AN: The second part of my SasuHina Secret Santa gift to pami!

Happy holidays!

"Sasuke-kun, this is probably the biggest favor I'll ever ask you." The woman bit her lip, looking down at her murky reflection in her tea.

The two of them had met for a drink that day, a common practice for the two of them. They had been friends since elementary, thanks to the loose bonds between their families, and had pretty much experienced most of their life together. The only thing that had parted them was university, the two going to opposing schools, but they had always reunited during breaks and after graduation, right from where they left off. Their friendship had remained good natured, one of overarching understanding and support, even if mostly went unsaid.

Judging by how tense she appeared, Sasuke knew this was a very heavy deed. His anxiety didn't show on his face as he took a sip from his own tea.

"What is it?"

She hesitated, fingers now fidgeting in her lap. "M-My family is arranging me to marry someone and...I need to find someone before they do." her shoulders slumped, eyes downcast "Could...could we…"

"You want me to marry you." It was more of a statement than a question, and as ridiculous as it would've sounded for anyone else, Sasuke wasn't fazed. He knew the customs both of their families maintained, and if he could help her this way, so be it. The man had found little interest in love and intimate companionship over the past years, so he could care less. Their friendship would become quite interesting, however.

Hinata winced, almost hating how well he read her. "Yes…"

"I don't care. We can do it."

Her lavender hues had looked up at him with a utter surprise, her face lighting up with a near ethereal beauty. Sasuke still remembered that expression.

"R-Really? I'm st-stealing this-"

"I mean it."

Their parents had been delighted at the news once the two of them had arrived home that night.

Their friends, however, had colorful responses. Only to their closest ones did they tell them that they were not actually in love with one another, which most of them were disappointed to hear. The two of you have known one another for so long, I wouldn't be surprised if the two of you did decide to marry…

Well, we're just friends.

Wedding arrangements had gone smoothly, even if most of it had been out of Sasuke's hands. It was interesting to observe both the two of their families, equally staunch in their pride, status, and power, intermingling with such vibrant harmony, ignorant of the fact that their children did not actually love one another. It had been a speedy union, nothing more, nothing less.

Objectively speaking, the wedding had been elaborate and eventful. Hinata appeared the happiest Sasuke had ever seen her. And for what? He wondered if it truly had been one of Hinata's dreams to have a wedding of some sort.

The whole event was all a bit too much for Sasuke. The multitude of congratulations he had received before and after the party, from people who knew and didn't know still managed to overwhelm or annoy him, but he kept his tongue in place. He had stumbled once or twice during his vows, to which people attributed to his nervousness and undying love for the bride. Really, he was pissed he didn't memorize it as well as he'd hoped, despite the two having practiced and written them together.

Then, there had been the kiss. Most would've thought it was heartfelt, but it had been absent of any emotion or romantic love. His lips had curled slightly at the immediate realization that her lips were soft. It also didn't help that she had already looked like a dream that day, shrouded in a white, pearly dress that showed off her fine shoulders and collarbones accompanied by a regal train that followed her every step. Sasuke had always acknowledged Hinata's beauty and her ability to pull off pretty much everything she put on, but that day, she looked phenomenal. It had been planted in his memory.

Currently, they resided in a comfortably sized home, enough for the two of them in the current moment of time. Sasuke had went along with every little thing that included their interior decor. She had raced from room to room, tugging him along as she explained in explicit detail what she had planned in terms of furniture, placement, colors…

"You're going to be an amazing housewife." he had mused, rousing a faint blush on the woman's cheeks.

"I'm just...excited…" she admitted softly, hoping she hadn't been boring him.

"I am too." He didn't know what she had exactly been speaking of when she'd said that nor could Sasuke say he was excited for anything. It was like his life had returned to normalcy, except he now lived with one of his best friends.

And things really did return to normal, except now Sasuke was graced with wonderful meals and a friendly presence each time he came home from his job.

He entered their home like he would any other day, announcing his arrival and proceeding to take off his shoes and outerwear.

"Welcome." Hinata greeted him, wearing her purple apron that seemed to have newer stains on it.

"Was work okay?" she took his coat from his grip and hung it up, all the while a warm smile graced her lips. He didn't know if she was falling into her wife role almost too well or if she did have some deep care for him.

They didn't hug. They didn't kiss.

