The girl with the broken smile
Hiashi waved at his eldest daughter as the elevator doors closed. He finally gave in and allowed her to return to work. It was a compromise; she'd talk to a therapist at least once and he'd stop smothering her. Hiashi couldn't help it; this was all new to him.
He had left the coddling to his wife and when she died so did that comfort. He lucked out with his youngest but Hinata's confidence wavered until she met the Inuzuka. After he died, she didn't return to the self-doubting girl he mistreated, she just built armor around herself. It wasn't the ideal situation but he didn't know what do to for her, so he let her be. Closed to any joy but pain as well, at least that's what he led himself to believe.
The Uchihas had somehow found out about Hinata's inner torment and exploited it. He could only assume that it was to get back at him. He wouldn't put it past Fugaku but was slightly surprised at Mikoto's alleged role. The woman had always been cordial to him. Their spawn obviously played a larger part and Hiashi wished he had the so- called prodigy in front of him so he could choke the life out of him.
"Mr. Hyuuga? Your nephew is on the line," his secretary said. Hiashi stretched his neck and told her to put him through. The doors closed behind him and the elderly woman looked concerned.
Her boss and the younger Hyuugas were looking worn out. Rumors were running rampant among the disenfranchised employees and her son implored her to retire early. But she was defiant; this family had been good to her throughout the years and she'd give them the benefit of the doubt. However, some of her fellow employees weren't as optimistic.
.
.
Hinata stepped into the back seat and nodded to her driver. She was still getting used to the medication the therapist prescribed for her anxiety attacks. They made her drowsy and lethargic so she was prohibited from driving. Whenever she felt her heart rate increase and the breathing techniques they practiced didn't help, she would take one of them.
She hated relying on them to calm down so she tried to use them as a last resort. However, even if she had cut the Uchiha out of her life, work troubles seemed to grow. Last week, Neji had tried to sound hopeful but she could sense the worry in his voice. Hinata hated that her cousin blamed himself and tried to shoulder the burden he had unwittingly created. She wanted to get better so she could fully commit and focus on salvaging Byakugan.
"Miss Hinata, would you like me to wait for you out here?" her driver asked. She blinked and realized they had already arrived at the restaurant.
"O-oh, sorry for spacing out," Hinata apologized. "I don't know how long I'll be. I'll call you when I'm ready."
He nodded and drove off when he was sure she made her way in. His boss had made that crystal clear before he dismissed him and no one defied Hiashi Hyuuga.
Looking forward to eating alone for the first time in a long time, Hinata requested a private room. She didn't want to overhear anyone's conversations nor did she want to seem approachable. Her father had tried to seem like he wasn't hovering but he was and Hanabi kept giving her questioning looks. She knew something was amiss but Hinata wouldn't indulge any information until she was able to keep her composure as she finally tells her family that the engagement was off because they just weren't compatible. Thankfully Neji, who was the most perceptive, was still on his trip overseas.
Hinata scanned the menu, somewhat aware that the door slid open. "I'm not ready to order yet and I have my drink already…"
"Good afternoon, Hinata." She lowly lowered the menu in disbelief. Itachi Uchiha closed the door behind him and sat across her.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your meal but we have somethings to discuss."
Itachi knew an ambush wasn't the best approach but he didn't really care. He had been keeping tabs on Hinata, waiting for an opening. Her schedule had been fairly predictable but she was always accompanied by someone, mostly her father. When he had been informed of her solo lunch, he hurried to meet her.
"I'm sorry or ambushing you-"
"Now or that night?" Hinata interrupted, narrowing her eyes at the unwelcomed man.
Itachi expected to see an outburst similar to the last time he saw her. However she remained calm and a little out of it. Hinata noticed his concern and scoffed. "I should've taken it with food but I suddenly lost my appetite." She lazily waved her uninjured hand around her face. "It's a side effect of these little blue pills recommended by a psychologist thanks to your little stunt. Take a bow, it was quite effective."
