Author's Note: Welcome back! Enjoy.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything.
Rated: M
Summary: An AU Continuation of Grim Peasant's story The Queen of Hearts. Disclaimer, this is vastly different than the original story. Not NaruHina.
Chapter 25
Naruto knew it was too soon to come back to the hell hole of his life. As he entered the palace, he felt the constant ache in his heart grow. On his impromptu mission, he was able to distract himself from the love troubles that plagued him. But as he was walking through the palace hallways to his room, he had no distractions. Naruto ran a hand through his hair nervously. Why can't life be easy? His eyes followed the corridor to where the Queen's turf was. Somewhere in there, Hinata was there. He wanted to go to her, but he couldn't. Karin was his true love, but why didn't it feel like it? He could clearly remember their first kiss and their first date. He could remember his firm strong proclamations of love for her. But where did it all go? Was it not true love? He swore it was. Yet here he was, wishing for Hinata when he was supposed to be in love with someone else. I am a mess. Naruto continued to his room.
He opened his room sluggishly, he just needed to sleep for a bit. Maybe after some well-deserved sleep I will be able to figure out what to do with my life. Naruto pulled off his work clothes and got into his sleepwear. He laid on his back on his bed. He already knew that sleep would not come to him easily. He moved his body to a more comfortable position. He felt a slight pinch on his backside. What the hell was that? Naruto reached around and encountered a pair of rings. Naruto felt his breath leave his body and his heart felt as if it dropped into his stomach. He quickly raised the rings to his face to confirm what he thought they were. It's Hinata's rings that I gave her for the wedding. Naruto felt his throat clog up and his eyes were stinging with tears. Damn it! Naruto no longer had the strength to combat his feelings. He cried loudly and haggardly. He did not care if anyone heard him. He needed to cry. He had abandoned Hinata after he told her that he loved her. I am an idiot, Hinata. Please forgive me. Naruto looked down at the purple rings. He could almost imagine her delicate hand in his grasp as they strolled the gardens or the kingdom. The purple gems would reflect the sunlight and he would smile knowing that she was his wife. Then he imagined her hands wrapped around a bundle of life. The purple gems twinkling as the sun shone on her and their son or daughter. He wanted it, but then he didn't. He already made a promise to another that she will be the one he will marry.
Naruto laid on his bed and closed his eyes to fall asleep. The rings clutched tightly in his hand.
"Gaara-kun, are you sure that you must leave so soon?" Hinata asked worriedly. Gaara had received a notice from his homeland that his father had passed away and he was requested to return home. Gaara did not want to leave, but he had no choice. Gaara grabbed her hand and gave it a slight squeeze, "I will be back at the end of winter, Hinata-sama." Hinata smiled sadly and gave Gaara a quick hug, "Be safe in your travels. I will pray for your safety every day." Hinata told him. She separated herself from Gaara and fixed his red scarf on his neck. "Do not forget about me, Gaara-kun." Gaara gently smiled, "I wouldn't dream of it, Princess."
Gaara let go of Hinata's hand and looked over to where Sasuke stood. "Protect her." Gaara told him. Sasuke gave a quick nod. Gaara took one last look at Hinata and nodded his goodbye. "Bye, Gaara-kun." She whispered to him. Gaara walked towards the direction of the nearest town. Hinata stood in the same spot until she no longer saw her friend. She sighed sadly, she was going to miss him immensely. They have become more of a family than friends. Sasuke walked to stand next to her. He was providing her his silent support. "Do you want to learn how to hunt?" Sasuke asked her. Hinata whipped her head towards him, "Y-You want to t-teach me?" Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Is that a yes?" Hinata nodded.
It had been a couple of hours of them walking through the woods. Her feet were starting to ache, she had never pushed herself this hard before. Sasuke never said anything to her either. He didn't tell her to be careful or to take it easy. It was a welcoming feeling to her. All her life, she was shielded and guarded, but Sasuke treated her differently. He expected her to be strong and for her to hold her own weight. I will not disappoint you, Sasuke.
For the first hour, Sasuke taught her how to silence her footsteps with and without chakra. She was able to mask her sounds with chakra successfully, but the only downfall was that she did not have enough chakra to maintain it for long periods. Hiding her sounds without chakra required more attention. She had to constantly look at the ground for any leaves or twigs, and this reduced her ability to watch out for animals. Sasuke had already managed to kill three rabbits, but there was still sunlight for them to hunt.
She was focused on the fallen leaves on the ground and making sure she did not step on them, that she didn't notice that Sasuke stopped until she bumped into his back. Sasuke gave her an eye roll and Hinata puffed out her cheeks in embarrassment. Sasuke raised a finger to his mouth to tell her to be silent. Hinata put herself on guard and strained her ears to listen to whatever caused Sasuke to be cautious.
One moment she was pressed behind Sasuke, and then he disappeared. She was amazed at how fast he could move. She mentally reminded herself to ask Sasuke if he could teach her how to move like that.
Being left alone, sent a surge of panic through her. She was not completely defenseless, but she was not strong either. Hinata turned her head to at least catch a glimpse of Sasuke. Either he was too fast, or he was not in the near vicinity. Hinata wished that she could somehow see long distances. Sasuke told her that using chakra required finesse and extreme control. Manipulating chakra also required long hours of practice. As she waited for his return, Hinata fiddled with the thought of chakra being used for seeing long distances. Sasuke said the reason why he moved so quickly was because of his manipulation of chakra and his extreme exercise routine. She wondered if she would able to use chakra on her eyes so that she could see better.
Hinata felt the bit of chakra she had left, and she slowly moved it to her eyeballs. For a moment, the world suddenly turned foggy white, gray, and black. Then immediately she felt herself grow extremely weak. She fell to her knees and fell forward. She felt her eyes close and the world turn dark. The last thing she felt was the cold wet snow on her face.
She woke up to the sound of fire softly crackling. She slowly opened her eyes and she felt her eyes sting from the brightness of Sasuke's living room. Hinata moaned in pain and shut her eyes again. What happened? All she remembered was going hunting with Sasuke and then he suddenly left her. She also remembered trying to practice with chakra by herself. Hinata gasped, she could faintly remember seeing the world change. There was white, gray, and black. Did that have something to do with chakra going to my eyes? Should I tell Sasuke-kun? Hinata smiled softly, I could impress him once I figure out how to use this new ability. He would be so proud of me. Hinata giggled at the feeling of seeing Sasuke giving her a proud look. It made her feel incredibly special.
"You're awake."
Hinata slowly opened her eyes to look at Sasuke. She gulped, he looked very angry.
"I leave you for a moment and you pass out?" He bit out.
Hinata shifted her eyes away from him, guiltily looking at the floor.
Sasuke moved to her in two strides and forced her to lock her eyes with his. "Care to explain why you passed out?" Hinata pouted at Sasuke, "I-I was j-just t-tired S-Sasuke-kun. I-I'm s-sorry, p-please don't be mad at me!" Hinata lunged herself to Sasuke. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Sasuke pulled her tighter to him, he buried his head in her neck. "Stupid girl." He mumbled. He placed a kiss on her neck. Hinata blushed and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Sasuke embraced her with everything he had. He could still feel the utter despair when he saw her laying down unconscious in the snow. For the first time in a long time, he felt utter terror. He could feel his heart physically break. When he rushed to her side and felt her pulse, he cried in relief.
When he felt her soft lips press onto his skin, he sighed. He knew that he would not be able to go on without her. He could not imagine a day without her. Once he had her, he would not let her go. He slowly pulled away so that he could press his lips on hers. He wanted to make her feel the desperation and devastation that she put him through.
Hinata felt Sasuke's raw feelings seep into the kiss. The ferocity and strength communicated clearly to her. She pressed into the kiss to communicate her forgiveness. He pulled her off the sofa and onto his lap. Their kiss deepened, and Hinata pressed herself further into him. They were both lost in their own world until a sudden knock made them separate. They were both breathing heavily. Sasuke rested his forehead on hers to give him a moment to regain his senses. The loud knocking once again interrupted their moment and Sasuke growled in irritation. Whoever was knocking was going to pay dearly for bothering him. Hinata stood up from his lap and she lowered her hand to help him. He smirked and grabbed her hand, successfully pulling her back onto his lap and kissing her again. She was struggling to deny his kiss, but she quickly gave up and returned the kiss with gusto.
The knocking became louder and more rapid. Sasuke was going to ignore it, but Hinata quickly pulled away and stood up. She scampered to the kitchen doorway, "I will cook dinner. Answer the door, Sasuke-kun." Hinata then rushed into the kitchen.
Sasuke wanted to follow her, but the knocking continued. Sasuke felt his sharingan wanting to activate in irritation. He calmed himself by brushing a hand through his hair. He quickly stood up and went to the door.
He was about to yell at the person, but he stopped short. It was his older brother, Itachi. Sasuke raised his eyebrow, what did his brother want?
"Sasuke, it has been a long time. Mind if I come in?" Itachi asked.
Sasuke rolled his eyes and walked to the living room. He picked up the blanket that Hinata used and folded it. "What brings you here, Itachi?" Sasuke asked.
Itachi walked into the cottage and closed the door. "It is not every day their little brother turns 20." Sasuke was about to answer, but a small gasp was heard.
"Sasuke-kun it is your birthday today?" Hinata asked in wonder from the kitchen doorway.
Itachi chuckled, "Little brother, why did you not tell me you had a beautiful guest in your home?" Itachi moved to Hinata and he held her hand for him to kiss. "Itachi, Sasuke's older brother. And you dear?" Hinata blushed at Itachi's forwardness and she slowly took her hand back, "Hinata." Itachi smiled, "Are you and my brother sleep-…" Itachi began to ask Hinata, "Shut up, Itachi." Sasuke growled out. Hinata blushed at the implication of Itachi's question. "I-I will go b-back to f-finish c-cooking." She nervously said. Itachi flirtatiously smiled, "Of course." Hinata reddened and scampered away back to the kitchen.
Itachi whistled softly, "Where did you find her?" Sasuke growled. Itachi chuckled, "I am just teasing brother. I am happy that you found someone." Sasuke continued to glare at his brother.
"Here, I have something for you." Itachi handed him a long package. Sasuke opened it and his eyes widened. He picked up the item. It was a sheathed sword. Sasuke unsheathed it and it revealed a blueish-black sword. Sasuke smiled a bit, the sword was a beauty. "I see Sasuke smiling. Did big brother do a good job?" Itachi teased. Sasuke nodded, "Yes, thank you Itachi." Itachi poked Sasuke's forehead, "Happy birthday, Sasuke." Sasuke softly glared at his brother and rubbed his forehead. "Thanks." He mumbled out.
"Anyway, I must go. I have other duties to take care of before meeting our cousin. Take care of yourself and your little lady." Itachi moved to the door.
"A-Are you not staying Itachi-san?" Hinata asked as she walked out of the kitchen.
Itachi gave her another flirtatious smile, "Sorry dear lady, but I have other compromises to get to. I thank you for gracing a man like myself with such a beauty as yourself. Goodbye, Hinata-san."
Hinata blushed at Itachi's words, "Bye Itachi-san."
Itachi turned back to open the door and walked out. "Bye Sasuke." He spoke as he closed the door.
Sasuke continued to look at the sword his brother gave him, he felt happy that his brother hadn't forgotten about him. How long has it been since I last saw him?
Hinata smiled at seeing Sasuke happy, "Sasuke-kun, dinner is ready." Sasuke looked up at her and nodded. He placed his new sword on the living room table and followed Hinata into the kitchen.
She had already gathered three plates with food. The cooked rabbits were smothered in a red herb sauce, and grilled tomatoes were placed over the rabbit. Sasuke could not wait to dig into the meal.
"H-Happy B-Birthday, Sasuke-san. I included many tomatoes for this dish because you told me you liked them. I-I know it isn't much, but I would love to treat you to something more special if we ever go into town." Hinata softly placed her hand over his.
"Hn." Sasuke replied. He locked his eyes with hers. He tried to express his gratitude. Hinata blushed and smiled brightly, "You are welcome, Sasuke-kun." They both ate in a comfortable silence. Sasuke also ate Itachi's dish. As Hinata was washing dishes, Sasuke wrapped his arms around her from behind. He rested his head on hers and he smelled her lavender scent. He could be like this forever. He slowly moved his head to her neck, "What about dessert?" Sasuke asked. Hinata stiffened. She mentally slapped herself. How could I forget about dessert? Hinata looked nervously around, there were no ingredients to make a simple dessert. "I-I'm s-sorry Sasuke-kun I did not make any. If we go to town tomorrow, I will get the correct ingredients and make you an amazing dessert." She told him as she turned around to see him. He smirked down at her, "I hate sweet things." Hinata blinked and frowned a bit. What dessert isn't sweet? "Sasuke-kun, I don't know any dessert that is not sweet." Sasuke chuckled, and he kissed her neck softly. Hinata blushed as the intimacy grew. "I only like one sweet dessert." Sasuke whispered into her ear. He pressed another kiss on her neck, and Hinata whimpered out. Sasuke always knew how to make her grow weak with his kisses. "W-What is it?" Hinata asked throatily as Sasuke kissed her neck some more. Sasuke moved his mouth to her ear, "You."
He then nibbled on her earlobe. Hinata gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck and Sasuke held her tighter. He moved his face to kiss her lips. He hummed happily knowing there would be no distractions this time around. He picked up Hinata and she quickly wrapped her legs around him. He led them back to the living room and he sat down on the sofa.
Her body pressed perfectly against him. He separated his lips from hers and attacked her neck with kisses. He sucked a spot on her neck in need to mark her as his. Hinata mewled at his actions and she pressed herself into his hips. Her hands combed through his hair creating a wonderful sensation on his scalp. He let go of her neck and he marveled at the bright red mark on her porcelain white skin. He laid his head on her chest. He could hear her fast heart beat and it matched his. He felt Hinata shift in his lap and he groaned as she rubbed herself perfectly on his crotch. He felt her hands cup his face and he locked his eyes with hers. She gave him a small peck on the lips. She then turned his face to one direction to expose his neck. Hinata began to leave small kisses all around his neck. His hands tightened on her hips, the feeling of her lips on his skin felt amazing. He then felt her suckle his neck in one spot. He clenched his teeth from moaning out. After what felt like an eternity, she stopped. The smile that she gave him left him speechless. He forcefully pressed his lips against her. He put all the passion he felt into the kiss and Hinata responded with equal vigor. They separated for the need to breathe.
He rested his forehead on hers and he closed his eyes; he was in a such a happy daze and he did not want to move and ruin it. Their breaths intermingled in a beautiful dance. He cracked his eyes open and saw how blissful Hinata looked. Her face red and her lips swollen. He wanted nothing less than to take her to his room and have her entirely. But he knew that she was a princess and she must give herself to her husband. He was certain that he was going to be that man, but he needed to wait for her hand. She was only 17 and he needed to wait one more year for her. He kissed her lips one more time, before he unwrapped his arms from around her. "Thank you Hinata." He whispered out to her.
Hinata smiled at Sasuke, "You are welcome." She kissed his lips again and she unwrapped herself from him. She fell into the seat next to him and giggled. She felt so giddy. She never believed that kisses could be this intoxicating. Sasuke looked at her and he smiled softly. Oh yes, she will be my wife. After getting her giggling under control, she looked up to Sasuke, "Sasuke-kun, would it be okay if I used your bathroom to bathe?" Sasuke nodded. He felt himself grow stiff at the thought of her beautiful naked self in his shower. He leaned back into the sofa and closed his eyes to get rid of the thoughts.
