Chapter 8

Disclaimer: Who in their right minds would believe I owned Naruto?

Tenten

Neji had told me to dress formal. Why? I had no clue.

But I was nervous. I didn't really own any formal clothes. That's why I went to Ino.

"Ino, I need formal clothes," I said, lying down on my bed.

"Why?"

"Neji told me to dress formal for our date."

"I bet he's gonna propose," Ino smirked.

"Ino!"

"Okay, okay," Ino said, walkingover to her closet, "I think I have something. You know, Hinata was asking me for the same thing."

My eyes widened. "She's got a date, doesn't she?!"

"Yup," She smirked, "Don't tell Tema. She'll freak out."

"No she won't," I rolled my eyes, "It's not like she's going out with an older guy."

No reply.

Oh. My. Kami.

"Holy shit!" I exclaimed, "Who is it?!"

"Promise not to freak out?" Ino eyed me warily. I nodded.

"Itachi-sensei."

"No fucking way!" I exclaimed, "She's going on a date with that hottie for a student teacher?!"

"That was my reaction, too," Ino acknowledged, rummaging her closet, "But yeah."

"Holy shit."

"I know. They grow up so fast."

I laughed.

"Here, would this work?" Ino held up a knee length sky blue dress with a white hem. It had a small V-neck neckline (does that make sense?) and it was sleeveless.

"Oh, my God! I love it!" I grabbed it from her hands, "It's perfect. I swear, it's like you're psychic sometimes."

"Call it a gift," Ino grinned. "I actually have a date with Kiba on Saturday, too, so I went shopping with Hina yesterday. I couldn't resist buying it even though it was too fancy."

No wonder why I didn't see her and Hina after school…

"It's times like these where I'm glad you're a fashion diva, Ino," I hugged her.

"I rock, I know."

Temari

I was currently hiding from the Sabaku brothers.

What were the odds of them being in the same school? The odds of having my brothers find me was just so small, close to nil. Kami was definitely not with me on this.

I knew Gaara was suspicious of me from the beginning; for that reason I avoided them at all costs. If my memory serves me right, Kankuro was a bit denser than his younger triplet.

Yes, triplet.

I sighed, sitting in the lounge. That was a close one. Kankuro almost nabbed me in the cafeteria after dinner.

"Hello, Temari," A voice quietly said.

"Shit!" I exclaimed, jumping off the couch, "Jeez, Sabaku-san, you scared me."

"I apologize," Gaara replied, "Sister."

"E-excuse me?" I stuttered. "Sister?"

"You heard me, Temari-neesan."

Gaara was always the sharp one…

"It's no use lying to me, Temari," He sat down in my previous seat, "You're eyes say it all."

He was also a smartass.

"…"

"Kankuro knows as well, so it's really no use asking," He added.

"You told him, didn't you?" I sighed, "He never really could see past the obvious."

He smirked.

"What do you want, Gaara?" I asked, "I'm adopted now. I'm not your sister anymore."

"All I want to know is why you ran away," He said quietly, looking away. I winced.

"I just did. I rather not say."

"You left us with our prick for a father, Tema!" He snarled, "You left us all alone!"

"You wouldn't understand," I fought the tears threatening to fall.

"Try me, neesan," He sneered.

"He raped me! The sorry ass raped me!" the tears fell, "He couldn't hurt you guys. I knew that. You two were too strong together."

"He beat us."

"W-what?"

"You overestimated us, neesan," He felt so comfortable using that term, it almost made me smile, "He can hurt us when we're on our own."

More tears fell.

"First mother, then you," He whispered, "Kankuro and I thought we'd never see you again."

"I-I'm sorry," I sobbed, head in my hands.

"He was arrested, though," Gaara went on absent mindedly, "When we were twelve."

"How did you get here?"

"Foster parents. They adopted us."

"I-I'm sorry, Gaara. I didn't know."

"I know." He said quietly. "I have insomnia, though."

"You can't sleep?" I asked.

"It started when I realized you weren't coming back."

I sobbed again. Kami, I was such a horrible sister. To leave my two brothers with that monster…

"I'm sorry…"

I suddenly felt his hand on my shoulder. He leaned over my hunched body.

"Just don't leave us again, Temari-neesan," He breathed in my ear, before standing up and leaving the lounge.

I sobbed freely now.

"I-I won't…never again…"

"Never again what?" A familiar voice asked.

"S-Shikamaru?" I stammered, rapidly wiping my tears away.

