"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Shouting"
Dreams
Chapter 1"Who is that standing next to Lady Tsunade?" Prince Naruto Uzumaki asked while his gaze remained fixed on the dark-purple haired beauty casting furtive glances at him over a lovely bare shoulder.
Naruto had his first glimpsed of her at his parents' marriage anniversary the month past. Since then, he'd seen her at various other social events.
And he wouldn't mind seeing much more of her.
Sasuke Uchiha angled his head in the direction of Naruto's stare and replied curtly, "Miss Hinata Hyuga."
Normally, Naruto would have wasted no time in seeking an introduction but something had cautioned against it. Perhaps it was the incongruity of innocence and sensuality packaged in a female form meant to make a man think of sin and nothing else.
By God, he'd been tempted, no doubt about that, but since he'd stop letting his member take the lead in all things soft and female, he'd had to be content to admire he from afar.
"And?" Naruto prompted, his attention still wholly focused on Lady Hinata. It appeared the task of eliciting information from his best friend would be an arduous one.
After a few seconds, Sasuke relented, replying as if reading points on a checklist. "Miss Hinata Hyuga. She's Lord Hiashi's daughter, as well as cousin to Neji Hyuga. She recently got an apprenticeship to work under Lady Tsunade in the medical field. This is her first time in Uzushiogakure and well as her first time out of her village."
Lord Hiashi's daughter and Lady's Tsunade's apprentice. Of all the people in the world, she had to be related to a clan head and friends with one of the most influential woman in the world. Naruto never really bonded with the woman-Tsunade. All he knew that his parents and her went way back and she was his god-mother or something like that.
This made the situation particularly prickly if he chose to pursue her. He had to decide whether she was worth the headache of incurring both Hiashi's and Tsunade's wrath should things not go to the young woman's satisfaction.
"She is stunning," Naruto remarked offhandedly in a belated and weak attempt to play down his interest.
Light lavender pupil-less eyes, red bow-shaped lips and skin like silk; almost as if she had been fashioned specifically with men in mind.
Naruto had wanted her from the first time he had seen her and tonight that want had become a restless throb in his loins. He knew what that meant and like the departure of a long treasured friend, he bade a silent farewell to his good judgment.
"That she is," Sasuke silently agreed, his voice softening and somewhat bemused.
Perturbed, Naruto shot him a quick glance, then turned and followed the direction of his friend's gaze to discover Sasuke wasn't looking at Miss Hinata at all. His friend's attention centered on the young woman who was on the other side of Tsunade, Sakura. From a distance he couldn't tell if her hair was light red or pink, the lighting in the room obscure his vision a bit.
He doesn't exactly know much about her, just only that she is the adopted daughter of Lady Tsunade when they talked some time back, or that was all he could remember. As he cast another glance at his friend, he saw some emotions running rampant, at first he hadn't known what, but it was obvious now,
Lust. Passion. Affection?
For his friends sake Naruto hoped he felt a lot of the latter, she was daughter to Lady Tsunade in all but blood, raised by her since the age of thirteen. There exists a bond between them closer than the components of a molecule. Not that Lady Tsunade would stand to see Miss Hinata trifled with, mind you.
Regardless, Naruto was relieved his friend's interest was not in Miss Hinata. It wouldn't do for them to be lusting after the same woman.
Naruto returned his attention to Miss Hinata and as if he'd willed it by the force of his gaze, she angled her head to peep at him for the fifth time since he'd arrived a half hour ago. Her eyes widened at his openly admiring regard, for in the past he'd been just as discreet as her in their visual intercourse.
Their eyes met and held, and the awareness that had smoldered like a house fire between them, threatened to burst into an infernal of lust. Seconds ticked too slowly, too quickly before she looked away, her faced flushed a violent pink.
Heaviness settled in his loins.
"Arrange an introduction." Naruto all but demanded quietly, giving up all presence of casual interest.