Hinata jumped up and rummaged through her luggage that was in the corner of the living room and picked out her nightwear. She rushed to the bathroom.
She sighed contently at being clean as she walked out of the shower. She had her hair wrapped in a white fluffy towel. As she walked into Sasuke's room she saw Sasuke already laying in his bed. Hinata gulped, he looked so breathtaking. He looked so relaxed and peaceful as he slept on his bed. She quietly moved forward to him, she could make out the outline of his muscles through his shirt and she felt the urge to touch them. Hinata then looked at Sasuke's face. His hair was slightly covering him, so she reached over to move his hair. When her fingertips traced his skin, his hand was immediately on hers and he pulled. Hinata fell into Sasuke's sleeping form. She squeaked at the sudden movement. His arms were wrapped securely around her. Hinata tried to move out of his grasp, but Sasuke was not yielding. Hinata's face was red as she tried to pull away. "S-Sasuke-kun…" She urgently whispered out to him. He pulled her tighter to him, "Sleep." Hinata blushed. How could he expect me to sleep like this? Hinata huffed and knew there was no chance to escape. She felt around for the blanket and she pulled it over them. She cuddled into Sasuke, his electrifying and smoky smell enveloping her.
Sasuke woke up feeling very refreshed. The scent of lavender almost made him fall asleep again, but he knew that he could not stay. He opened his eyes slowly, he looked down to see Hinata holding him by the waist. Her head was securely tucked into his shoulder; and her warm breath tickled his neck. He squeezed her a bit and pulled her into a lazy one arm hug. He kissed the top of her head. He then carefully unwrapped her from his body and stretched as he stood from the bed. He felt that a morning shower would help awaken him.
He took a quick shower, and as he stepped into his room he saw that Hinata was still fast asleep. She was now holding and cuddling into his pillow. He smirked, she liked him. He changed his sleepwear into his day clothing; and then went to the kitchen to get an early breakfast before he went to go train. It was still early morning and the sun was barely illuminating the sky. He finished his food and went to pick up his birthday present. He secured his sword across his back and proceeded to leave. He was not going to be gone for long, so he did not feel the need to wake Hinata to inform her of his whereabouts.
He went around the back of the cottage and sat down to start to meditate. He needed to refocus his chakra back to the center of his body. He let his chakra envelop all his senses. He was able to hear the wild critters of the forest from a mile away, and he felt the energy of the woods surround him. Every living thing within a 5-mile radius was able to be felt by him. After some time of meditation, he got up and started to do some memorized battle stances in quick succession. After his battle stance practice, he summoned a shadow clone to practice some taijutsu. He felt his adrenaline spike as he fought his other self. They were both evenly matched as expected and this pushed him to become stronger. He was about to land the "killing" blow, but he stopped when he sensed a strong chakra presence rushing towards his location. Sasuke stood up straight and dismissed his shadow clone as he waited for the person to arrive. He turned his head to where the chakra mass was coming from, 5…4…3…2…1.
A gray-haired man with a mask covering half his face came out of the forest. Sasuke raised one of his eyebrows as he looked at the man. The man was usually very easy going, but Sasuke could immediately sense that the man was on edge.
"Naruto has lost control." The man told him.
"Tch." Sasuke picked up his sword from the floor and readjusted it on his back. Then he ran to the direction of where the man came from. The man quickly followed behind.
Hinata awoke to the morning sun and she felt very comfortable. Sasuke's scent invaded her senses and she felt herself snooze off. After a couple of minutes of the same routine of waking up and snoozing, she finally stood up. She blushed, she could not believe that she slept in the same bed as Sasuke. To her slight disappointment, Sasuke was not there when she awoke. Hinata yawned and fell back into the bed. His scent lulling her back to sleep. She closed her eyes for a bit and hugged Sasuke's pillow. Hinata's tummy then gurgled, demanding her attention. Hinata giggled at herself. She stood up and started tidying up the room. Sasuke was not a dirty person, but he was a bit disorganized. She folded the bed sheets and his clothes that were piled on a desk. She slowly organized the room and brightened the room by opening the curtains. She quickly dusted the furniture in the room. After she finished the room, she decided that breakfast was in order. She quickly ate and then she continued to organize the kitchen. After finishing most of the cabinets, she started to worry. She wondered where Sasuke was. She sent a silent prayer for his safety and continued to clean. If she distracted herself then she would not worry.
Sasuke and the man traveled silently through the forest. Both too preoccupied with their thoughts to initiate any conversation. Sasuke could already sense the malicious Kyubi chakra. Tch, what did the Dobe do now? "Why was I called? I thought Itachi was visiting Naruto." Sasuke asked the man beside him.
"Itachi was the one who set Naruto off." The man told Sasuke warily. Sasuke whipped his head to the man, "What the fuck happened, Kakashi?"
Kakashi let out a tired sigh, "I honestly have no idea."
"Where is Itachi?" Sasuke asked coldly.
"He is fine. Tsunade was able to get him out of Naruto's reach before things could get messy. At this moment, Itachi is passed out in the infirmary." Kakashi glanced over Sasuke, "He could never handle the demonic chakra as well as you could."
Sasuke nodded dismissively. The pit in his stomach disappeared when he learned that his brother was alive.
They both stopped running since they reached the palace walls.
"I will let you do what you do best. I will be evacuating the rest of the castle occupants. Everyone knows how it gets when you two battle each other." Kakashi told him. Kakashi jumped away and left Sasuke alone.
Sasuke scaled up the tall palace walls. The closer he got, the more he felt the demonic chakra. Sasuke smirked, he always loved a tough battle. Him and Naruto were rivals since birth and they both tried to outdo each other every chance they got. He felt his adrenaline spike the closer he got to where Naruto was located at. He landed inside the deserted palace and continued to run to where Naruto was located.
He ran towards the Queen's turf. As he reached the main hall, he decided to walk slowly towards the demonic chakra. He did not want to startle Naruto. He walked until he reached the red glowing mass of Naruto. Sasuke eyed him curiously, wondering why Naruto hadn't noticed that he was here.
Naruto stood in the middle of a room, completely still. Sasuke decided that he would be the one to initiate the confrontation.
"Dobe." Sasuke said.
Naruto quickly turned his head to look at him. His glowing white eyes boring into him.
"What happened?" Sasuke casually asked.
This question seemed to enrage Naruto. He howled loudly breaking the windows of the room. Sasuke frowned. This slow pace was not leading him anywhere. He decided to push Naruto a bit. He moved forward to Naruto and Naruto growled. Naruto's bubbling red chakra formed into a tail. Sasuke kept pushing forward. Another tail formed. Sasuke continued to move forward, and one more tail formed. Sasuke was just 10 spaces away when Naruto launched towards him. Sasuke's sharingan immediately turned on. He quickly maneuvered away from Naruto's launch; and Naruto impacted into the wall where Sasuke once stood in front of. A huge chunk of the wall went missing and Naruto whipped his head around to find Sasuke. Naruto quickly sprinted to Sasuke, trying to grasp Sasuke, but every time he missed. Naruto growled at this cat and mouse game they were playing.
Sasuke had no intention to harm the king, he just needed to find an opening.
"STOP RUNNING AWAY YOU COWARD!" Naruto howled at him as he lunged toward Sasuke.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, Naruto was so easily frazzled. Sasuke continued to evade Naruto's attacks. There's the opening. Sasuke pushed himself off the wall, and extended his arm for a punch, he hit Naruto in the throat and lunged him to the floor. Sasuke quickly activated his mangekyo and forced Naruto to look at him in the eyes. The demonic chakra was burning his skin, but he needed to get Naruto to look at him. Naruto roared and threw Sasuke into a wall.
Sasuke flew through two walls consecutively. Sasuke glared at the Dobe, he had forgotten how strong the idiot could be. Naruto roared loudly again and lunged at Sasuke while he was stuck in the wall. Sasuke grit his teeth at the feeling of him breaking into different parts of the palace structure. Sasuke kicked Naruto off him and sent the man flying to the other side of the hallway. Sasuke then quickly rushed to Naruto as he was airborne and kicked him upwards. Sasuke then quickly teleported above him and kicked him downward. He did not give Naruto any chance for recovery. Naruto flew through two stories of the palace. Sasuke quickly followed Naruto and landed forcefully on Naruto's stomach. Naruto choked out some blood. Sasuke grabbed Naruto's head and focused his eyes on Naruto's. Naruto seeing Sasuke's plan quickly punched Sasuke away. Sasuke flew down the hall and Naruto rushed towards Sasuke. Sasuke twisted his body just in time to miss another one of Naruto's punches. Sasuke then connected his foot to the back of Naruto's head. Naruto felt himself lurch forward, but before he was forced away he quickly grabbed Sasuke's ankle and pulled him. Naruto dragged Sasuke through the palace walls. Sasuke winced as his body ripped through cement walls as Naruto pulled him.
Sasuke then forcefully wrapped his legs around Naruto's throat. He then twisted his body and slammed Naruto onto the floor. Naruto still hadn't let go of him, so he landed on top of the Dobe. Sasuke was then met with a powerful punch into the jaw that sent him flying through a window and into the palace gardens. He felt himself skid on the water. He quickly maneuvered his body upright to stand on the water. Naruto was running at top speed on the water towards him. Sasuke didn't want to do it, but he was running out of stamina and he needed to end this. Quickly, he formed his signature move.
His susano was a bright violet and it quickly stopped the jinchuriki. Sasuke gasped and fell on one knee. He felt his eyes bleeding and blood was accumulating in his mouth. He commanded his susano to bring Naruto closer to him. Naruto roared in anger and this made it more difficult to keep Naruto in one place. His sharingan connected with Naruto's eyes. His mangekyo spinning rapidly as Naruto roared. Then in a blink, Naruto seized his struggling. The demonic red chakra going back into his unconscious body. Sasuke fell to both his knees at the immense use of chakra. He coughed up the blood in his mouth. His susano brought both him and Naruto onto the garden floor before disappearing. Sasuke gasped tiredly. This took more energy than I thought. Sasuke looked at the drifting white clouds in the sky, I'm sorry Hinata. I don't think I will make it back home any time soon. Sasuke thought before fading off into unconsciousness.
Hinata had finished cleaning the whole house and Sasuke still had not returned from wherever he went. Hinata did not want to worry, but she could not help it. She felt as if something was wrong. Hinata sighed sadly as she sent another silent prayer for Sasuke. Hinata decided that it was a perfect time to start cleaning up the front garden. She wandered outside and began to tend the small garden. She had gathered some more vegetables. Once the garden was free of weeds, she began to pull out the weeds from around the garden. This took her a longer time since the weeds were imbedded into the soil. The sun was slowly setting when she decided to stop her gardening. She walked inside the house and she realized that there was no fire.
She sighed in discontent at the foreboding atmosphere the darkness contained. Hinata decided that she would need to navigate the household in complete darkness. She stumbled her way into the kitchen. She gingerly washed the carrots since that would be her dinner for today since there was no fire to boil her vegetables.
She never knew how attached she became to Sasuke until now. She missed his silent support and strength. She missed the way he touched her and kissed her. She missed the way that he made her feel alive by zapping all her senses. She missed the warmth that he provided. Hinata thought about her small life with Sasuke as she munched on a carrot.
She loved every minute of her new life. It was drastically different than what she experienced with Naruto. Both Naruto and Sasuke made her feel loved and protected. However, only Sasuke made her feel powerful and worthy. The way he looked at her sent shivers down her spine. Naruto would also make her tremble with love and affection, but he did not encourage her to grow. He loved her because she was just a kind and sweet girl. Sasuke accepted her with all the emotional baggage she carried. Naruto gave her the fairytale, but Sasuke gave her the reality. Hinata yawned into her hand. She decided that she would quickly shower in the darkness and then go to bed. Hopefully, Sasuke arrived in the morning or in the middle of the night.
Hinata quickly showered with cold water. A mistake she would have remembered when she already knew that there was no fire. Hinata huddled into Sasuke's bed. His scent was still all over the sheets. She wrapped herself in a cocoon of Sasuke's blankets and fell asleep.
It was the stench of disinfectant that awoke him. Sasuke opened his eyes at the barren infirmary. He saw that the Dobe was in a bed next to his. He was still unconscious. Sasuke looked at the window and saw that it was bright outside. How long have I been here?
The door of the infirmary room opened. A battered looking Itachi strolled in. Itachi smiled at seeing his brother awake.
"How long have I been here?" Sasuke asked, his voice raspy and dry.
Itachi smiled gently and handed him a cup of water. "Four days."
Sasuke began to choke on the water, "F-Four days?!" Sasuke gasped out.
Itachi smirked, "Do not worry yourself, I have been looking after your lady."
Sasuke grasped the bed sheets, "How is she?"
Itachi shrugged his shoulders, "As you may expect, she was worried."
Sasuke nodded, "What did you tell her?"
"I just told her you were on a mission and you wouldn't be back for a couple of days." Itachi smiled, "There is no need to worry her over my little brother fighting a powerful demon." Itachi chuckled, "I wonder how she would have reacted if I told her that."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, he slowly started to get out of bed, but a hand stopped him. "Let me go Itachi."
Itachi shook his head, "You need to rest and recover. You took quite a beating."
Sasuke tried to shake off his brother's hand. "I can rest when I get home."
Itachi's hold grew stronger, "Sasuke…"
Sasuke glared at his older brother, "Don't lecture me. I need to leave."
Itachi raised his eyebrow, "Are you not curious of what set Naruto off?"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "A missing cup of ramen from the pantry sets Naruto off." Sasuke gave a curious glance towards his brother, "What happened to you? Naruto never beat you up this badly before."
Itachi retracted his hand from Sasuke's hold, a small frown on his face. He then gently shook his head and smiled at his brother, "I was distracted."
Sasuke frowned, "Don't lie to me. You are terrible at it."
"I was tired?"
Sasuke glared, "Itachi…"
Itachi sat down on the other side of Sasuke's medical bed. "I love you Sasuke." Itachi spoke as his head was bowed. He slowly lifted his head to connect his eyes with his brother's. "I don't say it enough, but I just want you to know."
Sasuke's look softened, a small frown on his face, "What's going on?"
Itachi chuckled lightly and leaned back on the bed. He gently closed his eyes and folded his arms across his chest.
Sasuke moved his body slightly to face his older brother. "Itachi if something is going on then tell me."
Itachi cracked an eye open to look at Sasuke briefly, he smiled at Sasuke's words. "I told you I was tired."
Sasuke scoffed, "Even tired you are 100 times stronger than the Dobe. What is up with you? Do you not trust me or something?"
Itachi closed his eyes again, a faint smile on his face. "Do you ever wonder what father and mother are doing?"
Sasuke blinked, he then scratched the top of his head. "Sometimes, but what does that even have to do with anything?"
"I always see them as our guardian angels. Father is lecturing us and telling us that we can do better; meanwhile mother is scolding him and saying that we are doing a good job."
Sasuke smiled faintly, "Yeah, that sounds like them."
Itachi opened his eyes and connected them with his brother's, "What do you think I would do?"
Sasuke flinched slightly, and he frowned, "What do you mean?"
Itachi sighed and leaned his head back on the pillow to look up to the ceiling, "What do you think I would do in the afterlife?"
Sasuke's eyes hardened and his fist clenched, "Why does that matter? You are not there. You are here with me." Sasuke spoke harshly. Sasuke quickly stood up from the bed. His muscles protesting the sudden movements, but he paid them no attention. He moved to gather his clothes to change. "What has gotten into you? Have you been reading those books that Kakashi loves?" Sasuke asked as he pulled a shirt over his head.
Itachi smirked, "Don't judge them until you have read them."