"You want to talk?" He offered me a tissue, "We can go look at clouds…"

I forced a smile. I didn't think I could go face anyone right now. Not even my sisters. But with Shikamaru…I don't know…something made me want to be with him.

I accepted the tissue. "Okay…" I agreed shakily.

He offered me his hand. I gladly took it.

Ino

"No, Naruto! That's all wrong!" I groaned, burying my face in my pillow.

Naruto was on the floor, trying to solve the math problem.

"If b equals one hundred thirty," I sighed for the umpteenth time that day, "Then 50b is fifty times one hundred thirty. Got it?"

"Yeah."

"So now what is fifty times one hundred thirty, Naruto?"

"Um…"

I sighed again. "Let's take a break, Naruto. I'm hungry."

"Wanna go eat ramen?" he perked up at the thought.

"Sure," I shrugged, "We'll get back to math when we get back."

We walked out of my dorm and headed for the cafeteria.

"No, let's eat out! The ramen here sucks!" Naruto whined.

I sighed, silently agreeing. "Fine."

"I know this great ramen place called Ichiraku's! It's awesome, believe it!" He grinned. I smiled.

-x-

"Oh, look! It's Sakura-chan!" Naruto said through a mouthful of ramen – it happened to be pretty good.

To be honest, I didn't like her. It's not that we have bad blood or anything, it's just that she's a little too obsessed with that Sasuke guy. He's hot, I know, but that's nothing special.

"Ugh, go away, Naruto," Sakura and her posse groaned.

"Wanna eat with us?" He asked hopefully.

"Ew, no!" She exclaimed, "I'm looking for Sasuke-kun. He's going to a dinner party this Saturday, and he's going to ask me!"

"Is it the one Itachi's going to?" I asked.

"Yeah, what of it?" Karin asked.

"Itachi's taking Hina," I shrugged.

"Atleast it's not my Sasuke-kun," Sakura sniffed.

I rolled my eyes.

"He's not your 'Sasuke-kun'," I muttered.

"He will be," She shrugged. Her posse nodded in agreement. I only rolled my eyes.

"What's so special about the teme, Sakura-chan?!" Naruto whined.

"That's easy," Sakura shrugged, "He's everything you're not!"

"Cute, funny, and stupid?" I asked.

"Yeah – wait, Sasuke-kun's not stupid!" A girl said.

"I was talking about Naruto," I pointed out.

"HEY! I'M NOT STUPID!"

I sweat dropped. Idiot.

"Whatever. Later, losers," Sakura strutted away, shaking her hips in what was supposedly a sultry way. The only thing it did was ride her skirt up.

"Do you really think I'm cute and funny?" Naruto asked hopefully.

"And stupid," I blushed.

"Hey!"

We ate in silence.

"Wanna go to a movie this Saturday?" Naruto suddenly asked.

"No."

"Why not?! You just said I was cute and funny!"

"And stupid," I added, "I don't date guys who already like someone else. That, and because I have a date with Kiba this Saturday."

"Aw."

"Don't worry," I said, "You'll get Sakura-chan soon."

"Yeah! Believe it!"

Why did I feel so sad at those words?

Saturday – Hinata

Tenten had left an hour earlier, looking stunning. Now I was waiting in Ino's room. I wasn't going to risk Temari seeing my date, even though she seemed down the past few days.

"Hina," Ino snapped me out of my thoughts.

"What?"

"You look great."

"Really?" I asked. If Ino said that, then I really was pretty.

I was wearing a knee-length lavender dress, with a square neckline and sleeves that reached my elbow. There was a black cloth wrapping itself around my waist, accentuating how small it was. I had black pumps that had a strap around my ankles and a stainless steel locket with a picture of my late mother. I had it ever since I was a child.

Ino played with my hair a bit, putting it into a bun with my bangs hanging over my face.

"Yeah. You do."

"Thanks, Ino," I hugged my sister. She was wearing casual clothes for her date with Kiba; a white blouse with a small black tie, black jeans and my black Converse shoes. Her hair was up in the usual ponytail with a bang over her eye.

There was a knock on the door. Ino answered it.

"Oh, hi Itachi-sensei!" Ino smiled, "Hinata's already done."

"Hello, I-Itachi," I smiled.

"Hi," he said nervously, "You look beautiful."

"You too." I smiled nervously, "I mean, h-handsome."

