Fatherhood
Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews. Yes, I made Hiashi nicer in this story than I usually do. Lol, I really have been too mean to him. Fainting Sasuke seems to be a hit as well. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter Notation: Akemi is an OC Hyuga Branch Member. She's not central to the plot. She's more or less a maid. Miryoko is also an OC Branch Member. I just wanted to give everyone a jealous Hinata scene. In this chapter, we begin to see the transition from pretend relationship, to real one.
Chapter Four
Hinata quickly changes as the Branch Member goes around the room, tidying up here and there. Honestly, there wasn't much to tidy up, other than remaking the bed. But she had to stay there for a few minutes anyway. Hiashi wouldn't be pleased if she walked in and out quickly, he'd think she was slacking.
"What's the new Lord like?" Akemi asks curiously.
"You mean Sasuke?" Hinata asks uncertainly and the other woman nods her head in confirmation.
"Oh. Quiet. Strong, really strong. Adaptable." She answers.
"That's not terribly specific, Lady Hinata. But I can see why you like him. He does have a handsome face and it seems he has TWO large swords." She says with a giggle, obviously referring to his weapon and well…his other "weapon."
"I can't believe you all did that! Do you know how embarrassed he's going to be if he finds out that you all…violated his privacy like that?!" Hinata demands with a blush.
"It was just some harmless fun, My Lady. Besides, begging your pardon…but I think he has more important things on his mind." Akemi says and lightly touches Hinata's stomach.
"Well that's true. Just…tell the other women not to do it again. I don't really like…when others look at him so intimately." Hinata mumbles.
"Of course, My Lady. I will let them know." The Branch Member assures her.
"Thank you." Hinata says and sighs in relief.
She could only imagine what Sasuke's reaction would be if/when he found out. He was far from the most trusting person to begin with. While their intentions had been purely playful, it was still a pretty major violation of trust. The bluenette wasn't sure that he'd find much humor in it.
"What kind of lover is he?" The other woman asks and Hinata's face turns the darkest shade of red imaginable at that question.
"Forgive me, My Lady. I did not realize that you were still so shy." Akemi mumbles and bows her head apologetically.
Meanwhile Hiashi sighs. He picks up Sasuke and carries him discreetly back to his room. He did feel somewhat guilty. Honestly though, he assumed that Hinata would have told him that she was expecting twins. That was bound to be quite the interesting discussion once Sasuke woke up.
"Akemi, you may leave now." Hiashi tells the Branch Member and she quickly scurries off.
"Sasuke!" Hinata cries out in concern when she sees Sasuke was lying, unconscious in her father's arms.
"He is alright. Sasuke fainted is all." He explains and sets the young man on the bed.
"Sasuke…fainted?" She asks in disbelief.
"Yes, I was having a discussion with him. I inquired if you had discussed potential names for the babies yet. You…failed to inform him you are expecting twins. The shock of such a revelation caused him to pass out." He states simply.
"Oh no. I just wasn't sure how to tell him. Do you think he'll be angry?" Hinata questions nervously.
"I think he's in shock more than anything. He's a first time father to children he didn't knowingly sire. I believe the fact that now he knows that he sired two children just was a shock to his system. Sasuke will be fine. He's a ninja. He'll adapt." Hiashi reassures her.
"I hope so." She murmurs.
"I shall leave you two alone. When he awakens, I imagine you have much to discuss." Hiashi says and heads off.
Sasuke woke up to the scent of jasmine and lavender. There was something soft and silky brushing against his arm. His eyes opened enough to realize that it was hair. He looks around and notices Hinata was hovering over him in concern.
"Hinata?" He asks in confusion.
"You're awake! I'm so sorry. I just didn't know how to tell you about the twins." She says in a rush.
"Hinata, do you think I'm angry with you?" Sasuke asks.
"Yes. No. Maybe? I don't know." She mumbles.
"Why would I be mad? I wanted to restore my clan. This isn't how I pictured doing that, but it still counts. I was…shocked. But I'm not angry with you. There's no reason to be. It's not like you chose this." Sasuke says and shocks her by caressing her cheek.
"I don't know. I'm just glad you aren't upset." She says and sighs in relief.
"Believe me, when I'm upset, you will know it. You shouldn't worry about such things. It's not good for you or the baby. I mean the twins." He corrects himself.
She just nods. Sasuke shakes his head. He gently pulls her down by the arm and pushes her onto her back, before placing the blankets over her. He nods as if pleased about this and brushes the bangs out of her eyes.
"You should be resting anyway." He says firmly.
"Sasuke, I'm only two weeks along. I don't even feel any different." Hinata says.
"Hinata, I'm not a medic. But I'm going to assume that a twin pregnancy is harder on a woman than a regular pregnancy is." He says.
