Work Text:
Sasuke Uchiha’s peaceful life in the Leaf Village had taken a curious turn ever since he’d lost his vision. His blindness, though an adjustment, brought him something unexpected: friendliness.
With no glaring Byakugan eyes to judge him, no more pitying glances over his tragic past, and no oppressive glares returned, people treated him like a normal person. Even Naruto’s shouting had softened… slightly.
But among all the newfound friendships, there was one person whose intentions weren’t so innocent. Neji Hyuuga had taken Sasuke’s newfound openness as a green light for something darker.
Morning, at Sasuke’s house…
A knock at the door echoed through the quiet home.
“Come in,” Sasuke called, sipping tea.
Neji stepped inside, holding a carefully wrapped box. “Good morning, Sasuke.”
“Neji,” Sasuke said with a small smile. “What brings you here so early?”
Neji held out the box. “I brought you something. Handmade mochi. I made it myself.”
Sasuke tilted his head, his pale, unseeing eyes narrowing in thought. “You… made this yourself?”
Neji nodded, forgetting for a moment that Sasuke couldn’t see the gesture. “Of course. I wanted to make something special for you. It’s freshly prepared, with the finest ingredients. I hope it suits your taste.”
Sasuke reached out and took the box, his fingers brushing against Neji’s. Neji’s heart stuttered, and he immediately began imagining the wedding vows they’d share one day.
Sasuke opened the box and touched one of the soft mochi balls. “They feel perfect. I didn’t know you were into cooking.”
Neji smiled faintly. “Only for you.”
“What?”
“Nothing!” Neji coughed. “I mean, I’ve always been skilled in many areas. Cooking is just another way to… show my care for the people important to me.”
Sasuke nodded. “That’s thoughtful. Want to sit? I can make tea to go with this.”
Neji blinked. Sasuke was inviting him to stay. He felt a rush of triumph.
“I’d love to,” Neji said smoothly, settling across from Sasuke at the table.
A Few Moments Later…
Neji watched intently as Sasuke took a bite of the mochi. His pale lips curved into a pleased smile.
“This is really good,” Sasuke admitted. “What’s in it?”
Neji tried not to sound smug. “A balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with a touch of honey and… affection.”
Sasuke paused mid-bite. “Affection?”
“Nothing! I said… perfection.” Neji’s tone was so calm that Sasuke shrugged it off.
“Well, it’s great. Thanks, Neji. You’ve been really kind lately.”
Neji felt a shiver of excitement. “I simply care about your well-being. Your… happiness means everything to me.”
“Wow,” Sasuke said, a hint of teasing in his voice. “You’re laying it on thick. Is this about that time I said I liked your hair? You don’t have to impress me, you know.”
Neji froze. That moment had haunted his dreams for weeks. Sasuke, his voice casual but his tone warm, had once complimented Neji’s hair during a team meeting. It was the moment Neji knew they were destined.
“Of course not,” Neji said quickly, though his face flushed. “I simply enjoy taking care of you.”
Sasuke gave a small chuckle. “You’re really sweet when you’re not scolding people about training or chakra flow.”
Neji clenched his fists under the table, trying to keep calm. Did Sasuke even realize how his words sent Neji’s heart into overdrive? Probably not. His blindness had dulled his natural suspicion—an advantage Neji used ruthlessly.
Later That Day…
Naruto barged into Sasuke’s house unannounced, as usual.
“Sasuke!” Naruto hollered. “Where are you? Oh, you’ve got mochi?! Don’t mind if I do!”
“Stop!” Neji’s voice came out of nowhere, making Naruto jump.
Neji, who had clearly not left after tea, materialized from the corner of the room. His Byakugan flared slightly as he crossed his arms. “Those are Sasuke’s mochi.”
Naruto froze with a piece halfway to his mouth. “Uh, Sasuke doesn’t mind sharing, right?”
Sasuke, who was wiping down the table, shrugged. “Go ahead. Neji can make more.”
Neji’s eye twitched. More? Did Sasuke think his time and effort were infinite? Did Sasuke think anyone deserved his handmade creations? He glared at Naruto with the intensity of a thousand suns.
Naruto quickly put the mochi back in the box. “You know what? I’m good! You two… enjoy your weird snack date thing. Later!”
As Naruto bolted out the door, Sasuke sighed. “He’s like a puppy. Loud, but harmless.”
Neji sat back down, his expression softening as he looked at Sasuke. “He doesn’t deserve your generosity.”
“It’s just mochi,” Sasuke said, amused.
“No, Sasuke,” Neji said, his voice low and intense. “It’s not just mochi. It’s a representation of the effort, the thought, the care I’ve put into ensuring your happiness. It’s my love, molded into a perfect bite-sized form.”
Sasuke blinked. “Wait. Love?”
Neji realized he’d said the quiet part out loud. But there was no turning back now.
“Yes,” Neji said firmly. “Love. I care about you more than anyone. I’ve watched over you, protected you, made sure you had everything you needed.”
“You’ve watched me?” Sasuke asked, raising an eyebrow.
Neji hesitated. “…In a protective way. For your safety.”
Sasuke sighed and reached for another mochi. “Neji, I think you need a hobby. Or maybe some friends. You’re a little… intense.”
“I don’t need anyone else,” Neji replied, his voice soft but unwavering. “Just you.”
Sasuke sighed again, chewing thoughtfully. “Well, at least the mochi’s good.”
And in Neji’s mind, that was as good as a love confession.