CHAPTER 4: LET THE GAMES BEGIN
"I must've lost my mind when I agreed to this insanity," Sasuke buried his face in his hands when Hanabi poured coffee for the two men sitting in front of her.
"Why don't you get dressed, Sas'ke?"
"Why?" Sasuke demanded. "Its not that you've never seen me in boxers before?"
"That's not it," Naruto muttered, pouting childishly at Hanabi.
Sasuke twitched. He threw his arms up in disgust and headed for the bedroom back again.
"Honey bunny, are you sure?" Naruto looked hesitantly at his gorgeous petite looking fiancée. "He's not his best in the mornings, ya know?"
"He will, unless he wants to bow before the Hyuugas," Hanabi smiled as Sasuke came back with a tight black t-shirt and then frowned when she saw that he was still in his boxers. "On his knees, that is."
Naruto sweat dropped.
"Uchiha Sasuke," Hanabi began, eyes glaring fire at the handsome raven haired man. "Is it so very difficult of you to get into your own pants?"
"Shut up brat."
"You can't talk to my fiancée that way, bastard!" Naruto stood up and yell whilst holding Hanabi in his arms.
Sasuke rolled his eyes in exasperation as Hanabi caressed her fiancé's scarred cheeks.
"Whatever it is, I don't care what you're dressed but we have some issues to settle," Hanabi said, removing herself from Naruto's embrace and sat down whilst having her coffee.
This morning is not good. Sasuke thought grimly.
xxx—xxx—xxx
"So, Hinata. What do you think of these, huh?" Tenten asked, wearing a beautiful white pants suit. Showing off her perfect athletic body in front of Hinata who was pushing her glass up on the bridge of her nose, scrutinizing her best friend's choice of attire.
"Very nice, Tenten."
"Nice?" Tenten looked crestfallen.
Hinata rolled her eyes upwards. "Okay, its gorgeous! Sexy! Are you happy now?" Then, she pouted her lips in thought, "I think Lee would love you in a short skirt, Tenten-chan. He really likes your long legs."
Tenten was blushing furiously at her best friend.
"That's brutally dishonest of you, Hinata, and will you stop doing your work while you're out shopping with me?" Tenten retorted, hands on her hips.
"Am not!"
"Yes you are!" Tenten refuted her. "Don't think I didn't hear that awfully familiar ring tone when you get your emails!"
It's a small world after all…..Its a small wor….(Hinata's blackberry ringtone)
Hinata gasped and quickly snatched her sleek silver coloured Blackberry and shut it, giving Tenten a sheepish smile while Tenten rolled her eyes upwards in exasperation.
It was a very rare moment that Hinata was caught in such childish manner. In the corporate world, she was known as the 'Hyuuga Ice Queen'. Not only for her icy cold exterior, but also her icy treatment to the opposite gender. There were many rumours surrounding the Hyuuga heiress. Some say she was hurt badly in her previous relationship because rumours run in the industry saying that she was very different when growing up. Most Hyuugas grew up with Hinata around, and those who worked with the corporation knew her differently than the woman behind the desk. Some said she had turned to lesbianism, because she only hangs out with women, but it remains unfounded.
"Hyuuga Hinata…." Tenten grumbled.
"I only emailed Kiba and Shino, Tenten. You don't have to worry. I'm not working now, am I?"
"I don't trust you, Hinata. Kiba warned me that you'll be out about working the moment I turned my back away, and boy, was he right all along!" Tenten placed both hands on her hips and glared angrily at her pale-eyed best friend.
Hinata grinned at her sheepishly.
"Hiya babes!" Kiba motioned himself through the swinging doorway of the chic boutique and striding towards Tenten and Hinata, looking haggard. "Sorry, I'm late but had to drop Tamaki down at her dad's place. Her morning sickness seemed pretty bad. I never knew how much a woman can throw up in one morning."
"How's your mom?" Tenten asked. "She was pretty much shaken last night."
Kiba groaned. "Urrggh! Don't remind me about it! Mom was pretty much angry with me for not telling her about Tamaki's pregnancy first. She was pretty pissed off that Tamaki's dad gotta know about the pregnancy first."
"I thought I was the second person to find out about the pregnancy?" Hinata raised an eyebrow.