Sasuke slanted a side-ward glance in his friend's direction, one eyebrow rising above a lock of black hair resting low on his forehead. He did not immediately respond, instead appeared to be in deep thought. "I've met her...Miss Hyuga. She's not the worldly sort. And more to the point, she is practically Tsunade's relations and Hiashi's daughter," he said pointedly, his face devoid of emotion. "If you're looking for a coquetry, I think it best you set up shop somewhere else."
How had Sasuke taken it as far as coquetry when he'd merely asked for an introduction? It wasn't as if he meant to whist her off to the gardens for a private ravishing.
…
…
…
At least not that very night.
Caught!
The sheer weight of Prince Naruto's gaze made it impossible for Hinata to look away. His gaze pierce through her to the core, creating an ache that started in her chest and spiraled downward until her inner thighs clenched in an effort to contain it, find relief from it, only to find none.
After several breathless moments trapped under his penetrating stare, she summoned up what little will she had left and wrenched her gaze away.
An image of him those few years ago resurfaced to the forefront of her thoughts. He was the kind of handsome that had you taking second and more looks. But that first impression he'd made upon her eighteen-year-old heart those three years ago paled in comparison to what he did to it now.
He'd grown only more handsome in the passing years, his sun-kissed blond hair cut shorter and less tamed his shoulders broader, his cheekbones more pronounced and jaw more square. He had an air of maturity and nobility that had been lacking in the nineteen year-old young man when was in her village those years ago.
But now- in front of her not forty feet away- was a man that would stand out in any crowd. In the prime of his youth, he wore black, orange and red tailored garments with the same ease as he carries himself. Before her stood a man of virtue; a man she could only dream and gaze upon but never have for her own.
The Prince didn't know who she was and provided she kept her distance, he never would. But given the nature of his family and their unpredictability, their paths would undoubtedly cross again. But instead of the prospect causing her fear, an unexpected thrill ran up her spine.
"He's quite handsome is he not?"
Sakura's voice awakens Hinata from her temporary day-dream of the young Prince.
"Who…?" Hinata tried being insouciant but the heat and colour that was flooding to her face played down the effect. Her mother often told her she wore her heart on her sleeve. Oh how she was thankful her mother wasn't here to see her now.
"Sasuke," Sakura reprimanded, with the ease of a friendship that numbered in years and not months since their introduction.
It had taken a better part of four days after Hinata arrived in Uzushiogakure before Hinata had confided her feelings for Prince Naruto-infatuation-turned-to-love that now spanned almost three years.
After meeting Sasuke, Hinata wasn't the least bit surprised with Sakura being enamored. With his piercing black eyes and jet-black hair that seems to have a mind of its own with two bangs n the sides of his face, the second son of the deceased Fugaku Uchiha possessed looks and charm to make most girls cry.
Truth be told, if it wasn't for the hair and eye colour, both Naruto and Sasuke shared a superficial resemblance, both tall and handsome and are almost seen together.
"Very handsome indeed," Hinata agreed with a slow nod. She fixed her attention back in the men's direction but the group at their side had shifted. The back of Maito Guy's bowl-cut head now obstructed her view and his voice boomed, threatening to render her deaf in one ear.
"I see you eye humping Prince Naruto, you know, I can arrange an introduction if you'd like. It will benefit both of us." the prospect of an introduction was so tempting that Hinata didn't even hear the last part. She had dreamt of their meeting ever since she learned that she would be accompanying her mentor to this large Island.
"I'm certain Prince Naruto is taken up with admirers," she replied evasively. Any sane woman would jump at the chance to meet the rich, handsome Prince, and the state of her mental acuity had up until that day, never been called into question. She'd very much like it to remain that way.
Sakura chuckled, the sound light and exuberant, which had Hinata chuckling in spite of herself. "You are absolutely right," Sakura said, "He is a particular favorite of the ladies."
Their laughter faded under a companionable silence before Hinata spoke again, "Where did Lady Tsunade up and go?" she just hope her friend didn't take note in the change of subject for precisely what it was. Her question had the desired effect for Sakura immediately went up on her toes and began scouting for their mentor.
