Enjoy the build up.


Leave it to Shikamaru to get records on any person, public or not, within a few days with so little information. "So where is he now?" Sasuke questioned looking down at the photo of a uniformed officer.

Shikamaru put his smokes away and leaned back in his chair. "He's buried in the local cemetery. Didn't you see all the documents? Kiba Inuzuka died almost three years ago, Sasuke. It was a car crash. The other driver was drunk and died too. I didn't know what you were looking for exactly but the autopsy report is included." He shifted uncomfortably and Sasuke blanched.

"Sorry. I just think it would have been better if you had asked her directly, it probably would have spared you from some details," Shikamaru said while gazing out the window. He tried to figure out why Sasuke was so intent on investigating this guy until found the connection to Hinata Hyuuga. The two had been in a long term relationship and Shikamaru figured Sasuke was insecure. Well there's no competition now, he thought looking at the Uchiha.

"No, I needed to know," Sasuke said as he shoved the manila folder in a drawer to read thoroughly later. "Thank you, Shikamaru. I know I can trust you to keep this between us."

Over the next few days, Sasuke observed Hinata closer. How she would fidget with her necklace before making a decision or how she seemed so eager to please everyone. He understood now what had happened to cause a rift between her and Hiashi and it didn't take a genius to figure out how they mended it.

He began to filter what he would say to her whenever he could and he noticed some changes in her as well. She wasn't hesitant to speak her mind about him but it wasn't uncaring. Their time together didn't seem forceful, but rather enjoyable.

"Has your father kept his promise to you?" she asked. They had settled on dinner since their schedules were getting busy, at least on her part. Hiashi would bring her along to meet clients and potential investors when Neji couldn't make it. Sasuke was in the same rut and it bothered him.

"So far it's been the same at work. I don't think I'll get treated any differently until we get married or he wins an election," replied Sasuke.

She frowned. "I'll talk to him tomorrow."

He took a sip of his wine and shook his head. "You don't have to."

Hinata put her fork down and leaned forward. "I do because that's not fair to you. I'll get you in the door and you do your part to show them why they shouldn't have underestimated you." The dimmed lighting in the restaurant gave her an ethereal look and Sasuke felt himself grin.

"Thanks, I appreciate it. So should we eat dessert?" he asked deviously. Hinata looked around to get the attention of their waiter but Sasuke snapped his fingers. "I have this."

A small plate was placed in front of her. The chocolate dessert would have been mouthwatering but Hinata was focused on the diamond ring positioned on top of it. The waiter's smile fell and he looked at Sasuke nervously.

"So what do you say? Marry me?" Sasuke smirked and Hinata slowly took the ring. The other patrons began to realize what was happening and there was a hushed silence.

"I do. I mean, I accept," Hinata stammered. Sasuke kissed her hand and the restaurant cheered.

"I think you secretly liked that," Sasuke teased. "It's so cliché, I knew you would appreciate it."

"Yeah," she said softly, staring down at the engagement ring. She smiled sadly at Sasuke who hugged her. They left the restaurant after taking some photos with the staff and random patrons.

"We should tell our families as soon as we can," Sasuke said he pulled up to her driveway. "We can go in right now if you want." She shook her head, surprising him.

"Let me lessen the blow first. I'm tired of Neji not talking to me and I don't want this to make it worse. I'll bring you over once everything is settled," she reasoned. Sasuke nodded reluctantly. He would have loved to see their reaction, but for her sake he wouldn't intentionally bait Neji anymore.

Hinata stepped into her silent house and found Neji in her father's study. He looked up from his laptop and coughed. "Uncle is still eating dinner with Hanabi."

She lingered at the entrance but stepped in making him narrow his eyes. "I want to talk to you, Neji."

"Is it about him?" Neji spat out. She nodded and he stood up. "Did you finally break it off with the Uchiha?"

"N-no but I-"

"Then we have nothing to talk about," he muttered going back to his work. Hinata looked down but walked up to him. She placed her left hand on top of his files.

"We're engaged," she whispered. The air grew ominous but Hinata needed him to hear her out. "And I don't want our relationship to be ruined because of this, after everything we've been through. I l-love him but I love you too. You're my family, Neji and-"

"Get out." Not a moment later, he pushed her away. "Get out of my sight."

Hinata let out a startled cry. "Neji! Please!" she begged but Neji grabbed her upper arm and forced her out of the office. Hiashi and Hanabi had heard the commotion and ran over. Noticing the ring on her finger, her father sighed deeply. "I'll talk to him."

She wiped her tears and Hanabi rubbed her back while leading her to her room. "He'll come around, Hina. He's just being stupid. Why don't you tell me how he proposed?" she asked hoping to bring a smile to her sister.

Hiashi closed the door behind him. Neji was breathing heavily and his fists were shaking. "What did she tell you?" Hiashi asked his irate nephew.