Kiba grinned guiltily. "Sorry 'bout that Hina, but after Mom got pretty pissed at me, I kinda forget which number I was at and yeah, was pretty excited to share the news with y'all!"
"Its all over on your Facebook, you dumb mutt," Tenten showed her iPhone to him.
"Oh! Fuck it!" Kiba gripped his head. "I'm so dead. Tamaki's gonna kill me. I think I was so drunk yesterday I didn't realised it."
Tenten looked at him drily. "Tell me something I don't know."
"God! I hope she won't open her Facebook!" Kiba looked at his iPhone frantically.
"Hey Hinata," Tenten turned to look at the bluenette who stood by looking out at the shop's window. "Oh Hina," Tenten was about to walk to Hinata until Kiba pulled her back.
Biting her lower lip to prevent her tears from falling, Hinata smiled sadly and gazed outside the window display and saw a mother holding her son's hand. The woman suddenly knelt down before the little boy and wiped the ice-cream stains from his chubby cheeks and then the little boy launched himself into his mother's arms after she was done. The image caused Hinata's mind to drift far away, not realising that she put her hand into her bag and pulled out a small blue coloured knitted baby shoe which looked slightly dirty and a bit burnt at the side. She looked at it tearfully and held it close to her heart.
"Let's cheer her up, okay Kiba?" Tenten whispered to Kiba.
Kiba looked at Hinata. For a moment, his expression turned sad, and then he grinned at Tenten. "All the baby talk is hurting her more. Let's go have something to munch. I'm hungry."
"Okay, let's go have lunch. I'll go change first, see you outside." Tenten walked back to the changing room.
"I think I like you better in short skirts. It shows off your wonderful looking legs." Kiba winked at her.
Tenten blushed and hit him hard on the arms. "Pervert!"
Kiba managed to dodge away from Tenten and went to glomped his best friend, hugging her tightly in his arms while she looked at him in shock for about ten seconds, smiled warmly. "Yes Kiba?"
"Lets go have lunch! I'm starving!"
"Okay, what would you like to have?"
"Pizza."
"Again?" Hinata grimaced. "You're as bad as Lee, Kiba!"
"Hey!" Kiba laughed. "Don't lump me with that guy!"
"What's for lunch?" Tenten finally joined them.
"Pizza!" Kiba exclaimed, dragging his friends out.
"Again!" Tenten groaned loudly.
"Awww…c'mon Ten! I've been dying for pizza. Two months in Mist really killed me. I can't keep on having fish and seafood," Kiba looked desperate.
"You need more nutrients Kiba," Tenten pointed out. "At least they don't feed you dogfood!"
"That's just cruel!" Kiba laughed. After walking for about fifteen minutes, they finally reached the pizza place that Kiba frequents. "Finally!"
Getting their seats, Tenten stood up, "I'm going to the ladies. Just order for me."
"Okay Tenten," Hinata smiled and flipping the menu. "I like mine with pineapples."
"Fine by me," Kiba said and called out the waiter to order. After the waiter left with their orders, Kiba looked pointedly at Hinata. "What are you thinking about? Don't tell me its about him again?" His low but dangerous, "I don't know why do you always dwell in the past, Hinata and I swear, it ain't only me, but Shino too. You know we'll protect you from him right?"
"I don't need any protection Kiba. And I'm a little bit wiser now, so I don't need you to protect myself from him. I'm perfectly capable of doing it by myself, thank you."
"You're lying."
"Am not."
"Well, if you're not, what were you thinking about, then?"
"…."
"See? You've just proved my point."
Hinata looked down and fiddled her fingers nervously. Kiba was sure it was a sign of Hinata being nervous and agitated.
Hell...I'll skin the asshole who made her cry. Kiba swore to himself, hating the fact that he wasn't around for some time to protect her like he should have been. Both he and Shino hated themselves for not being there for her. Hinata was like their baby sister, someone he cares so much. Hinata had always been there for him and Shino, the guilt that they both carry till now have always been heavy in their hearts.
Kiba put a hand on her shoulders as Hinata showed him the little baby shoe. Kiba's expression softened as he held his best friend and lending her his shoulders for her to cry on.
"Haruki. My…my darling baby," Hinata whispered softly, burying her face in hands and sobbed softly.