"Well…that makes sense." She mumbles.
"Exactly. So take it easy." Sasuke tells her.
"Has anyone ever told you that you are a little bossy?" Hinata asks in amusement.
"No. Not really. Though Naruto calls me a bastard a lot." Sasuke says with a shrug.
"You aren't." She says.
"You're sweet. I wonder if they'll take after you in that respect." He muses.
"That reminds me." Hinata murmurs.
"Reminds you of what?" The dark haired man asks.
"If they take after you, we are going to need to fireproof EVERYTHING." She says.
"…" Sasuke is speechless and just nods, it was a fair point.
"I can only imagine if one of them has a temper tantrums and starts spitting fireballs everywhere." She says.
"Hinata, it's flattering that you apparently think that my clan's children are just born breathing fire and everything, really it is. But we aren't. We have to be taught the fireball jutsu. It doesn't just happen naturally." Sasuke says.
"Oh. Good." She says with a nod.
"So it's highly unlikely we are going to have two toddlers running around, breathing fire during their Terrible Twos or anything like that." He states.
"I'm a fire and lightning affinity like you." Hinata says.
"Really?" Sasuke blinks.
"Uh huh. I just don't use those types of jutsus much." She explains.
"Why not?" The Uchiha inquires.
"Most Hyugas aren't fire or lightning affinity. There are a lot of water chakra types in our clan. There are quite a few earth affinities. There's some wind affinities. But fire and lightning are pretty rare. It stands out too much. Conflicts with our natural style of fighting." She elaborates.
"Hinata, you shouldn't hide your affinities. It's rare in your clan, so what? That just makes you special." He tells her.
"It's not like I'm hiding them. I just don't mention them much. My clan knows my affinities." The bluenette states.
"Good. But you really should get some rest." Sasuke informs her.
"Sasuke, I'm fine." Hinata protests.
"Your mother is surprisingly stubborn." The former S Class Criminal says as he glances down at her stomach, as if he was actually having a conversation with the twins.
"I am not!" Hinata says.
"See?" Sasuke continues this "conversation."
She smiles at this surprisingly playful side of her…well whatever Sasuke was to her at the moment. She eeps when she feels Sasuke nudge her until she was laying on her side. The bluenette looks back at him questioningly.
"There weren't many pregnant women at the Sound. But there were a few. Kabuto is a creep. But he's a damn good medic. He apparently thinks that massages help." He states.
"You want to give me a mass-age?" She squeaks.
"Yes. Well if you want me to. I'm not going to press the issue, if you're uncomfortable. You'll still have your clothes on." He assures her.
"It's okay. I was just a little surprised. You aren't really the most…cuddly person." She says.
"For you, I can make an exception. You need to relax. Stress is NOT good for you or them." He states and glides his hand along the curve of her back lightly, as if testing to see what her response would be.
Seeing that she wasn't protesting, he slides his hands underneath her shirt. Her skin felt like silk. How the Hell did she get it to be this soft, he wondered. He felt her shiver but it didn't seem to be from fear or any real protests, so he kept going.
"That feels nice." Hinata murmurs.
"Good." Sasuke says and begins tracing circles into her back and kneading out the various knots where he found them.
"Mhm." She mumbles and closes her eyes, sighing quietly in pleasure.
He'd held her briefly in front of the others. But this was the first time that Sasuke had ever really touched her for an extended period of time. He was…gentler than she expected.
The former Criminal Ninja was almost tentative in his touch at first, as if he was unsure if she was going to protest. Though she noted, he was growing more confident with each passing minute.
"How's that?" He asks.
"Good." She mumbles and leans into his touch.
He had large hands. They were warmer than most people's. It felt like he had placed them under an electric blanket or warmed them by a fire. There was something very sensual about his natural body heat. His skin was rough or at least the skin on his hands were. She figured that this was probably because he had held lightning in his hands so many times, that it had naturally cracked a bit. But she found she liked the rough texture combined with the gentle touch. It was all very soothing.
Sasuke smiles. That was better. He could feel her relaxing into his touch. He slides his hands over his side and onto her stomach. Hinata giggles at his. Sasuke smirked. It seemed like someone was ticklish. Good to know.
"That tickles." She giggles more and squirms.
"Good." He says and for some reason found that reaction rather endearing.
He wasn't sure when exactly his hands moved further north than they should have. Maybe it was only natural. He was laying in bed next to a beautiful woman. Hormones and curiosity were bound to take over at some point. He heard her gasp when his hands found her satin clad breasts.
Yep. Still large, warm, and squishy. Those were definitely natural. Sasuke decides she wasn't protesting and squeezes lightly, drawing a moan and an adorable blush from Hinata. How could tell that she was blushing because apparently her blushes extended even to the back of her neck.
