Shining Armor
Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. I'm continually pleasantly surprised by how much support this story is getting. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
Chapter Notation and Geography: I haven't fully decided who the competition with be, but I do want to warn people in advance this is a Kakashi x Hinata story. That isn't going to change. So I don't want anyone to be shocked or disappointed, if they start shipping the competition with Hinata more than Kakashi. In this chapter, I listed Itachi and Sasuke as the Princes of Germany originally. If one is being technical, they are Princes in the Holy Roman Empire. With that in mind, happy reading.
Chapter 3
One dance turned into two and two turned into three. Hinata wasn't really sure how that happened. It was just all too easy to allow Kakashi to continue leading her across the dance floor.
"Are you alright, Your Majesty?" Kakashi smiles at her.
Effortless. His dancing was so fluid that it seemed to be as easy a pursuit for the man as breathing. Maybe, that was why Hinata hadn't really protested his monopolizing of her time.
She smiles at him and shakes her head. "I'm quite alright." Though she could feel many men glaring daggers at her dancing partner. "It's just that I'm expected to dance with more than one person tonight."
That and she didn't want to be responsible for Kakashi's assassination. Hinata wasn't even entirely jesting about that either. Knowing the King of Spain, Orochimaru might actually arrange for such a thing to happen.
"Oh, of course." The Duke smiles at her. "I can hardly blame them for wanting to dance with such a beautiful queen and I suppose that I have been quite rude to steal you away from everyone else for so long." Was he really this easygoing or was it all an act?
Hinata nods shyly at that. "Thank you for being so understanding." She tries her best not to sigh. "I suppose that I should start with the kings and princes first."
She really didn't want to be that close to Orochimaru, but Hinata couldn't in good conscience risk offending Spain. Kankuro and Haku should be more tolerable partners though. After that, she'd work her way down the line.
"Well, that works out perfectly." Hinata hears a silken voice behind her. "As I happen to be a prince and standing right behind Your Majesty." She whirls around only to come face to face with one of the Princes of the Holy Roman Empire. "If the good Duke doesn't mind, of course."
She recognizes him from a portrait. That was Prince Sasuke. Which could mean only one thing. High Prince Itachi was likely nearby. Possibly even their parents.
Kakashi chuckles and caresses her cheek. "It's with great sorrow that I relinquish the gentle lady to you, but better you than Orochimaru."
Hinata gasps at that. What on Earth was wrong with Kakashi? Didn't hear realize that a comment like that could lead to a dual or even a war?
Sasuke just smirks at that. "Kakashi might always be late, but he does have a habit of stating the obvious." The young prince's dark eyes flicker towards the High Prince of the Holy Roman Empire who was conversing with Orochimaru. "You needn't worry about King Orochimaru for a few moments though, Your Highness. My brother is more than capable of distracting him for a time."
Why did the Duke seem to be on familial terms with Prince Sasuke? Of course, it was possible they had met before. This seemed almost planned though.
"That was rather gallant of you two to organize a rescue effort." Kakashi smiles as he kisses Hinata's hand. "I leave you in capable hands, Your Majesty. Though it is with great reluctance that I will admit sooner or later, you will have to dance with that fiend."
Yes, they most assuredly knew each other. Hinata would bet her life on that, but now she needed to find out how.
Sasuke nods at the silver haired man approvingly as he wraps his arms around Hinata's waist. "You may wish to save my brother from that nuisance while I dance with her." The bluenette certainly couldn't fault his logic there.
Kakashi chuckles and nods as he strides over to Itachi. "You two seem to be on quite cordial terms?" Hinata looks up at Sasuke, hoping that she wasn't prying too much.
The young prince didn't even bother to deny that. Nor did he play coy as he lead her around the dance floor.
"The duke and my father have hunted together before and it was Kakashi who taught me how to use a sword and Itachi how to dance." He pauses as he twirls her around. "Who then taught me."
