Chapter Twenty-Three:
31 October: Merry-Go-Round
Sasuke stepped outside of the abandoned building. The party—if you could call it a mere party—was insane. Three floors packed with college students, most of whom he gathered were from the same art school, was way too much for him. The music was killing his head and the beer he was drinking wasn't making him feel any better, but he was thirsty and couldn't find any water. He had lost sight of Hinata over an hour ago and Temari had disappeared with a guy she knew long before that. This was a disaster.
Tossing his empty bottle in the dumpster, he pulled out his phone. Finally, he had a signal. Dialling, he put the phone to his ear and waited. When he heard Hinata answer he sighed in relief.
"Where are you?" he asked.
"I thought ninja were supposed to be excellent trackers?" Hinata asked, referring to his costume. "I'm at the abandoned playground across the street."
He smiled and headed toward the playground. "Even the most skilful master ninja would lose someone in that madhouse."
He heard her giggle. "No excuses."
"So cruel."
"But you like it."
"Maybe." He hung up.
As he entered the playground he saw Hinata's bright red hair shimmering in the distant city lights. She was lying on a broken merry-go-round. He stood there for a moment, his hands in his pockets, and just watched her. He had never felt so content just to gaze upon someone before, not even with his ex who he had thought was the love of his life. He forced himself not to think of her, but instead to focus on Hinata. How could Naruto ever let her leave his sight? His friend was such a fool.
"Fresh new rose," Sasuke said aloud.
Hinata looked over at him and smiled. "Oh?"
He smirked at her and slowly walked over to her. "Fresh new rose delighting spring, by field and stream, singing gaily, I declare your rarity—to the flowers."
Hinata giggled as he jumped onto the merry-go-round and continued. "Let your rare gifts be freshly sung by old men and young on every journey: and, each in its own tongue, let the songbirds sing evening and morning the green leaves among. Now that the time has come let the whole world sing as is most fitting of your high merit: who are angelic—among creatures. Lady, in you there sits an angel's likeness-"
"Shh, you," Hinata interrupted. "Enough Cavalcanti."
Sasuke smiled and sat down beside her. "What, you don't like my poetics?"
"You're drunk."
"Maybe a little," he admitted.
"Maybe a lot," she corrected.
"Maybe a lot more than a little, but less than a lot."
Hinata rolled her eyes and giggled. "You're a weird drunk."
Sasuke smirked. "Maybe a little."
"Okay, okay, enough!"
"As you wish."
"Anyways." Hinata sat up and pulled her coat more tightly around her. She was thankful she had brought it with. It was freezing.
"Cold?"
"A little—and don't start that conversation again!" Hinata added as Sasuke opened his mouth to continue their repertoire.
Sasuke grinned and pulled her onto his lap. "C'mere, frosty."
"Only because I can't feel my toes and Temari has the car keys," Hinata said as she snuggled up to him. Lord, he was warm! Her forehead burned as she placed it in the crook of his neck.
"That was a bad move on our part."
"I didn't think she'd ditch us that quickly. She usually sticks near me until the last minute."
"How did you plan on getting back then?"
"I was going to call a taxi once I found you."
"Found me."
She looked up at him. "Want me to call, then?"
Sasuke shook his head. "Let's wait a little longer. Who knows, maybe Temari will show up again?"
"Doubtful."
"Ye of little faith."
Hinata rolled her eyes and snuggled back up to him. They were quiet for a few minutes, both absorbing the feeling of the other person's body. It was such a serene moment, so calm and peaceful. Hinata frowned. Why was it so easy for her to be utterly content with him? Wasn't she supposed to be feeling this way with only Naruto? Hinata buried her face further in Sasuke's warmth. What was wrong with her?
"Did you write that song?" Hinata asked, trying to break the silence that was too comfortable.
"What song?"
"Italiana."
Sasuke was quiet for a moment. "Yeah."
"I didn't know you could play anything."
"Piano, but I'm not very good. I can write, though."
Hinata looked up at him, her brow wrinkled in confusion. "Aren't you a business major?"
"Yeah." He looked down at her. "Minoring in music. I want to go into music management."
"Oh."
Sasuke's eyes heated. "Maybe I'm a little more than a lot drunk."
"Huh?"
"Don't make that face. You're not playing fair."
Hinata pulled away from him a little so she could look at him more properly. "What are you on about?"
"I don't know anymore," Sasuke said and then he kissed her. His lips were hot on hers and she felt herself melt against him. His hand moved into her hair and gave a small, sharp tug that ignited Hinata's body. She moaned and forgot how to think.
A car horn went off across the street, startling the pair. They jumped apart and stared, wide-eyed at each other. Then Sasuke spun around and drunkenly threw up beside the merry-go-round.
"I'm gonna go find, Temari," Hinata said and ran back to the party. What had she just done?
AN: Guido Cavalcanti (c1255-1300), Italian poet. The poem was part of "Fresh New Rose"