This chapter was hard to write. I knew exactly where Hinata was going in this chapter, Sasuke not so much.

I hope that this chapter flows and isn't confusing or doesn't suck like I think it does (Sasuke).

This is chapter 3.

Enjoy-I hope.


X.x.X

If someone had told Hinata that she would meet Uchiha Sasuke by hitting his car then would meet him again at the conference in just two days, she would of thought them crazy.

But as she gave a sidelong glance to the man walking next to her, it was no doubt insane and very true. This was not how she expected this day to go-not even close. With a sigh at herself and her luck, Hinata took her seat.

Besides her, there were five other speakers present who were already seated and talking amongst themselves.

"Hello." Hinata greeted politely to them.

They all turned and acknowledged her with a similar greeted before returning to their conversation as if she had never spoken, Well it was better than not receiving an answer at all, which was what she had honestly expected. She was after all a pariah to this world.

Not willing to sit there twiddling her thumbs until the conference actually started, Hinata fumbled through her bag until she found her phone. Taking it out, she searched until she found Ino's name and hurriedly typed:

This is so awkward!

Hinata sat there, waiting impatiently for Ino to reply, her eyes straying to the stage every few seconds to see if Zuri was ready to begin. The vibrations from her phone, she glanced down to see Ino's answer.

It can't be that bad Hina.

Hinata hadn't told Ino about her run in with Sasuke in any of their conversations since the day it happened, she wasn't ever planning to tell her either. Ino was just as much of a fan of his as Kaede was so if her friend was to ever find out, Hinata would never be able to live it down and she really wanted to forget it. Not like she had anyway, her thoughts had a sense of humour and gladly took her back to the accident more often than she would like, which constantly left her in a state of embarrassment.

And he just had to be here today.

Yes, it is… Could it be over? Like... this minute?

She could imagine Ino's amusement with her overdramatic message as she wrote back instantly:

Lol, you'll be fine. How about after work we go to the steakhouse, you me and therunt.

Hinata giggled at the name Ino used for Hanabi, her sister, it was a name she only used when Hanabi had been cheeky to her in some sort of way and it made her wonder what her sister possibly could have said. Hanabi had messaged her earlier before she'd came inside with her usually spunk and confidence in herself and in her that always warmed Hinata's heart. She loved her sister more than anyone else in the world and would do anything for her. So not missing a beat she replied:

Sure.

At least now she'd have something to look forward to and a nice start to her weekend. There was a static sound as Zuri stood on top of the stage checking the microphone. They were ready to start.

I've got to go, it's starting now.

Alright see you at 6.

Turning off her phone, Hinata placed it back in her bag, giving her attention to the stage. It was going to be a very long two hours, as she waited for Zuri to address them and begin. She would be the last speaker, which depending on the person's point of view was either great or terrible, for her it was closer to an in between feeling. Where you rather not be first or last, but in a spot where it all could be over in a flash.

"Good morning to everyone." Zuri said, pausing long enough for everyone to return the greeted before going on. "Thank you for attending the seventieth Business Conference. This year's topic is called "Trying Old Things New". Our speakers today are Toyo Rija of Crystal Empire Limited, Hada Ararta of Hyōton Companies, Chino Naoko from Affinity, Domen Juro from Fujiara and Hyuga Hinata a Business and Literary teacher at the Konoha Academy High."

At the mention of her name, Hinata felt as if the atmosphere changed a little but she paid it no mind. They could take their attitudes and shove them, they weren't going to intimidate her today or any other day. So tuning out of her thoughts, she focused on what Zuri was saying and get herself ready for when it was her turn.

X.x.X

Sasuke was never impressed easily by no one, well besides his brother, whom he worshipped as a child. At that time anything Itachi did was beyond cool to him. His brother could have tied his laces and Sasuke would of thought he had made gold appear out of nowhere.

But Hyuga Hinata impressed him.

Maybe it was the way she stood up to him and to everyone here today. That proud side she showcased like a shield, contrast to the demure stammering woman that now stood in her place.

The conference had ended moments ago and as everyone got into their little groups making their way to the luncheon area, he realised that many didn't make an effort to talk with the ex-heiress even though her speech was the best of them all. The only ones speaking to her were professors from the University and by the looks of it, they were praising her from the pleased flush of her cheeks and the appreciative smile on her lips.

