Fortepiano

Chapter 1: A New Beginning

Hinata sighed in frustration before crumpling her paper filled with scribbles and half-formed thoughts. It was her senior year in high school and the time to start applying for colleges has arrived. Unfortunately for her, she had no idea where to go and what to pursue. Her father had already informed her that with Hanabi succeeding him as the CEO of the Hyuuga Corp., she was free to follow any path she desired. Unluckily for Hinata, she didn't know which path to take.

"Why don't you just go into horticulture? You love to garden." Neji offered while he fixed his tie in front of the glass-paned kitchen cabinet. Hinata laid her head on the kitchen table in defeat.

"I don't know Neji-nii," Hinata mumbled. She did love to garden. Her vegetable patch and soothing outdoor getaway was the envy of all her friends. "It doesn't sound appealing as a job."

Neji nodded his agreement. When one's favorite hobby becomes a life-long career, sometimes it ends up burning a hole through one's heart. There were plenty of times when he detested being in the medical field.

"But if your heart is in it, you'll find yourself much happier than settling for a career you forced upon yourself." Neji commented turning to give his cousin a quick peck on the head. Despite the late nights and stressful hours, the moments when he loved being a doctor were infinitely more. Neji would never regret the choice he made for his career.

"H-hai." Hinata replied as Neji squeezed her shoulder.

"I won't be long. Hiasha-sama just wants a word or two. I'll be back in time for dinner."

Hinata nodded grazing her forehead on the table before lifting her head and bidding her cousin a sweet smile.

"I'll be home waiting."

Sasuke glared at the papers scattered on the living room coffee table. Wishing they would combust and leave him in peace, he pinched the bridge of his nose and decided to take a break. Although he was the legal CEO of Uchiha Fan International, being that he was still in high school, he couldn't officially take office. Thus the board of elder directors took it upon themselves to manage the business in his absence. However ever since Itachi's death and the opening of his eyes to the darker dealings of his father's corporation, Sasuke lost trust in the elders and made sure to keep tabs on the businesses they were conducting.

Sasuke made his way to his empty kitchen and opened the fridge looking for an edible distraction. Luckily for him, Hinata had been by a few hours prior and left him a wrapped dinner. Smiling to himself, he pulled out the plate covered in foil and a carton of tomato juice. What a sweet girl.

Popping the plate in the microwave then plunging the straw into the juice box, Sasuke leaned on the kitchen counter and thought of ways to return the favor. Pulling out his cell phone, he swiped Hinata's contact icon and waited for his dark-haired girlfriend to answer.

"Moshi moshi?" Hinata's sweet voice started. Sasuke sighed. Just hearing her voice calmed him down.

"Aa." Sasuke replied.

"Ah, Sasuke." Sasuke closed his eyes and imagined her angelic face smiling as she said his name. "How's your paperwork going?" Sasuke frowned.

"Terrible." Hinata's quiet chuckle made his lips quirk slightly upward.

"Just muddle through it. I know you can." Sasuke nodded as the microwave beeped indicating his food was ready. He listened to Hinata's simple chatter while he prepared his food and sat down in a bar stool facing the kitchen island.

"And Ino decided to go to art schoo—by the way, have you eaten dinner yet?" Hinata asked stopping her chit chat midway. Sasuke smirked.

"I'm about to."

"Oh! Then don't let me bother you then." Hinata replied. Sasuke could just see her blush and touch her fingers to her lips in a gesture of embarrassment.

"You're never a bother to me." He whispered smiling to himself. Hinata giggled making him blush. Although they've been together for a year, he wasn't the lovey-dovey type thus cheesy professions of love was a rarity. But Hinata found it cute so he tried to express his affection more.

Sasuke was more of an "actions speak louder than words" type of guy so Hinata always got surprise bouquets on her doorstep and teddy bears stuffed into her locker. Usually they were not accompanied by notes or songs but they conveyed the message that they were meant to. Sasuke was thinking of her. And as long as she knew that he saw only her, Sasuke was content.

"But you should eat so I'll talk to you later okay?" Sasuke nodded.

"Un. Take care."

"Gambatte ne."

Sasuke replaced his phone in his pocket and dug in. Hinata's cooking was delicious albeit it was just a simple rice and curry dish. For some reason it just tasted better. Sasuke took a sip of his juice and exhaled. He really wouldn't mind eating her cooking every day. In fact he'd enjoy it.

"Sir!" Neji choked out. His eyes were wide with shock and indignation. His hands were fisted by his sides and his body was frozen in place.

Hyuuga Hiashi stood before him staring out into the skyline glowing with the embers of sunset. His hands were folded behind him in a stance of quiet dignity and calm.

"You knew why I agreed to your daring proposal years ago." Hiashi stated staring at his nephew's incredulous eyes through the reflection in the bulletproof windows of his pristine office. Neji nodded his understanding not trusting his voice.

"I am getting old Neji. I am looking forward to retiring. I am looking forward to a new beginning with my family." Hiashi continued quietly. Neji lowered his gaze. The ruthless world of commercialism has taken its toll on his strong uncle. His face was lined, his eyes were cold, and his heart was withered. A new beginning would do him wonders. A new beginning…

"Hinata,"

Hinata inhaled awakening her from her nap. She had fallen asleep on the couch waiting for Neji to come home for dinner. Staring into the darkness of the living room, she wondered what has woken her from her slumber. Then the jiggling of keys and the slide of the entrance door made her sit up. Soon Neji's shadow appeared in the dark corridor and Hinata smiled.

"Okairi Nii-san." She called out standing up and stretching. Neji appeared in the entrance and flicked on the living room lights. Hinata squinted as the bright lights assaulted her sleepy eyes.

"What are you doing in the dark?" Neji teased as he pulled of his overcoat. Hinata giggled covered her small mouth.

"I was taking a nap."

"You mean procrastinating." Neji corrected her. Hinata grinned sheepishly before following Neji into the kitchen and turning on the kitchen lights.

"Just a little." Hinata explained while she began to reheat the boiled fish soup. Neji chuckled while he sat down and poured himself some water.

"Don't stress too much Hinata. It will come to you." Hinata nodded as she settled into her seat and began to eat. She hoped it comes to her soon.

"Hinata," Neji began making Hinata look up from her rice bowl.

"What is it Neji-nii-san?" Neji looked into his cousin's innocent face hoping that what he was about to say will not destroy any plans she had for her future.

"I love you Hinata…" Hinata smiled.

"I love you too Nii-san."

"Let's get married."

A/N: Hey guys! It's been quite a long time! But I finally decided to continue Crescendo in the Background. Welcome to Fortepiano! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It was an interesting reunion with these characters. Anyway, please read and review! –Panda-