Situated at the rear of the estate, the ballroom stretched the entire width of the main house with the dance floor taking up a tired of the acreage. A refreshment room conveniently adjoined the dance floor and four sets of Japanese styled paper doors opened out onto a stone patio. The private garden beyond was said to be one of the most beautiful in all of the Elemental Nations.
The last they had seen Tsunade, Jiraiya-Naruto's mentor-had come to claim her for a dance. The pair had finished some five minutes ago but as Uzushiogakure was experiencing a September devoid of any rain or wind that usually plagued the month; he perhaps had taken her outside.
"She must have..." Sakura began but broke off when she saw Sasuke approaching. Apparently, women were rendered speechless in the presence of gentlemen with excessive good looks- particularly the ones that they happened to be in love with.
"Sakura." From his lips, her name was like silk to her skin...and something more. His head dipped in a bow but his eyes never left her.
Sakura stood momentarily mute, mesmerized as her eyes drank him in. And not in gulps but in savoring sips, like having the best sake in your life and wanting it to not finish, as if she'd learn not to gorge herself.
Hinata could have been a lamp stand for all the attention the two were paying her.
Then as if remembering Hinata's unfortunate presence and his own usually immaculate manners, Sasuke shifted his focus smoothly to Hinata. "Good evening Lady Hinata. I hope you're enjoying yourself?"
"Thank you, my Lord. I'm having a fine time." Pleasantries were in effect, as ever since the incident with Sasuke's family, rendering him an orphan, he had lived with Naruto and his family. And ever since then, he has been treated as royalty.
Also, counting he came from a very wealthy and important clan and bloodline. Hinata was happy for her friend, for it was obvious that she had captured the affection for such a man for it was obvious her friend's feelings were being returned.
"Sasuke." Sakura's belated greeting sounded like a breathless sigh, her pleasure as transparent as the polished glasses used to serve the wine and champagne.
For several seconds, very little could be heard above the haunting notes of the waltz and the collective rumble of five hundred guests. The small circle they formed at the end of the room fell into the kind of silence that brought about a lot of fidgeting of fingers and toes as well as throat clearing. Inclined to the former and on such occasions, Hinata found herself smoothing the lace edge of her lavender satin skirts.
"My friend has abandoned me for the greater outdoors." Sasuke said, breaking the silence, motioning with his head toward the gray nights beyond the large doors. "And suddenly I found myself surrounded by dewy-eye foreigners."
Hinata noted the impalpable stiffening of Sakura's form. Pleasure faded from her eyes. "So you are using us as an escape." Her tone made it an indictment, her pursed lips a rebuke.
Sasuke's smile faltered and his brow furrowed, clearly taken aback by her charge. Before he could open his mouth to ask the nature of his wrongdoing, Hinata excused herself, pleading heat, thirst, hunger, any of which would be true. She hurried away, no fixed destination in mind just the knowledge that she was otiose to any situation with Sakura and Sasuke in each other's company.
She check the huge clock on the far side of the room to see if she had time before the next set of dance starts, and was thankful she did. She could use a breath of fresh air, and fresh it was. She probably wouldn't find any other place in the Elemental nations but small Islands with air as fresh as this.
"My friend has abandoned me for the greater outdoors."
The statement taunted her...lured her as she exit the ballroom and stepped out onto the lit patio. What she was doing was reckless, her actions putting her vaunted mental acuity under question. But, she reasoned, she was one of the many Hyugas in a village (Konoha) teeming with Hyugas. With her family back in Konoha overseeing the construction of additional houses to their estate, what reason would the Prince have to connect her with them?
None.
So what possible harm could come from a chance encounter at a party hosted by the estimable Lord and Lady Uzumaki Namikaze?
No harm at all.
(P.s. Kushina did marry Minato but moved back to Uzushiogakure and she chose to keep her family name and the Uzumakis are still alive...for now.)
Goosebumps suddenly appeared as the cool night air struck the skin of her upper arm. Hinata give an involuntary shiver as she took in the long stretch of terrace, which sat completely opposite to the party happening inside. She half expected to see Prince Naruto there standing waiting for her, both hands cross in a wide-leg stance.