"Perverts." Sasuke mumbled.
Itachi shook his head slightly at his brother's remark. "Do you think I would go to heaven?" He asked softly.
Sasuke growled, "What the hell, Itachi?! Stop asking stupid questions." Sasuke had finished dressing and stood upright, his fists clenching on both of his sides. Sasuke walked to where his brother was resting, "You are not dead Itachi. You won't die. You are the strongest person I know. Even then, I won't let anything happen to you. Do you hear me?" Sasuke asked his brother. Itachi hummed in response.
Sasuke growled again, "I am serious Itachi. I will fight anything and anyone who thinks they can hurt you. Just say the word and I will be by your side."
Itachi opened his eyes and looked up at his brother, "There are some things even you can't fight little brother." Itachi sadly whispered out.
"I am strong!" Sasuke angrily yelled out.
Itachi swiftly raised his arm and poked Sasuke's forehead, "Be respectful to the other patients in the room. There is no need to yell, I already know you are strong."
Sasuke rubbed his forehead again, a small pout on his face, "Then what is wrong with you?"
"I'm dying."
Sasuke felt a sudden chill sweep through his body. Sasuke looked at his brother with disbelief, "I-Itachi…"
"I have a disease that forces my chakra to eat itself." Itachi told Sasuke.
Sasuke felt his whole-body shake, he shook his head. He grabbed his brother's arm, "Itachi! Get up! We can find Tsunade and she can help." Itachi refused to get up, he sighed gently, "She was the one who found this disease. There is nothing she can do."
Sasuke gripped his brother's arm, "So what?! Are we just going to wait here f-for you to die!?" Sasuke let go of his brother's arm, he started to frantically pace, "There has to be a way to stop this. There just has to." Sasuke's pacing halted, his fatigued body gave out from under him and he fell to the floor, "Fuck! I-I just need to… Damn it! Get up!" Sasuke gripped his hair, he could feel his breathing turn haggard and the sting of unshed tears. He looked down onto his lap, a few tears stained his gray pants. Itachi, please don't leave me. Not like this. Please be a dream.
Itachi stood up from the bed and kneeled beside his brother. He wrapped his arms around Sasuke's shoulders. Itachi felt his brother tremble and he squeezed him tighter. Sasuke unclenched his fingers from his head and let his arms fall to his sides. "P-Please tell me it's a d-dream." Sasuke trembled out. Itachi pulled Sasuke closer, he closed his eyes to stop the tears from rolling down his cheeks. "I'm sorry." Itachi sadly whispered out. Sasuke cried out a bit. Itachi always feared of telling the truth to his little brother. The emotions were too strong, and it took a lot of energy for him not to break down.
"How long have you known?" Sasuke asked. His voice lacked any emotion and it sent a pang through Itachi's heart.
"5 years." Itachi solemnly responded.
Sasuke whipped his head up and looked at Itachi with red and puffy eyes, "Why are you just telling me now?!" Sasuke pulled out of his brother's hold and crawled away. "You were d-dying this whole time and you… you just led me to believe in a lie!" Sasuke grasped his head and cried out again. "I always trusted you, Itachi. I trusted you with everything and you can't trust me with the most important thing in your life?!"
Itachi looked desperately at his brother, "Sasuke, I never wanted this to happen." Itachi clenched his fist, "Did you expect me to drag you around the world in a fruitless journey over a cure that never existed?"
Itachi bit the inside of his cheek, "Sasuke, I trust you with everything. You are my little brother that I love very much. Please, do not hate me." Itachi sadly mumbled out. His eyes looked pleadingly towards his brother.
Sasuke flinched at the tone his brother was using, he whipped his head to look at his brother, "I could never hate you, Itachi." Sasuke moved closer to his heart broken brother, "I hate your reasons." Sasuke wrapped his arms around his older brother, "You are just like father. You are both stubborn and righteous." Itachi chuckled slightly, "Father was never this handsome." Sasuke smiled faintly and squeezed his brother's shoulders, "We must thank our mother for that. She created two handsome men."
"Handsome is debatable. I think you are more of an ugly bastard."
Sasuke turned his head to the other patient in the room, "Speaking from experience?" Sasuke asked Naruto.
Naruto rolled his eyes as he sat up from the bed. His eyes, a deep blue, softened as he looked at the two Uchiha brothers. Naruto then comically threw himself back on the bed, "Finally, Sasuke knows! It is super hard trying to keep a secret, you know?"
Sasuke's eyes widened and then moved to glare at his brother, "The Dobe knew before me?" He stated while pointing towards Naruto.
Itachi shrugged his shoulders, "He is the King, Sasuke."
"Well duh I knew, who do you think pays for the 'fruitless journey' for the cure" Naruto said from the bed he was laying at.
Sasuke's eyes softened, "Is there really no cure?"
Itachi slowly shook his head. Sasuke clenched his fists, "How long…"
"Almost a year." Itachi replied. Itachi placed a hand on top of Sasuke's hand, "I was traveling the world for the last couple of years. I just wanted to see some of my favorite spots for the last time." Itachi squeezed his brother's hand, "I want to spend my last moments with you Sasuke."
Sasuke squeezed back his brother's hand, "Is that why you came yesterday? You wanted to stay with me?" Itachi nodded. Itachi then sighed, "But I don't want to intrude."
"You won't"
"But Sasu-…"
"I said 'You won't'. Trust me."
Itachi gave him a grateful smile. Sasuke smiled back, "I love you, Itachi."
Itachi gently placed his forehead on Sasuke's, "I love you, Sasuke."
"Come over here, Dobe." Sasuke called out.
"Eh?!" Naruto yelled out.
Itachi smiled, "Even though, we may be cousins I still think of you as a little brother. I also wanted to spend my last moments with you too."
Naruto felt his eyes tear up, he quickly scrambled off the bed and joined his two brothers on the floor. He wrapped his arms around them. The two Uchiha brothers reciprocated the group hug. "I love you guys" Naruto told them. "I love you too Naruto." Itachi told him. Naruto laughed sadly, he then looked at Sasuke, Sasuke smirked slightly, "Tsk, I love you too."
"Anything you need Itachi, don't hesitate to ask." Naruto told Itachi.
"Thank you, Naruto."
Naruto looked over at Sasuke, "The same goes for you."
"Hn."
Naruto smiled and laughed sadly, "Why do we only come together when things start to fall apart? Why can't things like this happen just because?"
Itachi sighed and closed his eyes, "Great men prefer to stand alone. Only when misfortune strikes, do great men band together to prove that the impossible is possible."
"Then why are you still dying?" Sasuke asked bitterly.
"That's easy, you aren't a great man, Sasuke." Naruto joked.
Itachi chuckled, "The length of my life is not the impossible. The experiences I would have never gone through in my lifetime was the impossible. I would have never been able to live through everything I wanted to do and see even if I didn't have this disease. Naruto gave me the possibility to experience everything I have ever wanted. And now, I get to be my brothers sides until I die. I get to be the ideal older brother." Itachi closed his eyes, "I am living my life's dreams and I could never ask for anything more."
Sasuke felt the sting of tears again, he let the tears fall and pulled Naruto and Itachi closer. Itachi, Naruto, and Sasuke huddled their heads together. Naruto sniffled, tears staining his whiskered cheeks, "Family?" Sasuke nodded his head, "Family." "Always." Itachi added. The honesty of the words resounded in the hearts of the three brothers. Sasuke sighed. We are all together again, even if it is only for a short amount of time.
The sound of the infirmary opening, forced the three brothers separate. Naruto quickly moved to his bed and Itachi helped Sasuke to his bed. Sasuke thanked Itachi. Itachi smiled, "I will go back to your house for the meantime. Tsunade will message me when you will be allowed to leave, and I will return to accompany you back to your house. Rest well." Itachi looked over to Naruto, "You too Naruto."
Naruto beamed at him and gave him a thumb up, "You got it Big Bro Itachi." Itachi smiled at his new nickname. He then did a hand sign and disappeared in a puff of smoke and leaves.
Sasuke sighed as he laid back and he slowly let his eyes close.
"Glad to see that you two are awake." Tsunade spoke as she walked into the room.
"Hn."
"Hey Granny."
Tsunade glared at Naruto, "Care to explain what the hell happened? Why did you lose control, Naruto?!"
Sasuke opened one eye to look at the blonde, he was also curious of what royally pissed off the Dobe.
Naruto combed a hand through his hair, "It was stupid."
Tsunade clenched her fist, "Listen here brat, you destroyed the Queen's turf completely and it will need to be repaired. Not only that, you damaged the royal gardens that have been growing since my grandfather was alive. To add on top, you also terrified your future wife. The poor girl wakes up screaming."
Naruto hung his head in shame. Tsunade sighed angrily, "I will ask you once more, what happened?"
Naruto let out a sad sigh, "Itachi and I were talking in my study. He was giving me some life advice about women. He was telling me how screwed up my love life was." Naruto crossed his arms in front of himself, "As if I didn't know that already." He mumbled out childishly.
Naruto then sighed again, "I then asked him what he would do in my situation. He told me that 'If you are in love with two women, pick the second. You never truly loved the first one if you were swayed so easily by the second.' I then told Itachi to fuck off since I didn't like his answer. He chuckled at me and told me I was an idiot. He then asked me if the second woman was still here and I told him yes. He then told me there was no second person he could sense in the Queen's turf. I then told him to shut up and not joke about that. But he was completely serious, Granny. I felt my heart speed up and I rushed to the Queen's turf and… she wasn't there."
Naruto gripped his bedsheets, "I-I got so angry and I was in so much pain. I-I was the one who hurt her, and s-she left because of me!" Naruto grabbed his head and shook his head, "Itachi tried to tell me to calm down, but I-I was gone. I-I told him to leave, but he wouldn't listen. He kept trying to touch me and I kept getting angrier. I-I just wanted to wallow in pity, but he kept coming; a-and then I just snapped. I felt the chakra getting hotter a-and I p-punched Big Bro Itachi into the w-wall s-super hard." Naruto choked on a sob, he let go of his head and hid his face in his hands, "I-I remember seeing I-Itachi not moving. H-He was just slumped on the ground unconscious, b-blood dripping from his head. I-I have never seen him so defenseless before and I continued walking towards him. I-I was going to k-kill him!" Naruto cried out, "I-It never crossed my mind that it was Big Bro Itachi and that he was s-sick. I-I became a m-monster!" Naruto began to cry silently, "L-Luckily you came and took him away. I don't w-want to know what could have happened."
Naruto's soft crying was the only thing that was heard in the room. "What was the second woman's name?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto lifted his head up to see Sasuke and he wiped his face with his hands to get rid of his tears. "Hinata, she is a princess from The Land of Waves."
Sasuke gripped his bedsheets, "You were going to marry her?"
Naruto nodded softly, he played softly with his hands, "Not anymore though."
"Why?" Sasuke could not stop his curiosity.
Naruto let out a shaky breath, "My first true love is back."
Sasuke let go of his intense grip on the bedsheets, "The little dark-haired girl with eyes like the moon?"
Naruto nodded, "She is alive Sasuke. She came back to me after all this time. We are getting married. She will officially be called Karin Namikaze, the Queen of Fire."
Sasuke felt his heart painfully throb, half of him wanted to see his first true love, but the other half wanted to hide. He did not want to fall in love with his first love again, he already had Hinata. Beautiful, feisty, and strong Hinata was waiting for him back home. She was worrying over him. Nevertheless, he let the words escape him through the guilt he felt. "I want to see her."
Sasuke felt himself get sick at the thought of hurting Hinata in the similar fashion that Naruto did. What if I fall in love with my first love again? Where does that leave Hinata? Will I still feel the same emotions when Hinata is near? Sasuke grit his teeth, he couldn't believe that he was going down the same path as the Dobe. Sasuke was about to retract his previous statement when a soft knock flooded the room. Sasuke swallowed thickly. Kami, I hope that isn't…
"Karin, you may enter; Naruto is awake." Tsunade spoke.
"T-Thank you, Tsunade." A soft feminine voice replied.
Sasuke sat up on his bed, intently staring at the door.
The door opened wide, and there she was. The exact image of his first true love, although a bit more mature and older. However, her features were exactly how he remembered. The short hairstyle on her dark locks and the silvery white eyes. The woman ran into the room to hug Naruto. Sasuke felt a surge of jealousy hit him, but he cooled down when he saw Naruto's face. He looked anything but relieved. He didn't even return the hug, he just let it happen. Sasuke frowned in concentration, he remembered how Naruto became a beacon of happiness when Karin was around when they were younger.
Sasuke frowned further, he also remembered how his heart rate would increase when she entered the room. When Karin entered the infirmary, he just held his breath. There were no strong emotions that left him in a hypnotic trance. Not like how Hinata does it.
Even now, as he thought about her he could feel his adrenaline spike. Hinata didn't even need to be in the same room to make him feel exhilarated. Just the mere thought of her could send him running. He glanced back at Naruto and Karin. Naruto had finally wrapped his arms around her and she had cupped his face in her hands. Sasuke laid back on his bed and looked up at the ceiling.
He then started to imagine hugging Hinata and her holding his face with her soft hands. Sasuke felt his heartbeat increase at the thought of the feel of her palms against his cheeks. He could almost smell her soothing scent and he could almost feel her soft hands caressing his face. The constant electrifying feeling traveling to wherever she touched him. He could feel himself lean into her and pulling her into a passionate kiss. Their lips touching sent burning fire through his blood. He felt alive. All his senses were tuned into her and only her. Sasuke looked over at Karin. She may have been his first love, but people change. He changed. Sasuke smiled happily, he had always felt disgusted with himself for loving the same girl as his brother. But he no longer felt the constant envy or anger. At last, they both got what they wanted; a woman they could be with for the rest of their lives. Congratulations, Naruto.
"Hey Sasuke, you said you wanted to meet her. Here is Karin, our childhood friend." Naruto told him.
Sasuke sat up a bit to look at Karin. She turned towards him and she looked stunned. Sasuke raised an eyebrow, What's wrong with her? Maybe I just look different. Sasuke slightly nodded in salutation. Her cheeks started to redden, and he gave her a weird look. Why was she blushing? He wasn't doing anything. Suddenly, she lunged at him. She wrapped her arms around him, "Oh Sasuke-kun! I thought I would never get to see you!" She yelled at him.
Sasuke cringed at her loud voice. Her hug was suffocating him, and he gently tried to push her off without making it too obvious. He scowled when she tightened her hold, he did not like this. "I don't like it when people touch me." Sasuke growled out. Karin immediately let go and jumped back, she was still blushing as she looked at the floor, "I-I'm s-sorry Sasuke-kun, I-I forgot." She gently told him. Sasuke frowned and rolled his eyes, "Yeah." Sasuke laid back on the bed and he looked at the ceiling. I really did change. I remember telling her when we were little that she could touch me anytime she wanted. Sasuke smirked. That had her blushing for days.
"Don't mind Teme, he is just sensitive." Naruto told Karin.
Sasuke rolled his eyes again. He still felt tired, so he rolled on his side facing away from Karin and Naruto. He closed his eyes and let himself fall asleep. "Wake me up when lunch arrives." Sasuke told Naruto before fully falling asleep.
Naruto smiled and nodded, "Sure thing."
"Itachi-san are you sure you do not want any help?" Hinata asked. Itachi shook his head, "It is fine, Hinata. I am capable of doing this by myself." Itachi was using his chakra infused axe to cut down a tree. In all honesty, Itachi felt this task completely draining but he refused to let Hinata see him like that. He could feel his face drenched with sweat and he could feel himself start to reach his limit. Itachi swung his axe harder, he hated this. He was a renowned killer. He was feared across all kingdoms, but now he was reduced to a man who couldn't cut a tree to save his life.