He laughed. "Thanks." He smiled, "I'm sorry I came later, but I got the time wrong. The dinner was at seven thirty. So we're a bit early."

"Oh!" I exclaimed, "Let's go. Bye, Ino! Have fun on your date!"

"You too! Use protection!" Ino waved as we ran out of the hall.

I blushed a deep red. Kami, what did she think we were going to do? Elope to America?

"Your sister's funny," Itachi smiled slightly.

"She likes to embarrass me," I blushed again.

The ride in Itachi's silver Mercedes was quiet.

"So…what companies are going to be there?" I asked just to make conversation.

"It's really just some company dinner between Uchiha Corp. and Hyuuga Inc. It'll be quite boring, actually."

"H-Hyuuga?" I stammered. I think I started to hyperventilate.

"Yes, why – are you okay?" He looked alarmed.

"I…I…yeah, I'm fine." I took a deep breath.

"Is something wrong?"

"Hyuuga was my former family…I was the heiress…"

Itachi stopped at a red light.

"I didn't know…I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." I lied. Oh, God. I was going to have to face them.

"If you feel too uncomfortable we'll leave."

I nodded.

I was going to have to face them sometime. But Kami forbidletting me prepare for that day. Now I only had…ten minutes to mentally pep myself.

Itachi parked his car in front of what I remembered was the Hyuuga mansion. It brought back so many memories. I winced, taking deep breaths.

Itachi helped me out of the car, clad in a black Armani suit. This was a very formal event.

"Remember, we'll leave if you say the word."

I nodded. A part of me just wanted to say "Let's get the hell out of here", but I knew I'd have to face this day sooner or later. Let's just get it over with now.

"Hinata?" I turned around to find Tenten and Neji, getting out of their car.

"Tenten-chan?" I asked, perplexed.

"The Uchiha asked you to accompany him?" Neji asked, distaste coloring his tone.

"Uh…hi Neji-nii."

"Wait…" Tenten put up her finger, "Neji…this is a company dinner...oh, no. Hyuuga?!"

I put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay, Tenten," I said.

"I can't believe this!" She fumed, "We're gonna see the prick who threw Hina away like a piece of trash!"

"Tenten!" I grabbed her shoulders, "It's okay. I'm fine."

She sighed. "I can't believe you, Neji."

"I'm sorry."

Itachi suddenly coughed. "We should get inside," He suggested, "It's getting cold."

Neji nodded, tugging Tenten along.

Neji unlocked the door and led us inside. My breath hitched. It looked just like I remembered it. Lavish Oakwood floors and expensive furniture, a crystal chandelier hanging above the Hyuuga clan symbol in the middle of the room, in front of a grand staircase.

"Damn," Tenten whispered in my ear. I nudged her.

"Welcome," A maid greeted, "The Dining Room is this way."

I followed the short Hyuuga maid to the dining room – I probably could have gotten there myself, if my memory hadn't died out on me – which was a big room with a rectangular table, enough seats for about nine people.

A man with graying brown hair and the pupil-less Hyuuga eyes sat at one end of the table as the Head. Seated as the other Head was probably the Uchiha Corp. president. A woman with onyx eyes and jet black hair was seated to his left. And next to the Uchiha woman was…Sasuke…clad in an Armani suit – except the jacket happened to be leather – and…piercings? Since when did the Emo Duckbutt have a lip piercing?

Never saw that coming.

I also never thought I'd find a lip piercing sexy…

Oh, Kami! Bad Hina! Stop thinking perverted thoughts! That's Ino's job!

Itachi held out my chair for me as he sat to the right of his father.

"Father, Mother, this is Yuhi Hinata," Itachi introduced me, "I'm sure Sasuke knows Hinata, right?"

Sasuke merely ignored him.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Hinata," The woman smiled, "I am Mikoto."

"Fugaku," The man said simply, staring into my lavender tinted eyes. No doubt he was scrutinizing them.

Neji pulled out Tenten's chair next to me and sat across from her, next to Neji and my father – Hiashi. That man was not my father anymore. Remember that, Hinata.

"Uncle," Neji bowed, "This is Yuhi Tenten. Hinata's adopted sister."

Neji made a point to say my name. Hiashi remained emotionless, nodding a greeting to Tenten and me.

"Hanabi, the heiress, will be here shortly." Hiashi stated.

After a few minutes of silence, a girl with the same cold Hyuuga eyes and dark brown hair in a black strapless dress that puffed out at the waist with gold accents walked in.

Hanabi.

