Title: Vertigo
Type: Naruto Fanfiction
Genre: Romance/Adventure
Pairing: Sasuke x Hinata SasuHina
Plot: Once upon time, there was a girl who lived in a tall tower. All she'd ever know was the circular stone walls, the worn silk sheets of her canopy bed, and the man who kept her locked away from the world. But when a clumsy boy literally falls through the roof, Hinata is exposed to a world she'd only seen from the tiny window at the top of the tower and feelings only expressed in story books she read late at night.
Warnings: I will not attempt to attack certain Naruto characters though there is a little anti-Sakura and anti-Ino in the beginning and middle of the story. I do apologize but things do get better for them. I don't even bash my own villains! I can not predict the future of this story but there maybe a yaoi if you squint and turn your head to the left.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything; I was simply inspired by other works and embellished a simple love story.
Author Note: Oh my Goodness people! I'm so sorry about last week, and this week. I've been having some relationship issues couple with school work and trying to get a job and OH MY GOD I'M STRESSED! So I really didn't get anything accomplished. I'm making this one long but I'm also going to be taking a break maybe a week, maybe two. I'm sorry guys; I just have to get my life in order. But this one's pretty long so I hope you enjoy.
We're halfway through, that's very sad.
Sorry again guys!
ANYWAYS!.........ENJOY!
Vertigo
By Heaven is Drunk
Chapter Ten.
Please come with me, see what I see
Touch the stars for time will not flee
Time will not flee, can't you see
The weather seemed to support him this morning. The sun was shining, the air was cool and the road was decently empty. As he slithered the five miles to The Tower, he plotted what he'd do upon his arrival. He'd first instill fear into the servants. He'd been gone for far too long even if he'd planned on being away for longer. He had to keep them on their toes and following his rules. Next he'd make sure that foolish Uchiha didn't enter the Tower while he was gone. He'd interrogate every servant just to make sure, then have Kabuto torture those who seemed to be suspicious.
Then he'd go see his lovely Hinata.
He played out adorable fantasies of how she'd be crying for him, telling him to never leave her again. She'd swoon for his present and then maybe not flinch at his touch. He'd been waiting since she was young for the right age but he had also promised that if she didn't flinch to his touch, he'd teach her how to be a woman.
The thought almost had him floating the last three miles to the Tower.
As he arrived, servants stiffened in the garden, running about to hide something. He narrowed his gold eyes at a young red headed woman who blushed. She fixed her revealing maid outfit and bowed quickly, "My lord, welcome back!"
"I'm back, Karin." He smiled, "Gather the servants and Kabuto, I'm going to interrogate them."
She nodded quickly and entered the Tower quickly. The servants folded out rapidly after that but Kabuto was not as orderly or as quick. He'd already gone through most of his set-up to the question which included punishment to betrayers before Kabuto appeared in the front yard, uneasy and definitely upset.
"My Lord," Kabuto called, "Please come in."
He followed curiously but quickly. He'd never question his right hand man. Kabuto was always there for him, he did the things he knew would please his lord. There was no room for doubt. However, as he entered the Tower and was led to the study on the bottom floor, he question how loyal Kabuto was.
"Good Day, Lord Orochimaru," There, sitting rather cozy at his desk was Uchiha Sasuke. His annoying head guard, the Naruto-brat, was lounging on the couch at the back of the room, smiling that stupid grin. Orochimaru froze, attempting to murder the boy with his eyes. Sasuke smirked broadly.
"Took ya long enough, tebayo." Naruto moaned from the corner, "We've been here all night! Stupid Kabuto didn't even give us a room!"
Orochimaru attempted to smile politely but his anger hissed through the stiff grin, "Really? How rude of him. Kabuto get them some tea."
Kabuto bowed.
"Oh and some ramen, dattebayo!" Naruto grinned, standing up quickly in his excitement. Sasuke grinned, watching Orochimaru carefully, a guarded, arrogant look in his eyes. Orochimaru felt his demure slipping.
Silence dragged on between the two, Naruto anxiously waiting the horrible three minutes for ramen while the two politicians carefully tried to intimidate each other. When Kabuto returned with the tea and ramen, he visibly began to shake from the chill of the room. He quickly passed out the refreshments then fled from the room, perhaps to reassert his own strength by picking on a servant.
"Well what could bring-" Orochimaru began, elegantly draping his lean body over an armchair and sipping his team charmingly. He was thrown off guard when, in a dull and low voice, Sasuke began to talk.
"I heard you went to see the King." Sasuke grinned as Orochimaru visibly tightened his muscles, "How did that go?"
Orochimaru chuckled defensively, attempting to compose himself. He sipped his tea for good measure before responding, "Alas, he's kept very well protected by that silly Hokage."
Naruto snorted from the corner but remained enthralled by his ramen. Sasuke grinned himself, "I would believe so, especially if a criminal such as yourself appeared in the village unannounced."
"I am certainly offended by that tone, Uchiha-san." Orochimaru joked lightly though he could feel the rage building in the pit of his stomach, "I am by no means a criminal."