Bitter tears stung his eyes. He huffed to mask the sob that came out. He felt Hinata move closer and he wanted to yell at her to leave him alone. "I am not weak." He told her as she approached. "I never said you were." She softly replied. "Sasuke once talked about him having a brother. He spoke very highly of you." Itachi gripped his axe tighter and hit the tree again, I am just a shell of the man I used to be. His axe got stuck in the wood and when he tried to pull it, he realized that he did not have enough strength to pull it out. Itachi hung his head, letting his hair cover the unshed tears in his eyes. Itachi pulled again in vain to try to dislodge the axe.
He felt her gently place her hand on his hands that were gripping the axe handle. "I believe that a strong man is not afraid of asking for help." Itachi still held his head down. Hinata softly smiled at him, "I may have just met you Itachi-san, but I know in my heart that you are a good person." She squeezed his hands gently with hers, "The goodness in your heart makes you glow. There is no need for you to be ashamed." Itachi gasped and looked up at her, his eyes brimming with unshed tears, "What could you possibly know about pride?" He bit out to her. Hinata's eyes lowered softly to where her hand was placed on Itachi's, "Personally, I never had much pride. I was the disregarded princess of The Land of Waves. My sisters hate me." Hinata giggled softly, Itachi glared. "And look at me, I am short and have weird eyes. I am not winning any beauty competition any time soon." Itachi looked away from Hinata. If only Sasuke were here to tell you otherwise. "I do not have any pride and I am not able to relate to what you are feeling, Itachi-san." Hinata gave him a small smile, "Even in my far homeland we have heard of you. You are the fearless and powerful knight of The Royal Court of Fire, Itachi Uchiha." Itachi growled, "If I am so powerful and great then why can't I cut this damn tree!?" Itachi pulled strongly on the hilt of the axe, yet the axe did not budge.
Itachi let out a tired breath. Pathetic.
"Power can be shown in different ways than just brute strength."
Itachi rolled his eyes at her cliché moral. He let go of his axe and started to walk away. He stopped walking when he heard her talk again. "In the Land of Waves, we do not have a Royal Court like the one here. I remember the various stories of the feats that the knights of The Land of Fire would accomplish. I could never dream of moving mountains or creating balls of energy out of thin air." Hinata smiled at the memories, "I would sometimes envision myself to be this grand fighter of those stories. For only a moment, I could dream of being something more than just a regular girl. The stories taught us about strength, cooperation, and loyalty." Hinata looked up to where Itachi stood, "Your battles were the most memorable during my childhood. You were famous. Everyone wanted to be exactly like you. They wanted to be the knight that never backed down and who fiercely protected those he held dear." Hinata grasped the axe handle, "You leave a legacy, Itachi. You inspire those with big dreams to reach for the unbelievable." Hinata pulled the axe with all her strength, "You inspire those with big dreams to do the impossible." Hinata huffed at the strength she was exerting. "You may no longer be able to move mountains," Hinata grit her teeth as she felt the axe handle bite into her skin, "But you move people's minds." Hinata pulled again, and she felt the axe move a bit, she wrapped her hands tighter and pulled once more. She felt the axe give way and she fell on her backside, she turned to face Itachi who was now looking at her curiously, "I think that is the most powerful thing anyone can do." Hinata gave him a bright smile, "Thank you, Itachi-san for being my inspiration." Itachi turned away from her, a small blush on his features, "Hn."
Sasuke could not wait until he could leave the palace. It had already felt like a week, but it had only been two days since him and Naruto woke up. Sasuke sat in the palace library looking over some battle scrolls, but he did not register anything he read. He let out a tired sigh and pushed the scrolls away. He wanted to be home with his brother and Hinata. The thought of Hinata made his heart clench. He hadn't seen her in a week. He rested his head on the table, he was bored out of his mind. He finally remembered why he left the palace in the first place. There was always nothing to do.
Naruto had been spending his free time with Karin, and that left Sasuke to be on his own. Sasuke let out another sigh, that wasn't entirely true. Naruto had asked him if he wanted to join them. Sasuke would not have minded, he did not care if he was the third wheel. He just wanted to do something. However, Sasuke couldn't stomach being in the same room as Karin. He had noticed that she would throw him flirtatious smiles when Naruto was not looking; and she would also touch him any chance she got. Sasuke did not want to butt into anyone's relationship, so he decided that he would just leave them be. He had no interest in Karin.
Sasuke closed his eyes as he laid on the table. A small smile tugged on his lips, he was faintly remembering the night he held Hinata in his arms when they slept. She was freshly showered and warm. Her nightwear giving him more places to touch her skin. He could remember the soft grip around his waist and the slight heaviness on his shoulder where Hinata's head lay. He could also remember the way she softly touched his hair. Sasuke mentally frowned, Hinata never did that while sleeping.
Sasuke cracked open his eyes a bit and indeed he felt someone touching his hair. Sasuke quickly moved himself away from whoever was touching him. "What are you doing?" Sasuke growled out.
Karin looked at the floor shyly, "I-I was just m-making sure if you were okay."
Sasuke glared at her, "You do not need to touch me to figure that out."
Karin gave him a small smile, "I-I'm s-sorry."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes at her, it was always the same apology. She touches him, he shows his displeasure, and then she apologizes. "No."
Karin looked at him with wide eyes, "W-What do you mean?"
Sasuke frowned, "Touch me again and I will cut your hands off. I do not care if you are Naruto's bride. A soon-to-be wife should not be touching other men." Sasuke walked to the library exit, "Do not test my patience." He told her as he walked out.
Sasuke walked towards his temporary room in the palace. Sasuke ruffled his hair, he did not want to be mean to Karin. She was going to be a part of his family, but her behavior was unacceptable. Queen or no Queen, he will not let her do whatever she pleases. He reached his room and quickly entered. He laid on the bed, Itachi get over here already. Sasuke forced himself to fall asleep.
A couple of hours later, a soft knock awoke Sasuke. Sasuke opened his eyes immediately, he quickly rushed to the door. Sasuke smirked, "Finally."
Sasuke walked towards the exit of the palace, with the person following closely behind.
"How are you feeling Sasuke?" Itachi asked.
"Much better." Sasuke replied. He could not wait to return home. His heart started to race, and his feet itched with the need to run.
"You look excited. Are you ready to meet Hinata?" Itachi asked, a small smile on his face.
Sasuke gave his brother a quick nod. You have no idea.
They both quickly made their way to the forest that led to his cottage. Sasuke quickly jumped on a tree branch and started to quickly hop back home. I am coming Hinata.
Hinata was chopping some more wood from the tree that her and Itachi managed to cut down this morning. The axe in her hand was starting to give her cramps, but she did not mind. This wood was being put to good use. She raised the axe higher and went to slash it down, but it never did. In fact, she no longer felt the weight of the axe in her hands. She was about to look around to find where the axe was, when a pair of arms wrapped around her middle from behind. Hinata blushed, and she felt a shiver run through her. "I'm home, Hinata." Sasuke's husky voice spoke to her. Hinata leaned her head back, and she felt her heart skip a beat. Hinata quickly turned her body around to face Sasuke. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body gently against his. "Sasuke-kun, welcome home!" Hinata told him as she snuggled her head into his chest. Sasuke tightened his grip on her waist, "Did you miss me?" He felt her nod, "Very much." She mumbled out. Sasuke smiled as he rested his head on hers. He felt Hinata pull back slightly and he loosened his hold a bit. He looked down at her blushing and smiling face.
Hinata tiptoed up to brush her lips on his, her eyes closed. Sasuke pulled her closer and pressed his lips forcefully against hers.
Sasuke sighed as he closed his eyes, this was what he missed.
Hinata pushed into the kiss and she combed her fingers through Sasuke's hair.
A small cough interrupted their kiss from becoming more passionate. Hinata's blush deepened and she moved away from Sasuke. She covered her face with her hands in embarrassment. Sasuke smiled a bit at her reaction, he then turned to look at his smirking brother. Sasuke rolled his eyes at his cock-blocking brother.
"Sasuke, Hinata was helping me gather some wood. I told her how I was planning on building an extension for your cottage." Itachi told him.
Sasuke raised his eyebrow, "Like a room for you?"
Itachi chuckled, "You could say that."
"Need any help?" Sasuke offered.
"No!" Hinata squeaked from her position. Her face still blushing.
Sasuke frowned a bit. Itachi chuckled again, "It is just a project that Hinata and I are working on together." Sasuke's frown deepened. Itachi walked towards Sasuke and ruffled his hair, "Do not get angry Sasuke. I won't be stealing Hinata away from you. This will be a pastime hobby that Hinata and I will do when you are away."
Sasuke gave Itachi a confused look, "Away?"
Itachi raised his eyebrow, "Didn't Naruto tell you?"
Sasuke slowly shook his head.
Itachi gave his brother a small smile, "You will be taking my position in the Royal Court now that I am not able to."
Sasuke clenched his fists as he felt his heart drop at the thought of his brother's situation, "Itachi, I could never replace you. Everybody knows that."
Itachi sighed, "Sasuke, do not put yourself down. I never want you to think that you are less than I am. I am not saying this because I am your brother, but you are strong. You are a powerful knight than I ever was at your age."
Sasuke crossed his arms in front of his chest, "I am only strong because I had you to guide me."
Itachi's eyes sparkled, "I am happy that I could help you."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, a small blush formed on his cheeks, "You made me push myself harder every day. I wanted to be just like you. You are my inspiration and driving force that makes me strong. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you." Sasuke looked away from his brother, he wasn't used to giving out that many compliments out loud.
Itachi pulled Sasuke closer and pressed his forehead to his. Sasuke gasped at the sudden movement as he looked into his smiling brother's eyes. "Thank you." Itachi told him. Sasuke's eyes softened and he gave his brother a small smile, "Don't mention it."
Itachi chuckled and pulled away from his brother and poked his forehead. Sasuke rubbed his forehead and rolled his eyes. Sasuke looked at Hinata. She was giving them a shining smile, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She bowed her head, "T-Thank you for letting me witness such an intimate family moment. It warms my heart to know how much you both care for each other. I-I truly believe that love transcends lifetimes, a-and even though this lifetime may be finite, the love you both share is everlasting."
Both Sasuke and Itachi blushed at her words. They gave each other side looks and then they began chuckling. Their chuckles soon turned into full blown laughter.
Hinata looked up to stare at the two men laughing hysterically, she cocked her head to the side. Why are they laughing?
Itachi had ended up on the floor laughing, while Sasuke clutched his stomach. They both felt that they needed a good laugh to get rid of the emotional turmoil that hung over them.
Sasuke was the first to calm down, he let out a sigh and ruffled his hair. He looked up to see a confused Hinata and he gave her a smile. She is too cute sometimes. Sasuke looked over to see his brother also calming down, his face was slightly red, and a couple of tears managed to escape his eyes. Sasuke smiled gently, if there was any memory that he wanted to remember Itachi with, he would pick this moment. Itachi looked so care-free and happy. I promise to make these last couple of months the best you ever had, Itachi.
Itachi sensing Sasuke's stare, looked up at him. "She is something else, isn't she?" Itachi asked.
Sasuke nodded.
Itachi let out a content sigh and let himself lay back on the floor, "Keep her. She is good for you."
Sasuke looked towards a blushing Hinata. You don't have to tell me twice.
Itachi stood up from the ground and stretched, "Sasuke, you should go out to hunt for dinner. I feel like eating a warm rabbit stew. Hinata told me she would make us some, but she just needs the rabbit."
Sasuke nodded, "Okay, let me just change out of these clothes."
Itachi smiled as Sasuke walked to the cottage. He turned to Hinata and gave her a smirk, "Are you ready to continue?"
Hinata vigorously nodded, "Yes, Itachi-sensei!"
"We will continue when Sasuke leaves. You have been doing well on your chakra control. I am impressed at how precise you were able to manipulate the chakra. Our next lesson will be how to manipulate the chakra more efficiently. At this moment, you are spending way too much chakra on simple techniques. We will need to refine them. Chakra is the most vital thing that can help give you leverage against your opponent. There are those like Sasuke and I who are born with large amounts of chakra. However, there are still ways to grow your chakra reserves."
Hinata nodded at Itachi's teaching. She was about to ask Itachi a question, but Sasuke came back.
"Okay, I am off. I will be back in a couple of hours." He told Itachi.
Itachi nodded.
Sasuke walked over to Hinata.
Hinata blushed as Sasuke walked nearer. "Do not miss me too much." Sasuke told her. Hinata felt herself blush harder. Sasuke leaned forward and brushed his lips on her forehead. Hinata shivered at the loving contact. Sasuke stepped back and Hinata smiled up at him. "Be safe Sasuke-kun." She stepped forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Sasuke's eyes widened at her daring move. He gave her a small smile, "Hn." Sasuke took gentle hold of her hand and squeezed it, "I will be back." He let go of her hand and disappeared in a puff of smoke and leaves.
Hinata's eyes widened, Woah, Sasuke-kun is amazing. Hinata turned to Itachi, "When will I be able to do that?" She asked excitedly.
Itachi chuckled at her enthusiasm, "Once you start increasing your chakra reserves."
Hinata clasped her hands happily, "I am ready to learn."
Chapter 27
Hinata laid on the snowy muddy floor completely exhausted and almost out of chakra. Learning is very hard.
Itachi nudged her side with his foot, "We are not done with training yet. Sasuke is arriving back from his three-day training mission today. It will be good for us to get in enough practice before he shows up."
Hinata let out another tired sigh but stood up anyway. "Yes, Itachi-sensei."
Itachi swiftly nodded, "Climb up the tree again."
Hinata nodded. She ran forward to the tree and started to climb up the tree using her chakra. She had been practicing this routine for a week and she had only managed to get halfway up. She was reaching the halfway point, but she had not lost her concentration on her footing yet. She got rid of the notion that she was high off the ground. It would only distract her. She pretended that she was just walking on the street instead up a tree. She felt one of her feet crunch the bark underneath her foot. She grit her teeth, Calm down, Hinata. You are putting too much chakra in your steps. Remember what Itachi said, 'Focus on the way the energy flows and adjust your chakra to be in tune with nature.'.
Hinata took a steady breath and focused on the energy the tree provided. She let her footsteps match the energy of the tree. She took a couple more steps and she could finally see the top of the tree. Hinata mentally cheered, but the excitement led her to release more chakra than necessary. The tree bark broke underneath her feet, and she felt the tree energy rebound with her chakra. She flew back at the sudden energy rebound.
Hinata felt herself falling from high above the ground, she let out a terrifying scream. She had no idea how to stop herself from falling.
A sudden mass intercepted her midfall. She felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her before she felt the impact of the ground. Her body crashed into the other body that was holding hers as they landed forcefully on the ground. Her head forcefully smacked into the person's chest and she felt her head spinning. The person underneath her grunted in pain. Hinata opened her eyes and looked at the man beneath her.
Hinata grabbed a hold of Itachi's head gently, "Itachi-sensei! Are you okay? I-I am so sorry that you had to h-hurt yourself b-because of me." Hinata lifted her body slightly above his to inspect his head. She could already see some slight bruising and a cut on his forehead was already bleeding. Hinata pressed her sleeve onto the wound to try to stop the bleeding.
Itachi let out another painful groan and he opened his eyes slightly to look at her. Hinata looked down at him and frowned. "That was reckless." She told Itachi.
Itachi smirked, "I'm not dead yet."
Hinata frowned further, "Itachi-kun, don't say that."
