Chapter 1 And So We Met

A/N: Hiya! Thank you for giving this fic a shot. This is my second story after "The Tale of the Kusanagi". I hope you all will be pleased. Enjoy the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or its characters

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep…

Lazily, Hinata reached over to turn off the alarm. She threw the cover over her head and wanted to sleep some more.

"Too soon," she complained to herself. "Maybe just a little bit longer."

But unfortunately for her, her habit prevented her from dozing back to sleep. No matter how hard she tried to close her eyes, her mind didn't want to rest anymore and was tugging on her conscience. Finally, after 10 horrifying minutes, she threw the cover back reluctantly and sat up on the bed. With a heavy sigh she put on her slippers and walked towards the kitchen.

Hinata Uchiha is married to a very successful man. Her husband Sasuke is one of the top pilots in the Konoha Commercial Airline Company. But she herself came from a very wealthy family of lawyers. Her father owns the Lawyers on War Company. Most of the advocates working there are Hyuuga's themselves. But they do eventually hire people from outside. The Hyuuga's were mainly interested in one quality that every applicant should have and that was aggression and the will to fight till the end. That's where Hinata didn't fit in; she was a good hearted soul who wouldn't hurt anyone for a million dollars. She wanted to pursue a career in nursing but her father didn't accept that. When she kept refusing to go into law, her father denied her everything: the money, even the house. Safe to say she was kicked out. But Hinata did inherit the strong will of her ancestors: she survived in a world without support and managed to get a small apartment and a job as a waitress in a nearby diner.

While Hinata made some coffee for herself and put some slices of bread in the toaster, she thought about the time she first met Sasuke. It's what she does whenever she misses him. His job requires him to be abroad a lot and all she has of him during lonely nights are the pictures, videos and her memories. As she sipped her coffee, she smiled and thought back of the time she first met Sasuke.

***Begin Flashback***

It was a warm summer afternoon. Drops of sweat were rolling down her face and her hair wasn't as neat and tidy as it usually was (she arrived at work a little late that morning and forgot to brush her hair). Strands were falling down her face and she had to constantly push them back because they were hindering her during her job. Usually, Hinata was very professional during her work; always friendly, take orders, deliver, get paid and that's that. No real conversations with customers and absolutely no flirting. Perhaps it's because she was shy but part of her wanted to believe that it's because it's not appropriate to do so.

She was however, a human being. A female. And just like any other woman, she will notice a handsome man whenever she sees one. It's just that she never tried to flirt with them. Not even a little. Strictly professional. She takes orders and she leaves. She delivers and gets paid. That's it. No funny stuff. But this man, that one handsome man, always made her nervous. From the inside she was swooning all over him but on the outside she was stiff and clumsy. He was working at a nearby Airline. A small company, nothing glamorous. He always came by during lunch break, wearing an overall which hung half down his body and a white shirt. He always seemed like a serious man and somehow he reminded her of herself: strictly business, no fooling around. So in a certain way, she felt comfortable around him because they could relate to each other. Even when only she's aware of it.

That summer afternoon was one of the busiest Hinata had ever had. There were kids all around the place, running from table to table, leaving behind a mess. And it was today that two other waitresses called in sick so she had to cover all the tables in the diner. That meant twice the work [too bad she can't say the same for her salary]. Hinata didn't look at her best that day: she was tired, sweaty, her apron was dirty and her mind was running on low batteries. So when she got to Sasuke's table to take his order, she wasn't as professional as she wanted to be. Her tired voice said it all. In fact, she was so fatigued already that she didn't notice whose order she was taking! Else the nerves would've gotten the best of her.

"May I take your order, sir?" she asked, taking her notepad from one pocket and a pencil out of the other.

"I'd like a burger, extra tomatoes," he answered.

"Burger with extra tomatoes," she repeated. "Anything else?"

"Yes. I would like for you to join me."

Hinata looked a little confused and slowly lowered her notepad.