I didn't expect her to recognize me, seeing as when I was taken to the orphanage she was five.

"Hello," She greeted emotionlessly, as if she didn't even mean it. She probably didn't, if she was anything like Hiashi.

"Thank you for coming, Fugaku-san," Hiashi stated, taking a sip from his wine glass, "It will be a pleasure to talk business with you once dinner is done."

"Yes," Fugaku agreed, "I would like to make a toast concerning our two merging businesses."

"Ah, yes," Hiashi stood as well, lifting his wine glass.

We followed their leads.

"To the merging Hyuuga and Uchiha industries," Hiashi stated.

"To the merging Uchiha and Hyuuga industries," Fugaku added. Hiashi smiled.

We took a sip from our wine glasses and then sat down.

I was uncomfortable as hell all throughout dinner.

"So, Hinata, Tenten," Fugaku turned to us, "How did you two become sisters."

"My family died in a fire," Tenten uneasily stated.

"And you, Hinata?" Fugaku asked.

Out of the corner of my eye, Hiashi's shoulder slightly tensed. I still knew him well enough to know that he was anxious.

"My family left me," I stated simply.

"Horrid," Mikoto sighed sympathetically.

"It's alright," I smiled slightly, "I have three wonderful sisters."

Tenten smiled brightly, poking me in the side.

I turned to Sasuke timidly.

"I didn't know you had a lip ring, S-Sasuke," I stammered. I was so used to calling him Emo Duckbutt.

Sasuke's left eye twitched. "I also have a tongue ring," He stuck his tongue out slightly to show me the steel stud.

"Sasuke!" Fugaku said, "I told you not to do that."

"Hn."

Maids served desert, and I silently thanked them. Chocolate Mousse. Yum. I noticed Sasuke declined his desert.

"As the future heads of each company," Fugaku began, "My daughter and my son; they should be bonded. By marriage."

"My daughter is too young," Hiashi waved him off, "She is only thirteen. Your son is twenty."

…I'm on a date with a twenty year old? A supervised date, but still. My first date has to be with a guy that old?

"What happened to your other daughter?" He asked curiously, "She was closer to his age."

"She ran away."

My grip on my wine glass tightened. Under the table, Tenten patted my knee, while Itachi patted the other one. It took me a lot not to blush furiously.

"Right." Fugaku said disinterestedly, finishing his desert.

The two heads, Itachi, and Mikoto went into the office to finish off their conversation, while the rest of us were directed to the waiting room.

"Well," Tenten sighed, "Glad that's over."

"Haven't seen you in eight years, neesan," Hanabi said nonchalantly, "Nice of you to visit." I could hear sarcasm now.

"Hanabi-sama," Neji began.

"Chan, Neji-niisan."

Neji ignored her. "Hinata never ran away."

"What?" She asked, confused.

"I never ran away," I said quietly.

"But dad said –"

"Yeah? Well, he lied." I cut her off.

"I can't believe this," She muttered, "All these years I thought you dumped these duties on me."

"Yeah, well, now you know," I looked away.

"Can he take you back?"

"Not even if he wanted to, Hanabi."

"I hate to break this reunion up," Sasuke interrupted, but Itachi told me that Hanabi and Neji are needed in the office."

Hanabi nodded, giving me a tight hug, before following Neji out of the room.

"Tenten, would you like to come with me?" Neji asked.

"But –"

"It's okay, I usually don't say anything," He smiled encouragingly.

But I really knew that smile meant: I want you to meet my horrible loser of an uncle.

Okay, not the 'horrible loser of an uncle' part, but you get the point, right?

Tenten nodded, following him out of the room. Now that left me and the Duckbutt.

"Did you even know you were going to see your father again?" Sasuke asked.

"Not really."

"You could have just told my father that it was your father that dumped you."

"Now why would I do that?" I looked away.

"Payback."

"I don't believe in revenge." Okay, I do, but not anything on that big of a scale.

"Hn."

"Can't you say anything besides 'Hn'"? I mocked, "For a genius, you're such an Emo Duckbutt."

"Hn."

"Hn." I mocked. He suddenly smirked wickedly, standing up and crossing over to me in my place in the room.

"Mock me again." He whispered in my ear.

"Hn."

He suddenly trapped me against the wall, his hands against either side of my head, his body pressed against mine.

My breath was hitched; I was sure I was on the verge of hyperventilating.

"See if you remember that night," He whispered in my ear huskily. His breath tickled my skin.