"It was fine. Just the usual." Sasuke answered, "And you? What did you make today?"

"I've been okay." she had plenty of hobbies she'd picked up over time, and even had a small business revolving around her baking. Hinata's days were personally fulfilling and quite peaceful. "I remember you liking tomato risotto, so I made that..."

The comment made Sasuke's eyebrow raise. Hinata made things for the hell of it in the beginning. She was competent and had a broad skill set, but it'd taken her some time to learn his preferences and palate. All too often had she expressed a look of disappointment when Sasuke had told her the dish was not to his liking (always politely), or if he couldn't finish it because of an error in seasoning or ingredients. But she had improved slowly over time, even more evident in those next moments.

"This is really good." The man told her while they were in the middle of eating.

He observed her look up at him in her periphery, that same subtly gobsmacked look overtaking her features. "Thank you…" she tried very hard with cooking, so this was an achievement.

They were silent after that.

As Hinata cleaned up afterwards, Sasuke found himself watching her, a weird feeling descending into his chest. He'd felt it frequently some time after they'd married, and he never attempted to identify the feeling. Perhaps it was mainly out of gratitude, since their relationship had pretty much remained the same, and she'd done so much for him without even a second thought. He wondered if she was doing this all because of her own guilt in asking for his hand in marriage- he silently hoped that wasn't the case.

More than anything, he was glad because this warm domesticity he returned back to from his hectic time at work kept him afloat. It was something he had never really experienced, even in youth since both his parents had been distant. It was one of the many downsides of growing up as a child to a business tycoon.

He rose from his seat at the table, grasping her shoulder gently and twisting her around some so she could face him.

"Thank you for this." He couldn't help but feel awkward saying this to her so suddenly.

She blinked once or twice, before laughing softly (to which, Sasuke's pride sank even lower) and waving her hand dismissively. "This wasn't anything, Sasuke-kun."

"I know but…" he trailed off as he looked at her. Hinata's usually perfect hair was disheveled at the edges from sweat and tied up in a messy bun, her cheeks flushed from the growing heat in the kitchen. His eyes fell to her lips for a quick second, observing their pink color, remembering their softness-

The woman grinned sheepishly and moved back, mainly because the situation was becoming too uncomfortable for her. "You don't have to thank me for these things." she said, continuing to wash the dishes, her otherwise shaky hands immersed in the soapy water. "I enjoy doing it...I really do."

"If you need anything-"

"I'm happy." she reassured, glancing to him. "Seriously, I am."

Before he could muster a response, their doorbell rang and Sasuke managed to beat her to the door. He was immediately met with a smile as bright as the sun, and blond hair that matched that radiance.

"Naruto?"

"I realized I hadn't stopped by your place yet." he chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Is this a good time?"

"Y-Yes!" It was Hinata's voice from behind Sasuke, seemingly rising an octave from when he last heard it.

The raven-haired stepped aside and their guest was immediately led to their living room. Their friend reclined on one of their beige sofas, throwing his head back as he let out a heavy sigh.

"You guys have a nice place."

"Thanks. It's all Hinata's doing." Sasuke said smoothly, looking over then to see the blushing mess his wife had become. His eyes narrowed at the sight. She still liked him? Since when? Something unpleasant overtook his heart, and he couldn't help but feel his mood plummet.

"N-Naruto-kun, would you l-l-like some tea?" she managed to let out, her fingers fidgeting in her lap.

"If you don't mind. Thanks, Hinata."

Hinata went back to the kitchen and the two men caught up on whatever they had been experiencing the past few weeks, tea soon being served to the two of them.

The three chatted like old friends, even if Hinata's constant stutters and sudden timidness wasn't missed by the Uchiha.

However, it wasn't ignored by Naruto, either. His gazes to her were constant, appreciative. He initiated much conversation with her and often complimented her tastes in terms of decor or even things as menial as the tea.

A smile had graced her features along with a flush that remained constant throughout the whole visit. Naruto had offered to help her clean up, but a glare from Sasuke was enough for him to realize that he had overstayed his visit.

He left and Sasuke had looked over to his wife questionably, but with a sort of disdain. The two hardly spoke the rest of the night.

Then, things gradually began to change.