"Believe me I take no pleasure in your pain and need to clarify some things. Sasuke was in no way responsible for what happened at Madara's party. He had no idea what I did to you and was unaware I stole the information from his office," Itachi said grimly. "The contents of the file provided me with an opportunity to be rid of you and I'm very sorry I did."
She shook her head. Part of her screamed to flee once more, to not give him the satisfaction of seeing her so affected. But in all honesty, he already had seen her at her worst.
"No, you're not. You hated me from the moment we met and I don't believe you have any remorse for what you did. It was a calculated move. You made a show if it and even added music! Who does that? " Hinata argued back and looked around as if waiting for another unwelcomed nuisance. "Is your bitch of a mother nearby ready to how me photos of the accident or something?"
"Don't disrespect my mother," Itachi warned.
"Why not? Does it upset you when someone makes disparaging remarks about a loved one?" Not bothering to let him answer, she continued with increasing venom in her voice. "I have a question. What was your intention? What did you think would happen when you paraded Kiba's death as if it was a joke?" She snarled and flung her drink in his face. Enraged, he pulled her out of her seat and glared down.
Hinata held her breath but challenged him to make another move. "You have her eyes," she said in a calm and steady voice. "They are unkind and full of hate."
He loosened his hold, realizing how he looked. "I'm sorry for my actions. It was improper even though you provoked me. But I really am sorry for the grief it caused you. I never meant to take it that far. Although admittedly, I'm glad I've put a halt to your plan."
"It wasn't my plan," she countered. Just what did they think of her? "And are you also going to apologize for Mikoto?
"I told you it was all me," he insisted. Itachi didn't want it getting back to Sasuke that his mother was solely responsible for his current fury. She had his best interests in mind but he doubted Sasuke would see it that way. "I wanted to scare you away and stop breaking up my family. Maybe reminding you of him might've appealed to your humanity."
"You make it seem like I'm a monster," Hinata's lips thinned, irritated at his words.
"I haven't really seen the side of you that Sasuke or my father lovingly mentions in front of my mother. I thought, and still do to an extent, that you were manipulating the two of them. But your past relationship with him showed that you cared about something aside from your family or business."
"And if that failed? Let's say I was more determined to marry Sasuke because you dug up my past and went after you. What then? Would you tell Madara?" Hinata thought that was the better route to go if the goal was to simply stop the plan. However, the stunt showed that they wanted to cause as much pain as possible.
"Informing Madara seems like the obvious answer to our problem but it'd hurt Sasuke more than anyone. Don't be fooled by his appearance. Uncle would try to shame him into quitting but also make sure he doesn't work for anyone else either. If father was more supportive I'd take the risk but Sasuke doesn't have many allies right now. Until I gain control of Sharingan, I can't guarantee anything."
"Hmm. So back to Mikoto and her apology…"
"She's not involved."
Hinata laughed. "Stop lying. I saw her clearly that night and there's no doubt that she played some part in it. Mikoto knew why I was hurting and enjoyed seeing me in that state. Why do you still protect her?"
Seeing that it was futile to deny it, he simply shrugged. "You do what you can for family."
"Right, just like I was trying to do."
"At the expense of mine," he shot back. Itachi refused to ignore how their little plan could have backfired and been extremely harmful to his family, particularly Sasuke. She didn't stand to lose as much as they did.
"What do you really know about our agreement?" Hinata asked softly. "I didn't trick Sasuke or Fugaku. I was the one who was approached and your brother agreed after we set the terms. You need to have more faith in Sasuke. He's not a child and can make decisions for himself."
"Am I just supposed to watch as he makes horrible decisions and ruins his life?" Itachi questioned.
"It's still his right to make his own decisions. Let him live his own life." She lightly rested her chin on her closed fist. "I don't doubt you or your mother loves Sasuke. Mothers will do what they can to care for their children. But her love is not pure, she doesn't care who she hurts. I knew a mother whose love was actually pure and beautiful. I don't really remember my own mother but I knew Tsume Inuzuka."