Kiba pulled Hinata into his arms and let her cry softly on his shoulders. "There, there." He patted her shoulders and stroked her head. "Just cry it out, Hinata. There's nothing we can do about it, perhaps we can drop by and visit him, ne?"
Hinata pulled his shirt closer and he just let her tears wet his front. It was a little while later, Hinata's phone rang.
"Yes?" Hinata wiped her tears away with the tissue Kiba handed to her. And then she looked surprised. "What? Yeah, I'm here with Kiba and Tenten at the Pizza Palace." She hung up.
"Who was that?"
"Its Ino. She's back."
Half an hour later:
"Sorry I'm late, darlings!" A very beautiful blonde with long silky straight hair and bright, clear blue eyes dressed in an expensive white mini dress under the thick white fur coat which just screamed murder by PETA.
"Its nothing unusual, Ino," Kiba muttered darkly, gulping down his last remaining glass of juice. "Now," he turned to his girl friends. "Can I have my beer? Please guys?"
"It's his fifth glass of juice," Hinata explained.
Ino raised an eyebrow.
"I can't afford to get him drunk before you arrive," Tenten defended.
"I don't get drunk, Tenten!"
"Well, duuuhhh Kiba! I don't believe that!" Tenten retorted. "And for your information, I know a hell lot about you and your drinking to last a lifetime!"
"Bloody woman!" Kiba rolled his eyes upwards in exasperation.
"I think it's okay for Kiba to have at least one since I'm here!" Ino smiled, taking a seat at the square-shaped table.
"Okay Ino," Tenten said in her calm voice. "What is it soooooooo important that you had us wait for you here?"
Ino grinned at them and looked excitedly.
"And since when you got back from Earth Country?" Hinata asked, sipping her glass of iced water. "I thought you were still busy with your research team and helping Shino out?"
"Well, F-Y-I people," Ino paused. "I'm getting married!"
Everyone looked as if they got stunned by lightning.
Elsewhere:
"And what if it doesn't work?" Sasuke asked, rather testily at the petite but fiery Hyuuga beside him.
"Don't worry!" Hanabi grinned. "It'll work."
"You're so full of yourself, you know that?"
"Its call 'confidence', Uchiha, something you know so well yourself," Hanabi exclaimed gaily. Flaunting her long beautiful dark brown hair like she was in some kind of fancy shampoo commercial hair ad, Hyuuga Hanabi was definitely the definition of sexy beauty.
Petite, sexy and racy, Hanabi became well-known as the next Eva Longoria. Probably the only golden tanned Hyuuga in the clan, the unusual beauty is also a very smart young woman. Barely out from the university, she has managed to clinched one of the world's most eligible bachelor and at the same time, had the whole world watching over her.
"Remember Uchiha, my sister loves flowers. So, don't forget to choose something unique for her."
Great...a flower maniac who practically believes that we're still in the Classical Era... Trying to remember some flowers he frequently gives to his ex-girlfriends. Roses...women just love roses. Yeah! That's a good choice! He snapped his fingers. Feeling pretty good with himself.
Hanabi took that as a cue that Sasuke understood what she said. Naruto just grinned like an idiot at the kitchen bar counter.
"And write something poetic. Onee-chan has first class honours in Literature, so don't make yourself looked like a complete idiot." She paused, tapping a finger on her lower lips. "Although I do believe I need to rephrase that line of thought, now."
Naruto snickered at the corner.
Sasuke glared at his soon-to-be ex-best friend.
Hanabi giggled. "Oh, I'd forgot about that, she did made you look like an idiot that night."
Sasuke rolled his eyes upwards in disgust and sneered at the younger Hyuuga woman before him. Sasuke didn't know why his life felt as if it was cursed the moment he became friends with the blonde idiot who in turn got into a relationship with his family's arch-nemesis, the Hyuugas.
Sasuke has to do something about it. He can't let his best friend commit the worst mistake of his life.
Marry.
A.
Hyuuga.
Shit! If Father finds out about this, it'll be the end for me. Sasuke muttered darkly to himself, thinking about what his father might do or say when he finds out that his youngest son was gallivanting in a club with the Hyuuga heiress. Everyone knows that the Hyuuga and Uchiha don't mix. They are like the complete opposites to one another.
