Another universe?

Dinner

Working so hard to catch up after all these years!

As they arrived at the Uzumaki Household, the warm glow from inside contrasted with the cool evening air.The familiar scent of home-cooked food drifted through the door as Hinata led them inside.

Yukio look around and for a moment the memories of his home overlapping with the reality before him. The way the furniture was arranged, the faint laughter of the past echoing in his mind— it wasn't the same,but enough to make his chest ache.

His mind was interrupted when she spoke- "Naruto wanted to be here,but something urgent came in. He had to handle it."

Sasuke hummed in acknowledgment as he stepped inside.Yukio on the other hand, swallowed hard and followed slowly.

"Make yourself comfortable" hinata said warmly, already going to kitchen."Dinner will be ready soon."

Yukio sat stiffly at the table,his hand clasped together as he stared down at them.His mind keep showing—flashes of the other world,another table, another Sasuke sitting across from him with Hinata setting food down beside them.All these memories making him lose his mind—

"You don't have to force yourself" Sasuke said suddenly,pulling from Yukio from his thoughts.

Yukio glanced up,meeting the older man steady gaze.

Sasuke leaned back slightly, arms crossed.
"If this is too much for you,you can leave."

Yukio forced a smile."It's alright,I'm fine."

Sasuke didn't push,but he knew the look of his eye that made Yukio shift uncomfortably.

Hinata returned moments later,placing dishes onto the table."I hope it's alright, it's been a while since we had guest." Hinata said kindly.

"It's look great" Yukio muttered.

.....

Dinner was quiet at first.Yukio focused on his food, trying to ground himself in the present,but every bite felt like a ghost of a memory—he hates that he keep thinking about it every second.

However hinata seems to notice his behavior."You're quiet." Hinata finally said, her voice gentle.

Yukio hesitated,lowering his chopsticks." I guess...Im just tired.."

It wasn't a lie.

Hinata gave him a small smile."That's understandable.You've been through a lot." She glanced at Sasuke, as if sharing some unspoken thought ,before returning her attention to Yukio. "If you need anything,you can always come here."

Yukio grip on his chopstick tightened.

Why was she saying this?Why was she looking at him like that?This wasn't his home.He isn't her son.He has no place to be here.

"Thanks" he mumbled,unsure what to say.

The conversation drifted after that.Hinata asked Sasuke a few things about work,Naruto and other stuff.Yukio barely paid attention.

Finally after dinner was over,Hinata stood up and began clearing the table."You know Yukio, you should rest a lot.I can tell you hadn't been sleeping well."

He froze, caught off by her words.I mean she was right, ever since that incident happened—he been getting lost of sleep.

"Ah..yeah I'll be fine" he said, quickly standing up. "Thanks for dinner, I should get back."

Hinata blink surprised."Are you sur-"

"Yes thank you very much." As he force a smile.

Sasuke didn't say anything as Yukio turned towards the door.His moments were quick—almost too quick like he was running away from something.

And in a way he was

He didn't belong here.Not really.

The moment he step out that house,the cool air hit him but it didn't clear his head as he hoped it would. Walking quickly as he head towards Sasuke and Sakura house,his chest tightened.

He shouldn't feel this way.But just for a moment he felt a flicker of hope.But it can't last.This is not his world after all.

Back at the Uzumaki house, Hinata look at Sasuke. "He was happy when he first got here." She muttered after a moment.

Sasuke still seated at the table,glanced at her. "Happiness like that doesn't last when you realize what you lost."

Hinata sighed "I know, it's hurt to see."

"He's trying to keep his distance, just like his older sister." Sasuke spoken

A silence stretched between them.

"He losts." She said."Just like you were."

Sasuke expression didn't change,but his finger twitched slightly.

"You can see it,don't you?" Hinata pressed gently.
"The way he carried himself.The way he avoids getting attach."

"Hm" as Sasuke nodded

Hinata studied him for a moment,then offered a small smile. "Maybe youre the only one who can help him find his way."

Sasuke didn't answer.

But he was already thinking about it.