Secret No More

Chapter 11

    Hinata backed away from the door calmly and quietly, making her way down the hallway and out of the front doors of the Academy. Her brows were furrowed and concern was pretty evident on her face as she started the trek back home. She had arrived not too long ago to ask if he had wanted to go get Ramen with her and Himawari, since Boruto was over at Saradas house today, but she had stopped when she heard Sasuke's voice.
    She would have left then, believing he was in the middle of a meeting, but then she heard Naruto's voice rise in frustration and it startled her so much she stayed put. Even leaning closer a bit to listen in. She’ll admit she wasn’t proud of the fact that she was eavesdropping, but in that moment she couldn’t stop herself. The two men inside hadn’t seemed to notice her presence outside while they talked, so they were clearly very distracted.
    Hinata clutched a hand to her chest as she walked, lost in her thoughts. She had really only been able to hear Naruto somewhat clearly after his voice cracked saying Sasuke's name. Which also worried her, Naruto rarely, if ever, cried anymore. And what did he mean by “Hinata deserves someone better than me.”? Naruto was a wonderful person, he was so caring and kind, and he loved his family more than anything else. He always made points to spend time with them when he could. And Menma? Wasn’t that the boy Boruto swore wasn’t his friend, just an acquaintance? (even though Hinata knew better with how fondly he spoke of the boy). Why couldn’t anyone know about him? Why is he isolated?? She had so many questions and very few answers.
    She paused outside of the hospital and looked over at it. Sakura was probably at work right now, should she discuss this with her? She huffed and shook her head. No. That would be the equivalent of gossiping, Hinata tried not to do that. She would go home, get Himawari and go to Ichiraku with her as promised, and when Naruto got home she would work up the courage to ask her questions. Carefully, she added to herself. Naruto was still probably going to be very sensitive about it if listening to him cry told her anything about his mental state. Maybe she should wait a few days then? She’d think about it later.
    She picked up her pace and reached the house. She opened the door and called out for her daughter.

    “Hima!” Silence for a moment, and then a thud, followed by more thumps before the familiar head of purple hair that was Himawari appeared before her.

    “Mommy!” She smiled wide, happy to see her. Hinata couldn’t help but smile back.

    “Hey sweetie,” she greeted the ten year old, “go on and grab your hoodie. I couldn’t find your father so we’ll just have to go by ourselves.” She hated lying to her kids.

    “That's okay,” Himawari smiled, though Hinata saw a small pout appear as the girl turned to grab the aforementioned hoodie, slipping it on. “He’ll just miss out on all the fun.” Hinata giggled and moved so Himawari could get past her as she headed outside. She shut the door behind her and allowed Himawari to lead the way.

~~~~~~~~~~

    Naruto stayed at the office that night.