Like the sun and the moon.
Cats and dogs
Butter and margarine.
Thinning his lips, Sasuke was contemplating his next course of action when he finally decided to take into Hanabi's advice concerning her older sister. Yup, her icy older sister.
If getting to the older sister the only way in, it may also be the only way out? Sasuke said to himself. But the memories of dancing and kissing Hinata caused a slight skip of a heartbeat.
What was that!? He demanded himself. An unusual feeling crept all over him. It was like a warm blanket, covering his skin and his heart, well, his heart felt heavy. He has never felt anything like this before.
Never. He looked at his hands and he could still feel the soft satiny feel of her flawless alabaster skin...but, he could never ever forget the cold icy eyes that looked right through him...as if piercing through his soul and left them in tatters.
Uchiha Sasuke was troubled.
Deeply troubled.
He didn't know why, but he felt trouble brewing when it comes to the Hyuuga Ice Queen.
He picked up the Time magazine and stared at the front cover.
It was Hinata in her usual expensive suit that covered her well, emphasizing her hidden curves. Her long beautiful black indigo locks was swept up neatly into a neat chignon at the nape of her neck, showing off her beautiful slender neck which he had the pleasure to kiss, lick and suck. She has the neck of a graceful ballerina.
His corner lips raised up forming a devious looking smirk.
"Which you itched to have your lips over again, huh?" Someone teased him.
Wha? Sasuke was jolted out of his reverie. Beside him was his blond idiotic best friend.
"I noticed you were looking at her neck," Naruto grinned stupidly. "You must've really liked her to think about her this way, huh bastard? And its only been a day since last night!"
Sasuke was clenching his fist as he threw down the magazine.
"My sister is a very busy woman, Uchiha and I sincerely wish you all the best," Hanabi smirked viciously at him. "I don't know why, but seeing you tortured just fill me with happiness and gratification."
Sasuke stood by the doorway of his balcony, with a hand leaning against the wooden panel, he turned around and looked at them, flipping them a finger before leaving.
Naruto looked at his fiancée and wrapped his arms around Hanabi and lead her out of the posh apartment and entered the lift out at the corridor.
"Do you think it's okay with them?" he asked worriedly.
Hanabi sighed. "Let's hope this work."
"But they hate each other! You can see that don't you?" Naruto whined. "I still don't understand why you wanted to help him and at the same time wanting him to lose. Its so pointless."
Hanabi laughed. "That's the fun of it, honey!" She wrapped her arms around his and added, "It is much more fun seeing that bastard lose even if he was helped! What better way to see him on the floor with my sister dominating him? Besides, my sister has reason to hate him."
Naruto looked at her blankly.
Hanabi's eyes softened. "I think there is something more than meets the eye because she's a 'man-hater'."
"I thought she hated all men?"
"Not really," Hanabi paused as they both stepped out from the lift and headed towards the basement carpark. "I noticed she hated 'Uchiha men' more."
"Why do you say that?"
"Look, she is surrounded by men in the office and goes around the world doing businesses with men, but she has never been this aggressive towards anyone since she first met your best friend," she paused. "Onee-chan of course had some nasty encounters with other jerks, but she can handle them easily. I just find it odd that she specifically mentioned 'Uchiha men' so my best guess is that she must've met some of them before."
Naruto thought for a moment, wanting to add something, but shook his head. Reaching the carpark, he entwined their fingers together and pulled her towards his parked car.
"I think you're right, babe," Naruto said, pulling out his keys and pressed the auto button to unlock his blood red Ferrari.
Turning to her blonde fiancé. "What do you think, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto beamed his wide grin and gave a small kiss on his petite fiancée's nose. "Whatever you say, honey. And I think a little snooping might help us to understand a bit of your sister's problem with Sas'ke."
Hanabi giggled, "And you got that right!" And proceeded to give her blond fiancé a deep breathless kiss that got Naruto all weak and knobbly at the knees even when he is sitting.
"I love you, you foxy!"
"I love you too, you firecracker!"
Back at Sasuke's penthouse apartment:
Stupid dumbass for bringing that brat over! Sasuke cursed as he towelled his hair dry. He went to the kitchen to get a glass of juice when he noticed the magazine lying on the kitchen counter.
