DISCLAIMER: I wouldn't bring the dead back to life...

CHAPTER SIX

"Uh-oh…" whispered Naruto. "We're in trouble."

In front of him, Sasuke surveyed the conference room. It was empty except for the two occupants. One of them, standing stiffly by the wall, was Jugo. And seated at the head of the oval table was none other than Uchiha Fugaku, scrutinizing them coldly.

"Where's everyone?" Sasuke asked calmly.

Fugaku took a moment before replying. "They left."

He didn't say anything else but continued to stare at the two. Naruto was starting to feel awkward. Sasuke met his father's intense look head-on. He knew what his father was doing.

"Father – "

"Uzumaki," Fugaku called out.

"Y-yes, Sir?" stammered Naruto, moving away from behind Sasuke's back.

"Do you have a watch?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Is it working properly?"

Naruto peered at his wristwatch. "Yes, it is."

"Then why were you late?" Fugaku said in a soft, deadly voice. "You two arrived after twenty five minutes. We could lose millions of dollars because of your inadequacy."

"We're – " started Naruto.

"I don't want to hear any excuses," Fugaku interrupted, rising from his chair. "or apologies."

"Don't worry, we are not going to provide any," Sasuke said through clenched teeth.

Fugaku smirked. "This is what you get for taking that bastard child in."

"Pardon me but Miyuki-chan is not a bastard," said Naruto indignantly.

"I heard that you're having the best of times," Fugaku continued, ignoring Naruto.

"Quite," growled Sasuke.

"Then you don't mind if I add another helping to your already full plate?"

Sasuke refrained from answering. He might succumb to calling his father an old fucking bastard.

"See this?" Fugaku asked, patting a 2-feet thick pile of paper on the table. "This is a new company we acquired. Write a report about it, along with your supposed report today. I have taken the liberty of re-scheduling the meeting for Monday. See you then."

xXx

Sasuke looked up from the file he was reading when he heard a sound coming from the person sitting beside him.

Jugo shifted in embarrassment in his seat. "I apologize, Sasuke-sama. I was not able to eat breakfast."

Sasuke glanced at his watch and was surprised to see that he had been reading non-stop for five hours and throwing dictations at his assistant. He sank back on the chair and rubbed his eyes.

"Go eat your lunch," he muttered tiredly.

"How about you, Sir?" Jugo asked as he jumped to his feet.

"I'll survive," he said, gathering all the files from the table. He remained behind in the conference room to read uninterrupted. He knew what was waiting for him in his office. "Make sure to come back in thirty minutes. I'll be in my office."

"Uzumaki-san said to have you eat something, Sir," Jugo said respectfully.

"Who's your boss?" Sasuke asked in exasperation. Before leaving, Naruto ordered Jugo to make sure that Sasuke ate a decent meal. "Fine, bring me some food."

He then went back to his office. His secretary was still there watching the CCTVs.

"Found out anything?" he asked, setting down the 2-feet pile on the table.

"That's a lot," Karin commented.

Sasuke opted to sit on the comfortable couch instead of his leather armchair. He could see his niece playing in her room while the woman was either watching her play or talking to her. Which is really stupid, he thought. How can you talk to someone who won't even answer?

"So?" prompted Sasuke. "What did you find out?"

"Right," Karin said, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "It was hard gathering information. Hyuugas are known for their obsession with privacy. There's hardly any information about any member of the clan except a certain socialite. However, because of my outstanding connections, I know a lot of sources. And one of them works for a Hyuuga."

"Just get to the point,"

"I'm getting there," she said in annoyance. "So I asked her if she knows anyone named Hyuuga Hina. She said no. Then I told her to please look it up in the family tree or something so she did. It turns out that no living soul is named Hyuuga Hina."

Sasuke's eyes flickered back to the monitor. "She's an impostor?"

"Oh no! She's a Hyuuga. I saw her eyes. Anyway, I'm getting to the juicy stuff here," Karin said excitedly. "My source asked me if I'm sure it's Hina and not Hinata. Sounds familiar to you? Hyuuga Hinata?"

"No," Sasuke answered. He never heard that name before.

"Well that's because she's very low profile. She's the eldest daughter of Hyuuga Hiashi."

"Him I know," muttered Sasuke thoughtfully. He met that creepy old man once. If Fugaku could frighten anyone with his eyes, Hiashi could petrify anyone. It was like he could see through you.

"She's the opposite of her younger sister, Hyuuga Hanabi."

"That socialite kid with the attitude?"

"Yes, that's her."

"How can she be so prevalent while practically nobody knows anything about her older sister?" wondered Sasuke.

"She was heavily guarded, won't go anywhere without a battalion of bodyguards. You see, Hyuuga Hinata was the heiress until Hiashi named his nephew his successor last year. And Hinata was kidnapped when she was just three years old. So daddy got paranoid, I guess."

"Interesting," Sasuke drawled. "But why are we talking about her?"

