A/N: chapter nine. Please review for me once you are done reading. Getting close to explanations and the revelation of the prophecy.
Disclaimer: No own.
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Chapter Nine
She had no idea what to say, Hinata was at a complete loss when the door closed behind the other pair. They were heading back to their own room for the night, leaving her alone with Sasuke Uchiha. She told herself to think of it like being on a mission, because they were sort of heading somewhere with a goal in mind. It was easier to think of it as a mission if he weren't unbuttoning his shirt. "Do… do you want me to step out of the room?"
"No, I am not undressing completely and it would be hard to explain why my wife has to step outside because I am getting naked. I will keep my pants on but the innkeeper said they didn't have any spare blankets with how busy they are this week. I'm afraid we will have to share the bed and the covers." Sasuke placed the shirt over the back of the chair. The room consisted of only a small two man table with two chairs. The bed was barely large enough for one person, there wasn't much room to move around. The entire space was cramped with a single window for air circulation. There was no way for a large person to sneak in without making any noise. At least the sheets smelt clean.
"Oh, okay," Hinata looked at the small mattress, her stomach pitching at such a small area. They would be touching if they shared it. It would be cruel to ask him to take the floor when there was no extra bedding for either of them. The air in the room was already growing colder as night descended.
"I'll take the outside," the side closest to the window and it would put her next to the wall. If someone did come in, they would have to get past him first. Sasuke turned off the light after she scooted underneath the covers to give him some room. His weapons were put next to the headboard within reaching distance, "I'll try keep space between us."
"I don't think that's possible." Hinata frowned as his weight caused the mattress to dip in the center. She was on her side and parts of their anatomy was already touching. Any movement and she'd be all over him.
She was right. He could feel the heat from her and any movement was causing her to come closer because the cheap mattress was prone to dip in the center, making her slide. The damn bed was going to be uncomfortable already and if they spent the night trying to remain untouching they wouldn't get any sleep. "What do you suggest? I could try to stay awake or sleep in the chair."
"It's too cold and your brother asked me to make sure that you got some sleep." Hinata could see the concern in the elder Uchiha's eyes when he had made the request. "Um..we could cuddle, or I can take the chair."
"You aren't taking the chair," he would feel like an ass if he made her sleep in the wobbly piece of wood. He was used to sleeping in uncomfortable positions but she wasn't. His brother would also lecture him if he were to make a female sleep in the cold. "How do you propose we do this then?"
That was a hard question, she hadn't cuddled with her ex that often. They hadn't gotten around to hardcore making out, which led to staying the night and cuddling. The few times she had stayed the night, it had been awkward. Naruto had always slept on his back with his limbs thrown about, taking up most of the bed. That kind of position made it impossible to cuddle with someone. She really didn't know the best way to cuddle with him, because he was Sasuke. He wasn't a simple comrade, a sibling, or even a male that she was dating. What would be acceptable that wouldn't be uncomfortable to either of them? "I dunno, I've never really done it much."
How many times had she spent the night at Naruto's place? Sasuke knew of at least five times because he had seen the girl leaving his place the next morning. Had the two not bothered to embrace after the sex? Hinata had struck him as the type of girl that would be into affection after being intimate. "If you don't mind lying on your side, you can place your head on my shoulder."
That sounded easy enough if he didn't move around that much. She slid up next to him, placing her head down on the offered shoulder. It wasn't as soft as the pillow but had a comfort that was nice. The arm came to wrap around her back, "Am I too close?"
"You're fine, you can place your arm on me so it doesn't get uncomfortable." Better than that, she fit perfectly against him. The arm moved from her side to come down across his chest, bringing her closer at a slope. It also brought the lush feel of the bountiful chest to his awareness. "Are you comfortable?"