"Excuse me?" she said. But then she noticed who it was and she blushed immediately.

"You heard me," he said calmly, looking her straight in the eye. "I'd like for you to join me. That's my order."

Hinata looked around nervously, tapping her notepad with the pencil. The diner wasn't as crowded as it was before but there were still people who needed serving and she can't dismiss them because another customer had a weird request.

"I'm sorry, I can't," she said. "I'm working."

Sasuke looked away and for a moment she was afraid he would start scolding her. But when he looked back at her, there was something in his eyes that told her that he would do no such thing.

"Alright then," he said thinking. "How about you make that up to me by having dinner with me tonight?"

"What?" Hinata was startled. Did she hear things right?

"You heard me," he said daring.

"You mean like on a date?" she asked softly.

"If you put it that way," he concluded. "Then I suppose I am asking you out on a date."

It all came too sudden for her, too fast. She didn't know what to think. Was this a prank? Was this for real?

"Alright," she said hesitantly and quickly changed the subject. "I'll be back with your order right away, sir."

She scurried to the kitchen as fast as she could and took deep breaths. Was that guy serious? Did he really ask her out? She wasn't sure but she decided that she would pretend that it didn't happen. Maybe he was just messing with her mind.

When the cook had finished Sasuke's order, she put it on a serving plate and brought it for him. After she laid his order on the table she wanted to walk away quickly but he held her by her hand. She looked at him nervously. She was certain her face was as red as the tomatoes in his burger. She didn't know what he wanted but he sure knew how to make her feel uncomfortable.

Sasuke looked at her with those mysterious black eyes and gave her a soft smile.

"Before you go," he said softly. He took a card out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Can you be here around nine?"

"The pier?" she asked questioningly after she took a look at the card. She knew about the place but it wasn't a restaurant of any kind. Just a pier by the river. Sasuke nodded to confirm.

"O-o-okay," she said. He looked at her one more time and then let her go. As fast as she could, Hinata rushed to the kitchen.

'Damn,' she thought to herself. 'I'm stuttering again…'

In the past, Hinata had a stuttering problem. Whenever she was very shy, she started stuttering. But very early on she had therapy and she's been stutter-free for nearly seven years now. So it came as a complete surprise that it was back.

Luckily for her, Sasuke had left the diner right after he finished eating. If she had to confront him another time that same moment, something worse than stuttering might've happened.

By the time her shift ended, Hinata was officially pooped. She put on her ragged old trench coat and walked outside through the backdoor that gave way to an ally.
"Hey…" she heard behind her all of a sudden. Hinata gave a small 'Eeek!' and turned around. And there he was again: staring at her, looking so sexy. She had her back against the brick wall and because he scared her like that, she was frozen against it for awhile.

"You…" she said softly, clutching her coat against her body. She looked like she was afraid he'd rape her or something. "W-w-what are y-y-you d-doing here?"

Sasuke chuckled and walked towards her, slowly.

"I didn't know you stuttered," he said. Eventually he was so close to her, he could've easily kissed her lips.

"That's so cute," he said as he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I just came here to say," he continued. "That you shouldn't be late. I'm really looking forward to it…Hinata."

"How d-do you know m-my name?" she asked.

He chuckled again and slowly pushed open her trench coat which she hadn't buttoned yet. Hinata took a deep breath but didn't let the air out. He noticed that and smiled at her softly. He lifted a finger and pointed at the pin on her apron. Hinata looked down.

'Of course,' she thought. 'How stupid of me. We always wear pins with our names on it.' She wanted to smack herself on the head for that.

Sasuke looked into her pearly eyes once more and walked away from her. Perhaps he thought he had tortured her long enough. When Hinata saw him go, her mind started to run like crazy.

"Wait!" she yelled after him. Sasuke stopped and turned around.

"Uhmm…" she said and hesitated a bit. "I-I don't even know your n-name."

"It's Sasuke," he answered. "I'll see you tonight."