Itachi rolled his eyes, "I wasn't going to let you fall, especially from that height."
Hinata bit her lip nervously and sighed, "I am sorry I failed again."
Itachi shook his head, "Training was never meant to be easy, Hinata. Do not feel discouraged. True failure is when you stop trying." Itachi gave her an encouraging smile.
Hinata smiled back at him.
A loud cough made them both turn around. Hinata blushed and quickly stood up from Itachi. Itachi slowly got up from the floor.
Sasuke had his arms crossed in front of him and he was glaring at them. Hinata clasped her hands in front of her. "I leave for three days and you jump to my brother?" Sasuke coldly asked Hinata. Hinata gasped and quickly shook her head, "Sasuke-kun… I-I would n-never…" Sasuke suddenly appeared in front of her and Hinata eeped. She could feel his enormous amount of power, "I know what I saw. Do not lie to me. I hate liars." Sasuke venomously spat. The coldness in his eyes making him even more imposing. Hinata felt herself tremble in slight panic and distress, "S-Sasu…" Sasuke's lips crashed into hers forcefully. Hinata moaned into the passionate kiss and she wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt Sasuke pull her closer and she hummed happily. Sasuke quickly let go of her lips, "Who do you belong to, Princess?" He huskily asked her. Hinata breathed heavily, "Y-You." Sasuke kissed her neck, "Say my name." She felt him suckle a part of her neck, "S-Sasu…" He bit her, "-kun!" She squeaked out. Sasuke chuckled into her neck, "Is that my new name?" Hinata blushed deeply. "I like it." Sasuke told her as he separated himself from her. Hinata took a deep breath and raised a hand to her chest. Sasuke always left her breathless. It was his special effect that he had on her.
"Sasuke-kun…"
"No more 'Sasu-kun'?" Sasuke tauntingly asked her.
Hinata blushed, she fiddled with her hands as she looked down, "A-Ah S-Sasu-kun, I-Itachi-kun and I were not…"
Sasuke chuckled, "Yeah I know."
Hinata widened her eyes at him. "B-But y-you were…"
Sasuke shrugged his shoulders, "I just wanted to get you riled up. I saw you were training with the tree climbing exercise. Why didn't you ever tell me you were training?"
Hinata shyly looked down again, "I wanted to surprise you." She mumbled.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, "Why?"
Hinata clenched her fist and a determined look was on her face, "I wanted you to be proud of me. I-I wanted to p-prove to you that I-I am strong enough to be by your side. I-I wanted to be able to p-protect you." Hinata turned slightly away from Sasuke, "I wanted you to see that I was worth something. I wanted you to see that there is someone worth it underneath this princess."
"Why did you want me to see all that?"
Hinata froze, her heart lurched. She clenched the fabric of her sleeves. She felt her eyes begin to water and her throat started to clam up. She closed her eyes and bit her lip as she looked away from Sasuke. She tried to calm herself with deep breaths. Her heart was throbbing. Did he not want to see me like that? Or maybe he doesn't even care about me? Hinata pulled tighter on her sleeve, I need to tell him how I feel. "I-I w-wanted you to see all that because I-I want t-to b-be…"
Tell him!
She quickly turned to face him, "I WANT TO BE WITH YOU!" Hinata cried out to him. Hinata quickly fell to her knees after her exclamation. Her head was bowed, her long navy-blue locks covering her tear-streaked face. Hinata wrapped her arms around herself, she had never felt so vulnerable in her life.
Here she was professing her love to a man who drove her hormones crazy just by breathing. A man who could have any woman he wanted. I am such an idiot. Why did I tell him? Why does this confession hurt so much? It didn't hurt this badly when I told Naruto that I loved him. Hinata wondered what changed. Naruto was looking for a wife. I knew perfectly what he wanted and where I stood. But with Sasuke, I-I don't even know where I stand. Am I just a trophy for him to conquer? Hinata sobbed a bit at the thought of being just a random woman in his life. He is a very handsome man, he has probably been with so many women. Hinata felt sick in the stomach, she bit her tongue to stop herself from letting out a cry.
Sasuke watched Hinata fall to the ground in a heap of tears.
"Hey Sasuke, I am going to go and leave you two alone. This is getting too personal and I am feeling very awkward." Itachi told him.
"If I see her cry like this again because of you I will kick your ass." Itachi told him as he was walked away back to the cottage.
Sasuke rolled his eyes and walked towards Hinata. Stupid girl.
Sasuke quickly pulled her to her feet. He didn't let her respond because his lips were on hers in an instant. It took a while for Hinata's lips to respond to his kisses, but she soon reciprocated with equal enthusiasm. I love you, Hinata.
He started moving her backwards until her back was pressed onto a wooden trunk of a tree. He used one of his hands to pin her wrists above her head, and his other hand gripped her waist. They were in the similar position from when they first met. He separated his lips from hers and he rested his forehead on hers.
"Sasuke-kun?"
He looked down at the beautiful woman below him, "Hn."
"I-I d-don't k-know w-what t-this m-means. W-What a-are w-we?"
Sasuke laid his forehead against hers again, "I love you Hinata."
He felt her take a sharp intake of air. He swooped down to kiss her once more. He felt her kiss back more fiercely than ever before. Her arms were struggling to be let free, but he didn't let them escape. He felt her nibble his bottom lip and he opened his mouth to let her enter. Their tongues competing for dominance. He felt her leg wrap around his leg. He moved his free arm from her waist down to her leg. He helped hoist it up to wrap around his waist. He pressed his chest harder into Hinata's. He let go of her wrists and her arms flew to his neck. Her fingertips playing with the back of his head and neck. His other hand grabbed her other leg and wrapped it around his waist as well.
Hinata moved her hips and Sasuke moaned. His grip on her legs tightened. He let his hands travel down to cup her backside. He squeezed the soft flesh and she squeaked into the kiss. He rubbed himself against her, earning himself another moan from the beauty. She moved her hips again and he grunted. He then moved his hips against hers again. Their grinding soon became in sync and he felt himself groan in pleasure. He separated his lips from hers. He tucked his chin into her neck and her head rested on his shoulder. Their moans were increasing the faster they ground their hips together. He suddenly pulled his hips away from her legs; and he gently dropped her legs to the floor for her to stand up. Hinata frowned at the sudden separation.
"Sasu…"
"Sorry Hinata, we needed to stop." Sasuke spoke out ruggedly.
Hinata continued to frown, "Why?"
Sasuke gave her a small smirk, "We can't have sex yet. You are a princess and you need to get married first."
Hinata's eyes widened and she looked down at the ground painfully, "Oh."
Sasuke sighed as he ruffled his hair, "I can't marry you until you are 18, Hinata. We need to wait a couple of more months to make things official."
Hinata looked up in surprise, "You want to marry me?" She asked in shock.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, he then poked her forehead. "Stupid girl." He grabbed her hand and led her back to the cottage, "Let's go."
Hinata smiled brightly as she rubbed her forehead softly with her free hand. She softly squeezed his hand, "I love you too, Sasu-kun." Hinata mumbled out.
"Hn." Sasuke squeezed her hand back. A small smile on his lips.
Sasuke casually leaned on the wall in his living room while Itachi rested on the sofa. Hinata was making them some lunch in the kitchen.
"How is the training going?" Itachi asked his younger brother.
"It is going well. I have been excelling at every test." Sasuke told him.
Itachi leaned back on the sofa, "Why did you not join The Royal Court before?"
Sasuke shrugged his shoulders, "The Royal Court did not need two Uchihas."
Itachi looked at his brother sternly, "Sasuke I already told you not to put yourself down. You and I are brothers, we are our own individuals. We should never be compared to each other."
Sasuke sighed and he slightly glared at his older brother, "Yeah I know, but no one else seems to understand that." Sasuke ruffled his hair, "They look at me and the first thing they think is you. They expect me to be a carbon copy of you and it pisses me off. I will never be a replacement for you, Itachi."
Itachi smiled, "I do not wish that either." Itachi then chuckled, "Is that why I heard that the unit chief of training got a random burn on his left arm?"
Sasuke eyed his brother, "Where did you hear that?"
"A little fox somewhere told me." Itachi's eyes twinkled as he spoke.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "The Dobe doesn't know what month it is. Nevertheless, what goes on in The Royal Court."
"On the contrary, I think Naru-…"
"Lunch is ready, come eat." Hinata interrupted as she was standing in the kitchen doorway that led to the living room.
Both men nodded in response, and Hinata smiled and walked back into the kitchen.
Sasuke looked at his brother intensely and Itachi raised his eyebrow, "Don't mention the dobe in front of Hinata."
Itachi tilted his head to the side a bit, "Why?"
Sasuke opened his mouth to respond, but Hinata once again interrupted, "Come on you two. I promise that the meal is delicious. I am starving."
Sasuke rolled his eyes at her impatience while Itachi smiled softly.
"I will tell you later, Itachi." Sasuke told his brother as he walked into the kitchen.
Itachi nodded as he followed behind.
All three of them were sitting comfortably around the kitchen table eating peacefully.
"Sasu-kun, when is your next training mission?" Hinata asked as she munched on her cooked rabbit.
"I will be leaving in 3 days." Sasuke told her.
Hinata hummed in acknowledgment.
"Usually The Royal Court is more demanding. They encourage trainees to stay in the training camp since every other day is a new training day. However, I am in a different situation than the other candidates." Sasuke added.
"Why is that?" Hinata asked.
"The first thing is Itachi's situation as you know…" Sasuke replied slowly.
Hinata could feel her eyes water at the thought of losing her beloved friend and sensei.
Itachi smiled brightly, "No tears during our time together." Itachi pipped up happily.
Hinata smiled warmly and chuckled a sad sob, "Y-You are right, Itachi-kun. No tears, not when we have each other."
"Hn." Sasuke said.
Itachi poked Sasuke's forehead, "You have such a way with words, brother."
Sasuke rolled his eyes as he rubbed his forehead, "Don't get used to it."
Hinata giggled at the brother's interactions, "W-What are the other reasons for your different situation in the training program?"
Sasuke shifted his eyes from Hinata to his brother and gave him a barely visible shake of the head. He then looked back at Hinata, "It is just family business."
Hinata nodded, she respected Sasuke's privacy over family related issues and she would not push it.
Sasuke gave her a smirk, "Are you telling me you want me to leave more often?"
Hinata gasped, "I-I w-would never!"
Sasuke and Itachi chuckled.
"She just wants to train with me." Itachi told Sasuke.
Sasuke raised his eyebrow at Hinata, "Tell me Princess, what is it that you are learning?"
Hinata shook her head, "I can't Sasu-kun. It is a surprise."
Sasuke smiled slightly, I can't wait to find out.
Sasuke looked over at his brother, "So is the cottage extension just a failed cover-up for the training?"
Itachi shook his head slightly, "No, we are building it slowly." He winked at Hinata as he spoke.
Hinata blushed heavily and looked away from Itachi.
Sasuke looked curiously at the pair, he could not stop himself from feeling a twinge of jealousy. The jealousy soon left. He knew that Itachi would not betray him by stealing Hinata away from him. Sasuke rolled his eyes. Let them do whatever they are doing. I bet it will be worth it at the end.
"Are you sure you guys don't need help? I could get some wood or bring some supplies from town." Sasuke offered.
Both Hinata and Itachi shook their heads. "Sorry Sasuke, but this is something that I wish to do with only Hinata." Itachi told him and Hinata nodded in agreement.
"Would I at least get to see it when it is finished?" Sasuke begrudgingly asked, his arms folded in front of his chest.
"Of course, Sasu-kun. The room will be a new addition to the cottage." Hinata smiled up to him with a beautiful blush on her features.
Sasuke smirked, he could kiss her right now if he wanted. Sasuke relaxed into the chair he was sitting on, "Fine, do whatever you guys want. I will just wait."
Hinata and Itachi both smiled at him.
Sasuke sighed again, "I still do not understand all the secrecy for one room."
"It is not that the room is a secret, Sasuke. I just want to build it by myself." Itachi told Sasuke.
Sasuke raised his eyebrow in confusion, "So why is Hinata helping?"
"Hinata fit into the plan. I was going to ask her to help eventually." Itachi told Sasuke.
Hinata reached out to place her hand on top of Sasuke's arm, "Stop asking Sasu-kun. We are not going to tell you anything. Just wait patiently."
Sasuke took hold of her hand and squeezed it gently, "Fine."
Hinata smiled brightly, she then looked around the table. "Let me gather the dishes and clean up."
Itachi stood up before her and picked up all the dishes, "You made us lunch. We will do the clean-up. Go freshen up. Training was difficult today and you need it."
"B-But…" Hinata stammered.
"Go Hinata. Two grown men can handle this. You do not need to baby us." Sasuke told her as he pushed her gently to the direction of their room.
"O-Oh, okay. Thank you."
"Hn" Both Uchiha brothers responded.
Hinata giggled as she walked away to go take a shower.
Itachi began to place the dishes in the sink while Sasuke cleaned up the mess left on the table.
"Mind telling me why Hinata should not know about our other brother?" Itachi asked as he washed the dishes.
"She was the second woman." Sasuke told him as he wiped the table with a wet cloth.
A tense silence fell over the kitchen.
"Are you afraid that she would leave if she knew the truth?" Itachi asked carefully as he placed the clean dishes to dry.
Sasuke wiped the table a bit more forcefully, "No."
Itachi nodded his head, "Are you going to tell her?"
Sasuke sighed, he went to the sink to rinse and squeeze the rag. "Yes."
"When?" Itachi asked curiously.
"I don't know, but it has to be soon." Sasuke said as he placed the semi-dry rag by the sink. "I have been trying to tell her since the day I came back from the palace, but I never knew how to start."
Itachi smirked, "So it has nothing to do with the coronation of you being officially recognized as a knight in The Royal Court that is coming up in two weeks?"
Sasuke growled a bit, "That little fox is getting annoying. I need to shut it up."
Itachi chuckled, "If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't know what would be going on in your life." Itachi crossed his arms in front of his chest, "You do not talk much."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "It wasn't like you were a big talker either."
Itachi gave his brother a sad smile, "You start to change when you know time is running out." Itachi looked away from his brother to the floor, "You start to realize that words become more important."
Sasuke felt a lump in his throat form, he gripped the sink. "I-Itachi…"
Itachi ruffled Sasuke's hair gently, "Hey, do not worry yourself. The only words that should matter is when I tell you how much I love you."
Sasuke felt his grip on the sink lessen, he looked over at his brother, "I love you too Itachi."
Itachi smiled brightly, "Now those words are the most important thing to me."
Itachi leaned on the sink, his arms crossed in front of him, "Telling Hinata is only half the battle. What are you going to tell our brother?"
Sasuke looked down at the floor as he clenched his fists, he glared at his fists, "I need to tell him."
Itachi placed a comforting hand on Sasuke's shoulder, "I know Naruto, and he would never betray you Sasuke. He loves you like a brother and I know you love him too."
Sasuke moved out of his brothers grasp, "Yeah, but Naruto went 3-tails crazy over her leaving!" Sasuke growled, "W-What if he loves her?"
Itachi gave Sasuke a calm look, "It does not matter if he does. All that matters is if she loves you."
Sasuke ran a hand through his hair, "She did tell me that she loves me."
Itachi gave his brother a smile, "Then what is the problem?"
Sasuke sighed, "What if she leaves me for Naruto?"
Itachi shook his head gently and walked over to Sasuke to wrap his arm around Sasuke's shoulder, "Do you have no faith in her words?"
Sasuke glared at his brother and scowled, "I have complete faith in her." Sasuke bit out angrily.