What is it doing here? He asked himself. Taking the magazine and sneered at it while dumping it into the nearby trashcan. Then, he paused for a moment, obviously thinking about something when it finally dawned onto him.
He went back to the trashcan and picked up the magazine which had Hinata's face on it and proceed to the living room and sat on his expensive Italian made furniture.
Sasuke put down his glass of juice and began flipping through the magazine, reading about the infamous Ice Queen who had given him the boot in one of the hottest new spot in town. Reading the available information about Hinata, Sasuke could not help but smirk.
There were none.
"I guess I'd have to listen to that skinny little brat now, eh?" he said to himself as he flipped through the magazine and then chunk it back on the glassy looking coffee table.
He looked back at the front cover. The picture of her face somewhat irritated him, but at the same time, he couldn't help the rushing feeling, churning around his body. Then, he remembered last night.
He smirks, thinking about how perfect it feels like to have her in his arms. Slowly touching his own cheek, Sasuke also remembered how she looked at him.
Anger.
Fury.
Hate.
Pain….pain?
A thousand images and ideas went through his head, wondering why was her eyes filled in pain. But nonetheless, he cannot deny the power that woman has on him. He must admit, she was indeed very beautiful and that was something he felt odd. It was like something was wrong with the picture.
But what is it?
Why did it bother him so much? Sasuke shook his head again.
"Damn it," he muttered angrily.
Why was last night left such an impact on him? And how can it be because of one furiously beautiful woman? Sasuke shook his head. Obviously disappointed in himself at the thought of one woman he totally dislikes, but at the same time, he desired her.
Sasuke felt a warm rush of feelings slowly colouring his pale cheeks. He knew he was blushing and the realisation hit him like a tonne of bricks!
He jumped up from his seat and looked up, yelling, "Why are YOU doing this to me? What have I ever done to YOU?! Sasuke demanded out loud, hating the fact that he personally desires Hinata.
LOVE COMES IN MANY WAYS, SASUKE...OFTEN IN WAYS MYSTERIOUS TO MANKIND...
Sasuke rolled his eyes upwards in disgust, wondering why the Divine One had to be cryptic at times such as this.
This. Is. Not. Love.
THE FIRST SIGN IS DESIRE...AND YOU DESIRE HER, DON'T YOU, SASUKE?
Do. Not. Desire. Her.
YOU ARE IN SELF-DENIAL, SASUKE...(chuckling)
I'm not in self-denial...and You're annoying!
I KNOW SASUKE...AND I CARE FOR YOU TOO...
I. Hate. You.
AND. I. LOVE. YOU.
That's disgusting...
But there was no reply, although Sasuke could've sworn that he heard someone chuckling somewhere.
Hyuuga Tower: Hinata's Penthouse Office
Achooo!
Hinata sneezed.
"Oh, someone is thinking about you, Hinata-sama?" A young woman in dark brown ponytail asked, obviously giggling at her boss's blank expression.
"That's ridiculous, Minami," Hinata replied, throwing away the tissue into the dustbin beside her huge desk. "Who would be thinking of me at this godforsaken time?"
Minami giggled. "Of course, Hinata-sama! There's only one! And he never forgets you by sending you fresh white roses every year without fail!"
Hinata raised an eyebrow and muttered drily, "He is just a close friend, Minami and we were childhood friends, nothing more than that and I knew him since I was five years old for heaven's sake!"
"Very well, whatever you say, Hinata-sama," Minami giggled again. "Is there anything else you'd like me to do or get for you?"
"Yes, I want all the emails sent out within the hour and get hold of my sister to represent my father to the board meeting in London," Hinata said. "Also, get the PR to send me the list of invited guests, I'd like to go through them before I leave to Suna for a meeting."
"Yes, Hinata-sama. Anything else?"
"Before I forget," Hinata said, sighing a little, she took off her spectacles and pinched the ridge of her nose. "Tell Gorou-san that I will be driving back today, and he can just go home straight away."
"Any messages?" Hinata asked her secretary as she flipped through the folder.
"Oh, your father, Hiashi-dono have left a message and reminding you to come home for dinner."
Hinata sighed a little harder. Thinking about what her father is going to say to her. Dinner has always been quiet and a little formal in the Hyuuga Household, especially when the patriarch Hyuuga Hiashi presides the huge dining table.