Hinata had started to become frequently absent in the household. Naturally, she'd gone out to see her friends but that was only once or twice a week at best. Now, these extra absences were noticeable even for him, especially since she had rarely been greeting him at home. Whatever had been made for him had been packed neatly in tupperware or left on the stove for him to prepare himself.

Sasuke never made motions to ask her what was the change. He felt it would be invasive, since the two were still very independent individuals despite their marriage. Their status was only dictated by a mere piece of paper. In the most blatant of terms, they were just glorified roommates.

But he couldn't help but feel empty. As if he had no choice but to hold in most of his emotions since he had no one to express them to. Though Hinata and he were both people of few words, there were times when their conversations grew long and in-depth, and others that were quite the opposite. Short. But the silence they shared was always comforting.

In the most lonely of times, he thought about their first and only kiss, which had been in front of many at their wedding. Remembering the slight instance of warmth that had overcame him, even if he didn't know to attribute it to any form of emotion or attraction back then. The man didn't know why his opinions and thought processes were changing when it came to her. It was untraveled territory, for his mind and his soul.

Christmas drew near and Hinata went on a decorating frenzy once again and this time, Sasuke participated. Their formidable height difference made it so Sasuke had a big bulk of responsibility in hanging and placing things in out of reach places for the woman.

She had a critical eye, her mannerisms gentle yet firm when it came to directing him.

"A little to the left- no, that's a bit too far…" She chuckled, an irritated grunt coming from Sasuke.

"Wait a second." She came back around with her trusty stool and stood up next to him, though she was still slightly shorter.

"Here." She took the star that had been in his hands and attempted to place it the best she could. His hands moved to intercept hers, eventually falling on top of hers as the two pushed the item in place.

"Th-thank you." She cleared her throat, stepping down quickly.

Sasuke looked after her, not blind to the heat that had seemingly overtaken her body because of their close proximity.

Their last task was to decorate the tree. The two had worked in careful accordance in terms of lights, ornaments, and any other decorative trinkets that Hinata had purchased for it. She was satisfied, except she needed his help with the star.

"I want to hang it up!" she insisted with a laugh, playfully snatching it from Sasuke, who was already about to put it up.

"Well.." he motioned to her small step stool.

"I'm still too short…" she huffed after stepping on it, and seeing she'd have to strain to place it straight.

"You're troublesome." he leaned down. "Get on."

There was a moment of hesitation from the woman before she slid on, legs resting on his shoulders before he stood, a gasp escaping her at how high she'd been brought up. Luckily, their living room had a high ceiling, so she wouldn't bump her head.

Sasuke's hands held her thighs firmly as she placed it, "I did it." she said with obvious satisfaction.

The man placed her back down, the woman moving to wrap him in a tight hug.

"Thank you, I'm sorry for taking up most of your day with this…"

"It's fine. I didn't mind it." He answered, "Besides, I should learn a thing or two." He received a whiff of her sweet scent in their embrace, his heart aching when they pulled away so soon.

Suddenly he acted on pure instincts. His arms still wrapped around her waist tightly as if to prevent her escape, he leaned down to press his lips to hers, once again greeted with their plushness, her inviting aroma. He longed to taste her.

Not much could be done before her hands clawed and pushed at the fabric of his shirt, Sasuke pulling back abruptly.

"Sasuke…" she started to say, her eyes not meeting his. "I…"

"We're married."

"Yes b-but…"

His eyebrows furrowed, ego bruised from being rejected. "Spit it out already."

"Naruto and I are s-seeing one a-another..."

"You're dating?" He repeated incredulously. "I guess that explains why you're hardly here anymore."

She bit her lip, obviously guilty at the entire situation. "I...I should've told you-"

"Damn straight you should have." he scoffed and turned away, perhaps sulking in their failed kiss. Hurt from rejection. Upset that she hadn't gotten over her childhood crush on the blond, and even angrier that the other male had her.

"I'm so s-sorry Sasuke-kun…"

By then, he had already walked to the door, grabbing his coat and putting on his shoes. He needed to get out of that overly decorated, suffocating house.

But things continued the same, except the silences were more prevalent. Hinata was there less and less now, and Sasuke was left to his own devices and thoughts, often revolving around her.