Behind a six-tiered marble fountain where water trickled from the mouth of a playful dolphin, the garden landscape into a maze of lofty hedgerows, shrubs of honeysuckle, and neat rows of red roses and yellow daisies. Toward the back of the property, three large Sakura trees offered shade to a large orange and red gazebo, with a spiral on top of it.
The scent of honeysuckle completed with the clean fresh air made breathing heavenly. Hinata inhaled the sweet fragrance deeply into her lungs as she ventured to the edge of the garden.
Slowly, she looked around and rolled up onto her toes in hopes of spying the Prince's striking golden head above the first hedgerow. But for the buzz and chirps of nocturnal insects and the leaves rustling in the breeze, Hinata concluded she was quite alone.
"Where did he go?" she muttered to herself. Disappointed, she came down hard on the heels of her satin evening shoes.
"Were you looking for someone in particular?" drawled out a deep masculine voice behind her.
Hinata spun around so quickly she lost her footing and stumble headlong–well actually breast-first if she was striving for accuracy– into the hard wall of a male chest. Large hands shot out to steady her, his hold firm yet gentle on the arms. She snatched her hands away from his chest and took a hasty step back.
Surely fate wouldn't be so cruel? She peered up and encountered the arresting sky-blue eyes of Prince Naruto.
Fate and its unfortunate sense of humor.
"My Prince, you scared me." Surprise may have caused her to stumble but it was the man in front of her that left her breathless.
And it wasn't just his masculine beauty; she'd like to think she wasn't that shallow. No, it was more than that. He has an aura of confidence about him—some might say arrogance—that drew women with the same pull the moon exerts on the sea.
"I'm sorry. Please accept my apologies," he said, all courteous and impeccable decorum. But with his hooded gaze and with the way the corner of his lips twitch, he was anything but.
Hinata had no doubt the prince knew it was he she'd been searching for. He'd heard her. Heat flooded her face like a broken dam. She could only imagine what he'd think of her now.
Her mother had also warned her that her impetuous nature would one day land her in a heap of trouble. Trouble of this sort must've accompanied the prince like a hawk seeking scraps.
Surely, if she had the slightest bit of sense where he was concerned, she would return inside now that her curiosity had been quenched. She'd seen him, touched him, spoken to him even and by god, his scent. Heat flooded her face a second time in the span of a minute. And if she was fortunate, he'd never discover she was a member of the same Hyuga family his father paid one million yen to quiet her parents' cries for his adoptive brother to requite her sister's honor.
"I-I didn't expect to find someone out her." If it wasn't for the distress she was going through in her mind, she would've groan at the blatant lie. At affairs like these, gardens weren't just floral niceties for the eyes but also provided a haven for lovers seeking privacy from the mob, and tall and dense foliage proved the perfect shield to share a kiss and other intimacies.
Prince Naruto continued to study her with tired eyes. Silence dragged on at a tortuous pace and with every second that ticked by, Hinata's discomfort climbed. She wished he's say something.
Finally, he smiled a slow devilish grin, his gaze drifting from her face to her neckline then lower. He paused there, lingering long enough to offend—if a woman would be offended by the lustful stare of a handsome man. Slowly, he returned his stare to hers. "And I hope you were looking for me."
A wave of arousal, the likes that Hinata had never felt before washed over her. She went from warm to scorching hot in the span of seconds.
"I came out for some air." Her voice was uneven and breathy.
Liar. They both knew it. But he wasn't about to ruin the fun. The word remains unspoken but it was there in his eyes and the soft laugh that reverberated out of his throat.
"What a coincidence, I too came out for…air. I think it would be prudent if we both took air together. Would that please you, Miss Hinata?" he took a suggestive step forward. He now stood close enough for her to see the few golden hair outlining his jaw.
Did he truly believe she would take air with a man she just only met? Of course he did and she could hardly fault him for that. There were names for woman like that.
Hinata Hyuga
No, despite what he thought or how it may seem, she was not the type of woman even if the temptation to throw off the rigid strictures of society acted upon her like the violent maelstroms around the Island.