"You ran from your position as a politician to develop your own kingdom and threaten us with your amassing forces. To us, you are a common criminal."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. In terms of intimidation, Sasuke was winning. He'd been waiting for Orochimaru and used the man's failure in the capital as a means to keep him on his toes. Orochimaru had truly underestimated the young politician. Despite the age difference, Sasuke had tact that far surpassed the oldest of interrogators.
"Shall we get down to business, Uchiha-san?" Orochimaru offered politely, "why-"
"Why did you go to the King?" Sasuke stopped him coolly, once again stripping Orochimaru of his comfort.
The man flipped his hair back confidently, "Well, you crashed through my roof with your silly machine. I couldn't imagine having to negotiate with such a reckless boy."
"I did apologize and offer compensation." Sasuke seemed to stiffen slightly, Orochimaru had him running, "As for my recklessness, I couldn't help but be distracted by that adorable bird you keep caged on the top floor."
Orochimaru dropped his cup, the clay shattered instantly. Kabuto rushed into the room, concerned for his master but the man brushed passed him aggressively. Orochimaru stormed the several stairs upwards to his beloved's bedroom. He threw the door open, startling the child who sat on her bed, quietly read a book. She stood quickly, bowing for him, "W-w-wel-"
Orochimaru slammed the door on her quickly, rushing back down to the bastards in his study.
The Day Before…
Naruto proceeded to shake Hinata as they hovered just above the ground. Naruto muttered something but Sasuke was to panicked. He felt drained from whatever had taken over him. Watching her fall, believing she would die, he'd been unable to act. Naruto, however, could. He had saved Hinata and when she awoke, she'd trust Naruto as her prince charming, not Sasuke. Why did that upset him?
"Hinata-sama!" A servant ran to the plane but couldn't approach from the propeller resistance. Sasuke numbly noticed Kabuto had disappeared from the top floor but Sasuke was certain Kabuto would appear at the bottom any minute to demand Hinata be returned to his care. For a moment, Sasuke wanted to press the accelerator, take Hinata away. This was his chance.
But He would be back and three times as furious when He found out Hinata was gone. It would make the delicate negotiations fall apart and Konoha would have to prepare for war. Sasuke was noble and proud, even if Hinata was an important friend to him, he couldn't risk the lives of his soldiers for her. It would selfish to ask that of them.
"Sasuke who is she?" Naruto frowned, "And why was the prick trying to kill her?"
Sasuke couldn't respond. What was she? A war prisoner, a lost child? All he knew was that He was going to take her as His wife against her will.
"She's our lord precious treasure," Kabuto appeared, bowing charmingly, "Please return her."
"She was trying to escape!" Naruto growled, "And you were trying to kill her!"
"I was trying to pull her up." He fixed his glasses.
"Bullshit!"
"Naruto." Sasuke reprimanded clearly, "I have a job to do."
Naruto glared at him, immediately understanding that Sasuke wanted Naruto to hand over the girl despite her daring attempt to escape, despite the obvious torture she was exhibiting from the enemy, despite Naruto's creed to save the innocent. Naruto visibly pouted, slumping so visibly that it looked like Hinata weighed a ton. Sasuke knew that was a lie, Hinata was so light that Sasuke believed he'd break her if he squeezed to tightly.
He wanted to hug her that tightly now, just to reassure himself that she was safe.
"Sasuke…" Naruto glared, "I can't do that."
"Saving her now will start a war." Sasuke felt the coldness in his own words and it made him angry. How could he be so mean? But it was for the good of his people. He had an obligation and it shouldn't be affected by a pretty face or a beautiful smile, "I have to protect the people of Konoha. It's my duty."
Naruto really seemed angry, even his blonde hair seemed to bristle at Sasuke's words but he did as he was told, allowing the servant to take Hinata gently though Sasuke noticed an elongated hesitation as she was passed to the pale hands, "As you wish, Prince Charming."
"Shut the hell up."
Sasuke could still feel the rage from Naruto, the frustration and helplessness seemed to float through the air and soak his mind with failure. He sulked when Orochimaru ran off but he swallowed it when the man returned. He couldn't show a weakness in front of this crazed man. He had to push all thoughts of betrayal away.
He'd save Hinata for sure but he couldn't until he knew Orochimaru wouldn't start a war. This had to be done politically and deceptively.
Orochimaru entered stiffly, wiping the sweat off of his forehead. Sasuke grinned, "Is there something wrong, Orochimaru-sama."
He froze, actually froze. Sasuke felt the satisfaction, allowing it to cover the bitter taste of letting Hinata down. The man smiled stiffly, "What do you want, Uchiha-san?"
Sasuke knew he'd won. This was an opportunity, the road to solving this problem would be long, of course. But this was the window the King had insisted on finding. They could begin negotiating, then eventually Sasuke could get Hinata out, "Retract all anti-Konoha statements."
He glared, "Done."
"And we'll start negotiating," Sasuke stood and Naruto took that as a sign to leave, "I'll return home and work up a potential draft for a peace treaty. It'll include the things we want from you, I suggest you find a list of things you want from us."