Her speech hadn't been dull or was it an overused concept given the topic of the meeting. It actually had been something old given a brand new twist. It was fresh. She really did know what she was talking about. He'd give that to her.

Of course not many business owners were going to go up to her and talk, they wouldn't want to be associated with the ex-heiress of the Byakugan Enterprises. That may damage their chances to get in with the Hyugas if that was what they wanted, or make bad for them if they had ties already with the business.

As Sasuke watched her from across the room, he assessed her. He didn't know the reasons for her being the ex-heiress and it wasn't his business to know. And curiosity did killed the cat, so it was better he leave it alone. Especially since it would be of little benefit to him in any sort of way.

The question now, was if he was going to stay for the lunch. Sasuke didn't see a need to, not like he had anything to discuss with the people here and he could grab something to eat on his way to the office. Making his decision, he hurried to the room they were serving lunch in search for Nakada When he spotted her, she was in the midst of a conversation with two other men, thankfully she spotted him as he was walking towards them and paused her conversation.

"Is there something the matter Sasuke?" She asked him with a look of concern, the other two gentlemen mirroring her expression.

Sasuke wanted to roll his eyes, instead he replied. "No, I have to get going. I just came to say goodbye."

"Oh," holding her hand out, the Director shook his hand. "Thank you for coming, we were very grateful you could come on very short notice."

Sasuke nodded at her.

"Tell Itachi that I hope to hear from him soon and congratulations in advance."

Giving her another nod, he turned away from her and her companions heading straight for the exit without sparing anyone else another glance.

Outside, Sasuke checked his phone, looking for a call from Itachi or from Ami. Seeing none, he pushed his phone back down in his pocket, getting into his car. He guessed nothing had changed or not someone would have called by now.

Deciding to check in when he got back-just to make sure everything was fine, Sasuke made his way to a diner that made a special tomato dish on Fridays. He was beginning to feel hungry.

X.x.X

Hinata found her sister and Ino sitting patiently in a booth close to a window, Hanabi happily munching on a breadstick as she listened to whatever Ino was saying. She smiled at the sight of them, but mostly at her sister, she hadn't seen Hanabi in two weeks, she missed her.

"Hey." Hinata said slipping into the seat next to her sister who smiled at her.

Ino frowned. "You're late."

"Only by ten minutes."

"She thought you were lost on the way of life."

Hinata giggled and Ino rolled her eyes.

"Shut it runt."

Shrugging her shoulders Hanabi took another stick and munched on it happily.

Yes she was late, she had spent some time after school correcting some of the assignments she had received and of course waiting on some stragglers who were late. She would go easy on them slightly this time, she was feeling great after how this morning went and she was in a lenient mood.

On top of it all it was the weekend. Which Hinata was glad that it had finally arrived after how the later days of this week had gone. In fact, a glass of wine and a pat on the back was the least of what she deserved after such an unpredictable week. Taking a breadstick herself she took a bite of it and hummed with delight. It was tasty, was that cinnamon-she would have to try and make this something.

"So how did it go?" Ino asked her.

"Great," Hinata started taking another bite and Hanabi handed her, her glass of water to swallow it down. "But you know, no one but the professors at the University gave me any feedback."

"Screw those business suit shitheads. We all know your presentation was the best." Ino backed her, her voice slightly higher in her anger.

Hinata shrugged, she knew that was going to happen, it didn't bother her. Not even Sasuke had said anything to her, and she had caught him watching her after it had been over, but when she looked again, he was nowhere to be found and he hadn't stayed for lunch either.

Hinata wished that she hadn't been looking, hadn't been aware of him but she had been. Stupid subconscious.

Changing the subject, Hinata turned to her sister, who was waving down a waiter.

"How is everything at college?"

Hanabi's happy expression fell. "Oh...you know great."

Hinata instantly became worried, however she couldn't ask as a waiter appeared.

"Is there anything I can get you while you decide on what to order?" He questioned handing them their menus.

"I'll just have water." Hinata stated. Hanabi and Ino said that they were good and once the waiter had written her water and left, Hinata attacked her sister.