Right. That made sense. Sasuke was a graceful dancer, though there was something more predatory to his movements than his former instructor's. That might have just been because of his age though.
"Well, it seems that he taught you both well." Hinata laughs softly. "I do hope that you and your brother had a safe trip here?"
Sasuke nods at her and smiles. "Very safe." He smirks at her. "I pity the fool who gets on the wrong end of Itachi's sword." Duly noted.
Neji watches the entire exchange with interested eyes. He was far from the only one though. Not only did their outfits match, but they had shared three dances in a row.
"She might not come out and say so directly, but it's obvious." The Hyuga shakes his head in amusement as he takes another sip from his wine. "She favors him."
Well, at least that was the case for the moment. Perhaps, Hinata just simply thought Kakashi was being friendly and not trying to pursue her. Maybe, the color lavender just soothed her or she was enjoying his impressive dancing skills.
Whatever the reason, Neji wasn't blind and neither was most of English Court. At the rate, Kakashi was going Hinata would be promised to him before the leaves began to change colors.
"I h-hope you're enjoying the festivities." A feminine voice briefly distracts him from his thoughts. "It's all so beautiful. Isn't it?"
Normally, Neji would have just made polite small talk. He recognized this woman though. Tenten.
"Yes, it is." He smiles at her. "You're looking well this evening."
Well was an understatement and Hinata seemed safe enough for the moment. Surely, the King of Spain wouldn't try something too untoward in a room filled with this many people.
Tenten blushes prettily at that and Neji notes that many couples had already taken to the floor. "Would you do me the honor of a dance?" The Hyuga Lord extends his hand towards her in invitation.
"I'd love to." She smiles and takes his hand.
Sasuke was a prince and Hinata didn't seem adverse to his company. Besides, High Prince Itachi was currently distracting Orochimaru. A happenstance that Neji was quite certain was by design.
"Wonderful." The lavender eyed man smiles at Tenten. "Let us demonstrate how to perform a waltz properly. It's most unseemly how many people seem to have forgotten how to do so."
The brunette giggles at that and nods as she wraps her arms around his neck. Good. This evening was beginning to look very promising indeed. How long had it been since Neji had actually enjoyed dancing with someone? Far too long, he decides.
"Ah." Orochimaru smirks at Kakashi as he makes his way over to the Spanish King. "I see that you've managed to pry yourself away from the queen."
The man truly did want Kakashi to smack him. He couldn't though. It was one thing to insult the king in a private conversation, but to physically strike him would have sparked a war.
"One can hardly blame the man for not wanting to leave her." Itachi smiles as if trying to soothe the tension in the room. "She is a charming woman. Is she not?"
Either of the Uchiha brothers would have been an excellent choice for Hinata. They were both young and they held powerful titles. An alliance between Holy Roman Empire and England could prove fruitful and yet, the thought left a bitter taste in Kakashi's mouth.
"Indeed." He forces himself to smile. "It is. I'm so glad to see you could make it, Prince Itachi."
Once upon a time, Kakashi had taught the boy how to dance. A fact which might very well come back to bite him in the bloody arse now. While his station was high enough to make the attempt, Itachi's would almost ensure an accepted proposal and he was younger than Kakashi.
"Thank you." He smiles at his mentor serenely. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world though. The scenery is quite splendid."
Wonderful. Itachi was at a bare minimum attracted to Hinata. Not only her crown, but at least her appearance.
"Yes, it is." Kakashi needed a drink. "Will you be participating in the tournament?"
Itachi sighs and shakes his head. "As much as I would like to, I doubt that my parents would consent to it." He pauses for a moment before adding. "Though Sasuke is young and reckless and might opt to join in any case."
Fugaku and Mikoto had two sons. That meant that Sasuke to some degree had more freedom than Itachi. Just how much was uncertain though. King Fugaku and Queen Mikoto would never actually allow him to endanger himself too much.