"You're adorable." He murmurs and rolls her so she was facing him before brushing his lips against his.
He wasn't really sure what made him do it. She was just so damn cute. Maybe it was her moan. Maybe it was just the way she felt in his hands. But he acted on instinct. Sasuke was shocked when she kissed back. Shyly, but it still counted.
Her lips were soft as rose petals against his. She tasted like vanilla and honey. Sweet, innocent, and unassuming. He normally didn't like sweet things, but he liked the way her kiss tasted. Without thinking about it, he pushes her onto her back and continues kissing her, deepening it.
"Mmm." Hinata moans into the kiss and wraps her arms around his neck.
His lips were like his hands, surprisingly gentle, but rough at the same time. The bluenette hadn't been aware that kisses had flavors before. But his did. Definitely, cinnamon. It was hot, without being too intense. He was so warm and she liked the way that he could completely cover her and then some. There was something undeniably masculine about it.
"Big sister, father wanted to know if Sasuke woke up yet." Hinata hears Hanabi's voice and she blushes scarlet.
Hanabi hadn't bothered to knock. Thankfully they were still dressed. But still, she felt her face burning a brilliant shade of red.
"Oh. Yes, he's definitely up. Well…now we know how you got pregnant." Hanabi says sassily.
"Hanabi…next time knock." Sasuke says.
"Okay!" She says with a smile.
"Did he need something?" The now sexually frustrated Uchiha asks.
"Oh mostly he just wanted to make sure you were okay and if you are, he wanted to know if you felt up to training with him. I think he wants to try to train you in our fighting style." She says.
"Yeah. Tell that I'll meet him at the training grounds in about twenty minutes." Sasuke says and Hanabi dutifully darts off.
"Twenty minutes?" Hinata asks.
"Shower." He says simply.
"Ohhh." The bluenette says.
"It's completely your fault that he has to wait." Sasuke tells her and heads into the bathroom, leaving a very flustered Hinata behind.
Is he actually, doing THAT? Hinata wondered. She bites her lower lip which was still tingling from the feeling of his lips against hers. Had she really excited him that much?
A few minutes later, she found out that apparently yes, she had. That's when she heard Sasuke mutter some very colorful swear words as he came. At least that's what Hinata figured happened. She wasn't about to use her Byakugan to peek. That would be wrong. Very wrong.
"I'll be back later and I'm not angry. I…liked it." He whispers in her ear before heading off in a white male kimono.
She blushes and nods. He must have known that she would agonize over what just happened. It was nice of him to offer reassures in his own way. But she still didn't know what she was going to do about any of this.
Sasuke makes his way to the training grounds. It had almost been worth the embarrassment of implicitly admitting what he'd done in that damn shower, to see Hinata's reaction. She was just so easily flustered. It amused him.
"There you are. How are you feeling?" Hiashi asks when he sees Sasuke approaching.
"Better. It's a lot to take in. I was just…shocked. I'm happy about it though." He says.
"And I suppose the 20 minutes it took for you to reach me, also had a lot to do with you feeling better." He chuckles.
"…" Sasuke is speechless, he didn't know how to respond to that.
"Hanabi told me that she saw you and Hinata kissing in a rather heated fashion. A long good bye?" He asks.
"Something like that…" He mutters.
"I suppose it is only natural. You are sharing a bed and you are the father of her children. It's natural that you would feel…close to her and that would express itself physically at some point. However, if you upset her in any way or push it beyond what she is comfortable with, the twins will be the ONLY children you ever sire. Have I made myself clear?" He asks.
"Crystal." Sasuke says and he actually fights back the impulse to gulp at that rather…vicious threat.
"Good. I believe it is important that you understand the basics of our Clan's fighting style. They'll respect you more if you make an effort to blend in." He states.
"Alright." Sasuke says and the next several hours pass in a blur of training.
Sasuke had three things going for him. The Sharingan which allowed him to copy the techniques, his speed, and he was naturally graceful. Unfortunately, his chakra type was much more aggressive than the was generally suitable for these types of technique. He also…while flexible, was not anywhere near as flexible as Hyugas, apparently. Owe. Sasuke was positive that those muscles should NEVER be bent or stretched in such a fashion.
"You did well. You'll of course have to start a flexibility training regime. But you did better than I anticipated." He says.
Sasuke just nods. He didn't trust himself to speak at the moment. If he did he knew a string of curses would likely come out. Fuck! That was painful.
"A hot bath will likely help a great deal." He advises and Sasuke nods, deciding to take the older man's advice.
He heads to the baths and strips, getting in the water. He notices one of the other Hyugas came in a few minutes later. He guessed she was probably a Branch Member. She seemed to be cleaning.
Sasuke wasn't too worried for his modesty though. The bubbles were piled rather high. He closes his eyes and enjoys a nice, hot soak.