Itachi chuckled and squeezed his brother's shoulders, "Then why are you being difficult? You never cared about the consequences of honesty. You are a straight-forward man. What changed?"
Sasuke let his scowl drop and his glare to lessen, "She changed me."
Itachi lift his eyebrow in amusement, "I did not know women made you liars."
Sasuke clenched his fist, "She doesn't make me a liar. I-I am just afraid, okay! There! I said it! I am afraid!" Sasuke pulled away from Itachi again and walked to the other side of the kitchen.
Itachi smirked, "The Sasuke Uchiha is afraid of a woman?"
Sasuke growled but nodded anyway. "She has the power to destroy me and she doesn't even know it. I have never felt this way before. If she ever left, I do not know what I would do."
Itachi smiled sadly at his brother, "That is love, Sasuke."
Sasuke looked up at his brother solemnly, "How is this love? Isn't love empowering and motivational? You say that all the time."
Itachi smiled at his brother, "Love is power, Sasuke. It can make you stronger and it can also destroy you. The thing with love is that you trust the other person to never use the love you have for them in vain."
Sasuke looked at his brother skeptically, "I love you and the Dobe, why don't I feel like that with Hinata?"
Itachi gave him an amused smile, "You trust us both with your life, Sasuke. You trust us completely. The fact that have you been withholding important information from Hinata just proves that you do not trust her completely."
Sasuke opened his mouth to argue, but then he immediately closed it. Sasuke sighed, as always, his brother was correct. Sasuke looked up at his brother with a determined face, "You are right, Itachi. This pathetic drama will stop now."
Itachi smirked, "You look as if you are preparing for a battle."
Sasuke glared at his brother, "Shut up."
Itachi let out a yawn, "I think I will go take a nap. The sudden rescue from earlier tired me out." Itachi walked to the kitchen doorway that led to the living room, "Good luck with your affairs of the heart, little brother."
Sasuke stopped his glare and looked at his brother warily, "Are you sure you don't want me to bandage you up or something?"
Itachi shook his head gently, "No need. I just have some slight bruising, but nothing too major. A good night rest should fix it."
"It is still midday." Sasuke said amusedly
"Good night brother." Itachi told him as he walked out of the kitchen to the living room.
Sasuke rolled his eyes and walked to his room. If his brother was going to nap then he should too, but right after he talked with Hinata.
Sasuke stretched his back as he walked to his room. A resounding crack reached his ears and he relaxed. He opened the door to his room. He could hear the shower still running and he felt himself get excited. My beautiful and very naked princess is just beyond that door. Sasuke shook his head, there was no need to get in the mood when he knew he wouldn't be able to get any. Sasuke felt himself tense, he needed to keep a clear mind when he told her the truth. Sasuke sighed tiredly as he moved to his dresser to get into his sleepwear. He quickly changed and looked at his well-made bed. Sasuke smiled gently as he laid on his bed. He would never admit it out loud, but he appreciated Hinata's womanly touch that invaded his cottage ever since she came into his life.
She managed to keep his cottage in pristine shape, yet it retained that homey feeling to it. She brought out the warmth and light in everything she interacted with. Sasuke clenched his jaw, he did not want to lose Hinata over some petty drama. Sasuke shook his head softly, he trusts Hinata to not hurt him. She loves him. Sasuke moved over a bit to pull up the covers from the bed. He moved underneath the covers and rested his head on the pillow. He would awaken as soon as she finished showering. His senses were always on guard and he knew that he would be able to sense her when she had finished cleaning up.
Sasuke let out a content sigh, he couldn't imagine a time without the clean bed covers and sheets. Everything smells like her. Hinata's scent clung to his senses as he snuggled more into his clean and warm bed. Sasuke did not notice when he fell asleep until he heard pans falling on the floor.
Sasuke immediately opened his eyes at the sound. His eyes were met with darkness and he quickly sat up trying to regain his senses of what happened. Sasuke rubbed his eyes tiredly with one of his hands. He was trying to fight the urge to fall back asleep. As he was rubbing his eyes, he heard a soft snore beside him. It then hit him that he felt an arm wrapped around his waist. He looked over to see his Hinata sleeping peacefully next to him. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and fall asleep again, but the urge to know what made the pans fall beat his want for her. He gently unwrapped her arm from his waist and got out of bed.
As he stood up from the bed, he was finally alert. Whoever made that noise could be a danger to Hinata or Itachi. He was not going to put his loved ones in danger.
Sasuke silently summoned his sword and strapped it behind his back. He then silently walked towards the kitchen. He could see a faint light coming from the kitchen doorway. Sasuke's back was pressed onto the wall next to the doorway. He knew that someone was in there. He could hear that person shuffling around. When the person got closer to the doorway, Sasuke leaped out and rushed the person. He quickly stopped his movements.
"Good morning sunshine." Itachi mumbled as his hand grasped Sasuke's throat gently.
Sasuke glared at his brother, "What the hell Itachi? I thought you were an intruder. I could feel you sleeping on the sofa. Why do you feel so different?"
Itachi let go of Sasuke's throat and sighed, "I am just a shadow clone. Your brother was too tired to get up, so he made a clone to make him dinner. As for my chakra being different, that has to do with the fact that Itachi-san is sick. His chakra is going wild and it is hard to control sometimes. Sometimes his shadow clones come out perfect, and other times you have me." The Itachi clone sighed as he moved away from Sasuke, "I do not have the similar chakra as your brother so that makes me an imperfect clone. I am more clumsy and gullible than Itachi-san. I apologize for waking you up with the pans. They slipped my fingers as I reached for them."
Sasuke sighed sadly, he hated to be reminded of his brother's condition. Sasuke shook his head to get rid of the thoughts. For just this moment in time, I have my brother and that is all that matters. Sasuke looked back at the clone, "Do you want any help?" The clone shook his head, "I may be just a clone, but even I know that your cooking is inadequate."
Sasuke glared at the clone, "I can do fine."
The Itachi clone smirked, "I have no doubt you can, but Itachi-san has requested a finer dish than just rice. Thank you for the offer, but it is not needed. You may go back to rest."
Sasuke gave the Itachi clone another glare before walking back to his room. He closed the door quietly and dismissed his sword. He carefully slid under the covers next to Hinata. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. The talk must wait until tomorrow. She wrapped an arm around his waist and she snuggled her head into his neck. Sasuke turned his head to the side to give her a kiss on the forehead. Through the darkness he could see her smile at his gesture. Sasuke moved around a bit to get comfortable. He fell back asleep instantly, his body tired of the training regime that he had been enduring for the past three days.
Sasuke awoke to the birds chirping from the opened window. He slightly opened his eyes at the bright room. He then slowly sat up and yawned. He then looked at the vacant spot next to him and frowned. What is with me? Why can I not feel Hinata when she moves around me? I should have been able to sense her when she came out of the shower; and I should have also been able to sense her when she left this morning.
Sasuke scratched his head and rolled his sore shoulders, maybe he was just too tired to care. He frowned at this idea, was he losing his touch? Him being tired never intrude with his senses before. He felt a twinge of worry, maybe his senses were fading. Was it because he was getting old? Sasuke frowned deeply, Fuck that, I am not old. I am in perfect shape. Nevertheless, I will ask Itachi for some help.
Sasuke got out of bed and moved to his dresser to get some clothes. He smirked as he opened one drawer. In the pile next to his underwear were her panties. He reached out to touch them softly and felt his smirk widen. He could not wait until he was able to slide them off her creamy legs. Sasuke quickly shook his head and shut the drawer. He quickly showered and went toward the kitchen.
From the doorway he could hear Itachi and Hinata talking about the training that they would do once he left. Sasuke smiled, his cottage had never felt this alive before. He silently entered the kitchen and was greeted by "Good mornings."
"Good morning." He replied as he went to go grab a cup of water. He saw that Hinata was giving him side glances and whenever he caught her eye she would look away blushing. Sasuke raised an amused eyebrow at her behavior. He wondered what got her so riled up. He moved his cup under the faucet unbeknown to him that Hinata was also reaching to the faucet. When their arms touched, Hinata squeaked and dropped the glass bowl she was holding to the floor. "I-I am s-so s-sorry." Hinata stuttered out loud. She shakily went to pick up the broken glass on the floor. Sasuke gave her a weird look. What is wrong with her? Sasuke moved his eyes to Itachi and connected his eyes with his brother. Silently, he asked his brother what was going on with Hinata. His brother just shrugged his shoulders and Sasuke frowned. Sasuke looked down at the trembling Hinata that was picking up the glass. He mentally sighed, if she did not stop trembling she would cut herself with the glass she was picking up.
Sasuke placed a hand on her shoulder, "Hina-…"
Hinata eeped and scrambled away from his hand. Her face red and panicked.
Sasuke frowned at her reaction.
"I forgot that I left some of my weapons outside yesterday. I will go fetch them." Itachi told them as he stood up from the table. Itachi slowly made his way out of the kitchen, he did not want to get in the middle of a domestic dispute.
Sasuke continued to frown at Hinata as his brother left. Hinata still refused to look at him in the eye and it was starting to piss him off.
"Mind telling me why you can't look at me?" Sasuke asked her roughly.
He could see Hinata blush deeper as she was playing with her hands. "S-S-Sasu-k-kun, I-I…"
Sasuke growled, "You haven't stuttered in a long time. What changed?"
Hinata whimpered at his strong tone and looked down at her lap.
Sasuke sighed tiredly, he slowly walked to her and bent down to look at her face. "Hinata, what happened? You can tell me. Trust me." He softly told her.
Hinata whipped her head to him, her face still red but her eyes were wide, "Y-You d-don't r-remember?" She mumbled out.
Sasuke gave her a confused look, "What do you mean?"
Hinata gasped, "D-Do y-you n-not k-know w-what h-happened a-after I-I g-got o-out of t-the s-shower o-or t-this m-morning?"
Sasuke stood up and frowned as he looked at one of the kitchen cupboards, What the hell is she talking about? I didn't do anything after she showered or this morning. I was asleep. I didn't even notice she came into the room or when she left it.
Sasuke looked back at Hinata with a worried look, "Hinata, I do not know what you are talking about. I was asleep the whole time. I didn't even notice when you came into the room or when you left." Sasuke bent down again to look at her face, "What happened?"
Hinata eeped again and looked down, "I-It's n-nothing."
Sasuke frowned, "It has to be something if it has you this startled."
Sasuke tensed, "D-Did I hurt you?" Sasuke wanted to punch himself. Maybe his senses were not getting weak. They were strong, and maybe he fought Hinata. Sasuke mentally frowned, if that was the case then why did he wake up in the middle of the night to find Hinata wrapped around him? What the hell is going on?
Hinata shook her head and Sasuke looked back down to her, "Y-You d-did not hurt me S-Sasu-kun."
Sasuke felt some of the tension leave him, "Then what is it?"
Hinata flinched and her blush deepened, "Uh, y-you were very affectionate."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, "Okay? That still doesn't explain why you are acting this way."
Hinata shyly looked up to him, "You were very affectionate, Sasu-kun."
Sasuke frowned at her explanation, "I don't under-…" Sasuke quickly stood upright and his mouth was slightly open in shock, Wait! Those dreams that I had weren't dreams? Sasuke quickly walked away from Hinata. He shakily ran his hand through his hair as he took calming breaths. Sasuke felt embarrassed and ashamed. In his dreams he did a lot of things to Hinata.
"Sasu-kun…?"
Sasuke took a shaky breath, "Y-Yeah?"
"Um, i-it's o-okay…"
Sasuke whipped his head towards her, a frown on his face "Hinata, I sexually assaulted you! H-How is that 'okay'?!" Sasuke felt his anger boiling and his chakra was starting to flare up. He could hear the crackling of his chakra. I need to go blow some of this excess energy.
Sasuke made his way to the doorway leading to the living room, he was stopped by a gentle hand on his arm. Her touch sent a shiver down his spine. He looked behind to see Hinata. Her white and lavender eyes pleading him. "Sasu-kun, do not get angry please." Hinata begged him.
Sasuke glared into her eyes, "I. Hurt. You."
Hinata shook her head, "Y-You didn't. Y-You kept asking me i-if I was o-okay with it. I a-agreed to it."
Sasuke gave her a skeptical look, in his dreams he remembered asking her multiple times and he would receive a nod and a dazzling smile. Sasuke growled and looked away from her, I don't even know what reality is anymore.
Sasuke continued to walk through the doorway. Hinata had not let go of Sasuke's arm so she was following him. "Please Sasu-kun."
Sasuke shook his head, "No."
Sasuke slid his arm out of her grasp and walked toward the exit of the cottage. He needed to punish himself for putting Hinata in this situation.
Hinata continued to scramble behind him, begging Sasuke to listen to her.
They made their way to Sasuke's training area. "Hinata, leave. I am not in control of my emotions. Leave or you will get hurt."
Hinata stomped her foot down childishly, "No."
Sasuke growled at her, "Hinata…" He threatened.
Hinata raised her head in defiance, "No, I am not leaving."
Sasuke's frown deepened and he rushed to Hinata. Hinata gasped as Sasuke had her wrapped in his arms. Hinata growled in frustration and pounded her arms against his chest. "Sasuke! Let me go!"
"No."
Hinata continued to pound on Sasuke's chest, but she knew that her punches were not doing anything to him. "Sasuke, please listen…"
"I said no."
Hinata felt herself being laid down on the cottage bed in his room. "Stay here." Sasuke told her authoritatively.
Hinata frowned, "No."
Sasuke glared at the woman, "Hina-…"
"I LIKED IT!" She screamed at him. Sasuke's mouth stayed open at her declaration. He looked at the angry and blushing woman. Hinata stood up from the bed and she slowly made her way to where he was standing, "I-I did m-more than l-like it. I-I l-loved it." Hinata had reached Sasuke and jumped into him as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
In just a couple of seconds, the burning hatred in him was drenched with her words. He mindlessly wrapped his arms around her. He rested his head on hers. He placed a soft kiss on her head and he squeezed her a bit, "Hinata, I am sorry. I didn't know that I was doing those things. I thought I was dreaming." He mumbled into her hair.
Hinata snuggled her face into his chest, "I loved every second of it. There is no need to apologize."
Sasuke felt his breathing calm down, he kissed her head again, "So does that mean I can do it again?"
He felt Hinata stiffen in his arms and he was about to chuckle until he felt her nod her head softly. Sasuke separated himself a bit from her to look down at her blushing and smiling face. His eyes darkened as he focused on the things he did to her in his dreams. Sasuke let out a growl, "How about now, Princess?"
Hinata could feel her cheeks burn, but she nodded anyway. She loved the way he could make her feel with his hands and mouth.
Sasuke chuckled and quickly threw her on the bed. Hinata did not have enough time to gasp because he reappeared on top of her and his lips were on hers. She moaned at the passionate kiss as she wrapped her arms around him.
After their morning rendezvous and breakfast, Sasuke, Itachi, and Hinata decided to go into town for some supplies. Sasuke had mentioned that he needed to go to a supply shop for some weapons. Since Itachi and Hinata were not knights, they were unable to accompany him.
Itachi and Hinata strolled through the town window shopping. Itachi was munching on some dango, while Hinata munched on a warm cinnamon bun that Sasuke bought her before he left. "Ooh look at that Itachi-kun. Wouldn't that look good for the room?" Hinata said as she pointed at a window display. Itachi looked over and smirked, "I wonder what Sasuke would say." Hinata blushed and quickly walked away from the window display. Itachi chuckled and walked quickly to catch up to her. "I already told you Hinata. The decoration is all up to you." Hinata gave him a bright smile, "But you will also help with the decoration. There needs to be a little bit of Itachi everywhere you look when you enter the room." Hinata told him.
