery and hauling around a baby, she's wearing herself out!”
“I tried to convince her to take a back seat, but you know how she is,” Shisui replies. “She's reluctant to let anyone else steer...which I understand. It's a family business, after all.”
“True, but she's going to have to once the baby gets here.”
Hinata pauses. She hadn't considered that. Ryū would certainly need some maternity leave. Who would that leave in charge? She, at least, hasn't yet been made aware.
“I'd be more than willing to pitch in,” Manami offers. “What with my...early retirement and all.” She lays a hand atop her false leg.
“I'm sure she'd like that,” her son replies. He grins. “Just wait to offer until she's in a good mood.”
“When is she not?”
“Oh trust me – she has her moments.”
The group laughs softly. “Hard to believe,” Mikoto replies. “But being a new mother is stressful. And it's going to get tougher from here on!”
“Maybe we'll just hire kāchan full-time as a nanny,” Shisui teases.
“Well, my first go-round well enough,” his mother sniffs in reply.
Stirring, Ryū mumbles, “I wonder about that...”
“O-oi!” Shisui rebukes, flushing.
As the group laughs again, Hinata stands. “Excuse me – may I make some tea?”
“Of course, dear!” Mikoto replies. “Would you like some help?”
“I can help her,” Itachi volunteers. “How many cups should we prepare?”
“I think we could all take some.”
Nodding, Itachi follows Hinata, who moves shyly to the kitchen. “Thank you, Itachi-san...”
“It's no trouble. I was just thinking the same thing myself,” he replies, giving her a warm smile. “No winter evening is complete without hot tea.”
She beams, face pink.
They lay out mugs for everyone, gathering trays to carry them. With heated water and tea leaves, they move to go back.
“...ah...”
“Eh?” Carefully, Hinata turns with her tray. “Is something wrong?”
“I just noticed...” Itachi nods to the doorway, and Hinata follows his gaze.
And then pales.
“I-is that -?!”
“Mistletoe.” The Uchiha chuckles. “That was not there this afternoon...curious.”
Trembling, Hinata buckles her knees. “I-it wasn't me!”
“I do not think you could reach the doorway, Hinata-san.”
At that, she puffs up. “I'm...I'm not that short!”
His own tray in hand, Itachi gives a placating smile. “I jest, Hinata-san. Though we are still left with a predicament.”
The Hyūga's chin shakes, embarrassment heating her face. “...w-well...um...”
“Would you mind?”
“N...no.”
Itachi smiles. Holding his tray to one side, he lowers his face to hers. “A cheek, perhaps?”
Disappointment cools Hinata's gut. “S-sure.”
At the same moment, both move to do so...only to meet in the middle.
Dark and light eyes both widen, surprise holding them in a lip-lock for a long moment before they break apart.
Hinata trembles in embarrassment. “I...I-I'm so s-sorry! I thought you were – so then I – oh my gosh!”
“No harm done,” the man replies, giving another chuckle of amusement. “Though if you shake any harder, you may spill the tea, Hinata-san.”
“O-oh!” She adjusts her grip before wilting. “...I'm sorry.”
“As I said, it was harmless.” His eyes seem to shine teasingly. “...I didn't mind it.”
“...o-oh...?”
“No. Perhaps we will need to make a second trip...” With that, he moves past her toward the sitting room, leaving Hinata aghast.
D-did he just...?
Following, she does so in a daze, handing out her tray's contents. As she reaches Ryū, the woman accepts, hugging it to her chest with a coy smile.
Hinata's eyes widen, and she stares incredulously. Did you...?!
Despite reading her look, Ryū says nothing, lowering her eyes and nursing her tea.
Bristling, Hinata almost misses Mikoto's words. “H-huh?”
“Everything all right, dear?”
“Oh! Y-yes!” Setting aside her tray, she retakes her seat and sips her tea, seeking to keep her mouth full. The rim of her mug is warm against her lips.
...like his...
She pushes the thought aside
“Perhaps we will need to make a second trip...”
As the night draws to a close, people begin to disappear to their rooms, and Ryū is pulled from the couch by her husband.
“Can't I just sleep here?”
“Your neck won't thank you in the morning,” he warns, getting her to her feet.
She only grumbles, letting him lead her away as Hinata shyly follows.
“Hinata-san.”
“E-eh?”
Itachi gives a nod of his head. “...sleep well.”
Stiffening and going pink, Hinata does the same. “Y...you too, Itachi-san.”
In their room, Hinata waits for Shisui to leave before pouncing on Ryū with a look. “...was that you?”
“Was what me?”
“The m-mistletoe!”
“Hm...? I'm not sure what you're on about, deary,” Ryū replies, smiling. “I'm very tired, after all...”
“L-liar!”
Shisui chooses then to return, and Hinata is forced to silence. Huffing down under her sheets, she pouts.
...Shisui really does have a hot cousin...
