As always I own nothing and if I did canon would have ended differently. Let me know how you like this one. :)

Chapter 2

How she ended up in these situations, she couldn't tell you. Well, she could but that's a whole other story in and of itself. Here she was, in the arms of a former Avenger and perhaps one of the two strongest shinobi in the world. His hands gently roamed up and down her back in such a way to make her sigh in contentedness. For all the cold in the Uchiha home, her husband certainly made up for it in spades.

"I have to apologize for being gone so long Hina," he said smoothly, "had it been my choice I would have been with you every moment."

"Iiit's fine, dear," she sighed, "you had nnno control over the situation."

"Hn."

"Are you hungry? I can make something for you if-"

The kiss stopped all rational thought then and there. She remembered his kiss from before their wedding, and even before they officially began courting. As blissful as she felt now, the shock she felt the first time still makes her smile.

She remembers the day quite vividly, actually, that Sasuke came to her home requesting an audience with her father. For those who aren't accustomed to clan politics, you don't just ask for the Clan Head out of the blue. You send a request and then wait until he responds to you. It seems this rule didn't apply to Sasuke Uchiha but, then again, which rule did?

He showed up, much to the chagrin of her father, and requested (more like demanded) a private meeting. Hiashi, however, put out by the Uchiha, decided to take the meeting. Hinata had returned home from a trip to the market tired and feeling a bit...crummy. This morning she hadn't put much effort into life, dressing in old sweats and putting her hair in a messy bun on the top of her head. She had planned to stay in the rest of the day cooking and relaxing. Having just returned from a rather strenuous recon mission, she felt she more than earned her lazy day.

Her little sister cornered her in the pantry as she was putting away her market goods.

"Oneeeechaaaan," Hanabi sang in her teasing way, "there's a suitor here for you."

"That's nice Hana-chan."

"You reeeeallly don't wanna know who it is?"

"I'm sure they're very nice Hanabi."

"...nice definitely isn't a word I'd ever use to describe this one."

"How would you know Hana-chan? I'm sure they're from some distant land," she sighed, "and I'm sure Otousan is quite content to let them whisk me away. Regardless, it's no business of mine quite yet imouto."

"Oneechan you really want to make it your business."

"Eventually it will be Hanabi but for now, I'm making my lunch and taking a long bath."

"But Oneeechaaan-"

"Hanabi, I believe you have some training to do in the dojo."

Their father loomed in the doorway to the kitchen and a shadow hovered behind him equally, perhaps even more, impressive as the aura their father projected.

"Yes, Otousan."

As Hanabi left, the two men entered and Hinata had decided that the universe must be completely upside down to see Sasuke Uchiha with her father. She felt her father's judgmental eyes scour over her. Suddenly she felt self-conscious about her appearance.

The one day I choose to be normal, she thought begrudgingly.

"Hinata, I'm sure you remember the task given to me by the Hyuga Clan council."

"Yes, Otousan."

"Then you must understand my confusion as to why you have decided to let your appearance slip into such disarray."

"Otousan I didn't-"
"You didn't think your intended would be found so quickly and within the same village? Or you didn't think to care how your appearance would reflect upon our Clan? Both are unacceptable for a Main House Member, nonetheless my daughter."

"Otousan I-"

"I think she's beautiful, Hiashi, and your reprimand goes unwarranted."

There was a bite to his words that very few opted to use with her father. She turned her attention to him now and studied him with her head slightly tilted. Hinata was too deep in thought to register what had been said, rather, she focused on how he'd said it.

He was frustrated with her father and he had no problem telling him so.

"Indeed, Uchiha-san, apologies."

Now that was strange. She'd never heard her father apologize to anyone. That is, unless they were in a position of power that could benefit her Clan.

That must mean he's-

"Hinata you remember Uchiha-san?"
"I do."

"He has offered quite the sum for your hand and the Council and I have decided to accept."

He had to be joking? Right? Why would Sasuke Uchiha want to marry her? Didn't he want Sakura? He'd never spoken two words to her in the past decade, so why had he decided to saddle himself with her for the foreseeable future?

"Are you going to stand there gawking Hinata? Show Uchiha-san the gardens and prepare yourself to move into his home. You will be married in one week."
"A week? Otousan why so soon?"
"Not that it's any of your business but Uchiha-san has requested a quick betrothal period. We have no reason to deny him this as he has exceeded even the most...advantageous of betrothal offers we have received for you."

"I imagine it is her business Hiashi as she is the one to be married. She doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to do. I shall go if she wishes."

"Nonsense it is her duty to-"

"I'd be happy to show you my mother's gardens Uchiha-san and, if you would like, I will share my lunch."

"That would please me greatly Hinata."

"Come with me."

She felt his presence behind her as she led him through the many corridors of her childhood home. It was fortunate that she had, more or less, finished up lunch preparation before her father had come to see her.

"You don't have to entertain me Hinata, especially if you do not wish to."

"Uchiha-san your company is better than eating alone besides, I make it a point to avoid doing things I don't want to do."

"Naruto's influence I presume."

She smiled. Most people misunderstood her admiration for infatuation toward the blonde but none really bothered to ask her about it.

"You could say that."

"I feel as if I should apologize for the abruptness of my betrothal. I've heard that you have feelings toward him."

"When I was younger, before the war, I had a crush on him and hoped that it might become more. Now, I see it for what it was: admiration. He spoke his mind and was honest to everyone no matter what the cost. I want to be like him in ways that don't include being his lover."

"I see."

"Apologies Uchiha-san I didn't mean to make things uncomfortable for you."
"There's nothing to apologize for Hina, and please call me Sasuke. We are to be married and you shall be Uchiha-san soon."

"Aaalright".

She hadn't stuttered in years and yet here she was blushing and stuttering like a girl.

The pair continued through into the vast gardens of the former Hyuga matriarch. The sheer size alone was enough to make him take note but there is a good reason for the gardens' reputation. There were flowers and plants of every color and size. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom as were nearly every flower that had been planted. He paused to watch her bask in the sights and smells of the garden and although she was dressed in her most casual clothing, she was indeed beautiful and he couldn't believe how lucky he was in this moment.

She turned to him and before she could speak and offer him food, he moved toward her. He took the parcels of food from her and placed them on a nearby stone bench. Puzzled, she tilted her head to observe him. He was even more entranced by her than before. Slowly and smoothly he pulled her into his arms. She noted how strong and steady he seemed. She also noted the fury of the blush on her cheeks. Before she could react to anything, he pulled her closer. Close enough for her to hear his whispered voice:

"I know this may not be what you wanted for your life, but I swear to make you feel the happiness and warmth that I feel in this moment with you."

He captured her lips in a kiss that was so powerful and so gentle that it took her breath away. Equal parts shock and confusion befell her as he massaged her lips his own. Eventually, she allowed him to persuade her to melt into him and enjoy his affection. Whether or not she felt love toward him was for another day, the truth is that she could be in love with him and that was enough for her. Then one simple thought remained:

How in the world did she end up in these situations?

That's chapter 2! How'd you like it? Let me know and I'll see y'all next time. :)