"Hello, Lord Sasuke. Can I get you anything? I am Miryoko." She says.
"Hello. No. I'm fine." Sasuke says, not even bothering to open his eyes at this point.
The hot water felt so good against his sore muscles. Ah this was paradise. He was definitely staying in the baths until his skin wrinkled like a prune.
"You must be thrilled about the child." She says.
"Very." Sasuke replies and figures she'd go away soon.
"It is common practice for the Clan Head to have a wife and a mistress, sometimes more than one mistress. As you want to restore your clan, I imagine having multiple lovers would make it much easier for you to accomplish that task." She says.
Meanwhile, Hinata decides to go enjoy the clan baths. That's when she noticed that Sasuke was there and so was Miyoko. Hinata didn't know her well. She just knew that she was a Branch Member and definitely considered one of the most beautiful women in the Clan.
"It is common practice for the Clan Head to have a wife and a mistress, sometimes more than one mistress. As you want to restore your clan, I imagine having multiple lovers would make it much easier for you to accomplish that task." She overheard her say and immediately Hinata felt…a surge of white hot anger that shocked her, she waits to see what Sasuke would do though.
"If that's supposed to be some kind of offer, I'm flattered. But I'm perfectly happy with one woman." Sasuke says and opens his eyes, realizing that apparently this was going to merit actual effort on his part.
"You sure? Two women can have a lot more children than one. I'd raise my status. Our children would be Main Branch Members." She says.
"I'm positive." Sasuke replies.
"Perhaps, you just need to think it over more?" She asks and Hinata notices her hand went underneath the bubbles.
It didn't take a genius to realize where her hand went. Sasuke's expression said it all. That…slut was trying to give him a hand job!
"I said no. I realize that things might be different in your Clan. But MY Clan believed in monogamy." He says and removes her hand, holding it above the water.
Hinata was relieved. She honestly didn't know what to expect. Sasuke didn't strike her as the unfaithful type. He had never been interested in anyone before that she knew of. But he did want to restore his Clan and such arrangements were considered fairly normal in her Clan. Though Hiashi likely would have killed him if he took Miryoko up on her offer.
"He said no. Now leave!" Hinata says, walking over to them.
Sasuke blinks. Was that Hinata? He'd compared her to freshly fallen snow before. But now she was a blizzard and her voice was pure ice. He'd never actually seen Hinata angry before. It was…scary.
"My apologies, Lady Hinata. I meant no offense." She says.
"Not accepted. Leave!" Hinata says and strikes her with a very much NOT gentle fist, sending her flying outside of the bathing chamber, slamming the door behind her.
"Hinata?" Sasuke asks.
Hinata suddenly looks at her feet. From roaring lioness to meek kitten in under two seconds. That was impressive.
"She just made me so angry. How could she do that?" She mumbles.
"She just saw an easy way to increase her status." Sasuke tells her.
"I guess. But as far as she knows you're mine. I can't believe she would go behind my back and try to seduce you like that." She says.
"Don't worry about it. I'm not interested in her anyway. I have to admit though, a part of me kinda liked seeing you get jealous." Sasuke confesses.
"You did?" Hinata asks in confusion.
"Yes. Why don't join me? We still have to…figure out what we are." He offers.
"Can you shut your eyes, so I can get in?" She requests.
Sasuke just nods. He shuts his eyes. If she was too shy to be naked around him, well he'd indulge her. Soon enough, he hears the sound of her clothes hitting the floor and the water move when she joined him.
"You can open your eyes now." She says and Sasuke does.
"Hiashi says that I did well. But I need to do flexibility training. I don't know how your Clan can bend that way. It's not natural." Sasuke informs her, trying to break the ice.
"We start our flexibility training at age three. We are just used to it. I imagine you must be very sore." She says.
"You have no idea. The hot water feels great though." He replies and relaxes.
"That's good. I know it can be very hard to adjust to that type of training at first." The bluenette tells him.
"About earlier. I didn't plan it. You know that right? I wasn't, I'm not…you know?" Sasuke trails off.
"A pervert? I know." Hinata says and giggles at the fact that Sasuke apparently was concerned about being viewed as such.
"But I liked it." He continues.
"I know. I um…heard you." She says and blushes scarlet, remembering hearing him shout in the bathroom.
"Damn." Sasuke mutters.
"Do you want to make it real?" She asks shyly.
"I'd like to try. But I have to warn you, I'm not normal. It's been a really long time since I've loved anyone and even then it was a familial love." He warns her.
"That's okay. You are a really good kisser, give great massages, and are loyal. That's a very good start." She says.
"I suppose it is." He says with a smile and pulls her closer, kissing her.
"Mhm." She replies and melts into his kiss.