Enjoy!

Disclaimer – Naruto does not belong to me.

The autumn air smelled of fresh rain and falling leaves as Hinata briskly walked across the Royal gardens to visit Karui and Yumi. Sunday was her only day off and they had arranged to meet under the Ivy Pavilion for a little brunch.

Women of her station were prohibited from entering any Pavilion unless they were attending to Madara's ladies or the Emperor himself, but Hinata would be there under the guise of serving Karui.

They had chosen this particular location because Karui knew how much Hinata loved the surrounding greenery. The coiling ivy dotted with Jasmine flowers hung off the posts like a speckled emerald curtain, offering privacy whilst providing a calming, fragrant haven. Hinata thought it was the prettiest Pavilion she'd ever seen, though the Magnolia and Lily ones came close.

She had yet to see the famed Sakura Pavilion in the Consort's courtyard but if Mori's vivid description was anything to go by, its white marble columns paved with rows of ever-blossoming Sakura trees was incomparable.

The most revered and coveted of them all however, was Madara's own private Golden Pavilion. Like its namesake, it pillars were made of solid gold and decorated with ornate jade beings along its elegant red terracotta roof.

The Land of Lightning's new Daimyo had gifted this to the Emperor at his inauguration and it now stood pride of place amidst his expansive koi lake. The gilded, shimmering building encircled with a floating sea of red Lotus flowers was a painter's dream. And every women's envy. Only Madara or his favoured guests were allowed entrance, and thus far, the only consort to be granted this privilege was Lady Kimiko.

Hinata tore her eyes away from the tranquil lake as she climbed the steps to her destination. Karui and Yumi were already seated as she made a polite bow to the awaiting ladies.

Taking the porcelain teapot in hand, she proceeded to pour out the steaming liquid whilst quietly enquiring about their welfare.

"Fine;" Yumi sighed out a pitifully as she pushed the lovely orange sponge cake around with her fork.

"Madara hasn't visited her in three days." Karui explained at Hinata's questioning stare. "But he continues to seek Riku's company."

Ahh…Hinata didn't fully comprehend matters of the heart but she understood jealousy. Though shouldn't Yumi be relieved that the enemy no longer requested her presence? Surely two and a half weeks with the man was too soon for her lo switch allegiances?

"Why does this upset you Yumi?" Hinata asked as she moved to fill Yumi's teacup.

"Madara-sama has provided Riku with two personal attendants and reams of fine silk…" Yumi pouted. "I…I haven't…" She trailed off before finishing but Hinata comprehended the unspoken words.

Hinata looked up to see Karui roll her eyes. She knew Yumi and Riku were wonderful girls, just because they liked beautiful and fanciful things did not make them bad. Ino and to a lesser extent Sakura, had loved their make-up and skimpy outfits, but they were still the most dependable and loyal people she knew.

"Your worth is not measured by the number of gifts you receive Yumi, You are an amazing person and if the Emperor doesn't see it, then he is blind." Hinata stated as she patted Yumi's shoulder kindly.

"Thanks." Yumi replied blandly. It seemed her melancholy mood was here to stay, no matter what assuring words were said. "I don't feel too well; I'm going back to my room." And with those parting words, she left Hinata and Karui to ruminate in her absence.

"Pfft..." Karui huffed. "That girl is insufferable!"

"It's not her fault Karui. She's been through a lot for someone so young. Palace life with all its riches and temptations could sway even the most resilient heart." Hinata uttered. She knew first-hand what it felt like to yearn for something better. Her cousins in the branch house were always trying to improve their situation through marriage or seduction. It was human nature to want to elevate their status or advance their situation. She would not begrudge that.

"Enough about her, how have you been? Why do you look so tired and pale?" Karui asked with a discerning eye.

Hinata desperately wanted to share news of her discovery to Karui, but the fiery redhead was too impetuous and noticeable. Her vibrant hair would be too easily detected and her recklessness, too risky. Hinata had lost too many friends; she did not want to lose another.

"I'm just recovering from the flu." Hinata replied evasively. "B..but look at you! That Kimono is stunning!" Hinata dearly hope Karui didn't notice her nervous stutter when she tried to change the topic.

"You like it?" Karui beamed as she eyed her outfit. "I made if myself. Got bored of sitting around and getting fat."

Hinata smiled at her friends' pleased expression. It really was a lovely Kimono, if you could call it that. The collar did not cross like the traditional style and the material much more sheer, floating and flowing along the ground rather than coming together at the ankles.

"You have a talent Karui, It truly is gorgeous."

Karui wanted to respond but was stopped by two approaching guards.

"Hyuuga, the Emperor requests your presence."

Hinata nodded her acceptance as she bowed to Karui in farewell.

X-X

The walk to Madara's study was taking longer than usual. Hinata normally did not mind a leisurely stroll but her energy level was starting to wane. She knew lunch was approaching and that thought made her stomach twist in anticipation. It had been four days since she's had a decent meal or a full night's rest, but she had no regrets. Except for those uneaten cakes in the Pavilion, she really really wanted those.

A chorus of giggles broke Hinata from her lamentations as she found a group of finely dressed ladies crowding around what appeared to be an open dojo. She looked to see the source of entertainment and found herself gazing at the spawn of Satan. Quickly averting her eyes, she picked up her pace and hoped he did not notice her presence.

He noticed alright.

Sasuke was many things, but unobservant was not one of them.

Like yesterday, when he saw her sweeping the stables. She had craftily excused herself to fetch some fresh straws when the guards requested his horse. And the day before, when she was wiping the windows of the armoury, she had made them extra soapy so his reflection was blurred out when he walked past.

He noticed alright, and he was pissed.

He didn't know what was more infuriating; the fact that she ignored him or that he cared enough to be angry. If he was being honest, the most maddening part would be how his eyes would always find her in his periphery, no matter how she tried to disguise or hide from him.

Punching Suigetsu extra hard at her disregard, Sasuke stalked off to have a shower. Training was finished for the day.

X-X

The first thing Hinata saw as she entered Madara's study was the bowl of overflowing fruit. The juicy red apples, plump grapes and luscious berries were so delectable, her mouth was tingling with saliva. She discretely swallowed back her impending drool and forced her gaze to settle on the smirking Emperor.

Her eyebrows immediately raised in confusion at the strange smile on his face.

Did she drool inadvertently? She raised her fingers to 'casually' brush some non-existent dust off her face. Nothing there. She looked at him again in puzzlement.

Madara had never met anyone with such an expressive face. Every emotion was clearly etched on the curve of her eyebrows, the twitch of her lips and the squinting of her eyes. It was refreshing to see such honesty when he was so accustomed to seeing lustful eyes hiding lofty ambitions or angry ones seeking to destroy.

It was a shame that she was so stubborn. Had she not refused him, he'd be thoroughly enjoying her by now instead of torturing her.

"Hyuuga, let us begin." He grinned.

Hinata walked tentatively towards Madara as he began plucking grapes from his bowl. She watched in fascination as the succulent balls of heaven were plopped unceremoniously into his mouth. The sound of his chewing and the motion of his lips had her so mesmerized she felt her drool materialise again.

It was only when her stomach rumbled in complaint that she snapped back to reality. Shaking her head to clear her mind of hunger, she began to activate her Byakugan only to feel her knees buckle at the surge of chakra draining her remaining energy.

Madara caught her in his arms as Sasuke stormed through the door.

X-X

What do you guys think? Different? Too much?