Hinata sounded an airy sophisticated laugh, attempting to hide what she prayed wasn't obvious; she was unaccustomed to the kind of flirtatious banter he no doubt excelled in. "My Prince, we are taking air together."
"No, not yet but I'm sure we will soon." His toned ceased the teasing if had a few seconds ago. His expression sobered as he eyes her mouth with avid interest.
Hinata felt the inferno that was quelling inside her renewed. However, the other part of her, the one raised by Hiashi Hyuga with his strict moral and regal code felt compelled to say something. Yes, something that would convey a bit of umbrage at his cheek. A young lady in her position would not be aroused by such provocation.
They were strangers after all.
"My prince," she started, "I really must take—"
"Naruto. Prince Uzumaki Naruto. But I'm sure you knew that already. And I would like to know you, Miss Hyuga Hinata." The velvet smoothness of his voice strummed her like the premier virtuoso of a seduction.
Hinata's mouth snapped shut.
He knew her name. More importantly, he wanted to know about her.
Swallowing was made all the more difficult with the complete obstruction of her throat. Her heart began to beat double time.
He watched her as if he'd like nothing more than to have his wicked way with her. Her nipples peaked and the place between her thighs grew moist in her own wicked response. She could not encourage him, no matter how tempting the offer was. A dalliance between them would not bode well.
A small step backward began her retreat as her mind grasp for clarity, focus and sound reasoning. Where was her acuity now? She could now permit this.
"You came looking for me." She knew it wasn't a question, his tone suggested much. Her body seized up and her mouth opened to make a rebuttal—a blatant lie.
He took several steps forward, forcing her behind the hedgerows and countering whatever she was about to say. He stood inches from her. Her eyes level with top button of her coat. They were now out of sight should any of the quests venture out in the gardens. Hinata tipped her head back to look into his face.
"Miss Hinata, let's be honest with each other, shall we?" how he manage to coax and command in the same breath, she didn't know but his tone did both. "I have watched you…watch me…for many weeks now. You want this as much as I do." His silky voice was not for the faint of heart. Ladies who easily succumb to this form of aphrodisiac would have been a puddle at his feet by now.
Mesmerized, Hinata stood mute, inhaling his musky scent and fighting the weakness stealing over her motor function and making rust of her will.
His head began a slow descent giving her enough time to stop him before it went too far. "Would you like me to kiss you, Miss Hinata?" He asked softly, his voice lulled.
And for a moment she was lulled into thinking she could salvage whatever she can out of the situation. That he had given back to her.
She swallowed hard. "I-I do not make it a habit to kiss gentlemen I do not know…ever." In hindsight, she said what any—or so she hope—young women would say if in her predicament. On the other hand she didn't push him away. It left her deprived, denied and wanting.
He chuckled softly. Her body shivered and it had nothing to do with the cool air of the night. "There is always a first time for everything."
The Prince possessed a sensual allure so powerful and intoxicating that it rendered her willing and eager to experience everything he has to offer. She leaned in, pure need driving her. But before the distance between their mouths could be bridge, he pulled back, "I would not take what you wouldn't give freely. What do you want? Just tell me." He suggested, his breath mingled with hers.
Hinata blinked several times before his handsome face came into focus.
Devils take him!
They had been doing perfectly fine on the course he had set. Now fully aware of what was about to take place, she no choice but to begrudgingly stop him.
As if sensing her uncertainly rolling within her, he slid his arms around her waist, strong and possessive, as if they had known each other prior to this occasion. "Would you deny us both what we want so much?" He asked softly. With the roughness of his voice and his proximity, her resistance stood a better chance as a stack of cards in front a fan. She wanted this just as much as him if not more than; had wanted him ever since she'd first laid eyes on him.
She nodded her head and took a raspy breath, his mouth was on hers, claiming her wholly.
Naruto Uzumaki may be a prince by birth and a gentleman in appearance but his kiss told her there was nothing remotely proper about him. He was carnality at its most sinful.