"Because," Karin whispered dramatically, "I think that that woman who bathed your niece is none other than the elusive ex-heiress, Hyuuga Hinata."

xXx

Sasuke went home at around 10 PM. Naruto had to drag him out otherwise he would have worked all night. He took the long route home for driving cleared his thoughts, which was full of figures and ideas. How can I work peacefully in my own fucking house? That kid is always stalking me, he thought in annoyance. Indeed, work was impossible at home. Not only did Sasuke have to deal with a clingy kid, he also had to keep the nannies from jumping him. The past ten nannies or so paid more attention to him than to the child whom they needed to watch over. Is there no end to my suffering? It did not help that Gaara's lady-friend suddenly appeared on his doorstep either. There was something fishy going on, Sasuke could feel it. He thought of the conversation he had with Karin earlier.

"Are you sure?" Sasuke asked sceptically. He didn't really care about that woman's status in society but she didn't look like an heiress to him.

"Here's a picture," Karin said, holding up a piece of paper. "I got this from the police records."

"That's a 3-year-old," Sasuke pointed out dryly.

"Look at the hair. She's the only Hyuuga with coloured hair. Like with the Uchihas, Hyuugas normally have black hair. Hiashi apparently married a blue-haired bride. So imagine if you married Haruno. You'll have little pink-haired Uchihas," she added maliciously.

"Shut up,"

"Anyway, congratulations," Karin said, standing up and putting her hand on her hip. There was a familiar jealous glint in her eyes. "You have an ex-heiress in your house who's not supposed to be in the country."

"What are you talking about?"

"According to my source, she's currently living in France with her sister. She asked her boss – who's close to Hiashi's nephew – about what Hinata's doing in Japan now and her boss said that Hinata didn't go back to Japan. She also said that Hyuuga Neji cancelled all his appointments and flew to France this morning. I think something's going on."

Sasuke parked his car on the driveway and sat there for a while. He didn't want to get involved with whatever it was that was going on with that woman and Gaara. He would have to tell her Gaara's whereabouts and after that bid her goodbye.

He pushed open the – he was surprised to see – closed front door. Miyuki would usually open it for him the moment she heard his car and meet him at the threshold. But tonight, there was no kid waiting for him. He heard a sound coming from the living room and headed there. Watching television and cuddled together on the couch were Miyuki and the Hyuuga. Sasuke raised his eyebrows as Miyuki waved at him.

The Hyuuga stood up and bowed, "G-good evening."

"Good evening," Sasuke said, not bowing back. He stared at her. Those eyes were different from her father's. He had the same impression though, like she could see through him. But in a good way. Her eyes were soft and warm, unlike the cold stare of her father, sister and cousin. Sasuke realized he was staring. He cleared his throat and turned to his niece.

"Miyuki, dinner. Hyuuga, if you don't mind talking in the dining room?"

"T-that'll be fine," she said graciously. She looked at the little girl beside her and smiled. "So your name is Miyuki?"

Miyuki nodded and smiled back. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at this exchange. He wondered about it as he walked toward the dining room, the two girls following behind. His niece, while mute, never failed to show how rude she was to her nannies and strangers. She would not respond to them. Sasuke smirked slightly. His niece was truly an Uchiha. Five years old and she was already conceited. Grandpa would be proud, he thought sarcastically.

Sasuke watched the two as he unpacked the food he bought from Mc Donald's. Miyuki never left her side and was even holding the woman's hand. She hadn't behaved like this to anyone but him. Even though she hadn't held his hand, she would always stick to him like a leech or cling to his leg whenever she pleased.

Hinata was eyeing the food that the Uchiha bought uneasily – burgers, fries, sundaes, and soda. She didn't think it was healthy for a child to eat those at this time of the night. "Uhm… Uchiha-san – "

"How did you know my name?" he asked suspiciously.

"I s-saw the family crest,"

"Right," he said, putting the cheeseburger, fries, sundae, and soda in front of Miyuki. She stared at him as though waiting for more. "I forgot to buy spaghetti. Just eat that."

Miyuki looked crestfallen as she took a bite off of the cheeseburger.

"Uchiha-san – "

"Sasuke. Call me Sasuke," he said, devouring his Big Mac burger. "You want a burger or fries? Help yourself. Don't touch the sundae, she'll bite you."

"N-no, thanks. I was just a-about to say t-that we already ate dinner. I c-cooked her something."

"You can cook?" Sasuke asked in surprise. Rich girls, based on his encounters with them, don't even know how to toast bread.

"Yes, I can," Hinata answered.

"Seems that she didn't like it, though," Sasuke said, pointing at his niece who was already done with her cheeseburger and was presently shoving fries to her mouth. "You'll choke if you eat like that, Miyuki."

"You have a wonderful daughter, Sasuke," Hinata mumbled smilingly.