Itachi realized where she was going and tried to ignore the guilt building.
"She loved her kids but didn't shun me when I clung to them after I was disowned. She took me in as her own, unsure at first because we were so different but eventually we became family. Did your little file mention Hana? The sister he was fiercely protective over? Hana and Tsume loved Kiba but I can't see them ever resorting to the levels you and your mother did. They might not have the wealth your family has, but they have more class than either of you."
Silence filled the room and a waiter unknowingly walked in to the tense situation. "We weren't aware you'd have company. Sir, would you like a menu?"
"No, don't bother with him." She handed him money to cover her drink. "We'll clear out soon."
The man left and Itachi eyed her bandaged hand which she used to hand her payment over. He suddenly remembered how forcefully he threw her. "It's sprained but I should be able to take this off within two weeks," Hinata casually said.
"I'm sorry."
She sighed, "You keep saying that but I don't sense sincerity, just desperation to be forgiven for your selfish needs."
"I'm trying to apologize!" He erupted.
"Is that what you really want? Do you want forgiveness because you and Mikoto did something so cruel and sincerely regret it or just to make yourself feel better that you actually did it?"
"Truthfully? A bit of both," he admitted shamefully. Even though he hadn't planned it, he had given his mother the ammunition to do so. Maybe subconsciously he handed her the information hoping she'd take care of Hinata because he hadn't thoroughly thought out how he would use the information. This way he'd be rid of her but keep his hands clean. It was ignorant of him and they looked plenty dirty to him now.
"See, now we're being honest. But I don't forgive you and I probably never will."
Itachi nodded, accepting that he would be seen as a villain regardless of what he actually did and didn't do. "That's fair. But will you at least talk to Sasuke and let him know-"
"I fail to see why I need to solve your problem. Why don't you just tell Sasuke everything you told me? I'm sure he'd forgive you because you had his best interests at heart," Hinata didn't try to hide the sarcasm and shook her head.
"It's hilarious how everyone thinks Fugaku is the ruthless one out of all of you but we," she motioned between them, "know the truth. The most dangerous monsters are the ones who lurk, pretending they're saints and pounce on the weak. If I ever see Mikoto again, I don't know if I can control my urge to tear her face off. Pass that message along, will you?"
Thinking they were done with each other, Hinata walked past him. But Itachi gently grabbed her elbow.
"I hope you realize now that this scheme could've had lasting repercussions. Reach out to Sasuke and tell him to pull it back a bit. He's running himself to the ground and he won't listen to me," he pleaded.
Hinata felt pity but her face didn't express it. "I don't care that Sasuke doesn't talk to you or Mikoto. Your family doesn't concern me anymore. But why would you want me to talk to him? Aren't you scared I might try to sink my claws into him?"
"I'm not because I can promise you Sharingan's full support if you don't marry Sasuke," Itachi said firmly.
"You just said you can't guarantee anything until Madara retires so don't patronize me," Hinata brushed him off. "You should be happy I'm not becoming an Uchiha and you don't have to do anything to pay me off. I hope I never see you again."
"Thank you. Hinata, I'm truly sorry I brought the past up so cruelly. He seemed like a great man," he said sincerely.
She had opened the door but froze at his comment. "Yes he was and his name was Kiba. You should at least acknowledge it."
Hinata waited outside for her driver. Now that she knew Sasuke was innocent, she wanted to apologize. In her anger and grief, she ignored how confused and lost he looked. Although they were no longer marrying, she still cared about him. Hinata told her self that she wasn't doing it for Itachi. In the long run, Sasuke will regret isolating himself from his family over her. She wasn't going to be there for him and he needed to mend these bonds.
Nonetheless, she was in no shape to call him or stop by his apartment today. She was physically and emotionally drained so she sent a short text and received a response almost immediately.
Yes thank you! I'll see you tomorrow!
.