This was not a kiss shared by someone you only just met. No, this was one so sensual—so hot—that it reverberated through her down to soles of her feet and back to her core. His tongue traced the outlines of her soft lower lips tentatively before plunging inside to explore and mingle with hers into a delicious play of love.
Her fingers raked through his vibrant hair. Hinata twined her right hand around his neck pulling him closer; wanting nothing more than to submit and feed the hunger growling inside of her. A growl of pleasure surge through his chest as he took the kiss deeper, plunging her into mindlessness.
He pulled her closer the same time she pressed for more contact. The hard thrust of his erection prodded heavily against her tummy. A rush of moisture steamed between her thighs. Hinata begrudgingly broke contact and let out a hoarse moan. Clutching her backside firmly, Naruto angled her hips so he could fit his erection where he knew she ached for him.
And it worked like a charm.
Pleasure stole what little breath she had and she gasped, wanting only to push against him without the impediment of dresses and pants.
Click
The click of the door was the same as dowsing a bucket of water on two amorous dogs. They sprung apart, Hinata wrenching herself from the warmth of his arms, her breath in short gasping pants, her body still drumming with unsatisfied desire.
A young girl's soft giggles filtered through the air. She was quickly hushed by a male voice and then all went silent before their footsteps sounded in the distance, softer and softer. Fear of discovery made Hinata unwilling to chance a glance around their leafy haven. Instead, she looked up at the prince.
Except for the ruffle of his hair where her fingers had played, one would be none the wiser to the activities he a few seconds ago was engaged in. But as her gazed drifter lower, a strong blush rose in her cheeks. The erection straining his pants was definitely a 'big' reveal.
She felt that pressed up against her but the visual evidence of his arousal was a thither to the renewal of hers.
She looked up at him, "I should not have let you kissed me like that." She said with a little steel in her voice.
He smiled, "Then how should I have kissed you?" after a few seconds, he continued, "Or better yet, where?" his gazed drifted down suggestively to her beast and then lower. And lower even.
'Dear lord, he can't mean he would ever put his mouth there.' The thought should've repulsed her but the heaviness and heat returned to her center, growing slick under his heavy-lidded gaze.
She cleared her throat and straightened her posture. "I didn't mean for you kiss me a'tall," she said, trying to grip her remaining composure she—or any female after that kiss—could retain. But the redness in her cheeks showed her embarrassment. What she spoke was the truth though. She hadn't followed him out here to encourage much less participate in such scandalous act. She wanted to meet him face-to-face and finally sate the curiosity for him that had harboured over the years.
"Really? Well, I look forward to our next…meeting." He said softly and smirked gently, as if privy to something that she wasn't.
Perhaps thoughts of all the things he wanted—intended to do to her.
Her face burned anew. It seems every time she manages to get a hold on her emotions, he said or did something to catch her off guard. "I should go back. Sakura must be wondering where I've got to." She hesitated in leaving. Unsure as to why though. Surely it wasn't to see if he would try to coerce her to remain where they could share in more of those mind-drugging kisses. Right?
Her wanton spoke for itself, sadly.
"I will not keep you then." He performed a bow.
It was for the best.
"It probably would not be wise for us to be seen enter together. I will use the other entrance at the side. My Godfather keeps the doors open for mingling like these. If you'd like, I can go first…?" his brow lifted in question, now all gallantry and polished composure.
Hinata agreed with a slight nod and watched him as he disappeared around the brush, silent and sure-footed, into the cool night. When she heard no more of him, she spared a glance around her surrounding and straightened out her clothing. Taking a deep breath, she turned on her heels and made her way to where she came from, all the while hoping and praying that fate would not screw her over and someone saw her.
"Oh, Miss Hyuuga, how nice to find you out here."
And, like previous, fate did not disappoint.
X X X X
Been forever minna, I know. What can I say; life has a way of kicking in the stomach and then laughing in your face. But I'm back with this brand new masterpiece I've mustered up. Had this idea in my head ever since reading a story and wanted to try it. Please leave a review and follow.
It a short piece of work, like six or seven chapters. Hope you like.
Ja ne.