Orochimaru nodded, "So you'll return in time."
"No," He had to play this game right, "We'll meet in Suna."
Orochimaru nodded, "Alright."
Sasuke held his hand out, "Pleasure working with you Orochimaru, I hope future relationships are just as pleasant."
Orochimaru smiled coyly, taking Sasuke's hand and squeezing in an attempt to break it, "Yes, I hope so too."
Naruto was out the door first, still annoyed at Sasuke. Sasuke followed shortly after, attempting to stifle his grin. He looked up to Hinata's window, she was there, staring down at them. Naruto followed his line of vision.
"She looks upset." Naruto mentioned sadly, "She's not as pretty when she's mad."
Sasuke turned away from her, hurt by the disdain that was clearly shooting down at him. He'd betrayed her trust and now, even if he did save her, a romantic relationship would be impossible. She resented him too much now. However, that would make this easier, they couldn't have anything anyways. Marriage with him put people's life in danger especially with Orochimaru's villainous attachment to her. He couldn't put such a mousey girl in that position. This would be better for her…and eventually himself as well.
To prove it, Sasuke stepped onto his plane and prepared to leave the Tower. Naruto stopped him, "You're a bastard! Go say goodbye! Tell her what's going on."
"I can't," Sasuke glared. Naruto turned back to the window, Orochimaru was at the window now, watching them carefully, "I'm bound by my duty. I'm a prince and I have to do what is best for my people."
Naruto glared, "This is ridiculous."
"Let's go before he gets suspicious." Sasuke started the engine.
"I can't," Naruto stuck his tongue out, "I still have another mission, tebayo. I'd be careful going home, he could be planning to assassinate you."
Sasuke nodded, "Same to you."
Naruto grinned brightly, flashing the peace sign, "Have to follow the orders of my prince, even if he is a teme."
Sasuke glared but couldn't respond as Naruto kicked the plane, forcing it to take off. Naruto rushed off in the opposite direction, bother very sensitive to their surroundings, just in case Orochimaru wanted to start a war with their deaths.
Hinata sighed, attempting to fight the tears. Sasuke hadn't taken her away, he'd broken his promise. Even worse, Orochimaru was suspicious about what had happened. She couldn't predict what he'd do but she knew it would be something terrible. She felt her eyes burn from tears and she fought it again.
"Sweet Hinata-chan," Orochimaru entered charmingly, "You look very lovely today."
Hinata gulped, if she was going to avoid any repercussions from the past few days, she'd have to be the best she could be. She smiled softly and tried to swallow the stutter, "W-welcome back."
He smiled, "Thank you, were you lonely without me?"
"V-very much." She responded quickly.
"Ah," He sighed, "See, I was under the impression that Sasuke-kun offered you plenty of company in my place."
Hinata went white in the face. She felt all the blood rush to her screaming heart. How could he have known? A servant must have seen!
He chuckled darkly, "Karin saw you leave."
"M-m…" Hinata felt the tears begin to fall, she gripped the edges of her skirt, unable to calm herself. Orochimaru closed in on her, glaring down in what was most likely rage. He reached out and stroked her cheek.
"Did he take advantage of you?" He whispered soothingly.
"N-n-no…" She whimpered.
"Good," He smiled softly, "But you'll never see him again."
Hinata nodded quietly waiting for him to leave before she burst into tears, falling onto her bed and using the pillow and blankets to muffle her sorrow. She'd never see him again but not because He said so, but because Sasuke had left of his own free will.
The next day Orochimaru woke Hinata early. He shuffled her into the restroom and locked her in there. She was confused and fell asleep on the bathroom floor waiting for him to be finished. When she was allowed out again, the window had been completely shut by wood shutters. Tiny holes were poked in the wood to let in air and sunlight but only just enough so that she would wilt in the darkness. He locked it tightly from the outside, as he threatened to her later that night.
And the new routine began.
"That's all for now, Hinata-chan." Orochimaru smiled as he closed the book. Hinata yawned dramatically and snuggled deeper into the blankets, "You're 17, aren't you."
She nodded, "Yes."
"And you're my Hinata-chan, right?"
"Yes."
"And someday you'll be my wife."
"Yes."
"And there's no way you can escape."
"Yes."
The last line always made her want to cry but the first few days she'd done that he yelled at her. He would then throw something close to her if not at her and storm out, refusing to feed her for at least most of the day. So Hinata would wait until he left to cry.
Orochimaru stood, gently placing the book back on the shelf by her desk. He then moved to the window and pushed and prodded at the wood, reassuring himself that nothing could get in and she couldn't get out. He returned to her bed and leaned forward. His cold lips touched her and held for three seconds as always. He bit her lip once when she didn't respond and moved to the door.
"Goodnight, Hinata-chan."
"G-goodnight, Oro-o-orochim-aru-sama," She would always stutter out. He shut the door behind her, loudly locked it up and left. Hinata held her breath, counting back from 20 before bursting into tears and crying herself to sleep.
Author's Note: Thank you guys for all of the love!
Zai Jian!