"Yes," it was very comfortable. Hinata was glad he couldn't see her face. This was so wrong, she shouldn't be noticing that he was solid or that he smelt nice. She shouldn't be so acceptable of the hand that was resting on the spot between breast and back. It wasn't groping but that didn't keep her body from noticing just how close the hand was. It wasn't right that she should find cuddling with him to be nice. It wasn't just nice, it was relaxing, soothing, and she actually felt safe being so close to him. The safe feeling was most likely due to knowing that it was in his best interest to keep her alive for now and there weren't many that could challenge him. The one person that could wasn't here.
"Let's hope the dobe and the others don't decide to barge in tonight or there will be no way for them to misinterpret the situation." Sasuke felt the chuckle more than he heard it. Warm breath ghosted over his chest as she sighed, "Not worried about being caught with me?"
"If they did walk in they would definitely assume that we've been doing, well that, for months." Hinata didn't dare repeat the words he had once said when he had let her know that he was more concerned about keeping her secret than what they thought. "I snuck out of the village to join up with you, after they mentioned you being tracked down and then they find us in bed together. It will look like I left to meet up with you in order to run away with you and since you have allowed me in your bed, it could only be because we are already lovers."
"And the fact that I have never allowed Sakura in my bed will only add more reliable evidence." Sasuke smirked, almost wishing they would find them in order to see it. The look would be priceless, since only they would know the truth of it. "Then again, everyone knows the reason I didn't bed her was because I didn't want her to know that us Uchiha are inadequately equipped."
"Then you should make a move while she's still a virgin," she muttered under her breath. The shoulder adjusted, indicating the movement of his head. The words had slipped out, she wasn't sure why she felt angrier after saying it. Sakura had told them that Sasuke was actually more than average because she had seen it. She had no idea how much stock to put in the boast but why lie about it? Hinata had no idea what was considered to be average, but the girl had seemed happy about it.
"Is that what the dobe did?" They all knew about it and it was no shock that she had let him take her purity. The night they had gone to a brothel, Naruto had first tried to weasel out saying that Hinata was woman enough for him and that he didn't need to 'have his cherry popped.' Yet they had all heard how much he had enjoyed the night the next day. The only one to show any real guilt had been the fat one. "Did he make sure to take you before you were too used so you wouldn't have anything to compare it to?"
"It is rude of you to insinuate that I was used at all," Hinata lifted her head away from his chest. She wasn't without morals and she respected herself not to sleep around. They hadn't gotten that far because it had never felt right.
"No more than you insinuating that I need to fuck a virgin because I'm somehow less than a man." Sasuke let her settle back down. Several minutes went by without either of them speaking. "Her being a virgin was one of the reasons I did not indulge in the available company that she was offering. I knew that if I accepted, it would concrete the idea of us being together in her mind. I have no doubt that I could have gotten her into my bed without much effort and I respected the past we had too much to lead her on."
"My apologies, I shouldn't have said anything." Hinata knew he was telling the truth, why else hadn't they gotten intimate? Sakura would have happily became his lover without asking for a commitment first. "You have my respect for not using her when many would have and then felt not a shred of guilt when her feelings were injured."
"Like he did with you?" Sasuke felt the timid nod into his shoulder. He got it, she had been used because the blonde hadn't been able to deal with the idea of him ending with Sakura. Hinata had been there for him to turn to, someone to help ease the pain of not having the one he wanted. The idiot hadn't stopped to think for a moment that he was actually using the girl's emotions for his own selfish needs. Naruto had wanted someone because he couldn't have Sakura, Hinata had been the perfect escape because she already loved him enough to let him in.
"I don't regret it, because I tried. It gave me confidence that I did not have prior to the relationship." She had the confidence to go after what she wanted, to do what would make her happy, and to dump someone that wasn't capable of loving her for herself.
"If it would make you feel better, next time you see him, you could always tell him that you ran off with me because I got the bigger penis." Sasuke felt relieved when she didn't get upset at what was said to make light of the situation. Who didn't know that the Hero had a penis complex? Every time they hung out in the bathhouse together, Sai would always comment to get a rile out of him.