"Okay," she said more to herself as she watched the strange handsome man go.

When Hinata arrived home, she didn't know what to think of Sasuke's date. Did she really want to go out with someone she didn't know? What if he did something terrible to her? Will there be people around to aid her? The pier was after all a very secluded place; not many people go by there. But there was something very inviting about this date. And somewhere in her mind she did want to go and try this out.

'It has been awhile since I went out,' she reasoned. 'The fresh air might do me some good.'

And so there she was, at the pier, in a black strapless dress just above her knees. She had a scarf around her shoulders to protect her from the cold breeze but it was no good. She was shivering!

'Man, I totally picked the wrong outfit,' she thought. She looked around but she didn't see anyone. It was as abandoned as ever and what's worse: her supposed date hasn't arrived yet! She looked at her watch: 09.15 pm.

'Great,' she thought humiliated. 'It was all just a prank. Might as well go home now.'

She turned away from the pier and wanted to call a cab when she heard a faint sound. It seemed to be the sound of an engine roaring her way. She looked around and saw a small boat heading towards the pier. She shrugged and walked away. It was just a regular boat and since this was a pier, it wasn't anything unusual. But then she heard someone call her name. It was faint because the roar of the engine was slightly louder but it did sound like her name. She looked at the boat and saw an arm waving at her but she couldn't recognize the man the arm belonged to. She cautiously walked closer to the end of the pier and soon she realized that it was Sasuke! Her brows shot up the moment she realized this. The date wasn't a prank after all.

She watched as Sasuke stepped out of the boat and climbed up the pier. Hinata greeted him with a smile.

"You're late," she said immediately.

"Yeah, I know," he said guiltily. "There were some unfortunate casualties. But I'm glad you made it and waited for me."

He took her hand and kissed it. Hinata's cheeks began to blush red again.

"Now I know that we've only know each other for a few moments," he said to her. "But I really like you."

To Hinata he seemed a little uneasy. As if he had never taken someone out on a date before. She wasn't any one to judge because this was a first for her too. When she lived under the tyranny of her father she wasn't allowed to date anyone at all. But somehow, she knew nothing bad would happen. There was sincerity in his eyes. Something special.

"I would like to take you somewhere," Sasuke continued. "But before I do that I'd have to ask you a question."

Hinata nodded.

"Do you trust me?"

Hinata fumbled with the ends of her scarf and the tiny purse she took with her. She bit on her lips as she looked into Sasuke's onyx eyes. Did she really trust this stranger? Again, there was something about him that made her feel safe, so slowly she nodded and answered: "Yes, I do trust you."

Sasuke smiled and offered her his hand.

"Then take my hand," he told her. "And let me lead you there."

With a fluttery feeling she did as she was told and let him guide her to their destination. Sasuke lead her back to the boat, a driver at its head and they both went off into the darkness of the river.

"If you don't mind me asking," she told Sasuke. "Where are we heading?"

"It's a surprise," he answered. "Just wait and see."

Hinata started to feel a little uncomfortable. They were heading out to the sea, into complete darkness, nearly no source of light except for the lights of the city. But soon enough they arrived at their destination. Hinata couldn't believe her eyes because they were getting closer to a huge yacht! When the boat stopped close enough for its passengers to step out, Hinata couldn't believe her eyes. She looked at Sasuke questioningly.

"Yes, this is where we're supposed to be," he answered her and smiled.

Nervously Hinata stepped onto the yacht. It was definitely big and clean and expensive… She quietly let Sasuke guide her and when they reached the deck, she was amazed. There was a table set for two, a red candle on the middle of it, surrounded by red roses. In front of them was a small group of people with instruments in their hands. They immediately started playing when they saw them arriving. Hinata looked at Sasuke astonished. He only smiled at her and led her to her seat.

Hinata felt uncomfortable. Why did he go through all this trouble for her? This was their first date! Was it really worth spending this much?

"You look uneasy," Sasuke said concerned. "Something wrong?"

