Uncertainty clouded her mind as he finally spoke, little notches and falters in his words and her actions as she processed each one gradually. Silence blanketed it’s cold atmosphere between them, a softening of her expression to lose it’s sad smile akin to his own. Green, no hints of red texture within his eyes signalling to her that Kamukura wasn’t on the verge of re-appearing at such an inconvenient time. It was Hinata she was speaking to, no more, no less.
And like her, his pride and nature to want to be independent had forced the six month separation. Perhaps it was mildly her own fault, rushing to help him at his beck and call. Regardless of it being a part of her job, the way he worded it made it sound as though the constant help rendered him as u s e l e s s . Overly d e p e n d e n t . A t o d d l e r . And she herself was one of the main causes. Not that if she ever mentioned it, he’d allow her to think.
"But, it’s just your birthday. I’d never forget it."
"I felt bad hiding from you without a full reason. I just…didn’t know how to tell you."
"But Happy Birthday, I hope you still love me as much as I love you."
Weakness and hate filled her mind, only directed towards herself. She felt weak for giving in so easily, and hate for what she about to do. But at the same time, on the opposite side of the spectrum, she wanted to. Even if it was to only reaffirm her own thoughts and to settle his worries. It was an excessive measure of something she understood, and probably would have (regrettably) done in the same situation. Perhaps then, their roles would have been switched, and he’d be the one reprimanding her.
Tugging him down to her level by his tie once more, though far gentler than the previous attempt, she pressed her lips softly against his own. Slowly, her hands moved from his tie and joined each other around his neck, holding that position for just another moment before her lips finally departed from his.
❝ Of course I do. I wouldn’t have bothered looking for you if I didn’t. Your return is the best birthday present I’ve ever been given. ❞