Itachi rolled his eyes, "I am building the room. That has to count for something."
Hinata giggled. She then looked at the giant fountain that stood in center of the town. A young couple were sitting on the fountain ledge. They were holding hands and smiling at each other. Hinata smiled fondly at the sight, and she could remember all the times when her and Sasuke would look at each other completely lost in each other's stare. She let out a content sigh. She then looked up at Itachi. "Itachi-kun?"
Itachi looked up from his dango eating and looked at Hinata with an eyebrow raised, beckoning her to continue. Hinata giggled at Itachi. He had dango stuck on his face and he looked like a child. Sasuke was right, he does love dango.
"Have you ever been in-love?" She asked, her eyes shining.
Itachi quickly tensed at her question, he separated his eyes from hers and looked over to the fountain. "No."
He heard Hinata giggle again. "Itachi-kun, I did not know you were a liar."
Itachi rolled his eyes and put another piece of dango in his mouth to not reply.
"Who is she?"
Itachi did not respond as he chewed on his dango. He could feel a tick-mark forming on his forehead.
"Is she from another kingdom?"
Itachi huffed as he chewed.
Hinata hummed in thought, "Is she from this kingdom?" She could see that Itachi tensed at her words. Hinata clapped happily. "Where does she live?" Itachi then glared at Hinata, "Drop it Hinata. We are not continuing this conversation." Itachi continued to walk forwards. Hinata pouted at his dismissive attitude. Half of her did not want to push Itachi into telling her who the mysterious love interest was. She already knew that Itachi was getting weaker every day. He would not live long enough to get married or have kids. The other half of her, wanted Itachi to experience what her and Sasuke had. She wanted Itachi to feel loved and she wanted him to love back. The one side that believed in love was winning. "Itachi-kun, everyone deserves to be loved and to love."
Itachi rolled his eyes, "I have my family."
Hinata puffed out her cheeks, "You know what I mean, Itachi-kun. Who is she?"
Itachi gave her a stern glare as he bit into another piece of dango.
"Does she live in this town?" Hinata asked innocently.
Itachi then started to choke on his piece of dango. Hinata jumped up in concern and started patting his back. Itachi continued to try to get the piece of dango from his throat. One of Hinata's powerful hits made him spit the piece of dango on the floor. Itachi started to breathe roughly through his mouth trying to get enough oxygen in his lungs.
"Oh my! She does live here! Who is she Itachi-kun? We must find her!" Hinata told him excitedly.
Itachi glared at the happy woman, "Stop. You will never know who she is."
Hinata gave him a smug look with a hint of defiance, "I bet I can find her."
Itachi's glare hardened, "You wouldn't dare. You will never find…"
"ITACHI! IS THAT YOU?!" A loud woman's yell flooded the small-town square.
Hinata saw Itachi freeze and his cheeks started to redden. Hinata's smile widened and she looked around trying to find the woman. Hinata saw this tall brown-haired woman walking towards them. Her arms were waving as she tried to catch their attention. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Itachi start to hyperventilate. Hinata almost felt bad for pressuring Itachi into this situation, but her mind quickly left the subject as the smiling woman approached them. "Itachi, you never told me you were back in town. What gives? Don't you miss your dear friend?" The woman taunted.
Hinata could see Itachi's blush intensify, yet Itachi stood frozen. To appease her guilt, Hinata decided that she should intervene. "Hello, my name is Hinata. Who are you?" Hinata told the smiling woman softly as she extended her hand to shake hers.
The woman looked at Hinata and her smile faltered a bit, "My name is Ayame. Nice to meet you." Ayame shook Hinata's hand gently.
"I am sorry for intruding your guys' outing, I will just be going…" Ayame started to say.
Hinata shook her head, "Oh no, you are not interrupting one-bit, right Itachi-kun?" Hinata asked.
Itachi stood frozen, not replying. Hinata frowned at his lack of reaction.
"'Itachi-kun'? Y-You guys must be close to use that, huh?" Ayame mumbled out sadly as she looked at Hinata and Itachi.
Hinata smiled brightly, "Of course! I am his future sister-in-law. He is practically my older brother."
Ayame's face looked at Hinata in shock, "Future sister-in-law? A-Are you with…?"
Hinata quickly nodded, "Yes, Sasuke-kun and I are together." Hinata blushed at her words. This was the first time she had said that out loud to someone else.
Ayame's face brightened, "So, how is he?"
Hinata smiled brightly at seeing Ayame happy again. Hinata already knew enough to know that she liked Itachi. "He is doing well. Right now, he is getting some weapons for his knightly duties and such."
Ayame nodded her head, "Oh right, I heard he was becoming a knight. The whole town has been in an uproar over the fact that there will be a royal coronation for him when he is officially recognized as a knight. It will be a huge party and the whole kingdom is invited. Knowing how close the King and Sasuke are, the King most likely threw a huge party just to piss off Sasuke." Ayame started to laugh.
Hinata looked at her confusedly, I didn't know Sasuke was close to Naruto. I also didn't know there was going to be a party. Why didn't Sasuke tell me anything?
Hinata was going to ask more on the subject, but Ayame continued talking. "I know the party is in two weeks, but I feel as if I have been waiting until the last minute to get myself a dress." Ayame chuckled at herself. Ayame then looked at Hinata, "Since you will be accompanying Sasuke, I bet you already had your dress for weeks, huh?" Hinata was about to respond until Itachi interrupted, "That was supposed to be a surprise Ayame." Ayame's eyes widened and she bowed her head to Hinata, "Oh my! Hinata, I am so sorry. I did not know." Hinata's eyes softened and she smiled at the woman, "Please do not worry yourself. There was no harm done. I will act surprised when Sasu-kun tells me in person." Hinata giggled out.
Ayame lifted her head up and smiled at the soft-spoken girl and then she turned her head to Itachi. His eyes connected with hers and she blushed at his intense stare. She wanted to talk to him, but Hinata continued to speak. "Ayame-san, if you are not busy tonight. We have come to town for some food supplies. It would be an honor to have you over for dinner." Ayame looked at Hinata and smiled brightly, "I would love to go. Luckily, I don't have work today. At what time is dinner?" Hinata smiled and tapped her chin in thought, "Sasu-kun's cottage is in the woods. It would be more appropriate to meet you in town. How about half past sun down we will meet you by this fountain?" Ayame nodded, "Sure, sounds like a date. Anyway, I need to go get some supplies quickly before I head back home. I will meet you here later." Ayame said the last part as she looked at Itachi and Itachi blushed.
"Bye Hinata-san and bye Itachi!" Ayame yelled at them as she walked away.
Hinata could see Itachi relax after Ayame left. "I got you a date." She told him.
"No, it isn't." Itachi countered.
Hinata pinched Itachi and Itachi rolled his eyes. "Listen here, Mr., we will meet Ayame here at the fountain. Then Sasuke and I will decide that we have some unfinished plans in town and we will meet you guys back at the cottage. You will then take Ayame back to the cottage and feed her the dinner we will prepare. You will both eat and talk all night like a real date."
Itachi gave her skeptical look, "It won't be much of a date if you and Sasuke are there."
Hinata smiled smugly, "Sasu-kun and I won't show up."
Itachi widened his eyes, he was about to respond but another voice beat him to it.
"Where won't we be going?" Sasuke asked from behind them.
"Itachi-kun is in love!" Hinata exclaimed as she turned around to look at Sasuke.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, and Itachi cringed at the look he imagined Sasuke having.
"He is?" Sasuke asked teasingly. Itachi bit his tongue to try to calm down.
Hinata nodded, "Yes he is. I invited her over for dinner. You and I won't show up, therefore making Itachi go on a date."
Sasuke then laughed hysterically. Itachi ground his teeth together. This was not funny, and his little brother should not be laughing at him.
"Sasu-kun, do not laugh at your brother. That is very rude." Hinata told his brother disapprovingly. Thank you, Hinata. Itachi mentally thanked her.
"I have been trying for years to get them together. You only met her today and you did the impossible." Sasuke continued to laugh.
Itachi heard Hinata giggle, Kill me now, please.
"Okay then this settles it. We must rush to the market to gather the appropriate ingredients for dinner." Hinata said as she walked to where the market was located at in the town. Both Sasuke and Itachi followed behind her. She was listing off the ingredients she would need and the type of dishes she could make. The two brothers were only half listening.
Sasuke elbowed his brother playfully, "So, excited for your date?" Itachi glared at his brother, "Sasuke…" He threatened. Sasuke smirked broadly, "I only have one rule. Do not have sex in my bed." Itachi's glare hardened and then he smirked slightly, in a low whisper that made sure only Sasuke could hear he said, "Hinata knows about the party and Naruto." Sasuke tripped on one of the stones from the road and he gave a shocked look at his brother. Itachi's smirk widened, and he quickly moved to Hinata. "Ayame likes beef, maybe we can do something with that." Hinata smiled at Itachi's brightened mood over the unplanned date. Her and Itachi continued to talk about the various food they could make. Sasuke still trailed behind them. He was nervous and shocked. Why hasn't Hinata said anything yet? Sasuke mentally punched himself, I am screwed.
The sun had started to set, and Sasuke was fidgeting in his seat in the kitchen as he saw Hinata cooking. She had her hair wrapped up in a towel and she was dressed in her bathrobe. Normally, he would have sat back and enjoyed the view of her white creamy legs that were usually hidden from him, but he was anxious. She knows! And she still refused to acknowledge it. Sasuke swallowed thickly at the thought that he needed to be the one to come out and say it. Sasuke took some calming breaths, and he was about to broach the subject, but Itachi came into the kitchen. "Does this look okay?" Itachi asked. He was wearing a black long-sleeve button cotton shirt with gray pants. Sasuke nodded his head in approval, his brother did look good. Hinata smiled brightly, "Ayame will find you irresistible! Now, the pot is going to continue to boil to keep the food warm. Once you arrive back Itachi, turn off the flame or it will overcook." Itachi nodded his head. "I will quickly get ready and then we may leave." Hinata rushed out as she walked away in a hurry.
Sasuke continued to stare at her as she left. As soon as she left, he let out a tired sigh. He let his head fall on the table. He heard Itachi chuckle, "How are you feeling, little brother?"
Sasuke looked up from the table and glared at his brother, "Tell me what she knows."
Itachi smirked, "I already did."
Sasuke closed his eyes and continued to lay his head on the table. Both brothers were silent as they awaited the anxious confrontations with their respective women.
Hinata did not take long to return to the kitchen, and she smiled brightly at the two brothers. "Let us go fetch Ayame-san!"
They quickly made their way to the middle of town where the fountain stood. The middle of town was illuminated by the various torches that surrounded the perimeter. Sitting on the fountain ledge was Ayame. Itachi gulped, why did she have to look like that? She had let her brown hair fall from her usual bun and she had a simple red gown on. Itachi loved red, if he would have guessed she wore that color on purpose. Maybe this date won't turn out horrible. Itachi thought.
"Ayame-san, I am very happy that you were able to make it. You look beautiful." Hinata said as they approached.
Ayame blushed slightly and gave Hinata a big smile, "Eh Hinata, you are so kind. You look beautiful as well. Thank you."
Ayame then turned her head to look over at Sasuke, "How are you doing, Sasuke?"
Sasuke nodded slightly, "I am doing well, Ayame."
Ayame smiled at his response and then she looked over to Itachi. Ayame's smile brightened, "Well, don't you look handsome? Did you clean up just for me Itachi-kun?" She taunted.
Itachi blushed slightly, but continued to look her in the eyes, "It is just formalities."
Ayame gave him a knowing look, "Formalities, huh?"
Itachi mentally cringed at his poor excuse.
Hinata sensing Itachi's embarrassment decided to intervene, "Ayame-san, Itachi-kun will be taking you back to the cottage for dinner. I forgot that Sasuke-kun and I need to do some last-minute shopping. I hope that is not a problem." Hinata told the other woman softly.
Ayame smiled at Hinata, "That sounds fine with me." Ayame then leaned into Hinata to 'whisper' into her ear, "Are you sure Itachi can handle me by himself?" Hinata felt a smile tug on her lips and a chuckle wanted to escape her lips.
Itachi could perfectly hear what she told Hinata and he felt his fists clench. He felt a burning sensation envelop him. I am perfectly capable of handling her! Itachi felt his pride flare up at the challenge Ayame proposed. Before Hinata could respond, Itachi had taken hold of Ayame's arm, and gently pulled her to his side. Ayame eeped and blushed at the sudden contact. She looked up to see Itachi's determined face. He felt Ayame look at him and he looked down to connect her eyes with his. Ayame felt her blush deepened. They had never been this close to each other before. "I will take good care of you, Ayame-chan." Ayame felt her pulse quicken and she absentmindedly nodded.
Hinata beamed at the new couple, she then hooked her arm around Sasuke's. "We will see you back at the cottage! Don't let our absence dampen the fun!" Hinata then started leading Sasuke to the other side of the town.
Itachi and Ayame were both too lost in each other to even notice the other two's departure. Ayame licked her lips as she continued to look up at Itachi, "Shall we go?" She whispered. Itachi's focus lingered on her lips, "Yes." Itachi looked away from Ayame and gently led her back to the cottage.
Hinata and Sasuke were standing behind the fountain looking at the retreating couple. "They look so cute!" Hinata gushed out, one of her arms was raised to her chest. She had a gentle smile on her face. Sasuke did not really care about his brother and date. That was his brother's business. As Hinata stood watching his brother's new relationship forming, he continued to look at Hinata. A smile formed on his lips, she was beautiful to him in every way. "Hinata?" He asked her to get her attention. She quickly turned to look at him. Her white and lavender eyes looking into his dark obsidian eyes. "What is it Sasu-kun?" She softly asked him.
"I need to tell you something. It has to do with the King of Fire." Sasuke told her slowly.
Hinata nodded and silently urged him to continue.
"I know that you were engaged to him."
Hinata gasped, "Sasuke-kun, I can explain…"
Sasuke shook his head, "I already know what happened and I am not worried." Sasuke moved towards Hinata and he cupped her cheek softly, "I know you love me." Hinata's eyes shined as she looked up at him and she quickly nodded, "I do Sasuke-kun. I love you very much." Sasuke smiled down at her and gave her a small peck on the lips, "I love you too Hinata. That is why I need to tell you that the King is my cousin." Hinata gasped, "C-Cousin?" Sasuke nodded, "Yeah, we are cousins but Itachi and I both think of him as a brother."
Hinata looked away from Sasuke's eyes and looked at his chest, "H-How did you find out about my engagement to King Naruto?"
Sasuke moved away from Hinata to lean on the fountain ledge, "Do you remember the day after you met Itachi I left for a mission for a week?"
Hinata quickly nodded, she remembered how worried and alone she felt when he was gone. Thank Kami, that Itachi came to help.
"I was not on a mission. I was in a hospital recuperating from a fight I had with Naruto."
Hinata gasped, "A-A f-fight? B-But you said that King Naruto was your b-brother?"
Sasuke nodded, "He is. You have already heard that he is the keeper of the demon of the nine tails. He had lost control the day I left. I was called to calm him down. I eventually managed to restrain him, but my body took a beating."
Hinata gave him a sad smile and she gently moved next to him. She sat down on the fountain ledged and placed her hand on top of his, "I knew that something was wrong when you were gone. Even though, Itachi-kun said otherwise my heart wouldn't believe him."
Sasuke squeezed Hinata's hand, "The wounds have already healed. No need for you to worry, Princess."
"Why did King Naruto lose control?" Hinata asked.