He lowered his lips to my neck; I could feel the cool metal of the lip ring press against my skin. I bit back a moan, placing my hands on his chest in a futile attempt to push him off me.

"G-get off," I stuttered.

"Again with that damned stutter of yours," He chuckled mischievously, "I wonder what my brother sees in that."

He kissed my temple, down to my jaw, and suddenly claimed my lips, forcing his tongue into my mouth.

Why did I not knee him where the sun don't shine and yell out "RAPE!"?

Because I liked it.

Kami, I'm turning out more like Ino everyday.

I could feel Sasuke's tongue piercing in my mouth, his lip ring pressed against my bottom lip. I could feel his tongue explore every inch of my mouth.

"Hina-chan, do you – oh, my Kami!" Tenten exclaimed.

My eyes widened, and I immediately gathered enough strength to shove him off.

"Oh…oh, Kami," Tenten whispered. I was afraid she'd faint at that moment.

Sasuke straightened up, shoving on his jacket and exiting the room. Tenten warily watched him leave.

"What…what was that?!" Tenten exclaimed.

"I have no idea!" I turned red, "He just came up to me and…and…that!"

"You're so lucky that your cousin didn't show up instead of me – or worse, your date!"

"I know, I know! My first date and another guy made out with me."

"As long as it wasn't you who started it…I think its okay…"

"Is it wrong of me to have liked it?" I asked worriedly.

"Hina-chan," Tenten put her hands on my shoulders, "It would have been wrong if you didn't like it."

I laughed half heartedly.

"Um, anyway…what were you looking for?"

"My purse." She replied, "I also wanted to tell you that we're staying a bit longer. Itachi should be coming soon."

"Thank Kami."

"Have a safe trip back to school, Hina-chan," Tenten gave me a quick hug before disappearing.

A few minutes later Itachi came back.

"Sorry for leaving," Itachi apologized, taking my hand, "Come on; I'll take you back to your dorm."

That incident with the Duckbutt was all but forgotten.

-x-

"Thanks for tonight," I said outside my dorm.

"I should be thanking you," Itachi replied, "So thank you."

"Well, good night."

"Good night, Hinata-chan." He said.

He pressed his lips lightly against mine. My breath hitched for the third time that night. I seem to be doing that a lot.

He pulled away a second later, walking away as I fumbled with the key to the lock.

When I entered, I encountered two blondes craving information. Especially the oldest one.

Oh, no.

Tenten

I sighed as I leaned back in the leather chair.

"Your uncle sure is something, Neji," I sighed again.

"Yeah."

"Hello, Tenten-san."

"Hello, Hyuuga-san," I bowed.

"Neji tells me you are in a romantic relationship…"

"Um…"

"You are a beautiful young woman, please take care."

"Uh, thank you."

"This is my daughter, the heiress of Hyuuga Inc."

"Hanabi-san," I bowed. She did the same.

"Don't get too serious, Neji. Have a good night."

Oh…oh my…

"What did he mean by 'don't get too serious', Neji?" I asked teasingly. His cheeks became a light pink.

"Please, don't remind me."

He walked me to my dorm.

"I had…well, not fun, but it was pleasant," He smirked.

"Same here," I reached up and kissed his lips. I could feel Neji smirk against them as he wrapped his hands around my waist.

"Hey! No making out in the hallways! Its past 11:30, guys!" A prefect yelled.

"Go away," Neji snarled, pulling away.

"You're going to get a demerit if you don't leave."

Neji sighed. I flipped him off.

"Alright, alright," Neji said, "We'll leave."

"Well, that ruined it," I sighed.

"Yes, it did."

"Well, good night," I said.

"Night." He walked away after giving me a chaste kiss in the cheek.

"Tenten! You're back!" Ino said from the hallway.

"Uh…hi?"

"Come on! It's sleepover time! You guys are gonna tell us everything!"

Of course. But that made me smile. I nodded, telling her to wait a few minutes.

"No! We already have your PJ's!"

"Of course," I muttered, chuckling slightly.

Author's Note: Ten pages! Alright! This chapter was in honor of Sasuke's birthday, which I missed! I can't believe I missed his birthday Sob So, as an apology, I made this chapter in his honor. There was SasuHIna in it, too! Anyway, review! It makes me happy!

PS: I totally think the SasuHina in this chappie was to die for. The rest...nah, not so much. And I'll admit, there wasn't any humor in it. Sorry 'bout that.