Sasuke almost choked. "She's not mine. She's my older brother's daughter. He and his wife died two weeks ago. They appointed me as her guardian."

"Oh… I… I'm s-sorry to hear that…"

"Hn."

"It must h-have been h-hard on your niece to l-lose both her parents," she said, teary-eyed.

"So you're looking for Gaara?" Sasuke asked, changing the subject. He didn't think he could handle the sight of another female crying.

Hinata wiped the corner of her eyes. "I am. D-do you k-know where he lives?"

"He lives here too," Sasuke informed her. He started gathering the trash from the table but Miyuki was still eating her sundae so he waited for her to finish up.

"R-really?"

"Technically, he lives with her parents. But sometimes when he feels like it he would stay here. He likes my house because it's quiet and there's a slide," he shrugged nonchalantly.

"T-then he's with his parents now?" Hinata asked hopefully.

"No, he's in the Himalayas."

"Hi… Himalayas?"

"That's right,"

"B-b-but…" she stuttered. I travelled all the way here for nothing. I'm sure they'll find me soon. "W-when is he c-coming back?"

"Nobody knows," Sasuke replied indifferently. "That's how Gaara is. He comes and goes as he pleases. It depends on his mood. It could take a few months until he comes back."

What should I do now, Hinata thought in panic. She was startled when Sasuke talked.

"Are you done?" he asked Miyuki.

She nodded. Her face was greasy with food.

"You can play now or something," Sasuke said, standing up to clear the table.

That distracted Hinata from her thoughts. "Um… E-excuse me but… it's already past 11. Shouldn't s-she go to bed now?"

"I can't really let her go to bed with her stomach still full, can I?"

"Oh… you're r-right," Hinata said. "How about we clean you up first before you play, Miyuki-chan? And then brush your teeth?"

You're wasting your breath, Sasuke thought nastily. That kid hates being clean. She likes it when she's dirty. But to his astonishment, Miyuki nodded and smiled again. The Hyuuga smiled back and held out her hand for the child to take. Miyuki took it.

"Let's go," Hinata said then turned to Sasuke. "If y-you'll excuse us, Sasuke."

Sasuke nodded. He stood staring at the door after they left. I have to think fast. That kid follows her instructions and listens to her. Telling her to do something usually takes me a few minutes and she won't obey until I scream out but it's just a second to that Hyuuga. She did it effortlessly too… This could work to my advantage. I have to think about this thoroughly.

And he did. He came up with a plan as he cleaned up. They were in the bathroom when Sasuke walked inside Miyuki's bedroom and the first thing he noticed was the teddy bear on the couch. He picked it up just as the two girls emerged from the bathroom. Miyuki was wearing a robe and –ignoring her uncle – went straight to her closet.

"Fishy is all clean," Sasuke said, holding up the teddy bear.

"Fishy?" Hinata asked curiously.

"The bear's name is Fishy," he clarified as he put the bear down on the couch again.

Hinata giggled. "Cute name."

Sasuke leaned on the wall and crossed his arms. "What's your name again? Hina?"

Hinata's smile disappeared and she blushed. "Y-yeah, t-that's right…"

"Are you related to the Hyuuga clan?"

"Um… y-yes, I'm r-related to t-them. B-b-but d-distantly,"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Her stutter's gotten worse and she looks nervous. "So you're not involved in the family business?"

"N-no… I-I… my f-family l-leads a s-s-simple life."

Liar, Sasuke thought. But why are you lying? He caught sight of the luggage in the room. Miyuki reappeared in her blue pyjamas and dragged Hinata to the bed then switched on the television.

"Hyuuga," he called out. Hinata jumped in surprise. "Do you have a place to stay?"

"Um… well… n-no," she answered with a worried expression.

"Then why don't you stay here for now?" he suggested. "Besides, it's already late. I can't possibly let you travel on your own at this time."

"R-really? I c-can?" she said, relieved. Miyuki looked delighted.

"Of course," ensured Sasuke. He paused before continuing. "But if it's fine with you, you can stay here until Gaara comes back."

"That… that'll be amazing!" Hinata said happily. "B-but are y-you sure? I… I don't w-want to be a b-burden…"

"You won't be," he assured. "And my niece likes you a lot."

Hinata glanced at Miyuki and they smiled at each other. Two can play this game, Hyuuga. You can't use me without getting used in return.

11-21-10 – If the last parts seem a little rushed, it is. I thought I had more time. But I forgot that I wasn't able to write for 2 days because I was spazzing over Deathly Hallows Part 1. I love that movie. The best Harry Potter film adaptation, SIRIUSLY.

michioka That was an accident, LOL. Athrun is my favourite character from Gundam Seed so I used his last name. But I thought of Mr. Weasley – who's name is Arthur – when I was coming up with my character's first name. I just remembered that Athrun's dad is named Arthur Zala after I finished that chapter LOL.

Thank you for the reviews and for enjoying this story! ^^