"True but that wouldn't work because I don't know that." Hinata did know about how the artist had started the picking years ago after first joining the team. Then another jibe had been made in front of Kiba, then it was over for Naruto's pride.
"He won't know, it would be more than easy for him to believe that we became lovers at some point." Sasuke would brag to the dobe also about not finishing with the track record of a twelve year old. His hard earned funds had been blown on two minutes of sex but he hadn't complained since the blonde had come out smiling.
That she knew, since they were traveling together. She could try to brag about what the Uchiha had but how could she say whether or not if it were more than what her ex had? That wouldn't work because Sakura had somehow managed to see them both nude-ish at one point. "But he would still know that I can't compare it to his."
The only way she wouldn't be able to compare was if she had never seen it or felt it. Even if they had fucked in the dark, she would feel the difference. Sasuke rolled it around his head, considering the possibilities. What of the times he had seen her leaving in the morning and he had heard confirmation that she had stayed the night a few times. Not even going all the way, just making out would tell the girl what he had to offer. "Not even once?"
"No," she felt like a child admitting it. The most they had done was a bit of kissing and light touching. He had groped her chest a few times but he had always called a halt to it at first. It just hadn't happened for them and she was actually glad she hadn't let him be her first.
"May I ask why?" That hadn't been the impression they had been given. Sasuke knew that even Sakura was under the impression that the two had gotten to the point of having sex. The talks of being careful because Hinata could get pregnant had been endured over lunch several times.
"The first few months, I would always stop things from going that far." She couldn't believe she was telling him of all people. Then again, he was the first to actually ask for details. Ino knew some of it but hadn't asked to know about the physical parts that had been disappointing. "By the time I thought I was ready, he would stop after a bit of kissing. I asked once if he wanted things to advance further and he said he wasn't ready yet. I think it was because he started feeling guilty, like he was being unfaithful to Sakura."
"No, he's a blind idiot." That was most likely it but Sasuke still thought that his evaluation was more accurate. The two were a couple and the girl had been wanting things to go further, she had been in his bed. "Only a fool would turn from a willing and beautiful woman that is in his bed."
Did he just call her beautiful? Hinata wasn't sure how to respond to the opinion. Should she thank him for the compliment? Or thank him for taking her side when it came to her failed relationship? Should she thank him for suggesting that a normal man would have wanted to be with her? "B..but we.. we are in bed together."
"I'm no fool," Sasuke didn't count himself in the same category. The circumstances were different, they weren't making out. She wasn't in his bed because they were dating. It didn't matter how beautiful she was, he didn't do rape. "And you are beautiful, but I wasn't under the impression that you were willing."
"Oh," there was that. She felt like the idiot having pointed it out. Of course he wasn't going to be interested in having sex and she didn't want him to be interested. They were only traveling together with a common purpose.
"Don't concern yourself with it, because you aren't anything like any of the others I've been with. I have never been with a female for more than anything other than to find temporary relief. Even if you were willing, I would not touch you." Sasuke didn't want to alarm her in case she did make notice of the slight problem south of her arm. "You are now part of my clan, a needed ally, and a comrade. You have already earned my respect so I would not do you the dishonor of trying to seduce you for a night of pleasure."
"Thank you," She felt a little better hearing that he considered her as an ally and that he held some respect for her as a person. She already considered him a friend and someone that would hold an important position in her life in the upcoming days. The fact that she hadn't thought twice about opening up to him, made her question the why. It had to be because she felt comfortable and close to him for some reason. Was it because their fates were tied together? Or because the strength holding her close made her feel safe?