"Nabi is something wrong?"

Her sister sighed, looking crestfallen which was unusually given Hanabi's personality was just as her name meant-firework.

"Father's is being overbearing again. He's not pleased with my marks demanding I do better . As if Bs aren't good enough."

Hinata frowned, their father had too much of a high horse and was adamant that his children be up to his standards, if they weren't it was always a problem. She had first-hand experience.

"This is the perfect opportunity for a bad joke, but I don't have one." Ino gave Hanabi a crooked smile.

Hanabi gave a small smile. "That's ok, I don't think I want to hear it."

Ino flipped her long blond hair at her and began to browse the menu she was given.

"Barbeque ribs, pizza chips-oh man, I'm going to kill my figure here." Ino whined.

Giggling, Hinata shook her head and Hanabi rolled her eyes, taking a gleeful stab at their blond friend.

"Well...now that you say that, you are getting kind of fat."

"Shut it runt."

Hanabi burst out laughing and so did Hinata. What a perfect start to her weekend.

X.x.X

The loud ringing of his phone woke Sasuke from his sleep. Reaching his hand across his bed to the nightstand he grabbed his phone and wiping some of the sleep from his eyes, he answered.

"What is it?"

Itachi chuckled. "Sorry for waking you Sasuke." Even though he didn't sound sorry at all. When they were younger, Itachi used to just wake him up at times like this, just to annoy him but Sasuke knew this time was different. Itachi sounded happier, even with his brain still three-quarters asleep, but that could just be, because he knew his brother better than most, and understood the different tones to his voice that he had.

"Just calling to let you know, your niece has arrived."

Some of the sleep left his body as Sasuke asked, "How are they?"

There was a proud tinge to Itachi's voice as he reported. "Kasumi and Kaori are doing fine."

Sasuke was glad to hear so. After all though Itachi had played it cool, he knew his brother had been worried sick.

"Director Nakada sends her congratulations."

"Thank you." His brother paused. "You'll be by tomorrow?"

Sasuke yawned. "Do I have a choice."

Itachi chuckled again. "Goodnight Sasuke."

"Hn."

The call went dead on Itachi's end and with another yawn, Sasuke placed his phone back on the nightstand, before reclining on his bed to stare at the ceiling. Now that he was up, he did not feel like going back to sleep. Looking over at his alarm clock to check the time he sighed, it was almost midnight.

Getting up, Sasuke left his room, there was no point in lying in bed if he wasn't going to sleep. He made his way towards his home office, planning to get some work done. He had brought home a few files with him to try and complete this weekend, he could as well make a head start now.

.x.

The bright rays of sunlight found Sasuke at his desk, his head bent over a file oblivious to all around him. It wasn't until the loud pounding and insistent ringing of his doorbell that woke him.

Cursing, Sasuke glared at nothing as he sat up out of his sleeping position. Only one person would beat down his door so early in the morning. Contemplating leaving the dobe out there Sasuke thought better of it, Naruto would just continue to knock until he came and let him in. Wondering what the idiot wanted, Sasuke regretfully went to get the door.

"Teme I need your help!" The blond man screamed just as Sasuke opened the door.

Not in the complete mental state to handle Naruto hysterica, Sasuke turned and went into the kitchen, coffee was needed.

When Sasuke came back into the living room, coffee in hand, Naruto looked like he was about to shit himself. Shaking his head, Sasuke down in his armchair secretly enjoying watching Naruto squirm. Naruto squirming only meant two things-his mother or his girlfriend, Haruno Sakura and since he had been hung up on throwing Sakura a surprise party for her birthday-which was a day away-Sasuke would bet his money that this was the reason.

"Make this quick. I need to get the hospital."

Naruto perked up his nervousness calmly down. "Kasumi had the baby." At his nod, Naruto grinned wide. "Awesome!"

"Yeah, so what have you done or haven't done dobe?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head, "Well I kind of wanted you to come help me set up for Sakura's party, but if you're going to the hospital, I guess I can do it by myself."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "I'll help idiot. After I visit Itachi."

The grateful look on Naruto's face was so comical that Sasuke had to take a sip before he laughed.

X.x.X