Bound
"…."
For once, Naruto finds himself not caring about the lack of ramen. At least not as much as he usually does. There is something attractive, almost sensuous about the confident, almost smug way that Hinata is holding herself as she claims the seat next to Sakura. As for Sakura…well for once Naruto decides to be wise and not comment on how well the gown clings to her curves or as to how Sasuke is suddenly a lot less sulky and annoying. By contrast, the Uchiha has straightened and Naruto decides to ignore the way his friend's eyes gleam as he takes in the occasional expanse of bare skin as Sakura sashays in before sitting in her seat.
Sasuke does not seem to be entirely certain of his own actions as he takes a determined step towards his wife. Naruto is a little perplexed at how Hinata's smirk seems to widen and the caretaker chooses that moment to step suddenly in front of Sasuke so that she can begin placing the dinner on the expansive dining table. As luck will happen to have it (and even he is not oblivious enough to think that it is completely by accident) the movement effectively halts Sasuke's progress to his wife.
To say Sasuke looks annoyed is putting it mildly.
The expression in his eyes is akin to a black fury that even Naruto has only witnessed once or twice. In any other circumstance it would be cause for concern. However, considering the way Hinata's smugness has not diminished in the slightest and how even Sakura seems to be very pleased makes the whole situation more than a little amusing.
It is different, he thinks as he takes a bit of the potatoes that make up the first serving of this meal and tries not to grimace. This interaction between Sakura and Sasuke is certainly like nothing he has ever seen before. He has never seen her ignore Sasuke quite like this. She hardly looks at him and the only time she does is always immediately followed by some conspiring whispers with Hinata and a high pitched giggle that only serves to irritate his friend even more. She seems to pay it no mind, and Naruto quickly forces his attention on the Hyuuga heiress and when Sakura suddenly leans forward and her chest seems to…heave. He almost laughs at the sound of grinding that is coming from next to him.
It is in the moment when, out of the corner of his eyes, he notices Sasuke's grip curling around the steak knife with unusual strength, that Naruto decides that it will probably be best for his peace of mind to just ignore the other two and try to concentrate on his own problems.
It is because of this sudden decision—and the unusual concentration that he is able to apply to this task—that Naruto misses (or astutely ignores) Sasuke's harsh breathing or the way Sakura darts her tongue to catch a burgundy droplet of wine. He misses—ignores—the way this pink haired woman (who has somehow become important to him because she is so precious to his friend) moves, eats, and drinks in a manner that are deliberate and teasing. He misses how Sasuke's tense expressions belie thoughts that are best saved for tawdry romances and their gouge-your-eyes-with-a-torch sex scenes. Even though Naruto misses all of this he is not ignorant to the tension in the room and knows the only reason that they continue to eat dinner in as calm of a manner as each individual can muster is because all of the rules of propriety, respect, and etiquette that Lady Mikoto has ruthlessly engrained in her children.
However, the exuberant man, with his bright hair that seems to echo everything that makes Naruto Naruto, finds that this task is not so very difficult after all. For just as Sakura is wearing something that is far more risqué than her normal attire so is Hinata. It is the first time that he has ever seen her shoulders bare, and never before has he realized how pale and delicate she really looks. It is such a contrast, because he has seen her once hold a blade dripping with the blood of her enemies, and he knows that she is capable of the same deadly quality of her cousin who acts as a separate guardian to her. It does not matter what the rumors say about her. He knows that she is a suitable heiress for her clan, and when he stops to think about the task before him sometimes it makes his hands sweat, just a little.
Something about the dark crimson with its ebony embroidery that winds around her slender waist in the mimicking shape of a dragon is almost breath taking. The gown does not allow any glimpses of pale leg, but as he studies it Naruto realizes that his cheeks are burning and his blood quickens just a little. The gown, in combination with the gauzy midnight drape that covers her lower arms, the ruby choker with its generous stones, and the delicate obsidian drops that dangle from her ears somehow makes her impossibly black hair gleam in the candlelight. In that moment he almost curses his friend and the awkwardness with his wife, and finds that he very much wishes he was sitting next to Hinata so that he could attempt to touch those glossy strands.
It also occurs to him that he has never seen her quite like this, certainly not with such a devilish expression as she regards the couple that Naruto is pointedly ignoring. Her expression falters only slightly when she catches him staring at her and nervous fingers suddenly reach for ebony locks that are cascading over her shoulders in soft waves.
Suddenly, Naruto finds it very difficult to swallow his soup and for once he is very grateful that the caretaker does not have the foresight to prepare ramen.
Even though I've gotten horrendously lazy with my replies I wanted to thank everyone who was kind enough to review during my multiple updates last weekend. They served as a great motivation to try and not leave you hanging during my writing hiatus. As of my writing of this A/N (10:40pm on 8/30/10) I can say that I will have at least half the month covered. In the event that I can't I will be saving one of these chapters to post on the Friday in September. At this point expect updates at least through 9/10.