"You should get some rest, the loudmouth will be knocking on the door before we know it." Sasuke closed his eyes at the positive nod along his chest. They needed to get some rest and he was tired. The minutes dragged on, long after he sensed the soft rise and fall of her breathing. She was different in many ways, more than he was willing to admit. She had been the only one not to fawn over him when they were younger. She had been so meek and timid back then, it was shocking that he found it so easy to speak to someone that hadn't bothered to speak a word to him when so many others wouldn't shut the hell up. Then she had belonged to another after he had returned home but he had noticed her. It was hard not to notice when the couple was always around. At the time he had been curious as to what she saw in his old teammate and self-proclaimed brother. She had many fine qualities, he wasn't the only male that saw them. Others hadn't cared for the one-sided relationship, but had tried to support her decision. Just like they had tried to support the relationship they thought would bloom between Sakura and himself. How many of those very same people would offer their support if he were to decide that he wanted to possess the gift that the dobe had thrown away without bothering to unwrap the treasure that he'd been given?
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"You snore," Ino brought her feet up to sit Indian-style on the tiny mattress. Light was shining in the window, it was well past dawn. What had happened to waking her up so they could do some shopping? They had agreed to grab a few things before heading out tomorrow morning.
"And you're actually cute when you aren't talking." Itachi didn't bother looking up from the book hearing her shifting her weight on the mattress. He knew he was prone to snoring slightly depending on the position he slept in. "You also grind your teeth and have the odd habit of arching your bottom into the air."
"HEY! I don't recall giving you permission to look anywhere near my ass." What time was it and where was Hinata and Sasuke? Had he remained in that chair all night long? "What time is it and where are the others?"
"I checked in on them an hour ago, around ten. He was still sleeping and I informed the girl that we would do the shopping today. When we return, us four can head down to the main dining area and get something to eat. There is some fruit on the tray if you are hungry." Itachi lifted his gaze over the edge of the book, his eyes stopping to linger on the many strands that were in disarray. The golden strands were surrounding her face and had some knots near the nape. If she were to walk out, no one would assume that he had spent the night in the chair.
He hadn't been as lucky as his brother to share the bed. His 'wife' had informed him that she didn't need his Uchiha fingers or any other part of his anatomy to accidently touch her. Didn't she realize that the nails scratching her flat stomach were also attached to Uchiha fingers? Was it all Uchiha or just him? Would she have been more acceptable if he had insisted on taking the Hyuuga girl as his wife? Why hadn't he? The other girl talked a lot less, had a sweeter disposition, and didn't seem to dislike him for some unknown reason.
Itachi sighed knowing why he had suggested that his brother take the Hyuuga girl. Sasuke seemed to be fonder of her and he knew his assumption had been correct after walking into that room. The two had been wrapped together underneath the blanket and the only one to stir at his intrusion had been Hinata. The blush had been endearing and when she had tried to dislodge herself, two arms had moved to prevent her from going anywhere. It had been a reflex and he had stopped himself from laughing at her embarrassment. It was alright if they were sweet on each other. It left him to deal with the loud one, "I'm going to step out for a few moments so you can get dressed."
"Do that," she was also going to sample a bit of that fruit. Ino scrambled off of the bed the moment the door closed behind him. Her stomach was telling her to move it, there was fresh food. An orange slice was slipped into her mouth, as she opened up her bag. A fresh pair of pants were slipped on and a warmer shirt was slipped over the top she had slept in. There was really no need for her to bring her bag, so she placed it back on the chair. She had almost said something seeing him hastily put the log book into his own pack.
"Are you ready?" Itachi was ready to get the supplies and to return. He wanted to make sure that Sasuke spent most of the day resting. The best way was to keep him at the Inn, they would have to hurry to return before he woke up.
"You could have knocked, I could have been naked." Ino crossed her arms seeing the bored expression. Didn't he have any manners? A man didn't barge into the room without knocking first.
"And?" The girl was a kunoichi, modesty was something she should have abandoned years ago. They would be traveling together for a while, there was a good chance he'd see her in her underwear more than once.
"And I don't care what kind of whores you hung out with as a criminal but you haven't earned the right to see me naked yet." She was appalled at his lack of consideration. Pretend spouse or not, she had yet to allow a male to see her nude.
"Then by all means, please inform me how to earn the right, so I do not need to exit the vicinity in order to preserve your modesty." Itachi stepped back into the hallway to wait for her, a bit irritated by the attitude. At most he would have got her in her panties. Did she think him a savage that would pounce on her without a clear invitation? His time as Akatsuki hadn't gotten rid of the manners that had been grilled into his head when he was a child.