"Minami, get my Valentino black dress ready by 6 o'clock," Hinata said, dumping the folder on her massive mahogany handmade oak desk.
"Yes of course, Hinata-sama," Minami said, still sitting down in front of Hinata.
"Is there something bothering you, Minami?"
"Hmmm...I was just wondering Hinata-sama," Minami said, putting down her notebook. "He is kinda late for this year's delivery, ne?"
"What?" Hinata was puzzled by Minami's question.
"I mean, your roses, Hinata-sama."
Hinata blushed slightly and sighed. "Minami..."
"Okay! Okay! I know! Its none of my business!" Minami said. "But its nice seeing you smile now and then, Hinata-sama."
"Minami..." Hinata gave her a pained look.
"Yes Boss!" Minami saluted and then walked towards the door stopping a short while and giggled at the sweat dropped Hinata.
After Minami closes the door, Hinata sighed softly and took off her spectacles, walking towards her comfy looking office sofa, she lay down across and sighing deeply, trying to catch a few minutes of shut eye that she did not hear someone entered the office.
Gazing down at the sleeping woman and noticed how long her eye lashes were. Her cheeks were slightly pink and he was surprised that she wasn't wearing much make-up except for the eyeliner and gloss. He has been surrounded by women and make-up artists, and he knows the difference. He crossed his arms across his broad chest and placed a finger at his lower lip. He knew he dislike this woman...but something...something about her that was so intriguing which he could not put a word on.
It took him almost the whole day to make a decision. And he hoped he wasn't wrong.
He smirked...because suddenly, he has a brilliantly devious scheme building up in his mind.
Alright Sasuke, you know you can do it. Getting her all riled up. Sasuke chuckled softly as he leaned nearer to Hinata's face and inhale soft scent of lilac and lilies.
"Hmmm...sleeping on your job now, Miss CEO?" A very seductive male voice whispered huskily in her ears.
Hinata immediately was jolted out of her nap and glared into a pair of black obsidian eyes.
"You!" Hinata shrilled at the sudden intrusion and got up before pointing a finger accusingly at him.
"Yes?" He smirked seductively at her.
Hinata was seething. The man who so blatantly took advantage of her on the dance floor was standing right before her. Dressed impeccably in black turtleneck sweater and dark grey suit jacket and straight cut black slacks screaming Armani all over. Hinata have to admit.
He was gorgeous.
Gulping nervously, she reached out for her spectacles and put them on. Her cold pearly orbs gazed icily at him.
Crossing her arms, she demanded, "What are you doing here? I can get you arrested for illegal trespassing."
He took a seat in front of her and professionally crossed his legs. "I did not trespass, little one. I have a visitor's pass."
Hinata: Note to self: Remind Security to ban a certain Uchiha from entering the premises.
She narrowed her eyes at him and glared openly. Just like him. All spawns of Uchiha are the same bastards. Hinata muttered darkly to herself. Hating every inch of the gorgeous male model before her, wondering what is he doing in her office.
"Can't I drop by and meet the most enchantingly sexy dancer I have ever known?"
Hinata rolled her eyes upwards in disgust. "That's pure stupid coming from you, do you know that?"
"I know its cheesy, but if it works, why not using it?"
"Idiot."
"But that's why you like grinding up against me and suck my face off, ne, Princess?" Sasuke winked at her.
Hinata was horrified.
Downright horrified. How dare he mock me!
"How...how...dare...you!" Hinata was seething.
Sasuke was clearly pushing her buttons. "Wouldn't it be different if the two of us just get together and forget all about this family feud? I mean, we can be Romeo & Juliet. Imagine that? People would talk about our love. For . All. Eternity."
Hinata was twitching like mad.
And secretly, Sasuke was liking it. He has seen countless of women being pissed off after he leaves them. He usually felt bored with those women and it felt like a routine to him, but this woman before him was...different.
And Uchiha Sasuke likes a challenge. He revels in them. No women have ever denied him
And secretly, he was happy he took on Hanabi's challenge.
"Get. Out." Hinata said, pointing towards the door.
Sasuke's deep black pools looked at her. He felt rather amused by Hinata's display of anger, but when he saw how she frowned without looking at him, that showed something different.