At times he would stare at the blinking, nearly taunting lights of their Christmas tree, attempting to figure out when and where exactly he had developed feelings for the woman. He was hurt that he could not start loving his wife the way the law allowed, the way he should. That his boisterous best friend had won the first woman he had began to have serious feelings for.

He sipped his scotch, jaw clenching as he thought of the blond. He felt even angrier that he had kept him in the dark about this whole thing for so long.

Christmas Eve was a breaking point for the man.

He had watched Hinata prepare a large meal for most of the day. Sasuke assumed it was for the two of them, but didn't bother asking if that was the case.

"Sasuke-kun!" Her voice rang out after it had grown dark outside, the man sitting alone in their living room watching television. He looked up when she entered, seeing her unravel her apron and let her hair loose.

"The food is ready. I-I'm going to head out."

They couldn't even share a meal together on a holiday? Sasuke wanted to demand that she stay, furious with her neglect of their relationship, of him. But he had no right.

Without a word he walked past her and to the kitchen, the female looking behind him. She didn't miss the angered look that had came to his features, and her heart sank in shame and guilt.

After a few minutes, he heard the front door shut, and he continued to eat alone at the table, the food flavorless to him, settling in his mouth and stomach like stones.

He grimaced, wanting to shatter the very plate he was eating on.

He was upset. Did she even see that?

Sasuke went to bed late that night, the alcohol having little to no effect on him and only made his thoughts all the more overwhelming. He laid in bed, staring up at the ceiling.

Suddenly, he heard the front door open, and he stiffened. She came back?

He quickly turned so his back was to the door, hearing it open moments later. He heard her skittish footsteps, the ruffling of fabric as she hurriedly undressed and slipped into her nightwear.

She entered the bed, Sasuke feigning deep breathing to pretend he was asleep. He didn't want to hear from her.

Hinata's own breathing was shaky, wavering, a soft sniff leaving her form. Then another.

Was she…

Sasuke willed himself to not turn around, until a sob left her a few moments later. He turned to her, seeing her back shake.

"Hinata…"

"I-I'm sorry I woke y-y-you up…"

He moved closer to her, a hand slowly moving to drape around her waist. "I wasn't asleep."

She seemed to tremble more against him as he leaned his head on her pillow then, the top of her head tickling his nose. He would not encourage her to speak. Not until she wanted to. It didn't take much for him to guess what had happened anyway.

Hinata continued to cry softly, Sasuke's hand moving up and down her arm coaxingly.

"You don't have to worry about him anymore. I'm here for you. Always."

She turned back to him, tears flowing down her face, only visible because of the moonlight that peeked through their window.

"But, I've hurt you so much…"

Well, he wouldn't deny that. He wrapped his arms fully around her then, pulling her close, forehead to forehead now. "And yet I still love you."

The words shocked her, her eyes widening for a second, seemingly more tears falling down her cheeks. "I...I don't get it."

"You don't have to." Sasuke said with a short sigh, hating to see her so upset over someone so insignificant. Even if he was a friend.

"Just...give me a chance." he swallowed uncomfortably as this was a situation he'd never encountered or felt he would ever be in. He couldn't believe he'd said that.

Hinata closed her eyes, her head moving in a way that now their lips grazed one another's, soft breaths tickling the plush flesh.

The seconds that passed seemed to slow, yet Sasuke refused to make the first move. He wanted to know her answer- to see if her intentions were genuine. True.

Delicate, yet trembling fingers soon found their way in his spikier locks, Hinata closing the very little distance that was between the two of them.

Sasuke didn't know how long the kiss lasted, its slow, endearing pace sending his own heart into an elevated tempo. She had pulled back eventually, her hands resting on his chest.

"Yes." was all she could muster saying.

"You will come to me?"

The woman nodded slowly, cracking a gentle smile. Even her own affections to the man hadn't been evident to her. Yet the heartbreak she had experienced stripped her raw. Stripped her of any infantile affections for a man that had recognized her at the last minute.

Just how blind had she also been to Sasuke? A man she considered a close friend who knew nearly as much about her as her sister and cousin? His gazes, his entire aura, even just the sound of his voice made Hinata's spirit come to rest, and yet she had considered it a deep friendship. Nothing romantic.

But goodness, was she wrong.

Hinata cuddled more into him, head nuzzling into the crook of his neck.

And she would love him, fully embracing the feelings that she had long abandoned and misinterpreted.