"Let's go," Ino stepped into the hall, running fingers through her hair. It wasn't often she left it down but today she was posing as a wife shopping with her husband, not a kunoichi. He was wearing the same used and ragged clothes as yesterday. "I think we should grab you a few things as well."
"What I have will suffice," Itachi wasn't concerned about fashion. What he had was remnants of laundry that had been left at the abandoned facility. He didn't need anything else, these were warm enough. Sasuke had a few changes but he was a little taller than his sibling and he wouldn't take anything when there wasn't much.
"And I say they won't." Ino grabbed his arm near the elbow. "They look tattered, they smell, you look like a homeless, and the only thing holding the threads together are the mites. There should be a used clothing store somewhere around here, don't argue with me."
"Yes, wife," He gave her a smile as the old couple bypassed them in the hall. The elderly male just have him a knowing smile when his own wife began to drag him along. "But need I point out that our funds are short?"
"And need I point out that I had a high-ranking job before we came on vacation, so I can afford to get you some decent clothes." Dammit, the only staff that had been higher paid than she had been Sakura and Shizune. Her mother had paid all of the bills and the food that was brought in. She had been saving most of what she earned to pay for her own place one day. Not to mention that Hinata had also saved over the last year. The former heiress had also 'borrowed' some from Hiashi's hidden stash. "You'll shut up and let me dote on you, Dear."
"Only if I get to dote on you as well," The nails dug into his elbow, pulling him towards the double doors. Did he really want to go clothes shopping with this girl? He could only imagine what it was going to be like. Figures, he got stuck with the vulgar harpy and Sasuke got to cuddle with the gentle flower.
Dote her ass! Ino spotted where they were going not long after exiting onto the street. There was a used store that might have what he needed. He didn't utter another word when she pulled him inside the place. There were multiple racks of clothing, shoes on the far wall, but brand new packs of underwear to the far right. She spun to face him, trying to judge his size, "Let's find you some pants first."
"If it pleases you," his arm was released so she could start scrounging through the articles of clothing. Without asking his opinion, she started placing the garments on her arm. He could hold them but didn't voice the offer, he knew when a woman was in her 'shopping mode', and knew not to interrupt. Their mother had been the same way whenever she used to run into the village to pick up things. The times he had accompanied her, he had been there more or less to be at her side.
The blonde made a huffing noise while shoving several of the pants aside. He noticed that she was choosing bottoms that would be comfortable, adequate, and convenient while traveling. There were no extra pockets, no loose strings, no holes, and she was getting the correct size without having measured him.
"Hideous," Ino shoved aside the bright orange pair of pants with a shudder. He might as well wear a bulls-eye on his ass and a sign saying 'No taste.' She'd rather put him in green spandex and ugly leg warmers. There wasn't much more to choose from in his size, that didn't look like it had been on the shelf for twelve years. "I'm going to look for some shirts, go try these on and make sure they fit."
He took the bundle without question, and headed towards the dressing room. There wasn't a lock on the door and the mirror had a large crack down the middle. He slipped off the worn pants, to slip the first pair on. They were hunter green with black pocket covers and a zipper up front. The fit was good and he'd be able to move around in them without his privates being crushed. The next pair was black, the material was cotton which made it roomer, but it didn't hang off of him. The third was a dark blue set with tie strings at the waist, pants to sleep in. Before he could put on the fourth, two more pair were tossed on top of the door and he was given the order to make sure those fit too. All that was needed was the offer to get something sweet and he'd start to wonder if his mother was on the other side.
All seven pair would work but he would let her decide which ones she wanted to purchase, he wasn't picky and he had a feeling she'd insist on having the final say anyways. He spotted her standing next to a rack next to a middle aged female that was all smiles. The lady headed back towards the counter before he made it to their side.