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Sasuke felt like a huge weigh had fell off his shoulders. His coworkers were confused yet amused with the sudden shift in attitude but he didn't care. Every time he reread the message he felt better.
Can we talk tomorrow? I'll be staying home and will call off the guards. 1:00PM?
She had given him a second chance and he knew everything was going to be okay. But even after everything cleared up between the two of them, they still had Itachi to deal with. He had played dirty and Sasuke needed to swallow his pride if he was to protect Hinata and her interests.
Madara looked on in surprise as his nephew bowed his head. It was similar to an incident from years ago but the circumstances were different. It wasn't Fugaku demanding that he stop meddling in his affairs but Sasuke, who eerily resembled him, literally begging for help with his relationship with the indigo haired beauty.
"Care to repeat that again?"
Sasuke bit back the harsh comments that threatened to torpedo this opportunity. "I'm asking for your help. Things aren't going well with Hinata's family and I. She's been trying to pretend everything is fine but I hate seeing her suffer because of it."
"Is that why she hasn't been around?"
"Yes, and she's been preoccupied and stressed out by her family's business. I fear that she'll postpone our wedding or think that it's best if we separate. I don't want to lose her because of something so trivial," Sasuke responded.
Madara leaned back in his chair. "Why don't you have your father or Itachi go to their home? Wouldn't they be better suited for this get together?"
"I think we're both aware of the animosity between Fugaku and Hiashi." At that his uncle chuckled. "And Itachi has been preoccupied with other matters. I don't want to bother him."
"But you're fine with pestering me about your love life?" Madara teased.
Sasuke smiled, appearing to take the jab lightheartedly. "I need someone with me to represent the Uchihas in a good light. It would make me feel more welcomed by her family and keep her focused on our wedding. I've strived to change and show them that I've matured and deserve to have her by my side."
Madara slightly frowned at that. He didn't think that any Uchiha needed to prove anything to anyone; if anything she should be proving herself worthy of carrying his family name. But he wouldn't voice his opinion in front of his temperamental nephew.
"I don't know what I can do about Hiashi but his nephew might be easier to persuade. He's the one rumored to take over isn't he?"
"That's the word going around but I'd settle for distracting him from picking at my faults during dinner. We don't get along quite as well as Hinata would like. You can entertain him by talking about this project he's heading," he inwardly smirked as his uncle slowly nodded.
"I don't doubt we can manage to have a civil dinner with the Hyuugas after all, we'll all be family in a matter of months. Come back with a date and I'll see what I can do," he smiled at his nephew. "And Sasuke? I'm very pleased by your progress at work. It's nice to see you settle down and become a responsible man."
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The next day, Hiashi was more than happy to give her the day off. He figured she realized that it was too soon to get back to work and preferred to keep the brewing troubles at the company away from her.
Hanabi chewed her food slowly, delaying their departure. She noticed Hinata's mood shift from distant but calm to nervous. She had a few ideas of what it could be and wanted to confirm her suspicions. "Hey dad? I'm not feeling so well. Can I stay too?"
"Nice try, Hanabi. I know you have that exam today," he frowned at his youngest.
Hinata gently pressed the back of her hand on Hanabi's forehead, despite their father's skepticism. Feeling slightly guilty for concerning Hinata, she smirked at her father.
"You got me! Oh well it was worth a try. See you later, sis!" Perplexed by Hanabi's strange behavior, they watched as she skipped to the front door.
"Have a good day at work, father." He smiled and awkwardly hugged her. Hinata cut it short for his benefit, amused at his attempts to seem more caring. But he had proved himself already and Hinata knew deep down how much her father loved her. In the past she had doubted it even existed, but it was extremely evident now that he always cared for his children, including Neji.
With nothing left to do until Sasuke's afternoon visit, she headed towards the library. The season made her mother's garden barren so she found tranquility in the large collection of books she had accumulated.
The hours flew by and Hinata lost herself in one of the adventure books she had forgotten to return to after she left with Kiba. A soft knock at the door brought her back to reality and an apologetic maid informed her that Sasuke was waiting in the living room.