"I think I should try anyway." Orochimaru smiles. "I'm not so old that I can't participate."
The man was old enough to be Hinata's father. Of course, if the Spanish King did join the tournament, maybe the world would get lucky. Maybe, his horse would throw Orochimaru and that would be the end of him.
"I wish you the best of luck." Kakashi nods diplomatically as he watches Hinata dance with Sasuke.
She seemed to like him well enough. Sasuke's steps while not scandalous were definitely more bold than his own had been.
"She's blushing." Kakashi shakes his head at the fact.
Itachi shakes his head and watches as the dance ends. "I doubt she'll blush with Prince Kankuro." That was likely true. Kankuro seemed like a decent sort, but decent usually didn't cause women to swoon.
As if to prove his point, Sasuke lets go of Hinata and bows to her before Kankuro takes over. A respectable dance was now taking place. Though Kakashi knew that would be far from the end of things. It looked like King Gaara was lurking in the wings as well.
By the time the Sun was beginning to rise in the sky, Hinata was completely and thoroughly exhausted. Luckily, most everyone had either gone to bed or was far too intoxicated to care where anyone, but their lover was going.
So she thought herself safe to slip off into the gardens. "Forgive me, but should the Queen of England really be walking about unescorted at this hour?" Hinata was wrong.
It was King Gaara. Well, at least it wasn't Orochimaru. She'd rarely spoken to the red head before, but he was better than the Spanish King.
"I suppose not." She blushes and tries her best to look contrite. "I just needed some fresh air after all that dancing and merriment though."
Which wasn't hard to do. Hinata was embarrassed at being caught sneaking off. Gaara must think her little more than a poorly behaved child at the moment.
"That's understandable." Gaara offers her a small smile as he strides over to her. "It was a long evening and I know that your position is not an easy one."
His voice was raspy and it was difficult to tell what he was feeling just by the tone of it. Mercifully, the king's smile let Hinata know what was going on in the other monarch's head. Gaara was trying to reassure her.
"You're very kind." Hinata smiles at him.
Perhaps, it was possible that he felt as awkward as she did. Gaara was about her age, if the bluenette remembered correctly. He was hardly skilled in the ways of love or courtship either.
He glances around as if to come up with a suitable topic of conversation. "The rose garden does suit you." Flowers. Yes, flowers were a safe topic. "Particularly, the one in your hair."
The one that Kakashi had given her. On second thought, perhaps the flowers weren't a safe thing to discuss after all. The mere memory of what Kakashi did causes her to blush even more.
"Thank you." She smiles at him. "It was a gift from a friend."
As if to prove that Hinata was cursed, that's when the Queen of England sees some lavender out of the corner of her eye. Damn it. What was she going to do now?
Hanabi tilts her head at Sir Gai in confusion. What was he doing? Was this some new dance?
"Are you alright?" The young princess had never seen anything like this before.
Of course, she had known that people could drink too much and sometimes they did walk strange. Never before though, had she seen someone take it to this extent.
He just grins at her. "I'm wonderful." Well more like wonderfully drunk, but Hanabi knew better than to actually say that.
It would be rude. As a princess, Hanabi knew that it would be wrong of her to be rude to anyone. It didn't matter whether or not, they'd had too much to drink.
"Perhaps, I should have some guards escort you back to your room." She smiles at him kindly.
Gai shakes his head. "Nay, I should check on Kakashi." Hanabi shakes her head at that and sighs.
She couldn't very well leave the man to his own devices like this. So Hanabi would have to go with him. It was just as simple as that.
"I'll go with you." Hanabi smiles at him. "He's probably in the gardens. I've heard that he does love the flowers." Well at least, that's what she could only assume. He had given Hinata a rose.
Gai just grins at her as if that was the most brilliant thing he had ever heard. "Lead on, Princess!" He was apparently too drunk to remember protocol, Hanabi muses with a sigh as the two of them head towards the gardens.