"Did they all fit?" Ino was glad she had asked about what was stocked in back. The clerk had been very helpful when she had told her what she needed. He gave a positive nod, "Good, I already got the rest of the stuff at the counter. I was able to find some suitable things for you and I also picked up a few things for your brother."
"Which ones should I put back?" He had no idea what she thought Sasuke would need, but he wasn't a female. His father might have been a well-respected leader but even the man had known not to argue or give his opinion when the lady of the house was shopping.
"None if they all fit," Ino grabbed them before he could try to replace any of the clothing. She wouldn't travel with a man that smelled. During a mission she might not be able to order Kiba to go wash because he smelt like wet dog but they weren't under the control of the village any longer. She would put her foot down and demand fresh air while running for her life. Without waiting, she went to the counter where the clerk was waiting. There was already an assortment of shirts, socks, underwear, two cloaks, and a pair of shoes. "I think this should do it."
"Of course," the clerk started ringing of up the purchase. "How long have you two been married?"
"Three months," Ino responded automatically to the prying. They weren't old enough to have been married for years and they sure didn't have that 'honeymoon' look about them. The honeymoon was definitely over and they were at the stage when they were going to experience their first real fuck you fight very soon. "Do you know any place around here that has decent food and I won't have to sell one of his kidneys to pay for my salad?"
"Try Yuan's, three streets over, big red sign, you can't miss it."
"Thank you," Ino accepted the three bags that had their purchases inside. She gave him a smile when he extended his hands to be the one to carry the items. That was sweet of him, Shikamaru would always make her carry her stuff, mumbling that it was troublesome, because he was so damn lazy. "Thank you, Sweetheart."
"My pleasure," Itachi gave his other arm in case she wanted to hold on. She linked their elbows and let him take the lead back outside.
"Mom said one day you wouldn't mind being forced to carry the bags." Sasuke smirked at the glare that lacked all negative emotions. He wanted to laugh when the two had stepped out and his resurrected brother looked almost domesticated.
"She also said you'd be the one to find a wife like her," Itachi glanced towards the blonde standing at his side, then to the smiling girl at Sasuke's side. Nope, "guess she could only be right half of the time."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Ino snapped knowing it was somehow an insult towards her person. Why had he looked at her like he wanted to cringe? Why was Sasuke about to laugh? Sasuke didn't laugh, so what gave?
"Let's just say I'm not the one walking with the blonde version of our mother." Sasuke was glad for it. He had loved his parents but she had been the type to wear the pants in the relationship. She had been the only person their father had feared.
"You should see her shop," Itachi eyed where their hands were joined. The dark girl flushed and looked apologetic when their gazes met, she hadn't been able to keep him in bed.
"I have and you wait until you see her temper," Sasuke warned him, because he would leave her to Itachi to handle. That or Hinata could placate her because he wasn't bothering with it. She wasn't as hot-headed as Sakura but her fuse was shorter than most. "When she blows, you can handle it."
Ino couldn't believe he would accuse her of having a temper. She was very level-headed, her sensei had thought so too. No one liked to deal with idiots, she was no exception, and that didn't make her a shrew. "I'm not hot-headed, I'm just very passionate."
"Yeah, well, he can deal with that part of your personality too." Sasuke was hungry and the fruit at the Inn hadn't done much for him. He wanted a solid meal in his stomach and Hinata had mentioned wanting to pick up a few things. "Where can we get something to eat?"
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Please review. I know I'm going out on a limb of what kind of person Sasuke's mother was. From what I saw she appeared to not only be very caring about her children, but at the same time, I look at their father and what kind of man he was. It had to take a strong woman to live with him and be happy. Also the flashback of when Itachi really killed them, when they spoke about being proud of him and to take care of Sasuke, she kneeled proud and without fear next to her husband. Their dad also seemed to me to be somewhat of a harsh (not unfeeling, just hardened) man. Besides us women know how we get when we shop, you should see me in the shoe store.
Next chapter: A visitor and some unexpected answers about the past.