She thanked her maid and closed the novel. The distance to the living room wasn't much and she soon found herself standing in front of a nervous Sasuke whose knee bounced up and down in anticipation of her first words.
"Hi."
"Hi."
Hinata smiled, hoping to put him at ease. His intense look melted away and he quickly stood up. She found herself in a tight embrace before he released her in embarrassment.
Sasuke stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets, afraid of what he might do impulsively. "Sorry, that was weird. It's just that I'm really glad that you're willing to hear me out. Hinata, I swear on everything that I had nothing to do with that bastard's plan. If I had heard a whisper of it, I wouldn't have let you attend Madara's party-"
"Sasuke-"
"I swear! Itachi confessed after we were kicked out of the hospital and I let him have it. I would never ever hurt you or joke around something so serious. Believe me, Hinata he won't be messing with you if he wants to keep his jaw intact-"
"Listen-"
"I mean I gave him a thorough pummeling," he gently lifted her injured hand and spoke softer, "and after I found out he had actually caused this… let's just say he had trouble swallowing solids."
Hinata pulled her hand away and softly brushed his bangs to the side so she could look him directly in his eyes. "Sasuke, I know. Your brother told me everything. I know you're innocent."
Her chest constricted as she saw him brighten up, jubilant at his exoneration. "But they're right." He frowned in confusion. "The more I think about it, the more I realize that everyone is right. I can't marry you."
He opened his mouth to protest but she wanted him to hear her out. Her desire to help her family had blinded her to how easily everything could go south. They hadn't even planned their wedding details before it all came crashing down.
"Even though you weren't behind that, I think it'd be better for everyone if we stop this absurdity immediately. It seemed so simple when it was just the three of us but this is so much bigger than us. I wasn't concerned about your family and only worried about mine. Maybe I thought I could avoid them or we'd have an uneasy truce until we separated," she bit her lip refusing to shed any tears and trying to remain firm and resolute. "But I can't bear to be treated this way. I can stand being hated but mocking my pain so blatantly? I'm sorry Sasuke but I can't do that. It's asking too much for me to endure it for at least 5 years."
Sasuke grasped her shoulders, slightly shaking her. "Hinata…" he began, trying to find the right words to sway her.
"I can't."
"No! Hinata I know that he hurt you and I won't forgive him but it wasn't me! Don't lump me in with him, I would never stoop so low. I can protect you now," he disputed. "Trust me when I say that I won't let that happen again. Itachi won't approach you anymore-"
"You can't promise me that," Hinata countered, not trying to sound callous but failing. "You knew about Kiba."
His eyes widened, offended that she blamed him. "But I didn't tell him anything!"
"How did they get the information, Sasuke?" He stayed quiet, unable to refute her point. "They got the information they needed from you and your investigations on my past. I know you didn't intend for it to be used against me like this but it did."
"And…" She briefly struggled whether to tell him about his mother or not. But it wasn't fair to leave Sasuke in the dark while placing all the blame on his brother. Mikoto was guilty and deserved to answer for her actions. "It wasn't just Itachi. Your mother knew, and I suspect she either played an equal or greater role. He admitted as much when we talked."
"You're lying…" Sasuke stared in disbelief. The loving vision he had of his mother morphed into one of a vindictive woman and he almost emptied his stomach. She hadn't hidden her disgust for Hinata but to go this far? He had to take a moment to reorganize his thoughts.
Sasuke stepped away from Hinata, distraught with all this information. It wasn't how she wanted to end things with him and wanted him to see the bright side.
"You should be happy. You've gotten what you wanted I hear you're doing well at work. I'd wish you'd take care of yourself but I'm still proud," Hinata insisted, smiling at him. "And Fugaku might have to work harder to get the connections he wants to actually become a senator but he's gotten out there. All this wouldn't have been possible if we hadn't gotten together."
"What about you? Shouldn't you get something out of this? We're better off but you aren't!"