Hinata fiddled with her fingers and looked at her lap.

"Y-you didn't h-have to spend s-s-so much on our first d-date," she said softly. How much worth of savings did he have to give up?!

Sasuke chuckled and wove away her comment.

"You have no idea who I am, do you?"

Hinata started to feel a little alarmed. What wasn't she aware of?!

"Let's just say that I was born in riches. All of this is my property. You don't have to worry about a thing. Now, let us eat?"

***End Flashback***

Hinata sighed as she remembered those beautiful moments. Because of all that dreaming her coffee turned cold (again). She drank it nonetheless and nibbled on her toast. She remembered that after their meal, he asked her to dance with him on the tunes of the band he hired. She remembered how romantic and patient he was with her. They shared their first kiss after the fifth date and boy THAT was amazing. She remembered how nice he smelled when she was close to him, how he warmed her when he was holding her, how she was stumbling and falling for this man she had met only a few hours ago. They kept dating afterwards and the first kiss they shared sealed Hinata's fate. She knew she was going to be tied to him for the rest of her life. But if somehow he didn't share the same opinion and leave her, she knew her heart would still belong to him and that no one would ever conquer her the same way he did.

Luckily, Hinata wouldn't have to go through such misery. Sasuke proposed to her right after he was accepted in the Konoha Commercial Airline Company. He had worked hard to gain a good enough reputation to apply there. Had it not been for all the hours he worked on the smaller airlines, they would've never accepted his application. Only then did Sasuke feel like he was ready to settle down. He was born in riches, his father being a real estate giant, but he wanted to provide for her with his own hard earned money.

Hinata was beyond the borders of happiness. She was proud to become an Uchiha and leave her Hyuuga name behind. They did, after all, disown and abandon her. The first few years were glorious and she felt like she couldn't have wished for a better life. And soon enough came the thought of having children. They were both excited about the idea. But for some reason Hinata couldn't conceive. They consulted the doctor of course and after many tests they found out that Sasuke was infertile. This crashed their world completely. Especially Sasuke's. He had a hard time coping with it. He felt like he disappointed everyone and he blamed himself for everything. For a short while, Sasuke took refuge in alcohol. Hinata was worried of course. She felt hopeless because nothing she tried made him feel any better. But Sasuke came back to her eventually. She was happy but he wasn't as joyful as he used to be. He seemed a little bitter. He tried hiding it when he's with her but Hinata knows better. She is his wife, after all.

Ever since then, their relationship has become stagnant and fell back to routine. Sasuke would take on jobs that would send him away from home for weeks. And when he came back, he'd be tired and spend most of his time sleeping or being a quiet guest in their own house. Hinata was unhappy even when he was home. He didn't engage in anything with her and most of the time she spend alone.

Thinking about all of this, made Hinata sad. A lonely tear slid down from an eye and landed on the counter in the kitchen. She missed Sasuke, the old Sasuke. The one that wasn't so depressed even though he'd never admit it. All of a sudden she lost her appetite. She threw the rest of her coffee in the kitchen sink and the toast in the garbage can. Hinata looked at the food she threw away, she hated to waste good food. After awhile she dragged herself to the bathroom and took a refreshing shower. Sasuke wasn't home. And he wouldn't be until next week. She was on her own again. But she wasn't the kind to sit around and do nothing. She had an appointment with an old friend of hers that she hasn't seen in awhile. She's excited to see her again. With that happy thought in mind, Hinata hummed her worries away and smiled on the occasion to come: meeting her old friend Tenten.

A/N: this chapter may seem boring and I apologize for that. It had to start somehow. I must warn you that some of the characters may seem a lot OOC and I hope you forgive me for that but it's the only way this story would work. Thank you for reading this and don't forget to REVIEW! It's always nice to know what you think. That way I know how to improve myself and it's a good way to tell if this story has enough people behind it. So, REVIEW please! That would be very much appreciated.