"They're getting married and he's a fucking womanizer! Do you think he'll stay faithful? Hinata doesn't need this, not now or ever!"

"Don't you think that's up for her to decide?"

"Did he ask for your permission?"

"No." Neji rolled his eyes but his uncle continued, "But I still would have given them my blessing."

Neji stared in disbelief until he regained his composure. "It seems like I'm the only one looking out for her. Why did you agree to this? Aren't you her father?"

"Don't you dare question the love I have for my family, I would do anything for the three of you," Hiashi spoke sternly. "Neji, Hinata is finally moving on. She reached out to you first and you turned your back on her," he shook his head in disapproval.

His nephew looked down in shame and he patted his shoulder. "Be happy for her at least. You don't have to like Sasuke, just be understanding."

"If he hurts her, I won't forgive you," Neji said with judging eyes. Hiashi agreed quietly.

.

.

.

Sasuke spoke with Naruto over the phone to tell him that they were now engaged. As expected, he was slightly upset. His next call was to his father who didn't pick up, as usual, so he left a voicemail. Fugaku called the next morning to congratulate him and told him that Mikoto and Itachi had been informed as well.

"You should have her over soon, preferably when your mother isn't around. It'd be nice for the three of us to celebrate," Fugaku proposed. Sasuke relented if only to get him off the phone. He had given him a furniture catalogue the next day at work. "Tell her to pick out whatever she wants. I want her to be comfortable during her stay at your apartment. You could use some upgrades anyways."

Days later when Hinata visited for lunch, she was gloomy and it concerned him. "Neji isn't making this easy," Hinata said. "He wants to talk to you alone."

"I'll do it and I promise to behave," he promised. "Fugaku also wants to talk to us. You can imagine his excitement," Sasuke said getting a laugh out of her.

"I'm tired of eating out for lunch so I brought takeout." They talked about how the wedding would be and who to invite but soon the conversation turned to their living arrangements.

"You can do whatever you want to your room. I don't care. Just leave the common areas alone," Sasuke said.

Hinata pondered and played with the noodles. "I'm probably not going to take any the furniture with me after the divorce so you might as well like it, too."

"So when are we finally going to kiss?" Sasuke asked and Hinata choked on her food. He quickly got bored with the talk of furniture and color coordination.

"What?!" Hinata was appalled at the suggestion and stepped away from the kitchen counter.

"Don't you think it's strange that people haven't seen us kiss? Most couples especially those who are engaged would be all over each other." Sasuke tilted his head as if analyzing her.

Hinata raised her eyebrow in mistrust. "Yeah, nice try. We aren't practicing. They'll see us kiss at the wedding." She scrunched up her nose. "Maybe the reception. If I feel like we need to."

"Alright, picture this," he swayed his hands theatrically. "The priest tells me I can now kiss the bride and it turns out to be the most awkward kiss people have ever seen."

She laughed at the imagery but still shook her head.

"Why are you so reluctant?" he asked. A sly smile began to creep on his face. "Has the ice queen never been kissed?" As soon as the jab came out, he knew it wasn't the right thing to say but he feigned amusement.

She didn't blush or stutter but her annoyance was obvious. "Are you done joking around? I thought we were going to go over living arrangements."

"Oh come on-" Hinata pecked his lips quickly and he frowned. "Do you want to make this believable or not, Hinata?"

"I'm not making out with you in front of my family or yours," Hinata huffed.

"I'm not proposing that we bang right in front of the altar, I'm just asking for a little believability. This was all your idea," Sasuke pointed out.

Hinata rolled her neck and shook her shoulders. She took a deep breath and Sasuke was beginning to feel insulted by the amount of mental preparation she needed to kiss him. Most girls would be clawing at each other to talk to him. "Are you done, Muhammad Ali?"

She nodded and stepped forward. He cupped her face, closed his eyes and leaned in.

"I can smell the spices," Hinata chuckled, bruising his ego.

He scowled, "Shut up." Their lips briefly touched before his phone rang.

"I'm telling you it's a sign that this is stupid." He ignored her and hastily answered, "Yeah?!"

"Sasuke, honey I wanted to make sure you were coming to dinner later tonight," his mother asked unfazed by his rude greeting.

"Can I bring someone with me?" Sasuke asked quietly. There was a moment of hesitation before his mother replied, "If it's her, I'd rather you didn't."

"I understand," Sasuke responded.

"See you later, love you." He hung up and looked at Hinata who was pretending to focus on the furniture catalogue.

"What about this desk and bookcase? I think the dark colors will really work with the rest of your-"

He realized she knew exactly how his mother felt. Sasuke loved his mother but felt like he should apologize on her behalf, "Hinata-"

"It's fine. I don't mind," she said, smiling at him to reassure him that she wasn't upset. Hinata had given up on Mikoto warming up to her. "This makes everything else easier when we divorce."