"I took a gamble just like you did but it didn't pay off for me," she shrugged. She really did feel bitter that she hadn't gained anything for her family but accepted long ago that life isn't always fair. "Somethings aren't meant to happen I guess. You should really mend things with your family, though. Family is important."
"Do you forgive… them?" It was still hard to put his mother in such a bad light but Hinata's eyes held no lies. As much as he hated it, he knew she was telling the truth.
"No."
"Then why should I?" he questioned.
"Because they wanted to hurt me and succeeded. You have nothing to do with it. Forgiveness is not yours to give, so you shouldn't concern yourself. "
He shook his head. "I don't think I can ignore it. They did something so horrible and it makes me sick to hear that they did it for me. I won't forgive them…until you get what you want." Sasuke stepped forward and held out his hand. "Marry me and we'll make sure Byakugan stays under your family's control. Everyone will walk away with what they wanted. With what we deserve."
Hinata sighed and placed her hand in his. He flashed a smile but it quickly went away as he felt the ring he gave her being pressed in his palm. "Hinata…don't do this."
"Father and Neji have made some serious headway so I think we'll be okay. I'll be okay, too." The urge to embrace her returned in full force.
He looked at her, eyes full of sympathy. "Do you really believe that?" He asked with skepticism.
"I have to. But I have faith in Neji. The company will survive, that's all we can ask for right now. I really wish you the best and know you will continue to prove your worth. But remember that only you can shame yourself. Forget what your father or anyone else thinks about you. I know you'll impress everyone. They shouldn't underestimate you."
"Can I still see you?" The desperation in his voice nearly broke her resolve. She nodded and this time it was she who initiated a hug.
"But it'd be best if we stayed away from each other for a bit. For appearance sake." Sasuke stiffened but she tried to put him at ease, "You can always call me whenever you'd like. I want to hear how everything's going. "
"Hn."
She could sense his dejection. "Don't let them tell you what you can and can't do. Prove everyone wrong," Hinata whispered.
Sasuke clutched the ring and curtly nodded before briskly exiting her house. Hinata hoped that he'd come to the same realization soon. She failed to see his determined face.
That night, Hinata spoke candidly to her father. Although relieved that the nightmare was finally over, Hiashi still felt like he needed to address certain issues as soon as he could. But that could wait; right now his focus was on his oldest daughter.
"Do you think I've changed, father?"
He looked at her in confusion.
"I mean, I know I have but do you think it'd be impossible to go back? To how I used to be?"
"I can't say. You've experienced terrible things and few could actually relate," his gaze focused on his wedding photo sitting on his desk. "All I can say is I wasn't always this… cold. But when your mother died, she took many things with her. It's up to you all whether that excuses my behavior but I couldn't go back to who I used to be."
Hinata, touched by the vulnerable position he was putting himself in, stayed quiet.
"I still feel incomplete but I never took the chance to try to find happiness again, which I regret. It made me a terrible father because you all suffered," The wasted years and unnecessary arguments weighed heavily in his heart.
"Do you regret not meeting someone else?"
He shook his head. "I can say without a doubt that I could never love anyone as much as I loved her. But we can find happiness in other ways, I should've been grateful with what I still have instead of being consumed by what I'd lost."
She walked behind him and wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders which was easier to do since he was sitting down. "You have us, father. Although it's been a rough road, we're together again. You, me, Hanabi, and Neji have each other. You've taught us to be strong and we'll see this through as a family."
.
.
Even though she couldn't go outside, Mikoto had the luxury of a greenhouse. It was a gift from Fugaku when they married, and it touched her to find out he added personal touches. Tending to her indoor garden allowed her to relieve stressed which she had a lot of since that night.
Sasuke had called her earlier that day to inform her that she shouldn't expect to see him anytime soon. When asked what she had done, he harshly responded, "You know damn well what you did. I can't believe you would make a spectacle of man's death. I guess I was blind to your heartlessness."