Kakashi chuckles at Hinata's description. "Well, I am honored that you think of me as a friend, Your Majesty." Though he wasn't particularly keen on Gaara wandering through the gardens with Hinata alone at this time of day.
Hinata just squeaks and blushes. The woman's face was now redder than any rose that Kakashi had ever seen. It was quite impressive really. Just how many shades of red could the queen's face turn?
"O-Of course." The queen nods.
Gaara looks uncomfortable. "Well, you do have exceptional taste in roses and in friends." He smiles at Kakashi though. "So I must commend you on that."
The poor kid was trying so hard. Kakashi should just let him try to woo Hinata. He probably would have, if they weren't alone and if he wasn't so damn selfish.
He had thrown his hat into the ring so to speak because he wanted to protect Hinata. "Thank you, but perhaps Your Majesty might wish to retire to your quarters." Kakashi tries his best to sound friendly. "We wouldn't want any disturbing rumors to start up about you and our queen. Walking together…unescorted during the wee hours of the morning will likely send many a tongue wagging."
Normally, he wouldn't be so blunt. Kakashi had no choice though. If he wasn't blunt than Gaara wouldn't leave.
"I suppose you're right." The red head sighs as he looks at Hinata apologetically. "Though couldn't the same be said of him?"
That was a fair point. Damn. Kakashi would need to think quickly.
Luckily, that's when he hears Gai coming towards them and he wasn't alone. Princess Hanabi was with him. Perfect.
"Oh that won't be a problem." Kakashi smiles at Gaara. "It seems that Sir Gai and Princess Hanabi are here."
The French King nods and bows to Hinata. "Well, I believe I shall escort myself to my chambers." He knew when he'd been 'beaten.' "I wish you pleasant dreams, My Lady."
Hinata smiles and nods at him. She did play her part to perfection. The part of a blushing and respectable queen. Though it was unlikely, that the bluenette was actually acting.
"Thank you." Such beautiful eyes, she had. "I wish you the same." It was no wonder that Frenchman was absolutely smitten.
Gaara simply nods and leaves. Well, that was one problem solved. It was such a shame that Kakashi couldn't be alone with Hinata.
He didn't wish to damage her reputation, but it would certainly make things easier. Still, he had gotten the most dances with the queen last night. That had to mean something.
"Did you enjoy the party?" Hanabi smiles at her sister.
The young princess was completely oblivious. That wouldn't last for long though. In a few years, Princess Hanabi would be joining in on The Game as well. Kakashi was sure of it.
Hinata just laughs and smiles. "Oh yes, very much so." Kakashi wasn't fooled though. The light wasn't quite reaching her eyes. "Though I'm afraid that my feet didn't."
The poor woman. How many royals and nobles had stepped on those dainty toes of her? Probably, at least a dozen or so.
No matter how many dancing lessons they were forced to attend, there would always be some with no aptitude for it. Which was an unfortunate fact of life for the noble and royal women of the world.
"Oh that's alright." Gai grins at Hinata. "Kakashi is quite good at giving foot massages, so I'm told!"
Dear Lord, he adored his best friend. Kakashi truly did. That didn't change the reality of the situation though. Hinata looked close to fainting because of his careless words.
"W-What?" The bluenette was now wobbling on her feet. "I'm s-sorry. I must not have heard you correctly, Sir Gai."
Kakashi sighs as he offers Hinata his hand. "Pay him no mind." Now, he had to do damage control. "The hour is far too early and Sir Gai has had entirely too much wine. Please allow me the supreme privilege of escorting you back to your chambers with Princess Hanabi, of course."
Hinata's blush wasn't going anywhere, anytime soon. She truly was an adorable creature.
"I'd like that very much." She nods her head slowly.
Well, that settled it then. Kakashi smiles and offers the queen his arm as three of them head back to her chambers. Gai was left behind, but that would be alright. He could look after the roses while Kakashi moved onto Phase Two.