Sasuke felt his heart throb, his body felt cold. This was what he dreaded to say to her. What if she found out that he lost control because of her? Would she leave me? Sasuke's thoughts were stopped when Hinata started placing small kisses on his hand. Sasuke felt himself blush as he saw her kiss his hand. Her soft kisses leaving small shocks everywhere her lips touched his skin. She then cuddled his hand to her cheek, "Your hand is so warm, Sasu-kun." She mumbled out to him. Sasuke felt his pulse race. How could I ever think that Hinata would hurt me by leaving me? She already told me that she loved me. She lets me hold her and kiss her. She lets me please her body in bed. She agreed to marry me. Sorry Naruto, you had your chance. I am not letting her go now.
"He let loose his control because he was furious when he found out that you left." Sasuke told her slowly. He was intently watching her face to see her reaction.
Hinata stopped cuddling his hand, her eyes were wide, yet she never let go of his hand. Her head tilted slightly to the side, and a small frown was on her lips. "Why would he get mad over that? H-He told me that I needed to leave since he was going to marry Princess Karin?"
Sasuke frowned at the new information he received. He took his eyes away from Hinata. The Dobe told her to leave? Then why did he get mad? From the way he told me, it appears he did not know she left. Maybe he assumed that she did not have the nerve to leave? Sasuke mentally growled. That is sadistic. Did the dobe find it entertaining to lead Hinata on? Sasuke blinked, he had no clue over the relationship between Hinata and Naruto. Sasuke felt the burning jealousy ring in his ears. He clenched his other hand that was not being held by Hinata.
Sasuke intently looked at the floor, "What was your relationship with the idiot?"
"Eh? Who is that?" Hinata asked.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "The King."
Hinata looked at Sasuke with a small smile, "You call him an idiot?"
Sasuke looked up at Hinata's face and smirked, "Isn't he?"
Hinata giggled. "That is rude Sasu-kun. He is the King of Fire."
Sasuke shrugged, "He can have as many titles as he wants. He is still an idiot."
Hinata giggled, she then looked away from Sasuke. She slowly let go of his hand that she was holding. Her hand raised to her chest, "King Naruto and I were engaged to be married." Hinata gave Sasuke a side glance before continuing, "I-I l-loved him."
Sasuke felt the sudden coldness envelop his body, he clenched his fists. He thought he would have felt a sudden flare of his chakra, but his chakra seemed to do the opposite. It felt as if it was receding into his body. He was left cold. Sasuke looked at Hinata's bowed head, "I-I thought he felt the same. T-Things were going well until Princess Karin came. King Naruto then ignored me. H-He abandoned me for two months." Sasuke heard the anger in her voice and he saw how she clenched her fists. "He had given me our engagement rings and told me that he loved me on the same day he left with Princess Karin. He betrayed me and broke his promises." Hinata suddenly looked up to him, "I do not love him. My love for him died the moment I left the palace." Hinata then laughed, "The day I left the palace was also the day I met you, Sasuke-kun."
Sasuke pulled her towards him and kissed her fully on the lips. He wanted to prove to Hinata that he would never leave her and that she only belonged to him. The need for air made them separate. He rested his head on her chest, "I love you Hinata." He whispered to her softly. Hinata hummed happily, "I love you Sasuke-kun." Sasuke held her in a tight embrace, "Never leave me." He told her. Hinata giggled at Sasuke's possessiveness, "I would never leave unless you tell me to." Sasuke cuddled his head in her chest, "I would never tell you that." Hinata smiled and softly combed through his hair, "Then I assume I will be here forever with you." Sasuke smiled and squeezed her, "I wouldn't want it any other way."
After a couple of moments of them holding each other, Sasuke looked up to Hinata. "Hinata, will you do me the honor of accompanying me to The Royal Court coronation held in my honor as an official Royal Knight?"
Hinata gasped, she needed to pretend to be surprised for Ayame. "A coronation? I would love to, Sasu-kun." Hinata leaned down to kiss him. Hinata wrapped her arms around his neck as he squeezed her closer to him.
As they reached the cottage, Itachi had begun to lose the flare of confidence he had. He led them inside the cottage into the kitchen.
"Whatever is cooking it smells good." Ayame said as she walked to the table situated in the kitchen.
Itachi nodded silently and walked over to the boiling pot and with his chakra he dismissed the burning fire with a simple hand gesture. "I always forget how you can do magic." Ayame told him. Itachi looked up to her, "I already told you it is not magic. It is chakra." Ayame giggled, "Calling it magic is cooler though." Itachi rolled his eyes at her childish behavior. He then quickly started to get the food plated. "So, is this our first date?" Ayame asked.
Itachi stiffened.
Ayame giggled at Itachi's stiff posture, "Give me some credit Itachi. I am not dumb. What are the chances that both Hinata and Sasuke are not here?" Ayame slowly walked towards to Itachi. Itachi turned his head to look at her, his face was slightly red. Ayame leaned on the counter next to where Itachi was standing. "There are only two chairs at the table." Ayame winked at him. Itachi could feel his blush spreading. "Just tell me what you want Itachi." Ayame whispered to him. Her eyes twinkling with mirth and want. Itachi clutched onto the plates he was holding. If he was not careful he would break them. Ayame sensing Itachi's nervousness, reached out to take the plates from his hands before he broke them and got hurt. When she touched his hands, Itachi's resolve broke. He grabbed Ayame and pulled her closer. The plates fell loudly on the floor and broke. The two individuals did not notice the mess. Itachi had Ayame pressed into him, "I want you." Itachi leaned down and kissed her lips vigorously. Ayame hummed happily and wrapped her arms around his neck. Ayame was the first to separate from the passionate kiss. She gave Itachi a dazzling smile, "Finally." Ayame then started to press her lips on every inch of his exposed skin on his face. Itachi smiled happily, his eyes watching her every movement. It wasn't until he felt Ayame tugging on his pants did he regain his senses. Itachi put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her back, "Stop. We can't."
Ayame gave him an annoyed look, "Why not? From what I felt, you were excited."
Itachi blushed at her true words, "That's not what I mean."
Ayame clicked her tongue, "Then what is it?"
Itachi let out a long sigh, "Ayame, I don't want to hurt you."
Ayame frowned, "I thought you loved me?"
Itachi widened his eyes, "I-I…"
Ayame shrugged off his hands from his shoulders, her face expressed her inner pain. "I-I am s-sorry Itachi. I thought…" Ayame shook her head and looked away from him, "Never mind, I-I don't feel too good. I-I think I should go home and…"
Itachi did not let her finish because his lips were on hers. Ayame quickly responded back with equal strength.
Itachi separated himself from the kiss, "Ayame, I do love you. I-I just didn't think you knew."
Ayame laughed a bit, "Itachi, you aren't a very good liar."
Itachi rolled his eyes, he already had many people telling him that.
Ayame cupped his cheek with her hand, "So what's the problem Itachi? You love me, and I love you. Do you not want me?"
Itachi pulled her in for another scorching kiss. They separated again. "I do want you." Itachi replied huskily. Itachi let his hand travel down Ayame's back, "I want all of you."
Ayame shivered at Itachi's touch and words, "Then show me." She replied breathlessly as she kissed his neck softly.
Itachi growled and pulled completely away from her. He turned away from her, "I can't Ayame." Itachi let out an aggravated sigh, "I knew this was a mistake. Ayame I think it is time for you to leave. I will escort you back home. I think it would be best for us to not keep in touch."
Ayame let out a small growl, she pulled Itachi and turned him to face her. Her face was angry. "Itachi! You cannot do this! We are finally getting somewhere, and I will not let your pride get in the way." Ayame felt tears prick her eyes, "You may be a prince, Itachi, and I am just a simple town girl; but that does not mean that we can't be together. Please let me show you that we can be great together. I am sorry that I am not someone who has a title or a lot of money, but I love you Itachi! That has to count for something!"
Itachi forcefully took her hands from him and glared at Ayame, "My social position was never the reason for our undeveloped relationship."
Ayame glared back at Itachi, "Then what is it? We love each other, why can't we be together?"
Itachi glared back, "Drop it Ayame. In time, you will understand. Just grab your stuff and I will take…"
"No! You don't get to walk away again! I will not let you!"
Itachi's glare softened, "Ayame, please…"
"No!" Ayame yelled back. Her breathing was haggard, and the tears had started flowing down her cheeks, "The only reason I would leave would be if you told me you didn't love me."
Itachi clenched his fists, he could feel his eyes water. "I don't love you. I never did. And tonight, proves it. You were never…"
Ayame slapped Itachi across his face. Itachi was left speechless. "You are a lying bastard." Ayame growled out. Her lips were suddenly on his. Their lips moved hurriedly. She tugged on the buttons of his shirt making his shirt come undone. Itachi let his hand slip behind her and he started to unzip her dress slowly. Ayame separated her lips from his and started to kiss down his bare chest. Itachi's thoughts of protest were slowly decreasing in volume in his head. "I love you Itachi. I want to be with you forever."
Her declaration made his body freeze. The voices of protest rung through his head louder than ever. He staggered away from her and he fell to his knees. He was clutching his hair with his hands. We can't be together forever.
"Itachi?" Ayame silently spoke to him.
Itachi did not reply, his sobs invaded the silence. He slowly rocked his body. Why does this have to happen to me? I was arguably one of the strongest men in the world. Why do I have to die? I gave my life to the kingdom and to the people I love. Why can I not live? What did I do wrong? Why can't I be with Ayame? Why me? Itachi continued to cry out. He had not felt this lost since he found out what was going on with him 5 years ago.
Ayame knelt beside Itachi, she laid a comforting hand on Itachi's shoulder. "Itachi?" She asked solemnly. She had never seen Itachi this broken before and it broke her heart to see him in this much pain.
"I-I'm dying." Itachi said in between his sobs.
Ayame blinked at his confession, and she felt as if her heart had stopped beating. Itachi dying? T-That's impossible. But as she looked at Itachi she knew that it was the truth. Ayame tightened her hold on Itachi. Was this the reason why we couldn't be together? Ayame felt her inner resolve grow. Her first true love was dying, and she would be damned if she did not take up this opportunity. Ayame jumped onto Itachi, successfully pining him to the kitchen floor. Itachi looked up at her with tear-filled eyes. "Ayame…" Ayame kissed him. Itachi kissed her slowly. He was confused of what was going on. He felt her tug on his pants and he began to panic. He was starting to struggle against her, but she separated her lips from his and bent down her head to his ear, "Let me love you." Itachi's struggles seized as her words entered his mind. "But I'm dying." Itachi reminded her. Ayame smirked down to him, "You aren't dead yet."
Itachi chuckled at her response, he smiled up at her "Let me help you with your dress."
Ayame smiled back down to him, "What a gentleman."
"Sasu-kun, you did not need to spend so much money on me." Hinata told Sasuke as they walked hand in hand through the town. The night life of the town was bubbling around them giving them the perfect opportunity to do some last-minute shopping. "Hinata, I saw you eyeing the dress from the window and you need a dress for the coronation. I was not going to let an opportunity like that slip away." Hinata pouted, "But that dress was expensive. There were cheaper ones that looked just as well." Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Hinata, trust me. Money is no issue to me." Hinata huffed, "But Sasu-kun…" Sasuke connected his eyes to Hinata's, "Let me spoil you Hinata." Hinata blushed at Sasuke's word, "I do not need to be spoiled, Sasuke-kun." "I know, but I want to." Hinata sighed, "Would that make you happy?" Sasuke smiled a bit, "Yes." He squeezed her hand. Hinata giggled, "Fine." Sasuke smirked at her and pulled her closer to his side as they walked.
"Sasu-kun, do you think Itachi-kun might be mad at me for the impromptu date I pushed him into?" Hinata asked him worriedly.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Hinata, you did him a favor."
Hinata bit her lip, "But what if Itachi-kun is mad?"
Sasuke gave her a skeptical look, "Itachi is the most easy-going person I know. Trust me, he rarely gets mad."
Hinata gave him a skeptical look. Sasuke let out a sigh, "Okay, when he gets mad it is pretty scary. But you are practically his little sister. You could try to kill him, and he still wouldn't get mad."
"Sasuke-kun!"
Sasuke shrugged his shoulders, "It's the truth Hinata."
Hinata gave him another worried look, "Do you think we should go check on them?"
Sasuke chuckled, "Yeah, I don't think that would be a good idea. We wouldn't want to interrupt their time together."
Hinata nodded at Sasuke's explanation, "Yes, that is true. I would not want to interrupt their talk over their relationship. So, at what time will we be heading back home?"
"We aren't going back home tonight."
Hinata gave him a confused look, "What? Why not?"
"I already told you that we wouldn't want to interrupt."
Hinata huffed, "Do you believe that Ayame-san and Itachi-kun will be talking until late at night?"
Sasuke chuckled as he looked at his dark-haired beauty, she was a bundle of innocence and cuteness. "What else do people in love do late at night, Hinata?" He taunted.
Hinata frowned at the question, she tapped her chin in thought. She was going to tell Sasuke that she did not know, but the gleam in his eyes told her otherwise. Hinata squeaked and buried her head into Sasuke's arm to hide her red face. Sasuke chuckled at her reaction. At least now she understood.
"That reminds me, we need to get ourselves a room for the night. Hopefully, they have one available." Sasuke said. He then started to lead them to the closest Inn. Luckily, there were still rooms available. Sasuke requested a room for them. Hinata marveled at the Inn. It had a very homey feeling to it that she loved.
As soon as they entered the room, Sasuke excused himself to the bathroom to shower. Hinata proceeded to get ready for bed. She had not brought extra clothing, so she decided that she would sleep in her undergarments. She blushed as she took off her simple dress. The undergarments were made up of a thin white cloth. While looking at a mirror, she saw that the cloth seemed to emphasize the outline of her body, specifically her breasts. As soon as she took off the bindings from her chest, the white thin cloth hugged them. Hinata's blush deepened at the thought of Sasuke seeing her like this. She was still self-conscious of her body. From all the times he had her in his arms, he had not complained of her body. He had told her that he loved her body.
Hinata moved to get under the covers of the single bed in the room. She instantly missed their bed from home. There was just something missing. As Hinata pondered this, she did not notice Sasuke entering the room. She did not notice him until he got into the bed with her. Hinata blushed at seeing Sasuke's sleepwear. He was only wearing his underwear and no shirt. He looked over at Hinata's red face from his side of the bed and shrugged his shoulders. Hinata knew that he had no other choice for sleepwear. Hinata smiled shyly at Sasuke. She let her eyes memorize the shape and outline of his muscles. Her hands itched with the want to roam her hands over his bare skin. As stealthily as she could she moved closer to Sasuke. Sasuke saw her movements and smirked. He wanted to pull her closer, but he was curious of what she wanted to do. As she got closer he was able to feel the warmth emitting from her skin. Sasuke inwardly groaned. He then felt her hand on his bare skin and he took a quick intake of air. His body tensed and then relaxed as she gently caressed his skin. Her nails softly raked his bare skin and that made Sasuke act. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her on top of him. His eyes quickly took notice of her attire. The attire hid nothing away from him and Sasuke smirked. It almost felt as if she were naked in his arms. He could feel every curve on her body. He bent his head down to kiss her lips softly. "I love your body, Princess." He mumbled out.
"I love your body too, Sasu-kun" She whimpered out.
Sasuke smiled and pulled her tighter into him. One day, I will have you all. Your body and soul will be mine.
"Goodnight, Hinata."
"Good night Sasuke-kun."
Hinata smiled as she laid snuggled on top of Sasuke. She finally knew what was missing from earlier. I missed Sasuke-kun's presence.