Pain.
Sasuke frowned slightly and stood up. Putting his hands in his pocket, he strode over to Hinata.
She looked at him. With fury lacing in her eyes.
"Don't. Come. Near. Me." Hinata hissed but he stepped closer to her until her back touches the glass window.
Hinata was about to scream when Sasuke placed a hand over her mouth. "If you scream, people would be running in here. Your pride and reputation will be at stake if they found you right in my arms. Do you want that?"
Hinata froze. It was as if all her blood had gone down the drain.
"Now, do you want to scream or not?" Sasuke loved every minute of it. It seemed to him that getting on Hinata's nerves and weak points wasn't so bad at all. But something was bothering him as he took another step closer.
Hinata looked away, biting her lower lip nervously.
"Are you in pain?"
Hinata looked...surprised and turned to look at him. The pale eyes glared right through his soul.
"That...is none of your bloody business," she replied icily, without looking at him.
Hinata felt his hand pulled up her chin to look into his face, "Your eyes showed it all."
Hinata slapped his hands away and walked a few steps away from him.
"Leave."
"No."
"No?"
"No."
"Why are you being so insistent?" She demanded. "Why don't you just go back where you came from and stopped bothering me you fool!" Glaring at him furiously, "Unless you want another punch to that…that face of yours."
"Does my bastard face affect you so much?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"Very. Extremely. Totally. Absolutely."
"Glad you liked me too." He started to grin wickedly.
"Why are you here? And what the hell do you want from me?"
"How about lunch? Just the two of us."
"No."
"No?"
"No."
"Isn't there another word you can use besides 'no'?"
"Never."
"Okay, wrong question," he paused briefly. "How about dinner?"
"Never."
"Never?"
"Ever."
"Never ever?"
"Never ever."
"Aren't we a bit repetitive here?"
Hinata just glared at him. "Uchiha-san, if you have any problems, I suggest you take it outside to the mental asylum. And if you have any problem understanding what I am saying, I suggest you go back to school and repeat your ABCs."
"I understand you very well, Hi-Na-Ta."
Hinata cringed at the sound of Sasuke trying to be affectionate with her, as she raised an eyebrow at him.
Truth be said, Sasuke was having fun 'torturing' the Hyuuga Ice Queen. Seeing her cringe and glare at him was fun! He'd never thought that he would have this much fun, since this morning when he had a rude wake up call.
Hinata swung around to face him. "Don't you have a hole to crawl back into?"
Sasuke strode back to the chair and slumped down. Feeling wholesomely satisfied that he managed to rile up the notorious Hyuuga Hinata.
"Well, what would you say the two of us share that little hole?" He purposely winked at her.
Hinata looked as if she is going to vomit blood.
"I want to vomit blood," Hinata muttered darkly. She couldn't believe what Sasuke was proposing!
"I'm inviting you to dinner."
"No."
"No?"
"No."
He smirked. "Doesn't this sound familiar to you?"
"I don't go out with assholes like you," Hinata said, going back to her chair and glare at him from behind her spectacles. "And F-Y-I, you're the one whose being repetitive and it does not come from me."
He put his hands on the table and leaned forward closer to Hinata. "I'm making amends to you, and you're breaking my heart by not accepting my apologies?"
"You? Apologising?" Hinata laughed out loud. "I thought it was the end of the world that a Uchiha coming to apologise to a Hyuuga!"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow and leaned forward.
Oh Kami... He sighed to himself. Why it has to be this woman out of all other women?
"I thought you were known to throw off your fangirls and ignoring the female species?" She questioned him back, leaning back on her leather chair.
"I see," he sat back down on the chair, never leaving his gaze off her. "You've been checking me out, haven't you?"
Oh Kami….. She muttered darkly. Why it has to be this man out of all other men?
"You can say its some form of safety precaution?" She replied coolly, but trying very hard to keep calm at how vanity seemed to be Sasuke's dominant character.
"Against all men?"
"Isn't that obvious? Or you're totally as dense as that blond idiot?"
"I guess the Hyuuga Ice Queen serves up her reputation very well, huh?" He remarked, noticing how her eyebrows arched so perfectly well on her flawless alabaster porcelain face. If only her body could arch like that...Oh Hinata, two can play that game as well... Sasuke was thoroughly enjoying himself. This was one battle he cannot afford to win.