"Right," he said, standing next to her and putting his arm over her shoulders. "Well where were we?"

"Nuh uh. Let's figure this out and get it over with so we aren't fighting about it later," Hinata replied shaking him off.

"The desk is fine, the bookcase is fine. Whatever you want is fine! This is all for you anyways, Fugaku just wants to make sure I don't chase away his precious golden goose. He never gave a crap about me anyways," Sasuke spat out.

Hinata knew that his outbursts had less to do with their situation and more about his resentment towards his father. "You know since he's paying for this, why not get something out of it as well. Do you need a new sofa? Recliner?" she asked but he shook his head.

In her best impression of the Price is Right announcer she dramatically asked, "Or perhaps a band new dining room set?" Hinata then mimicked the contestants freaking out over the showcase much to his amusement.

"Get a new fridge. A big one," he said. She smiled at him and turned to the kitchen section where he picked one that was large in size and cost.

Feeling like he deserved something, she gave in to his earlier request. "Let's do this. I'm ready. No turning back."

Sasuke dropped his head. "You don't have to make it sound like you're being a martyr. I'm not even sure I'm up for it now," he mumbled.

She shrugged and stood up. "Alright, well I should be heading out," Hinata quickly said. Putting the catalogue in her bag and fishing out her car keys, she didn't notice Sasuke narrow his eyes and stride over.

As soon as she looked up he took the opportunity to tilt his head down and press his rough lips on hers. Hinata tried to pull away but he tugged her waist closer with his right arm and kept her head in place with the other, causing her to gasp in indignation. His hard and aggressive kiss deepened in response.

Sasuke realized that her lips felt as soft as they looked. Her vanilla scent was alluring and his hands loosened their iron grip to trace her sides. Hinata gently pushed him away. "What was that?" she asked with slightly clouded eyes.

"So how was it?" he asked. His ego recovered at seeing her slightly blush and struggling to put her jacket on.

"I need to go. Good luck with your family," Hinata said. His door wouldn't open and he walked over unbolting the chain lock. Her blush deepened in embarrassment which he snickered at.

She glared up at him. "And next time, less tongue," she mocked. Sasuke frowned but raised an eyebrow. "Next time?" he asked smugly.

"At the wedding," she firmly stated. Sasuke licked his lips after Hinata left, wondering what it meant that he was looking forward to kissing her.

.

.

.

Itachi rummaged through his brother's desk. Madara had called an impromptu meeting and they needed to get some crucial reports Sasuke drew up weeks ago. He had been out the office all day and wasn't picking up his phone. Their father had mentioned that Sasuke was now heading a project that required him to meet with clients at their offices often.

He skimmed through random files and came across a manila folder, frowning at the documents. "What are you up to?" He questioned. One of the final papers he saw was a photo copy of a high school year book with two portraits circled, Kiba Inuzuka and Hinata Hyuuga.

"Mr. Uchiha? Your uncle has decided to postpone the meeting until next week." Sasuke's secretary called from the other side of the door.

"Alright!" Itachi responded. He thought about it for a second before taking the folder under his jacket. The older woman furrowed her eyebrows at his stiff posture. "I'll just talk to Sasuke the next time I see him. Thank you for your help."

He called his mother and the two agreed to meet at his place after he got off since Fugaku rarely visits his sons. Itachi spent the afternoon reading about Hinata's now uncovered past; he made his own copies and snuck in to put the original back after Sasuke's secretary had left. A part of him felt sympathy for Hinata, but his priority was Sasuke and to protect him from his mistakes.

However, he had to give it to his brother because it appeared that Sasuke had the foresight to cover their bases; he had something on her if she tried to blackmail them. Maybe Itachi could use this information to stop her from going any further with the false marriage.

Itachi felt dirty thinking about using this tragedy and had trouble pushing it aside. He wouldn't want a spectacle, just enough convincing to persuade her to stop this foolishness.

His mother disagreed. Mikoto stared at Itachi. "We need to tell everyone. Itachi, she has no problem sullying her reputation, our company, and others so why should we hold back?" she questioned.

"What if she doesn't back off and it just makes her determination stronger?" he asked looking doubtful.

"Then we need to break her. Remind her that the world can be a cold place," his mother stated. He dragged his hands down his face. "Sweetie, we don't know what she's planning. She has your father wrapped around her finger and I know she'll try the same with Sasuke. The witch will have them doing whatever benefits her family while running ours to the ground. She has no morals."

"Fine," he muttered. "But I don't want to make this into a big thing. Let's talk to her and convince her. If that fails, then we'll regroup."

The Uchiha matriarch smiled. "We won't need to regroup. She'll go away, I promise."


AN: I hope to really deliver the drama in the next chapter.

Thanks again for everything!