He hung up without another word and she tried to reach him but he had sent her calls straight to voicemail. Itachi hadn't been permitted back and he declined her offers at make him dinner at his place. Mikoto knew that he too was upset with her but was too polite to say so.
Fugaku was the worst; while she was grateful that he didn't know of her involvement, he had ignored everyone completely. Any attempts to engage him on conversation ended in humiliating rejection. Mentions of either son would result in a frightening outburst; priceless vases and dinnerware often victims of his wrath.
She shuddered to think of what he'd do if word came that she was responsible. Although he would never put his hands on her, she feared that in an enraged state of mind he'd ask for a divorce. Mikoto would fight tooth and nail, refusing to give him up. She loved him. They were happy once and he had hope that he could go back to the loving man who treated her as a queen.
"Mrs. Uchiha? You have a visitor," her butler said, interrupting the distressing thoughts swirling in her mind. "He's waiting in the foyer." Hope caused her to ignore how he hadn't said sons.
Mikoto didn't bother with dusting herself off and hurriedly told him to send him her way. She hadn't been expecting anyone else so when she saw that it wasn't who she hoped; her face fell then quickly hardened. "Hiashi, what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Believe me, it's no pleasure to be in your presence let alone in your home."
"Then why are you here?" Although she had a feeling, her face didn't give anything away. Her confidence began to dwindle when Hiashi scowled.
"Don't play stupid. I know what you did to my Hinata. You are a cruel and merciless woman, Mikoto. You had everyone fooled, thinking you weren't as horrible as Fugaku," he spat. "I used to feel pity, seeing you so desperate for his unyielding love while he still had eyes for my wife. But after that stunt you pulled off to hurt my daughter, I wonder who I actually feel sorry for. Maybe you both deserve each other."
Her heart raced at his cruel words, reminding her that as much as she wanted to ignore her past, others wouldn't let it die. Throwing it back in her face hurt more than she wanted Hiashi to know.
"Is that all? Please Hiashi, are you sure it wasn't the other way around?" She taunted but Hiashi smirked in response.
He looked around, gaze falling on a nearby bundle of forget me nots. His smirk deepened and his eyes focused back on her. "It's strange that this garden mostly consists of these beautiful flowers."
"Fugaku is more romantic than you'd think-" she started to say.
"Right. So I guess it's just coincidence that they are Haruhi's favorite, too."
It was harder to conceal her emotions and Hiashi left without another word, allowing her to maintain some dignity. Yet he could still hear her scream as he walked to the front entrance.
The head butler peered inside the greenhouse and jaw dropped at the sight. Mikoto was frantically tearing everything apart. The previously cared for flowers viciously torn from the roots and broken pots covered the ground.
"M-mrs. Uchiha?"
"I want this all gone! And I want rocks and a pond to replace the outdoor garden," she commanded. "If a single flower blooms in the spring, you'll find yourself unemployed faster than it you can blink!"
After a long day at work, Fugaku was welcomed by the sight of dirt covered maids hurrying around. "What the hell is going on?!"
He followed them to the green house and dropped his briefcase. The previously beautiful and enormous garden was nearly barren. He grabbed a gardener by the collar, "Just what the hell do you think you're doing?!"
"They are following my orders, sweetie," Mikoto responded. She had taken a long bath and only wore a robe.
"Why?!"
"I think you know why I wouldn't want to keep your little tokens for her around my house. You're pathetic, Fugaku."
"You can try to get rid of every reminder but she left enough to make sure I never forget her." Fugaku muttered and headed back out. He couldn't stay in the same house as her right now. While it was unfair to his wife, he couldn't lie and say that it's possible to forget a person who shined as bright as Haruhi did.
Mikoto didn't give him a second look and closed her eyes at the sound of the front door closing. She thought back to the siren that had ensnared her husband and son in glee. "Too bad for you she's gone and she's never going to become a part of my family."
AN: Is Sasuke giving up? C'mon you know better than that! ;)
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