"How about Italian? Do you like Italian?"
"No."
"Chinese?"
"No."
"Indian?"
"No."
"Mexican?"
"No."
"Japanese?"
"No."
"Korean?"
"No."
"So, what is your favourite? I know you have sweet tooth and I'm sure restaurants around Konoha are able to accommodate your taste for desserts."
"I. Don't. Eat. Out."
"Why don't you say so?" Sasuke grinned. "Well, well, well, I didn't know you're the homely kind of person. So, how about my place? Your place would be fine as well..."
"Get out of my office, Uchiha before I throw you out from my building!" Hinata had her patience tried.
Suddenly, the door knocked and Minami entered with a cloth bound package.
"I'm sorry Hinata-sama, but I've re-heated your bento box. Shall I put it here on the counter?"
Hinata nodded her head.
"Oh, you've made your own lunch?" Sasuke opened the bento box and looked into its content. "Tomatoes!" Then, he turned and looked at her. "You make your own bento?"
"Hai! Hinata-sama is an excellent cook!" Minami answered for Hinata.
Hinata: Note to self: Remember to remind Minami who does she work for.
"Minami…" Hinata warned, but Minami wasn't aware of Hinata's icy glare at her as she was busy ogling at Sasuke who winked at her.
"Uhh…Uchiha-sama," Minami began. "Is it okay if I have your autograph?"
Sasuke looked at her. "Sure!" He signed on her notebook.
Minami blushed and added, "You know, Hinata-sama makes wonderful onigiri and is a wonderful cook as well!"
Both Minami and Hinata sweat dropped as they looked at the Uchiha attacking Hinata's grilled tomatoes.
Hinata: Note to self: Remind Minami to hide her bento box from everyone, especially Uchiha Sasuke.
What happened next caught Hinata entirely under surprise.
Sasuke was openly and shamelessly flirting with her secretary! She saw how he made Minami blush and laughing openly with her as he put his hands on the wall facing the girl. Hinata didn't know why, but she could feel burning rage inside of her that leashed out to that shameless man.
This...this is the reason why I hate all men...they are all...liars... Hinata could feel fresh hot stinging tears touching her eyes as she re-called somewhat a familiar scene.
SLAAMMM!
Hinata slammed both hands on her table and yelled out loud.
"For the last time Uchiha...get...the...hell...out...of...MY...office!"
Hinata have never felt this infuriated at a man before since...a long time ago. She hyperventilated at the well-known flirtatious playboy, Hinata felt downright sick as images of her past flashback at her at distorted pace.
"I've never loved you."
"But I've always loved you!"
"You don't even know what love is. And I don't fall in love with childish immature girls like you, Hinata. You're not even close to pretty in my standards." He laughed right in front of her face.
"Bu...but...yo...you...you said..."
"They are just words, Hinata. It is to get you to agree to give me your virginity and of course, whose virginity other than the Hyuuga heiress?" he smirked maliciously.
Hinata could feel her heart torn to shreds... A part of her ended when she recalled back how heartbroken she was when she found out she was not loved, but used by a ruthless and heartless man she once loved.
Hinata grasped the table, as her memories came flooding back. Tears began to pour down her cheeks when the next thing she knew, everything went black.
Sasuke quickly grabbed her in his arms. He felt bad about everything now.
No.
Terrible.
He shouldn't have done that.
Why flirt with Minami right in front of Hinata? Why am I such an idiot?
"Minami, go get for help. I'll carry her to the sofa," Sasuke ordered.
"Yes sir!" Minami looked shock. "We have an infirmary at the ground floor and a licensed pharmacist working now. I'll be back!"
"Good," Sasuke felt relieved and set Hinata down on the sofa which she dozed off not long ago. He felt her pulse and it was there. "Oh god. This can't be happening."
"Hinata?" A manly voice called out. "Why is your office door open? And where are your staff?"
Sasuke turned to look and found a pair of white Hyuuga eyes staring at him. An old man in a wheelchair. "Who the hell are you? And what have you done to my daughter?"
Shit can't get any real than this. Sasuke knew he's screwed.
-TBC